> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.blackvoid.club/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Synology RS1626xs+ review - URL: https://www.blackvoid.club/synology-rs1626xs-review/ - Published: 2026-11-08T16:46:41.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-08T16:46:41.000Z - Author: Luka Manestar - Tags: review, rs1626xs+, nas, tiering, backup Following a review of its larger version last month, the RS3626xs, today, we will look at the first X26 model that was announced back in April of this year. Marketed as an all‑in‑one solution for data management, backup, and surveillance, the new **RS1626xs+** delivers several significant upgrades while maintaining the small 1U form factor of its predecessor. [Synology RS3626xs reviewRefreshed 12-bay all-in-one enterprise solution for central data management, backup, and surveillance. Here is the new #Synology RS3626xs![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/icon/c2eaaffe492b8706-2-352ef223-0f94-4cc8-b681-62fe580eeae1.jpg)BLACKVOID.CLUBLuka Manestar![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/thumbnail/rs3626xs_review-8e72542f-3931-492d-91ae-36a6966d4068.webp)](https://www.blackvoid.club/synology-rs3626xs-review/) Full review of the new RS3626xs ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/image-2.png) The new RS1626xs+ with a decorative mask > ## Enterprise-grade performance and scalability in a slim 1U chassis The last time this 4-bay model was refreshed was in 2019 under the RS1619xs+ name, but this time around, Synology has managed to upgrade the model in more than a few places, elevating it in both performance and capabilities. ## Table of contents [**: Intro**](#intro) [**: Unboxing and installation**](#unboxing-and-installation) [**: SMB testing**](#smb-testing) [**: Synology backup scenarios**](#synology-backup-scenarios) \> [:: NAS to NAS](#nas-to-nas) \> [:: NAS to C2](#nas-to-c2) \> [:: Active Backup for Business](#active-backup-for-business) \> [:: macOS client](#macos-client) \> [:: Snapshot Replication](#snapshot-replication) [**: Virtual machines**](#virtual-machines) [**: Synology Tiering**](#synology-tiering) [**: Conclusion**](#conclusion) ## Intro Maintaining the form factor and number of disks supported, the new x26 model has more than a few performance upgrades under the hood. While it has had a facelift on the front and back, the real change has happened on the inside. Synology kept the same CPU vendor but upgraded the processor, moving from the Xeon D-1527 used in the RS1619xs+ to the **Xeon D-1726** (introduced in 2022). While some may view this as a conservative choice rather than a pursuit of the latest silicon, and AMD alternatives could have been considered, Synology again opted to stick with its established supplier and design approach. The CPU is a clear upgrade. It moves to a **6‑core/12‑thread design with a turbo boost up to 3.5 GHz while maintaining a 70 W TDP**. By comparison, the previous model used a quad‑core, 35 W part and shipped with half the RAM. The RS1626xs+ **now ships with 16 GB of RAM** and is expandable to 64 GB, representing another meaningful hardware improvement. The higher CPU and RAM capacity require more power, so the 2026 model replaces the previous 150 W power supply with a **250 W unit** while **retaining the option for a redundant power port**. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/image-3.png) For those that like the "drive view" the new RS1626xs+ has a familiar front side with a few tweaks here and there ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/image-4.png) The most noticeable change on the back of the unit is a dual 10GbE setup that has replaces the old quad lineup of 1GbE ports The power increase also supports upgraded networking. The previous quad 1 GbE (4×1 GbE) ports have been replaced by **dual 10 GbE** (2×10 GbE) RJ45 ports (10GBASE-T), and the unit retains a dedicated 1 GbE management port as expected on XS+ models. Internally, the PCIe expansion has been improved as well. It still accepts small‑form‑factor PCIe cards (for 10 GbE, 25 GbE, etc.), but **the slot is now PCIe Gen4 ×8** instead of Gen3\. That doubles theoretical throughput from roughly 7.9 GB/s (Gen3 ×8) to about 15.8 GB/s (Gen4 ×8), a meaningful upgrade for a compact 1U chassis. Like its predecessor, the RS1626xs+ includes **two M.2 NVMe bays** for high‑speed caching that don’t occupy the primary drive bays. Although Synology introduced the HCL 5.0 HDD compatibility policy alongside DSM 7.3 last year, that policy does not apply to the XS+ lineup. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/IMG_9836.webp) The RS1626xs+ (top) and RS3626xs (bellow) If, however, the compact 1U 4‑bay chassis does not provide enough capacity, the RS1626xs+ **supports Synology’s RX1225RP 12‑bay** (2U) expansion unit introduced last year. Connected via the **mini‑SAS HD interface**, it expands the system to 16 bays and supports up to 1 PB of storage when the NAS is configured with 64 GB of RAM. Speaking of drives, as with all XS and XS+ models since 2021, Synology-branded drives are only officially supported ones, and only enterprise models on top of that. This means HAT5300, SAT5200, or SNV5400 series. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/image-5.png) The RS1626xs+ is ****only** compatible with Synology enterprise SATA 3,5" and 2,5" drives as well as M.2 NVMe ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-27-at-10.07.21.png) HDD and SSD compatibility list for the RS1626xs+ (Oct 20206) ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-27-at-10.08.23.png) NVMe compatibility list for the RS1626xs+ (Oct 20206) The RS1626xs+ includes **dual USB 3.2 Gen 1** (5 Gbps) ports on the rear for connecting third‑party disk enclosures for backup or data transfer. It is **covered by a five‑year Synology warranty** and weighs just under 10 kg (without drives). The chassis uses standard 1U rack height and 19‑inch width, but is deeper than the 2019 model, coming in at 66.8 cm overall, roughly 15 cm longer. The model is priced at around 5000€ (with VAT) with no drives, depending on the market, and it is available worldwide as of the summer of 2026. ## Unboxing and installation Almost identical to the RS3626xs, the unit came in Synology's characteristic dual-layer cardboard packaging with ample foam protection and no shipping damage. The accessory kit contains **two C14 power connectors, dual RJ45 ethernet cables, a full set of 3.5" and 2.5" mounting screws**, a QR code startup sheet, and an interchangeable front faceplate to conceal the HDD drive cage. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/IMG_9828.webp) The RS1626xs+ packaging. The NAS, decorative, mask, and a box with cables and screws ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/image-6.png) Accessory box with C14 and Cat5e cables as well as 3.5" and 2.5" screws As expected, the RS1626xs+ requires compatible rack rails to be installed inside a standard rack closet. Synology RKS-04 is a perfect fit and fully compatible with the new model. ![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71kJTy8fG5L.jpg) Installation inside the standard rack is easy with a pair of Synology RKS-04 rails The installation is a matter of minutes, and in the long run, it allows for easy access should there be any need for internal maintenance. Speaking of internal setup, as mentioned before, this model has had its initial RAM capacity upgraded to 16GB. While that capacity would benefit from a dual-channel setup, the RS1626xs+ arrives with a single 16GB module installed. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/IMG_9831.webp) Single 16GB stick or RAM is the standard setup for the RS1626xs+ Of course, that makes sense considering its maximum supported capacity is 64GB, and there are only four RAM slots in total. Nevertheless, paired with a very capable CPU, there are no visible performance issues at all. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/IMG_9829.webp) Behind the 4-bay storage cage is the rest of the internal setup, including a modular 4-vent setup > ## Built-in slots for M.2 NVMe acceleration: Two dedicated internal slots for Synology M.2 NVMe SSDs allow for high-speed caching without occupying primary drive bays ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/IMG_9832.webp) Cooling tunnel pushing the air towards the back of the unit sits right next to a pair of M.2 NVMe 2280 slots ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/IMG_9830.webp) Redundant power supply as standard for the XS+ setup > ## Versatile networking: Dual built-in 10GbE ports can be supplemented with additional high-speed connectivity via PCIe 4.0 expansion slot ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/IMG_9839.webp) 10G connectivity up and running Apart from the PCIe card option, the NAS supports four HDD or SSD SATA drives (not including the expansion unit), as well as a pair of M.2 NVMe 2280 slots. For this particular device, a pair of SAT5221-960GB will be used. The drives, just like the RS units themselves, come with a 5-year warranty and provide a solid 500-515MB/s throughput (read-write). 💡 ****NOTE**: Unlike the new RS11626xs+ that also has built-in NVMe slots, the ****RS1626xs+ can use those only for cache or storage creation, not as a dedicated and isolated DSM installation volume**. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/IMG_20260913_114005_1.webp) XS+ and 5 year warranty comes with some commitments, like using Synology enterprise drives > ## High-speed performance: Over 84,000 4K random write IOPS and 2,100/1,500 MB/s sequential read/write performance supports demanding workloads ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/IMG_9835.webp) Unlike the DS models, all rack drives need to be screwed in Combined in a RAID0 stripe array, we can expect max speed of 1GB/s, but depending on the setup, max speed in RAID1 will max out at 500MB/s. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-27-at-19.54.35.png) Single SAT5221 speed test using DSM's Storage Manager internal benchmark The DSM 7.4 already shipped with this model, and an upgrade to 7.4.1 - UP1 was done with no issues at all. ## SMB testing Once the setup is complete, we can start and configure the machine. As already mentioned, the array is configured as RAID1 mainly for initial redundancy. The SAT5221 drives are running at about 22 °C in idle with no utilization at all. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-28-at-08.56.27.png) RS1626xs+ running in idle ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-28-at-08.57.25.png) RS1626xs+ with SAT5221-960 drives in idle The dual 10GbE network comes as standard with this model, and iPerf tests prove a maximum speed of about 1+GB/s. ```bash [ ID] Interval Transfer Bitrate [ 5] 0.00-1.00 sec 1.09 GBytes 9.39 Gbits/sec [ 5] 1.00-2.00 sec 1.10 GBytes 9.41 Gbits/sec [ 5] 2.00-3.00 sec 1.10 GBytes 9.41 Gbits/sec [ 5] 3.00-4.00 sec 1.10 GBytes 9.42 Gbits/sec [ 5] 4.00-5.00 sec 1.10 GBytes 9.41 Gbits/sec [ 5] 5.00-6.00 sec 1.10 GBytes 9.42 Gbits/sec [ 5] 6.00-7.00 sec 1.10 GBytes 9.41 Gbits/sec [ 5] 7.00-8.00 sec 1.10 GBytes 9.42 Gbits/sec [ 5] 8.00-9.00 sec 1.10 GBytes 9.41 Gbits/sec [ 5] 9.00-10.00 sec 1.09 GBytes 9.39 Gbits/sec [ 5] 10.00-10.00 sec 1.50 MBytes 9.42 Gbits/sec - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [ ID] Interval Transfer Bitrate [ 5] 0.00-10.00 sec 11.0 GBytes 9.41 Gbits/sec ``` iPerf 10GbE network testing (Mac Studio 10GbE as a client) Unlike the iPerf test, using the Blackmagic disk test tool from a Mac Studio (10GbE), we can see high 8-10GbE transfer speeds in both read and write. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-28-at-09.04.33.png) RS1626xs+ Blackmagic disk speed test (Mac Studio 10GbE as a client) This, however, does not mean real-life test speeds will be consistent with said numbers. Testing the RS1626xs+ with several devices using an SMB protocol will give us some concrete numbers when it comes to data transfer speeds. For this, we will use an RS2423+ with RAID5 HAT3300 (5400 rpm), RS3626xs with RAID5 HAT5300 array (7200 rpm), as well as a Mac Studio M1 Max (2022), and Mac Mini M4 Pro (2025). As a sample, a usual test with a single large file is done, in this case, a 42GB one. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-28-at-11.02.11.webp) Both read and write operations using the RS1626xs+ and Mac Studio have performed the same using the same sample file ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-28-at-11.06.10.webp) A 42GB single-file sample SMB test across multiple hardware in both read and write operations using RS1626xs+ As we can see, the same file has progressed faster and faster while moving from a slower to a faster set of drives. To start, the file was copied from an RS2423+. It took four (4) minutes with an average transfer speed of about 180 MB/s, peaking at 390 MB/s. The second test was an RS1626xs+ read test towards the RS3626xs. This transfer completed in about 2 min and 40 seconds, with an average of 268 MB/s and peek speed of 435 MB/s. Finally, a read and write test utilizing the RS1626xs+ and Mac Studio M1 Max. The test was completed in 90 seconds with an average of 447 MB/s and a top speed of 550 MB/s in both directions. Moving forward, copying a single or multiple files from multiple machines presents no issue for this machine as well. Using two 10 GbE Macs to transfer different files at the same time, we got the following speeds in real-time testing. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-13.22.29.webp) Mac Studio M1 Max transfer of a single file ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-13.22.20.webp) Mac Mini M4 PRO transfer of a single file ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-13.23.39.webp) 1 minute of total transfer time for both files Within a single minute, the NAS transferred close to 41GB, with the Mac Studio being slightly faster than the Mac Mini, even though both transfers started at the same time. Using the same hardware, only this time copying multiple files to both machines, the results are slightly different, with a total transfer speed also higher. For this sample, a single folder with 89 files (up to 200MB each) was used and copied to both Macs at the same time. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-13.31.14.webp) Mac Studio M1 Max transferring 89 files ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-13.28.51.webp) Mac Mini M4 Pro transferring 89 files ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-13.32.49.webp) 50 sec transfer for both Macs to complete the same transfer The sample was just over 16GB in size, and the Studio was again twice as fast as the Mini in parallel transfer, so the overall task completed in about 50 seconds for both clients, maxing out the RS1626xs+ 10GbE connection at 1.14 GB/s. ## Synology backup scenarios Apart from the SMB data transfers, backup tasks are the most common situations in which a NAS can be used. Both Hyper Backup and Active Backup for Business are the most popular packages in the DSM Package Center, so we will focus on those while also using Snapshot Replication as a solution for those quick restores. Starting with Hyper Backup, we will test the RS1626xs+ along with the recent RS3626xs as both client and server. ### NAS to NAS For the first run, let's copy a single file from RS3626xs to the RS1626xs+ to simulate a backup of a backup using Hyper Backup. Sample size is 220 GB and an already backed-up file in Synology's HBK format that will be transferred via rsync. With an average speed of about 200 MB/s, it took just under 20 minutes to complete the transfer. Repeating the test in a different direction, the speed was better, being on average 234 MB/s and completing the transfer in about 16 minutes. Let's keep in mind that this test was not encrypted on any level as well. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-04-at-23.13.20.webp) Rsync transfer of a single HBK file (220 Mb/s) ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-04-at-23.14.21.webp) Rsync transfer of a single HBK file (220 Mb/s) - network transfer As expected, the rsync backup process (single file) is faster than the usual Hyper Backup default process, but it makes sense considering it handles the backup data differently altogether. ### NAS to C2 While the NAS-to-NAS backup might be a common backup task nowadays, backing up and restoring from the cloud is also an expected and frequently used method. Synology's C2 cloud platform offers multiple services, one of which has recently been transformed into a larger offering under the name C2 One Storage. [Synology C2 OneStorageOnly two more months until C2 subscriptions will be covered for #Synology #OneStorage license-based plans.![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/icon/c2eaaffe492b8706-2-9ff1bea8-6126-4ee9-b683-272e3fb6e882.jpg)BLACKVOID.CLUBLuka Manestar![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/thumbnail/c2_onestorage_cover-df9deb07-bc7a-4579-8455-d550258f573f.webp)](https://www.blackvoid.club/synology-c2-onestorage/) It combines four of the most popular C2 services under one plan, one of which is the classic C2 Storage. C2 Storage offers a Hyper Backup-compatible destination that can be used as an off-site backup location for both backup and recovery. As a sample, we have two ISO images just below 10GB in size. Backing up to C2 was always a straightforward setup using Hyper Backup, and in this case, we will test against Synology's Frankfurt (Germany) data center. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-10.43.36.webp) While the transfer encryption is on by default, there is no client-side encryption active for this particular task as well as bandwidth limitation ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-10.44.54.webp) Expected C2 upload speed is maxing at about 60MB/s (November 2026 The backup (upload) took about 4 minutes in total, start to finish, with a maximum speed of about 57 MB/s. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-10.47.57.webp) RSS1626xs+ backup task towards C2 (Frankfurt, November 2026) Data transfer to C2 was not always super fast, but as we can see, decent 6GbE speeds can be expected without any issues. What is more important are the download (restore) speeds. In this particular case, we measured over 200 MB/s while restoring the whole content. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-10.52.07.webp) C2 data restore peaking over 200 MB/s ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-10.53.17-1.webp) Hyper Backup log report for both backup and restore The restore operation completed approximately four times faster than the backup, finishing in roughly one minute. Cloud operations performance is influenced by multiple factors that collectively impact execution speed. The restore duration demonstrates sufficient efficiency to enable rapid service recovery and minimal downtime for users, which is always welcome. ### Active Backup for Business Moving now onto one of the most popular Synology backup platforms, the Active Backup suite. One of three packages from said suite is ABB, or Active Backup for Business. In fact, it is so popular that Synology created a whole lineup of backup appliance devices and a dedicated "OS" to further push the platform and compete in the enterprise segment. [Synology ActiveProtect Manager reviewIn-depth review of the new #Synology #ActiveProtectManager OS running their latest #DataProtection enterprise lineup.![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/icon/c2eaaffe492b8706-2-17d7a563-9750-4c2c-aa90-59c30d537c22.jpg)BLACKVOID.CLUBLuka Manestar![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/thumbnail/apm_cover-67e35385-3c48-4dbd-8d6e-b0e5c0c35bdb.jpg)](https://www.blackvoid.club/synology-activeprotect-manager-review/) ### macOS client The client endpoint backup is just one of the options that ABB supports, but alongside the virtual machine backup, it is safe to say it's also the most frequently used. ABB, when it comes to computer endpoint backups, takes a complete system and data snapshot of the content that, in the end, allows for full machine restoration, or partial file/folder level recovery. As a testing candidate, we will use an already set up 10GbE Mac Mini M4 Pro with the latest Golden Gate macOS version and about 50% of total used space. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-13.01.36.webp) Mac Mini M4 Pro 512MB drive close to 50% full doing a first time ABB backup ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-13.03.35.webp) ABB task running on a 10GbE capable Mac Mini M4 Pro with over 4GbE speed ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-13.05.56.webp) macOS Network monitor reporting network speeds in real time While the transfer process will peak over 500 MB/s does not mean it will be sustained. Unlike the Hyper Backup process, ABB does things differently, and depending on the type and size of data, the speed will also fluctuate. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-13.29.08.webp) ABB task in progress - it is evident that the backup process is different than the Hyper Backup one with occasional gaps, as well as a rapid 5-8x slower transfer speed at some point (last 40%) After one hour and twenty-two minutes, it proves that the backup process is not limited to NAS or client hardware capabilities, but rather the way the backup platform performs its operations. ### Snapshot Replication Finally, the Snapshot Replication package represents a comprehensive solution within DSM's backup infrastructure, supporting both local and remote snapshot capabilities. This functionality protects against accidental data loss, unauthorized modifications, and unintended changes. The platform delivers rapid backup and restore operations, making it particularly valuable for closed enterprise environments where data integrity and recovery speed are critical. One important difference when we are discussing backup and snapshot is that the two are not the same. A classic backup can't be compared with a snapshot and vice versa. Having both a backup and a snapshot is well worth it, but depending on the actual case and data. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-16.55.36-1.webp) Average speed during SR task between RS3626xs and RS1626xs+ ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-16.57.43.webp) SR task from RS3626xs towards RS1626xs+ RS1626xs+ does an excellent job when it comes to snapshot replication tasks, especially when writing data to it. With an average speed of over 500 MB/s (max at 572), it took less than two minutes to transfer almost 35GB of mixed content. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-08-at-17.02.23.webp) SR task from RS1626xs+ towards RS3626xs (compared by the previous task as well - left side) Pushing the content back from the RS1626xs+ onto the RS3626xs was a bit slower than expected (HDDs on the destination NAS), but not by much. The same amount of data was transferred in exactly two minutes with max speed of about 553 MB/s. Although the performance differential is minimal, SR remains the fastest method compared to the ABB and HB approaches. While SR is not classified as a backup solution and lacks the comprehensive mechanisms inherent to full backup packages, it demonstrates the system's capability to manage data operations effectively while maintaining low RTO and RPO values. ## Virtual machines When it comes to virtual machines, using the same Windows 11 from the RS3626xs test (4 vCPU, 4GB RAM), we got the following Crystal Disk and Ookla speed tests. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-31-at-13.17.11.webp) Crystal Disk Mark 9 results for a Windows 11 machine (4vCPU, 4GB RAM) ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/10/Screenshot-2026-10-31-at-13.24.11.webp) Windows 11 VM network speed test While the read speeds are slower than on the RS3626xs and its RAID5 setup, compared to the RAID1 here on the RS1626xs+, we can see the write speeds are significantly higher on the SSD array in the end. This also shows on the actual boot-up and shutdown tests, as well as overall usage experience. The Windows 11 machine boots up in only 12 seconds (cold boot) and performs the shutdown in 7 seconds. 0:00 /0:17 1× Windows 11 VM boot up on RS1626xs+ 0:00 /0:14 1× Windows 11 VM shutdown on RS1626xs+ Connecting to it via the remote desktop software, we do indeed get the smooth, near-bare-metal experience that we are accustomed to while using an AVD or VDI setup. ## Synology Tiering While this device can have up to 16 drives connected and offers ample power and storage capacity, being a 1U device, for the most part, it will be used as such, meaning that it won't have more than its maximum of four drives. In this particular case, running with SSDs (and not large capacity ones) will quickly cause space issues. The RS1626xs+ with a small SSD is perfect as a compute NAS offering services, but when it comes to storage, we might consider using Synology's recent package, the **Synology Tiering**. [Synology Tiering - storage resource optimizationWith #Synology #DSM 7.3 we got a new feature currently in beta, Synology Tiering, designed for storage resource optimization![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/icon/c2eaaffe492b8706-2-74f2b1da-b05b-4652-a089-5e599db6da3a.jpg)BLACKVOID.CLUBLuka Manestar![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/thumbnail/synology_tiering-1-f8159624-2156-4109-9039-dd2ed1996f5d.webp)](https://www.blackvoid.club/synology-tiering-storage-resource-optimization/) Introduced with DSM 7.3, the Tiering package offers offloading of data between hot and cold tiers to better manage available space, in this case, a more expensive and fast SSD array. Because this particular setup also has no HDDs, the new **Storage Efficiency** feature only offers automatic deduplication (or manual one) as a volume option, unlike the **post-process deduplication and compression** with HDD arrays. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-15.26.32.webp) Storage efficiency feature offers only automatic deduplication on an SSD volume ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-15.26.43.webp) Configuring Synology Tiering The Tiering package, like many in Synology's portfolio, requires a server and client side of the app in order to work. In this case, the target (cold) tier needs to have **Tiering Vault** installed, so the Tiering package can detect and communicate with the destination host. 💡 ****NOTE**: Cold and hot tier can be hosted on the same NAS as long as there are at least two separate volumes configured. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-15.46.52.webp) Selection of the hot data that will be included in the plan for migration ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-15.49.04.webp) Schedule or manual tiering mode is available Depending on the plan and tiering policy, data will be transferred immediately upon the finished configuration. For the particular example below, it took 1 minute to transfer cca 15GB of "cold" data from RS1626xs+ to the RS3626xs. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-15.49.54.webp) Tiering in action ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-15.52.40.webp) Data transfer from hot to cold tier (RS3626xs (top) is the cold tier) ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-15.54.06.webp) Synology Tiering dashboard Managing the actual hot and cold files is done using the File Station app on the origin device, in this case, the RS1626xs+. The content is flagged with a custom "tier" column that will show either a light or dark blue tiering icon, indicating the location of the data. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-17.27.12.webp) Data located on the cold "light blue" tier ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-17.29.41.webp) Data located on the hot "blue" tier Using the context menu, we can do all the usual operations with affected files, including the migration from hot to cold and back if needed. So, manual interaction is possible at any time. Also, data browsing and transfer are completely transparent for the end user, regardless of where the data is currently sitting. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-17.39.37.webp) Transferring data that currently is on the cold tier while accessing it from the hot (original) NAS device ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-17.42.57.webp) Network representation of data transfer happening from the cold tier, initiated by the client connecting to the original hot (origin) tier ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-01-at-17.46.19.webp) Transferring the data directly from the cold/tiered host using the same client Looking at the images above, we can see that while the data can be copied from the original location, if that particular set has been tiered to a cold tier, the end user might not be aware at all, and the transfer will suffer. Of course, this is in case the actual data has not been changed in any way. If it were changed, the Tiering would flag the content as changed and move it back to the hot tier, allowing the users to regain full speed. Also, accessing the cold data is possible by directly connecting to the cold shared location and copying the data that way (3rd image). However, if the end user does access the cold data using the original location, the transfer will suffer, as we can see in the second image above, how the actual network transfer occurs. The cold tier (top graph) is only sending the data, but not directly to the client, but rather to the hot server (bottom graph) first, or better to say "over it". This makes sense because the client did initiate the connection using the original location (hot tier). Following that, the data is then immediately transferred to the client from the hot tier (green side of the bottom graph). Because of this, and the fact that the Tiering app has to make note of all of these changes in real time, the pure data transfer speed will be impacted. Data tiering delivers clear performance benefits, and its transparent operation, managed silently in the background, makes it particularly valuable for capacity-constrained systems. For a compact NAS with fast storage, tiering is especially advantageous because end users gain performance benefits without requiring technical knowledge of the underlying mechanism. While configuration and maintenance typically demand professional expertise, data tiering is not limited to large-scale deployments and remains accessible for mid-range installations. ## Conclusion With over 65 official and 100+ total applications available in the DSM Package Center, comprehensive testing across every model and use case is impractical. However, based on testing of the RS1626xs+ and comparable systems sharing identical or near-identical architectures, this device is well-suited for SOHO through mid-range enterprise deployments, including backup, file serving, email, and surveillance operations. Organizations seeking a compact yet capable NAS will find the RS1626xs+ (properly configured) to be a reliable, high-performance solution capable of supporting hundreds of concurrent users. When equipped with SSD or NVMe storage, the system delivers fast I/O performance and handles demanding workloads across diverse internal and external use cases. ![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-03-at-19.46.22.png) [Synology Packages](https://www.synology.com/en-eu/dsm/packages?ref=blackvoid.club) page as of November 2026, offers a list and compatibility info for all supported and 3rd party DSM apps [Synology DSM 7.4 and AI futureNew version of #Synology DSM 7.4 is coming with some under the hood updates, and laying the foundation of some deep #AI agentic future![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/icon/c2eaaffe492b8706-2-5925f3b2-3f19-46bc-ac68-68a10bbb5b88.jpg)BLACKVOID.CLUBLuka Manestar![](https://www.blackvoid.club/content/images/thumbnail/dsm74-6cf1f4fc-792c-41c6-a1e2-35724c95622b.webp)](https://www.blackvoid.club/synology-dsm-7-4-and-ai-future/) Beyond pre-built applications and virtual machine support, DSM has also offered Docker capabilities since 2015\. Through its current Container Manager interface, Synology enables compatible devices to function as Docker hosts, allowing users to deploy and manage commercial and open-source solutions at scale. ![](https://global.synologydownload.com/download/Package/img/ContainerManager/24.0.2-1706/thumb_256.png) Container Manager - a Synology Docker orchestrator This package is supported across 117 Synology models dating back to 2016, demonstrating both the platform's widespread adoption and strong user demand. This broad compatibility enables organizations to configure any Synology model for specialized use cases, with the RS1626xs+ serving as a prime example of this flexibility. From database hosting to photo platforms, audio and video conferencing, this NAS handles diverse workloads seamlessly. However, one notable limitation worth addressing is media hosting, specifically, the absence of hardware transcoding. The Xeon processor line, by design, lacks native transcoding capabilities, which impacts real-time video encoding performance. Organizations requiring robust media hosting with transcoding support should consider alternative Synology models or competing platforms. The RS1626xs+ represents a substantial upgrade on an established platform, delivering robust performance across diverse workloads while maintaining a compact 1U form factor. Although the acquisition cost, particularly when paired with Synology enterprise-grade storage, may present budgetary constraints for individual users, the investment delivers compelling long-term value for small to medium-sized business operations. ## Sign up for free, today! Verified Synology news portal Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. No emails. Unsubscribe anytime.