Know Which Drives a 2025 Synology Accepts
What DSM 7.3 allows, what it still blocks, and which models it covers
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DSM 7.3, released on October 8, 2025, lets Synology's 2025 DiskStation Plus models install DSM and create storage pools on hard drives and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs that are not on Synology's compatibility list. One restriction remains and it is the one people miss: an M.2 NVMe drive that is not on the list still cannot create an SSD cache or a storage pool. Models launched before 2025 were never under this policy.
What a 2025 Plus model accepts on DSM 7.3
| Drive type | On the compatibility list | Not on the list | On the incompatibility list |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5-inch hard drive | Install, create pools, migrate | Install, create pools, migrate | Not supported |
| 2.5-inch SATA SSD | Install, create pools, cache, migrate | Install, create pools, cache, migrate | Not supported |
| M.2 NVMe SSD | Create pools (on models that support M.2 pools), cache, migrate | Migrate only. No new pool, no cache | Not supported |
Where that table comes from
It is the DS Plus section of Synology's own policy table, restated in plain words. Synology adds two notes that matter. A drive that is not on the list is shown as Unverified in Storage Manager. And a migrated M.2 drive must come directly from an existing Synology system with its pool or cache intact; once that is removed the drive can no longer be used in the new system.
Synology still recommends drives from the compatibility list, and its list for the 2025 Plus models contains Synology hard drives only. Recommended is not the same as required, and the table above is what is supported.
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 Knowledge Center: Incompatible, Unverified and Unrecognized drive status.
The policy is different for other Synology series
| Series (2025 and later) | Unlisted hard drive | Unlisted M.2 NVMe |
|---|---|---|
| DS Plus and desktop FS | Supported for install and pools | Migration only |
| RS Plus | Migration only | Migration only |
| FS, HD, SA, UC, XS+, XS, DP, DVA/NVR | Migration only | See Synology's table |
| Value and J | Supported for install and pools | No M.2 row in Synology's table |
Why Synology treats M.2 differently
Synology's stated reason is workload. In its systems M.2 drives are mainly used for caching, which is sustained random reading and writing, and it says most M.2 drives are designed for lighter, short bursts and wear quickly under that load. So only M.2 drives that meet its performance, endurance and thermal requirements are supported for pools and caches.
In practice the compatibility list for the M.2 slots of the DS425+, DS725+, DS925+, DS1525+ and DS1825+ contains Synology SNV3400, SNV3410 and SNV5420 drives and nothing else. If you want an SSD cache on a 2025 Plus model, that is the shopping list.
Models from before 2025
Synology states that the 2025 policy applies only to models launched from 2025 and is not retroactive. A DS923+, DS423+ or DS224+ is not restricted by it. On those models a drive that is not on the list is shown as Unverified and gets limited support, which is how Synology NAS behaved before the policy existed.
Before you buy drives for a 2025 Plus model
- Update to DSM 7.3 or later before fitting third-party drives. The relaxed rule arrived with that release.
- For hard drives, choose NAS-rated CMR models. Any that are not on Synology's incompatibility list are supported for pools.
- For an SSD cache, buy from the M.2 compatibility list for your exact model. Do not assume a fast consumer NVMe drive will work.
- Check Synology's incompatibility list for your model. A drive on it is unsupported for everything, including migration.
NAS hard drives you can use in a 2025 Plus model, by price per TB
Third-party NAS-rated CMR drives of 4TB and larger. Supported for new installation and storage pools on 2025 Plus models running DSM 7.3 or later.
Renewed, refurbished and used listings
Shown for reference. These are not counted in the best price per TB above, and warranty terms differ from new drives.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use WD Red or Seagate IronWolf drives in a 2025 Synology Plus NAS?
Yes, on DSM 7.3 or later. Third-party hard drives are supported for new installation, storage pool creation and migration on 2025 DS Plus models, unless the specific drive is on Synology's incompatibility list.
Can I use a third-party NVMe drive for cache on a DS925+?
No. An M.2 NVMe drive that is not on Synology's compatibility list cannot create a cache or a storage pool on a 2025 model. It is accepted only when migrated, still in use, from another Synology system.
Does DSM 7.3 change anything for my DS923+?
Not for drive policy. Synology says the 2025 policy is not retroactive, so pre-2025 models were never restricted by it.
What does Unverified mean in Storage Manager?
It is the status Synology shows for a drive that is not on the compatibility list for that model. The drive works; Synology's support for problems involving it is limited.
Which Synology models does the 2025 policy cover?
Models released in 2025 and later. Synology's table has separate rows for the DS Plus, RS Plus, Value and J series and for its enterprise lines, and the rules differ between them, so read the row for your series.