Install Xpenology on Bare Metal PC/Server Easily

Installing Xpenology on Your Bare Metal PC/Server: A Comprehensive Guide

Xpenology provides a flexible solution to deploy Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) on non-Synology hardware, allowing you to leverage enterprise-level NAS features on your own PC or server. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to installing Xpenology on bare-metal systems, ensuring high compatibility and stability.

Prerequisites for Installing Xpenology

Before beginning the installation, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Hardware Compatibility: Xpenology runs best on systems with Intel or AMD CPUs supporting VT-x or AMD-V virtualization. Minimum 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended).

• Storage Devices: At least one dedicated drive for DSM installation. SSDs are recommended for better performance.

• Network Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet preferred for NAS operations and DSM updates.

• USB Drive: 2 GB or larger, formatted in FAT32, to serve as the bootable loader.

• DSM Installation File: Download the latest DSM .pat file compatible with your chosen Xpenology loader version. For a complete preparation checklist and setup guidance, visit the prerequisites for installing Xpenology: setting up Synology DSM on custom hardware. 

Selecting the Correct Xpenology Version

Xpenology loader compatibility depends on the DSM version you intend to run. Key considerations include:

• DSM Version: Ensure the loader matches the DSM version to avoid boot or installation failures. For example, DSM 7.x requires a DSM 7-compatible loader.

• Loader Type: Choose between the XPEnoboot legacy loader (for DSM 6.x) or Jun's Loader for DSM 7.x.

• Architecture Support: Confirm the loader supports your CPU architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Preparing the Bootable USB Drive

1. Download the Xpenology Loader
   Obtain the .img file for your target DSM version.

2. Write Loader to USB Drive
   Use software like Rufus (Windows) or dd (Linux/macOS) to write the .img file:

   sudo dd if=xpenology.img of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
   sync
   

3. Verify Bootable USB
   Ensure your system detects the USB drive in BIOS/UEFI as a bootable device.

BIOS Configuration for Bare Metal Installation

Correct BIOS settings are critical for stability:

• Enable AHCI Mode for SATA controllers.

• Disable Secure Boot to allow Xpenology to boot.

• Enable Virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V) if you plan to use future virtualization.

• Boot Order: Set the USB drive as the first boot device.

Booting Xpenology and Installing DSM

1. Boot from USB Loader
   Insert the USB and power on the system. The boot screen should display the Xpenology loader menu.

2. Network Detection
   The loader initializes networking; ensure the system receives a valid IP via DHCP. To better understand how to identify connectivity problems and ensure reliable performance, explore network detection: identifying devices, threats, and performance issues. 

3. Install DSM via Web Assistant

   • Access Synology Assistant or navigate to find.synology.com.

   • The NAS should appear; select it and upload the DSM .pat file.

   • Follow the installation prompts to complete setup.

4. First-Time Configuration

   • Set the admin password, system name, and network configuration.

   • Optionally configure storage pools and volumes during initial setup.

Post-Installation Configuration and Optimization

• DSM Updates: Disable automatic updates temporarily to prevent compatibility issues with the loader.

• Storage Pool Optimization: Use SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) or RAID 5/6 for redundancy.

• Package Center Setup: Install essential packages like Hyper Backup, File Station, and Docker.

• Network Optimization: Configure link aggregation if using multiple NICs.

• Scheduled Snapshots: Enable regular snapshots for data integrity and disaster recovery.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Xpenology empowers users to deploy Synology NAS features on personal hardware, providing cost-effective and flexible storage solutions. Following this structured approach ensures a stable and fully functional DSM installation on bare metal PC or server hardware, unlocking advanced NAS capabilities without the need for proprietary Synology devices.

About Epis Technology

At Epis Technology, we specialize in custom NAS solutions, enterprise data management, and secure cloud integration. Our team provides optimized configurations for Xpenology and Synology environments, ensuring stability, performance, and compliance with global data standards. We also deliver NAS security and privacy solutions designed for businesses seeking reliable storage, centralized backup, and digital privacy management. Partnering with Epis Technology ensures your systems remain efficient, secure, and future-ready.