10 hours ago
Thanks for reaching out — and great to hear from someone with such a long history in the Synology ecosystem. You’ve really seen their whole evolution over the years, so your frustration with the recent drive policies, 3rd-party app restrictions, and limitations on newer models is completely understandable.
For what you’ve described — low power, compact, silent, for IP cameras + audio/video storage, here’s how I’d approach it:
If you stick with Synology:
• The DS620slim with WD Red SA500 SSDs would absolutely deliver on the noise, power, and size front.
• Even with Synology’s new restrictions, the 620slim still supports 3rd-party drives because it’s an older platform. So you won’t run into the HAT/HAS lock you see on the new Plus/XS series.
• DLNA and Synocommunity apps are still there (though not officially supported, of course), so you can keep running “the rrr” and similar.
• You’d also keep your investment in IP cam licenses, DSM familiarity, and ecosystem intact.
On the other hand — if you’re really unhappy with Synology’s direction and want something more open:
• QNAP’s TBS-464 (or even a TS-464 with SSDs) would give you compact, SSD-friendly, and quiet, but with more open app support and no vendor lock-in on drives.
• You could even look at a Minisforum N5 Pro or similar small form-factor server running TrueNAS Scale or Unraid if you want complete control.
• Just bear in mind: with QNAP or DIY, you’ll have to give up DSM and your Synology camera licenses.
Finally, regarding the DS625slim — based on what we know so far, it’s unlikely Synology will walk back their drive compatibility policies on newer models, and it will probably continue requiring their branded SSDs. If drive freedom is important to you, the 620slim while it’s still available is probably the better bet.
If it were me in your shoes? I’d say if you’re happy with DSM and your camera licenses, grab the DS620slim and WD SA500 SSDs while you can — and accept that this might be your “last” Synology before moving to something else down the road. If you’re already mentally done with the ecosystem, then a QNAP TBS-464 or TS-464 is a solid, open alternative.
For what you’ve described — low power, compact, silent, for IP cameras + audio/video storage, here’s how I’d approach it:
If you stick with Synology:
• The DS620slim with WD Red SA500 SSDs would absolutely deliver on the noise, power, and size front.
• Even with Synology’s new restrictions, the 620slim still supports 3rd-party drives because it’s an older platform. So you won’t run into the HAT/HAS lock you see on the new Plus/XS series.
• DLNA and Synocommunity apps are still there (though not officially supported, of course), so you can keep running “the rrr” and similar.
• You’d also keep your investment in IP cam licenses, DSM familiarity, and ecosystem intact.
On the other hand — if you’re really unhappy with Synology’s direction and want something more open:
• QNAP’s TBS-464 (or even a TS-464 with SSDs) would give you compact, SSD-friendly, and quiet, but with more open app support and no vendor lock-in on drives.
• You could even look at a Minisforum N5 Pro or similar small form-factor server running TrueNAS Scale or Unraid if you want complete control.
• Just bear in mind: with QNAP or DIY, you’ll have to give up DSM and your Synology camera licenses.
Finally, regarding the DS625slim — based on what we know so far, it’s unlikely Synology will walk back their drive compatibility policies on newer models, and it will probably continue requiring their branded SSDs. If drive freedom is important to you, the 620slim while it’s still available is probably the better bet.
If it were me in your shoes? I’d say if you’re happy with DSM and your camera licenses, grab the DS620slim and WD SA500 SSDs while you can — and accept that this might be your “last” Synology before moving to something else down the road. If you’re already mentally done with the ecosystem, then a QNAP TBS-464 or TS-464 is a solid, open alternative.