Add NVMe Cache to the Synology DS423+
Synology-validated M.2 NVMe for the DS423+, ordered by endurance
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The Synology DS423+ has 2 M.2 2280 NVMe slots. Synology lists only its own Synology SNV3400, SNV3410 and SNV5420 drives for them, and an M.2 storage pool on this model requires one of those. A third-party NVMe drive is not on the list and shows as Unverified in Storage Manager. Choose a cache drive by endurance (TBW), not by price per terabyte.
M.2 NVMe drives on Synology's compatibility list for the DS423+, 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 | Storage pool and cache |
| Synology SNV5420-800G | 800 GB | more than 1,400 TB | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Yes | Storage pool and cache |
| Synology SNV3410-800G | 800 GB | 1,022 TB | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Not stated | Storage pool and cache |
| Synology SNV5420-400G | 400 GB | more than 700 TB | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Yes | Storage pool and cache |
| Synology SNV3410-400G | 400 GB | 491 TB | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Not stated | Storage pool and cache |
| Synology SNV3400-800G | 800 GB | Not published in a readable sheet | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Not stated | Storage pool and cache |
| Synology SNV3400-400G | 400 GB | Not published in a readable sheet | NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | Not stated | Storage pool and cache |
What the M.2 slots do on the DS423+
The DS423+ 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 drive policy on the DS423+, a pre-2025 model
Synology's 2025 drive compatibility policy applies only to models launched from 2025 and is not retroactive, so it does not restrict the DS423+. Third-party NAS hard drives and SATA SSDs can be used for its storage pools.
A drive that is not on Synology's compatibility list shows as Unverified in Storage Manager and gets limited support. M.2 storage pools on the DS423+ require Synology M.2 SSDs from its compatibility list, which contains Synology SNV3400, SNV3410 and SNV5420 drives only.
Checked on October 12, 2026. Sources: Synology Knowledge Center: Drive compatibility policies for systems from 2025 (DSM 7.3 and above); Synology Knowledge Center: Incompatible, Unverified and Unrecognized drive status; Synology Knowledge Center: models that support M.2 SSD storage pools; Synology Products Compatibility List: DS423+, 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 DS423+ M.2 facts come from
The compatibility list for the DS423+ 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 DS423+ 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: DS423+, 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 DS423+, live prices
Only drives on Synology's compatibility list for the DS423+ (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 DS423+.
Third-party M.2 NVMe: not on Synology's list for the DS423+
For reference only. These drives are not on Synology's compatibility list for the DS423+: Storage Manager shows them as Unverified, Synology limits support, and they cannot form an M.2 storage pool.
Frequently asked questions
What NVMe does the DS423+ take?
M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. Synology's compatibility list for the DS423+ contained Synology SNV3400, SNV3410 and SNV5420 drives and no third-party models on October 12, 2026. An M.2 storage pool needs one of those.
Can I use a Samsung, WD or Crucial NVMe in the DS423+?
It is not on Synology's compatibility list, so Storage Manager shows it as Unverified and Synology limits support. An M.2 storage pool on the DS423+ requires a Synology M.2 SSD. The 2025 rule that blocks cache creation on unlisted NVMe applies only to models launched from 2025, not to this one.