Synology DX517 5-Bay Expansion Enclosure Unit
Add five hot‑swappable SATA HDD/SSD bays via eSATA to your Synology NAS. The DX517 offers seamless DSM integration, energy‑efficient operation, and backup-ready expansion.
Product Overview
The Synology DX517 is a 5‑bay rackmount expansion unit designed to expand storage capacity for compatible Synology NAS models. It connects via a single eSATA port and instantly integrates with DSM, allowing on-the-fly volume or pool creation without interrupting services. This expansion chassis supports both 2.5″ and 3.5″ SATA HDDs and SSDs in a screwless, hot-swappable design, making it ideal for growing storage needs or implementing a local backup volume managed in tandem with the host NAS.
Synology
Key Features
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Five additional SATA bays (2.5″/3.5″ HDD or SSD), all hot-swappable for easy upgrades.
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Plug-and-play via eSATA, with volume expansion handled entirely through DSM.
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Continuous backup support: can be configured as a dedicated local backup target within DSM.
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Low noise and power efficiency: ~29.9 W under load, ~2.4 W idle; ~21.5 dB(A) noise level.
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Screwless trays and eSATA cable with secure screw-lock simplify drive replacement and connection.
Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 5 × 2.5″/3.5″ SATA (hot-swappable) |
| Interface | 1 × eSATA port |
| RAID & Volume Management | Managed via host DSM; support for separate pool/volume |
| Power Supply | Internal 200 W PSU |
| Power Consumption | ~29.9 W (Active); ~2.4 W (Hibernation) |
| Cooling & Fans | 2 × 80 mm fans |
| Noise Level | ~21.5 dB(A) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 157 × 248 × 233 mm |
| Weight | ~3.9 kg |
| Warranty | 3 years (extendable) |
Why Choose This Product
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Seamless Capacity Scaling: Easily expand storage without replacing your current NAS.
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DSM-Integrated Expansion: Drives in DX517 appear and function within your NAS interface—no separate management needed.
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Ideal for Backup or Archiving: Configure the DX517 as a dedicated backup volume for added redundancy.
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Efficient and Quiet: Low power draw and silent 80 mm cooling fans make this unit suitable even for tight rack or office setups.
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Compatible and Certified: Designed for use with multiple DiskStation series (e.g., DS920+, DS1522+, DS1621+, DS1821+) and supports various RAID configurations through DSM.
FAQs
Q1: Which Synology NAS models support the DX517?
Compatible hosts include select DS models such as DS1522+, DS920+, DS1621+, DS1821+, DS1621xs+, DS1618+, DS1819+ and earlier generations. It is not compatible with all entry-level models.
Q2: Should I expand an existing volume onto the DX517?
It’s technically possible, but not recommended. Storage pools spanning both units increase risk of data loss if the expansion unit or eSATA link fails. Best practice is to create separate pools.
Q3: What performance can I expect?
Performance is limited by the single eSATA interface—real-world transfers typically max out at ~250–300 MB/s for the entire expansion unit.
Q4: Are all drive sizes compatible?
The DX517 officially supports HDDs up to around 22 TB. Some larger drives (e.g., 28 TB models) have documented compatibility issues. Always check Synology’s compatibility list.
Q5: Can I use multiple DX517 units?
Yes, chaining multiple units may work, but each shares a SATA channel, compounding bandwidth limitations and risks. Use caution and avoid spanning volumes across them.
Q6: Is the DX517 suitable for backup compliance or redundancy planning?
While useful for local backups, it remains physically tethered to the main NAS. It does not count as an independent off-site or backup system for true 3-2-1 backup strategies.
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