Video Editing over 10Gbe or Thunderbolt with a NAS Drive – The Easy Way in 2024

Video editing and production, as of 2024, continues to be one of the largest generators of unique and large-scale data. From various sectors like wildlife photography to large-scale movie production, video editing has evolved into a significant business requiring power, speed, and efficiency from its hardware environment. In the past, editing with software like Final Cut, Adobe Premiere, DaVinci, etc., was manageable on local HDD/SSDs or external drives. However, in recent years, the demand for performance due to the size of 4K and 1080p footage has outstripped the capabilities of most internal SATA SSDs and external drives. The industry has since moved to NVMe SSD and Thunderbolt DAS RAID external storage.

In a Rush? Here are the Best NAS Systems for Video Editing that I Recommend: Best Software and Services Video Editing NAS: Synology DS1522+ $699 – Buy Here on Amazon – Buy HERE on B&H Best SSD NAS for Video Editing: Asustor Flashstor 12 Pro $799 – Buy Here on Amazon – Buy HERE on B&H Best Multi-Video Editor NAS: QNAP TVS-h874T $2999-3499 – Buy Here on Amazon – Buy HERE on B&H Best HDD Video Editing NAS:  Terramaster T9-450 $999-1099 – Buy Here on Amazon – Buy HERE on B&H

 

Despite their effectiveness, the cost of NVMe, its limited capacities, and the impracticality of Thunderbolt RAID DAS in field settings make them less than ideal. This leads us to the adoption of 10Gbe and/or Thunderbolt NAS for video editing, which offers several advantages:

• Editing on a NAS over 10Gbe can provide up to 1000MB/s performance, potentially increased with link aggregation or network interface port upgrades.
• Editing over Thunderbolt NAS can reach up to 1600MB/s, depending on the chosen storage media and NAS model.
• Using a NAS allows you to upgrade the connection over its lifespan, enhancing performance significantly.
• A NAS improves the workflow in video editing with multiple users, allowing simultaneous access with different priorities based on task needs.
• Incorporating a NAS into your backup strategy significantly reduces the risk of data loss, using NAS backup software for scheduled or live duplications.
• Remote uploading of raw/pre-production footage to a NAS enables efficient off-site work, ready for editing when you return to the desk.

Editing on a NAS drive, while not as straightforward as traditional USB and Thunderbolt DAS, offers several advantages to network hardware environments and improves the overall workflow. Let’s explore setting up a 10Gbe or Thunderbolt NAS for video editing, but first, some important considerations for 2024.

How to Edit Video on a Synology NAS

Video Editing on a NAS Drive – Important Things to Remember in 2024

Editing on a NAS in 2024 offers more space and potential speed over local/internal SSDs, but there are additional considerations when switching to NAS-based editing:

• This guide simplifies the NAS setup for easy video editing, but other methods are available for those needing more technical setups.
• For hard drive use, at least 4 drives in RAID 5 are needed to match single SSD speeds – more drives equal better performance.
• 10Gbe NAS devices are affordable, with the best rates from NAS with Intel/AMD CPUs (64bit x86) and at least 2GB of memory.
• Installing NAS-brand setup software (like Synology Assistant, QNAP QVR Pro, etc.) on at least one PC/Mac system is recommended for easier setup.
• NAS systems for video editing should ideally be 5Gbe, 10Gbe, or above.
• Direct Mac/PC-to-NAS connections over 10Gbe, or through a 10Gbe network switch, are options, though they may affect the NAS’s media speed if multiple users connect simultaneously.
• For Thunderbolt 3 Mac/PC Systems, simple Thunderbolt powered 10Gbe-to-TB3 adapters are available.

If NAS-based editing sounds like a fit for your workflow and productivity in 2024, proceed with the guide.

How to Edit Video on a QNAP NAS

Video Editing on NAS Drives Guide – What You Need to Do

These steps will guide you through how to setup editing on your NAS with software such as DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Elements, PowerDirector and more, as well as be applicable to NAS brands such as Synology, QNAP, Asustor and Terramaster. I will try to keep as many of the steps as ‘universal’ as possible, ut there might be the odd difference between one software brand and another. If you have any questions, scroll to the bottom of the page and content me directly on the ‘Free Advice’ section. It is all genuinely free advice, manned by me (so I apologise if I am not ‘lightning-fast’) and I will help get you all setup to the best of my ability. Let’s get the guide started.

Step 1 – Set Your NAS Up for Storage

Right so, this is probably the BIGGEST STEP! This guide is largely useless if your NAS system is not already set up – setting up a NAS (eg have it plugged in and ready to interact with, etc) is a whole guide in itself. Luckily I have made several of those in both written and video form. It is important that your NAS system has the following things done:

• Latest Firmware Installed (generally this is done when the system is first set up automatically, but always check)
• In the NAS User Setup, create a new ‘user’ for the video-editing with access to the folders in the NAS that are going to be used in your editing. You don’t HAVE to do this, but it’s best to leave the ‘admin’ account separate from this kind of thing, as you want that to be your ‘recovery’ if needed.
• Have your Storage Pool (the RAID) setup and a Volume created. The guides will go into more detail about this for each NAS platform, but I recommend a RAID configuration with at least 1 disk of redundancy (so, 1 disk safety net if a drive breaks/fails) across at least drives. The Volume setup will ask you lots of questions about file systems and Encryption – those can largely be set to ‘default’ or as your own storage preference dictates.

Depending on your NAS Brand of choice, you can find a guide to setting up your desired system below:

Synology NAS Written Setup Guide – HERE

Synology NAS Video Setup Guide – HERE

QNAP NAS Written Setup Guide – HERE

QNAP NAS Video Setup Guide – HERE

Asustor NAS Written Setup Guide – HERE

Asustor NAS Video Setup Guide – HERE

Terramaster NAS Written Setup Guide – HERE

Terramaster NAS Video Setup Guide – HERE

From here you should be ready to start setting up your Mac/PC with your NAS system for video editing over 10Gbe and/or Thunderbolt.

Step 2 – Create a Shared Folder to Access Remotely as a Mounted Network Drive

Next, you need to create an area of storage on your NAS system that can be accessed by your Mac/PC system and in-turrn, the video editing software you are using. Remember, these steps will differ depending on the NAS brand you choose. First, you need to open up the NAS File Management tool (it will be called File Manager or File Browser).

From here, somewhere at the top, you will find an option listed as ‘create a shared folder’ or simple ‘Shared Folder Options’.

You need to give this new shared folder a name. It is recommended that you should not use spaces or special characters in this name, as some software might have conflicts with it. Additionally, you will be asked about which volume on the NAS you want the shared folder to be within. Be sure to select the volume where your best-performing media (HDD/SSD) are based.

After this, you will be asked several options (depending on the brand. These will include 1) If you want to encrypt the shared folder (which will lock it to only be accessed within the NAS, but can lower performance a pinch), 2) Do you want to create a task of periodic data health checks (up to you), 3) Do you want to set a storage quota (maximum space this shared folder can accumulate) and 4) Do you want to create storage snapshots of the shared folder to revert to later if needed (again, personal preference).

After this, you will then be asked which users on your NAS can access the shared folder. Be sure to allow both Read and Write access to both the Admin account and the one you created for your Video editing account.

From here, open up the client tool (Synology Assistant / Qfinder Pro, etc) and ensuring that the PC/Mac you are using to interact with your NAS so far is on the same network/10Gbe/TB3, Right-click on the NAS on the available and select the option labelled ‘Map Network Drive’

From here, you will be asked to provide the login details you created for the NAS. Here you will need to enter the video editing account details you created (or the Admin account), which will then show you the list of available network drives on the NAS

Select the shared folder that you created earlier, then you will be asked to give the NAS folder/drive a letter to assign on your Mac / PC (EG C:/ is the OS drive typically and D:/ is the CD/DVD/BD drive. Just give the drive a letter and then click confirm.

The new shared folder and Drive will now be available and visible on your My Computer / Finder and this is the drive that you will be editing your work on. As long as you connected to this drive via 10Gbe or Thunderbolt, it will allow considerably faster speeds than typical network/gigabit NAS connectivity.

Step 3 – Copy/Move your Asset Library to the NAS

The next step is quite straight forward. You need to copy or move your existing library of work over to the NAS. This can be done in numerous ways:

Method 1 – Simply Drag and Drop / Copy and Paste into the Mapped network drive

Method 2- Go into the NAS via your web Browser and Upload directly from the File Manager

Method 3 – Create a Sync Jobbetweena folder on your PC/Mac and the NAS using the free first-party tools (Synology Drive or QSync)

You will need to make sure that the bulk of the stock footage, music, photos and more that you use on a regular basis are on the NAS.

Step 4 – If Necessary, Change The Default Media Directory on your Editing Software

When you make the switch from editing video locally on your PC/Mac system and moving onto NAS based editing, the editing software you use (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, etc) will still have background actions and preferences that will be targeting your main system when in use. Typically these will be the default directories of when shadow files are created, the default location of where project assets are found and/or where temp files are saved.Each video editing software differs, so the options will be different from software to software. But it is recommended you change these to the NAS, as then the internal SATA SSD in your system, that will typically perform at 350-450MB/s (reported 550MB/s speed reports are based on ideal usage scenarios), will not present a bottleneck when your NAS can get up to 1,000MB/s on 10Gbe and more on a Thunderbolt-enabled NAS.

Adobe Premiere Essentials 2020

DaVinci Resolve

Step 5 – Optional BUT Important, Create a Job/Task on your NAS for Backing Up your Work Elsewhere

This one is not strictly essential, but I would recommend it. As you work on the NAS with your video editing, you are going to be creating both alot of files. Unlike when you were previously editing on a PC/Mac system and it’s internal SSD/HDD (whereupon you could then make a backup onto a USB drive or NAS), the video files you create will be living on the NAS drive ONLY. THAT is a big risk and means you do NOT have a backup. So, I recommend at least a 2 stage backup. That means that your data is in 1 location and then you have 2 more copies of ALL the important data in two more hardware and/or physical locations. Luckily, most NAS devices arrive with numerous multi-tiered backup software options included. In terms of backup options, I recommend one/two/all of the following (methods will differ between brands, but all of the top-tier NAS brands support these):

Backup the NAS Drive to a USB Drive

Backup the NAS Drive to another NAS Drive

Backup the NAS Drive to a Cloud Service

Recommended NAS Systems for Vdieo Editors?

There are ALOT of different NAS options for editing video, but some are more suitable than others. Having a 10Gbe port and/or Thunderbolt is not enough and in order to avoid you spending month unnecessarily, I have listed a few options below that suit different personal budgets and the extent that you wish to edit. Take a look and if you are still in doubt, you can contact me directly for FREE and impartial advice at the bottom in my free support section or on the right-hand side of the page.

 

Best Software and Features Video Editing NAS – The Synology DS1522+

0-110TB (90TB with Syn HAT5300s) , 5x SATA Bays, 2x M.2 NVMe 2280 (Pools and Caching), AMD R1600 2-Core / 4-Thread CPU, 8-32GB ECC DDR4 Memory, 4x 1Gbe Port, Optional 10GbE Upgrade, 2x Expansion Port, 3-5yr Warranty

Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $699

Hardware Review – LINK

YouTube Video Review – Watch , Before You Buy Video – Watch

What I said in my review June ’22:

The Synology DS1522+ is a good NAS drive and most business-focused users are going to appreciate what this newer configuration of hardware is able to provide. There was never any doubt in the extent to which this new NAS would support DSM7, and given its architecture, there is virtually nothing in the popular NAS software that this system cannot do. Likewise, having the option of 10GbE on a Diskstation of this scale will be hugely attractive to some, though the proprietary means with which you need to upgrade is arguably less desirable.

The R1600 CPU is a good choice of processor for file handling and simultaneous tasks, as is the 8GB of memory that this system arrives with, plus the potential to ramp it up to 32GB. After that though, the desirability of this system to home users and multimedia users is a little less compelling and with such a large audience of users who look at NAS for their media streaming, the DS1522+ not featuring a more graphically enabled chip will leave them somewhat underwhelmed. Bottom line, the DS1522+ is a solid and full DSM7 supporting system here and you cannot fault the design, internal/external performance and ease of use of this Synology NAS. However, there will always be users wondering why this NAS never arrived with an Intel chip.

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? Synology 5-bay DiskStation DS1522+ (Diskless),Black https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=dp_bc_aui_C_5?ie=UTF8&node=20941687011 USA 15% Off [LINK] These Offers are Checked Daily

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Best Value SSD Video Editing NAS – The Asustor Flashstor 12 Pro NVMe Flash Server

0-96TB, 12x M.2 NVMe 3×1 Bays, Supports 2x USB Expansions, N5105/N5095 4-Core CPU, 4-16GB DDR4 (non-ECC) Memory, 1x 10Gbe Port, 3yr Warranty

Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $799

Hardware Review – LINK

YouTube Video Review HERE)

What I said in my review June ’23:

I cannot stress enough how impressed I am that the Flashstor 6 and Flashstor 12 Pro are priced at $499 and $860, respectively, given the level of hardware on offer here. These are by no means enterprise-grade NAS server solutions, nor should they be thought of as such. However, given the cost of typical fully featured 4x HDD solutions from their competitors and the brand themselves, which often start at $550 and above, it is quite remarkable that the six M.2 SSD system with comparable internal hardware comes in at $499. As long as a user keeps their expectations in line with what this cost versus its capabilities, it’s really tough to argue with the price point that these two devices have arrived at on the market. The Asustor FS6712X Flashstor 12 Pro NAS presents a unique offering in the NAS market, leveraging NVMe technology to provide high-capacity, ultra-high-performance storage. The device’s design, with its rhombus-shaped enclosure and twelve M.2 NVMe slots, sets it apart from traditional NAS devices and offers a sleek and modern aesthetic.

The tool-less drive installation mechanism makes it easy to set up and expand the storage capacity. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The limited number of PCIe lanes provided by the Intel Celeron N5105 processor may restrict the performance of high-speed NVMe drives. The single 10GbE LAN port also presents a potential network bottleneck, limiting the device’s overall network performance. Users seeking maximum performance and network throughput may find alternative solutions better suited to their needs. Despite these limitations, the FS6712X shines as a storage solution for users who prioritize high-capacity storage, quiet operation, and low power consumption. The device’s ability to directly output 4K video, along with its range of Asustor-approved apps, makes it an excellent choice for media distribution and presentation. In terms of pricing, the FS6712X comes with a price tag of $850+. While this may appear high at first glance, it is comparable to 8 bay drive NAS SATA devices and many of those do not even include NVMe slots or 10GbE. Users looking for a more cost-effective option can consider the Flashstor 6, which offers half the number of slots and 2x 2.5GbE enabled ports for $499.

As the cost of flash modules continues to drop, and larger capacity drives become available all the way up to 8TB (even without QLC), the FS6712X provides an attractive solution for those seeking high-capacity and high-performance NAS storage. While some underlying performance relativity by the end user needs to be factored in and hardware limitations exist thanks to the use of that Celeron to remain budget-friendly, the FS6712X is a tremendously smart move by Asustor. A well-designed NAS that presents a much more confident solution demonstrating the benefits of NVMe-focused NAS devices to an audience that would have assumed such things are way, WAY outside the realms of affordability!

 

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? ASUSTOR FLASHSTOR 6 Network Storage (FS6706T) Amazon UK 48.65 OFF (WAS 796) [LINK] These Offers are Checked Daily

 

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Best Value Hard Drive Video Editing NAS – Terramaster T9-450 Tower

0-198TB, 9-Bays, 2x PCIe Gen 3 M.2 NVMe 2280, Intel C3558R Atom Quad Core CPU, 8-32GB Memory, 2x 10GbE SFP, 1x 2.5GbE Port, PCIe Slot (TBC), 2yr Warranty

Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $999-1099

Hardware Review – LINK

YouTube Video Review – Watch

What I said in my review May ’23:

Terramaster has really changed the playing field with the T9-450 NAS. I was already a big fan of their latest generation of 6-Bay, 9-Bay and 12-Bay desktop chassis – providing a pretty substantial amount of storage in a tower design that borrows ventilation methodology traditionally found in rackmounts, but the T9-450 takes this logic and doubles down on it hard. The dual 10GbE on the system means that, despite it’s comparatively modest price point (when comparing against similar scale solutions from Synology and QNAP) you genuinely have a solution with the potential to allow you to enjoy every single MB/s or GB/s of your RAID externally. This is further bolstered with additional 2.5GbE ports, m.2 NVMe bays, uncomplicated support of HDDs/SSDs and just generally a very sensible system that shows how much Terramaster has matured as a brand. The TOS software is still not quite up there with Synology’s DSM or QNAP’s QTS in terms of ease of use and AAA+ features, but it is definitely a great entry point OS that has tighted it’s security since the brand was targetted by a ransomware group (along with other brands, they were affected by Deadbolt attacks) – it certainly lacks some of the background optimization of it’s competitors, but then this is reflected in the budget of the system too.

The internal PCIe slot that has been largely ignored is a bit of a missed opportunity and I am not a big fan of how they have addressed memory compatibility, but overall it is very, very tough to criticise the T9-450 NAS when you factor in the value of the package here. Factor in that you can very easily swap out the OS for many others, and it largely silences alot of the negatives here too. Overall, the T9-450 could potentially be the best NAS that Terramster has ever released and if they continue to address later releases with the same level of hardware value, this could definitely give the bigger names in the industry something of a headache down the road. I highly recommend this system for its value and performance potential!

 

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? These Offers are Checked Daily

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Best Multi-Editor NAS Solution – The QNAP TVS-h874T Thunderbolt4 Server

0-176TB, 8-Bays, 2x PCIe 4×4 M.2 NVMe 2280, PCIe Gen 4×16 Upgrade Slot, Intel Core 12th Gen i7/i9 CPU, 32-64GB DDR4 (non-ECC) Memory, 2x Thunderbolt4 Port, 2x 2.5Gbe Port, KVM, ZFS or EXT4 Setup, 3-5yr Warranty

Current Price/Availability on Amazon – $2999-3499

Hardware Review – HERE

YouTube Video Review – HERE

In summarizing the capabilities and potential of the QNAP TVS-h874T NAS, released as a late 2023 update to its predecessor, it’s clear that this system represents a significant leap forward in desktop NAS technology. Priced over £2500, it’s a substantial investment, designed with future-proofing in mind. The TVS-h874T not only maintains the longevity and high-end status of the TVS-h874 but also brings to the table enhanced direct data access through Thunderbolt 4 integration. This advancement, supporting IP over Thunderbolt protocol, significantly boosts connectivity and speed, making the system an ideal choice for demanding tasks such as 8K video editing and high-performance computing needs in business environments. However, the question of whether Thunderbolt NAS is the right fit for all users remains. For those requiring high-speed, multi-user access and scalability, the TVS-h874T is a strong contender. Its support for the latest PCIe 4 standards ensures compatibility with high-performance upgrades, reinforcing its position as a future-proof investment. The software, featuring QTS and QuTS, might require some acclimatization, particularly for those familiar with simpler systems like Synology’s DSM. Yet, the benefits, especially for ZFS enthusiasts, are undeniable, offering advanced RAID management and a plethora of applications and services.

The TVS-h874T’s stance on open hardware and software compatibility is a significant plus in an industry increasingly leaning towards proprietary systems. It accommodates a range of third-party hardware and software, adding to its versatility. In the face of growing concerns over NAS security, the system is well-equipped with comprehensive tools and settings for enhanced security and data protection, addressing the pressing issue of ransomware attacks. In conclusion, the QNAP TVS-h874T stands out as an exceptional choice for businesses and power users who require a robust, scalable, and secure NAS solution. It offers an excellent balance of price, performance, and features, making it a worthy investment for those seeking top-tier server-side capabilities. However, for users with simpler storage needs or those not requiring the advanced features of Thunderbolt NAS, traditional Thunderbolt DAS devices might be a more suitable and cost-effective option. The TVS-h874T, with its advanced capabilities, is undoubtedly a powerhouse in NAS technology, but its full benefits will be best realized by those whose requirements align closely with what this advanced system has to offer.

 

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? These Offers are Checked Daily

 

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Thunderbolt 4 DAS vs Thunderbolt 4 NAS? What Is The Difference?

The ascent of NAS has grown in popularity, largely due to video editing suites requiring a large amount of storage accessible by multiple users simultaneously. Even in the early days of Thunderbolt NAS, around 2017 and 2018, one of the key advantages over traditional Thunderbolt DAS storage was the facilitation of a much less complicated workflow. A NAS could be accessed by hundreds, if not thousands, of users at any given time via the internet or a local area network. The system could be used to package projects, distribute and archive them in a single system, as well as managing and facilitating multi-site backups, thanks to intelligent software that has evolved over the years from most NAS brands. Adding to this, editors could directly interface with a QNAP NAS over Thunderbolt and/or 10GbE with the appropriate interfaces, meaning this single storage system could house, manage, distribute, and orchestrate multi-tier backups for an entire photo/video production company. Whereas traditional Thunderbolt DAS can only be accessed by a single user at any given time and lacks the software management and automation that a NAS offers. However, there are definitely times when a Thunderbolt DAS is better than a Thunderbolt NAS too!

What is DAS? – In the context of Thunderbolt technology, DAS (Direct Attached Storage) refers to a storage device that is connected directly to a computer or server via a Thunderbolt interface. This setup offers high-speed data transfer and access for a single user, making it ideal for tasks that require rapid, individual access to large amounts of data. Occasionally referred to as ‘LAS’, or Local Access Storage.

And What is NAS? – In the context of Thunderbolt technology, NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a storage system connected to a network, allowing multiple users and devices to access and share data simultaneously. Unlike DAS, NAS provides broader scalability, remote access capabilities, and supports various data management features, making it suitable for collaborative and multi-user environments.

Clearly, there are significant differences between them:

Thunderbolt NAS vs Thunderbolt DAS – PERFORMANCE?

Thunderbolt DAS utilizes simple direct storage access for a single user and does not need to facilitate the use of a system operating system or be built on an architecture that needs to service multiple users at once. Thunderbolt NAS, however, operates on IP architecture and because it needs to run its own internal operating system, as well as have its data in its own file system that is not locked into any external file system of an operating system like Windows or Mac, performance is noticeably lower than that of DAS when utilizing exactly the same storage media. So, if you are a single access user and performance is what matters, Thunderbolt NAS might not be for you.

Thunderbolt NAS vs Thunderbolt DAS – Plug n Play?

There is also no avoiding that because a Thunderbolt NAS system like the QNAP TVS-h874 has its own operating system, software, appliances, and protocols, it is nowhere near as straightforward and simplistic to connect with as a traditional Thunderbolt direct attached storage device. Most of the initial work in connecting with the QNAP will be done at the beginning, and after that, the system will be automatically connected with your client machine, but if you are hoping that the TVS-h874 is as straightforward and plug-and-play as a Thunderbolt LaCie or G-Technology box, you are going to be disappointed!

Thunderbolt NAS vs Thunderbolt DAS – Fast Network/Remote Access?

Another advantage of utilizing Thunderbolt NAS systems over traditional Thunderbolt storage devices is the ability to use 10GbE passthrough. If your home or office uses larger bandwidth network connections such as 2.5GbE or 10GbE, you can use a direct connection with the NAS over Thunderbolt from your Mac or Windows system to also connect to that larger and higher bandwidth network. Additional Thunderbolt DAS storage will only provide you storage while using up that Thunderbolt port for little else.

Thunderbolt NAS vs Thunderbolt DAS – Expandability?

Expanding a traditional RAID storage device can often be quite tricky. Some Thunderbolt solutions, like the Areca series, allow users to use software RAID to attach their own series of expansion devices and add further drives to your ever-growing storage area. However, they are very much in the minority, as most Thunderbolt plug-and-play DAS solutions do not allow any kind of external expandability. Once the storage media inside the system has filled up, you either have to buy new, larger hard drives and gradually replace all of the drives, which can take weeks, or you need to buy a new Thunderbolt box and start over, adding to growing storage piles.

Thunderbolt NAS, on the other hand, allows several means to expand and upgrade your storage very efficiently over the system’s lifespan. The system arrives with two internal M.2 NVMe slots that allow you to install further, faster SSDs which can be used for additional storage or pooled together with the existing larger hard drive storage. Moreover, the system features multiple USB ports that allow you to attach one of the many official QNAP expansion devices that increase the size of your storage pool – this is especially fast if you utilize the ZFS QuTS software that now supports ZFS expansions. The QNAP TVS-h874 system also allows you to attach fast USB drives with USB 3.2 Gen 2 architecture, which will then become available via the Thunderbolt and remotely via network and internet connections. The QNAP NAS allows you to create multiple smaller storage areas both inside and outside of the system, and all of these are accessible via a single Thunderbolt port or via the network. This pales in comparison to the majority of other Thunderbolt DAS systems that only provide a single large block of storage to work with.

Thunderbolt NAS vs Thunderbolt DAS – File System Considerations?

File System Locks – Connecting a storage device via Thunderbolt to your Mac or Windows system does not always immediately make the storage available. One significant difference that many users overlook is that multiple operating systems use very different file systems, from an old USB drive all the way up to a LaCie 6big, for example. This can often result in a drive that works fine on a Mac being completely unusable on a Windows system. This has always been a challenge for editing suites with mixed Windows, Mac, and Linux OS systems in-house, preventing a single Thunderbolt device from being usable between one system and another without appropriate formatting or future provisioning during initial file system creation.

A Thunderbolt NAS, on the other hand, utilizes the system’s own EXT4 or ZFS file system during the initialization of the NAS and, after that, can be communicated with remotely via the network, internet, or over Thunderbolt by practically any operating system, as well as multiple client applications available from the brand, with third-party tools also supported. In terms of cross-platform file sharing, a Thunderbolt NAS is significantly more convenient.

Thunderbolt NAS vs Thunderbolt DAS – Costs, Price and Value?

The Price – Something a lot of you may have already noticed is that a Thunderbolt NAS like the TVS-h874 is much more expensive than a similarly scaled direct attached storage RAID box from OWC, G-Technology, or LaCie. This is because, in order for the NAS system to provide support for all of its features and services, it needs to utilize significantly more powerful hardware in terms of the CPU, memory, and general system internal cooling systems. A traditional Thunderbolt RAID DAS system does not have any of these extra features and therefore often runs on very modest SoC (Software on Chip) or RoC (RAID on Chip) processors with minimal RAM. All of this extra hardware results in a Thunderbolt NAS system being significantly more expensive than traditional plug-and-play Thunderbolt storage.

Thunderbolt 4 DAS vs. Thunderbolt 4 NAS? Which Should You Use?

Understanding the distinctions between Thunderbolt 4 DAS and Thunderbolt 4 NAS is crucial, especially when considering devices like the QNAP TVS-h874. This NAS device stands out for its versatility and future-proofing capabilities. Supporting both Thunderbolt 4 and 3, it offers an excellent long-term storage solution, adaptable to evolving client devices. While both Thunderbolt 3 and 4 deliver 40 gigabits per second bandwidth, Thunderbolt 4 excels with enhanced security, power delivery, and improved internal management. The file system flexibility of the Thunderbolt NAS, like the QNAP TVS-h874, is a significant advantage, particularly in multi-OS environments commonly found in editing suites. It overcomes the limitations of traditional DAS systems, which often face compatibility issues across different operating systems. The NAS’s ability to be communicated with remotely, regardless of the OS, streamlines cross-platform file sharing.

However, it’s important to consider the price and performance aspects. While Thunderbolt NAS offers more features, it comes at a higher cost due to its more powerful hardware. In terms of performance, Thunderbolt DAS provides straightforward, high-speed access for individual users, whereas Thunderbolt NAS excels in multi-user environments and offers greater expandability. Each system has its strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize ease of use, single-user access, and maximum performance with the right storage media, Thunderbolt DAS could be more suitable. On the other hand, if your focus is on versatility, expandability, and multi-user access in a cross-platform setting, a Thunderbolt NAS like the QNAP TVS-h874 would be an excellent investment. Remember, Thunderbolt is just the conduit; the type of system you choose should align with your specific workflow requirements and future scalability needs.

Recommended Thunderbolt NAS Solutions:

QNAP TVS-h874T – $2499+	QNAP TBS-h574TX – $1499+
YOUTUBE Review – NASCompares Review	YOUTUBE Review – NASCompares Review

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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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