Overview

On supported models, DSM 7.2 allows you to create a regular volume on NVMe drives rather than using them only for caching.

NVMe volumes suit workloads that benefit from low latency and fast small file operations.

When an NVMe volume is useful

Use NVMe for hot data while keeping bulk storage on HDD arrays.

• Photo catalogs, previews, and application indexes
• Databases and metadata heavy apps
• Virtual machines with modest capacity demand

Compatibility and prerequisites

Confirm your model and slot support before buying drives.

• Check that your NAS supports NVMe volumes on DSM 7.2 or later
• Pick compatible NVMe drives and fit heatsinks if airflow is limited
• Update DSM and any drive firmware

Planning the layout

Place the right data on the NVMe volume to see real benefits.

• Choose RAID 1 or RAID 5 on NVMe depending on slot count and risk profile
• Keep snapshots and replication as you would on any volume
• Document which apps and shares will live on NVMe for fast recovery

Setup steps

A short sequence reduces surprises during migration.

• Update DSM and confirm NVMe detection in Storage Manager
• Create the NVMe storage pool and then a volume with your file system of choice
• Move selected apps or create new shared folders on the NVMe volume
• Verify permissions and scheduled tasks

Monitoring and maintenance

Track temperature and write endurance to keep performance stable.

• Schedule S M A R T tests and watch life indicators
• Ensure airflow across NVMe slots and add heatsinks when required
• Review logs monthly and test restores

FAQs

Quick answers to common questions.

• Will NVMe replace HDD arrays? Not for bulk capacity needs
• Do I need enterprise NVMe? Choose drives with suitable endurance for your workload
• Can I expand later? Depends on slot count and model support