How to Install Memory in a QNAP NAS: TS, TVS and TDS Series

QNAP NAS memory covers more ground than any other NAS line: DDR5 UDIMM in the newest all-flash and tower models, DDR4 SODIMM across the TS-4 and TS-6 desktops, full-size UDIMM in many rackmounts, ECC RDIMM in the enterprise units, and DDR3L in the oldest generations. How you reach the slots varies as much as the module type, from a drive-tray-out access on a tower to a full cover and controller removal on an enterprise rackmount. This guide covers which memory each QNAP takes, how the install goes, and what to check if the NAS does not start.

Which memory does your QNAP take?

Match your exact model, printed on the label on the unit and shown in QTS or QuTS hero under Control Panel, System, System Status, to the table. Every model links to its NEMIX listing, and the listing names the module type, speed and ECC type QNAP specifies for that unit. The suffix matters: a TS-h973AX and a TS-873A are different machines, as are the TS-464 and the TS-464U.

DDR3L, DDR4 and DDR5 are keyed differently and do not fit each other's slots, and SODIMM, UDIMM and RDIMM are different modules. Several models list both an ECC and a non-ECC option. QNAP's own guidance is to use either all ECC or all non-ECC modules in a unit, because mixing them makes the ECC modules run as non-ECC. Some models also have memory soldered to the board, so check the specification for your exact model before you buy. The QNAP NAS memory guide covers every model in more detail, and you can search by QNAP part number in the QNAP part number collection.

Before you start

• Know QNAP's guidance. QNAP's product pages and hardware guides advise using only QNAP memory modules, and an older QNAP RAM upgrade guide for the TS-870 Pro states that other modules void the warranty. Check QNAP's warranty terms for your model and region. NEMIX RAM modules are researched, matched, and compatibility-tested by NEMIX RAM and are backed by a lifetime warranty, and each listing is built to the module type and speed QNAP specifies for the model.
• Keep the original module. Store it in an anti-static bag. If the NAS does not start with the new memory, putting the original back confirms the unit is healthy and is what QNAP support will ask about first.
• Match the modules. On dual-DIMM models QNAP calls for a pair of identical modules. On the larger RDIMM units, QNAP calls for matched groups of identical modules. Do not mix ECC and non-ECC, and do not mix RDIMM with LRDIMM.
• Back up your data and have a small Phillips screwdriver and a clear, soft work surface. Follow anti-static precautions and avoid touching the metal contacts.
• Power the NAS down completely. Shut it down from QTS or QuTS hero, wait until it is off, and unplug the power cord and every other cable before you open it.

How to install memory in a QNAP NAS

Step 1: Note the current memory

Sign in as an administrator and open Control Panel, System, System Status, Hardware Information. Write down the total memory. You will check the same page after the upgrade.

Step 2: Shut down and unplug

Shut the NAS down from the QNAP interface, wait until the power light goes out, then unplug the power cord and every network, USB and expansion cable. Do not change memory with the power on.

Step 3: Open the unit

This differs by model. QNAP publishes the steps in the hardware user guide for each unit, available from the downloads section of its support site. Published guides show these layouts:

• TS-h973AX. QNAP's guide has you remove the drive trays from bays 1 to 5, note each drive's bay so the trays return to their original positions, and lay the unit on its left side to reach the slots. It does not call for removing a cover.
• TS-462, TS-464 and TS-664. A published guide removes the front cover (slide the lock on the left side up, slide the cover to the left and pull it off) and then the drive trays before reaching the two memory slots.
• TS-h2490FU. QNAP's guide has you remove the chassis cover and chassis controller. The 16 slots are labeled by channel A to H, and modules are replaced in identical groups of eight.
• TS-h1090FU. QNAP's guide removes the top screws and rear panel screws, slides the cover back and lifts it off. The blue slots are populated first, with identical modules.

For every other model, use the hardware user guide for your exact unit from QNAP, or send us your model and we will tell you what we know before you open it. Older models can need far more disassembly, so take photos as you go.

Step 4: Release the old module if replacing

Push both retention clips outward at the same time. The module tilts up. Hold it by its edges and slide it straight out. If a module is not fully released, do not force it, because that can damage the module and the board.

Step 5: Seat the new module

Line up the notch in the module with the rib or key in the slot. Insert the module until the metal contacts are fully seated, then press down gently until the retaining clips lock. The module should seat without force. If it resists, check the orientation and the memory type.

Step 6: Reassemble and power on

Refit the cover or controller and every screw, slide each drive tray back into the bay it came from, close and lock the tray handles, reconnect the cables and press the power button.

Step 7: Confirm the new total in QTS or QuTS hero

Sign in as an administrator and open Control Panel, System, System Status, Hardware Information. The total memory should show the new capacity. Leave the NAS under your normal workload for a while and check that it stays stable.

If the NAS does not start or shows less memory

1. Shut down, unplug the power cord and open the unit again.
2. Reseat each module until the clips lock.
3. Check the memory type against the table: DDR3L, DDR4 or DDR5, SODIMM, UDIMM or RDIMM, ECC or non-ECC, and the speed listed for your model.
4. Try one module at a time. If a single module works and the pair does not, the pair may not match.
5. If the unit powers on but QTS or QuTS hero does not load, remove the new module and start with the original, then tell us your model and we will help with the right module.

How much memory should you install?

File sharing and backup run well on the factory memory. Virtual machines and containers, Plex, surveillance, and ZFS on QuTS hero all benefit from more. QuTS hero uses memory heavily for its ZFS cache, so units that run it tend to reward a larger upgrade than the same unit on QTS. The largest figures in the table are the specification maximums: 192GB on the DDR5 UDIMM tower and flash models, 4TB on the TS-h2490FU, and 8GB on most DDR3L units. Do not exceed the maximum QNAP specifies for your model.

Find your memory

• QNAP NAS memory upgrades by model, every QNAP listing.
• The QNAP memory hub page and the QNAP memory guide.
• By type: DDR5 ECC UDIMM, DDR5 non-ECC SODIMM, DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM, DDR4 ECC UDIMM and DDR4 ECC RDIMM.
• Other brands: NAS memory by brand.

Buying for several NAS

NEMIX RAM is a US-based memory specialist, in business since 1993. Every module is researched, matched, and compatibility-tested by NEMIX RAM, is JEDEC-compliant, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Offices, schools and integrators that run several QNAP units can standardize on one kit per model. Purchase orders, net terms and volume pricing are available. Request a quote with your NAS models and quantities, or contact our sales team.

NEMIX RAM is an independent memory supplier and is not affiliated with QNAP. QNAP, QTS and QuTS hero are trademarks of their respective owners, used only to identify compatible systems. Layouts are summarized from QNAP hardware guides and published upgrade guides; follow the instructions for your exact model.