Why Is Synology Not Using Intel Gpu – A Complete Guide!
Synology avoids Intel GPUs in NAS devices as their focus is on storage, data management, and network performance, reducing costs and complexity.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this decision, discuss alternative solutions, and look at the broader context of Synology’s choices in hardware and software design.
What Is Synology and Why Does It Matter?
Synology is a company known for its NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices, which allow users to store, manage, and access large amounts of data across a network. These devices are popular for file sharing, media streaming, data protection, and hosting applications. Synology’s NAS solutions are trusted for their reliability, ease of use, and powerful features. They are especially favored by businesses and tech enthusiasts due to their high-performance hardware, including processors, memory, and graphics capabilities.
Understanding the Role of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs):
Before diving into why Synology does not use Intel GPUs, it’s important to understand the role of GPUs in computing. A GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, is a specialized piece of hardware designed to accelerate image rendering, video playback, and complex computational tasks that would otherwise rely on the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
In consumer devices like computers and gaming consoles, GPUs are crucial for tasks like gaming, video editing, and running complex software. However, in the case of NAS devices, the requirements for GPU power are usually less intensive. Since NAS devices typically handle file storage, data management, and network functions, the need for high-end graphics performance is not as critical as it would be in a gaming PC or workstation.
Synology’s Focus on CPU and Storage Performance:
Synology NAS devices are designed to be storage and data management hubs, rather than high-performance multimedia systems. The company prioritizes features such as:
- Data Storage and Backup: Synology’s primary focus is on making sure that files are stored securely and are easily accessible from multiple devices.
- Data Protection: Synology offers advanced data protection technologies such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), ensuring that data is safe from disk failures.
- Network Performance: Since NAS devices are used in network environments, Synology optimizes network performance, offering high-speed connections and protocols such as SMB, NFS, and iSCSI.
Given this focus, Synology doesn’t rely heavily on the GPU. Instead, they opt for CPUs (often from Intel or ARM) that balance power and efficiency to handle network functions and storage operations effectively.
Also read: What Is A Video Card – A Simple Guide For Everyone!
The Lack of Intel GPUs in Synology NAS Devices:
So, why is Synology not using Intel GPUs? There are several factors that explain this decision:
Limited GPU Needs for NAS Functions:
NAS devices are typically not used for tasks that demand high graphics performance, such as gaming, 3D rendering, or video editing. In fact, most NAS devices perform file management and backup operations, tasks that don’t require a powerful GPU.
Synology’s NAS devices are optimized for data processing, storage management, and network-related tasks rather than tasks that require heavy graphics rendering. As a result, including an Intel GPU, which is often focused on graphics-intensive tasks, would add unnecessary cost and complexity to the product without significantly improving the overall performance.
Intel’s Integrated Graphics vs. Discrete GPUs:
Intel processors often come with integrated graphics (iGPU), which are basic GPUs designed to handle basic visual tasks such as displaying images, playing videos, and running light applications. While these iGPUs are useful for general computing needs, they are far from the high-performance GPUs used in gaming PCs or workstations.
Synology, however, tends to focus on processing power rather than graphics processing power. The CPUs they choose (mostly Intel or ARM-based chips) provide enough computing power for their NAS functions without needing additional GPU support. In fact, adding a dedicated Intel GPU or even relying on the iGPU might not provide significant benefits to NAS users, since the majority of tasks do not require the use of advanced graphics.
Cost Efficiency:
Adding an Intel GPU, whether integrated or discrete, would increase the cost of manufacturing the NAS device. Since most Synology users don’t require the extra graphical power, this would unnecessarily raise the price of the product without delivering much added value.
Synology is known for providing affordable yet powerful NAS solutions, and keeping costs low is a key aspect of their business model. By focusing on CPUs and using specialized hardware for data storage and management, Synology can keep costs down while still offering high-performing devices.
Energy Efficiency:
Graphics processing units, especially high-performance ones, tend to consume more power. Synology designs their NAS devices to be energy-efficient, which is particularly important for businesses and users who keep their NAS systems running 24/7. Adding a dedicated GPU would increase power consumption, potentially making Synology’s NAS units less attractive to customers who prioritize energy efficiency.
Since most NAS tasks don’t require a powerful GPU, it makes sense for Synology to avoid adding the energy consumption associated with Intel GPUs.
ARM-Based CPUs:
Another reason why Synology may not be using Intel GPUs is their increasing reliance on ARM-based processors for many of their NAS devices. ARM processors are known for their low power consumption and high efficiency, which makes them an attractive option for NAS devices that need to run continuously but with minimal energy use.
ARM processors often come with integrated graphics, meaning there is less need for a dedicated GPU. Synology has incorporated ARM processors into several of their models, which further reduces the need for Intel’s discrete GPUs or even integrated iGPUs.
Focus on Software Over Hardware:
Synology’s NAS devices excel in part due to their software offerings, particularly the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), which provides a comprehensive, user-friendly interface for managing files, backups, and network services. DSM’s software optimizations mean that users don’t need a powerful GPU to get the most out of their NAS device.
By focusing on efficient software and user experience, Synology allows its NAS devices to function optimally without the need for significant hardware upgrades. This focus on software-based optimization rather than hardware boosts performance without the added cost and complexity of Intel GPUs.
Alternatives to Intel GPUs in Synology Devices:
While Synology may not be using Intel GPUs in its NAS devices, it is important to note that the company does integrate other forms of hardware acceleration where necessary. For example:
- Hardware Transcoding for Video Streaming: Some Synology models feature hardware transcoding, which is typically handled by specialized hardware like the Video Transcoding Engine (VTE) instead of relying on an Intel GPU.
- Graphics Offload: For some more performance-intensive applications like AI processing, Synology integrates hardware like NVIDIA GPUs or uses software optimizations to offload these tasks.
This approach ensures that Synology users get the best possible performance for their needs without adding unnecessary components like an Intel GPU.
Also read: What Gpu Can An Old I3 Handle – A Simple Guide For Upgrading Your Pc!
How do I check my Synology GPU usage?
To check GPU usage on your Synology NAS, log into DSM and open Resource Monitor from the Main Menu. If your NAS has a GPU, you’ll see usage stats there. For more detailed monitoring, enable SSH in the Control Panel, then use commands like nvidia-smi for NVIDIA, intel_gpu_top for Intel, or radeontop for AMD GPUs via an SSH client. You can also track GPU usage in apps like Plex, Video Station, or Surveillance Station under performance settings.
FAQ’s
1. Why doesn’t Synology use Intel GPUs?
Synology prioritizes storage, network, and data management tasks, which don’t require high GPU power. This keeps costs down and improves energy efficiency.
2. Are Intel GPUs necessary for NAS devices?
No, NAS devices mainly handle file storage and data management, tasks that don’t require heavy GPU usage, making Intel GPUs unnecessary.
3. What does Synology use instead of Intel GPUs?
Synology focuses on efficient CPUs, including ARM processors, and specialized hardware like NVIDIA GPUs for tasks like transcoding and AI processing.
4. Does Synology use GPUs for video streaming?
Yes, some Synology NAS models use specialized hardware like the Video Transcoding Engine (VTE) for video transcoding, instead of relying on Intel GPUs.
5. How does Synology keep costs low without Intel GPUs?
By focusing on CPU efficiency, software optimization, and specialized hardware for specific tasks, Synology avoids unnecessary GPU costs while maintaining high performance.
Conclusion
Synology avoids using Intel GPUs in their NAS devices because their focus is on storage, data management, and network performance, tasks that do not require high GPU power. This helps keep costs low, improves energy efficiency, and maintains overall system reliability. By focusing on specialized hardware and software optimizations, Synology delivers high-performance solutions without the need for additional GPUs.
