Question 1

do i need same size drives for this? What is the current best price/performance drive for this? 4TB

Accepted Answer

I would suggest using the same drive size and manufacturer for best performance.  Using different drives with different rotational speeds, access speeds, temperature, etc. may affect how it would work/perform.  Also you can go to the Synology web page and see which drives that were tested and certified to work. I personally think any drive would work, certified drives mean that Synology tested them for performance and reliability.   I am using 8X2Tb drives and it is plenty, you can expand with two DX513 for a total of 18 drives.  2TB drives would be the best in cost and storage at the moment, 3TB and 4TB are still too expensive in my opinion.

Question 2

What is the difference between this product and the DS1813+? On the company website compare items, the only difference is the included RAM and the physical shape, everything else seems the same.

Accepted Answer

The DS1813+ is newer model with increased port count and I think improved drive sled - screwless? and quieter. I have the 1812 because it's cheaper and it is VERY quiet. Performance wise there is no difference between the two. From my PC I can push about 100mbps as I"m running a 1g network at house. If I set the 1812+ up with link aggregation I can prob get 200mbps. The 1813+ would allow link aggregation of four ports so about 400mbps thruput. For the price diff 1812+ is the way to go. Not serving up to lotsa folks so going 1g connections are fine. Ram usage is very low as well cuz I'm not like running a ton of services so memory is perfect for me. Definitely would recommend buying this and so very happy I have one now!

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