Synology UC3200 12-Bay Unified Controller SAN Enclosure

Overview

The Synology UC3200 is a 12-bay unified controller SAN enclosure designed for organizations that require continuous data availability and scalable storage. It features dual active controllers powered by quad-core Intel Xeon D-1521 processors and 16 GB of ECC DDR4 memory, ensuring uninterrupted service even if one controller fails. With up to 192 TB of raw capacity from SAS drives and the ability to expand to 576 TB using two RXD1219sas expansion units, this system supports growing data needs without disruption.

Its robust design supports demanding workloads such as virtual desktop infrastructure and high-transaction databases, while advanced data protection and flexible networking options make it a reliable choice for enterprise environments.

Key features

• Dual active controllers provide continuous data access by automatically taking over if one controller fails, minimizing downtime.
• 12 SAS drive bays offer substantial raw storage capacity, expandable through additional RXD1219sas units to accommodate growing data requirements.
• Memory expansion up to 128 GB ECC DDR4 helps maintain consistent performance during intensive tasks and protects against memory errors.
• Comprehensive RAID support including 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD, and F1 configurations for flexible data protection and performance optimization.
• Hardware-based AES-NI encryption and support for self-encrypting drives secure data at rest with minimal impact on system speed.
• Networking versatility with four 1 GbE and two 10 GbE ports per controller, supporting link aggregation for increased throughput and failover protection.
• Two PCIe 3.0 slots allow installation of additional network adapters or Fibre Channel cards to meet specialized connectivity needs.
• Snapshot Replication enables up to 4,096 point-in-time copies across the system, facilitating rapid recovery from accidental data loss or ransomware.
• Certified compatibility with VMware, Hyper-V, OpenStack, and Windows ODX simplifies integration into virtualized and cloud environments.
• Browser-based management software streamlines storage provisioning, monitoring, and maintenance tasks for IT administrators.
• Five-year warranty includes hardware replacement and expert technical support, providing long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Key specs

• Drive bays: 12 SAS bays
• Maximum raw capacity: 192 TB (expandable to 576 TB with two RXD1219sas units)
• Processor: Dual quad-core Intel Xeon D-1521
• Memory: 16 GB ECC DDR4 (expandable to 128 GB)
• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD, F1
• Network ports per controller: Four 1 GbE and two 10 GbE
• Expansion slots: Two PCIe 3.0
• Snapshot capacity: Up to 4,096 system-wide snapshots
• Encryption: AES-NI hardware encryption and self-encrypting drive support
• Warranty: Five years with hardware replacement and technical support

Connectivity and compatibility

The UC3200 offers extensive networking options to fit into diverse IT infrastructures. Each controller includes multiple Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be aggregated to boost bandwidth or provide redundancy. The two PCIe 3.0 slots allow for further customization with additional network or Fibre Channel cards, enabling seamless integration with SAN environments.

Its certification for VMware, Hyper-V, OpenStack, and Windows ODX ensures smooth operation within virtualized platforms, making it easier for administrators to provision and manage storage across multiple hypervisors from a single interface.

Performance and reliability

Equipped with dual active controllers and ECC memory, the UC3200 maintains high availability and data integrity under heavy workloads. The system’s RAID options and snapshot capabilities provide multiple layers of data protection, while hardware encryption safeguards sensitive information without compromising speed. This combination supports environments where uptime and data security are critical, such as enterprise data centers and media production facilities.

Ideal uses and environments

This SAN enclosure is well suited to businesses that cannot afford downtime and require scalable storage solutions. It fits well in virtualized environments, video production teams managing large media libraries, and organizations with growing data needs that prefer gradual expansion without migrating data. IT teams looking for a reliable, high-performance storage platform with comprehensive data protection will find the UC3200 a strong choice.