Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) has long been one of the most respected operating systems in the NAS world. With DSM 7.3, Synology has introduced meaningful changes that address flexibility, compatibility, and storage management. Many of these updates are the direct result of community feedback, and while there is plenty to like, there are also a few points of caution worth considering.
The Highlights of DSM 7.3
Drive freedom returns
One of the most welcome changes in DSM 7.3 is the decision to roll back the strict policy that limited specific Synology models to Synology-branded hard drives only. With this update, many of the 2025 models can now accept third-party drives like WD Red and Seagate IronWolf.
- Non-Synology drives now provide the same reporting and health checks as the company’s own branded drives.
- Storage pools built on third-party drives can function normally without warning messages in most cases.
- This change restores choice and flexibility for users who prefer to select their own drives rather than being locked into Synology’s options.
It is worth noting that while traditional hard drives are now more open, restrictions still remain on NVMe drives that are used for caching or storage pools.
Smarter data movement
DSM 7.3 enhances file tiering by automatically placing frequently accessed files on SSDs while moving less active files to hard drives. This balances performance and cost, especially in hybrid storage setups.
Better integration support
Synology continues to improve the APIs behind its services. DSM 7.3 expands integration options for Synology Drive, Office, MailPlus, and Calendar, making it easier to connect a NAS to external tools and workflows.
Security and stability improvements
Every DSM release puts a focus on security, and 7.3 continues that trend. Expect stronger auditing, more granular roles, and improved integrity checks.
Greater hardware flexibility
By reducing warnings and compatibility barriers when using non-Synology hard drives, DSM 7.3 takes a more balanced approach to hardware support. This gives users more freedom while still keeping reliability in mind.
The Drawbacks and Risks
NVMe restrictions remain
Although traditional drive restrictions have been eased, NVMe SSDs still face limitations. Many models only allow specific Synology-approved NVMe drives, which can limit performance upgrades for workloads like video editing, databases, or virtualization.
Legacy and third-party app support
As with earlier DSM-7 versions, some features from DSM-6 are no longer available. Third-party apps may require updates or may not work at all, depending on the developer. Before upgrading, it is essential to confirm that critical apps are supported.
Possible bugs or regressions
Whenever core systems are updated, there is always a chance of unexpected issues. With DSM 7.3 changing how drives are handled, some users may encounter unusual warnings or compatibility quirks when mixing different drive types.
Hardware limitations
Not every Synology model supports the same features. File tiering, advanced caching, or other improvements may require higher specifications. Always check your device model before expecting the full benefits of DSM 7.3.
Trust and community concerns
Many users remain skeptical of Synology’s long-term approach. Some feel the original restrictions were profit-driven rather than technical, and they worry that this new flexibility may not last.
Upgrade risks
Upgrading a production NAS always comes with some risk. If an update introduces a problem, rolling back is not always straightforward. Having a full backup plan and testing in a non-critical environment first is essential.
Best Practices Before Upgrading
- Test DSM 7.3 on a secondary or non-critical system if possible.
- Back up all critical data and configurations before updating.
- Confirm that your specific NAS model supports the new features.
- Verify that your essential apps are compatible.
- Monitor logs and system health closely after the update.
Final Thoughts
DSM 7.3 is a strong update that brings back much-needed flexibility and shows that Synology is listening to its user base. The removal of strict complex drive rules alone will make many long-time users happy. However, this is not a perfect update. NVMe restrictions still exist, third-party apps may require extra attention, and there are the usual risks that come with any major system upgrade.
For most users, DSM 7.3 is a step forward and a welcome correction to earlier policies. The key is to approach the upgrade carefully, prepare for possible issues, and take advantage of the added freedom it brings.
Culligan Technology LLC 
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