Re: RN526X Hardware Cache on Motherboard.

michaeldowns · ‎2021-02-17

Hi All,

I have 2 RN526Xs and while upgrading RAM to 32GB on each, I have noticed that the bottom of the mobo has an open slot.

I have a couple of questions:

1) is it a M.2 slot or mSATA?

2) is such a cache memory upgrade supported in the OS v6.10.4?

Thanks,

mdd

StephenB · ‎2021-02-18

@michaeldowns wrote:

2) is such a cache memory upgrade supported in the OS v6.10.4?

No, and just opening the chassis could have voided your warranty.

@michaeldowns wrote:

1) is it a M.2 slot or mSATA?

Information here says it is mSATA: https://community.netgear.com/t5/New-ReadyNAS-Users-General/Add-SSD-drive-s-to-RN528X/m-p/1805740#M3...

michaeldowns · ‎2021-02-18

Thanks StephenB,

Performance improvement is worth the risk of warranty. The memeory expansion from 4GB to 32GB has been excellent.

So, from what you mention, adding a mSata to the open slot will not affect NAS apps (Plex, etc.) performance; correct?

Just to be clear.

Thanks again,

mdd

StephenB · ‎2021-02-18

@michaeldowns wrote:

adding a mSata to the open slot will not affect NAS apps (Plex, etc.) performance; correct?

Just to be clear.

Based on other posts here: The web ui and the ReadyNAS software ignore it, and you'd need to use ssh to format it and mount it. Plex and other apps won't use it, unless you do something in ssh to change their configuration.

@michaeldowns wrote:

Performance improvement is worth the risk of warranty. The memeory expansion from 4GB to 32GB has been excellent.

Just trying to respond to your original questions...

But just to follow up - what memory modules did you use, and what performance gain did you see?

michaeldowns · ‎2021-02-18

Hi StephenB,

Thanks for that.

I did follow up on the link you sent and found more about the failed ssh attempts at adding a SSD on the open M.2 slot.

It seems that it would be useless to attempt to add a SSD for the purpose of a fast cache.

The memory replaced the single 4GB stick with 2 x 16GB sticks.

Timetec Hynix IC 32GB KIT (2x16GB) DDR4 2400MHz PC4-19200 Unbuffered ECC 1.2V CL17 2Rx8 Dual Rank 288 Pin UDIMM Server Memory RAM Module Upgrade (32GB KIT (2x16GB))

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NQ1KW9H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Prviously, the 4GB memory usage would often be maxed out causing an fairly unresponsive server.

The performance has improved for large amounts of file transfers by about 30%.

By that i mean RSync backups from RN526-1 to RN526-2 takes that much less time.

Also Plex performance has improved almost 100% by measuring the time to scan a very large library of media.and for video transcoding tasks.

Thanks again,

mdd

StephenB · ‎2021-02-18

@michaeldowns wrote:

The performance has improved for large amounts of file transfers by about 30%.

By that i mean RSync backups from RN526-1 to RN526-2 takes that much less time.

Also Plex performance has improved almost 100% by measuring the time to scan a very large library of media.and for video transcoding tasks.

Thx for following up with the performance numbers.

One last question - are you using a single gigabit network connection for your rsync backup test? Or are you using some form of bonding or 10gbase-T?

michaeldowns · ‎2021-02-18

@StephenB wrote:
@michaeldowns wrote:

The performance has improved for large amounts of file transfers by about 30%.
By that i mean RSync backups from RN526-1 to RN526-2 takes that much less time.
Also Plex performance has improved almost 100% by measuring the time to scan a very large library of media.and for video transcoding tasks.

Thx for following up with the performance numbers.

One last question - are you using a single gigabit network connection for your rsync backup test? Or are you using some form of bonding or 10gbase-T?

No problem at all.

Both ports are bonded, Team XOR 3+4 at 1 gigabit.

Have not yet moved to a 10 gigabit switch.

mdd