Side-by-side specifications of the Synology FS2017 and FS2500, from official datasheets. Differences are highlighted.
| FS2017 | FS2500 | |
| CPU | Intel Xeon D-1541 2.1GHz | AMD Ryzen V1780B |
| Cores / threads | 8 cores / 16 threads | 4 cores / 8 threads |
| RAM (base) | 16 GB DDR4 ECC RDIMM | 8 GB DDR4 ECC UDIMM |
| RAM (max) | 128 GB | 32 GB |
| Drive bays | 24 | 12 |
| Expandable to | 72 with 2× RX2417sas | 0 |
| M.2 slots | 0 | 0 |
| Network | 4× 1GbE RJ-45, 2× 10GBase-T RJ-45 | 2 × 1GbE RJ-45; 2 × 10GbE RJ-45 |
| 10GbE | yes | yes |
| Max raw capacity | 48 TB internal raw | N/A |
| Hot-swap | yes | N/A |
| Form factor | 2U rackmount | 1U rackmount |
| Released | 2017 | 2025 |
| Power consumption | — | 74.83 W / N/A |
| DSM at launch | — | — |
Pick the FS2500 if you want the newer, much faster platform: it uses a modern AMD CPU, supports far more RAM, has 12 bays plus expansion support, and includes built-in 10GbE with M.2 slots for cache. The FS2017 is older, has a weaker Intel CPU, a much lower RAM ceiling, fewer bays and less expansion headroom, and lacks the same built-in modern I/O. For a home/SMB buyer, the FS2500 is the clear choice unless you’re buying only for a very cheap legacy setup.