Synology DiskStation DS1520+

Synology DiskStation DS1520+

The Synology DiskStation DS1520+ is a high‑performance 5‑bay desktop NAS designed for home and office environments. It combines powerful Intel processing, flexible storage options, and advanced networking features to deliver reliable data protection and efficient file sharing.

Processor & Performance

The unit is powered by an Intel® Celeron® J4125 processor (Gemini Lake Refresh) featuring 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base frequency of 2 GHz that can turbo up to 2.7 GHz. Built on a 14‑nm lithography process, the CPU delivers strong single‑thread performance while maintaining low power consumption.

Key processor features include:

• Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)
• Intel® AES-NI for hardware‑accelerated encryption
• Intel® Quick Sync Video enabling fast transcoding of media files
• Intel® Identity Protection Technology (IPT) and Intel® Security Guard SE for enhanced security
• No Hyper‑Threading, but the 4 physical cores provide ample multitasking capability for typical NAS workloads.

Memory & Storage Capacity

The DS1520+ ships with 8 GB DDR4 RAM, which is the maximum supported capacity. This memory configuration ensures smooth operation of Synology’s DSM operating system and concurrent file access.

Storage options are highly flexible:

• 5 hot‑swap bays supporting 2.5″, 3.5″ HDDs or SSDs, as well as M.2 drives for high‑speed cache or storage expansion.
• Maximum supported capacity of 108 TB, allowing large media libraries, backups, and virtualization workloads.
• Supports a wide range of file systems: BTRFS, FAT, HFS+, NTFS, ext3, ext4.

Connectivity & Networking

The DS1520+ offers robust networking features:

• Four Gigabit Ethernet ports (RJ‑45), each capable of 10/100/1000 Mbps, enabling link aggregation for increased throughput.
• Two eSATA ports for external storage expansion or backup solutions.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type‑A) ports: two connectors for peripheral devices such as external drives or printers.
• Power supply is external, rated at 120 W, ensuring efficient operation and easy replacement if needed.

Thermal Management & Power Efficiency

The device incorporates a dual‑fan cooling system (9.2 cm diameter each) to maintain optimal operating temperatures. The thermal design power (TDP) is only 10 W, and typical power consumption averages around 36.6 W under normal load.

Operating temperature range: 0–40 °C. The device can withstand ambient humidity levels from 5% to 95%, making it suitable for various indoor environments.

Form Factor & Build Quality

The DS1520+ is a compact desktop chassis, weighing just 2 kg. It features an external power supply unit (PSU) and a sleek black finish that blends seamlessly into home or office setups.

Key hardware specifications:

• Processor socket: BGA1090
• PCI Express: up to 6 lanes, with configurations such as 1x4+1x2, 4x1, 2x1+1x2+1x2.
• Supports DDR4‑SDRAM and LPDDR4‑SDRAM memory types.

Software & Features

The DS1520+ runs Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system, offering a user‑friendly web interface for managing files, users, and services. Key software capabilities include:

• RAID configurations: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD.
• iSCSI target support for block storage virtualization.
• Advanced backup solutions via Synology Hyper Backup.
• Media server features with DLNA and Plex integration.

Compliance & Certifications

The device meets a wide array of international safety and environmental standards:

• Electrical certifications: EAC, VCCI, CCC, RCM, KC, FCC, CE, BSMI.
• Environmental compliance: RoHS, BSMI.
• Device class: Home & Home Office.

Conclusion

The Synology DiskStation DS1520+ delivers a balanced combination of performance, storage flexibility, and network reliability. Its robust hardware specifications make it an ideal choice for users who require dependable data protection, efficient media streaming, or virtualization support in a compact desktop form factor.