The Synology DS925+ introduces a refreshed approach to network storage, bringing in next-generation hardware designed to meet the demands of modern data workflows. With a new quad-core Ryzen processor, ECC memory, and dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this compact NAS is built to deliver excellent speed, security, and efficiency. Its upgraded internals mark a significant leap forward, making it an ideal solution for home users, creative professionals, and small businesses alike.
What stands out immediately is how well the DS925+ balances performance with practicality. The new CPU architecture ensures rapid multitasking and smooth operation of multiple services, while ECC memory offers data integrity that’s typically reserved for enterprise-class systems. These enhancements provide a robust foundation for applications like media streaming, backup, file sharing, and virtualisation.
Whether you’re setting up a private cloud, managing high-resolution media, or deploying business-critical apps, the DS925+ offers both power and versatility. The updated hardware allows it to run demanding workloads with ease, while the familiar DSM interface ensures the experience remains user-friendly and deeply functional.
Design and Functionality
The Synology DS925+ maintains a compact form factor that fits neatly into most home or office setups. Its matte black finish and minimalist styling allow it to blend into the background, making it both practical and professional in appearance.
Designed with thermal efficiency in mind, the chassis includes wide side vents and dual 92mm fans at the rear for consistent airflow. This smart layout ensures the system remains cool even under heavy workloads.
The fans operate quietly, even when the NAS is under sustained load, helping to maintain a peaceful working environment. Their placement at the rear allows hot air to be pushed directly out of the case, maximising efficiency.
The four front-facing drive bays are hot-swappable and tool-less, making it simple to install or upgrade hard drives when needed. Each bay is lockable, providing additional security for valuable data.
Located on the front panel is a single USB-A port for quick backups or external drive connections. Status LEDs are clearly visible and provide at-a-glance information on system health and network activity.
The rear of the unit reveals its more powerful expansion potential, with dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports offering significantly more throughput than previous models. These can be aggregated for faster data transfers and failover protection.
Another welcome addition is the USB-C port, which enables connection to Synology’s DX525 expansion unit. This ensures easy scalability when storage demands grow, without the need to overhaul your entire setup.
Internally, the NAS includes two M.2 NVMe slots that can be used for cache or as dedicated storage pools. These offer a simple way to accelerate data access and reduce latency in demanding applications.
The DS925+ also makes use of an external power brick, contributing to lower internal temperatures and improved space utilisation inside the chassis. This approach helps keep power delivery stable while allowing the internal components to stay focused on performance.
With its refined construction and thought-out airflow design, the DS925+ provides long-term reliability in a quiet and thermally efficient form. It’s clear that every aspect of the layout has been optimised to support the upgraded hardware at its core.
Key Features
At the heart of the Synology DS925+ is a quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B processor, engineered specifically for server environments. This powerful chip delivers excellent multitasking performance, making it well-suited for managing multiple tasks such as file sharing, media streaming, virtual machines, and containerised applications simultaneously.
The Ryzen platform ensures that the system remains fast and responsive, even under demanding conditions. It provides enough processing headroom to support advanced workloads while maintaining energy efficiency, which is ideal for 24/7 operation.
Complementing the processor is 4GB of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory, which helps detect and correct data corruption before it causes issues. This kind of memory is often found in enterprise systems and ensures long-term data integrity, especially important in professional and business environments.
ECC RAM adds a valuable layer of protection for file servers, backup systems, and virtual environments. With support for up to 32GB of memory, the DS925+ can easily scale to meet more intensive demands over time.
Another key highlight is the dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, a major upgrade from standard 1GbE networking found on many earlier models. These ports allow faster file transfers, smoother video streaming, and enhanced performance when used in link aggregation setups.
This faster connectivity also supports technologies like SMB multichannel and network failover, which ensures continuous service availability even if one connection goes down. It’s a significant benefit for users running business-critical services or accessing large multimedia libraries.
Storage performance is further enhanced by the inclusion of two M.2 NVMe SSD slots located on the underside of the unit. These slots support high-speed solid-state drives that can be used for read/write caching or as dedicated storage volumes.
Using NVMe caching allows frequently accessed files to load faster, improving overall system responsiveness. This is especially valuable when handling high volumes of data or running multiple services that rely on low-latency access.
The DS925+ also includes support for Synology’s new USB-C expansion interface. This port connects to the DX525 expansion chassis, giving users the flexibility to add additional drives without replacing the core system.
This modular expandability is great for growing storage needs, allowing the system to evolve with your requirements. Whether you’re archiving media or backing up multiple devices, the expansion option ensures your investment remains future-proof.
Each of the four primary drive bays supports both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives, giving users flexibility in choosing their preferred storage media. Drives can be added or swapped easily without tools, making upgrades simple and fast.
The entire system is built around Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM), a feature-rich operating system that maximises the potential of the hardware. DSM 7.2 is intuitive, cleanly designed, and packed with applications for storage management, security, media streaming, and remote access.
DSM’s integration with the Ryzen processor and ECC memory ensures fast load times, efficient multitasking, and minimal downtime. This seamless relationship between software and hardware contributes to a smooth, reliable user experience.
The combination of advanced networking, expandable memory, NVMe acceleration, and server-grade CPU architecture make the DS925+ a compelling solution for demanding storage and productivity tasks. It is a system purpose-built to perform well in real-world conditions while offering plenty of headroom for future growth.
Specifications
Processor
- Model: AMD Ryzen V1500B
- Cores: 4
- Architecture: 64-bit
- Frequency: 2.2 GHz
Memory
- Installed: 4 GB DDR4 ECC SO-DIMM (1 x 4 GB)
- Total Memory Slots: 2
- Maximum Supported: 32 GB (2 x 16 GB)
Storage
- Drive Bays: 4
- Max Drive Bays with Expansion: 9 (with 1 x DX525)
- M.2 NVMe Slots: 2 (for 2280 SSDs)
- Supported Drive Types:
- 3.5″ SATA HDD
- 2.5″ SATA SSD
- M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
Connectivity
- LAN Ports: 2 x 2.5GbE RJ-45
- USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Expansion Port: 1 x USB Type-C
Physical Specs
- Dimensions: 166 mm (H) x 199 mm (W) x 223 mm (D)
- Weight: 2.26 kg
Cooling
- System Fans: 2 x 92 mm
Synology Hard Drive Compatibility
Synology’s decision to require validated hard drives with the DS925+ has sparked some concern among users, particularly those accustomed to the flexibility of choosing third-party storage. With changes recently introduced and details still emerging, it’s understandable that many were unsure how this shift would impact system setup, compatibility, and long-term ownership. For users managing existing drive inventories or planning custom builds, this change introduced a layer of hesitation.
A key concern raised by the community relates to drive freedom — the ability to select from a wide range of brands, capacities, and performance profiles. Enthusiasts and professionals alike have historically appreciated the open compatibility of Synology systems. With the introduction of a dedicated compatibility list focused on Synology-branded drives, users questioned whether this would limit their storage options and flexibility.
Keeping those concerns in mind, Synology’s move brings with it several substantial benefits that align closely with performance, reliability, and ease of use. The new compatibility policy isn’t just a restriction — it’s a framework designed to ensure optimal performance and system stability for every DS925+ user, regardless of technical experience.
By validating each supported hard drive through over 7,000 hours of internal testing, Synology can now guarantee far greater consistency in performance and error handling across its platforms. This is especially valuable for users relying on their NAS for 24/7 workloads such as backups, file sharing, and media streaming.
One of the most compelling outcomes of this policy has been a measurable drop in hardware-related issues. According to Synology’s internal support statistics, systems using validated drives experience up to 40% fewer disk-related failures. This means fewer interruptions, less time spent troubleshooting, and a smoother user experience over the lifespan of the NAS.
For those who depend on responsive technical support, this standardisation is a game-changer. Synology’s support teams can now identify and resolve issues more quickly, as they no longer need to account for unpredictable firmware updates, untracked hardware revisions, or unverified drive behaviour. It results in faster diagnostics and more accurate fixes.
This also translates to improved data protection. Because each drive model is tested and certified by Synology, users gain an additional level of assurance that their storage media can reliably handle heavy workloads, RAID configurations, and continuous uptime without compromising data integrity.
The company’s close collaboration with drive manufacturers ensures long-term availability and supply of supported models. Unlike retail drives that often change without notice, Synology’s in-house storage lineup is designed for stability, offering consistent performance, firmware updates, and lifecycle support for both initial deployment and future upgrades.
Furthermore, this policy brings the DS925+ closer to an appliance-grade ecosystem — one that’s easier to manage and maintain without unexpected surprises. Whether you’re a home user or a small business, this level of predictability is valuable when it comes to planning capacity, expansions, and backup strategies.
While the transition may take some adjustment, it ultimately reflects Synology’s commitment to delivering a more robust and reliable storage platform. For those looking for a system that simply works — with fewer risks, less maintenance, and a tighter level of integration — the DS925+ and its validated drive approach offers a solution built with long-term performance in mind.
Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
One of the most compelling reasons to consider the Synology DS925+ is its integration with DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.2, the latest version of Synology’s award-winning NAS operating system. DSM is designed to provide a powerful yet accessible experience, offering a wide range of tools and applications through an intuitive and desktop-like interface.
The layout of DSM resembles a familiar desktop environment, complete with app icons, taskbars, and drag-and-drop functionality. This thoughtful design ensures that users of all technical levels can quickly navigate the system, access key features, and customise the interface to suit their workflow.
DSM 7.2 takes full advantage of the DS925+’s Ryzen CPU and ECC memory, enabling smooth multitasking and responsive system performance. Applications load quickly, file transfers are snappy, and even when multiple services are running simultaneously, the interface remains fluid and stable.
File Station, the core file management tool in DSM, provides detailed control over file organisation, permissions, and sharing. Users can manage data across different volumes, preview files in-browser, and set up shared folders with specific access rules for individuals or teams.
Synology Drive extends file access across devices, offering real-time syncing and collaboration tools that are perfect for both remote workers and in-office teams. It also supports version history, which lets users revert to previous file states, helping to avoid data loss due to errors or overwrites.
For data protection, DSM includes a robust suite of backup tools, such as Active Backup for Business and Hyper Backup. These applications offer scheduled and automated backups across multiple systems, including Windows and Linux devices, virtual machines, and cloud services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
DSM also excels in media management, offering apps like Synology Photos and Audio Station for storing and streaming personal media libraries. Synology Photos automatically organises and backs up photos from mobile devices, and includes facial recognition and tagging for easier sorting and retrieval.
Plex Media Server runs flawlessly on the DS925+ under DSM, turning the NAS into a powerful home entertainment hub. Thanks to the upgraded hardware, the system can handle large video libraries and serve high-resolution content to multiple devices at once without slowdowns.
Security is another area where DSM shines, offering a layered approach to protect both your data and the NAS itself. Built-in tools like Security Advisor, account protection, and two-factor authentication help maintain a secure operating environment with minimal setup required.
Advanced networking features are deeply embedded into DSM, with support for link aggregation, VLANs, and firewall rules. This allows users to configure their DS925+ as a secure and intelligent part of a larger network, whether in a home office or small business setting.
DSM’s Virtual Machine Manager enables users to create and run virtual machines directly on the NAS. Combined with the DS925+’s Ryzen processor and ECC memory, this feature supports lightweight virtualised environments for testing, development, or isolated services.
For those interested in modern development environments, DSM includes Container Manager for running Docker containers. This gives users access to thousands of lightweight applications and services, from content management systems to automation platforms, all running locally on the NAS.
The Package Center in DSM is home to a wide selection of official and third-party apps, covering everything from web hosting and mail servers to database tools and collaboration platforms. Each application installs with just a few clicks and can be managed from a central dashboard.
Mobile integration is seamless, with Synology’s mobile apps allowing remote access to files, media, surveillance feeds, and system settings. Whether you’re backing up photos, streaming music, or managing your NAS from across the globe, the apps work smoothly with DSM’s services.
DSM 7.2 provides a comprehensive, polished, and highly customisable platform that elevates the capabilities of the DS925+. Its wide-ranging features, combined with exceptional ease of use and powerful hardware integration, make it one of the most well-rounded NAS operating systems available today.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
Setting up the Synology DS925+ is a smooth and intuitive process, thanks to the refined workflow within DSM 7.2. From initial power-on to configuring user accounts and storage volumes, the setup assistant makes each step straightforward, even for those new to NAS systems.
Once installed, the system’s responsiveness is immediately evident, with applications launching quickly and dashboard elements reacting instantly to user input. The Ryzen processor provides ample processing power to handle real-time system operations while maintaining a consistently fluid experience across all modules.
Media streaming is one of the DS925+’s strongest suits, especially when paired with applications like Plex or Synology’s native tools. High-bitrate 4K videos stream seamlessly across the network, and even with multiple users accessing content, the system shows no signs of buffering or instability.
For those working with large files — such as video editors, photographers, or engineers handling complex project data — the DS925+ delivers exceptional throughput. The dual 2.5GbE ports significantly reduce wait times when moving gigabytes of data, particularly when link aggregation is enabled for enhanced speed and redundancy.
Using the NAS for simultaneous tasks like automated backups, file syncing, media indexing, and surveillance monitoring feels effortless. The quad-core processor and ECC memory combination ensures that the system remains stable and responsive, with each task executing efficiently in the background.
Docker containers and virtual machines also run reliably on this unit, opening doors for users who want to experiment with software stacks, web servers, or isolated environments. The system handles multiple containers running in parallel without noticeable dips in responsiveness or performance, even during extended uptime.
The M.2 NVMe SSD caching delivers noticeable benefits, especially in file-heavy workflows that involve frequent read/write operations. Once configured, the system intelligently prioritises commonly accessed files, allowing for faster load times and smoother navigation through large folders or project libraries.
DSM’s system resource monitor clearly reflects the balanced load distribution and low idle resource usage, showing how well-optimised the DS925+ is even under daily stress. Whether it’s indexing thousands of photos or hosting active collaboration tools, system usage remains efficient and well within limits.
Throughout testing, the unit remained impressively quiet, with most operational noise coming from the hard drives rather than the cooling fans. The dual-fan setup at the rear ensures consistent airflow, and the system’s thermals remain comfortably within safe ranges without aggressive ramping.
In longer sessions and under continuous workloads — such as during large media backups or intensive synchronisation tasks — the DS925+ maintained stable operating temperatures. The ventilation strategy works effectively, supporting system longevity and ensuring consistent performance over time.
Mobile access through Synology’s suite of companion apps is fast and reliable, allowing real-time access to files, camera feeds, and multimedia. Features like remote photo uploads, on-the-go document retrieval, and app-based system management make the NAS feel like an extension of your daily devices.
Working remotely with the DS925+ feels seamless, as if the server were sitting right next to you. Secure remote access features combined with fast network connectivity enable easy interaction with even large media libraries or complex folder structures without latency or interruptions.
Synology Photos, Drive, and Moments sync in the background effortlessly, automatically backing up files from devices while sorting them intelligently by tags, dates, or faces. The Ryzen-powered performance ensures that image previews, metadata searches, and backup operations remain consistently smooth.
Using the DS925+ for scheduled backups across different devices brings enormous peace of mind, particularly for small businesses or families with multiple endpoints. Once configured, the backups occur unobtrusively, without affecting system performance or requiring constant intervention.
Synology’s Surveillance Station also benefits from the system’s enhanced hardware, handling multiple IP camera feeds with ease. Even when reviewing stored footage or enabling motion detection features, the DS925+ remains cool, quiet, and exceptionally capable.
Across every use case — from everyday home data management to small office virtualisation and high-speed media workflows — the DS925+ delivers consistently strong performance. Its upgraded internals, efficient design, and integration with DSM make it one of the most versatile and responsive NAS systems currently available in its class.
Conclusion
The Synology DS925+ stands out as a powerful and thoughtfully engineered NAS that delivers exceptional performance, stability, and expandability. With its upgraded Ryzen processor, ECC memory, dual 2.5GbE networking, and NVMe SSD support, it offers the hardware foundation needed to handle intensive workloads with ease.
Designed to function as more than just a storage device, the DS925+ serves as a central hub for multimedia, backups, file sharing, and virtualisation. Its appliance-like design philosophy, paired with the robust DSM operating system, ensures a smooth experience for both casual users and IT professionals.
The shift to validated hard drives may seem like a bold move, but it further strengthens Synology’s focus on reliability, consistency, and support. For users prioritising data integrity and long-term system dependability, this approach offers clear advantages.
The DS925+ reflects Synology’s continued commitment to building secure, high-performance solutions that evolve with user needs. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a reliable NAS platform backed by intelligent design and enterprise-grade features.
