- Synology’s new DSM update finally frees users from strict HDD control
- DiskStation 2025 models now work great with almost any hard drive
- DSM 7.3 Delivers Long-Requested Support for WD and Seagate Drives
Synology has initiated a notable policy change that could reshape the way users view its line of network attached storage (NAS).
The company’s DiskStation 2025 models now allow the use of third-party hard drives, ending a restriction that had frustrated many of its long-time customers.
With the DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.3 update, owners can finally install drives like the Seagate Exos 30TB, one of the best HDD options currently available for large-scale storage.
A shift in storage flexibility
Previous DiskStation models, like the DS925+, launched with limitations that locked users into Synology-branded drives.
This policy made it impossible to use other leading storage products like WD Red or Seagate IronWolf, even though they were widely considered the best NAS drives for reliability and performance.
The restriction was not well received by professionals who rely on consistent and customizable storage solutions, especially in workstation setups where flexibility is key.
Synology’s decision to remove these limits under DSM 7.3 signals a change in direction, suggesting that user feedback has played an important role.
Beyond expanding compatibility, the DSM 7.3 update introduces security improvements, Synology Drive updates, and a moderation system for MailPlus.
These additions aim to strengthen the overall usefulness of Synology’s NAS ecosystem; however, not all restrictions have been removed.
The M.2 slot still requires Synology’s own SSDs for storage pool creation, which could be seen as a partial concession rather than a full embrace of openness.
This limitation could continue to deter some power users who expect complete hardware independence for their workstations or home lab environments.
The DiskStation 2025 line, which includes models like the DS225+, DS425+, and DS925+, now competes more evenly with alternatives from brands like QNAP and UGREEN.
Allowing drives like the 30TB Seagate Exos gives Synology a chance to regain credibility among power users who previously shunned it due to restrictive compatibility rules.
While it is commendable that Synology has backtracked on its previous approach, it remains to be seen whether this change will be enough to fully restore trust.
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