ChuckPA said something I thought was telling, suggesting that 2GB of RAM was not enough for even basic usage. I had never really seen my ram “Usage” go very high even with 2GB, but I did notice all of the ram that wasn’t being used for programs was being used for cache. I just upgraded to 16gb of ram on my 718 (though I’m not sure 16 is really needed) and noted that several things that previously had issues (including transcoding certain things) now work much much better.
My suggestion, get more RAM if you have 2GB and credit to ChuckPA for the reminder.
Not sure if the DS will recognize and use the new RAM’s tighter timings or not. The already included 2gb of RAM on the unit was easy to get out and replace with an 8GB stick, and then the one in front you’re supposed to have access to was easy as well.
Excellent choice. Addtional info: The Corsair and Kingston sites have good prices if you don’t like Amazon. No need to go overboard but definitely don’t go cheap with ‘Value RAM’ type products (they are slow).
You don’t need “Mac” memory per se. It’s more commonly known as SODIMM (laptop) memory due to the form factor.
The fundamental improvement you see is because 2x as much data (128 bits) can be fetched/stored per memory cycle. This known as “Dual Channel” operation.
By having a matched kit, both DIMMS are the same speed spec and very close in observed speed (actual testing), the CPU’s memory controller doesn’t have to insert memory-wait cycles nor does it have to split 128 bit operations into two full and consecutive 64-bit operations. When it doesn’t need to split memory accesses, memory can be fetched from one while being written the other or when reading/writing entire 16 byte (128 bit) blocks for the GPU in one ‘gulp’.
Because the memory controller doesn’t need to wait for memory as much, more clock cycles are available for the CPU (execution units) and the GPU.
While there is no software tool you can use, a stopwatch / timer does show a very measurable difference when the task is plowing through large amounts of memory.
Corsair and Kingston both will confirm if the RAM you are considering is within spec. The CL x-x-x-x part of the speed spec if you also tell them the CPU and clock speed.
Note: Synology’s limit is because they don’t sell memory kits. Use the Intel specs
@iced98lx and/or @ChuckPA … on a percentage basis (estimate) how much of an impact do you think this RAM upgrade will have on transcoding and streaming 1080p/4k content from the DS718+?
My next problem is that I have x2 4Tb in RAID, and I’m running out of space. Have to find a way to expand my storage. Any suggestions on the best/most affordable way to do this? Thanks!
@mtappert said: @iced98lx and/or @ChuckPA … on a percentage basis (estimate) how much of an impact do you think this RAM upgrade will have on transcoding and streaming 1080p/4k content from the DS718+?
My next problem is that I have x2 4Tb in RAID, and I’m running out of space. Have to find a way to expand my storage. Any suggestions on the best/most affordable way to do this? Thanks!
Since you only have 2 bays to work with. If you have already setup SHR RAID, start upgrading the raw storage. As the volume rebuilds and reshapes, it will give you that additional space automatically. At this price-point, I would recommend 8TB drives.
Synology has wired the motherboard so you can put up to 8GB in either slot and it will work. DSM, by sheer luck, adds 8+8 and displays 16. It’s not usable.
I looked at the Kingston website. They do not have the newer (DSx18+) units listed.
Are you certain that RAM is the correct speed spec? I think it’s right but haven’t researched fully. Intel states: DDR3L/LPDDR3 up to 1866 MT/s; LPDDR4 up to 2400 MT/s
I checked out the Kingston site and did see the DS918+ at the very bottom of the list. The RAM they recommended appears to be the same stuff I posted before 1866Mhz (CL11)… so, I’m hoping that that holds true for the 718+ as well, since it is the same CPU.
Sweet! Thank you SO much for your help. Not just in this thread, but for all the Synology/Linux users. I’ve learned a lot reading through the posts here.
@mtappert said:
I checked out the Kingston site and did see the DS918+ at the very bottom of the list. The RAM they recommended appears to be the same stuff I posted before 1866Mhz (CL11)… so, I’m hoping that that holds true for the 718+ as well, since it is the same CPU.
@ChuckPA haha! So, I just wanted to update the previous post and let you (and anyone who is interested) know that this RAM does indeed work, and it’s beautiful! =)
I’m so glad you told me… that would have been a waste. What about the same kit, but in a 2x 4Gb config? Thanks for your help!!
