Looking for a 4-bay NAS

hideki

hideki

hideki

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I currently have an Infrant (Now Netgear) ReadyNas NV NAS unit. It works fine, but I am concerned that it is a rather old unit and outside warranty so I am looking to replace it.

When I originally bought the unit 6 years ago, there were not that many choices when it came to NAS devices.

Requirements:
  • 4 Bay device, with RAID 5 or similar, hotswapping.
  • Silent running. So no loud fans.
  • Faster file transfers than my existing device.
  • The ability to plug a UPS into the unit and share across the network

I'm guessing something from either Netgear, Qnap or Synology, but I'm interested in hearing people personal experiences with these brands and particular models.
 
I'm thinking Synology or Qnap, something under £500 for a diskless model.

The unit wont have any complex uses, just shared storage. No DHCP or sharing services, just plain file shares in Windows.

Fast and quiet are the main requirements. From what I can tell both manufacturers support UPS and its sharing over a network.


I am not familiar with the HP Microserver, how does that compare to a dedicated NAS device?
 
I would highly recommend Synology then. Mor epolished with better support and a better interface. In comparison to a HP Microserver they are much easy/faster to get setup and afterwoulds require little or no attention.

HP Microserver normally has a cashback deal on making it roughly £150 after cashback. You then need to sort an OS out, something like Windows Home Server 2011 which is £40. This is the cheapest diskless option.

Take a look at the Synology 411 or even the 412+. Cracking units. Fast and quiet too.
 
Welsh knows his onions when it comes to Syn's and has written up some really good reviews as well :)

The HP Micro is really the next step up... and takes just a bit more setting up and tweaking. Plenty of guides about and a lot of guys here are avid fans .....but money wise.... it's really a good buy at the moment if you have the time and a reasonable knowledgebase to get a really good low cost solution up and running

With your budget however and apart from Welsh's excellent suggestions .... I think you have to put the following 2 systems into the frame for consideration as well. Both are standalone and come with relatively easy to set up and use OS's. They can be complex or easy as you want them to be. My guess... is that once you have either one of them setup you'll catch the "Server bug" and want to explore more complex things to do with the box in the corner.

Anyway... here 's my other 2

http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_feature.asp?p_id=127

http://www.drobo.com/products/professionals/drobo-fs/index.php


EDIT

I wanted a Drobo FS to play with.... but her indoors said "NO!!!!" She who knows everything reckons I have too many "Server things" already !!!! :(

I'll just have to sneak one in with my Ninja slippers on .... one weekend :)
 
Last edited:
welshdragon said:
That Drobo you linked to looks nice, might have to get hold of one fo them to play with I think!
Click to expand...


Only if I can have first dibs on it after you have finished reviewing it :D

Really though... It's a good solution... especially at the moment if you have only have a mixed bunch of drives available to you with these post flood prices etc.
 
+1 for the HP microserver.
I've gone through several WD MyWorld boxes, Thecus NASs, Drobo boxes, ReadyNAS boxes, and all were just way, WAY too expensive for what they did. £120 for an HP Microserver after cashback and it's blisteringly quick (equiv to a PD 2.8 ish). Your main issue with any non-enterprise grade NAS is that it will tell you it's connected at 100Mbps or Gig-e, but the CPU just will not hack those speeds. With a Microserver, it's fast enough to deal with multiple concurrent demands if you need it. Install the hacked f/w from the AV forums and get full AHCI support for the fifth SATA port too and that's 5xHDs + FreeNAS running from the internal USB socket and you're well away! And with 2x PCIe slots too, you can add a wifi card as well, or a gfx card to have it double-jobby as a cheap but v.capable HTPC.
You just can't go wrong.
And with only one fan in the whole thing; a rear 120mm low speed fan, you won't do a whole lot better for noise too. And since they've replaced my NL36 with a new, faster NL40, I'm considering buying a second one!
 
A Microserver over any NAS TBH, unless you just want something plug and play. There is a big thread in the server section.
 
I think what people have to remember is setting up a microserver is mor einvolved and though for us techies thats no issue at all, lots of people neither have the confidence or time, or inclenation to do so. A NAS is solution, one whihc I ahve myself and the overall experience for me has been easy/trouble free and very flexible.
 
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