Side-by-side specifications of the Synology DS1512+ and DS1513+, from official datasheets. Differences are highlighted.
| DS1512+ | DS1513+ | |
| CPU | Intel Atom D2700 | Intel Atom Dual Core 2.13 GHz |
| Cores / threads | 2 cores / 4 threads | 2 cores / 2 threads |
| RAM (base) | 1 GB | 2 GB DDR3 |
| RAM (max) | 3 GB | 4 GB |
| Drive bays | 5 | 5 |
| Expandable to | 10 (2× DX510) | 10 (2× DX513) |
| M.2 slots | 0 | 0 |
| Network | 2× Gigabit Ethernet | 4× Gigabit |
| 10GbE | no | no |
| Max raw capacity | 60 TB | 60 TB with 2× DX513 |
| Hot-swap | yes | yes |
| Form factor | desktop | Desktop |
| Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Power consumption | 50.6 W / unknown | 51 W / unknown |
| DSM at launch | 4.0 | — |
Choose the DS1513+ if you want the faster Atom CPU and 10GbE support, plus a higher RAM ceiling; it’s the better pick for heavier SMB use. Both are 5-bay units with expansion support, and neither has M.2. If your use is light home storage and price matters, the DS1512+ is fine, but the 1513+ is the more future-proof choice.