Synology RackStation RS3411xs Review (10 Bay NAS)

1. Introduction2. Synology RackStation RS3411xs3. The DiskManager Operating System4. Testing Methodology and Performance5. Acoustics, Temperatures and Power Drain6. Closing Thoughts7. View All Pages

We take the issue of noise very seriously at KitGuru and this is why we have built a special home brew system as a reference point when we test noise levels of various components.

Why do this? Well this means we can eliminate secondary noise pollution in the test room and concentrate on components we are testing. It also brings us slightly closer to industry standards, such as DIN 45635.

As this can be a little confusing for people, here are various dBa ratings in with real world situations to help describe the various levels.

KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refridgerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum

Noise was measured from half a meter away with 10x 500GB drives installed.

With Rack based devices, noise levels are normally higher, due to the use of smaller performance oriented fans. We recorded over 40dBa when all drives were heavily loaded for a few hours. Generally the emissions shift between 34dBa and 37 dBa. Noise isn't such a critical matter for a rack device, considering they are normally stacked in dedicated, locked, air conditioned rooms.

With 10 x 500GB drives installed, we measured around 130Watts under load from the socket.

For temperature testing, our room environment was maintained at 23c with air conditioning.

The fan profile is configured in an aggressive stance ramping up even with slight ambient increases, ensuring that temperatures remain as low as possible at all times – it is imperative in a business environment that all the hard drives in the RS3411xs remain as cool as possible. In this regard the RS3411s is flawless, with all 10 drives remaining within 33-34c.

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