Synology has relaxed its drive-verification requirements for some 2025 DiskStation NAS models. The DSM 7.3 update will allow the installation and storage pool creation of non-validated, third-party drives on certain Plus, Value, and J-series devices, broadening drive choices for many users.
According to a Synology release, the change applies specifically to 2025 model-year devices in the 25-series family, including the DS725+, DS225+, DS425+, DS925+, DS1525+, and DS1825+. Other lines, notably the XS+ and enterprise-class models, remain governed by the existing hardware-compatibility list (HCL) and validated-drive rules.
The prior policy required drives branded by Synology to have undergone certain validation, and users were warned of potential feature reductions or data-safety warnings when using unverified disks. The DSM interface could show prominent DANGER notices and SMART data from non-verified drives was restricted in earlier builds.
Industry observers noted that Synology’s push toward verified drives had been a significant revenue lever in the SMB market. The company has argued that validated drives yield reliability and performance benefits under tested conditions, though critics argued the approach increased costs for smaller businesses.
In statements accompanying the DSM 7.3 release, a Synology representative said the firm is still committed to robust validation while acknowledging feedback from users for greater drive flexibility. The company said it will continue testing third-party drives and expand verifications as needed, while maintaining a path toward a broader set of officially verified drives.
The change marks a notable shift as the storage market becomes more competitive, with players like Dell EMC and QNAP vying for SMB deployments. Synology’s policy tweak could position its hardware more favorably with cost-conscious buyers.
