Synology DS224+ Upgrade Guide: RAM and Drive Options

Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers what you can add to a Synology DS224+: more memory and bigger drives. The short answer is that you can add one 4 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM for 6 GB total, and swap or add drives in the two SATA bays. Synology lists no M.2 slots and no CPU upgrade.

At a glance

  • RAM: 2 GB is soldered on, plus one free SO-DIMM slot that takes a single 4 GB DDR4 non-ECC module, for 6 GB maximum.
  • Storage: two bays for 3.5 inch SATA HDDs or 2.5 inch SATA SSDs. There are no M.2 or memory card slots.
  • CPU: the processor is a Celeron J4125 (4 cores, 2.0/2.7 GHz). Synology lists no CPU upgrade.
  • Third-party RAM means Synology won't provide full warranty or technical support.
  • Installing a drive that holds data erases it, so back up first.
SO-DIMM slotDDR4 SO-DIMM · 2 GB soldered · up to 6 GB total · 2666 MT/s
3.5"/2.5" drive bay2 × HDD / SSD 3.5" / 2.5" (SATA)
1 × SO-DIMM · DDR4up to 6 GB total3.5"/2.5" drive bay2 × HDD / SSD 3.5" / 2.5" (SATA)
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

20232024202520262027Today11 · Release · Aug. 9, 2023
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 Aug. 9, 2023 Official Synology's global announcement said the DS224+ and DS124 were available 'starting today' from resellers.
Source ↗

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

RAM: one slot, 4 GB module, 6 GB total

The DS224+ has 2 GB of DDR4 soldered to the board and one free SO-DIMM slot. That slot takes a single DDR4 non-ECC 4 GB module, so the most you can reach is 6 GB (2 GB + 4 GB). The extra memory also raises the maximum number of concurrent connections to 1500.

Synology's own module is the D4NESO-2666-4G. Its part number points to DDR4-2666, but Synology doesn't state a maximum supported speed separately, so treat 2666 MT/s as the sensible target. Synology only says "non-ECC" and doesn't discuss registered modules, so stick to standard unbuffered non-ECC SO-DIMMs.

The empty slot is on the inner-right side. You reach it by shutting down, unplugging all cables and removing the drive trays. Synology may revise the factory module's specifications depending on supply, and says it validates any revised parts.

Buying tips

  • Buy one 4 GB DDR4 non-ECC SO-DIMM only. A larger module isn't listed as supported.
  • Synology's D4NESO-2666-4G is the safest match and keeps your warranty and support intact.
  • Third-party modules void the full product warranty and technical support, so weigh the saving against that.
  • Avoid ECC and registered modules.

Cheapest compatible right now

See all compatible parts and prices →

Storage: two SATA bays, no M.2

The two bays take 3.5 inch SATA hard drives or 2.5 inch SATA SSDs. There are no M.2 or NVMe slots, no memory card slots and no proprietary expansion slots, so the two bays are your only internal storage.

Drive thickness limits and the maximum capacity per drive aren't stated in the pages we found. Check Synology's compatibility list, which the DS224+ data sheet points to, before you buy. Whether the bays are hot-swappable is also unclear: the French spec sheet shows a check mark for hot-swap, while the English spec tables show a blank cell with an asterisk. We couldn't confirm it, so shut the NAS down before changing drives.

Installing a drive that already contains data erases it.

Buying tips

  • Check the drive model against Synology's compatibility list before buying.
  • Buy SATA drives only; NVMe drives won't fit anything in this NAS.
  • If you want matched drives, buy two at once.
  • Back up any data on a new or reused drive before installing it.

Cheapest compatible right now

See all compatible parts and prices →

How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Back up everything on the NAS, and on any drive you plan to install, because installing a drive erases its contents.
  • Have your new memory module or drives ready and check them against the compatibility notes above.
  • Work on a clean, static-free surface and keep the owner's manual or Synology's hardware installation guide open for the exact tray removal steps.
  • Hold the memory module by its edges and avoid the gold connectors.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Copy anything important to another device. A drive that contains data is erased when installed.
  2. Shut down and unplug
    Shut the DS224+ down from DSM, then unplug the power and all other cables.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch a bare metal object or use an anti-static strap before handling any parts.
  4. Remove the drive trays
    Take out the drive trays to reach the inside of the unit. Follow Synology's hardware installation guide for the exact method. Once the trays are out, don't touch other internal parts.
  5. Install the memory module
    The empty SO-DIMM slot is on the inner-right side. Hold the module by its edges, keep your fingers off the gold connectors, and seat it firmly in the slot.
  6. Fit or swap drives
    Put the trays back with your new drives fitted if you are upgrading storage.
  7. Reconnect and power on
    Plug the cables back in and start the NAS.
  8. Check that DSM sees the new parts
    In DSM, open Control Panel > Info Center and look at Total Physical Memory; with a 4 GB module added it should show more than the original 2 GB. If the memory isn't recognized or the NAS doesn't start, shut down, unplug and reseat the module.

Good to know

  • The 2 GB of soldered memory can't be removed or replaced, so 6 GB is the ceiling.
  • The 2666 MT/s speed is inferred from Synology's module part number, not stated as a limit.
  • Drive thickness limits and per-drive maximum capacity aren't stated; check Synology's compatibility list.
  • Hot-swap support for the drive bays is unconfirmed, as the English and French spec sheets differ, so power down before changing drives.
  • Synology may revise the factory memory module's specifications depending on supply.
  • The 1GbE ports have a maximum MTU of 1500.
  • The warranty is 2 years, and third-party memory voids the full warranty and support.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Synology DS224+ take?

6 GB in total. The NAS has 2 GB soldered to the board and one SO-DIMM slot that accepts a single 4 GB DDR4 non-ECC module.

What type of RAM does the DS224+ use?

DDR4 non-ECC SO-DIMM. Synology's own module is the D4NESO-2666-4G. The 2666 MT/s speed is read from that part number, as Synology doesn't list a maximum speed separately.

Can I use third-party RAM in the DS224+?

It's possible, but Synology says it won't provide full product warranty or technical support if a non-Synology module is used.

Does the DS224+ have M.2 or NVMe slots?

No. Storage is limited to the two SATA drive bays, which take 3.5 inch HDDs or 2.5 inch SATA SSDs. There are no M.2 or memory card slots.

Can I upgrade the CPU in the DS224+?

Synology lists no CPU upgrade. The DS224+ uses a Celeron J4125 (4 cores, 2.0/2.7 GHz) and all the pages we found describe that same processor.

How do I check the new memory is recognized?

In DSM, go to Control Panel > Info Center and check Total Physical Memory. If it doesn't show the new total, power down and reseat the module.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.