QNAP TS-464 upgrade guide: RAM, storage and CPU

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

RAM: up to 16 GB, if your unit has slots

The TS-464 takes DDR4 SO-DIMM memory, non-ECC and unbuffered — the standard laptop type, not server memory. Where slots are present there are two of them, with a maximum of 8 GB per module and 16 GB in total. If you install two modules, use a matched identical pair (same type and capacity); mixing sizes or speeds isn't supported.

The important caveat is which unit you own. The TS-464-4G always has two SO-DIMM slots. TS-464-8G units built since January 2024 also have two slots. However, older documentation describes the TS-464-8G as having 8 GB of non-expandable memory — QNAP's current spec sheet dates the SODIMM-equipped version to 'since 2024/01'. So an early 8G unit may have no upgrade path at all, while a later one can reach 16 GB. If upgradability matters, check the manufacture date or open the unit before buying used or refurbished. Also note the 4G model is labelled 'Legacy' on QNAP's US site, so remaining stock may be limited.

Speed isn't officially specified in QNAP's documents. DDR4-2400 is the platform's ceiling, and DDR4-2666 modules will simply run at the lower rate — either is a safe pick. Faster modules gain you nothing. QNAP states that only QNAP memory modules should be used and that unsupported modules may cause errors or stop the OS from booting; generic DDR4 SO-DIMMs commonly work in practice, but QNAP could point to that policy if you need support. Don't buy 16 GB modules expecting 32 GB, and don't buy ECC or registered memory.

One thing not to confuse: 4 GB of flash is soldered inside for the QTS operating system. That is neither RAM nor storage you can use.

Buying tips: match the pair exactly, stay at DDR4-2400 or 2666 SO-DIMM, 8 GB per stick, non-ECC. Verify your unit actually has slots first.

Buying tips

• Matched pair only: two identical 8 GB DDR4 SO-DIMMs for the 16 GB maximum
• DDR4-2400 or DDR4-2666 at standard voltage; faster memory just downclocks
• Non-ECC, unbuffered only — no server or registered modules
• Confirm your 8G unit is a 2024-or-later build before ordering

Storage: four SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots

Drive bays. The four trays accept 3.5-inch SATA HDDs and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs at SATA 6 Gb/s. The 2.5-inch mounting screws are included, and the bays are hot-swappable, so you can add or replace drives with the NAS running. Drives are sold separately — the unit ships empty — and QNAP points buyers to its compatibility list before purchase. There's no maximum drive capacity stated in QNAP's spec sheets; it's governed by the compatibility list and your QTS version. There's no SAS or U.2 support here. The thickness limit for 2.5-inch SSDs isn't documented either; standard 7 mm and 9.5 mm drives are the usual fit, so check before buying anything unusually thick.

M.2 slots. Two M.2 2280 slots (M-key) take NVMe SSDs only — not SATA M.2 drives, and not shorter 2242/2260 or longer 22110 modules. They are not hot-swappable and are intended for SSD cache or Qtier acceleration rather than general storage. Each slot runs at PCIe Gen 3 x1, roughly 1 GB/s, so a premium Gen 4 drive is wasted money here; favour cool, modest drives with good endurance. If you fit a heatsink it must stay under 68 x 20 x 10 mm (L x W x H).

Beyond that, the TS-464 supports QNAP SATA and USB expansion enclosures for adding more drives later — see QNAP's compatibility list for what applies. There's also one PCIe Gen 3 x2 slot for QNAP network, QM2 or USB cards (card size limit 190 x 68.9 x 18.76 mm, about 2 GB/s of bandwidth).

Buying tips: check the compatibility list for HDDs, pick standard 7 mm/9.5 mm 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, and choose modest NVMe drives with heatsinks that fit the stated clearance.

Buying tips

• 4 x SATA 6 Gb/s hot-swap bays: 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SSDs, drives not included
• Check QNAP's compatibility list before buying drives
• 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe only — no SATA M.2, no other lengths, not hot-swappable
• Cheap-to-mid NVMe drives are plenty; each slot is limited to about 1 GB/s
• Any M.2 heatsink must be under 68 x 20 x 10 mm

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Back up your data and anything on the drives before touching storage.
• Shut the NAS down properly and unplug the power cable. For drive swaps the bays are hot-swappable, but a full shutdown is still the safest route.
• Ground yourself — touch a metal surface or use an anti-static strap — before handling memory or SSDs.
• Open the case and install the part. The exact disassembly (screws, latches, tray removal) varies by revision, so follow the owner's manual for your unit.
• Close everything up, reconnect and power on, then check that the firmware/QTS reports the new memory or drives correctly.
• For M.2 and RAM upgrades, plan for the NAS to be off and open for the whole job — those parts are not hot-swappable.

Good to know

• QNAP's current spec sheet dates the slot-equipped TS-464-8G to January 2024; older documentation describes the 8G model as non-expandable. Check your unit's build date if RAM upgrades matter to you.
• No official memory speed is published by QNAP; the DDR4-2400 figure comes from the Intel platform rather than a QNAP spec page.
• Maximum HDD capacity isn't documented in QNAP's spec sheets — use the compatibility list as your reference.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the QNAP TS-464 take?

16 GB maximum: two DDR4 SO-DIMMs of up to 8 GB each, non-ECC. This applies to the TS-464-4G and to TS-464-8G units made since January 2024. Older TS-464-8G units are documented as having 8 GB non-expandable memory.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the TS-464?

No. The Intel Celeron N5095 is soldered to the board, so there's no socket and no upgrade path.

What RAM does the TS-464 use?

DDR4 SO-DIMM, non-ECC and unbuffered. Use a matched identical pair for two modules. QNAP's documents don't state a speed; DDR4-2400 is the platform maximum and DDR4-2666 sticks will run at the lower rate.

Does the TS-464 support NVMe SSDs?

Yes — two M.2 2280 slots (M-key), NVMe only. They are not hot-swappable, don't accept SATA M.2 drives or other lengths, and are intended for cache/Qtier use. Each slot is limited to PCIe Gen 3 x1.

Can I use SATA or SAS drives in the TS-464?

SATA only: 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SSDs in the four hot-swap bays at SATA 6 Gb/s. There's no SAS or U.2 support, and no maximum drive capacity is published — check QNAP's compatibility list.

Do I have to use QNAP-branded memory?

QNAP says only its own modules are supported and that unsupported memory may cause errors or stop the OS from starting. Standard DDR4 SO-DIMMs often work in practice, but be aware of the policy if you need warranty support.

Official documents and references

• PDF QNAP TS-464-8G hardware spec sheet (PDF)
  Official specifications: memory slots, M.2 and drive bay details
• QNAP TS-464 package contents and specs
  What's in the box, bay type and expansion support
• PDF QNAP TS-x62 & TS-x64 User Guide (PDF)
  Disassembly, memory install and expansion-unit guidance