If your Synology has a removable CPU socket, I would recommend changing the CPU to a faster and energy efficient counterpart. Due to the age of the server you could source a much faster CPU cheaply from auction website such as eBay. For this model the Synology RackStation RS3412xs and RS3412RPxs has an Intel i3-2100 that uses a LGA1155 socket, please note that LGA1155 socket support Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge.
Do not attempt to change architect, this is solely that Synology decided not to update the firmware of their chipset to include Ivy Bridge CPU. How did I know? I’ve tried an Intel Xeon E3-1230 v2, does not boot.
Please note that the Intel i3-2100 are pre-installed in the DiskStation DS3611xs, DiskStation DS3612xs, RackStation RS3411xs, RackStation RS3411RPxs, RackStation RS3412xs, RackStation RS3412RPxs all have the replaceable CPU LGA1155 socket, though your disassembly instructions may differ.
For this model you can try any Sandy Bridge, but there is a catch any i5 or i7 CPU does not have the ability to use ECC DDR RAMS. Intel did this on purpose to avoid consumer product to be used in Server product as we all know that consumer is always cheaper than server counterparts such as Xeon. But if you decide that you cannot source an Xeon then the i5 or i7 would have trouble restarting, it can only shutdown and turn on correctly. Makes updating awkward as you need to do a hard shutdown and restart if you wish to continue using an non-Neon.
When upgrading the CPU ensure that you follow similar TDP, the Intel i3-2100 specification is 65 W. This guild-line is the heat output, if you want a different CPU with higher TDP I would recommend that you change the heatsink to handle the heat demand. What happen if you don’t change the heatsink? You will encounter hard-shutdown (temperature sensor activated) when ever you hit the thermal limit of the CPU, running transcoding on the CPU would instantly reach it limits within minutes.
What I recommend is the Intel Xeon E3-1260L, for the lower TDP, double threads, double power, and lower energy usage.
Start off by removing the top panel of the case by removing the 2 screws located on the back, you then slide it towards the edge and lift the panel off.
The location of the CPU is right below the supporting bar, you may wish to remove this if you have difficulty in removing the heatsink. I left it on as this bar can remind you how to position the heatsink back.
Simply unscrew the 4 screws from each corner of the heatsink with a crosshead screwdriver. Carefully remove the heatsink, you will notice that the heatsink is not symmetrical due to the supporting bar Synology decided to get it trimmed on one side.
Your setup should look like this.
You then push down on the retainer bar, and move the bar to the right to unlock the clip.
The brace would then lift up, remove the CPU and then proceed in removing the thermal paste from the heatsink and CPU.
All clean, useful to pack it away in an anti-static packaging.
Now the E3-1260L
Insert the CPU back in, ensure that you put on thermal paste using any technique (pea drop or cover the whole top with a thin layer). Now reverse the installation, put heatsink back (note: supporting bar need to fit) and slide the panel back on.
Geekbench Browser i3-2100 vs E3-1260L
The CPU is faster in single and multi usage, and the AES built-in instructions in the Xeon blast the i3 away. The performance is noticeable faster and with the lower power usage you can slowly regain the money spent on the CPU.
Be aware that the control panel will show the incorrect CPU model in the basic information, Synology has hard-coded the CPU text within the firmware.
Thank you very much for showing me this.
I too upgraded the CPU in an RS-3412, however I went with the 80W E3-1270 and also upgraded the heatsink to one with heatpipes, used better grease, and also added some ducting inside. The result is a stable max temp of 62C at 100% usage vs 65C for the old i3. I’ve also noticed decreased power consumption under basic NAS operation presumably due to the variable frequency.
Here’s a geekbench to compare it to your E3-1260l:
https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/compare/9240096?baseline=4635728
I do have one question. The only concern I had with the E3-1270 is it lacks an integrated gpu. As the Synology is headless, I thought it shouldn’t matter, but now I’m using more VMs and the video is choppy at best. Do you run a VM on your RS-3412 and is VMM able to take advantage of the Intel GPU? I may swap my i3 back in to test, but I thought I’d check first.
Hello Geoff, could you tell us what model heatsink did you get? Be helpful for anyone that is planning to do the same. I’ve retired my system, what test you want me to do? Play YouTube 1080p? I’m currently quite busy for this week, I can run a VM next week if I remember.
Thank you for the benchmark, looking good for performance.
While Intel i3-2100 does have an integrated GPU, I don’t think it even utilise the GPU what’s so ever. An VM would lock the GPU for 1 VM if it did, but sadly Synology haven’t incorporated GPU selection in their VM software. Also most CPU from Synology doesn’t have GPU, haven’t came across any business or high end system to do so. Their kernel doesn’t incorporated GPU drivers, I will run a 3D benchmark to prove this.
The heatsink I used was the second revision of the Dynatron K666 with direct contact heatpipes. If I were upgrading more than one machine I might research some more options as the later XS+ Rackstations have a seemingly larger fin area and heatpipes. Also the included 60mm cooling fan isn’t fully compatible with the PWM control from the mainboard. The ducting I created was inspired by the RS-3413xs+:
http://www.ducquang415.com/view_product-183031/nas-synology-rackstation-rs3413xs/
As far as the VM’s, after you offered to play a 1080p Youtube, I realized I must have something configured wrong as I was in single digit fps for 360p youtube. I found the mistake I made, somehow I duplicated an early test vm with cirrus graphics instead of vmvga. A couple of changes and the performance is decently smooth now. Thanks for the offer to test.
Can you please elaborate how the fan is not compatible? Was there a solution or did it work ‘good enough?’
Hello Ian,
you probably won’t get a response, but he meant that the included fan does not fully work with Synology Duty Cycle from 0% to 100%. For example if the system want to idle on 10% duty cycle but the fan will not spin. Unless you disable adaptive fan speed controller, which would then push 100% for the fan all the time.
So he advise that you can replace the 60mm PWM fan on the K666 dynatron, to get the desired result.
What is the max RAM you can put in this with a Xeon? Synology says max 6gb RAM with the i3 config.
I had 32GB RAM installed in an 4*8GB configuration. Synology doesn’t state the correct max for most of their products. You normally check the CPU/Chipset memory controller max capacity on Intel website.
Thanks! One more question. I would be ruining VM’s within DSM using the Virtual Machine app. I know the Control Panel will show an i3 is installed….but I am wondering if the VM app will see all the cores on a Xeon. I think Synology VM allows 2 VMs per core. So an i3 would allow a total of 4 VMs and the Xeon would allow a total of 8 VMs.
Just a quick update for you, the VMM app I have (2.3.3-9020 somewhat out of date) has the limit for VM cores as 2 per physical thread, so I can run 16 virtual cores on my Xeon. I haven’t messed with the priority or reserved thread functions. Memory cannot be over-allocated. I would however recommend using a set of mirrored SSDs, as VMs tend to have quite a bit of small random disk usage. I started bumping into slow disk access even with just one VM if the NAS was under sustained usage.
I also haven’t had time to try this but installing the system to the mirrored SSD by waiting until fully configured to install the spinning disks is supposedly quite a bit faster in app / system response and performance. DSM 7 may get a better SSD usage options, but that’s not going to be easily available for the RS3412.
Is there someone who can describe the type of usable DDR3 modules with the E3-1260L
Thanks!
Hi Peter, I’ve used 4* 8GB Kingston KVR16LE11/8 to make 32GB. Has the following specifications 1600MHz DDR3L ECC CL11 DIMM 1.35V, make sure you get ECC non buffered type (registered don’t work). DDR3L voltage can automatically switch to 1.5V if the system isn’t compatible, I’m sure the DDR3 should work too.
Hello Poyu,
So I need DDR3 memory with a front side bus 1600 Mhz and ECC. None ECC doesn’t work!
Is it also possible to start first with 2* 8Gb modules?
Thanks for your advice.
I was hoping to gain faster encrypted folders using DSM 6.2.3 and DS3624xs with E3-1260L, but it did not help.
Apparently AES-NI feature is not being used by folder encryption as the Geekbench via Docker does detect AES and shows substatial gains.
Oh well.
Otherwise it is working fine, 32GB of RAM and all. Ready for another decade of storage (coming from DS1512+ that I bought new).
Thanks Andy for your response, it seems that Synology DSM does not acknowledge the AES-NI feature. Though at least the docker and virtual machines can utilise the AES-NI, have fun with your speedy Synology.
Hi,
Need some help from you guys.
My RS3411 is unable to update DSM from 6.2.2-24922 update 4 ->6.2.3-25426 for the past few weeks. Error Incompatible file. So I contact Synology TS and they SSH into my box today and said my CPU is faulty but the box is running fine. My box is long over warranty so now thinking to change the CPU and try whether can continue using this box.
Can I ask after change the CPU can u still update the DSM?
regards,
ck
I wonder how they concluded the CPU is faulty? Haven’t heard of that gen CPU failing, but if they think everything else is working but the CPU there is no harm in trying.
To answer your point about changing CPU, they shouldn’t be able to detect that you haved change the CPU to another Intel i3-2100. I haven’t got any more Synology product, but they don’t do CPU checks for firmware update last time I’ve checked. So if you wish to upgrade the CPU to a faster or efficient you can do so but you need to remember that the RS3411xs/RS3411RPxs uses ECC Ram.
To keep ECC you need to use only Intel Sandy bridge i3 or Xeon CPU such as i3-2120 or Xeon E3-1260L.
You will lose ECC when adding an i5 and i7 and have more issues with those CPU.
Hi,
I got another email after I challenge them about cpu failure. They come back and tell me now its not cpu but its the motherboard failure instead. They said they cannot detect the onboard micontroller using SSH. I see there is a DOM module and one chip on board with synology sticker on top. Guess maybe some FPGA or microcontroller. They claim its safe to continue using the NAS even if its failed just cannot update DSM.
So I went around and goggle a bit more. Found one post that point this error to change of power supply which I did sometime time. Mine is a redundant power supply, one module died and it cost more than 500USD to change the psu. So I tear it out and put a 400watt ATX power supply instead and enjoy like 20db less noise. But there is this special 5pin connector from the redundant psu to the motherboard which my ATX psu do not have. That online guy went around it by making a custom cable and fool the motherboard and managed to update the DSM. He never post the custom cable info so I am going to study how to make one also. Wish me luck.
Nice that you manage to resolve the issue by just changing the PSU, I’m right there with you with changing PSU to something quieter. I’ve made my own adapters for QNAP where you can do this modification as QNAP uses a custom 20-pin connector. I will check out Synology whenever I get my hands on one again. Have fun, atleast you got it working.
Hi,
For information it is also possible on the DS3611xs and DS3612xs.
On my DS3611xs change of the i3-2100 by a Xeon E3-1265L 2.40GHz (like E3-1260L) with 4*4GB RAM 1333MHz non ECC
Hi maxou56, the Intel Xeon E3-1265L may requires the bios to have the updated microcode. But it does look like it compatible, but since it was not officially on Intel website it be hard to know without putting it in and hope for the best. I would stick to official releases as Synology would most likely support it.
Just let us know if the E3-1265L works, as I no longer have the server any more.
Hi,
Thanks for the return, I ordered the E3-1260L, but received the E3-1650L.
Works fine between January with DS3611xs and 16GB Ram non-ECC. (Upgrade, reboot, Docker, VM…)
Now under DSM 6.2.3-25426 U2.
https://browser.geekbench.com/v5/cpu/1082228
Nice, thanks for the follow up. It seems that the E3-1265L works fine, the specification should be the same as the E3-1260L. Though can’t compare your result to my geekbench 4.
Do you have any practical tips on how to upgrade the processor found in the RS4017xs+? It comes with a modest eight-core 2.1GHz D-1541 Xeon CPU which was released way back in 2015. The slow CPU could be described as its Achilles heel. Also, can the CPU be upgraded without voiding the warranty?
Hi, the Intel Xeon D-15XX series are not socket, so you can’t easily upgrade the CPU. The CPU is soldered to the motherboard, most of Synology newer products now are non-replaceable CPU and possibly soldered RAM too.
Know its been a couple years since you wrote this, but wanted to say thanks. Just followed this guide to upgrade my rs3412PRxs CPU to the E3-1260L and also did the upgrade from 2GB RAM to 32GB. All in it was right around $200 from ebay. That much RAM for me is probably overkill, but figured why not, especially since now i can throw a bunch more Dockers on there without worry. 🙂 Great value upgrades!
For my Plex server, transcoding a 65Mbps 1080p H264 movie was pegging my CPU at 99% with constant buffer stutters because it could not keep up. Now that I use the 1260L, it still spikes to 90%, but hovers around 80-85% for same movie transcode with no buffering stops. Breathing a bit more life into my system for super cheap costs ($35USD). Wish I could throw in something much more powerful, but sounds like that is a nightmare with the ECC reboots. I would rather not play with fire.
Thanks again! Take care.
Thank you Daniel, it’s always good to hear from people that finds these guides useful. It’s a good time to buy these CPU replacement due to newer tech always bringing prices lower, by just replacing it you have given your system more performance than replacing the whole thing.
It’s a shame that consumer without ECC just don’t play nice with this device correctly, and sadly that Synology are avoiding replaceable CPU. Though enjoy your new system! 🙂
Daniel tell us please what kind of modules you are using now (4x8GB).
I want to upgrade my DS3611xs, but it´s quite difficult to buy KVR16LE11/8.
I have offers for KVR16LE11/8HB and KVR16LE11/8KF but I´m not sure if it will be ok.
Hi Daniel,
I no longer own the Synology, but either one looks like it is compatible. They are un-buffered and ECC which should work, but in most cases I can’t tell you 100% which of the RAM module would. So pick one with a good return policy just encase it doesn’t boot.
Hi guys,
Just wanted to say that because of this article I also decided to upgrade my RS3412xs, I used 4 x 8GB DDR3 ECC non-reg @ 1600Mhz. Since I had to wait for the Xeon to arrive, I decided to put in an Intel Core i7 2600.
Everything runs fine, even rebooting the NAS works perfectly now. Don’t know if thats because of newer DSM but I am happy.
I know the ECC function is no longer working but we are using it te record camera streams.
Congrats, glad that it all worked out. Sorry for the late response, moved house and my entire network has changed. Still good to hear that people still bring life into their old working system, shame that many manufactures prefer that you buy new new all the time.
Hi. I’ve upgraded my RS3412RPxs with a Intel Xeon E3-1240 and 32GB ECC ram. Do you know where and what file to edit to change the cpu reference and core/threads to display correct information in the info center ?
It isn’t essential. Refer to https://github.com/FOXBI/ch_cpuinfo, /usr/syno/synoman/webman/modules/AdminCenter.
Thanks for your answer. I know, it’s not essential, but I like to see the real information, just for fun.
Anyone know where to find a RS3411xs motherboard or if I can replace it with something else inside because it not turning ON or if yes just flash blue light.
Try turning on the device with one RAM module, if you changed the CPU put the original back to check if it boots.
Could be a issue with the USB DOM firmware, but to get another motherboard is to find a used one on eBay. There are specialists out there that can help such as synologyonline.com. I no longer own Synology products, so I can’t help any further. Asking Synology customer support may provide you the motherboard at a premium if you are desperate.
It was working fine I upgraded the CPU and Ram let it copy the data over the night and was still coping and in morning was installing VVM and making a Virtual host when it crashed and was thinking had a memory problem and when I check was off. I tried to turn it on and was blue flashing. Sometimes it does not turn on also. On the board the 2 led are green but on if flashing very fast green. So I think is the motherboard unluckily. Tried ebay but did not find any board for sale unluckily. I will ask the link you gave me.
Thanks for the help.