Hardware

The DS410j is powered by the Marvell Kirkwood 88F6281 (88F6-B1A2) processor. This controller chip includes a 256KB L2 cache and typically operates between 1.0 and 1.2GHz, though Synology has downclocked it to 800MHz on this model. The Marvell chip doesn't feature any kind of passive cooling even when operating at 1.2GHz.

Unlike past Synology NAS devices that we've looked at, the DS410j doesn't feature a SO-DIMM for its memory. Instead, memory is soldered directly to the PCB. There is a single memory chip providing a 128MB capacity, the Elpida E1116AESE module works at 800MHz using CAS5-5-5 timings.

Also featured on the PCB are the Marvell 88SX7042 and Marvell 88E111SR-NNC1 controllers. The first is a PCI Express 4x SATA controller with support for up to 4 ports, while the other provides the DS410j with Gigabit LAN. It's also worth mentioning that Synology has gone with a 100% solid capacitor design, making this a more durable product.

The motherboard has no SATA data or power connectors as found on previous models. Rather there is a PCI Express x4 port which connects to another PCB featuring the hot-swappable connectors that rise up into the hard drive bay area. There are also two 3-pin fan headers located on the PCB which are used by default to power the dual 80mm fans.

There is just one more obvious ingredient that must be added: the hard drives. The DS410j compatibility list is quite broad, supporting a wide range of Hitachi, Maxtor, Samsung, Seagate and Western Digital hard drives.

Additionally, Synology is offering their NAS products with various pre-installed hard drive configurations which they've told us is a popular choice among consumers. The version they sent us featured a pair of Samsung HD753LJ (750GB) hard drives. We are not completely certain about the asking price for this particular version, Newegg.com lists 2TB and 4TB models for $600 and $900, respectively.