Question 1

Will this take the 6tb drives?  specifically seagate desktop drives?

Accepted Answer

Yes this will accept 6TB drives, however RAID arrays dont always utilize all the space if you are combining drives of different sizes. So if starting from scratch it would be best to use matching sized drives all 6TB. Also you don't want to use desktop drives in any RAID device. The RAID controller is likely to kick desktop drives out of the array because desktop drives take too long to handle bad sectors, so the controller thinks they are dead. Western Digital makes a 6TB drive that is approved for array use, it follows the proper bad-sector timeout protocol for arrays. Look for the Western Digital 6TB "Red" model of drives. These are much better quality than any desktop drive for use in an array as they have double bearings made for continuous use and the proper sector timeout protocol for arrays.

Note also that the DX513 is an expansion unit, it is not a controller, the DX513 is only used if you already own a compatible Synology array and just want to add another volume at a lower cost than buying a whole second primary controller. The DX513 just expands other models using an SATA cable, it is not a stand alone device.

Question 2

If upgrading disk size in DS1513+ from 2tb to 4th, can the old 2tb drives be used in the Dx513?

Accepted Answer

The hardware will see the drives yes.  The type of RAID you use is a big factor.  Some RAID configs will only use the space of a given drive up to the space of the SMALLEST drive in the array.  Others are more elastic.  Start by searching on "synology raid calculator"

Question 3

is this the latest model with the power button on center or the old one with the power button to the right?

Accepted Answer

Well whatddya know. I never actually noticed there was even a difference between them.

I've got 4, with the last one purchased on Nov 2, 2014. Sure enough, the last two I've bought both have a power button in the middle, and a more matte finish on the front bezel.

The older 2 have power buttons on the right, and a very glossy front.

I wouldn't have noticed these differences without you asking. But yes, I've gotten center-buttoned models for the last ones ordered.

Question 4

Can the extra capacity of the DX513 be configured as an additional volume/s for an existing DS1513+ base unit?

Accepted Answer

I am using it with a DS712+ 2 unit station and was able to add to my two drives and also have a new set of drives for other storage work.

Question 5

I have a Synology DS1515+ . Can I expand my storage with the DX513?

I am using raid 6 with the DS1515+. if I can use the expansion unit how will the expansion storage appear?
as JBOD or what?

Accepted Answer

1. Check on the Synology website, but I am sure that yes, you can use this expansion unit with your NAS. I am using two with a DS1813+ and they work fine.

2. When you add the unit to the NAS, it will show up in the storage manager. When you add disks to the expansion unit, they will show up as well.

3. Reading between the lines, I am getting the impression that what you want to know is if you can expand your existing 6-disk RAID array on the NAS with disks from the expansion unit (thus having a RAID array that spans across both units). I have not tried this. I believe that you can do this, but I have mine set up such that the NAS has one RAID array (RAID 6), and each expansion unit has its own RAID 5 array. I preferred to keep the arrays segregated. I think it's probably smart to do it this way, for performance reasons (accessing one array won't impact the other arrays), as well as safety (in case the expansion unit gets unplugged/dies/etc.). These may be storage design details that you want to consider. But I believe that you are able to span a single RAID array across any/all drives, including those mounted in the external expansion unit.

Question 6

Will this accept 8TB drives? According to the Web Site for Synology it will accept up to 10 TB but I just want to know if anyone has actually tried a size larger than 6TB?

Accepted Answer

This is an excellent question. I have a number of 4Tb drives as well as 2 Tb drives. I have not tried an 8 or 10 Tb drive yet. I have two of these Synology systems and I have been very happy with them. I currently have 19Tb in my system with no issues. Synology has been very helpful with any issues and I have no doubts that if they say it can handle 10Tb HDs, then I have great confidence that they will work.

Question 7

Can the Seagate Barracuda ST200DM001 2TB Hard Drive work in this unit? And will Vista 64bit have any problems using it?

Accepted Answer

Virtually any hard drive will work in the DX513.  You can even use different sizes in the same RAID without a problem.  A complete list of "tested" drives can be found on Synology's website.  I have used everything from old Western Digital 2TB green drives to 6TB Reds and all work fine.

If you are asking about Vista 64bit, I'm not sure you understand the product.  This is an expansion cabinet designed to add capacity to a Synology diskstation (NAS), such as the DS713+, DS1513+, DS1515+, DS1813+ or DS1815+.  It also works on older models such as the DS1512+ or DS1812+.  Computer OS is irrelevant.  If your computer can connect to your network it will work.  I have computers running XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Android as well as dedicated media players such as the WD TV Live.  All work perfectly with my Synology diskstations.

Question 8

How do i to install a second dx513 to a ds1813+?

Accepted Answer

It is fairly simple.
Power down the 1813+. Install drives into the DX513 and attach the supplied data cable between the 1813+ and the DX513. Power up the 1813+ and let it boot. Then power up the DX513 and it should be recognized by the 1813+. You can use the DSM software to verify your new drives are available.

Question 9

This item was purchased by our IT dept. by mistake, what Synology DS systems are compatible for this extension unit?

Accepted Answer

As reported by Synology
•DS1813+
•DS1812+
•DS1513+
•DS1512+
•DS1511+
•DS1010+
•DS713+
•DS712+
•DS710+
•DS413 (as external storage only)
•DS412+ (as external storage only)
•DS214+ (as external storage only)
•DS214play (as external storage only)
•DS213+ (as external storage only)
•DS212+ (as external storage only)
•DS114 (as external storage only)
•DS112+ (as external storage only)
•DS112 (as external storage only)

Question 10

I would like to know If I can add one so-dimm of 2Gb DDR3 1066
On the dx513 ?

Accepted Answer

No, there's no processing in this unit, it's all in the master unit.

Questions & Answers