Understanding NAS Synology SA3600 RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery, and Data Loss

Has your NAS Synology SA3600 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Understanding NAS Synology SA3600 RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery, and Data Loss

Synology SA3600 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an SA3600. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Understanding NAS Synology SA3600 RAID Controller Failure: Causes, Recovery, and Data Loss

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Synology often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

What is a NAS Synology SA3600 (Network Attached Storage) device?

The Synology SA3600 is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device manufactured by Synology Inc. It is a high-performance storage solution designed for enterprise-level businesses.

The SA3600 offers versatile storage capabilities, allowing businesses to store, manage, and protect their data effectively. It features a 12-bay design, supporting both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives, providing a large storage capacity. It also supports SSD caching for improved performance.

The device is powered by a powerful Intel Xeon processor and has a large memory capacity, enabling it to handle demanding workloads and multiple concurrent users. It offers high-speed connectivity options such as multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports and PCIe expansion slots for adding additional network cards or storage expansion units.

The SA3600 runs on Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which provides a user-friendly interface for managing and configuring the NAS. DSM offers a wide range of features, including data backup and synchronization, file sharing, multimedia streaming, and comprehensive security options.

Overall, the Synology SA3600 is a robust and scalable NAS solution suitable for businesses that require high-performance storage and advanced data management capabilities.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS SA3600 can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

  1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

    WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

  2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

  3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

  4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology SA3600. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Synology

How to recover data from a Synology

SA3600 has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR);
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 10;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 0;
  • Basic;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • Btrfs;
  • EXT4;
  • EXT3 (External Disk Only);
  • FAT32 (External Disk Only);
  • exFAT (External Disk Only);
  • NTFS (External Disk Only);
  • HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
  • User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

  2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

  3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Synology SA3600 network-attached storage keeps DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS SA3600, feel free to leave a comment!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the key advantages of using a NAS Synology SA3600 over regular external hard drives for data storage and backup?

    There are several key advantages of using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) like Synology SA3600 over regular external hard drives for data storage and backup:

    1. Scalability: NAS systems like Synology SA3600 offer the ability to expand storage capacity easily by adding additional hard drives or expanding existing ones. This allows for seamless scalability as your storage needs grow over time.
    2. Centralized storage: NAS provides a centralized storage solution accessible by multiple devices on the network. It allows you to consolidate all your data in one place, making it easier to manage and access files from different devices.
    3. Data redundancy: NAS systems support various RAID configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. If one drive fails, the data can be reconstructed from the remaining drives, ensuring data integrity and minimizing the risk of data loss.
    4. Data sharing and collaboration: NAS devices enable easy file sharing and collaboration among multiple users. You can set up user permissions and access controls, allowing different users to access specific files or folders, enhancing collaboration and productivity.
    5. Data backup and synchronization: NAS systems offer built-in backup and synchronization features. You can schedule automatic backups of your critical data to the NAS, ensuring that your files are protected and easily recoverable in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other data loss scenarios.
    6. Remote access and mobile apps: NAS devices often come with mobile apps and remote access capabilities, allowing you to access your files and data from anywhere using smartphones, tablets, or computers. This is particularly beneficial for remote workers or individuals who need access to their data on the go.
    7. Additional features and applications: NAS systems like Synology SA3600 offer a wide range of additional features and applications. These can include media streaming, surveillance station for video surveillance, virtualization support, cloud integration, and more, making it a versatile and feature-rich storage solution.

    Overall, the key advantages of using a NAS like Synology SA3600 over regular external hard drives are scalability, centralized storage, data redundancy, data sharing and collaboration, data backup and synchronization, remote access, and additional features and applications.

  • How does a NAS Synology SA3600 enhance data accessibility and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives?

    The NAS Synology SA3600 enhances data accessibility and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives in several ways:

    1. Centralized Storage: The SA3600 provides a centralized storage solution where all data is stored in a single location. This eliminates the need to connect multiple external hard drives to different devices, making it easier to manage and access data.
    2. Network Connectivity: The SA3600 is connected to the network, allowing multiple users to access and share data simultaneously. It supports various network protocols like SMB, NFS, FTP, and others, enabling seamless file sharing across different platforms and devices.
    3. User Access Control: The NAS offers advanced user access control features, allowing administrators to set permissions and restrictions for different users or user groups. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific files or folders, enhancing data security.
    4. File Synchronization and Collaboration: The SA3600 supports file synchronization and collaboration tools, such as Synology Drive and Office, which enable real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Multiple users can work on the same file simultaneously, improving productivity and teamwork.
    5. Remote Access: With the SA3600, users can access their data remotely using Synology's mobile apps or web-based interface. This enables easy access to files and folders from anywhere, anytime, using any device with an internet connection.
    6. Scalability: The SA3600 offers scalable storage capacity, allowing users to add additional hard drives or expand storage as their needs grow. This eliminates the hassle of constantly buying new external hard drives and transferring data between them.
    7. Data Protection and Backup: The SA3600 provides various data protection and backup features, including RAID configurations, snapshot technology, and backup to cloud services. These features help safeguard data against hardware failures, accidental deletions, or other data loss scenarios.

    Overall, the NAS Synology SA3600 offers a more efficient, secure, and collaborative data accessibility and sharing solution compared to traditional external hard drives.

  • In what ways does a NAS Synology SA3600 provide better data security and protection than regular external hard drives?

    The Synology SA3600 NAS (Network Attached Storage) provides several advantages in terms of data security and protection compared to regular external hard drives. Some of these include:

    1. Redundancy and data protection: The SA3600 supports various RAID configurations, allowing you to create redundant arrays of hard drives. This means that even if one or more drives fail, your data remains accessible and protected. In contrast, regular external hard drives typically do not offer any redundancy, leaving your data vulnerable to loss in case of drive failure.
    2. Data backup and replication: The SA3600 offers built-in backup and replication features, allowing you to create scheduled backups of your data to other NAS devices, remote servers, or cloud storage services. This ensures that even if your primary storage fails or gets damaged, you have an additional copy of your data for recovery. External hard drives usually require manual backup processes and lack automated replication capabilities.
    3. Advanced security features: The SA3600 provides various security features such as AES 256-bit encryption, firewall, network intrusion detection, and prevention systems. These features help protect your data from unauthorized access, malware, and other external threats. Regular external hard drives typically lack such advanced security measures.
    4. User access controls: The SA3600 allows you to set up user access controls and permissions, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access specific files or folders. This helps prevent accidental or intentional data deletion or modification. External hard drives generally do not offer granular user access controls.
    5. Scalability and expandability: The SA3600 is designed to be scalable, allowing you to easily expand storage capacity by adding additional hard drives or attaching expansion units. This ensures that your storage needs can grow with your data requirements. Regular external hard drives have fixed storage capacities and are not easily expandable.
    6. Centralized management: The SA3600 provides a centralized management interface, allowing you to manage and monitor multiple storage devices from a single dashboard. This simplifies administration and makes it easier to ensure data security and protection across your network. External hard drives are typically managed individually, which can be time-consuming and less efficient.

    Overall, the Synology SA3600 NAS offers a comprehensive set of features and capabilities that enhance data security and protection compared to regular external hard drives.