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Synology are using new white and green boxes, following a universal theme throughout the range. The model number of the device you bought is marked on the top of the box.
The box contains a power adapter, LAN cable, power cable, locking keys, mounting screws and a user manual and software disc. We do recommend you get the latest software from the Synology download website however, as the version supplied on the disc may be out of date.
The DS713+ is a small unit measuring 157 x 103.5 x 232 mm, It weighs only 1.69kg. You can't tell from the images, but the front and rear panels are plastic, but the main shell in the middle is metal.
The DS713+ has two drive bays on the front which are easily removed by pushing in at the top. The little hole on each bay at the bottom is used to lock the drives in place. Along the right side are various lights which indicate status and LAN activity. There is also a power button and USB port.
The rear of the unit has two Gigabit LAN connectors, two USB 3.0 ports and the power connector. There is also an eSATA header connector to hook up to the expansion units. A locking system is just above this.
The underneath of the unit isn't painted black, with four rubber feet offering stability on a variety of surfaces.
The two drive bays in the DS713+ are not metal, but a strong plastic. This is slightly disappointing, although to be expected considering the price range.
When the drive bays are removed it gives us a better view into the front of the unit. We can see the main motherboard on the right side and the SATA header daughtercard which is linked into the drive bay trays.
Removing the outer chassis takes a little time as there are multiple screws in both front and back panels. When these are loosened then the central section can be removed.
Synology are using a high grade Y.S. Tech fan in the DS713+. This is the FD129225LL-N, a popular 92mm fan that the company have used in many of their units recently.
The rear output board is slotted into the main motherboard. The motherboard is passively cooled, and there is an upgradable memory slot, which is quite easy to access. The 2.13ghz dual core processor is passively cooled and Synology include 1GB of DDR3 as standard.
The two drives slide in from the front of the unit, and lock into place on the daughtercard which slots directly into the motherboard.
Installing a hard drive is easy enough, simply slot into the drive bays and screw into place.
They make some great products, no doubt about it.
I dont have a nas yet, but I could do with one. Not sure id need this performance, but id like a 4 drive bay unit. any recommendations?
something like this would do the job http://www.synology.com/products/product.php?product_name=DS413j&lang=uk