NAS - Questions

[Derek W]

I've had a look at my storage / backup system at the moment and I think I'm running out of space.

Currently have 1 x 500Gb split into 2 x 250gb partitions (C: for windows and programs, F: general storage music drawing files etc) along with 1 x 1Tb split into 2 x 500Gb (E: Photographs and Z: backup)

I've just started the process of ripping my films and music so space will be eaten up pretty quick so I've had a look at the Synology D411j NAS unit with the intention of using it purely for backup at the moment and in the future for storage and backup hence the 4 slot rather than just the 2 slot version.

Is it sensible to go down this route with say a WD 2Tb drive to begin with and expand as necessary rather than just get more and more internal / external separate HDs because at the moment I dont think I'd be utilitising the other streaming etc features of the NAS. Any advice would be appreciated (or just tell me to buy it )

 

[KIA]

NAS is the way to go. The performance of the DS411j isn't AMAZING. You might want to look at the DS410 if your budget can stretch a little.

 

[Derek W]

NAS is the way to go. The performance of the DS411j isn't AMAZING. You might want to look at the DS410 if your budget can stretch a little.

I had a look at the DS410 and although i think really its the memory side of things where it seems to be the marked improvement over the DS411j the extra 100quid I'd be forking out doesn't seem like a good return outwith of course the extra 20mb/s download rate which i dont think will make that much of a difference for my needs.

 

[Zarf]

If it's just for backup purposes of stuff that's already on your PC, don't worry too much about speeds - You'll probably be doing the first backup overnight, and after that if you use an incremental or syncing system that only cares about the changes, keeping it up to date doesn't take much time anyway.
Getting a single 2TB drive then expanding as neccesary will be fine, but If you plan on using the NAS as the sole repository for any data, You'll want to run with a RAID1 setup.

If you want to save a lot of money and get better performance than any of these Qnap/Synology units, the DIY approach with FreeNAS on an Atom or recycled old PC is worthwhile. Put a Gigabit network card in and run the OS off a USB pen drive or compactflash and you're sorted. FreeNAS gives you a friendly web based interface for configuration and monitoring, just like the Synology etc boxes do.

 

[Derek W]

If you want to save a lot of money and get better performance than any of these Qnap/Synology units, the DIY approach with FreeNAS on an Atom or recycled old PC is worthwhile. Put a Gigabit network card in and run the OS off a USB pen drive or compactflash and you're sorted. FreeNAS gives you a friendly web based interface for configuration and monitoring, just like the Synology etc boxes do.

I'm sort of new to this side of things so i think I'll save trying the DIY approach till i know a bit more.

 

[wolvers]

the extra 100quid I'd be forking out doesn't seem like a good return outwith of course the extra 20mb/s download rate which i dont think will make that much of a difference for my needs.

I can tell you from experience that it does. 20mb/s is a lot for a NAS and fluff is right to point you at the faster model. I wish I had spent a little extra on the faster model myself and now plan to splash out on the fastest NAS I can get my hands on. Considering you are looking to keep it for a long time, adding drives as you go, I would suggest you get the fastest one you can.

The one I fancy is the DS710+. It's fast and can be expanded with an eSATA add on if needed.