Guide to Improve Your Synology NAS Performance with the Right SSD

If you've ever wondered whether switching out or upgrading your Synology NAS drives to SSDs is worth the effort – the answer is a resounding yes. But, as with most desktop tech, the key is picking the right SSDs. 

At Box, we're big believers in getting the most from your tech – and when it comes to NAS performance, your drive choice can make a difference. Whether managing large multimedia libraries, hosting virtual machines, or running backups around the clock, the right SSD for Synology NAS can drastically improve speed, responsiveness, and overall system efficiency. 

Let's break it down and get into what really matters – without all the marketing fluff. 

How SSDs Can Transform Your Synology NAS 

While Traditional hard drives are affordable, reliable, and great for storing massive amounts of data like backups in terms of speed and performance, they just don't cut it anymore—especially if you want your NAS system to do more in less time.  

Modern NAS usage has evolved. Today, many of us are using Synology DiskStation models like the DS220+ for more than just simple file storage. We're streaming 4K content, running business-critical apps, hosting virtual machines, syncing cloud backups, or working remotely with large media files. This is where HDDs start to feel sluggish and where M.2 solid state drives (SSDs) come in to change the game. 

Here are the benefits of using SSDs for your Synology NAS setups.  

• Everything Gets Snappier 

Ever clicked on a folder full of files and had to wait for what felt like forever for it to load? With SSDs, that wait time drops. Whether looking through photos, opening big documents, or searching across shared folders, it's way quicker and smoother. You click something, and it opens—no hesitation, no spinning wheel.  

• Faster File Transfers 

If you copy files across your network, maybe you're backing up your laptop, saving large videos, or transferring work folders—SSDs help get it done faster. You'll notice the speed boost if you move many smaller files (like photos or text documents). Regular hard drives slow down with those, but SSDs keep things moving.  

• Your NAS Can Juggle More at Once 

These days, the right SSD for Synology NAS​ do more than just store files. You might be backing up data, streaming a film, and using cloud sync simultaneously. With SSDs, your NAS can handle all that multitasking without getting sluggish. Everything keeps ticking along without stuttering or freezing up. 

• Apps and Virtual Machines Run Better 

If you're using your NAS to run virtual machines or lightweight apps like hosting a small website or testing software, SSDs can help. They reduce the delay (latency), so apps open quicker and feel more responsive. It makes your NAS feel like a proper little server, not just a storage box. 

If you're managing a lot of media, documents, and backups, combining the right SSD with solid-drive organisation is key. Check out our blog on the best tech tools for digital decluttering to tidy up your entire digital ecosystem. 

SSD Caching: The Sweet Spot for Power Users 

Let's say you're running a Synology DS920+ or a newer DS1522+. You've got a few ironclad HDDs humming away inside, but you're noticing sluggishness when multiple users are accessing files or when you're managing high-res media. 

Synology's built-in caching mechanism allows you to install SSDs in the M.2 NVMe state drive slots to handle high-demand I/O without swapping out your bulk storage. An SSD cache uses Solid-State Drives (SSDs) to boost traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) data access. In Synology NAS, SSD caching improves the performance of your storage pools without installing a full SSD-only setup. It's like adding a memory buffer that kicks in when your NAS is pushed hard. 

Types of SSD Cache  

There are two types of SSD cache:  

1. Read-Only Cache 

This type stores the files you often access on the SSD so your NAS can load them faster. 

• It improves speed when you're opening or searching through files regularly. 
• It only affects how quickly you read files—it doesn't help with saving or writing data. 

2. Read-Write Cache 

This option goes further and speeds up both opening and saving files. 

• It's excellent for heavier workloads like backups, editing, or working with large files. 
• In case one fails you'll need at least two SSDs in RAID 1 to keep things safe and redundant. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Setup SSD Cache for Synology NAS 

Setting up an SSD cache on your Synology NAS is easier if you have some know-how. You're already halfway there if your NAS has M.2 NVMe slots or spare 2.5" bays.  

Here's how to get started: 

What You'll Need: 

• One or two compatible SSDs (check Synology's compatibility list to be safe) 
• A compatible Synology NAS model  
• Synology DSM (DiskStation Manager) already installed and running 

Configuration Steps 

1. Physically install the SSDs 

Power down your NAS and open the chassis. Install your SSDs into the available M.2 slots or 2.5" bays, depending on your model.  

2. Turn your NAS back on and log into the DSM 

Open your web browser, go to your NAS IP address (or use Synology Assistant), and log into DSM with your admin account. 

3. Open' Storage Manager 

Go to Main Menu > Storage Manager. This is where you'll manage volumes, drives, and now your SSD cache. 

4. Select your storage pool or volume 

Choose the volume you want to speed up with SSD caching. You can add a cache to a specific volume or storage pool, depending on your setup. 

5. Click on 'Create' under SSD Cache 

In the Storage Manager, look for the SSD Cache tab. Click Create and follow the on-screen steps. 

6. Choose cache mode: Read-Only or Read-Write 

• For Read-Only, you only need one SSD. 
• For Read-Write, you'll need two SSDs set up in RAID 1 for redundancy. 

Pick the mode that suits your workload, then select which SSDs you want to use. 

7. Finish setup and let DSM optimise the cache 

Once you confirm your settings, DSM will format the SSDs and set up the cache. This usually takes a few minutes. After that, caching kicks in automatically. 

8. Monitor Performance 

Use Resource Monitor to track cache efficiency. 

Important: SSD caching takes a little time to "learn" your habits. The more you use your NAS, the more efficient the cache becomes. 

Choosing the Right SSD for Synology NAS: Top Picks 

We've tested a lot of standard storage drives, and not every SSD works well with Synology NAS systems. 

You need something that balances endurance, sustained performance, and reliability. While you can throw in consumer-grade SSDs, NAS workloads are heavier and more constant – so you'll want drives with higher TBW (Terabytes Written) and robust heat management. 

Below are our top recommendations for the right SSDs for Synology NAS builds:  

Synology Enterprise SAT5221 SSD: A Reliable Choice for Enterprise NAS Users

 

Shop SAT5221

If you're looking for a rock-solid, high-end SSD explicitly built for Synology NAS systems, the Synology Enterprise SAT5221 480GB is hands-down one of the most dependable choices on the market right now. This drive concerns consistency, reliability, and seamless performance in demanding NAS environments. 

Right out of the box, what stands out is that it's purpose-built by Synology, for Synology. That means you're getting full integration with DSM (DiskStation Manager), no compatibility issues, and a drive tested to run 24/7 under constant load without flinching.  On the technical side, the SAT5221 delivers 500MB/s read and write speeds over a SATA III 6Gb/s interface, basically the limit of what SATA can do. While that might sound modest compared to modern NVMe SSDs, it's more than enough in a NAS setup—especially for storage volumes or read-write cache. It's built with enterprise-grade endurance, which is a major win if you're dealing with high file access, frequent backups, or virtual machine workloads. 

In real-world usage, the difference is clear. With this SSD in your Synology NAS—whether used as part of your main storage pool or as a read-write cache—you'll notice faster response times across the board. Plus, because Synology officially supports it, you get full SMART monitoring and wear tracking straight from the DSM dashboard. 

Samsung EVO MZ-77E4T0B/EU SSD: Best for Home NAS Users

Shop Samsung EVO

The Samsung EVO MZ-77E4T0B/EU 4TB offers a different kind of strength: massive storage capacity with impressive speed and trusted consumer-grade quality, all at a more accessible price point. 

Samsung's EVO series has long been a go-to for people who want dependable SSDs for everyday use, and this 4TB model brilliantly continues that trend. With read speeds up to 560MB/s via the SATA III interface, it squeezes out almost everything possible on SATA, making it a great performer for general file storage, fast backups, and smoother multitasking in a NAS environment. 

What makes this model shine is the huge 4TB capacity in a compact 2.5" form factor. That's more than enough room to store creative projects, Plex libraries, photo archives, or even multiple system images, all while still getting the speed benefits of SSD over HDD. If you're using a NAS for media, backups, or light virtualisation, this drive gives you plenty of breathing room. 

It's worth noting that this isn't a drive made specifically for NAS use like the SAT5221. It doesn't offer enterprise endurance ratings or native DSM integration. But it holds up impressively well for read-heavy tasks, media libraries, or as an affordable SSD volume in home NAS setups. And if you're using it on a desktop or gaming rig? Even better, this thing flies. 

Western Digital Blue SA510 SSD: Best Budget SSD for Everyday NAS Storage

Shop Western Digital Blue

Although Western Digital's Blue SSDs were primarily tailored for PCs, you can use them inside a NAS. These are not designed for server use and, as such, don't come with high workload ratings. The WD Blue SA510 is part of WD's trusted "Blue" lineup, known for reliable consumer SSDs that handle various tasks.  

On the performance front, it holds its own nicely. This model offers 2TB storage capacity and up to 560MB/s read and 520MB/s write speeds over a SATA III interface, which is about as good as it gets for SATA SSDs. With these specs under the hood, this SSD is quick without being overkill—and for most users, that's perfect. 

What's great about this drive is its flexibility. It works beautifully in desktops and laptops but also fits well in NAS environments—particularly for read-heavy workloads, media streaming, or cache storage in smaller Synology models. It may not have the endurance of a dedicated NAS SSD like the SAT5221, but it absolutely gets the job done for home users or small teams. And with 2 million hours MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) and up to 600TBW endurance, it's tougher than most people give it credit for. 

Physically, it follows the standard 2.5" form factor, so it'll drop easily into most setups without hassle. It's lightweight too—just 34.6g, with a slim 7mm profile making it suitable for tight NAS enclosures. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty, which is always good peace of mind. 

If you are planning your ideal NAS setup from scratch, Check out our guide on building your home NAS with WD Red drives. It's ideal if you're comparing options like Seagate IronWolf vs WD Red or want a reliable setup for your Synology NAS. 

Tips to Get the Best Out of Your NAS + SSD Setup 

Upgrading to the right SSDs for Synology NAS is a great move, but you can do a few smart things to get the most out of your NAS setup. 

Enable Overprovisioning  

This one often gets overlooked, but it makes a real difference over time. Overprovisioning means setting aside a small portion of your SSD's space (typically around 7–10%) that the drive uses as a performance buffer. It helps maintain consistent write speeds and extends the lifespan of the SSD by reducing the strain on memory cells. 

In Synology DSM, it's easy to set this up when creating your SSD volume or cache. It's especially helpful if you're performing many write-heavy tasks, such as backups, surveillance storage, or hosting VMs. 

Why it matters: 

Without overprovisioning, SSDs can slow down as they fill up—and wear out faster under heavy workloads. With it, they stay quick and healthy for longer. 

Keep Firmware Up to Date 

Just like the case with DSM, SSD firmware needs updating too. Manufacturers like Synology, Samsung, and WD occasionally release firmware updates that fix bugs, boost stability, or improve speed. If you're using Synology's drives, DSM often handles this automatically. For third-party SSDs, check the brand's website or SSD toolbox software. 

Why it matters: 

Updated firmware can fix issues before they cause problems and help your SSD keep pace with newer DSM features or compatibility improvements. 

 Choose the Right File System  

When setting up your storage volume, you usually choose between EXT4 and Btrfs. If your Synology model supports Btrfs, especially when using SSDs. 

Btrfs is a more modern file system designed for data integrity and performance. It supports snapshots, which are great for quick backups, and it speeds up file indexing and metadata handling, which pairs really well with SSD caching.  

Why it matters: 

Better protection against file corruption, faster file handling, and built-in backup tools, all with SSDs working more efficiently behind the scenes. 

Pick the Right RAID Setup  

If you're using SSDs not just for cache but as full storage volumes, RAID can help protect your data and improve performance. RAID 5 or RAID 10 are the best options for SSDs in a NAS. Just remember: RAID is not a backup itself. It helps prevent downtime, but it doesn't protect against accidental deletion or total system failure. 

• RAID 1 is simple mirroring, great if you're using two SSDs. 
• RAID 5 gives you more usable space and protects against one drive failure (best with three or more SSDs). 
• RAID 10 is suitable if you want the best speed and safety, though you'll lose more usable capacity. 

Why it matters: 

RAID gives you a layer of protection, but only if it's set up right. It works best when matched with SSDS' speed and endurance. 

Don't Forget About Monitoring & Maintenance 

Once your SSDs are installed and running, it's worth keeping an eye on them. Synology's Storage Manager gives a clear highlight of: 

• SSD lifespan (percentage remaining) 
• Read/write health 
• Cache hit/miss rates 
• Alerts for degradation or failure 

Regularly checking means you can replace drives before they fail rather than after.  

Final Word 

It's easy to get caught up in CPU specs or RAM capacity when tuning your NAS, but drives are the real MVP. The right SSD for Synology NAS ​can unlock its performance—especially for professional or heavy-use environments. Whether you're using them for caching or full storage, the performance boost is instant and noticeable. 

At Box Technology Store, we've got the NAS drives, the knowledge, and the hands-on experience to help you optimise your setup. The box is your go-to for all things Synology UK, from M.2 solid-state drives to enterprise-grade NAS solutions. If you're thinking of upgrading or want a tailored SSD recommendation for your Synology model, just ask – we'll always give you the straight answer. 

Need help choosing the right SSD for your NAS? 

Get in touch with our product experts or check out our range of NAS-ready SSDs here. We'll help you get it right the first time.