Add NVMe Cache to the Synology DS1525+
Synology-validated M.2 NVMe for the DS1525+, ordered by endurance
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The Synology DS1525+ has 2 M.2 2280 NVMe slots, and under DSM 7.3 only M.2 drives on Synology's compatibility list can create an SSD cache or a storage pool on it: the Synology SNV3400, SNV3410 and SNV5420 series. A third-party NVMe drive cannot be used for either. Choose from the validated list by endurance (TBW), not by price per terabyte.
M.2 NVMe drives on Synology's compatibility list for the DS1525+, by endurance
| Drive | Capacity | Endurance (TBW) | Interface | Power-loss protection | Listed for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Synology SNV5420-1600G | 1.6 TB | more than 2,900 TB | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Yes | Cache and storage pool |
| Synology SNV5420-800G | 800 GB | more than 1,400 TB | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Yes | Cache and storage pool |
| Synology SNV3410-800G | 800 GB | 1,022 TB | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Not stated | Cache and storage pool |
| Synology SNV5420-400G | 400 GB | more than 700 TB | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Yes | Cache and storage pool |
| Synology SNV3410-400G | 400 GB | 491 TB | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Not stated | Cache and storage pool |
| Synology SNV3400-800G | 800 GB | Not published in a readable sheet | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Not stated | Cache and storage pool |
| Synology SNV3400-400G | 400 GB | Not published in a readable sheet | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Not stated | Cache and storage pool |
What the M.2 slots do on the DS1525+
The DS1525+ takes 2 M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. They can run as an SSD cache in front of the hard-drive pool, or as a separate M.2 storage pool for apps and active files. The M.2 slots are not hot-swappable, and DSM itself cannot be installed on an M.2 drive, so the NAS needs at least one SATA drive.
A cache is written to constantly, so endurance matters more than headline speed. That is why the table above is ordered by terabytes written. The SNV5420 drives add power-loss protection and the highest endurance; the SNV3410 drives are the lower-cost option.
Synology third-party drive policy, as of DSM 7.3
DSM 7.3, released October 8, 2025, lets 2025 Synology Plus, Value and J models install DSM and create storage pools on third-party hard drives and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. The DS1525+ is one of those 2025 models, so Seagate IronWolf, WD Red Plus, Toshiba N300 and similar drives can be used for its main storage pool.
M.2 NVMe is the exception. Creating an M.2 storage pool or an SSD cache on the DS1525+ still requires a drive on Synology's compatibility list, and that list contains Synology SNV3400, SNV3410 and SNV5420 drives only.
- Hard drives and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs that are not on Synology's compatibility list: supported for a new installation, for creating a storage pool and for migration. Synology still recommends listed drives.
- M.2 NVMe SSDs that are not on the compatibility list: cannot create a storage pool or an SSD cache. They are accepted only when migrated, already in use, from another Synology system.
- Any drive on Synology's incompatibility list: not supported for installation, storage pools or cache.
Checked on October 12, 2026. Sources: Synology Knowledge Center: Drive compatibility policies for systems from 2025 (DSM 7.3 and above); Synology press release, 8 October 2025: DiskStation Manager 7.3; Synology Products Compatibility List: DS1525+, M.2 SSD via internal slot.
Cache or storage pool?
Use the M.2 slots as cache if
- You want faster access to frequently used files without giving up a drive bay
- Your working set is larger than the installed memory
- You can fit two matching drives for a read-write cache
Use them as a storage pool if
- You want a fast, silent volume for apps, containers or virtual machines
- You can mirror two drives for redundancy
- The capacities on the validated list (400GB to 1.6TB) are enough
Where the DS1525+ M.2 facts come from
The compatibility list for the DS1525+ was read on the check date and lists 7 M.2 NVMe drives, all Synology SNV series. Endurance, interface and power-loss protection are from Synology's own specification sheets for each drive.
Synology does not publish the PCIe lane width of the DS1525+ M.2 slots on its specification page, so it is not stated here. Every drive on the list is a PCIe 3.0 drive, so a faster PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 drive would not be on the list in any case.
Checked on October 12, 2026. Sources: Synology Products Compatibility List: DS1525+, M.2 SSD via internal slot; Synology Knowledge Center: models that support M.2 SSD storage pools; Synology SNV5420 product specifications (400G, 800G and 1600G sheets); Synology SNV3410 / SNV3510 datasheet.
Synology-validated M.2 NVMe for the DS1525+, live prices
Only drives on Synology's compatibility list for the DS1525+ (SNV3400, SNV3410 and SNV5420 series). Larger capacities in each series carry higher endurance ratings; see the endurance table on this page.
No Synology-validated M.2 NVMe drive is in stock on Amazon.com at this price check. The endurance table on this page lists every validated model for the DS1525+.
Third-party M.2 NVMe: cannot be used for cache or storage pools on the DS1525+
For reference only. Under DSM 7.3 the DS1525+ will not create an SSD cache or a storage pool on these drives because they are not on Synology's compatibility list. Do not buy one for this NAS.
Frequently asked questions
What NVMe does the DS1525+ take?
Physically, M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. For a cache or a storage pool, DSM on the DS1525+ accepts only drives on Synology's compatibility list, which on October 12, 2026 contained Synology SNV3400, SNV3410 and SNV5420 drives and no third-party models.