Help me choose the right NAS storage system.

Combat Fighter · 19 Jan 2015 at 01:20

Hi there,

I'm thinking about getting a NAS storage box but not sure exactly which one to go for.

I want to be able to have it connected to my PC (usb3 or eSATA, don't mind which) and use it as a external HD in raid1 configuration mainly. I'll be using a pair of WD Red 4TB drives (in raid1)

Also I want it to be able to stream movie files to my WD Live that's connected to my TV, so I can turn off my pc streamer and let the NAS do it's thing.

Would appreciate it it's really simple to setup, not looking for something over complicated at all.

Would something like the Synology Diskstation DS214Play 2 Bay be a good choice (albeit a bit more than I want to pay)

Another NAS which could suit my needs and also cheaper is the Icy box IB-NAS5520. Seems to offer everything I want anyway.

Really would appreciate some suggestions for my needs.

Cheers

abbotsmike · 19 Jan 2015 at 01:38

What do you want the USB connectivity for? Surely it makes more sense to just run it as a pure NAS?

memyselfandi · 19 Jan 2015 at 05:37

I think your limiting factor is going to be the direct connection to the PC as most decent NASes will not support that (e.g. Synology, QNAP ...). Yes they have USB/eSATA ports but that is to add storage to them not to direct connect them to PCs.

Combat Fighter · 19 Jan 2015 at 07:44

abbotsmike said:
What do you want the USB connectivity for? Surely it makes more sense to just run it as a pure NAS?

That's going to be pretty slow though limited to just a network connection even on a 1gb network connection?

Seems the Icy box IB-NAS5520 is the best bet for my needs then as that can do what I am looking for (NAS and direct connection to pc).

Schizo · 19 Jan 2015 at 07:49

I was on the same situation,wanted a nas and to simply stream stuff,in the end I went for a buffalo link station duo 4tb,works flawlessly and not had one problem in over 6 months,I used it wth a western digital media player and was great,I now have a Amazon fire tv and it's even better,so quick accessing files.

Cost me £175 and I'm over the moon with it.

Combat Fighter · 19 Jan 2015 at 11:36

Well just placed an order for a Icy box IB-NAS5520.

The thing I like about it its a DAS&NAS which to me is a very, very useful feature having the DAS function. I don't want to be limited to slow speeds using just a ethernet connection as from what it seems all NAS will suffer this. It's easy setup, looks nice (which a plus) with good build quality.

This should work fine with my WD 4TB Reds in Raid1. Looking forward to it now.

abbotsmike · 19 Jan 2015 at 19:26

Gigabit ethernet is plenty fast enough for file storage of media files and suchlike, Not for programs but then a USB HDD isn't fast enough for that either IMO.