Question 1

Does it have AD integrated into the software?

Accepted Answer

It has a very impressive domain integration application Control Panel that will not only join the device to your AD domain but also use AD user and group permissions in other applications. It also comes LDAP integration. I have found that the domain integration is working great and don't need to setup LDAP!

Question 2

What RAM is compatible with this NAS?

Has anyone replaced the their RAM with more than 6GB (the max size that Synology claims for this device)?

Accepted Answer

I have 16 gb and it does work but you have to disasemble the unit, there is a great post on the synology fourms with pics as far as ram type it is very picky on what type of ram to use but thas also covered in the fourms as well good luck

Question 3

Can you use different size drives in this unit or do they have to be matching? I want to use it with 5 3tb drives and 3 3tb drives.

would this work?

Accepted Answer

you asked if you could use different size drives but you are putting eight of the same size drives in it according to what you wrote.

Before you buy this, make sure you check the drive compatibility list. Google seach Synology Drive Compatibility list.

Question 4

Does this have hardware RAID 5, 6 or 10?

Accepted Answer

It is a software based RAID system, but it is quite robust. RAID 5 and 6 are supported. I don't believe RAID 10 is offered.

Question 5

I am looking to use this for a media server using Plex on a Mac.  Will this provide RAID 1 or XRAID 2 on a Mac?

Accepted Answer

Like streaming media or editing media?

I believe you can run Raid 1 on the synology itself, which is Linux based. I don't think that it and your computer will function as the two halves of a raid 1 (if that's what you're asking).

Question 6

We edit HD video for our company, which consumes gobs of storage volume, when you include the RAW video, along with edited projects. We would like to start with 1 or 2 4TB HDD, and expand as needed to a max of 6 or 8 HDD, all in one enclosure.
We do not have a large budget, so we are looking for a small start with expansion in mind, as money becomes available. We have four towers, all with USB3 connections. Best suggestion?

Accepted Answer

I would suggest setting it up as a stand-alone device on your network, and have your workstations connect to that through a reasonably good switch.   Its not designed for the machines to all connect via USB.

Questions & Answers