Synology RS3626xs+ overview
Just last month, Synology announced the first X26 model for this year, the RS1626xs+. This small 1U enterprise-grade unit announced a kick-off for the XS+ segment that continues with three (3) new models being rolled out today in the APAC.
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First of the three models is the established 2U rack model, a successor to the RS3614xs+, as well as a more recent one, the RS3621xs+. Without any major changes on the outside, here is the brand new RS3626xs+.
As its name suggests, this is still a 12-bay device capable of supporting up to a maximum of 36 disks by attaching two additional RX1225RP expansion boxes using the mini-SAS HD connectors on the back.
The 12-bay 2U RS3626xs delivers the performance, reliability, and scalability required by enterprise environments
The RS3626xs+ remained under the Intel umbrella (as all of the new XS+ models have), but got an upgrade to a still-supported CPU from 2022, the Intel Xeon D-1726. This 6-core (12-threads) CPU runs at 2.9GHz with an optional turbo up to 3.5GHz. The base memory remained the same as it was in the 2021 model, with 8GB of DDR4 ECC memory with a maximum supported capacity of up to 48 GB.
It is worth noting that the memory setup has been lowered compared to the previous generation, with 8GB x 6, as opposed to 16GB x 4 (maximum of 64GB for the X21). While the maximum supported RAM capacity for this particular Xeon is 384GB, staying in the 48GB range will still allow for a more than capable device for its advertised purposes.
High-speed performance: Over 115,000 4K random write IOPS and 6,300/3,700 MB/s sequential read/write performance supports demanding
workloads
The jump to a more modern and currently still supported CPU offers two additional cores, a lower price, but a 35% increese in power consumption, as TDP for this D-1726 Xeon is 70W.
The CPU is also based on a smaller lithography of 10nm, making it smaller, but one important aspect is support for PCIe 4.0 (as compared to PCIe 3.0 on the X21). With PCIe 4.0, the RS3626xs+ offers two Gen4 x8 slots (x8 link), unlocking the option for additional NVMe cards, 10 or 25GbE network adapters, and more. While the X21 offered the same, now with double the speed increase, investing in a PCIe expansion card will have even more benefits.
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Like the previous generations, the RS3626xs+ has a redundant power supply, and four 80mm system fans just behind the twelve 3,5" drive bays. The interior has not changed a lot apart from the obvious motherboard, RAM, and CPU setup.
Versatile networking: Dual built-in 10GbE ports can be supplemented with 10/25GbE NICs and Fibre Channel adapters via two PCIe 4.0 expansion slots
What has changed is the back of the unit. While we have already mentioned some changes, the obvious difference on the back will be the lack of an array of 1GbE ports that were standard on older models. This time around, Synology has eliminated those and instead replaced them with dual 10GbE copper LAN ports, as well as a single dedicated 1GbE management port.
The old console port has also been removed, while the dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5GbE) ports are still here for the occasional need of connecting an external storage device or connecting a UPS, should there be a need to make this the main UPS server in the network.
The model is still packed inside an identical X21 chassis with 19" dimensions (724mm depth) and weighs 14.5 kg, as its predecessor. The warranty has also not changed, so the same 5-year standard warranty applies.
While it might not come as a surprise, it is still important to make a note of the disk support. As all XS+ models are required to use only Synology labelled drives, be it SATA HDD or SSD, the same applies to this new RS3626xs+.
The new HCL 5.0 disk policy applies currently only for the whole DS lineup of devices (and the future FS200T), but rack-based XS+ devices still fall under the more strict HCL 4.0.
Speaking of compatibility, the official list of all upgrades for this model is the following:
- DDR4 ECC UDIMM: D4EU02-8G
- Expansion Units: RX1225RP
- Enterprise Series 3.5" SATA HDD: HAT5300 Series
- Enterprise Series 2.5" SATA SSD: SAT5200 Series
- M.2 SSD & 10GbE Combo Adapter Card: E10M20-T1
- M.2 SSD Adapter Card: M2D20
- 25GbE Network Interface Card: E25G30-F2
- 10GbE Network Interface Card: E10G30-F2/E10G30-T2/E10G18-T1
- Rail Kit Sliding: RKS-02
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The RS3626xs can be configured as part of a hot or cold storage tier
Synology Tiering intelligently manages data across performance and capacity tiers to maximize storage efficiency and improve storage economics by automatically placing colder data on cost-effective tiers. The RS3626xs can be configured as part of a hot or cold storage tier depending on deployment requirements
In terms of software changes and support, we can expect that this mid-range enterprise-grade model will support anything that the Synology ecosystem has to offer, from basic storage offerings to business apps and surveillance, and we would be correct.
However, do keep in mind that there are certain changes where the older model has the upper hand, while the new X26 does not, and vice versa. One example would be the 1PB support. While the number and supported disk models remain the same, the RS3626xs+ has no 1PB single volume support, as well as a maximum number of 32 volumes (X21 had 256) due to its lack of 64GB of RAM. This means that 200TB will be the maximum supported with an upgrade to a minimum of 32GB of RAM.
Without going into every single detail and side-by-side comparison, just be sure to read the complete datasheet before committing to an upgrade or first-time purchase.
The global launch for this model is scheduled for May 13th, with the remaining two models launching on the same date. However, pricing has not yet been confirmed. While current pricing structures may serve as a reference point, final pricing remains subject to market conditions, including fluctuations in component costs and broader economic factors.
