The Synology DiskStation DS1515+ is a capable-on-paper five-bay NAS, but it is now legacy hardware: Synology lists it as discontinued, marks DSM updates end of life, and provides only limited technical support. That makes it a more defensible choice for an existing owner or a carefully vetted, low-cost backup or migration role than as a default NAS for a new deployment.
What the DS1515+ is
Synology introduced the DS1515+ in 2014. Its core specification is an Intel Atom C2538 quad-core processor running at 2.4 GHz, paired with 2 GB of DDR3 memory. Synology says the memory can be expanded to 6 GB. These are published specifications, not results from a hands-on test for this review.
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The chassis measures 157 × 248 × 233 mm and weighs 4.17 kg. Synology lists an operating temperature range of 5–35°C.
Drive capacity, RAID, and expansion
The unit has five internal SATA II drive positions, each designed for a 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drive, and Synology specifies hot-swappable drives. Its original datasheet gives 30 TB—five 6 TB disks—as an example maximum internal capacity. That is a dated manufacturer example, not a current drive-size limit; Synology cautions that usable capacity depends on the volume type.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Supported storage configurations listed by Synology include SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10. The appropriate choice depends on the balance of capacity, redundancy, and recovery needs; RAID itself is not a substitute for a separate backup.
The datasheet names the DX513 and DX213 expansion units and says the DS1515+ can scale to 15 drives with a DX513. That is the published expansion specification. Before buying an expansion unit, confirm that the exact accessory is available and compatible with the particular NAS and drives you intend to use.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Ports and encryption
For network connections, the DS1515+ provides four Gigabit Ethernet ports. It also has four USB 3.0 ports and two eSATA ports. Synology lists Wake on LAN/WAN support, wireless dongle support (the dongle is not included), and AES-NI hardware encryption.
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Synology’s 2014-era DS1515+ datasheet claims 450.77 MB/s read and 396.50 MB/s write, and 442.82 MB/s encrypted read and 187.88 MB/s encrypted write. These are manufacturer-published figures, not independent test results. The figures should not be treated as a guarantee of the speed a particular installation will deliver: this source does not provide a comparable independent test method, workload configuration, or current-model benchmark.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The C2000 processor risk to check on a used unit
The DS1515+ uses Intel’s Atom C2538, which belongs to the Atom C2000 family. Intel’s June 2018 Atom C2000 Product Family Specification Update documents erratum AVR54: the SoC’s LPC clock output signals may stop functioning, and Intel says that if the LPC clocks stop, the system will no longer be able to boot. Intel identifies a platform-level workaround.
This is a documented family-level risk relevant to the DS1515+’s processor, not evidence that every DS1515+ will fail. The available documentation does not establish a DS1515+ failure rate, whether a particular unit has an applicable mitigation, or the condition of any used example.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Synology’s 2017 statement acknowledged the erratum, described accelerated degradation after prolonged use as rare, and said it had not observed an abnormal failure rate among its C2538 products. It also announced a one-year warranty extension for listed models. That was a historical manufacturer assessment and warranty announcement; it does not establish coverage today.
For a second-hand purchase, ask for the unit’s service history and evidence of its operating and repair condition. A listing or a successful power-on alone cannot establish the status of the processor issue. Do not assume a specific serial-number range is safe or that a repair is guaranteed.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Software support and what it means now
Synology’s current Product Support Status listing marks the DS1515+ as discontinued, DSM updates as end of life, and technical support as limited. Synology explains that limited support may mean basic consultation; repairs or replacements can depend on available materials and components and may incur a fee.
End of life for DSM updates does not mean a working unit immediately stops operating. It does mean Synology marks future DSM updates as ended, which is a material concern if you need ongoing software and security maintenance. Evaluate that status against your security requirements, and keep a tested backup independent of the NAS.
Who should consider one?
More plausible uses
- An existing owner who understands the support status and wants to continue using a functioning system.
- A buyer considering a specific, low-cost migration or backup role, after checking condition, update needs, drive compatibility, and the cost of the complete setup.
Reasons to choose a different path
- You require ongoing DSM updates or a support path that is not limited.
- You cannot verify the used unit’s condition or service history, particularly given the documented C2000-family erratum.
- You need a known current drive-compatibility position, current expansion availability, or workload-specific performance assurance that the published legacy specifications do not establish.
This evidence does not support a like-for-like verdict against a newer NAS. A fair comparison would need current information about update lifecycle, used-unit condition and mitigation history, bays and expansion, drive compatibility, network needs, workload performance, and total cost including drives.
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