QNAP TS-464 or the Synology DS423+ NAS Drive – Which Should You Buy?

Choosing Between the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 NAS is more than just about how you are spending your money at checkout! Making a move away from 3rd public cloud storage can be a big, BIG decision for some users. The ‘freemium’ and low cost monthly subscription to the likes of Google Drive and DropBox seems like a drop in the ocean, right up until you realise that over the years you have spent hundreds of pounds and you face the fact that you are going to need to consider moving that data onto something more long term and ‘in house’. For many users, this is their first encounter with two of the bigger brands in the world of NAS, Synology and QNAP and although at a glance they seem to provide the same kind of solution, even a brief second glance reveals that these two brands have very, very different ideas of where you should be spending your money. Synology is the sleek, apple-esc presented solution that promises a smooth and uncomplex experience, with an arguably more rigid and fixed architecture. Whereas QNAP is the more customizable and flexible in its hardware and software, but has a slightly higher learning curve and requires more time to configure perfectly. Both brands provide an excellent range of NAS solutions with each of the solutions in today’s comparison being quite similar in price, but what you are getting for your money, the range of software included, the scope of hardware that is available and how they translate to upgradable and scalability is incredibly different! So, today we are going to compare the Synology DS423+ NAS released in March 2023 (HEAVILY comparable to the 2020 gen DS920+) against the spring 2022 released QNAP TS-464 NAS.

Synology DS423+ vs QNAP TS-464 NAS – Design

The design of the QNAP TS-464 and Synology DS423+ are both very uniform to the brands, utilizing existing designs in their respective Home/Prosumer/SMB ranges. Both are 4-Bay desktop solutions that are designed to be deployed easily and pretty much anywhere. They are largely the same in physical volume, with the Synology DS423+ arriving the tiniest pinch larger, but both systems provide a similar level of storage on their four SATA and 2x NVMe M.2 SSD bays. The Synology has the more traditional shape of the lockable storage media bays being immediately visible, but finish this with an incredibly modernistic shape and matt surface design. The front of the system features a single USB backup port, as well as 5 LEDs for system/drive activity and those two M.2 SSD bays are located on the base of the system. The QNAP TS-464 NAS uses a more glossy and slightly coloured design by comparison (featuring a copper side panel), with the 4 drive bays of the system being covered by a slidable and lockable semi-translucent panel. The QNAP also featured the same LED/USB present, but there are more LEDs on the QNAP and the USB here is both a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Port (10Gb/s) and is accompanied by a one-touch copy button. This is one of the early examples of how things in the NAS market have moved forward in hardware but Synology has instead doubled down on their focus of it’s DSM software platform above all else. The QNAP TS-464 is certainly the more expensive NAS of the two, with the DS423+, despite being newer and having a different position in the brand’s portfolio (see the DS923+ to learn more), but the hardware you are getting for that price tag is notably different and will become a clear divide between these two. Because of the compact design, both systems need to factor in intelligent cooling, as they will likely be in operation 24×7. This is another clear area where the brands have gone in different directions here.

QNAP TS-464 NAS 168mm × 170mm × 226 mm	Synology DS423+ NAS 166 mm x 199 mm x 223 mm

The ventilation on the Synology DS423+ is certainly more visible but in a much more ‘branded’ and slick way. The QNAP TS-464 features no front-facing ventilation, instead using two small areas of ventilation on the sides of the chassis and the base of the TS-464 featuring further ventilation under each of the storage bays. The Synology on the other hand has much more passive airflow, with each of the individual storage bays being surrounded by a slit of ventilation and the side panel of the DS423+ having the Synology logo featured as further ventilation. Higher-end Synology desktop models feature metal mesh panels inside these logos to capture dust, but this is less of a concern in the more compact and discreet DS423+. Overall, I would certainly say that the Synology DS423+ have more visible efforts to maintain system temperature than the QNAP TS-464 (which is a real surprise when you see how the hardware these two systems are sporting compares) but both maintain a good operation temperature.

QNAP TS-464 NAS	Synology DS423+ NAS

When you look at the rear of the TS-464 and DS423+ NAS, you see another big difference in how each system maintains their respective internal temperatures, with the QNAP featuring a single 120mm fan that covers the bulk of the internal hardware airflow path and the Synology featuring two 92mm fans that cover around 70% of the rear of the chassis. Of the two, I would say the QNAP TS-464 is the noisier in operation of the two (when populated with 4x 4TB WD Red HDDs) by the tiniest of margins, but it isn’t really till you entertain the idea of enterprise HDDs or drives larger than 10TB that you need to worry about ambient sound around these two systems. Both the DS423+ and TS-464 can have the rotations per minute (RPM) of their fans changed manually or left on automatic as the system changes the internal cooling to ensure maximum efficiency.

QNAP TS-464 NAS	Synology DS423+ NAS

Overall, the design of the Synology DS423+ is still the better-looking system of the two and although I personally really like the copper and glossy look of the QNAP TS-464 NAS, I know that the bulk of users will want to ‘set up and forget’ their NAS, so these aesthetic design choices are less important to them. Equally, although the QNAP fan has the potential to cool its respective system much more, I think the Synology features a better balance of active airflow and passive ventilation overall. The QNAP still wins pretty big on its inclusion of a USB 3.2 Gen 2 One Touch Copy button enabled port for faster and more manual backup options (as well as still allow automated and connection-triggered backups as the Synology), but overall on points, this round belongs to the Synology DS423+ NAS.

QNAP TS-464 versus Synology DS423+ NAS – Internal Hardware

This is an area where you really see how both brands focus their priorities on the solutions they offer, as well as how the components common to NAS have evolved in the 2 years between their respective releases. The Synology DS423+ arrives with a familiar architecture to it’s predecessor (the DS420+) and is a fairly tried and tested formula by the brand. Synology was the first company to introduce NVMe SSD storage bays into desktop NAS systems around 5 years ago (something that QNAP has only really been catching up on in the last 2 YEARS). Likewise, Synology has made a few very brand-specific decisions in their system architecture that this rather more proprietary brand is often keen to implement. For example, the default DDR4 memory inside (2666Mhz SODIMM) is actually soldered to the main internal board (4x 256MB Modules), with an additional empty memory slot to allow an additional 4GB Synology-branded memory module. As the DS423+ has a CPU that has a maximum 8GB of memory, this is an oddly artificial limitation that results in the DS420+ only allowing 6GB of max memory, an odd move that is perhaps done out of system PCI/Bandwidth, rather than any kind of manufacturer restriction. The QNAP features a newer gen CPU (as you would expect after the later release) and this CPU allows up to 16GB of memory (4GB in the default model) across two upgradable slots. Likewise, returning to those M.2 NVMe slots, both system feature 2 bays that can be used for SSD storage upgrades, although both the DS423+ and TS-464 support SSD caching (when a pool of SSDs is used to speed up data write/read in conjunction with the larger HDD RAID array), Synology ONLY RECENTLY allowed NVMe Storage Pools on their platform, whereas QNAP  has allowed NVMes as standalone storage pools, for app booting, running the OS from and even their own special internal tiering system known as QTier. This is the first of several key differences between the QNAP TS-464 and Synology DS423+ NAS that show the divide in hardware between these units.

Model	QNAP TS-464	Synology DS423+
Price	£559               $650              €675	£508               $549              €569
Storage Media Support	4x SATA, 2x m.2 NVMe 3×1 for Cache/Pools/QTier	4x SATA, 2x NVMe SSD Cache/Pool Bays
CPU Model	Intel N5105/N5095	Intel J4125
CPU Frequency & Cores	Quad-Core 2.0-2.9Ghz	Quad-Core 2.0-2.7Ghz
CPU Benchmark Score	CPU benchmark 4161	CPU benchmark 3006
Memory Default/Max	4-16GB SODIMM DDR4	2-6GB SODIMM DDR4 (4GB onboard)
PSU Power & Design	90W External PSU	100W External PSU
Physical Fans	1x 120m FAN	2x 92m FAN

Of course, the clearest difference that most PC builder-minded people are going to notice is the CPU. NAS systems are designed to be operational for days, weeks, months and even years at a time. Therefore, in order to maintain optimal performance, as well as lower power consumption and lessen the damage that long-term operation can inflict on a processor, the CPUs used in NAS are a great deal more modest. In the case of the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 NAS, they feature Intel Celeron processors, each featuring an embedded graphics component (allowing graphical operations, multimedia handling and visual data to be handled by a specialized area of the processor), quad-core architecture and a base level clock speed of 2.0Ghz that can be burst (turbo/increased when needed). However, the newer generation N5105/N5095 CPU in the QNAP is able to reach a higher overall clock speed and also is more efficient (i.e uses a little less hardware resources to get a task done than it would take on the J4125 typically, so, therefore, can do more tasks overall when the full CPU power is utilized). Indeed, CPUBenchmark rated the newer CPU 30%+ higher in it’s scoring than the J4125 (again, as you would expect for a CPU released more than a year later by Intel), so this processor means that more can be done on the QNAP (in like for like tasks) and also this CPU allows a greater range of hardware to be built into the system. CPUs are one of the largest quantifying factors of how a NAS is built and this is because they can only handle a certain amount of connected hardware (storage bays, ports, expansion slots, etc) when connected to a larger controller/motherboard. This is commonly referred to as the # of PCI lanes and the chipset used in the build of the system. Because this newer Intel N5105 / N5095 CPU has more lanes to use at once than the J4125, it allows the newer NAS drive to have more hardware.

QNAP TS-464 NAS – Intel N5105/N5095 CPU

Synology DS423+ NAS – Intel J4125 CPU

These additional CPU resources, as well as the increased maximum memory and flexibility of how the M.2 NVMe SSD slots can be used ultimately mean that in terms of internal hardware, the newer released QNAP TS-464 wins over the Synology DS423+ NAS. It is worth remembering that the M.2 NVMe SSD slots on the QNAP TS-464 are PCIe Gen 3 x1 (down to the Celeron CPU still not having anywhere near the scope in it’s flexibility that the likes of an Intel Core, Ryzen or Xeon might have) and will bottleneck at 1,000MB/s, but this is still better than nothing and there is still the lingering question of the Gen 2 slots on the DS423+ being 2×2 or 2×4 – which will potentially limit the M.2 NVMes on the DS423+ further still. So the QNAP still seems to have a better balance of NVMe SSD support in its architecture overall.

Synology DS423+ or QNAP TS-464 NAS – Ports & Connections

Now ports and connections on the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 NAS is an area that is INCREDIBLY diverse in it’s approach by either brand. Once again, the reasons clearly to do with the CPU choice and position on their respective brand portfolios, but also the brand’s own decisions in build architecture/priorities still massively continue to be a contributing factor here. The Synology DS423+ NAS certainly comes across as the weaker of the two here in its connectivity and although a lot of the QNAP’s advancements in connectivity could be described as ‘future upgrades and simply facilitating extras or addons’, it still manages to provide a greater deal of connectivity to the day 1 user than the Synology system here. The port(s) that almost certainly will be the one that jumps out immediately on each system is the network connections. The DS423+ NAS arrives with 2x 1GbE ports which, although allowing link aggregation to create 2GbE with a smart switch, was still a little underwhelming in 2023 (as we had already started seeing 2.5GbE arriving at the same price as 1GbE with a number of client hardware devices in 2020). The newer QNAP TS-464 features 2x 2.5GbE (so 5GbE via link aggregation and a supported switch) which now that some ISPs and budget switch manufacturers are providing affordable 2.5GbE solutions, will be incredibly useful. Then the is the additional PCIe upgrade slot on the QNAP NAS that allows upgrades towards 10GbE, dual-port 10GbE cards and even combo cards to add 10G and further M.2  NVMe bays via a single card. Again, there ARE upgrades and not something in the baseline model, but you can not argue with the future-proofing available here. Additionally, the DS923+ NAS released in December 2022 had the option to upgrade to 10GbE – something hugely absent here in the eyes of many on this 4xSATA and 2xNVMe DS423+ NAS. There is simply no avoiding that in the 2023 released DS423+, those 1GbE ports are something of a limiting factor.

Model	QNAP TS-464	Synology DS423+
Network Ports	2x 2.5GbE	2x 1GbE
USB 3.2 Ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb)	2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb)
USB 2.0 Ports	2x USB 2.0	0
HDMI Ports	1x HDMI 2.0 4K 60FPS	n/a
PCIe Upgrade Slots	PCIe Gen 3×2 Slot (2Gb/s)	n/a

After the network and PCIe differences that favour the TS-464, the distance between the 2020 and 2022 NAS hardware architecture here is further extended. The Synology DS423+ features a further USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb/s) port, but LACKS the option to upgrade it’s storage down the line with an expansion (such as with the eSATA port on the DS920+ and DS923+ NAS supporting the DX517 official expansion). QNAP counters this on the TS-464 with the inclusion of another USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) port, as well as some (obviously less useful) USB 2.0 ports. These USB 2.0 Ports are primarily designed to be used in conjunction with the optional visual output (HDMI 2.0 4k 60FPS) on the QNAP as a KVM (Keyboard, video and mouse) setup with the included parallel HD Station application and its tool. The HDMI and direct interface of the QNAP is still pretty niche as a service on this system, but it has a number of useful multimedia, surveillance and VM utilities that can be quite impressive. Expansions on the TS-464 are more diverse than the 5-Bay DX517 on the DS423+ (which again, is NOT supported anyway), with QNAP offering 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12-Bay expansion chassis (arriving in JBOD or hardware RAID enabled) that connect over USB or an inclusive PCIe card. Overall, it comes as no surprise that in terms of hardware, the QNAP TS-464 still takes the first place, as the Synology DS423+ (like most of the brand’s solutions) is prioritizes the DSM platform and it’s tools/services over the hardware. Let’s discuss the software on each of these brands.

QNAP TS-464 or the Synology DS423+ NAS – Software

When you are choosing to buy a Synology or QNAP NAS, it is always worth bearing in mind that you are not just buying a bunch of hardware, but you are actually getting a fully-featured software solution. Both the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 arrive with each brand’s premium NAS software and services platform, DSM and QTS respectively. Both of these platforms include a traditional operating system level of accessibility and control, that can be accessed via pretty much any web browser or desktop OS, as well as numerous tailored mobile client applications. The Synology DSM platform is a lot more comparable in design and control with Mac OSX and is by far the more user-friendly option of the two. The QNAP QTS platform is a lot more comparable to Android in its initial GUI and then more like Windows in it’s navigation, arriving as the option with a greater deal of configuration and control, but with a steeper learning curve. Another big difference between QTS and DSM is how they present their services, with QNAP providing a larger degree of support of 3rd party applications (both in the app center and in the configuration of their own range of 1st party applications. Synology DSM on the other hand proves a larger and more impressive range of fist party tools that are designed to replace/improve upon the 3rd party tools you might be using, with many of it’s applications being comparable to top tier 3rd party paid tools in the market (the Synology collaboration suite, the Surveillance Station application and pretty much everything in Synology Drive, just as a start). The QNAP platform also, in it’s efforts to be as widely compatible and configurable as possible, occasionally stems into over-complexity and risks the user tripping over itself as it tries to manage the larger scale of configuration Whereas, although the Synology DSM platform may seem a pinch more closed and fixed, it manages to prevent the users from accidentally ruining their own storage system. Here is a full breakdown of the key applications that are included with the QNAP TS-464 and Synology DS423+, broken down into categories:

	QNAP TS-464	Synology DS423+
Browser Support	Supports all Browsers	Supports all Browsers
	Browser File Management	Browser File Management
	Photo/Music/Video Tools	Photo/Music/Video Tools
	Multimedia Console	Synology Drive
	AI Photo Recognition	AI Photo Recognition
	Edge m.2 Coral TPU Support
Storage Services
	SED Drive Support	SED Drive Support
	QTier	Synology Hybrid RAID
	Hybrid Mount	Hybrid Share
	ISCSI Target/LUN	ISCSI Target/LUN
	vJBOD
	Snapshots	Snapshots
	SSD Cache (Read/Write/Both)	SSD Cache (Read/Write/Both)
	Cloud Sync / QSync	Cloud Sync
	Ex-FAT is Free	Fast RAID Rebuild
	RAID Resync control	RAID Resync control
	Secure Erase	Acrtive Backup Suite
	Lots of Expansions (TR/TL)	Hyper Backup
	HBS 3	Synology CMS
	Qfiling and Qsirch
Business Applications
	QVR Pro – 8 Camera Licenses (+USB Camera Support)	Surveillance Station – 2 Camera Licenses
	Virtualization Station	Virtual Machine Manager
	Ubuntu Linux Station 18/20	Docker Support
	Container Station	Active Backup 365 & Workspace
	Hypervisor Protector	Synology Office, Chat, Calendar
	QMailAgent	Synology Mail / MailPlus
	HD Station	Synology C2 and Services
	BoXafe
	Security Councillor	Security Councillor
	Malware Remover	Synology VPN Plus
	McAfee Anti-Virus Scanning	Log and Notification Center
	QVPN	Auto Blocking on SSH, Telnet etc
	Log and Notification Center	256 bit Encryption
	Auto Blocking on SSH, Telnet etc	2 Step Authentication
	256 bit Encryption	Firewall App
	2 Step Authentication	Access Protection and Allow/Deny list
	Firewall App	Synology Secure SignIn
	Access Protection and Allow/Deny list	Synology C2 Password

As you can see, both NAS brands provide similar levels of software, services and features, but they are presented in very different ways. Once again, I cannot emphasise enough how much more the QNAP platform is configurable but ALSO how it can often give you too much configuration and risk overwhelming less experienced users. The Synology DSM platform, for all its comparative rigidicy, is still overall the better software experience and you definitely see that Software over hardware priority from the brand clearly here. I have made long, LONG reviews on each of the NAS brand’s and their software platforms, which you can watch below for much, much more information on their respective strengths and weaknesses.

QNAP QTS 5.0 Review	Synology DSM 7 Review

Ultimately, it will come as no surprise that Synology come out on top in terms of software compared with the QNAP. That is not to say that the QNAP QTS platform is not good, it really, really is and some of the applications that are included for home and business users are often genuinely impressive, unique and provide facilities to the end-user that are wholly unavailable on any other NAS platform (eg Multimedia Console as a single portal media manager, the 2-3 Click VM storages and repository that are available in Virtualization Station, Linux Station and Container Staton or the QuMagie AI-powered tool that is able to cover a greater range of subjects and categories that any other NAS photo tool out there). However, the QNAP QTS platform is not quite as polished, as user-friendly and as responsive as the Synology DSM platform overall. If you want a better idea how these two NAS software platforms compare directly (i.e face to face), then you can check out my DSM vs QTS video below:

Alternatively, if you are NOT interested in using the software included with your NAS, there is always the option to install TrueNAS – Something that is surprisingly easy on the QNAP NAS (see video below):

QNAP TS-464 or the Synology DS423+ NAS – Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing between the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 largely comes down to a question of hardware vs software. The QNAP TS-464 is by a long distance the more advanced in hardware in practically every way (thanks of course to the brand’s focus in this direction) which leads to that system having a tremendously large scope in terms of what you can do with it, how far the storage can be expanded and how upgradable the system can be. The QNAP is the better future-proof hardware choice and despite the Synology NAS platform having a stronger software platform, it still has a vast array of software and services available in QTS nonetheless. For those that are hardware-focused or want a NAS to support their existing 3rd party client tools and apps, the QNAP TS-464 is by and larger the better choice. The Synology DS423+ NAS on the other hand, despite its 2-3 year older hardware (already premiered in the 2020 released DS920+) and arguably safer/sensible stance on hardware in general, is still a great NAS that will likely becoming more popular and palatable in the 4-Bay NAS market as the pricing becomes a bit more flexible (as many will still weigh the DS423+ with the older DS920+ that still has stock floating around and opt for the latter). Add to that the core strength and first-party focus of DSM leading to this hardware+software solution providing you with a huge array of polished and premium feeling tools at your disposal. As long as you are happy to do things ‘Synology’s way’ and are looking for an easy to use system that will not tax the end-users brain, you will find Synology the better software choice overall.

QNAP TS-464 NAS – Spring/Summer 2022		Synology DS423+ NAS – Spring 2023
Reasons to Buy it? Better Hardware inside and out More Expansion/Upgrade Options Able to run more simultaneous apps/clients at once Faster USB Ports (10Gb/s) Larger bandwidth PCIe upgrade slot (PCIe 3×2 vs 2×2/2×4) Higher CPU Frequency, Efficiency & Proficiency M.2 SSD Useable Tiered Storage Option		Reasons to Buy it? Much more user-friendly Synology Hybrid RAID for flexibility Overall Better 1st Party Software Better Surveillance Access/Streaming Lower Price Point as it in the SOHO part of Syn’s Portfolio Quieter Operation First Party Accessories (HDD, SSD, Memory, etc) Available
Buy on Amazon	Where to Buy	Buy on Amazon	Where to Buy

 

Best Jonsbo Builds for $250 / $500 / $1000 (or Pounds, or Euros!)

This is a guide on building your own Jonsbo N3 NAS for less than £300, £500 or £750-1000. With many of us feeling the pinch these days due to global financial issues affecting most of our wallets, it’s unsurprising to hear that many users looking to host their own private server are increasingly drawn to going full DIY. Despite the numerous alternatives out there in the market to build your own NAS drive from scratch, one brand has really built a great reputation for itself – Jonsbo, with its range of compact but exceptionally well-built NAS cases. One particular case that has drawn praise is the Jonsbo N3 case, a 5-6 Bay SATA enclosure that is very easy to build and of quite a high-quality standard, given the price tag. However, the case is only part of building your first NAS, and many users aren’t quite sure of the best components to choose and the best power-to-price ratio they need to consider. Your device may need to be on for days, weeks, months, and years at a time, so choosing the right components on day one is going to be crucial. Today, I want to go through three distinct but impressive Jonsbo N3 builds, that can be built for less than 250, 500, and 1000 pounds. Let’s go through some great Jonsbo N3 NAS builds.

Note – If you want to watch a FULL BUILD TUTORIAL of the Jonsbo N2 NAS with an Intel TopTon Mobo, you can watch our video HERE or use the detailed Step-by-Step Guide HERE.

Alternatively, you can find the video of this article, where we show each of the builds, plus commenting on possible alternatives – HERE on YouTube

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Jonsbo N3 NAS Case Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• I noticed the N3 has 2x PCIe slots, can you confirm the maximum motherboard specification (ie, can this take a larger Motherboard than the N2, which is limited to M-ITX)?

The N3 can only support ITX motherboards or 20.3 x 17MM DTX motherboards.A 10.5MM increase in width compared to the N2, the depth upgrade is to put the power on the motherboard to make room for eight hard drives, and the height increase is to accommodate a higher specification CPU and heat sink as well as a mainstream specification graphics card.

• Can users purchase the Jonsbo tray handles separately?

Jonsbo can provide tray handles if you message them, but but it will be slower than ordering separately and at their discretion, but the agents or sellers in different countries may not have the inventory of this part. If the users need it, most likely, they can only provide this service (I asked them).

• Does the additional size of the Jonsbo N3 allow for larger CPU Fan/heatsinks than the 6.5cm/65mm limits of the N2 ? Just so I can tell users the limits/scale of the components they can use.

The N3 can be installed with a 130MM high tower radiator, and two 80*25MM fans can be installed on the rear panel. N3 can install a 130MM high small tower heat sink, and the rear panel can install two 80 * 25MM fans.

• What Are the maximum Height of the PCIe Slot and Any limits on GFX/GPU/Graphics Card Installation?

• What Size is the case and fans?

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Jonsbo N3 Build Disclaimers

• $ / £ / Euro / etc – You probably already noticed that I have had to jump between currencies several times in this guide. This is because lots of users worldwide are going to read this guide. Additionally, many of the components might work out cheaper if purchased in your own region (eg Intel CPUs, especially 12th and 13th Gen are cheaper in the U.S than most of Europe). Additionally, currencies right now at the time of writing are getting closer and closer in value (thank you Global Recession…sigh). So, although the prices are going to differ from country to country, I have had to play a little fast and loose with $500 and £500. Please forgive this, but I am trying my best!

• Does not include storage media – everyone’s storage needs are different. Some may want to fully populate the device on day one with a couple of drives for redundancy, while others might opt for a more conservative two-drive build in a mirrored array, and then add drives gradually over the years. Therefore, it’s practically impossible to include storage media in these build guides. However, if you are interested in choosing the best value storage media for your Jonsbo N3 NAS build, we recommend the Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard drives ($81 at time of writing) and WD Red Plus 10 TB hard drives ($189 at NewEgg) for the best price per terabyte in the market. These two options in this 5x 3.5″ NAS Case would result in £405 for 20TB (16TB RAID5) and $949 FOR 50TB (40TB RAID5). Alternatively, you can use our price per terabyte deal calculator below, which daily checks the prices of hard drives across several retailers and helps you find the best price per terabyte for your needs:

Click Below to use our Price per TB Hard Drive Calculator:

• Shipping and tax not included – We weren’t able to include the cost of delivery and tax in the following Jonsbo N3 NAS builds. Depending on where you live in the world, shipping and availability of the items described in these builds will differ significantly, so we can’t estimate shipping costs. Tax rates and amounts will also vary from country to country. So, while we’ve included tax in some component prices for export reasons, not all components listed below factor in tax.
• NAS software not included – The allure of DIY is often the lower cost compared to turnkey solutions like those from Synology or QNAP. But this means you’ll need to find your own NAS software. While many free options are available, like TrueNAS and Open Media Vault, some are subscription-based, like UnRAID. For fairness, we haven’t included the cost of NAS software, as choices will vary among users.

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Best Jonsbo N3 Build for Under/Around £250

This is often seen as the budget build for your Jonsbo N3 system. The list below provides a reasonably powerful Plex media server, the ability to run a compact and capable UnRAID server, a few robust container applications, and even lets you set up a combined NAS server and prosumer router using proxmox and pfSense, alongside your chosen open-source NAS software.

Jonsbo N3 + TopTon Intel n5105 Celeron / Pentium n6005 Build (+$35) Jonsbo N3 Case ￡94.25 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Topton N5105 + 128GB NVMe + 4GB RAM ￡193.48 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 2x SATA 6 Connector ￡4.19 (note only need 8x, but cheaper to buy 2×6) – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 400W SFX PSU ￡24.36 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ￡284.85 (128GB M.2 NVMe + 4GB RAM + 400W PSU) (Optional/Swap) If you want to save some money: Topton N5105 (NO EXTRAS) ￡159.82 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Cheaper 250W SFX PSU ￡13.15 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (needed for cheaper PSU) SATA to Molex Adapter ￡0.78 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ￡247.47 (no M.2 NVMe and Cheap PSU) Note, you need an SSD for TrueNAS OS (USB for UnRAID)

(Component Prices and eShops – 9 Images):

Click to view slideshow.

This build, just a bit over 250 pounds, offers a well-built base system, 4 GB of memory to start, and an included gen 3 NVMe SSD for your boot drive. Additionally, it has four individual 2.5G Ethernet ports that can either be solely dedicated to your NAS or divided between your chosen NAS OS and router OS. If you’re on a tight budget or wish to save for storage media later, consider downsizing the PSU to a more economical 250-watt PSU and buying the memory separately. These minor tweaks might save you as much as 40 to 45 pounds, depending on the adjustments you decide on.

Pros:

• Exceptionally affordable
• Simple build as many components arrive pre-attached
• Low power consumption
• Several avenues for cost-saving
• Components aren’t overcrowded, reducing heat concerns
• Compatible with virtually every NAS OS available
• Flexibility for dual OS to cover both NAS storage and prosumer router needs

Cons:

• Underpowered for TrueNAS’s full feature set
• Limited PCI lanes
• Reduced M.2 NVMe support compared to other builds on this list
• Not suited for extensive use or demanding business apps

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Best Jonsbo N3 Build for Under £500

At this price point, things get serious! Even if you exclude storage media costs and focus on the NAS hardware itself, $500 is substantial for DIY enthusiasts, especially when considering the time spent building the device and buying components from various brands. But if you’re willing to spend up to $500 on your custom-built NAS system with the Jonsbo N3 case, you’ll find a decent amount of flexibility. The subsequent build balances both internal and external performance against your budget. Moreover, the configuration below is priced around $450, allowing you some leeway in either saving extra cash, adding storage, or upgrading existing components (e.g., memory or network ports).

Jonsbo N3 + Intel Core i5 12th Gen + 16GB RAM + 10GbE Build Jonsbo N3 Case ￡94.25 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 2x SATA 6 Connector ￡4.19 (note only need 8x, but cheaper to buy 2×6) – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 400W SFX PSU ￡24.36 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE B660M ITX Motherboard £235.79 + Intel Core i5 12490F CPU + 16GB RAM – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ARGB CPU Radiator Fan (LGA1700) ￡13.38 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (better option for CPU Fan) Noctua NH-L9x65 CPU Cooler £49 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE X540-T2 Intel Chipset PCIe x8 Dual Copper RJ45 10Gbps ￡39.34 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Tbkoly Controller Card Motherboard Expansion Card 1 To 5 Port SATA £20.45 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (Optional) 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 4 X 8 Card GLOTRENDS Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Total $410.65 (i5 CPU + 16GB RAM + 2x10GbE + 400W PSU + Case + Cables) Note, you need an SSD for TrueNAS OS (USB for UnRAID)

(Component Prices and eShops – 8 Images):

Click to view slideshow.

This design of this build is significantly more future-proof than its predecessor, but it comes with increased power consumption. The build takes advantage of newer generation PCIe lanes, boasts more cores than the previous design, and confidently supports adding top-tier NVMe SSDs to your storage system in the future. It’s essential to note that this build requires a more hands-on approach. The base network port will need an added network adapter card to expand ports or boost existing port bandwidth to 10G. Finding off-the-shelf motherboards in mITX form with numerous Ethernet and SATA ports that also support modern Intel Core processors can be challenging. Because this design demands an Intel i5 12th gen CPU, the motherboard only features four SATA connectors. The Jonsbo N3 case accommodates up to six SATA drives, so to maximize this on this motherboard, you’ll need a PCIe SATA card with two additional SATA ports. Another option is to buy a different motherboard that supports more SATA connectors but sacrifices network speed, CPU support, or other features.

Pros:

• Lots of power for Plex and virtual machine use
• Full support for all major NAS software platforms
• Great for a medium or growing Plex media server
• Support for 2x NVMe SSDs for cache, Plex metadata, and even a separate SSD volume
• Option to upgrade to 10Gbe networking, depending on your future needs
• Lots of room for RAM upgrades

Cons:

• High power consumption and increased heat concerns
• Requires an additional PCIe card to maximize SATA drives
• Limited PCIe expansion due to the inclusion of a PCIe x1 and PCIe x4 slot
• Reduced options for processor upgrades, given the choice of the motherboard

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Best Jonsbo N3 Build for £750-1000

For those who want to build a NAS that rivals even the best off-the-shelf models available today, the following $1000 build offers some incredible performance. With this budget, you can get a truly formidable Plex media server, a robust virtual machine host, and even full surveillance with support for over 40 cameras (assuming you’re using an appropriate NAS software platform). The Jonsbo N3 NAS build is a powerhouse, providing enough capability for nearly any home or small business task.

Jonsbo N3 + Gen4/5 MoBo + Intel Core i5 12th Gen with Int Gfx + 32GB RAM + 10GbE Build Jonsbo N3 Case ￡94.25 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 2X SATA 6 Connector ￡4.19 (note only need 8x, but cheaper to buy 2×6) – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 600W SFX PSU ￡43.78 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Asrock Z690M-ITX/AX gEN 4/5 Motherboard £171.20 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Intel Core i5-12600K 12th Gen £239 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Re: CPU, features: 1 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module 1 x PCIe Gen5x16 Slot* 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode* • 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2280 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s & PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) modes* * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks * Supports ASRock U.2 Kit Corsair VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 32GB (2x16GB) £59.99 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ARGB CPU Radiator Fan (LGA1700) ￡13.38 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (better option for CPU Fan) Noctua NH-L9x65 CPU Cooler £49 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE X540-T2 Intel Chipset PCIe x8 Dual Copper RJ45 10Gbps ￡39.34 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Tbkoly Controller Card Motherboard Expansion Card 1 To 5 Port SATA £20.45 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (Optional) 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 4 X 8 Card GLOTRENDS Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Total £586.63 (Amazon) + ￡144.76 (Aliexpress) Note, you need an SSD for TrueNAS OS (USB for UnRAID)

(Component Prices and eShops – 9 Images):

Click to view slideshow.

At the core of this design is the Intel i7 12th gen CPU, boasting six cores and twelve threads. Complementing this, the motherboard has full support for up to 128GB DDR4 memory (with prices still fluctuating for such large kits). But even with 32GB or 64GB kits being relatively affordable, it provides an excellent base for this system. For networking, the base board has two 2.5GbE ports, with the option to upgrade to 10Gbe using a suitable PCIe network card. However, similar to the $500 build, you’ll need to make some compromises if you want to maximize SATA drive connectivity due to the limited SATA ports on the motherboard.

Pros:

• Extremely powerful for almost any task you throw at it
• Full support for major NAS software platforms and high-end features
• Outstanding Plex media server performance
• Abundant RAM support
• Flexibility in networking, from 2.5Gbe up to 10Gbe

Cons:

• High power consumption
• Likely overkill for casual or home users
• Requires additional PCIe card to maximize SATA drives
• Significant heat production, making adequate cooling essential
• Expensive

Click to view slideshow.

Conclusion:

Building a Jonsbo N3 NAS system is an exciting project, allowing you to tailor the system to your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re aiming for a budget-friendly media server or a high-powered machine for intensive tasks, the Jonsbo N3 case provides a solid foundation. Always remember that while building the hardware is crucial, choosing the right software and ensuring that it runs seamlessly is just as important. As the NAS market evolves, DIY solutions like the Jonsbo N3 builds will only become more prevalent, offering enthusiasts and professionals alike more flexibility and options. Happy building!

Jonsbo N3 NAS Build with TopTon Board Build (Complete Guide) – UnRAID/TrueNAS (click below)

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ZimaBlade Review – Cheap, Easy, Powerful? WHAT?

Over the last few years, we have seen a growing middle ground in private server ownership. For a long time, if users wanted to make the switch away from third-party cloud and towards owning their very own NAS server, they would opt to either buy a turnkey solution from brands such as Synology and QNAP, or they would decide to go full DIY and build a NAS completely from the ground up. However, in recent years, we’ve observed an emerging middle ground in the form of convenient pre-built NAS server solutions that arrive OS-free, ready for your own chosen third-party open-source software (such as UnRAID, TrueNAS, pfSense, OpenWRT, and more). This space has become quite exciting as server technology has become more efficient and affordable. Fast forward to the subject of today’s review: the ZimaBlade single board hackable server. IceWhale, the company behind it, premiered their first hackable single board, the Zimaboard, via crowdfunding last year with tremendous success, making a follow-up expected. The new product started its crowdfunding earlier in 2023 and is now in production, with early backers set to receive their units in January 2024. Fortunately, I was among the few to receive an early review sample. Today, I will dive deep into the ZimaBlade to determine if this unique alternative to the NAS server status quo deserves your data.

Hardware Highlights of the ZimaBlade Single Board Server:

• Price: $64*-144** (Check HERE)
• Two Versions: ZimaBlade 3760* / 7700**
• Design: Fanless, Single PCB+Heatsink
• CPUs:
  • Intel Celeron N3350* (2-Core, 2.4GHz Max)
  • Intel Celeron N3450 **(4-Core, 2.2GHz Max)
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500,(Frequency Up to 750 MHz)
• Supports Intel® Quick Sync Video
• Memory: 1x SODIMM RAM Slot (up to 16GB Option)
• Storage: 32GB MMC Internal
• Ports & Connections:
  • 2x SATA
  • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb/s – A / C)
  • 1x 1GbE Network
  • 1x Mini-DisplayPort 1.2 (4K 60FPS)
• 12V/3A USB Type-C Power (Optional Adapater Option)
• Expansion: 1x PCIe 2.0 x4
• Operation: Fanless / Silent
• 107 x 80 x 23mm in Size and just 175grams
• Software: Includes CasaOS (Ready out of the box), Compatibility: Can support practically any* server/router OS including Ubuntu, Windows, OpenWrt, pfSense, Android/Chromium and More

ZimaBlade Review – Quick Conclusion

I’m thoroughly impressed with this system. It challenges competitors from turnkey NAS, DIY NAS, and major cloud services with its competitive price point, comparable to a year’s subscription to cloud services. As a 2x NAS system, it offers great value, and DIY enthusiasts might find it hard to build a similar system at this price. While you can assemble a more powerful system with extra costs, it might compromise user-friendliness, power efficiency, and a compact design. The Zimmer blade stands out by offering a budget-friendly, capable, and user-friendly experience. Even though it’s a new entrant from crowdfunding, it checks all boxes. Its flexible OS is a boon for NAS beginners. Some design concerns exist, like the gen 2 Intel architecture and limited USB and ethernet ports. Yet, considering its price, these are minor. It’s a game-changer in the NAS domain, and I highly recommend it.

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

ZimaBlade Review – Retail Packaging

Kudos to IceWhale; the retail packaging for this compact device leans heavily into the cyberpunk mod aesthetic, feeling industrial in design and presentation. It’s more steampunk than the garish designs of some competitors. While compact, the packaging fits the device perfectly.

What you get with the ZimaBlade varies depending on your crowdfunding tier since different tiers come with different extras. Regardless, the board and included cables come in a fantastic compact retail kit. This kit also contains a thank-you card from the original developer, expressing gratitude for supporting the project. While not the first to include such a gesture, it feels genuine and not merely a marketing tactic.

Depending on the tier you select, the accessories and retail kit your ZimaBlade comes with may vary. Remarkably, the entry-level tier priced at $64 provides a dual-core ZimaBlade, a USB-C thread cable, and SATA cable adapters. Memory must be purchased separately, and a Y-splitter cable is necessary for using more than one drive.

However, for $64, you get the essentials for your Intel Celeron dual-core 2-bay NAS server.

Opting for the top tier gets you the $144 ZimaBlade 7700 package. This includes the system, 16GB of memory, a USB-C power adapter, a Y-splitter SATA cable for connecting two drives, and a metal 3.5-inch SATA hard drive cage for storage. For just $144, you have a 2-bay Intel Celeron NAS, 16GB of memory, all the required cables, and PCIe upgrade options, offering substantial value for a NAS kit.

It’s refreshing to see a server like the ZimaBlade utilize USB-C power. While it likely won’t run solely on standard USB power, acquiring USB power adapters (even high-wattage ones) is easier and results in less waste compared to unique PSUs found in most other NAS devices. This advantage, previously seen in Raspberry Pi mini servers, makes the ZimaBlade even more compelling.

The provided SATA connector combines both SATA and a four-pin power connector. If you want to use both SATA ports, you’ll need a Y-splitter cable. Oddly, the baseline $64 ZimaBlade package includes only a single SATA and power cable instead of the split cable. A small price increase could have easily covered this minor addition, making it more user-friendly. Still, it’s a discreet and customizable option for adding more SATA storage.

The included hard drive cage is basic but well-crafted, offering space to mount the ZimaBlade and a cavity for a PCIe card. With rubber pads on the feet to dampen vibrations, it’s an upgrade over its predecessor, which was just the board. Overall, the ZimaBlade’s retail kit doesn’t disappoint. Both the lowest and highest buying options from the crowdfunding campaign are reasonably priced. Now, let’s discuss the design of the ZimaBlade itself.

ZimaBlade Review – Design

Earlier this year, I reviewed IceWhale’s first single-board server, the Zimaboard. I was impressed by its compact size. Now, the ZimaBlade is even more compact with a distinctive design, reminiscent of a 1980s cassette Walkman. This small case manages to include numerous ports, connections, and hardware.

The sides feature a removable U-shaped slot design, and the top boasts a thick transparent plastic panel. The base and rear, made of metal, dissipate heat from key components like the CPU, which connects to the backboard with thermal paste and silicone.

The rear panel acts as a 2 sided heatsink (connected to a narrower ridged panel), efficiently releasing heat. Further vents aid in heat management. This ingenious thermal design ensures silent operation. Mechanical hard drives might produce some noise, but the ZimaBlade itself is silent.

The transparent top panel showcases the main control board and the SODIMM upgrade slot. I’m surprised IceWhale hasn’t introduced alternative cases, as some users might appreciate custom decals. Still, the design, reminiscent of old-school cassette tapes, is pleasing.

Comparing the ZimaBlade and the earlier Zimaboard, it’s evident IceWhale has opted for a different aesthetic. The older model had a large heatsink for heat dispersion, giving it an industrial look, while the ZimaBlade is sleeker and more compact.

The newer model needs good airflow but is a testament to the company’s dedication to refining their design. In conclusion, I’m enamored with the design choices of the ZimaBlade. It’s convenient, efficient, and its compact design compared to its predecessor makes it ideal for a hardware desktop lab. Now, let’s explore its internal components.

Zimablade Review – Internal Hardware

When Ice Whale said this was a single-board microserver, they weren’t kidding. Once you remove the external plastic plates and top transparent panel, you are left with just a single board. It’s about the size of a credit card, and components are distributed on both sides of the PCB. The CPU is situated at the base of the system with the memory on top. The designers have achieved an incredibly efficient layout to maximize component distribution. Removing the top panel was easily done by unscrewing two screws and sliding out the black plastic surround panel.

As the system doesn’t utilize any active cooling fans, the placement of heat sinks and the distribution of components are paramount. The ports and connections around the outer edge are clearly separated from the main SODIMM slot.

Interestingly, the predecessor Zimmer board didn’t feature upgradable memory; instead, it came with memory pre-soldered to the controller board. This is common in cost-efficient systems. Not only does it result in savings, but it also provides a more predictable and stable system. However, with the newer generation Zimablade, there’s a shift to the more popular use of an upgradable SODIMM slot. The baseline 64 model doesn’t come with any memory, but both the $70 and $80 tiers include either 8GB or 16GB of memory that fits into this SODIMM slot, and the CPUs support up to a maximum of 16GB.

On the base of the PCB, there’s an Intel Celeron processor powering the system. The device’s scale will inevitably draw comparisons to the established Raspberry Pi, mini PCs, and server devices. One crucial distinction is the CPU profile. Raspberry Pi systems utilize ARM processors, known for power efficiency but with limitations in high-performance environments. In contrast, the Zimablade features an Intel x86 64-bit processor, offering more robust hardware capabilities. This CPU, located at the system’s base, relies heavily on heat dissipation provided by the metal top panel.

For those choosing the more affordable Zimablade, it comes with an Intel dual-core Gen 2 architecture Celeron processor. While there are hints online about the specific CPUs in each Zimablade model, the official website isn’t explicit. Further investigation will clarify the CPU architecture, but it’s known to be a Celeron dual-core N3350 with a max clock speed of 2.4 GHz. Compared to contemporary systems, this might seem a bit underwhelming. Still, given the Zimablade’s price point, it’s reasonable.

The pricier model, ranging from $80 to $104, boasts a N3450 quad-core Celeron processor with a clock speed of 2.2 GHz. This boost in cores will be advantageous for multi-user environments and those looking to experiment with diverse operating systems.

The system also comes with some flash memory for storing the OS and other services. However, its modest 32 GB should suffice for the scale of the current mass software; larger, more aggressive software platforms may find this limiting, leading to an immediate need for additional storage for further app installation. Regrettably, the system doesn’t offer any form of internal storage upgradability. While you can connect USB storage drives, SATA HDD/SSDs, and even PCI-E cards to add further SATA media or M.2 NVMe storage drives, the system lacks any upgradable internal storage option. It would have been nice to see an M.2 NVMe or even an M.2 SATA slot, allowing for additional storage to be added to the base model, similar to how one can upgrade memory via the SODIMM slot. Additionally, an SD card slot would have been a welcome inclusion. However, given the compact size, there’s limited space to work with.

I might sound repetitive, but it’s genuinely challenging to criticize the Zimablade regarding its hardware. Given its price point and unique position in the market as a single-board, hackable server with few competitors, what you’re getting is impressive. This is an Intel-powered, 16 GB memory server with an open operating system that could easily fit in your pocket and runs off USB (with the appropriate adapter).

While the hardware inside the Zimablade isn’t cutting-edge, it surpasses what other architectures and brands offer at this scale and price. Let’s discuss the ports and connections.

Zimablade Review – Ports and Connections

The connectivity of the Zimablade is quite impressive. The ports are situated on three sides of the device, catering to a variety of needs.

Borrowed from the previous Zimmer board release are two SATA connections on the exterior. Coupled with an additional four-pin power connection, this board can link to standard internal SATA hard drives and SSDs. Notably, even the base model comes with a single SATA connector, while higher tiers offer more.

The system provides two USB ports: a general-purpose USB 3.2 Gen 1 and a USB Type-C mainly for power. Due to the device’s power requirements, users will most likely have only one USB port for peripherals.

Visual output is via a mini display port. Adapters may be necessary for standard monitors and TVs. Higher Zimablade tiers do include these adapters.

A highlight is the external PCIe upgrade slot. It offers versatility, allowing users to enhance the system with various cards. There are limitations, especially with power-hungry cards or those requiring more bandwidth. Yet, it’s a distinguishing feature that sets the Zimablade apart from its competitors.

To sum it up, the Zimablade offers a remarkable range of scalability options, especially when considering its size and cost.

The potential for upgrades and enhancements, both in hardware and software, makes it a valuable asset for tech enthusiasts and developers.

ZimaBlade Review – Casa OS Software

The landscape of personal cloud solutions is rife with options, each offering unique selling points. The Zimablade, entering this highly competitive space, packages its offering with CasaOS – a solution poised to redefine the relationship between hardware and software in the NAS ecosystem. But how does CasaOS fare, especially when set against stalwarts like Synology DSM, TrueNAS, and UnRAID? Let’s explore.

Key Features and Strengths:

• Digital Privacy at the Forefront: CasaOS, developed by the visionary team at IceWhale Technology, centers its design philosophy around safeguarding family data. Offering tools for encrypted communications, centralized multimedia storage, and smart home device management, CasaOS prioritizes digital safety in an age where data breaches are commonplace.

Click to view slideshow.

• Unrivalled Compatibility: One of CasaOS’s crowning attributes is its adaptability. The system integrates effortlessly across a multitude of hardware platforms, from x86 PCs to Raspberry Pi. With support for leading OS platforms, CasaOS promises a smooth experience, regardless of the tech ecosystem in which it operates.

Click to view slideshow.

• Expansive Application Universe: With over 20 pre-installed docker-based apps and 50+ community-verified ones, CasaOS provides users with a veritable buffet of digital tools. Whether you’re into home entertainment, require VPN solutions, or are seeking quality streaming apps, CasaOS has you covered.

Click to view slideshow.

• Holistic Data Management: CasaOS consolidates data storage, eliminating the need to juggle between platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive. With a promise of rapid 10x syncing speed and no associated data traffic or subscription fees, CasaOS champions efficient data management.

Click to view slideshow.

Points for Reflection:

• Comparative Lightness: While CasaOS supports a plethora of container applications, when benchmarked against established players like Synology DSM, TrueNAS, and UnRAID, it does come across as lite. Features such as ZFS support and 1st party mobile applications are conspicuous by their absence, leading to a heavier reliance on 3rd party container/docker apps.

Click to view slideshow.

• Gradual Transition to More Established Platforms: CasaOS, while robust in its offering, might be seen by many as a nascent stage in their NAS journey. As users grow accustomed to the intricacies of NAS operations, there’s a likelihood they may transition to a more comprehensive NAS OS. Platforms like UnRAID, with similar ease in container deployment but richer in 1st party features, often appear more attractive in the long run.

• Value Proposition: The inclusion of CasaOS with the Zimablade, especially at its introductory price range of $64-144 during its crowdfunding launch, is commendable. The synergy of hardware and software at this price point offers exceptional value for beginners. However, seasoned NAS enthusiasts might crave the depth found in mature OS offerings in the market. That said, it does allow for both local easy GUI access in a web browser AND terminal level  access easily:

The Zimablade, paired with CasaOS, makes a compelling entry into the personal cloud solution domain. CasaOS, with its focus on user-centric design, data privacy, and a wide array of applications, sets a solid foundation. However, as with many products in their infancy, there’s potential room for evolution and growth. Users looking for a lite, budget-friendly introduction to the world of NAS will find Zimablade and CasaOS an excellent starting point. Yet, as their needs expand and mature, migration to more established platforms might be on the horizon. Still, better to have a great ‘out-the-box’ OS included for day 1, than not! Also, the Casa OS will immediately boot on day 1, so no need to muck around with Bios with a visual output+Keyboard+mouse on day 1, as it will immediately appear on the network on your first boot in a few mins and be accessible via your web browser. All in all, especially at this price point, incredibly impressive, if a little lite. If you want to test out the CasaOS software before you purchase a system to run it on (Zimablade or otherwise), you can use the link below to test the software out in your web browser:

Click Below to access Casa OS Software Demo in your web browser

ZimaBlade Review – Verdict and Conclusion

If it hasn’t already become painfully obvious, I absolutely love this little system. Whichever way you look at it, this device is completely undermining a lot of competition from both turnkey NAS, DIY NAS, and established cloud hosting via third-party services like Google and Dropbox. This arrives at a price point that is comparable to a year of subscription cloud services at just a few hundred gigabytes. It’s also a 2x NAS system with inclusive operating system and app support that arrives at a third or even a quarter of the price of most established turnkey NAS. And for those looking to build their own modest low-powered NAS from scratch, I genuinely think you would struggle to assemble similar levels of hardware that we see here for the same price.

Sure, you could definitely assemble a system for a few hundred dollars extra that is more powerful, more expandable, more customizable, but in doing that, you would end up with higher power consumption, a larger physical footprint, multiple warranties to navigate, and ultimately end up with a far less user-friendly experience than what is on offer here. Most of the time, when it comes to technology, you will tend to find that it’s almost impossible to find a system that is low price, high capability, and user-friendly. Generally, you’ll have to sacrifice one of those. However, in the case of the Zimmer blade, although we are still talking about a system that is just in the process of leaving crowdfunding, it somehow manages to earn a big green tick in all three of those areas. Additionally, the fact that you are not locked into a single operating system and the inclusive OS, though light, is hugely adaptable, also means that the early NAS enthusiast and beginner in the world of private server ownership can use this as a learning tool that will still deliver value many years from now. Small design choices about the system I’m less keen on would include the gen 2 architecture of that Intel processor leading to slight bottlenecks in some areas, the realistically usable USB port being 5 gigabits per second—having just one of them is somewhat inconvenient—and the one-gigabit ethernet network connection out of the box is another bottleneck. However, when you put all these complaints into perspective regarding the device’s price point, they simply become irrelevant. Hands down, this is one of the most exciting NAS releases in both turnkey NAS and for DIY server builders I have ever reviewed, and I cannot recommend it enough.

The Gigabyte Aorus 10000 vs Seagate Firecuda 540 Gen5 SSD – Which Should You Buy?

It has taken some time, but Gen 5 m.2 NVMe SSDs are becoming more available, seeing a decrease in price, and are now being launched by major players in the SSD market. The slow rollout of Gen 5 in the solid-state drive world can be attributed in part to the 2020 pandemic and its subsequent impact on the production of Gen 5. The integration into motherboards and adoption by SSDs transitioning from Gen 4 to Gen 5 has also taken its time. Gen 5 promises enhanced performance capabilities and is accompanied by improved controllers from industry leaders. However, adoption at the motherboard and system levels has lagged slightly. While you can purchase a Gen 5 SSD now, the degree to which you can harness its peak performance consistently is still under discussion. Yet, if you’re buying a drive today for use over the next 5 years, it’s wise to be forward-thinking and future-proof your choice. As Gen 5 becomes more affordable and advanced, it’s poised to surpass and replace Gen 4. Thus, if you’re eyeing a high-performance SSD for future use, investing in a Gen 5 SSD now is a long-term strategy. Today, we’re evaluating two early Gen 5 SSD releases: the Seagate Firecuda 540 and Gigabyte Aorus 10000. These two SSDs may seem similar at first glance due to Gen 5’s nascent stage, but their priorities for a Gen 5 SSD differ. Let’s dive into a comparison of these drives.

Seagate Firecuda 540 NVMe SSD	Gigabyte Aorus 10000 NVMe SSD
Check Amazon	Check Amazon

Comparing Seagate Firecuda 540 and Gigabyte Aorus 10000 Hardware Specifications

When diving into the realm of SSDs, two top contenders emerge: the Seagate Firecuda 540 Gen5 and the Gigabyte Aorus 10000 Gen5. Both SSDs offer high-speed performance and are optimized for your storage needs, but there are a few notable differences. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose which might be right for you. From a consumer standpoint, Gen 5 has been available for just under 2 years, or closer to 18 months when considering when one could actually make a purchase online. In contrast, at the data center and enterprise levels, Gen 5 has been on the scene for nearly 3 years. This timeline has allowed for ongoing research, development, and innovation. As expected in the SSD realm, Phison was among the first to unveil a Gen 5 controller with its E26 controller and followed this with a few alternatives targeting enterprise and efficiency, like the DRAMless E31. Companies like Integrate and Silicon Motion soon joined the fray. This progression led numerous SSD brands to decide early on their Gen 5 SSD direction (and that’s without discussing in-house component brands like Samsung and WD). Concurrently, there were strides in storage efficiency and flash technology, resulting in increased layer counts and the possibility of denser storage while still upholding the high Gen 5 performance standards and expectations of durability and endurance. Given that these two Gen 5 SSDs are among the first wave in the market, their performance profiles are quite comparable. However, subtle differences in I/O metrics and durability might make some distinctions more significant than others in their head-to-head comparison. Here’s how the Seagate Firecuda 540 and Gigabyte Aorus 10000 stack up at the hardware level:

Feature	Seagate Firecuda 540	Gigabyte Aorus 10000
Manufacturer	Seagate	Gigabyte
Capacities	1TB, 2TB, 4TB	1TB, 2TB
PCIe Gen	PCIe Gen 5×4	PCIe Gen 5×4
Controller	Phison E26	Phison E26
NVMe Rev.	NVMe 2.0	NVMe 2.0
NAND Type	3D TLC Micron B58R	3D TLC Micron B58R
NAND Layer	232L	232L
Heatsink	No (inc Heatshield)	Yes (Vented + 2x heatpipe)
Price Per TB	$148/TB (2TB)	$148/TB (2TB)
DWPD	0.55DWPD	0.38DWPD
MTBF	2 Million Hours	1.6 Million Hours
Warranty	5yrs + 3yrs Data Rec	5yrs

1TB Model Comparison:

Feature	Seagate Firecuda 540	Gigabyte Aorus 10000
Model ID	ZP1000GM3A004	AG510K1TB
Price	$189	$179
Seq Read Speed	9.5GB/s	9.5GB/s
Seq Write Speed	8.5GB/s	8.5GB/s
4K Random Read IOPS	1.3 Million	1.3 Million
4K Random Write IOPS	1.5 Million	1.5 Million
TBW	1000TBW	700TBW

2TB Model Comparison:

Feature	Seagate Firecuda 540	Gigabyte Aorus 10000
Model ID	ZP2000GM3A004	AG510K2TB
Price	$299	$340
Seq Read Speed	10GB/s	10GB/s
Seq Write Speed	10GB/s	9.5GB/s
4K Random Read IOPS	1.5 Million	1.5 Million
4K Random Write IOPS	1.5 Million	1.5 Million
TBW	2000TBW	1400TBW

4TB Model Comparison:

Feature	Seagate Firecuda 540	Gigabyte Aorus 10000
Model #	N/A	AG510K4TB
Price	N/A	$589
Seq Read Speed	N/A	10GB/s
Seq Write Speed	N/A	9.5GB/s
4K Random Read IOPS	N/A	1.3 Million
4K Random Write IOPS	N/A	1.5 Million
TBW	N/A	3000TBW

For those unfamiliar with SSD jargon, like DWPD, IOPS, and TBW, please refer to the video below. It will acquaint you with prevalent solid-state drive terms, aiding in grasping the nuanced differences between these two drives.

Both the Seagate Firecuda 540 and the Gigabyte Aorus 10000 Gen5 SSDs present themselves as top-tier choices in the SSD market. At a glance, many of their specifications might appear almost identical, but certain key differences might sway consumers in one direction or the other.

Heatsink and Cooling:
One of the most noticeable distinctions is in their cooling solutions. The Gigabyte Aorus 10000 comes equipped with an inclusive heatsink that boasts both a vented design and a dual heatpipe system. This can be crucial for power users who are concerned about thermals and the longevity of their SSD, especially when pushing their drives in high-intensity tasks. The Seagate Firecuda 540, while not having a full-fledged heatsink, does include a heatshield which offers some degree of thermal dissipation.

Capacity Choices:
For those prioritizing storage space, the Seagate Firecuda 540 emerges as a more flexible option. It offers a 4TB capacity variant which the Aorus 10000 does not. This could be a deciding factor for users who require substantial storage without wanting to compromise on the speed benefits of an NVMe SSD.

Warranty and Data Recovery:
When it comes to warranty, both drives offer a 5-year period. However, Seagate adds a unique value proposition with 3 years of data recovery services. This can be a lifesaver for professionals or individuals who store critical data, offering some peace of mind that, in the event of unforeseen issues, there’s an added layer of protection.

Price Points:
Though the price per TB is the same for the 2TB models, differences emerge in the individual model pricing. The Aorus 1TB model is slightly more wallet-friendly, while the 2TB variant of the Firecuda is more competitively priced. Depending on your budget and storage needs, this could be another factor to consider.

In wrapping up, the choice between the Seagate Firecuda 540 and the Gigabyte Aorus 10000 Gen5 will largely rest on individual priorities. If you’re after larger storage capacities and value the added security of data recovery services, the Firecuda stands out. Conversely, if superior cooling and slightly lower price points (in some capacities) are more your focus, then the Aorus could be your SSD of choice. In either case, both drives promise high performance and reliability, ensuring that users will be getting a top-notch product.

Seagate Firecuda 540 NVMe SSD	Gigabyte Aorus 10000 NVMe SSD
Check Amazon	Check Amazon

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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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The Best Desktop and Rackmount NAS Enclosures on AliExpress

AliExpress, a vast digital bazaar teeming with tech offerings, presents a delightful challenge for the DIY enthusiast: the sheer magnitude of choice. Among its labyrinthine aisles, the domain of NAS enclosures emerges as a critical niche for those seeking to safeguard their ever-growing digital assets. Whether it’s the streamlined aesthetic of a desktop storage hub or the powerhouse efficiency of a rackmount system, the choices are as diverse as they are numerous. However, the myriad of options can often turn from a boon to a boggle. Enter this buyer’s guide, meticulously crafted to streamline your journey. Instead of sifting through the thousands, we’ve distilled the essence of AliExpress’s offerings down to an elite list of 10. Each selection has been handpicked, not just for its quality and performance, but for its ability to deliver unmatched value. So, come along as we demystify the expansive world of NAS enclosures, presenting a curated roadmap designed to guide you to the zenith of decentralized storage solutions on AliExpress. Your perfect pick, after all, might just be a click away!

Disclaimer – The Jonsbo N1, N2 and N3 are STILL the Best NAS Enclosures

Jonsbo’s range of NAS enclosures stands out as an industry benchmark for those keen on custom desktop NAS builds. These enclosures seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality, showcasing a meticulous design ethos that addresses both the visual and technical demands of modern users. The build quality is exceptional, employing high-grade materials that not only ensure durability but also aid in efficient heat dissipation, a critical factor for continuous NAS operations. Furthermore, Jonsbo has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach by incorporating features that cater to future expansion and adaptability. Their user-friendly design ensures easy installation and maintenance, making them a preferred choice for both novices and seasoned builders. Backed by positive user reviews and a reputation for reliability, Jonsbo NAS enclosures are, without a doubt, one of the best investments for those aiming to craft a high-performance, custom desktop NAS system.

Jonsbo N1 5/6 Bay Price (9/23) – $96	Jonsbo N2 5/6 Bay Price (9/23) – $89	Jonsbo N3 5/6 Bay Price (9/23) – $92

Note – FULL Jonsbo N2 NAS Build Written Build Guide HERE and YouTube Tutorial HERE

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Best DiY 2-Bay NAS Case on Aliexpress – The X8

Price (9/23) – $130 (Check Stock HERE)

2-bay empty enclosures play a pivotal role in the realm of DIY desktop NAS (Network Attached Storage) server builds. They offer enthusiasts and professionals a blank canvas, enabling them to handpick their preferred storage drives based on specific needs and budget. These enclosures typically come equipped with essential connectivity options such as USB, eSATA, and gigabit Ethernet, ensuring that data transfer speeds meet the requirements of most home or small business users. Furthermore, their compact design ensures efficient use of desktop space while also providing easy access for drive maintenance or upgrades. For many DIY enthusiasts, these 2-bay enclosures are the perfect balance between simplicity and expandability, offering an affordable and customizable solution for decentralized data storage. In terms of price point, scale and ease of setup, the X8 2-Bay enclosure is one of the very few serviceable 2 HDD NAS enclosures on Aliexpress. That said, I would always recommend skipping 2x bay enclosures in a DiY build, as they lack the expandability long term and a 4-bay device would likely use comparable power consumption anyway. Still, if you really want a 2-Bay NAS option, the X8 is a good start:

Click to view slideshow.

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Best DiY 4-Bay NAS Case on Aliexpress – The Innovision 4 HDD Enclosure

Price (9/23) – $57.90 (Check Stock HERE)

The Innovision 4 is an exemplary 4-bay NAS enclosure tailored for enthusiasts and professionals who demand both aesthetics and high performance. Outfitted with four 3.5″ hot-swappable SATA/SAS drive bays, it offers unparalleled convenience for drive management and upgrades. Designed to seamlessly house a Mini-ITX motherboard with dimensions up to 170*170mm, the Innovision 4 remains vigilant in thermal management, incorporating an 80mm silent cooling fan. Its standout feature, a high-quality and stable 6Gb/s Mini SAS backplane, ensures brisk data transfers and consistent reliability. Users are kept well-informed of the system’s operational status through a comprehensive array of LED indicators, paired elegantly with a front panel (FP) controller. Visually, the Innovision 4 radiates a contemporary design ethos and is crafted with precision, using 1.0mm Superior SGCC, PC, and ABS materials. Additional storage versatility is provided with an internal 2.5″ SSD bay. Connectivity options are ample, featuring both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports on the front. Flexibility is further accentuated in its power supply compatibility, accommodating both standard 1U and Flex 1U formats. Perfectly suited for diverse NAS storage needs, whether for home setups or enterprise solutions, and even cloud storage, the Innovision 4 weighs 4.3kg net and is securely packed in a carton with EP padding. For those seeking a harmonious blend of design and functionality in their NAS solution, the Innovision 4 emerges as a compelling choice.

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Best DiY 6-Bay NAS Case on Aliexpress – The R6 Tower

Price (9/23) – $59.20 (Check Stock HERE)

The R6 (hot swap) stands out as a compelling 6-bay NAS enclosure that strikes the right balance between form, function, and expandability. With dimensions of 243 * 255 * 221mm, it boasts a build made from high-strength 1.0mm galvanized steel combined with aluminum panels, reflecting a high-grade aesthetic that complements its robust structure. Designed to accommodate a Mini-ITX motherboard sized 17cm x 17cm, it ensures compatibility without compromising on space. Critical to its functionality, the enclosure supports a 1U power supply of size 15 * 8 * 4 cm, while ensuring the CPU radiator height stays within a 40mm threshold. Its efficient thermal management is further accentuated with a 12CM fan, ensuring optimal operating temperatures. A standout feature is its capacity to support either 6 3.5″ or 6 2.5″ hot-swappable drives, offering versatility and ease of access. Notably, while the power unit is not included, it is compatible with the POS small 1U power specification. The R6 also offers a standard open key and a convenient USB interface for added connectivity. For those considering scaling up from a 4-bay NAS, the R6 presents an enticing proposition. It offers 50% more storage capacity, granting users the flexibility to handle increasing data needs while maintaining a compact footprint. All these attributes make the R6 not just a viable choice, but a forward-thinking investment for those prioritizing both space and data scalability.

Hardware Highlights:

Click to view slideshow.

 

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Best Budget DiY 8-Bay NAS Case on Aliexpress – The N8 LCD Case

Price (9/23) – $136 (Check Stock HERE)

The N8 LCD equipped 8-Bay Empty NAS Enclosure/Case by Jonsbo is a masterclass in design and efficiency. Built with a sturdy combination of steel and aluminum, it’s designed to be both durable and visually appealing. With a focus on expandability, the N8 provides eight hot-swap locations for 3.5-inch hard drives and an additional slot for a 2.5-inch solid-state drive. Its compact structure does not compromise on performance; it accommodates a graphics card up to 240mm in length and a CPU heatsink with a height up to 65mm.

This mini server chassis is air-cooled and supports a FLEX type 1U sized power unit. Furthermore, its compatibility with M-ATX motherboards up to 9.6 * 9.6 inches ensures versatility for various configurations. The N8 chassis package comes standard, and while it does not include the motherboard, hard drive, graphics card, or power, it sets the stage for a high-performing NAS setup. It’s not just about function, as its aesthetics are also notable with its sleek design that is sure to fit seamlessly in any tech environment.

Click to view slideshow.

Key Features:

• Material: Robust blend of steel and aluminum for durability.
• Storage: Eight 3.5-inch hot-swap bays and one 2.5-inch SSD slot.
• Expansion: Four full height 12CM expansion slots.
• Compact & Efficient: Mini server chassis with air cooling.
• Motherboard Compatibility: Fits M-ATX motherboards up to 9.6 * 9.6 inches.
• Graphics & CPU: Supports graphics cards up to 240MM and CPU heatsinks up to 65MM.
• Power: FLEX 1U size compatible, 150 * 80 * 40mm.
• Dimensions: Height 220mm, Width 305mm, Length 340mm.
• Weight: 9.6KG.
• Brand: Jonsbo – reputable and recognized in the tech industry.

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Best Scalable DiY 8-Bay NAS Case on Aliexpress – The 18L Decal Chassis

Price (9/23) – $247.02 (Check Stock HERE)

The 18L 8-Bay NAS chassis emerges as a contemporary and versatile solution for the discerning tech enthusiast. Unlike traditional NAS offerings, the 18L doesn’t merely cater to the usual storage needs; it’s tailored for those seeking a multifunctional unit capable of blending seamlessly into diverse roles. The latest upgrade to version 1.2 brings several significant enhancements. The top cover glass, once a distinctive feature, has now been replaced with a ventilated metal cover for improved cooling. Hard disk spacing has been expanded for better ventilation, moving from 27.3mm to 29.8mm. Notably, the power supply’s exhaust position has transitioned from the front to the rear, enhancing airflow and thermal management. The front cover’s design has also evolved, transitioning from screws to a more user-friendly magnetic buckle. And while the number of lower fans has been reduced from four to two, this is balanced by the more efficient design alterations that prioritize heat dispersion.

Click to view slideshow.

In its essence, the 18L offers different configurations, ranging from an 8-bay setup paired with a 1U power supply to setups that accommodate varying numbers of bays with SFX and ATX power supplies. Its unique structure addresses the common issue in the NAS world: the heat buildup from higher-performance processors. By adopting a hierarchical design, the 18L ensures that users aren’t restricted to only low-power devices, paving the way for the integration of more powerful processing units. As a result, the chassis can transcend its primary storage function, doubling as a computing unit for tasks like rendering or even as a game console for your living room. Additionally, the inclusion of wood art material choices, from black walnut to mahogany, means that your NAS won’t just be a piece of tech equipment; it can be a stylish addition that complements your home decor.

Key Updates to 18L 8-Bay NAS Chassis (Version 1.2):

• Replacement of top glass cover with ventilated metal cover.
• Expanded hard disk spacing from 27.3mm to 29.8mm.
• PSU exhaust position shifted from front to rear.
• Transition of front cover fixation from screws to a magnetic buckle.
• Reduction of lower fans from four to two.
• Chassis includes: chassis body, 4-bay cage (x2), 2-bay backplane (x4), and a 2-bay replacement cage.
• Does not come with USB front interface cable, SATA data cable, or backplane power supply module cable.

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Best 1U Rackmount NAS Case on Aliexpress – The Innovision 4-Bay

Price (9/23) – $109 / $188 with 400W PSU (Check Stock HERE)

The Innovision 4-Bay 1U rackmount NAS chassis presents a cutting-edge solution for modern data storage and management needs. Spanning a depth of 560mm, this 1U chassis features 4 hot-swappable drive bays, all powered by a 6GB Mini SAS backplane, ensuring swift and stable data transfers. Users have the flexibility to choose from three distinct configurations: the base version that includes the chassis with a SATA backplane, 4 HDD trays, and four 4028mm fans; a second version that augments the base with a robust 1U 400W power supply; and a third variant that supplements the base option with practical two-section slide rails, facilitating easier installations in rackmount scenarios.

This chassis doesn’t just champion function but is equally attentive to form. It’s optimized for server configurations and can accommodate motherboards up to 12″x10.5″ in size. Ventilation is adeptly managed with four 4028mm PWM cooling fans, ensuring that components stay within optimal thermal thresholds. Its construction, forged from Super Anti-finger ROHs SGCC and durable plastic, exudes quality while resisting wear and tear. For those looking at expansion capabilities, the Innovision 4-Bay chassis provides an option for standard PCI/PCIE lateral expansion slots. Power compatibility is versatile, with the chassis supporting standard 1U power units up to 225mm. Storage is comprehensive with four 3.5″ SAS3/SATA3 hot-swap drive bays and an additional internal 2.5″ drive bay.

Designed for a multitude of applications, from handling large data sets to catering to the Internet of Things, cloud storage, and security monitoring, the Innovision 4-Bay is a formidable contender in the 1U rackmount space. It’s worth noting for those seeking alternatives or variations, the CSE_S16504 chassis is available, supporting even larger motherboards of dimensions up to 13″x12″. Moreover, users can opt for a high-quality, stable SAS/SATA backplane with options ranging up to 12Gb/s, available in either SATA or Mini-SAS SFF8087 interfaces.

Highlights of the Innovision 4-Bay Rackmount:

• Compact Design: 1U chassis with a depth of 560mm, optimized for server configurations.
• Flexible Configurations: Three distinct options catering to diverse needs, ranging from base configurations to those with enhanced power supplies or slide rails.
• Storage Capacity: 4 hot-swappable 3.5″ SAS3/SATA3 drive bays with a 6GB Mini SAS backplane, and an additional internal 2.5″ drive bay.
• Cooling Efficiency: Comes equipped with four 4028mm PWM cooling fans, ensuring optimal thermal management.
• Motherboard Compatibility: Accommodates motherboards up to 12″x10.5″ in size.
• Durable Construction: Built from Super Anti-finger ROHs SGCC and high-quality plastic material.
• Expansion Capability: Option for standard PCI/PCIE lateral expansion slots.
• Versatile Power Compatibility: Supports standard 1U power units up to 225mm.
• Multifunctional Applications: Ideal for large data sets, Internet of Things, cloud storage, and security monitoring.
• Alternative Model Available: CSE_S16504 chassis for those seeking variations or larger motherboard support.
• Backplane Options: High-quality, stable SAS/SATA backplanes with speeds up to 12Gb/s, available in either SATA or Mini-SAS SFF8087 interfaces.

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Best 2U Rackmount NAS Case on Aliexpress – The 12-Bay NF25612

Price (9/23) – $156 (Check Stock HERE)

The 12-Bay NF25612 rackmount NAS enclosure offers an advanced storage solution tailored for robust enterprise needs. Housed in an optimized 2U rackmount chassis, this system ensures seamless compatibility with motherboards, with the NF5612 supporting sizes up to 12″x10.5″ and the NF6512 catering to larger dimensions up to 12″x13″. Cooling is efficiently managed with three 8038mm hot-swappable PWM fans, guaranteeing optimal thermal conditions even under intensive operations. The chassis, crafted from Super Anti-finger ROHs SGCC and premium plastic material, promises durability and longevity. At its core, the NF25612 boasts a high-quality Mini SAS 6.0Gb/s backplane, ensuring rapid and reliable data transfers. Storage capacity is ample with 12 hot-swappable 3.5″ SAS3/SATA3 drive bays, complemented by two internal 2.5″ drive bays. Power needs are flexibly met with options ranging from 500-800W, with both single and redundant 1U 80 Plus Server power supplies available. The enclosure also offers versatile expansion slots, with configurations that can include 7 low profile or up to 3 full-height & full-length slots. Primarily designed for high-end applications, the NF25612 is perfectly suited for corporate databases, data centers, enterprise servers, and more. For those seeking alternative configurations, the CSE_S26508 chassis is available, compatible with even larger motherboard dimensions.

Highlights:

• Optimized Design: Streamlined 2U rackmount server chassis.
• Motherboard Compatibility: Supports sizes up to 12″x13″, depending on the model.
• Efficient Cooling: Features three hot-swappable 8038mm PWM cooling fans.
• Robust Construction: Built from Super Anti-finger ROHs SGCC and durable plastic.
• Ample Storage: 12 hot-swap 3.5″ drive bays, complemented by two 2.5″ internal bays.
• Flexible Power Options: Ranges from 500-800W with single and redundant supply choices.
• Expansion Versatility: Up to 7 low profile or 3 full-height expansion slots.
• Diverse Applications: Ideal for corporate databases, data centers, and enterprise-level needs.
• Alternate Model: CSE_S26508 chassis for broader motherboard compatibility.

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Best 3U Rackmount NAS Case on Aliexpress – The 16-Bay R366-16

Price (9/23) – $367 (Check Stock HERE)

The 16-Bay R366-16 rackmount NAS enclosure stands out as a masterfully engineered solution tailored for intricate storage needs and diverse applications. Set within a 3U space, its dimensions span 482(W)660(D)133mm(H), accommodating a motherboard size up to 12″ x 13″ – ensuring compatibility with EATX, ATX, MATX, and ITX mainboards. A distinguishing feature of the R366-16 is its substantial storage capacity; it can hold up to sixteen 3.5-inch hot-swappable hard disks and includes brackets for two additional 2.5-inch OS drives, giving users maximum configuration flexibility. Alongside its storage prowess, the enclosure offers an optical drive room designed for notebook slim drives. Airflow is optimized with four standard 80mm cooling fans, ensuring the internal components stay at peak performance temperatures. Furthermore, this NAS is built with a dedication to longevity and stability, evidenced by its SGCC case material and truly isolated anti-vibration design. Additional design considerations, such as the user-friendly lifting handle, make installation and transport remarkably effortless. Front panel settings include two USB2.0 ports, various indicators, and switch functions, offering easy access and clear operational status at a glance. Adhering to CE and RoHS standards, the R366-16 demonstrates a commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

Click to view slideshow.

Highlights:

• Generous Storage: 16 hot-swappable 3.5″ drives, with brackets for two 2.5″ OS drives.
• Motherboard Compatibility: Supports up to 12″ x 13″, compatible with a range of mainboard sizes.
• Optimized Airflow: Equipped with four standard 80mm cooling fans.
• Build Quality: SGCC material with a thickness of 1.2MM ensures durability.
• Anti-Vibration Design: Ensures drive longevity and consistent performance.
• User-Centric Features: Front panel USB ports and a user-friendly lifting handle.
• Expansion Slots: Supports seven full-height and vertical add-on cards.
• Broad OS Support: Compatible with all operating systems.
• Environmental Commitment: CE and RoHS compliant.

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Best 4U Rackmount NAS Case on Aliexpress – The R466 24 Bay Industrial Case

Price (9/23) – $578 (Check Stock HERE)

The R466 24-Bay 4U rackmount NAS enclosure epitomizes a blend of vast storage capacity and robust design tailored for intricate storage needs in industrial environments. Occupying a 4U rack space with dimensions of 482(W)660(D)178 mm(H), the unit is engineered to accommodate a motherboard size up to 12″ x 13″. Its prime highlight is the substantial storage provision with 24 slots for 3.5-inch HDD trays. Built with the robust Ma Steel and a flowers-free zinc plating, it promises durability and resilience against industrial wear and tear. The enclosure is optimized for efficient cooling, featuring four standard 80mm cooling fans. Its panel is designed for user convenience, housing two USB2.0 ports, power and restart switches, and a set of indicative lights. With an option to incorporate either an ATX PSU or a PS2 redundant power supply, the unit ensures reliable power management. Moreover, it offers seven full-height and straight expansion slots for enhanced functionality. Every detail of the R466, from its build quality to its impressive storage capacity, is designed to deliver unmatched performance in demanding settings. However, it’s essential to note that while the product offers immense value, the shipping costs due to its size, weight, and origin (China) are considerably high, at $166.74.

Click to view slideshow.

Highlights:

• Capacious Storage: Features 24 slots for 3.5-inch HDD trays.
• Durable Build: Made with Ma Steel with flowers-free zinc plating, and a thickness of 1.2MM.
• Efficient Cooling: Outfitted with four standard 80mm cooling fans.
• Power Options: Compatibility with ATX PSU or PS2 redundant power supply.
• User-Friendly Panel: Provides two USB2.0 ports, power/restart switches, and a suite of indicative lights.
• Expansion Capability: Supports seven full-height and straight expansion slots.
• Quick Delivery: 1 week for samples and 2 weeks for bulk orders.
• Weight: Gross weight of 20KGS, Net weight of 16KGS.
• Large Shipment Capability: Can be shipped in bulk with container loading quantities specified for various container sizes.
• Shipping Costs: Due to its volume and weight, shipping comes at a premium of $166.74.

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Best Hyper Scale Rackmount NAS Case on Aliexpress – The Innovision R46560 60-Bay 6U

Price (9/23) – $2155 (Check Stock HERE)

The Innovision R46560 is a standout 60-Bay 6U rackmount NAS enclosure, designed for those who prioritize expansive storage and reliability in high-demand environments. Sporting an optimized 4U rackmount server chassis, it’s engineered to house a vast array of 60 3.5-inch SATA hot-swap drive bays, which are also compatible with 2.5-inch HDD/SDD. This enclosure is constructed from SGCC 1.0 mm heavy-duty steel and super ABS, ensuring durability and resistance against potential wear. Further enhancing its build quality is the super anti-finger ROHs SGCC & Plastic material. For cooling efficiency, three 120mm PWM fans are integrated to ensure optimal temperature management. The server is adaptable, supporting motherboards up to the size of 12″ x 13″. Given its vast storage capacity, the R46560 is ideal for applications demanding large data handling, such as the Internet of things, cloud storage, and security monitoring.

It’s truly remarkable to reflect on the impressive storage capacity that the Innovision R46560 offers. 60 SATA/SAS bays in a single unit are a testament to how far storage solutions have come, catering to businesses and industries that handle vast amounts of data. Such extensive storage capabilities mean businesses can consolidate data in one location, optimizing access, backups, and overall data management.

Click to view slideshow.

Key Features:

• Optimized Design: 4U rackmount server chassis tailored for efficient use of space.
• Expansive Storage: 60 3.5-inch SATA hot-swap drive bays compatible with 2.5-inch HDD/SDD.
• Cooling Mechanism: Equipped with three 120mm PWM cooling fans.
• Durable Build: Constructed from SGCC 1.0 mm heavy-duty steel and super ABS.
• Motherboard Support: Accommodates motherboards up to the size of 12″ x 13″.
• Backplane Options: Comes standard with a 12Gb/s Mini HD hot-swap backplane. Alternatives include a 6Gb/s Mini SAS Expander and a 12Gb/s Mini HD Expander backplane.
• Ideal Applications: Suited for large data processing, IoT, cloud storage, and security monitoring.
• Customizable: Offers flexibility in configurations to meet specific needs.
• Dimensions: L650W437.5H265( mm ) or 25.57x 17.20 x 6.94( inches ).
• Other Features: Two USB ports and optional silm CD bay.

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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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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Thunderbolt 5: The Future of Connectivity or an Overkill for Most Users?

As Thunderbolt 5 prepares to make its debut in 2024, many consumers are left wondering if this new technology is a significant advancement they should be anticipating or just another buzz that will fade away. This doubt intensifies especially when considering the lukewarm user engagement with Thunderbolt 4. Many attributed the tepid reception to its speed similarities with Thunderbolt 3, and the pandemic-induced hardware shortages further hampered the availability of Thunderbolt 4-enabled devices. However, Thunderbolt 5 promises enhanced speeds and more power, but do users genuinely need it?

Thunderbolt 5 Highlights:

• Two times the total bi-directional bandwidth; Bandwidth Boost provides up to three times the throughput for video-intensive usage, up to 120 Gbps.
• Double the PCI Express data throughput for faster storage and external graphics.
• Built on industry standards including USB4 V2, DisplayPort 2.1 and PCI Express Gen 4; fully compatible with previous versions.
• Double the bandwidth of Thunderbolt Networking for high-speed PC-to-PC connections.
• Utilizes a new signaling technology, PAM-3, to deliver these significant increases in performance with today’s printed circuit boards, connectors and passive cables up to 1 meter.

All About the Speed: Thunderbolt 5’s Promise Thunderbolt 5, Intel’s forthcoming connection technology, integrates the foundation of USB 4 version 2, making it possible to transfer data at a staggering 80Gbps—twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4. For gamers and creative professionals, this means the ability to connect high-resolution 8K monitors to their computing devices. Notably, Thunderbolt 5 can boost speeds up to 120Gbps for PCs-to-peripherals connections, albeit halving the return speed to 40Gbps.

Despite the impressive speed boost, average laptop users may not find a compelling use case for such advanced speeds, even if it can support larger monitors and high-end storage systems. But for those involved in intensive graphic design, gaming, and other high-demand activities, this speed bump could prove invaluable.

A Deep Dive: Thunderbolt 4 vs. Thunderbolt 5 The preceding Thunderbolt 4 became a staple for devices, especially in Intel and Apple laptops, since its introduction. However, Thunderbolt 5 is set to dethrone its predecessor with several significant upgrades:

• Bandwidth Boost: With up to 120Gbps in boosted mode, Thunderbolt 5 offers up to three times more bandwidth than Thunderbolt 4. This advancement means users can connect to multiple 8K HDR monitors or achieve gaming experiences with up to 580Hz displays.
• PCIe SSD Speeds: Made possible with Thunderbolt 5 support, via docking stations, TB5 allows plenty of bandwidth to play with! In preview testing on the official Intel YouTube channel (HERE) we saw a singe 8GB test file on a GEN4 SSD via a TB5 docking station hit  6,223MB/s and 5,383MB/s Sequential Read/Write in CrystalDiskMark via an 8GB test file: 

   

  Click to view slideshow.
• Display Streams: Thanks to increased bandwidth, Thunderbolt 5 can stream to three 4K monitors simultaneously at 144Hz.
• Charging Power: Another notable feature is the support for up to 240W charging. This introduces the potential for gaming laptops to solely rely on a Thunderbolt 5 port for charging.
• Device Integration: While Thunderbolt 5 might sound exciting, it’s expected to feature primarily in high-end creative or gaming devices. This suggests that Thunderbolt 4 will remain a standard feature in many devices for the foreseeable future. Though Thunderbolt technology has been presented as royalty-free software, suggesting its potential adoption in devices like AMD or Snapdragon, it’s expected that Intel and Apple devices will continue to dominate its use.

The imminent arrival of Thunderbolt 5 brings with it the promise of faster speeds, increased power, and better compatibility for high-end users. Yet, considering the history of its predecessor, one must wonder if the average user truly needs such advanced capabilities. Only time will tell if Thunderbolt 5 becomes a mainstream necessity or remains a luxury for the few.

	THUNDERBOLT 5	THUNDERBOLT 4	USB4	USB 3.2
Data transfer rate	Up to 120 Gbps	Up to 80 Gbps	Minimum of 20 Gbps, 40 Gbps is optional.120 Gbps is optional with USB4 Version 2.0	5 Gbps (Gen 1), 10 Gbps (Gen 2), or 20 Gbps (Gen 2×2)
PC video requirements	Dual 6K	Dual 4K	One monitor	One monitor
PC data requirements*	PCIe: 64Gbps USB 3: 10Gbps**	PCIe: 32Gbps USB 3: 10Gbps	USB 3: 10Gbps	USB 3: 5Gbps
Required PC charging on at least one computer port	Required up to 140 W, available up to 240 W	Required up to 100 W, available up to 140 W	Available up to 240 W	Available up to 240 W
Required PC wake	Yes	Yes	No	No
Minimum PC port power for accessories	15 W	15 W	7.5 W	4.5 W
PC to PC networking*	64Gbps	32Gbps	N/A	N/A
Intel VT-d-based DMA protection required	Yes	Yes	No	No

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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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UGreen DXP4800 and DXP2800 Intel N100 NAS Drives Revealed

2023 has been an incredible year for changing the status quo of the NAS market! In the last year or so, we have seen several new brands enter the world of network attached storage. Some are providing complete turnkey solutions, while others offer OS-free solutions. This allows users to get great hardware at a better price point, while still having access to open-source and low-cost community software. Arriving somewhere in the middle is the newly revealed UGreen DXP series of NAS devices. Revealed at IFA 2023 and first pictured by Computerbase at the event, several promising solutions by this long-running brand, more recently associated with components and peripherals, were on display. As one of the first NAS devices to feature the new-generation Intel prosumer CPU, they aim to challenge well-established names in the NAS world, such as Synology and QNAP. Could this signify a change in the NAS hierarchy in 2024? Let’s discuss everything we know about the new DXP 4800 and DXP 2800 NAS and whether it might deserve your data.

Important – initial coverage of the UGreen DXP2800 and DXP4800 appeared here on ComputerBase, where much of the information on the hardware specifications detailed below and two images are from. Find out more about their article HERE

UGreen DXP2800 2-Bay and DXP4800 4-Bay Internal Hardware

While full detailed specification sheets for this new range of NAS solutions by UGreen weren’t revealed, a fair amount of information about the base level hardware inside these devices was provided. Only the two-disk and four-disk systems were revealed at IFA 2023, but there are clear indications that this is part of a larger series of NAS devices in the works. In mid to late 2022, Intel announced plans to retire the long-established Intel Celeron and Intel Pentium product families, instead merging them into a new N family of processors. One of the earliest products from this refresh is the new N100 processor featured in this UGreen device.

Equipped with this 2023 generation Intel processor, which overshadows the majority of currently used NAS, Intel, Celeron, and Pentium processors from potential competitors, UGreen’s move is confident. There are also plans for this system to come with 8 GB of memory by default. However, whether this is DDR4 or DDR5 (both supported by this processor architecture, according to Intel) is yet to be confirmed. The following specifications are subject to change:

Model	UGreen DXP2800 NAS	UGreen DXP4800 NAS
Bays	2x SATA 2-Bay	4x SATA 2-Bay
M.2 Slots	2x Gen3 M.2 NVMe 2280	2x Gen3 M.2 NVMe 2280
Max Capacity	SATA 2.5”/3.5” Support (8TB SSD, 22TB HDD)	SATA 2.5”/3.5” Support (8TB SSD, 22TB HDD)
CPU	Intel	Intel
Cores	4x	4x
Frequency	1.8Ghz (3.0-3.2Ghz Burst)	1.8Ghz (3.0-3.2Ghz Burst)
CPUBenchmark Score	5640 (05/09/23)	5640 (05/09/23)
Integrated GFX	Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake)	Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake)
CPU TDP	6W	6W
PCIe Lanes	Gen3 – 9 Lanes	Gen3 – 9 Lanes
Graphics Mhz	750Mhz	750Mhz
Memory	8GB	8GB
Max Mem (CPU Max)	16GB	16GB
Mem Speed (CPU Max)	DDR4 3200 MT/s, DDR5 4800 MT/s,  LPDDR5 4800 MT/s	DDR4 3200 MT/s, DDR5 4800 MT/s,  LPDDR5 4800 MT/s
ECC Memory Support	No	No
Memory Profile	SODIMM	SODIMM

Interestingly, this CPU rates high in terms of its burst clock speed and integrated graphics potential. The CPU’s low base clock speed of 1.8 GHz, paired with an impressive 3.2 GHz peak for demanding applications, means it will typically have a very low power consumption in 24-hour-a-day deployments, as a NAS usually spends more time idle than being accessed. Intel rates this CPU at 6W TDP, an impressively low rating.

The UGreen DXP4800 and DXP 2800 support the latest 22 TB hard drives from Seagate and WD and up to 8TB SSDs. Additionally, both systems come with Gen 3 M.2 NVMe slots. We are still seeking clarification on whether these bays are used for both caching and storage, as well as their intended speed. However, given the system’s architecture, these slots for M.2 SSDs are likely to be at gen 3 x 1 or gen 3 x 2 speeds.

There are also indications of a UGreen DXP6800 6-Bay and DXP8800 8-Bay NAS Drive, but no official hardware specifications have been confirmed.

UGreen DXP2800 2-Bay and DXP4800 4-Bay – Ports and Connections

The ports and connections on the UGreen DXP 2800 and DXP 4800 aren’t significantly different from other prosumer NAS systems in 2023/2024, but they have some unique features. Both the two-bay and four-bay systems come with USB Type-C connectivity, supporting various USB generations. These ports can be used with the HDMI 2.1 port for a local keyboard, video, and mouse setup for standalone usage. Notably, the four-bay model also features an SD card slot, a feature photographers often request.

Model	UGreen DXP2800 NAS	UGreen DXP4800 NAS
Network Ports	2.5GbE x2 (RJ45)	2.5GbE x2 (RJ45)
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb)	1	1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb)	2	2
USB 2.0	2	2
HDMI	1 HDMI 2.1	1 HDMI 2.1
USB Profile	USB-C and USB-A	USB-C and USB-A
SD Card Slot	No	Yes
Fan #	1	1

The systems come with 2.5 GBE network ports, among other features. However, there’s no indication of any PCIe upgrade capability on this system, which some users might have appreciated for external network bandwidth enhancement. We await confirmation on the specifications for the 6x and 8x devices, and it’s possible that they might include PCIe upgrade slots or improved CPUs from the Intel 12th and 13th gen processor family.

UGreen DXP2800 2-Bay and DXP4800 4-Bay – Software

Currently, there’s no confirmation on the software the UGreen DXP series will come with. The growing trend is towards NAS solutions that are pre-built but without an OS included in the price, allowing users to use open-source software and save money.

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Best Jonsbo Builds for $250 / $500 / $1000 (or Pounds, or Euros!)

This is a guide on building your own Jonsbo N2 NAS for less than £250, £500 or £750-1000. With many of us feeling the pinch these days due to global financial issues affecting most of our wallets, it’s unsurprising to hear that many users looking to host their own private server are increasingly drawn to going full DIY. Despite the numerous alternatives out there in the market to build your own NAS drive from scratch, one brand has really built a great reputation for itself – Jonsbo, with its range of compact but exceptionally well-built NAS cases. One particular case that has drawn praise is the Jonsbo N2 case, a 5-6 Bay SATA enclosure that is very easy to build and of quite a high-quality standard, given the price tag. However, the case is only part of building your first NAS, and many users aren’t quite sure of the best components to choose and the best power-to-price ratio they need to consider. Your device may need to be on for days, weeks, months, and years at a time, so choosing the right components on day one is going to be crucial. Today, I want to go through three distinct but impressive Jonsbo N2 builds, that can be built for less than 250, 500, and 1000 pounds. Let’s go through some great Jonsbo N2 NAS builds.

Note – If you want to watch a FULL BUILD TUTORIAL of the Jonsbo N2 NAS with an Intel TopTon Mobo, you can watch our video HERE or use the detailed Step-by-Step Guide HERE.

Alternatively, you can find the video of this article, where we show each of the builds, plus commenting on possible alternatives – HERE on YouTube

Jonsbo N2 Build Disclaimers

• $ / £ / Euro / etc – You probably already noticed that I have had to jump between currencies several times in this guide. This is because lots of users worldwide are going to read this guide. Additionally, many of the components might work out cheaper if purchased in your own region (eg Intel CPUs, especially 12th and 13th Gen are cheaper in the U.S than most of Europe). Additionally, currencies right now at the time of writing are getting closer and closer in value (thank you Global Recession…sigh). So, although the prices are going to differ from country to country, I have had to play a little fast and loose with $500 and £500. Please forgive this, but I am trying my best!

• Does not include storage media – everyone’s storage needs are different. Some may want to fully populate the device on day one with a couple of drives for redundancy, while others might opt for a more conservative two-drive build in a mirrored array, and then add drives gradually over the years. Therefore, it’s practically impossible to include storage media in these build guides. However, if you are interested in choosing the best value storage media for your Jonsbo N2 NAS build, we recommend the Seagate IronWolf 4TB NAS hard drives ($81 at time of writing) and WD Red Plus 10 TB hard drives ($189 at NewEgg) for the best price per terabyte in the market. These two options in this 5x 3.5″ NAS Case would result in £405 for 20TB (16TB RAID5) and $949 FOR 50TB (40TB RAID5). Alternatively, you can use our price per terabyte deal calculator below, which daily checks the prices of hard drives across several retailers and helps you find the best price per terabyte for your needs:

Click Below to use our Price per TB Hard Drive Calculator:

• Shipping and tax not included – We weren’t able to include the cost of delivery and tax in the following Jonsbo N2 NAS builds. Depending on where you live in the world, shipping and availability of the items described in these builds will differ significantly, so we can’t estimate shipping costs. Tax rates and amounts will also vary from country to country. So, while we’ve included tax in some component prices for export reasons, not all components listed below factor in tax.
• NAS software not included – The allure of DIY is often the lower cost compared to turnkey solutions like those from Synology or QNAP. But this means you’ll need to find your own NAS software. While many free options are available, like TrueNAS and Open Media Vault, some are subscription-based, like UnRAID. For fairness, we haven’t included the cost of NAS software, as choices will vary among users.

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Best Jonsbo N2 Build for Under/Around £250

This is often seen as the budget build for your Jonsbo N2 system. The list below provides a reasonably powerful Plex media server, the ability to run a compact and capable UnRAID server, a few robust container applications, and even lets you set up a combined NAS server and prosumer router using proxmox and pfSense, alongside your chosen open-source NAS software.

Jonsbo N2 + TopTon Intel n5105 Celeron / Pentium n6005 Build (+$35) Jonsbo N2 Case ￡74.04 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Topton N5105 + 128GB NVMe + 4GB RAM ￡193.48 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE SATA 6 Connector ￡4.19 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 400W SFX PSU ￡24.36 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ￡264.64 (128GB M.2 NVMe + 4GB RAM + 400W PSU) (Optional/Swap) If you want to save some money: Topton N5105 (NO EXTRAS) ￡159.82 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Cheaper 250W SFX PSU ￡13.15 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (needed for cheaper PSU) SATA to Molex Adapter ￡0.78 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ￡247.47 (no M.2 NVMe and Cheap PSU) Note, you need an SSD for TrueNAS OS (USB for UnRAID)

(Component Prices and eShops – 9 Images):

Click to view slideshow.

This build, just a bit over 250 pounds, offers a well-built base system, 4 GB of memory to start, and an included gen 3 NVMe SSD for your boot drive. Additionally, it has four individual 2.5G Ethernet ports that can either be solely dedicated to your NAS or divided between your chosen NAS OS and router OS. If you’re on a tight budget or wish to save for storage media later, consider downsizing the PSU to a more economical 250-watt PSU and buying the memory separately. These minor tweaks might save you as much as 40 to 45 pounds, depending on the adjustments you decide on.

Pros:

• Exceptionally affordable
• Simple build as many components arrive pre-attached
• Low power consumption
• Several avenues for cost-saving
• Components aren’t overcrowded, reducing heat concerns
• Compatible with virtually every NAS OS available
• Flexibility for dual OS to cover both NAS storage and prosumer router needs

Cons:

• Underpowered for TrueNAS’s full feature set
• Limited PCI lanes
• Reduced M.2 NVMe support compared to other builds on this list
• Not suited for extensive use or demanding business apps

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Best Jonsbo N2 Build for Under £500

At this price point, things get serious! Even if you exclude storage media costs and focus on the NAS hardware itself, $500 is substantial for DIY enthusiasts, especially when considering the time spent building the device and buying components from various brands. But if you’re willing to spend up to $500 on your custom-built NAS system with the Jonsbo N2 case, you’ll find a decent amount of flexibility. The subsequent build balances both internal and external performance against your budget. Moreover, the configuration below is priced around $450, allowing you some leeway in either saving extra cash, adding storage, or upgrading existing components (e.g., memory or network ports).

Jonsbo N2 + Intel Core i5 12th Gen + 16GB RAM + 10GbE Build Jonsbo N2 Case ￡74.04 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE SATA 6 Connector ￡4.19 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 400W SFX PSU ￡24.36 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE B660M ITX Motherboard £235.79 + Intel Core i5 12490F CPU + 16GB RAM – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ARGB CPU Radiator Fan (LGA1700) ￡13.38 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (better option for CPU Fan) Noctua NH-L9x65 CPU Cooler £49 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE X540-T2 Intel Chipset PCIe x8 Dual Copper RJ45 10Gbps ￡39.34 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Tbkoly Controller Card Motherboard Expansion Card 1 To 5 Port SATA £20.45 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (Optional) 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 4 X 8 Card GLOTRENDS Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Total 390.44 (i5 CPU + 16GB RAM + 2x10GbE + 400W PSU + Case + Cables) Note, you need an SSD for TrueNAS OS (USB for UnRAID)

(Component Prices and eShops – 8 Images):

Click to view slideshow.

This design of this build is significantly more future-proof than its predecessor, but it comes with increased power consumption. The build takes advantage of newer generation PCIe lanes, boasts more cores than the previous design, and confidently supports adding top-tier NVMe SSDs to your storage system in the future. It’s essential to note that this build requires a more hands-on approach. The base network port will need an added network adapter card to expand ports or boost existing port bandwidth to 10G. Finding off-the-shelf motherboards in mITX form with numerous Ethernet and SATA ports that also support modern Intel Core processors can be challenging. Because this design demands an Intel i5 12th gen CPU, the motherboard only features four SATA connectors. The Jonsbo N2 case accommodates up to six SATA drives, so to maximize this on this motherboard, you’ll need a PCIe SATA card with two additional SATA ports. Another option is to buy a different motherboard that supports more SATA connectors but sacrifices network speed, CPU support, or other features.

Pros:

• Lots of power for Plex and virtual machine use
• Full support for all major NAS software platforms
• Great for a medium or growing Plex media server
• Support for 2x NVMe SSDs for cache, Plex metadata, and even a separate SSD volume
• Option to upgrade to 10Gbe networking, depending on your future needs
• Lots of room for RAM upgrades

Cons:

• High power consumption and increased heat concerns
• Requires an additional PCIe card to maximize SATA drives
• Limited PCIe expansion due to the inclusion of a PCIe x1 and PCIe x4 slot
• Reduced options for processor upgrades, given the choice of the motherboard

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Best Jonsbo N2 Build for £750-1000

For those who want to build a NAS that rivals even the best off-the-shelf models available today, the following $1000 build offers some incredible performance. With this budget, you can get a truly formidable Plex media server, a robust virtual machine host, and even full surveillance with support for over 40 cameras (assuming you’re using an appropriate NAS software platform). The Jonsbo N2 NAS build is a powerhouse, providing enough capability for nearly any home or small business task.

Jonsbo N2 + Gen4/5 MoBo + Intel Core i5 12th Gen with Int Gfx + 32GB RAM + 10GbE Build Jonsbo N2 Case ￡74.04 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE SATA 6 Connector ￡4.19 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 600W SFX PSU ￡43.78 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Asrock Z690M-ITX/AX gEN 4/5 Motherboard £171.20 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Intel Core i5-12600K 12th Gen £239 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Re: CPU, features: 1 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module 1 x PCIe Gen5x16 Slot* 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode* • 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2280 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s & PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) modes* * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks * Supports ASRock U.2 Kit Corsair VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 32GB (2x16GB) £59.99 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ARGB CPU Radiator Fan (LGA1700) ￡13.38 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (better option for CPU Fan) Noctua NH-L9x65 CPU Cooler £49 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE X540-T2 Intel Chipset PCIe x8 Dual Copper RJ45 10Gbps ￡39.34 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Tbkoly Controller Card Motherboard Expansion Card 1 To 5 Port SATA £20.45 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (Optional) 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 4 X 8 Card GLOTRENDS Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Total £586.63 (Amazon) + ￡123.51 (Aliexpress) Note, you need an SSD for TrueNAS OS (USB for UnRAID)

(Component Prices and eShops – 9 Images):

Click to view slideshow.

At the core of this design is the Intel i7 12th gen CPU, boasting six cores and twelve threads. Complementing this, the motherboard has full support for up to 128GB DDR4 memory (with prices still fluctuating for such large kits). But even with 32GB or 64GB kits being relatively affordable, it provides an excellent base for this system. For networking, the base board has two 2.5GbE ports, with the option to upgrade to 10Gbe using a suitable PCIe network card. However, similar to the $500 build, you’ll need to make some compromises if you want to maximize SATA drive connectivity due to the limited SATA ports on the motherboard.

Pros:

• Extremely powerful for almost any task you throw at it
• Full support for major NAS software platforms and high-end features
• Outstanding Plex media server performance
• Abundant RAM support
• Flexibility in networking, from 2.5Gbe up to 10Gbe

Cons:

• High power consumption
• Likely overkill for casual or home users
• Requires additional PCIe card to maximize SATA drives
• Significant heat production, making adequate cooling essential
• Expensive

Click to view slideshow.

Conclusion:

Building a Jonsbo N2 NAS system is an exciting project, allowing you to tailor the system to your specific needs and budget. Whether you’re aiming for a budget-friendly media server or a high-powered machine for intensive tasks, the Jonsbo N2 case provides a solid foundation. Always remember that while building the hardware is crucial, choosing the right software and ensuring that it runs seamlessly is just as important. As the NAS market evolves, DIY solutions like the Jonsbo N2 builds will only become more prevalent, offering enthusiasts and professionals alike more flexibility and options. Happy building!

Jonsbo N2 NAS Build with TopTon Board Build (Complete Guide) – UnRAID/TrueNAS (click below)

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Review of the Samsung 990 Pro 4TB NVMe SSD

Samsung 990 Pro SSD Review – Quick Conclusion

When it comes to the performance numbers stated by Samsung for their 990 Pro 4TB SSD, they pretty much live up to the hype. To reach these dizzying heights, you will, of course, need a peak-level machine. However, even on more common PC architectures and, in particular, the PS5, you’re going to see numbers that come quite close. Additionally, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD upholds its high reputation in terms of 4K random performance. It’s evident that Samsung has prioritized this both commercially and for consumers, leading to this SSD showcasing impressive early random IO numbers right from the start. The main concern for many will be the price point. At launch, it’s slightly more expensive compared to other Gen 4 SSDs that offer similar performance. Yet, due to its longer market presence and wider availability, it’s priced 10 to 15% lower! There’s also the emerging Gen 5 tier of SSDs to consider. While they’re still somewhat challenging for most PC architectures to fully utilize in terms of the lofty performance numbers they promise, their prices are starting to drop. If your system supports Gen 5 right off the bat, would it be wiser to opt for a Gen 5 SSD? The Samsung 990 Pro 4TB SSD might have performed even better if it had launched simultaneously with the 1TB and 2TB versions in October 2022. Moreover, this SSD tends to run hot, even with a decent heatsink attached. Peculiar choices in NAND distribution and consumer concerns earlier this year—due to firmware issues identified on several Samsung products—all contribute to the perception that the Samsung 990 Pro had a somewhat shaky launch.

In conclusion, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD is a high-performing drive that delivers as promised. It’s a high-quality product engineered by SSD market professionals and comes with support and a warranty that is nearly unparalleled when compared to cheaper vendors. However, be prepared to pay a premium. It’s priced at a point that the market, which is beginning to view it as “last-gen,” may not be quite ready to accept.

Samsung 990 Pro SSD Review – Packaging

The external packaging of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD is near enough identical to that of the Samsung 980 Pro, with Samsung’s stylized branding for the series out in full force.

The retail packaging also makes plenty of noise about the promised performance on the 990 Pro, with information on the front about the promised maximum 7450MB/s Seq Read and further details on the back regarding the durability, IOPS and further hardware specifications. Again, all this will be massively familiar to anyone who has purchased a Samsung SSD previously.

The contents of the retail package are pretty light, with the 990 Pro SSD arriving on its own in a plastic protective shell and just a document regarding the 5-year inclusive warranty. If you were to purchase the heatsink-equipped version (slightly more expensive), that arrives pre-attached at the factory level.

On its own, the Samsung 990 Pro is quite a modest-looking drive and even in the 4TB capacity module that was featured for this review, only a single side of the SSD is occupied by chips/components on the PCB – something I will touch on later.

That is really all you can say about the packaging and presentation of the Samsung 990 Pro. It is quite a modest kit and most of the value/impression of this device is left to the hardware onboard and how that translates to performance. Let’s take a closer look at the drive itself.

Samsung 990 Pro 4TB SSD Review – Design

The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is a PCIe Gen 4×4 M.2 Key NVMe SSD that is completely backwards compatible with PCIe Gen 3×4 SSD slots where necessary (though crucially not M.2 SATA) that improves upon the architecture of the Samsung 980 Pro in a few key areas to produce a higher performance point in most of the key areas you want/need. Running on NVMe 2.0 architecture, the drive is reported to be the fastest PCIe m.2 SSD that Samsung has ever produced and manages to saturate a maximum 7,450MB of the potential 8,000MB of PCIe 4×4 lanes.

The top of the SSD has the large ‘Samsung 990 Pro’ label that you do NOT need to remove when in operation (with or with a heatsink). Removing this label shows us a tightly packed arrangement of components/cells on the SSDs PCB. An SSD is not unlike a PC in it’s architecture, with a Controller (CPU), DRAM (Memory) and NAND (storage space). There are additional power/transistors in place to aid smooth operation, but ultimately these are the key components we need to focus on.

As mentioned earlier, if we flip the SSD over, we can see that this 2TB SSD is single-sided (i.e just a bare board on the back). Most 4TB Gen4 SSDs are double-sided, arriving with 4x 1TB NAND modules and an additional DDR4 Memory module, but this 4TB does an excellent job of keeping things nice and compact, whilst allowing much more direct, manageable and efficient heat dissipation. Something we will DEFINITELY touch on later. The base of the SSD also has an additional heat should/spreader to assist the heat that is passing through the PCB effectively. This is of particular use for users looking to install a more compact 4TB Gen4 SSD, such as a laptop. Having everything on a single side does result in other factors though to approach, which we will get into in a bit.

The 990 Pro also benefits from being a completely first-party/in-house SSD. Many PCIe 4 SSDs that have arrived on the scene in the last two years can be broken down into two strict camps. The larger one is made up of brands such as Seagate, Sabrent, ADATA, Patriot and more who rely on 3rd party companies such as Phison and Innogrit to provide components (eg SSD controllers). The other smaller camp in the world of SSDs is comprised of brands such as Western Digital, Samsung and Crucial who tend to rely much more (often exclusively) on first-party controllers and NAND for their drives, allowing them to craft media that is much more precise in it’s execution, as well as allows them better quality control, supply and pricing. There are benefits to either approach in SSD design, but many users like the idea of a near complete or near enough completely in-house designed SSD.

Samsung 990 Pro 4TB PCB	Samsung 980 Pro 2TB PCB

So that is the physical design of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD. But what about the hardware components themselves? Does the Samsung 990 Pro SSD change things up much from the S980 Pro? Let’s find out.

Samsung 990 Pro 4TB SSD Review – Hardware Specifications

The Samsung 990 Pro SSD is highly comparable to the older Samsung 980 Pro, but with a few improvements along the way. Here is how the SSDs stack up in initial hardware specifications vs smaller capacities:

	1TB	2TB	4TB
Model	Samsung SSD 990 PRO/990 PRO w/HS	Samsung SSD 990 PRO/990 PRO w/HS	Samsung SSD 990 PRO/990 PRO w/HS
Usage	Application Client PCs, PS5	Application Client PCs, PS5	Application Client PCs, PS5
Interface	PCIe Gen 4.0 x4, NVMe 2.0	PCIe Gen 4.0 x4, NVMe 2.0	PCIe Gen 4.0 x4, NVMe 2.0
Controller	Samsung in-house Controller	Samsung in-house Controller	Samsung in-house Controller
NAND Flash Memory	Samsung V-NAND TLC	Samsung V-NAND TLC	Samsung V-NAND TLC
DRAM Cache Memory	1GB LPDDR4	2GB LPDDR4	4GB LPDDR4
Dimension	M.2 Max 80.0 x Max 22 x Max 2.3 mm	M.2 Max 80.0 x Max 22 x Max 2.3 mm	M.2 Max 80.0 x Max 22 x Max 2.3 mm
Heatsink	Max 80.15 x Max 25 x Max 8.88 mm	Max 80.15 x Max 25 x Max 8.88 mm	Max 80.15 x Max 25 x Max 8.88 mm
Form Factor	M.2 (2280)	M.2 (2280)	M.2 (2280)
Sequential Read	7,450 MB/s	7,450 MB/s	7,450 MB/s
Sequential Write	6,900 MB/s	6,900 MB/s	6,900 MB/s
QD 1 Thread 1 Ran. Read	22K IOPS	22K IOPS	22K IOPS
QD 1 Thread 1 Ran. Write	80K IOPS	80K IOPS	80K IOPS
QD 32 Thread 16 Ran. Read	1,200K IOPS	1,400K IOPS	1,600K IOPS
QD 32 Thread 16 Ran. Write	1,550K IOPS	1,550K IOPS	1,550K IOPS
Idle (APST on)	50mW	55mW	55mW
Active Read	5.5 W	6.1W	6.5W
Active Write	5.2 W	5.5W	5.7W
L1.2 mode	5 mW	5.8mW	5.8mW
Temp. Operating	0°C to 70°C	0°C to 70°C	0°C to 70°C
Non-Operating	-40°C to 85°C	-40°C to 85°C	-40°C to 85°C
Humidity	5% to 95% non-condensing	5% to 95% non-condensing	5% to 95% non-condensing
Shock Non-Operating	1,500G(Gravity), 0.5ms, 3 axis	1,500G(Gravity), 0.5ms, 3 axis	1,500G(Gravity), 0.5ms, 3 axis
Vibration Non-Operating	20~2,000Hz, 20G	20~2,000Hz, 20G	20~2,000Hz, 20G
MTBF	1.5 million hours	1.5 million hours	1.5 million hours
Warranty TBW	600TB	1,200TB	2,400TB
Warranty Period	5 years limited	5 years limited	5 years limited
Features	TRIM, Garbage Collection, S.M.A.R.T	TRIM, Garbage Collection, S.M.A.R.T	TRIM, Garbage Collection, S.M.A.R.T
Data Security	AES 256-bit FDE, TCG/Opal V2.0, ED	AES 256-bit FDE, TCG/Opal V2.0, ED	AES 256-bit FDE, TCG/Opal V2.0, ED

I know the above might seem needlessly technical, so below we can bring the most important considerations into sharper focus.

Hardware Focus of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD

The onboard SSD controller of the Samsung 990 Pro is a little bit of a mystery (at least at the time of writing this article). Arriving with the the Samsung Pascal controller, this is practically no 100% official information online currently about this component. This is not unusual, as Samsung are famously secretive about the make-up of its components (compared with the bulk of SSD brands that rely on controllers developed by Phison or Innogrit). At best guess, this SSD controller is an improvement/variation of Samsung Elipsis Controller found in the SN980 Pro. Almost certainly further information on this controller will arrive as this SSD enters circulation and I will update this area of the review with more (with references etc). In terms of performance (covered in more detail later) it still maintained a similar level of sustained Read activity as the WD Black SN850X throughout testing, but with a clear and substantial increase in write performance in our modest test machine.

This controller is also accompanied by 4GB of LPDDR4 DRAM that scales alongside the storage capacity of the already released models (i.e 1GB DDR4 > 1TB Capacity, 2GB DDR4 > 2TB Capacity). This already puts it at a tremendous advantage over the Samsung 980 Pro with the additional memory at this capacity. This combined with an improved controller likely results in this drive providing the best sustained performance possible in a Samsung m.2 NVMe SSD yet

The storage NAND used by the 990 Pro is 176L Samsung V-NAND TLC. The older Samsung 980 Pro  arrived at 96L at launch (likely improved over time) and the recently released WD Black SN850X arrived with 112-layer BiCS 3D TLC memory. I’ll revisit this area of the review later and update as more details on this are revealed. But with many Gen5 SSDs in the market now at the 232L NAND layer count, this is ‘good’ for Gen4, but now looking a pinch overshadowed.

While it might seem like a minor point, I want to specifically address the configuration of the 4TB SSDs. I find it somewhat unusual that this drive is equipped with two singular NAND modules, each of 2TB. Most 4TB drives in the market feature a double-sided design with both NAND and DRAM distributed on both sides. This not only aids in more even heat dissipation but also allows for simultaneous reading and writing to multiple NAND modules, often leading to enhanced performance. While having additional NAND modules can sometimes vary I/O numbers, this is largely dependent on the controller and is usually negligible.

Furthermore, some SSDs are manufactured with fewer NAND modules because it’s more cost-effective to produce a smaller number of larger-capacity modules than more numerous lower-capacity modules distributed on both the front and back. This is why it struck me as odd that the Samsung 990 Pro, at 4TB, is single-sided. On the plus side, this design will be a boon for those wanting to install the drive in more compact laptops with limited space, making a large Gen 4 SSD accessible for their systems. However, this configuration likely results in increased heat during operation (an observation we made firsthand, both with and without a heatsink). And even though Samsung has included a heat shield at the base of the drive to facilitate heat dissipation through the PCB components, their decision still surprises me. Yet, what’s even more astounding is that Samsung manages to achieve these high-performance numbers with this specific single-sided NAND layout. So, if it’s effective, should I critique it? Probably not. My primary concern leans more towards the accumulated heat rather than the NAND distribution and performance, especially if the drive consistently delivers the numbers we’ve observed.

Overall, in terms of hardware on board,the Samsung 990 Pro 4TB SSD is unquestionably a high-end M.2 SSD that is designed for client PCs, industry and the PlayStation 5, leveraging the power of PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 and NVMe 2.0 interfaces. Improvements on the hardware side over the 980 Pro might seem small, but they ARE significant. Now, seeing this improved with substantial 4TB capacity with an in-house Samsung controller, V-NAND TLC flash memory, and a whopping 4GB LPDDR4 DRAM cache memory is altogether very pleasing! Its compact form factor and sleek design, with dimensions of M.2 Max 80.0 x Max 22 x Max 2.3 (mm) for the drive itself and an additional heatsink option that slightly increases these measurements, make it suitable for both desktops and more compact laptops. Notably, the SSD achieves exceptional sequential read and write speeds of 7,450 MB/s and 6,900 MB/s, respectively. However, it’s not without its concerns. The decision to implement a single-sided 4TB design with two 2TB NAND modules raised eyebrows, especially given potential heat distribution implications. Yet, despite these reservations and some initial firmware hiccups, the Samsung 990 Pro establishes itself as a performance powerhouse in the SSD market, albeit at a potentially premium price point.

Note, if you need more guidance on SSD terminology and short-hand, here is a handy video on that:

The Samsung 990/980 Pro SSD Firmware Issue – Are Things Safe Now?

I touched on this earlier, but it warrants further emphasis. In early 2023, reports began surfacing that the Samsung 980 and 990 Pro SSDs were showing signs of degrading health, as indicated by S.M.A.R.T. tests and the Samsung Magician application. It’s not unusual for SSDs to show declining health over time, primarily because NAND flash memory doesn’t possess the same long-term durability as mechanical media. However, to see such degradation, one would typically need to be using the drive intensely and with high storage volumes consistently — much more than the reported warranty and lifespan issued by Samsung. Despite this expectation, users reported that even drives only weeks or months old were showing decreasing health values.

After some back-and-forth with the company, it was eventually identified as a firmware issue. Samsung issued an update that prevented the problem from reoccurring. Yet, many users online have mentioned that while the updated firmware stopped the degradation, it didn’t reverse the existing diminished health values on their drives, as indicated by the Samsung Magician and S.M.A.R.T. tests. Samsung is still addressing this with affected users, in some cases offering replacements and in others providing refunds. It’s essential to note that this is no longer a concern with the current firmware, and any Samsung 990 Pro SSD manufactured in the past six months will have this updated firmware. Nonetheless, this incident might have influenced some potential buyers’ perceptions of future Samsung SSD purchases. I felt it was crucial to mention this in the review for the sake of a balanced perspective. For more details on this issue, you can watch the video below:

Testing the Samsung 990 Pro m.2 PCIE4 NVMe SSD

The Samsung 990 Pro 2TB was provided by Samsung for this test and it was tested using multiple benchmark tools, from a cold boot, in the 2nd storage slot (i.e not the OS drive). Each test was conducted three times (full details of this are shown in the YouTube Review of the Samsung 990 Pro over on NASCompares):

Test Machine:

• Windows 10 Pro Desktop System
• Intel i5 11400 Rocket Lake – 6-Core 2.6/4.4Ghz
• 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory
• Intel B560M mATX Motherboard
• OS Storage, Seagate Firecuda 120 SSD
• Test SSD connected to Secondary PCIe Gen 4 M.2 Slot

Here is the Video Review of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD and PC Benchmarks:

Using CrystalDisk, we got a good measure of the drive and verified that this PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSD was indeed using the 4×4 lane. Additionally, the temp averaged out around 55C between each test being conducted, with the drive being encased in a sabrent chunky heatsink. Much like the Samsung 980 Pro, this new entry into the Samsung series certainly ran quite hot. Here are the test results throughout the testing WITH a heatsink:

Here is the breakdown of the drive setup using CrystalDiskInfo for guidance:

The first tests were conducted using the ATTO disk benchmark software. The first was a 256MB test file size and below is a breakdown of the transfer rates and IOPS. The 2nd Test was a 1GB test file and finally, the last test was with a 4GB test file. The system was given 1-minute cool downtime between tests, no screen recording software was used (remove overhead) and a heatsink was used throughout (no reboots). Write performance continued to impress throughout, but the read performance was a pinch lower than expected, likely down to the i5 in the system compared with the Xeon/Ryzens that many Manf brands choose to max-benchmark their drives with

ATTO Disk Benchmark Test #1

256MB File PEAK Read Throughput  = 6.75GB/s

256MB File PEAK Write Throughput = 6.30GB/s

 

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ATTO Disk Benchmark Test #2

1GB File PEAK Read Throughput  = 6.73GB/s

1GB File PEAK Write Throughput = 6.31GB/s

 

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ATTO Disk Benchmark Test #3

4GB File PEAK Read Throughput  = 6.71GB/s

4GB File PEAK Write Throughput = 6.30GB/s

 

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Next, although the ATTO tests were quite good, I moved on to the Crystal Disk Mark testing to see how well it would handle our next barrage of tests. The first test was the 1GB file testing, which measured both sequential and random, as well as the read and write IOPS. Test were conducted on a 1GB, 4GB and 16GB Test File. I also included a mixed 70/30 read and write task to give a little bit more of a realistic balanced workload. These tests were conducted with 1-minute cooling break in between. The Samsung 990 Pro did not crack the 7,000MB/s threshold on the mid-range test PC (just in the 1GB test), but once again, the Write performance was very impressive indeed, especially those IO/IOPS!

CRYSTALDISK MARK 1GB TEST

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CRYSTALDISK MARK 4GB TEST

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CRYSTALDISK MARK 16GB TEST

Next, I switched to AS SSD benchmark. A much more thorough test through, I used 1GB, 3GB and 5GB test files. Each test includes throughput benchmarks and IOPS that are respective to the larger file sizes (important, if you are reading this and trying to compare against the reported 4K IOPS from the manufacturer).

AS SSD Benchmark Test #1

 

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AS SSD Benchmark Test #2

 

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AS SSD Benchmark Test #3

Ordinarily, I would introduce tests like Magic and AJA into the mix here, but even a short burst of testing on an NVMe like this would over saturate the cache memory on board. Nevertheless, in the short term we still could ascertain the reported performance on 1GB, 4GB and 16GB file testing was:

1GB 5K AJA File Test Results (Peak) = 5694MB/s Read & 5606MB/s Write

4GB 5K AJA File Test Results (Peak) = 5718MB/s Read & 564MB/s Write

16GB 5K AJA File Test Results (Peak) = 5954MB/s Read & 5619MB/s Write

Overall, the Samsung 990 Pro was certainly able to provide some solid performance, as well as potentially exceed the test figures here on a more powerful machine. Given the reported Read and Write statistics that the brand has stated publically, I think there is enough evidence here to back up those claims. IOPs were a little lower than I expected, but again, we were testing very large file types, so this would have to be taken in context. I do wish most SSD brands provided benchmarks for different tiers of systems, rather than only stating the systems at the very, VERY top end. It makes sense, to run the drive in a system without any potential bottlenecks, but a 2nd or even 3rd round of test results that cover more mid-range or domestic systems would give users better scope of the drive’s potential in their own setup. Nevertheless, the peak performance of the Samsung 990 Pro was still exceptionally high AND sustained in my mid tier test machine and certainly a great indication that this drive will consistently live in the 6,500MB/s+ area in read/write in even the most modest setups.

Samsung 990 Pro SSD Review – Conclusion

When it comes to the performance numbers stated by Samsung for their 990 Pro 4TB SSD, they pretty much live up to the hype. To reach these dizzying heights, you will, of course, need a peak-level machine. However, even on more common PC architectures and, in particular, the PS5, you’re going to see numbers that come quite close. Additionally, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD upholds its high reputation in terms of 4K random performance. It’s evident that Samsung has prioritized this both commercially and for consumers, leading to this SSD showcasing impressive early random IO numbers right from the start. The main concern for many will be the price point. At launch, it’s slightly more expensive compared to other Gen 4 SSDs that offer similar performance. Yet, due to its longer market presence and wider availability, it’s priced 10 to 15% lower! There’s also the emerging Gen 5 tier of SSDs to consider. While they’re still somewhat challenging for most PC architectures to fully utilize in terms of the lofty performance numbers they promise, their prices are starting to drop. If your system supports Gen 5 right off the bat, would it be wiser to opt for a Gen 5 SSD? The Samsung 990 Pro 4TB SSD might have performed even better if it had launched simultaneously with the 1TB and 2TB versions in October 2022. Moreover, this SSD tends to run hot, even with a decent heatsink attached. Peculiar choices in NAND distribution and consumer concerns earlier this year—due to firmware issues identified on several Samsung products—all contribute to the perception that the Samsung 990 Pro had a somewhat shaky launch.

In conclusion, the Samsung 990 Pro SSD is a high-performing drive that delivers as promised. It’s a high-quality product engineered by SSD market professionals and comes with support and a warranty that is nearly unparalleled when compared to cheaper vendors. However, be prepared to pay a premium. It’s priced at a point that the market, which is beginning to view it as “last-gen,” may not be quite ready to accept.

PROs of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD	CONs of the Samsung 990 Pro SSD
High Performance, even in mid-range PC hardware Excellent improvements in Write Performance vs the 980 PRO 4TB option is finally available in the Samsung series (long overdue) New 990 Pro entry into the Samsung PCIe4 family will improve price structure positively for the  980/980 Pro Industry-leading Gen4 IOPS rating Fantastic performance, yet single-sided!	Still runs quite hot, much like the 980 pro, so heatsink is essential here Gen5 is slowly becoming more affordable, yet this arrives quite spicy (even for 4TB) The durability, though good, is still not quite as high as other SSDs in the market The 990 Series suffered firmware issues at the start of 2022

 

Best NAS for $100-$150 of 2023

It would be an understatement to say that the sheer range and affordability of private server devices that even the most cash-strapped user can buy have grown exponentially over the last few years. It seems almost insane to think that you can pick up a NAS device from some of the biggest brands in the market for as little as $100, brand new and running the very latest software. Over the years, the argument to switch from public subscription cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox has been mainly based on cost, with most NAS devices costing triple figures. On day one, subscription cloud services set you back between $2 and $10 per month. However, all too quickly the months turn into years, and you suddenly find that you have paid hundreds of dollars for your cloud subscription services. And you either have to continue paying for those cloud services indefinitely or bite the bullet and buy some physical local storage anyway! So why not just cut to the chase and buy the NAS device on day one and therefore not only have long-term storage for your data in-house but also have full control over remote access, local access, and the scalability of your data completely in your hands. That is why the increasing affordability of, and the sheer range of different NAS drives that you can pick up for as little as $100 to $150 is so impressive! So today I want to go through the four best NAS that you can pick up for a bargain in 2023.

Disclaimer

A couple of disclaimers right out of the way. First, none of the solutions I’m talking about today (with the possible exception of one in certain circumstances) include storage media. You will need to buy hard drives additionally to populate these NAS devices. These will generally cost you around $30 to $40 per terabyte and are completely scalable to you and your needs, with multiple different brands available. And regular sales and offers allow you to get the very best bargains. Additionally, these NAS devices have been designed to keep things affordable and efficient, and therefore the full range of apps and services that they support has been significantly streamlined to focus on the main handful of apps and services that entry-level users will want to take advantage of. Unsurprisingly, buying a NAS for just $99 will not allow you to run complex clusters of virtual machines for your business! These NAS devices are affordable for a reason, so keep your feet on the ground. The following NAS devices, despite their affordable price point, all comfortably support the following features and services:

• Multi-site backups, allowing you to connect with other NAS devices as well as multiple third-party cloud servers like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and more

• A full range of client tools for desktop and mobile devices that allow you to communicate with the NAS utilizing whichever device you prefer to use the most. Multi-user and multi-client device support allowing you to migrate data between your family devices or work colleague devices very easily.
• USB backup support, as well as direct connection gigabit to gigabit port supported. DLNA and UPnP support allow you to stream your multimedia to your local home. Smart TV, supported current-gen console, and Wi-Fi home devices easily
• Regular feature and security updates that will be applied to the device if you set up an automatic update as needed
• Download managers, music server managers, and even WordPress database management are possible although the scope and range of this will differ from system to system.

There are a few other features worth touching on, and several others that are brand-specific, but all of these incredibly affordable $100 to $150 NAS devices support these modest entry-level features.

Synology DS120J NAS – Lowest Price @ $89

Marvel 64bit 800hz – 512MB DDR3L Memory – 1x SATA HDD/SSD – 1x1GbE – USB 2.0 – $89 (10/07)

YouTube Video Review HERE – NASCompares Written Review HERE

Although I already touched on this in the introduction, I still find it incredible that it is possible to get a Synology NAS for under $100! The Synology DS120J NAS is a 1-bay solution that was released towards the end of 2020 and despite its modest stature, still supports the latest Synology DSM 7.2 software. Arriving with a dual-core Marvel ARM 64-bit processor at a low 800 megahertz, this still manages to run more than half of the applications that Synology updates regularly. These include a number of the collaboration suite of tools that include Synology mail, office, chat, drive, calendar, and hyper backup. There are also the multimedia apps that include Synology video station that allows you to host your own equivalent to Plex or Netflix using your own multimedia. Finally, there is support for Synology surveillance station, with two camera licenses included and support of around 5 to 10 cameras depending on what else you do with the device simultaneously. Both Synology DSM 7.2 and surveillance station are by far the best examples of both NAS software and NVR software that you can possibly buy in the market and are arguably individually worth more than the $100 you are paying for this system on its own! Needless to say, though, to maintain this affordable price point, these systems have to be pretty modest in most other ways. Alongside the remarkably small 512 megabytes of DDR3 memory, the system also only arrives with a single gigabit Ethernet port and USB 2 connectivity. The result is a system that leaves very little room for expandability both in its storage, later down the line as a one-bay with no expansion port, and also in that memory not being upgradable, therefore limiting the range of apps, services, and connections you can run simultaneously. Nevertheless, this is a fantastically affordable NAS and the fact that you are getting a Synology (Still arguably the best brand in the entire NAS industry) for this price is just insane.

Click to view slideshow.

What we said in our Synology DS120j NAS Review:

Although this device will only cost you less than £175 including TAX and a 2TB hard drive, it can still perform the bulk of the standard tasks that are available in modern NAS and if you are looking for a universally supported DLNA or backup device, this is the one for you. Though definitely not aimed at the NAS experienced or 2nd time buyers, or those looking for a solid foundation to build a business around, if you are looking for a network-attached storage device to act as a network backup or just want a simple nice to do basic tasks such as media and protecting the data on your other devices, I recommend the Synology DS120j NAS. Just make sure you have an off-site backup in place (such as a study external USB drive or a third-party cloud space with which to back up your data to periodically via cloud synchronization). Lastly, as much as I recommend the DS120j, it is worth remembering that it does not multitask especially well (due to that more modest CPU and memory), so sometimes you will need to be patient.

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? Synology DS120j 3TB 1 Bay NAS Solution, installed with 1 x 3TB Seagate Ironwolf Amazon UK 36.39 OFF (WAS 249) [LINK HERE] Synology DS120j/10TB N300 1 Bay Desktop Amazon UK 4.56 OFF (WAS 354) [LINK HERE] These Offers are Checked Daily

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QNAP TS-133 NAS – Best Hardware

Cortax A55 4-Core 2.0Ghz – 2GB DDR4 Memory – 1x SATA HDD/SSD – 1x1GbE – USB 5G – $129 (10/07)

YouTube Video Review HERE – NASCompares Written Review HERE

The QNAP TS-133 NAS, much like the Synology device previously mentioned, is by far one of the best examples of just how much the hardware that you can buy in a NAS for a little over $100 can be stretched. Arriving, depending on which eShop you choose, at around $129 to $139, this NAS more than doubles (and in some cases quadruples) the hardware scope of the previous NAS. The TS-133 arrives with a quad-core ARM processor at 2.0 gigahertz, as well as 2GB of DDR4 memory. The system also arrives with support for more than 70% of the QTS NAS software platform from QNAP, further improved thanks to this NAS also featuring an integrated AI component. This Neural Processing Unit (NPU) allows the system to harness more specialized AI processes used in photo and face recognition, as well as within the QNAP surveillance platform QVR Elite. Also, thanks to the surprisingly high level of NAS hardware at this price point, the system also supports containers, multi-site backups with Hybrid Backup Sync, a full range of file handling services up to and including intelligent filing and intelligent system-wide searches with AI support, there is even a full range of multimedia applications each of which being tailored towards different intended media use for videos, photos, and music. Further, still, the QNAP TS-133 supports pretty much all of the wide range of client apps for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. Although it lacks many of the more business-oriented applications, due to its lack of an x86 CPU, it makes up for it with fantastic access to the base-level applications in QTS and is by far the lowest price 2023 series NAS from QNAP.

Click to view slideshow.

What we said in our QNAP TS-133 NAS Review:

As long as you keep your feet on the ground a little and stay realistic, the QNAP TS-133 NAS Drive is indeed a very impressive piece of kit. We are talking about a combined hardware and software solution that you can purchase with a 4TB drive from the likes of Seagate or WD inside all in for a little over $200. It can run plex media server, it has surveillance software included in QVR Elite, AI-powered photo recognition (with the system featuring a dedicated AI engine for these tasks), multi-tiered backup handing in Hybrid Backup Sync 3, host a DLNA media server, connect and synchronize with cloud services in a bunch of ways, access to a bunch of tailored mobile apps and a whole lot of other services that would take too long to mention. Also, the TS-133 NAS is the first system in the commercial NAS market to feature this new Cortex A55 processor, as well as twice (and in some cases) four times the memory of alternative systems in the same tier with it’s 2GB DDR4 RAM. As long as you have realistic expectations about how busy you are going to be, how hard you intend to push the device and how much you expect it to do at any one time, I think the QNAP TS-133 NAS is easily the most powerful and capable 1-Bay NAS in the market to buy right now. The non-upgradable memory is a pain, the lack of 2.5GbE is perplexing and the continued appearance of USB 2.0 is a tad infuriating, but the TS-133 seemingly makes up for it with a wide variety of applications supported, a remarkably subtle and discreet deployment and in the hands of the right low-level user, this might well be the best NAS QNAP have produced in the value tier for years!

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

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Jonsbo N2 Build with TopTon NAS Board Walkthrough

It’s almost comical now how easy it is to build your very own NAS server from scratch. Building your own server expands the boundaries of your tech understanding. A lot of this ease is attributed to the modular approach to PC and server building that has emerged in recent years. This is especially true for network-attached storage (NAS) devices. The increased availability of pre-configured server motherboards from brands like TopTon and the wider availability of server-ready cases make building your own low-cost, open-source alternative to big brands like Synology and QNAP increasingly easy. Today, I want to guide you through building the Jonsbo N2 NAS build using a cost-effective pre-built TopTon NAS board. This guide will help you finish in just over an hour and will enable you to use popular NAS software such as UnRAID and TrueNAS. Let’s begin.

Note – FULL Video Tutorial HERE on the YouTube Channel

In a Rush? Here are the full details on the Recommended Jonsbo N2 NAS Builds for $250, $500, $750 and $1000 – HERE on the blog (with parts) and HERE on YouTube:

Jonsbo N2 + TopTon Intel n5105 Celeron / Pentium n6005 Build (+$35) Jonsbo N2 Case ￡74.04 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Topton N5105 + 128GB NVMe + 4GB RAM ￡193.48 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE SATA 6 Connector ￡4.19 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 400W SFX PSU ￡24.36 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ￡264.64 (128GB M.2 NVMe + 4GB RAM + 400W PSU) (Optional/Swap) If you want to save some money: Topton N5105 (NO EXTRAS) ￡159.82 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Cheaper 250W SFX PSU ￡13.15 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (needed for cheaper PSU) SATA to Molex Adapter ￡0.78 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ￡247.47 (no M.2 NVMe and Cheap PSU) Note, you need an SSD for TrueNAS OS (USB for UnRAID)

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Jonsbo N2 + Intel Core i5 12th Gen + 16GB RAM + 10GbE Build Jonsbo N2 Case ￡74.04 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE SATA 6 Connector ￡4.19 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 400W SFX PSU ￡24.36 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE B660M ITX Motherboard £235.79 + Intel Core i5 12490F CPU + 16GB RAM – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ARGB CPU Radiator Fan (LGA1700) ￡13.38 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (better option for CPU Fan) Noctua NH-L9x65 CPU Cooler £49 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE X540-T2 Intel Chipset PCIe x8 Dual Copper RJ45 10Gbps ￡39.34 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Tbkoly Controller Card Motherboard Expansion Card 1 To 5 Port SATA £20.45 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (Optional) 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 4 X 8 Card GLOTRENDS Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Total 390.44 (i5 CPU + 16GB RAM + 2x10GbE + 400W PSU + Case + Cables) Note, you need an SSD for TrueNAS OS (USB for UnRAID)

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Jonsbo N2 + Gen4/5 MoBo + Intel Core i5 12th Gen with Int Gfx + 32GB RAM + 10GbE Build Jonsbo N2 Case ￡74.04 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE SATA 6 Connector ￡4.19 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE 600W SFX PSU ￡43.78 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Asrock Z690M-ITX/AX gEN 4/5 Motherboard £171.20 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Intel Core i5-12600K 12th Gen £239 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Corsair VENGEANCE LPX DDR4 RAM 32GB (2x16GB) £59.99 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE ARGB CPU Radiator Fan (LGA1700) ￡13.38 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (better option for CPU Fan) Noctua NH-L9x65 CPU Cooler £49 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE X540-T2 Intel Chipset PCIe x8 Dual Copper RJ45 10Gbps ￡39.34 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Tbkoly Controller Card Motherboard Expansion Card 1 To 5 Port SATA £20.45 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE (Optional) 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 4 X 8 Card GLOTRENDS Dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 – Check Amazon HERE – Check AliExpress HERE Total £586.63 (Amazon) + ￡123.51 (Aliexpress) Note, you need an SSD for TrueNAS OS (USB for UnRAID)

What You Need for the Jonsbo N2 NAS Build

Although this guide is designed for the Jonsbo N2 NAS, the range of TopTon NAS motherboard combos is diverse. Some elements of this guide might differ based on the TopTon motherboard you choose. Generally, you’ll need the following items:

• Jonsbo N2 NAS case – HERE

• TopTon NAS motherboard (either with memory and SSD included or purchased separately)- Amazon HERE

• Storage media (HDDs and SSDs)
• A USB drive (if you’re using UnRAID to run from or TrueNAS to install from) – HERE
• A 6x SATA multi-lane cable – HERE

• A minimum of 250-watt SFX PSU – HERE

• Internal USB pin converter (board dependant)- Example #1 HERE , Example #2 HERE

• Philips cross-head screwdriver
• USB keyboard, mouse, and HDMI monitor/capture card
• Optional – Download Advanced IP Scanner HERE, as it is a really useful tool for analyzing your network and finding your new TrueNAS Core NAS for remote access
• Optional – A Disk Image to USB conversion too. I recommend ‘Rufus’, currently in ver 3.19 and can be run in a portable .exe form that doesn’t require installation – DOWNLOAD
• Optional – Download the latest stable release of TrueNAS Core here as a system image (you will be converting this to USB later on) – DOWNLOAD
• Optional – Download the latest stable release of UnRAID here as a system image (you will be converting this to USB later on) – DOWNLOAD

That’s about it! The only other things you’ll need are time and patience. Avoid rushing the build as you’re working with internal components in a relatively confined space.

Start of the Jonsbo N2 NAS Build Guide

Unpack all components for this build and clear away any unnecessary materials.

Click to view slideshow.

Place the Jonsbo N2 NAS case on a table. Use the included small Allen key to remove the top lid from all four corners.

Click to view slideshow.

Go to the back of the Jonsbo N2 case and take out the four thumb screws around the fan.

Detach the fan using the small fan connector linked to the internal starter board.

Next, remove the screws securing the plate around the PSU compartment.

Grab the PSU and divide the power connectors into two sets: one set with individual SATA and molex connectors and another set with the thicker connectors.

Click to view slideshow.

Feed the SATA and molex cables into the PSU compartment and immediately into the right cavity leading to the SATA backplane where drives connect.

Thread the larger power supply connectors into the back of the PSU compartment, lifting them out through the case’s top.

Now, link the two molex PSU power connectors to the white molex connectors on the backplane behind the primary storage bays.

Affix the previously removed black plate from the Jonsbo case to the back of the PSU and Insert the PSU into its compartment in the Jonsbo case. Ensure the molex connectors remain in place and that the larger power cables are still outside the case.

Fix the plate to the back of the Jonsbo case to secure the PSU.

Connect the multi-lane SATA cable, carefully aligning each numbered cable with the corresponding SATA port on the backplane (next to the molex power ports).

Guide the SATA cable through the cavity above and out of the top of the Jonsbo case. Ensure cables are attached to the right drive numbers and threaded correctly.

Reattach the fan to the rear of the case using its white four-pin connector and secure with the thumb screws.

Click to view slideshow.

Unbox the TopTon NAS board, starting with the metal backplane.

Mount the metal backplane in the available rectangular cavity of the Jonsbo case, ensuring readable text faces the right way. The network/ethernet port should be on the right when viewed from the case’s rear.

Carefully place the TopTon motherboard inside the top of the Jonsbo case, aligning connectors with the gaps in the backplane. If done right, the motherboard’s corner screws will align with the N2 case screw holes.

With all cables hanging outside, fasten the four corners of the TopTon motherboard to the Jonsbo N2 case.

Click to view slideshow.

Right now, it should look like this (ignore the disconnected white 4 pin PSU connector, needed to disconnect briefly to take this photo):

Connect each SATA connector from the multi-lane cable to its corresponding numbered SATA slot on the motherboard’s top right.

Plug the 20-pin PSU cable into the motherboard’s corresponding slot.

Connect the PSU’s four-pin port to the motherboard’s power port. If your PSU has a combined eight-pin plug, it might split into two four-pin groups. Ensure you select the right connectors and slots for this.

Click to view slideshow.

If you bought memory separately, install it in the available slot now.

The same goes for if you have purchased a CPU fan separately + connect with the CPU fan power plug (white, next to the CPU socket)

Some TopTon motherboards have varying front panel, USB pins, and LED pins.

If yours doesn’t have the right USB pins for both USB type-A and type-C front panels, you’ll need specific adapters to connect them.

For front panel LEDs and the power button, consult your motherboard manual to identify the right pins.

Note that the Jonsbo case doesn’t have a reset button, so you won’t find a corresponding pin.

Before sealing the Jonsbo case, briefly test the PSU’s power delivery via the main port. Ensure the power button illuminates when pressed. When you plug in the PSU with a mains cable, a brief crackling sound indicates live power, and the PSU is responsive. If power flows and the power button is on, the CPU fan and/or rear fan should activate.

If you’re installing an M.2 NVME SSD, do so now. Afterwards, seal the top of the case using the four screws and Allen key.

Prepare your storage media for installation. Unlike many cases, the Jonsbo N2 doesn’t have individual hard drive trays. Instead, it uses a combination of screwed guide plugs and silicone handles.

Attach the handles by screwing them into each hard drive’s base. Traditionally, the drive face is opposite the SATA connector.

Insert four rubber thumb screws into each drive’s available screw holes. Screw each plug just enough to close its small gap. Over-tightening can misalign the drive inside the chassis.

Repeat for each drive you’re installing.

Guide each drive into the Jonsbo’s slot, ensuring the SATA connector is at the bottom. This positioning ensures the drive’s SATA connector meets the NAS board’s connector.

Click to view slideshow.

Reattach the front panel. If it doesn’t align with the rest of the N2 chassis, the drives might not be fully connected.

Your system is now boot-ready. From here, you must decide on the NAS server software for your Jonsbo N2.

UnRAID Installation on the Jonsbo N2 NAS Build Setup Walkthrough (Optional)

If you’ve chosen UnRAID as your desired software for the Jonsbo N2 NAS, the following steps will help you get started:

UnRAID on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 1, Get the Latest Stable Release of UnRAID

Head to the UnRAID website HERE and download the latest stable release of the software to your local PC, Linux or Mac system. Make sure to remember where you downloaded it. You CAN recommend the USB creator tool and that can allow you to create a system image of the UnRAID loader, but some users have highlighted that compatibility issues with some USB sticks and capacities have been highlighted. So, that is why I recommend scrolling down and downloaded the latest stable release of UnRAID to your local PC/Mac system.

UnRAID on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 2, Preparing the USB

Connect the small form factor USB Drive to your system (again, this is the one I used from Sandisk) and after a few seconds, it should appear as an available USB Drive. The drive MAY need formatting (you will be prompted to do so), if that is the case, then you can format it via the system prompts and by default, it will format it to FAT32 (as long as your USB is less than 32GB). If you are not presented with a system prompt to format your USB, then you can head into My PC, or My Computer via a windows computer and right-click the drive, select ‘format’ and format it that way. IMPORTANT – Make sure in the ‘volume label’ or Drive Label field, you call the drive UNRAID (all in caps and no spacing)

If you have used the USB for other things previously, there is a chance that the drive has existing partitions in place. For that, the quickest way to completely remove any partitions is to open up the bottom-left windows system menu as normal, and then just type diskpart and open the command-line GUI tool. From there, use the command list disk to show the available drives that are connected, you will see your USB (normally disk 1 or 2, but can differ depending on your system layout and can be spotted by the storage amount). From there, type select disk # (where # is the drive number that your USB is shown as) and then type clean, which will then remove any index structure for the drive (i.e the partitions and existing format) and then you can go back to the My Computer/My PC page and format the drive to FAT 32 as normal.

UnRAID on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 4, Creating a USB Loader Image of UnRAID

Now that your USB has been prepared for the UnRAID USB setup, the next thing you need to do is move the appropriate installation files over to it. Find the .zip UnRAID Server installation you downloaded earlier on your PC/Mac system.

Then use the 1st party extractor tool or 3rd party tools such as WinRAR, then extract the contents of the downloaded .zip to the UNRAID USB drive (DO NOT CREATE ANY ADDITIONAL FOLDER STRUCTURE)!

REMEMBER! This will completely format your USB drive and any files that are on that USB will be destroyed. The process upto this point will have turned the USB into a pure boot image tool – the USB will not be usable for traditional storage again unless you completely format it again.

Now that you have the files extracted onto the UNRAID USB drive, you need to go into the folder structure and right-click the .bat file ‘make_bootable’, then select ‘run as Administrator’. This will open a new cmd window.

In this new CMD window, you simply need to press any button and the bootable batch file will do it’s thing in less than a second. Press any button again to exit the CMD window. Next, we need to amend a folder to ensure the drive is picked up as a bootable drive in the Jonsbo N2 mobo.

File the folder labelled ‘EFI-‘ and then rename it ‘EFI’. That’s all, there is nothing else left to change.

You can now safely remove the USB using the contextual system options on Windows/Mac systems and then prepare to install the USB inside the Jonsbo N2 NAS.

UnRAID on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 7, Connecting the USB, Keyboard and HDMI Monitor

Next, we need to connect the external means to install UnRAID on the Jonsbo N2 NAS. Unlike when you set up your Jonsbo N2 NAS for the first time, UnRAID cannot typically be installed via the network. UnRAID requires you to use a KVM (keyboard, Video Mouse – though you won’t need a mouse!) and go through the installation using a low-res graphical user interface. Now you will ONLY need this setup/items for the installation and initialization of your UnRAID server and after that, you will be able to use the server over the network/internet as normal. You are going to need a basic USB Keyboard (not a Bluetooth or wireless one, as these may need drivers to run and you cannot install drivers at this point) and an HDMI Monitor/TV. You CAN use a mouse, but it is not hugely necessary and 99% of the choices in the setup of UnRAID can/will be via keyboard input. Also, I would also recommend connecting the NAS to the network during setup as this will allow the system to assume certain network values during setup that will save a tonne of time later. Once that is all connected, do NOT turn the NAS on yet – there is one small and slightly time-sensitive thing to do.

 

UnRAID on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 8, Accessing the BIOS Menu of your Jonsbo N2 Motherboard

Now that your Jonsbo N2 NAS is all connected and you are ready at your keyboard/Monitor, turn the NAS on and wait till you hear a beep (should take between 5-15secs depending on the Jonsbo N2 NAS). As soon as your hear that noise (and likely see a flashing character or underscore on the monitor screen), you need to continuously hit the ESC / F12 / F2 and/or DEL keys (not at the same time, just back and forth). One of these will result in the system displaying the blue BIOS menu (it changes between motherboards and Jonsbo N2 uses a mixture of mobos in their Intel and AMD-powered systems). You need to be quick, as you only have about 3 seconds to do this before the Jonsbo N2 will automatically boot from the small internal 4GB/5GB flash OS module that boots into Jonsbo N2 .

UnRAID on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 9, Booting from the New UnRAID Installer USB

When you are in the bios menu, tap right until you reach the ‘Boot’ menu. From here, you need to change the boot priority order and ensure that the USB Drive is in Boot Priority #1. This is because UnRAID loads and runs from the USB drive. Normally, the Jonsbo N2 NAS will boot from the internal  SSD that contains the Jonsbo N2  OS by default (differs, depending on the board you bought from Topton, whether it inc an SSD and a pre-installed OS like pfsense, etc). When you are done, head into the ‘Exit’ tab using right and select save and exit. This should result in the system rebooting and you will be greeted with the UnRAID initialization page.

 

UnRAID on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 7, Accessing the HDMI Port and Keyboard Control

Next, you need to start getting the system ready for Initialization and Setup. I would strongly recommend running the first-time installation via a direct interface with the Jonsbo N2 NAS over KVM locally connected. You will need to connect an HDMI Monitor/TV/Capture Card to the HDMI port of the NAS, a Keyboard (and/or mouse) to an available USB port) and then connect the power/network connections to the NAS and boot the device up.

After this method of connection (as it allows you to check everything is working), you can switch back to accessing the system over the network in future.

You have two options with how to access the configuration and controls.

You can use the HDMI+Keyboard if you choose for console/command level access. Alternatively (much more recommended), use a program such as Advanced IP Scanner, which is free and VERY useful anyway, or even network command prompt) to scan your local area network and find where the Jonsbo N2 with UnRAID is located (i.e it’s IP).

This IP (eg 192.168.1.113) is what you put into the URL bar of your web browser and it will load into the login GUI for UnRAID. From here you will need to use the username ‘root’ in combination with the password that you created during initialization.

And that is about it. You now have UnRAID installed as the default OS of your Jonsbo N2 NAS. Now, it is worth remembering that UnRAID does require the use of a licence key in order to use all of the storage features. The type of licence you will need will be largely based on the scale of your storage (in terms of # of drives). However, you CAN go ahead and register for a free 30 day trial of UnRAID from within the GUI and get started.

From here you can do anything and everything that his highly regarded and exceptionally low resource-consuming server software offers. Head into the Storage area and start creating pools, as well as areas for caching and lots more features.

UnRAID was recently updated to ver.6.10.3 in a stable release of the massively portable format The first thing you are going to need to do when setting up your UnRAID > Jonsbo N2 NAS server is set up your storage. Do this by heading into the storage tab and following the handy steps on the screen. After that, you can pretty much do anything on your new lightweight NAS server!

TrueNAS Installation on the Jonsbo N2 NAS Build Setup Walkthrough (Optional)

For those leaning towards TrueNAS on the Jonsbo N2 NAS, keep in mind that TrueNAS requires more hardware resources. Thus, you might need to upgrade your CPU and memory. Follow these steps for the installation:

Head to the TrueNAS Core website HERE and download the latest stable release of the software to your local PC, Linux or Mac system. Make sure to remember where you downloaded it.

TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 2, Download Rufus USB Image Tool

Head to the Rufus website and download the latest version of that tool – I recommend downloading the standalone executable file here, as then it will immediately run when you double-click the file, without installation etc. It may redirect you to Github, but it will be the same executable file. Once again, remember where you downloaded it.

TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 3, Preparing the USB

Connect the small form factor USB Drive to your system (again, this is the one I used from Sandisk) and after a few seconds, it should appear as an available USB Drive. The drive MAY need formatting (you will be prompted to do so), if that is the case, then you can format it via the system prompts and by default, it will format it to FAT32 (as long as your USB is less than 32GB). If you are not presented with a system prompt to format your USB, then you can head into My PC, or My Computer via a windows computer and right-click the drive, select ‘format’ and format it that way.

If you have used the USB for other things previously, there is a chance that the drive has existing partitions in place. For that, the quickest way to completely remove any partitions is to open up the bottom-left windows system menu as normal, and then just type diskpart and open the command-line GUI tool. From there, use the command list disk to show the available drives that are connected, you will see your USB (normally disk 1 or 2, but can differ depending on your system layout and can be spotted by the storage amount). From there, type select disk # (where # is the drive number that your USB is shown as) and then type clean, which will then remove any index structure for the drive (i.e the partitions and existing format) and then you can go back to the My Computer/My PC page and format the drive to FAT 32 as normal.

TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 4, Creating a USB Installer Image of TrueNAS Core

Open the Rufus application and from there you will see the USB Drive (listed as NO NAME, or ‘UNTITLED’, ETC) at the top. From there, look to the select image/find image option (depending on the ver. of Rufus or your USB Image Creator tool of choice) and find the TrueNAS Core disk image you downloaded earlier). If the drive is not listed, it may have downloaded as a compressed/archive file. If that is the case, head to the location of where you downloaded TrueNAS Core (in your file explorer, not in Rufus) and right-click the file you downloaded. If the option to ‘extract‘ is visible, then you can extract it (i.e unpack it to the original form) in that same download directory. From there, head back into RUFUS and then the TrueNAS Core system image should be visible. Select it, then run the Rufus System image creator tool and create your USB bootable TrueNAS Core disk image.

REMEMBER! This will completely format your USB drive and any files that are on that USB will be destroyed. The system image creator tool will turn the USB into a pure boot image tool – the USB will not be usable for traditional storage again unless you completely format it again.

TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 5, REMOVE THE USB FROM YOUR PC!!!!!!!!!

Really, really important and sometimes overlooked. Once the USB creation is completed, you need to remove the USB (using the eject hardware safely option at the bottom right of your windows machine taskbar as normal). DO NOT accidentally leave the USB in your USB Ports for any longer than necessary. If you leave it in and your system reboots at any point (eg in a normal ‘end of day shut down, go home, reboot tomorrow’ scenario), then the system might boot directly into the TrueNAS Core installation and although it is easy to exit from, it can change your system default boot preferences, maybe even remove your primary boot drive as the OS drive – requiring a little messing with a windows installation disk to change it back. The odds of this are very small, but not zero, so make sure to safely remove your USB drive when the TrueNAS Core system image creator tool is completed.

TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 6, (OPTIONAL) – Install an NVMe SSD

This is an optional step, but one I would certainly recommend for newer-generation Jonsbo N2 NAS devices. TrueNAS is a lot like a traditional computer operating system (eg Windows or macOS) in it’s architecture and will run at its best when the necessary boot files are located on a seperate, smaller and faster area of SSD/flash storage away from the general bulk storage. So, if possible/available in your Jonsbo N2 NAS, I would recommend installing a smaller m.2 NVMe SSD drive and then using that as the target/location for your TrueNAS Core installation. This is not compulsory and you can also use a single HDD or SSD in one of the main storage bays of your Jonsbo N2 , however, it means that this drive will unusable for general storage (i.e in any RAID configuration or storage pool). This CAN be negated with some creative portion creation, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Additionally, do NOT try to install TrueNAS Core on another USB drive that is connected to the system – this isn’t particularly stable and tends to result in a poorer TrueNAS Core experience. M.2 NVMe bays and their location in the Jonsbo N2 NAS changes depending on the system. Reminder – TrueNAS is NOT a big program and you can use an SSD as small as 32GB and still have a tonne of provision for future storage space. However, M.2 NVMe SSDs are not available in smaller sizes than 120GB. Lower size than this and you will generally only find 2240 SSDs and/or SATA M.2 SSDs. These are still perfectly fine to use, but the performance difference between SATA and NVMe (PCIe) is HUGE! You can find many SSD options here on amazon for as little as $30  – Find Low Capacitiy and Low Price M.2 NVMe SSDs HERE on Amazon (already filtered the results)

NOTE – If you plan on upgrading the memory of your NAS to 4GB-8GB-16GB or higher (in order to use ALL of the features of TrueNAS Core to their fullest extent), I would recommend doing so at this point before rebuilding the physical chassis again, as many Jonsbo N2 NAS have the 2nd SODIMM memory slot in really tight locations.

TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 7, Connecting the USB, Keyboard and HDMI Monitor

Next, we need to connect the external means to install TrueNAS Core on the Jonsbo N2 NAS. Unlike when you set up your Jonsbo N2 NAS for the first time, TrueNAS cannot typically be installed via the network like QTS/DSM/etc. TrueNAS requires you to use a KVM (keyboard, Video Mouse – though you won’t need a mouse!) and go through the installation using a low-res graphical user interface. Now you will ONLY need this setup/items for the installation and initialization of your TrueNAS Core server and after that, you will be able to use the server over the network/internet as normal. You are going to need a basic USB Keyboard (not a Bluetooth or wireless one, as these may need drivers to run and you cannot install drivers at this point) and an HDMI Monitor/TV. You CAN use a mouse, but it is not hugely necessary and 99% of the choices in the setup of TrueNAS core can/will be via keyboard input. Also, I would also recommend connecting the NAS to the network during setup as this will allow the system to assume certain network values during setup that will save a tonne of time later. Once that is all connected, do NOT turn the NAS on yet – there is one small and slightly time-sensitive thing to do.

TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 8, Accessing the BIOS Menu of your Jonsbo N2 NAS

Now that your Jonsbo N2 NAS is all connected and you are ready at your keyboard/Monitor, turn the NAS on and wait till you hear a beep (should take between 5-15secs depending on the Jonsbo N2 NAS). As soon as your hear that noise (and likely see a flashing character or underscore on the monitor screen), you need to continuously hit the F12 and/or DEL keys (not at the same time, just back and forth). One of these will result in the system displaying the blue BIOS menu (it changes between motherboards and Jonsbo N2 supports a mixture of mobos in their Intel and AMD-powered systems). You need to be quick, as you only have about 3 seconds to do this.

TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 9, Booting from the New TrueNAS Installer USB

Next, you need to tap ‘RIGHT‘ on the keyboard and head to the ‘Save & Exit’ option. At the bottom, you should see, under the ‘boot override‘ option, your USB Drive. Tap ‘DOWN‘ until you are highlighting the USB and then tap ‘Enter‘ or ‘Return‘ on your keyboard, as this will push the Jonsbo N2 to boot from that USB and begin the TrueNAS Core installation. Later on I will show you how to force the system to ALWAYS boot into TrueNAS Core, but for now, we just need it to read from this USB this one time.

TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 10, Rebooting and Starting the TrueNAS Installer

This next step is a bit of a quick one. Around 5-15 seconds after you selected the USB Drive in BIOS, the screen will display the TrueNAS Installer option page. Tap ‘Enter’ as soon as you see it, as the page is on a countdown and when it reaches zero it will (possibly, depending on the version) reboot and then you will have to repeat the last few steps again!), So, in order to avoid this, tap ‘ENTER‘ as soon as this page appears.

After a few minutes, the TrueNAS Core GUI/Command will appear on your monitor and all you need to do is navigate the config choices to set up your TrueNAS Core NAS the first time.

Important – TrueNAS Core runs at its best when it is run on a separate drive from your storage. Much like an Operating System, you can install TrueNAS Core on an available SSD in a SATA or NVMe SSD slot in the Jonsbo N2 NAS, then (after initialization) you can go into the TrueNAS Core > Storage area and create a pool of storage using the available storage media bays,

It is NOT recommended that you install it on a USB drive, for reasons of speed and power-connections.

After you have completed the setup and are back at the initial TrueNAS Core boot menu, select the ‘SHUTDOWN‘ option (not reboot/restart, for reasons I will explain in a moment).

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TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 8, Remove the Boot USB Drive AND CHANGE BIOS!!!

Once your Jonsbo N2 NAS has fully powered down, you need to disconnect the USB drive you installed earlier with TrueNAS Core boot loader on it. You need to do this otherwise, when you reboot the Jonsbo N2 NAS, it can potentially reboot into the bootloader again. You can skip past this and/or it will not action a reinitialization without your input, but better to remove the USB and therefore allow the system to always immediately boot into the TrueNAS Core system you just created.

Next, you need to head back into the BIOS from earlier. Keep the Keyboard and HDMI Monitor connected and use the same method you used earlier during the initial boot of the Jonsbo N2 (pressing F12 and/or Delete repeatedly when you hear the first Jonsbo N2 beep after about 10-15 secs) and as soon as you are greeted with the familiar blue BIOS screen. From here, tap right a few times to highlight the ‘Boot’ option and change the option for Boot Priority #1. The default is Jonsbo N2 OS, you need to change it to the drive you installed TrueNAS on (whether that is a SATA/NVMe SSD or one of the main storage bays).

This will change the boot order to allow the system when it is first powered on to always boot into TrueNAS. After this, you can click right again in the BIOS menu to select the option to Save and restart. The system will then boot into the TrueNAS initialization (first time setup).

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TrueNAS Core on a Jonsbo N2 NAS – Step 9, Reboot the NAS

Upon rebooting the Jonsbo N2 into TrueNAS Core (can take up to 5 mins, but usually much quicker). You have two options with how to access the configuration and controls. You can use the HDMI+Keyboard if you choose for console/command level access. Alternatively (much more recommended), use a program such as Advanced IP Scanner, which is free and VERY useful anyway, or even network command prompt) to scan your local area network and find where the Jonsbo N2 with TrueNAS Core is located (i.e it’s IP). This IP (eg 192.168.1.111) is what you put into the URL bar ofay web browser and it will load into the login GUI for TrueNAS Core. From here you will need to use the username ‘root’ in combination with the password that you created during initialization.

And that is about it. You now have TrueNAS Core installed as the default OS of your Jonsbo N2 NAS. From here you can do anything and everything that his highly regarded ZFS powered server software offers. Head into the Storage area and start creating pools, as well as areas for caching and lots more features.

TrueNAS was recently updated to ver.13 in a stable release of the FreeBSD format, as well as new improvements in the Linux-based version ‘TrueNAS Scale’. The first thing you are going to need to do when setting up your TrueNAS Core > Jonsbo N2 NAS server is set up your storage. Do this by heading into the storage tab and following the handy steps on screen. After that, you can pretty much do anything on your new ZFS NAS!

You can find out more about TrueNAS in my full review below that covers everything I like and dislike about the platform:

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Jonsbo NAS DIY Vs Synology and QNAP? Better or Worse?

The perennial question for many tech enthusiasts: how does a custom-built NAS stack up against pre-packaged solutions like Synology and QNAP? The decision largely boils down to convenience vs. cost. For individuals who prioritize convenience and have a bit more to spend, a pre-assembled NAS from brands like Synology and QNAP offers an attractive package. With everything set up out of the box, from hardware to software, and a unified warranty, it’s a hassle-free solution. On the other hand, for those with a tighter budget, technical knowledge, and time on their hands, a DIY NAS like the Jonsbo N2 offers an economical alternative. The detailed Jonsbo N2 build listed in the guide above provides a 5-6 bay NAS system with an Intel Celeron processor popular in the server market, 4GB of DDR4 memory, 4x 2.5 G LAN ports, M.2 NVME support, an unused PCIE slot for 10GbE additions, and KVM capabilities. Factoring in all components, delivery, and a lifetime UnRAID license, the entire build costs roughly £350. Here’s a price breakdown:

Hardware:

• Topton N5105 NAS Motherboard – £149.37 (with 4GB Memory + 120GB NVMe Included – £127.72 Bare)
• Jonsbo N2 5/6 Bay NAS Case – £74.60
• SATA 6 Cable Fan/Multi-Cable – £11.59
• SFX 250W PSU – £25

Total = £260.56 with 4GB Memory + 120GB SSD (£238.91 without SSD/Memory)

Additional (i.e. optional/flexible):

• + $59-89 for UnRAID Basic/Plus License HERE
• + $0 for TrueNAS Core/Scale
• + $7 for a 32GB USB
• +£29.40 Delivery to UK

For comparison, acquiring a similar level of hardware from brands like Synology, QNAP, Terramaster, and Asustor will set you back between £600 to £800:

Click to view slideshow.

Clearly, the Jonsbo N2 build offers a significant cost-saving, coming in at over half the price of its branded counterparts. But this economical choice does come with trade-offs. You might end up relying on community-supported software, which could be less intuitive than proprietary software bundled with turnkey NAS solutions. Moreover, the time and effort invested in building and maintaining the NAS need to be factored in. Even with a clear guide, the DIY route will never be as plug-and-play as a pre-built solution.

 

Additionally, a custom-built NAS like the Jonsbo N2 typically involves dealing with warranties from various vendors. This means your components like the CPU, motherboard, case, PSU, and cables may all come with different warranty terms and lengths. Compatibility checks, troubleshooting, and potentially more maintenance time are other considerations. In conclusion, while building your own NAS can be both financially and personally rewarding, it does lack the comprehensive support and seamless experience associated with turnkey solutions from brands like Synology and QNAP.

 

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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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How to Upgrade the RAM in your Synology DS1522+ to 32GB and 64GB RAM Officially/Unofficially

The Synology DS1522+ NAS is a NAS system that arrives with an impressive middle ground between Power, Efficiency and Price, thanks to that AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU, flexibility in a 10GbE upgrade, storage expandability and (of course) arriving with ECC memory. The DS1522+ is one of the latest generation of Diskstation devices (in the 2022/2023 series) that seems to be targeting the more advanced SMB user, prioritizing throughput and performance, whilst also doubling down on data integrity with things like BTRFS and ECC memory. However, the system arrives with 8GB, but can be upgraded officially to a very impressive 32GB (for the scale of the system)! So, there are users that might want to upgrade that memory on Day 1 in order to remove any kind of potential bottleneck down the line (VMs, Databases, Surveillance, etc) or even just users that have set up the device to their own unique setup – but noticed that Memory usage is constantly hovering at the 60-70%. Synology NAS systems use quite proficient intelligent background memory use and flushing, but nevertheless, there are still plenty of users who want to scale up the base-level memory. In this article, I will show you how to upgrade the memory on your Synology DS1522+ NAS, but also I will show several 3rd party (i.e Unofficial modules) that I have tested in this NAS.

Upgrading your Synology DS1522+ with Unofficial Memory – Pay Attention

Before we continue with the guide, it is worth highlighting that the DS1522+ manufacturer, Synology, strongly recommends that you do not exceed the stated memory limit on their specifications page. They also highlight that using non-official memory in your Synology DS1522+ may well result in them being unable to provide technical support, as this would be an unsupported setup. We at NASCompares cannot be held accountable for how you use this guide. However, below I will show you where to buy the individual memory and Synology DS1522+ NAS device you will need. ONLY attempt this upgrade if you are comfortable with the terms laid out above by the manufacturer. Finally, it is also worth remembering that just because a system can SEE more than the official maximum memory, there is no guarantee that you will be able to utilize the full visible memory at once. Synology’s recommendations on the maximum memory supported by their NAS systems are often governed by three factors:

• The Recommended Maximum Supported Memory detailed by the CPU Manufacturer (e.g. Intel or AMD), which can also be a case of lanes and bandwidth allocation/availability
• The number of memory slots that Synology add to the system. This can be a case of a NAS only having 2 slots (with only 32GB modules supported by the brand) but the CPU supporting more than that being a physical conflict
• The Synology NAS might arrive with fixed/soldered memory for it’s default memory (e.g. the 2GB in the DS423+ or 4GB in the DS920+) but might also have a free memory upgrade slot – this leads to unusual memory caps such as the 6GB Maximum on the DS423+, despite it’s CPU supporting upto 8GB.

If you choose to go ahead with unofficial memory, afterwards, it is highly recommended to test the full quantity available with VM testing (assigning bulk memory to each virtual image) and running at the same time to see if it is utilized.

Synology Official Memory vs Unofficial Memory from Crucial, Kingston, Sabrent, etc?

Luckily Synology provides a wide range of official memory upgrades that can be purchased from numerous retailers online, however, they are generally more expensive than the 3rd party equivalents (see example above). Now, there could be a few good reasons for this. Firstly, these memory sticks are first-party and specifically selected to work on the Synology NAS systems (taking alot of the searching out of it for people in researching speeds, frequencies and supported PIN numbers), and officially branded components for any hardware manufacturer are always pricier.

Next, they do not have the rotation of stock that Crucial or Kingston has and therefore, the flexibility in pricing they might have is not available. Lastly, the Synology memory will often be ECC memory (especially in recent released NAS systems by them) and ECC memory always commands a higher price. However, given this memory is likely manufactured by a 3rd party, that does make it a little painful sometimes for smaller Synology NAS users who look at official memory and its often 2-3x pricepoint of equivalent modules from Kingston, Crucial and Samsung. So, in this guide we talk about upgrading your memory with both official and unofficial memory, what happens when you do and if there are risks to factor in. If you are a little unsure about whether you need to use ECC memory in your specific Synology NAS setup, you can watch the video below detailing the pros, cons and more:

Synology DS1522+ Official/Unofficial Memory Upgrade – Step 2, Physical Installation

What you will need:

• A Synology DS1522+ NAS – Obviously
• 1/2x Memory Upgrade Modules (Ranging from 4GB to 16GB and 32GB Individual Modules – Link below for Tested RAM modules from Crucial, Kingston, Samsung, Timtec and Synology Official Memory too:

DS1522+ (Arrives with ECC Memory) Testing Video on YouTube HERE

DDR4-2466 ECC Unbuffered SO-DIMM 260pin 1.2V

D4ES02-8G (ECC) D4ES01-16G (ECC)

Crucial ECC 4GB – Buy Here Kingston NON-ECC 4GB- Buy Here Crucial NON-ECC 8GB – Buy Here Kingston NON-ECC 8GB- Buy Here Crucial NON-ECC 16GB – Buy Here Kingston NON-ECC 16GB- Buy Here Kingston NON-ECC 32GB – Buy Here Kingston ECC 8GB – Buy Here Arch ECC 16GB – Buy Here vColour ECC 32GB- Buy Here

VERY IMPORTANT – The Links used in the article below towards the correct unofficial memory are occasionally changed (beyond my control) as it will direct you to the site in your own region/country. MAKE SURE to check that the memory module (especially 16 and 32GB SODIMM modules) are DUAL RANK or ‘DR‘, as Synology NAS typically have trouble with SR/SINGLE RANK modules.

• (OPTIONAL) Anti-static gloves and Envelope – useful to eliminate static charges and also to store the removed older official memory sticks):

First, we need to ensure the Synology DS1522+ is completely powered down/off and the mains power has been disconnected. It is recommended that you remove the Hard Drive or SSD that you have installed before accessing the RAM as it may block the slots. Additionally, you should remove the hard drive media as the unit will be moved around a lot during the memory installation and this could damage the drives. Be sure to keep a note of the drives that you remove and the order they were installed (HDD Bay 1, HDD Bay 2, etc) as installing the drives in the wrong slots could damage any existing RAID you have setup internally.

Next, we need to access the memory upgrade panel. Now, if you are just adding the existing memory, you can just add the additional module to the available SODIMM slot. However, if you are upgrading the system’s memory with new pairs of memory sticks (eg upgrading from the default 8GB to 32GB with 2x16GB), you will need to remove the old memory (remember to store it in an antistatic bag afterwards)

If you are removing the original memory, be sure you eject the official memory sticks using the clips on either side of the slot, as well as only holding the memory sticks by the narrow side edges, never touching the chips or board of the money or NAS.

Once you have removed them, they can either be stored away for a later project, installed in a compatible laptop or sold on eBay etc to make a little cash back!

Once they are clear, install one or both of your chosen unofficial DDR4 SODIMM memory modules in the available slots, making sure that you click them both in with the clips on either side.

Synology DS1522+ Official/Unofficial Memory Upgrade – Step 2, Checking the Unofficial Memory is Recognized

What you will need:

• A web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc) on a Windows, Mac or Android Machine) accessing the Synology DS1522+ user-interface as you normally would.

Next, you need to power up your Synology DS1522+ NAS and access it as you normally would. If you are buying this NAS first time and have yet to set it up, there are numerous first-time set-up guides and tips on the YouTube channel here – that will get you from the hardware installation to set up the Synology DS1522+ NAS for use. Once the NAS user interface (UI) is ready to go, head over to the hardware specification page shown here:

As you can see in the image above, the Synology has recognized the increased memory. It is still recommended to head to Step 4 below to see how to use the official memory test feature of the system.

Synology DS1522+ Official/Unofficial Memory Upgrade – Step 3, Unofficial/Unsupported Memory Tested

As mentioned earlier, Synology is pretty clear about its position on users opting for non-Synology memory in their systems or exceeding the officially stated maximum capacity of the DS1522+. They feel this is using the system in a configuration that is outside of the guaranteed performance and stability that they advertise. This means that if your system encounters issues as a result of these unsupported configurations, they (at best) will have difficulty recreating this configuration to provide support or (at worst) refuse to provide support as they have been pretty clear on the setups that they state the DS1522+ can run with. However, there is no avoiding that there have been countless examples of Synology NAS systems functioning perfectly well with 3rd party memory (YouTube Playlist of Synology NAS 3rd Party memory Tests HERE), so here are some examples of memory modules we tested on the Synology DS1522+ NAS (including model ID and links as needed – again, DOUBLE CHECK THE MODEL ID before you buy, as retailers will check page links):

Synology DS1522+ NAS + with 2x Sabrent Rocket 16GB 3200Mhz DDR4 SODIMM (2x 8GB  also tested)

Sabrent Memory 2x DDR4 SODIMM SB-DDR8 8GB HERE – (8/16/32GB Available):

After installation, I checked the Synology Resource Monitor and the Sabrent memory was recognized:

Heading into the system information, once again, the 2x 16GB Memory was recognized as recognised in total available physical memory:

Heading into the Virtual Machine Manager and  assigned a massive chunk of the available memory to an Ubuntu VM to see if the system would have any issue with assigning it. No barriers or hurdles were raised.

Booting the VM, We were able to head into the Ubuntu System Monitor and see that the memory quantity was successfully allocated to the Virtual Machine:

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Synology DS1522+ NAS + with 2x Crucial 16GB 3200Mhz DDR4 SODIMM

Crucial Memory 2x DDR4 SODIMM CT16G4SFRA32A – (8/16/32GB Available):

After installation, I checked the Synology Resource Monitor and the Crucial memory was recognized:

Heading into the system information, once again, the 32GB Memory was recognized as recognised in total available physical memory:

Heading into the Virtual Machine Manager and assigned a massive chunk of the available memory to an Ubuntu VM to see if the system would have any issue with assigning it. No barriers or hurdles were raised.

Booting the VM, We were able to head into the Ubuntu System Monitor and see that the memory quantity was successfully allocated to the Virtual Machine:

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Synology DS1522+ NAS + with 2x Kingston 32GB 3200Mhz DDR4 SODIMM

Kingston Memory 2x DDR4 SODIMM KCP432SD8/32 – (8/16GB Available):

After installation, I checked the Synology Resource Monitor and the Kingston memory was recognized:

Heading into the system information, once again, the 64GB Memory was recognized as recognised in total available physical memory:

Heading into the Virtual Machine Manager and assigned a massive chunk of the available memory to an Ubuntu VM to see if the system would have any issue with assigning it. No barriers or hurdles were raised.

Booting the VM, We were able to head into the Ubuntu System Monitor and see that the memory quantity was successfully allocated to the Virtual Machine:

So, those were the three unofficial memory types that I tested on the Synology DS1522+ NAS. However, it is VERY important that (regardless of whether you choose official or unofficial memory for your NAS upgrade) you check that your memory is working perfectly. Do check this; you should use the built-in Memory Testing facility of Synology Assistant for PC/Mac. Below is how to conduct the test.

Synology DS1522+ Official/Unofficial Memory Upgrade – Step 4, Checking the Memory is Usable

There are several ways to check the memory is working on your Synology DS1522+ correctly. One easy method that can be done very quickly is using the Synology Memory Test tool.

To run a memory test:

1. 1. Download and install the Synology Assistant, where you can find the memory test function. The application is available at Download Center.
   2. Open Synology Assistant, click and enable the memory test service.

1. 1. Select the device where you wish to run the test and click Memory Test.

During the memory test, your Synology NAS will be rebooted. It will recover after another reboot if its memory is normal and passes the test. However, if the memory test fails to finish or shows that there is an error, the memory may be faulty. In this case, you are strongly recommended to return your Synology NAS for repair. Just in case you have installed a non-Synology memory module, please remove it and rerun the memory test.

Though once again you should remember that Synology do not recommend using memory modules that are not from Synology themselves, so this test may not be indicative of the health of unofficial memory in your Synology NAS. Alternatively, you can perform as many actions and processes as possible (scans, copy/pastes, thumbnail generation, transcode a 4K file, RAID changes, synchronisation, etc) at once to see how the task manager and resource monitor behaves in the Synology DS1522+. It should spike each time and at a greater height as you do more and more and once it exceeds the memory you had previously installed, this is a good confirmation that the installation is working fine. Alternatively, you can temporarily allocate chunks of memory and then that is a much more reliable test. Install the virtual machine application for the Synology DS1522+ (P.S. for Synology users it is the Virtual Machine Manager and for QNAP it is the Virtualisation station). Then you can create individual VMs (it is alot easier than it sounds and the Synology DS1522+ VM software is very user-friendly) then allocate a large number of GBs (Gigabytes) of memory to each one. When you have created 3 or 4 individual virtual machine containers on the Synology DS1522+ software, then you can run them all at once and that will immediately use almost all the memory at once! If there are any issues with the memory, it will show here almost immediately. If no problems, then you know the Synology DS1522+ unofficial Crucial/Kingston memory installation as successful. You can then delete the VMs in the virtual machine software and then free up all that memory again.

A Beginner’s Guide to NAS featuring Terramaster

NAS, or Network-Attached Storage, is a term that many tech enthusiasts swear by, yet for many, it remains an enigma. If you’ve ever wished for a more streamlined way to store, access, and manage your data, then a NAS might be the solution you’ve been looking for. This guide will specifically delve into Terramaster’s offerings in the NAS sector, helping you understand and make informed decisions.

What is a NAS?

In simple terms, a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) is a storage device connected to a network. Think of it as a personal cloud right in your home or office. Unlike a regular hard drive that connects directly to a computer, a NAS connects to your home or business network, allowing multiple users and devices to access and store data.

Here’s why it’s handy:

1. Centralized Storage: Store all your media, documents, and other data in one place.
2. Accessibility: Access your files from anywhere as long as you’re connected to the network.
3. Backup: Automatic backups of your precious data, and even your entire PC or Mac.
4. Media Streaming: Stream your stored media directly to various devices.
5. Expandability: Easily add more storage as your needs grow.

Terramaster is one of the brands that has excelled in delivering efficient and cost-effective NAS solutions. With an intuitive operating system and robust hardware options, Terramaster’s NAS offerings cater to both beginners and advanced users.

Why Not Use Cloud Services like Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox instead of a NAS?

Do not think that 3rd party cloud services are bad, they really aren’t! In fact, you should always consider adding a 2nd or 3rd tier into your backup strategy at home/work, and synchronization of files/folders on your NAS with the cloud is a good means to ensure you have another backup in place. Additionally, most NAS feature a variety of 256bit encryption options, password protection, 2 step verification and more to allow secure access is ensured to the NAS and the content, even via the cloud. Additionally, big NAS brands have been supporting Hybrid Cloud services that not only allow cloud storage to be bolted onto your NAS storage for shared usage and access, but also both brand support backup and synchronization with cloud collaborate services, such as Google’s G Suite and Microsoft’s Office 365. So there is DEFINITELY still a valid and useful place for 3rd party cloud services in 2023, however, I rarely advocate the use of these cloud services as a PRIMARY storage location. They ARE convenient and you can get a limited amount of space included for free, but I generally have three core reasons that I do not recommend cloud as a first-tier storage.

Storage Considerations with Terramaster

When contemplating storage for your NAS, especially with a brand like Terramaster, here are some considerations:

1. Hard Drive vs. SSD: Traditionally, NAS devices have used Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) because of their larger storage capacities and lower costs. However, Solid State Drives (SSDs) are gaining popularity due to faster read/write speeds and reliability. Terramaster supports both, but the choice depends on your needs. If speed is crucial, SSDs are the way to go, but if you need more storage at a lower price, HDDs are still very relevant.
2. Redundancy (RAID): Redundancy ensures data is not lost if one drive fails. Terramaster supports various RAID configurations. For beginners, the most common are RAID 1 (mirroring) and RAID 5 (striping with parity). RAID 1 requires two drives, duplicating data on both. If one fails, the other takes over. RAID 5 requires at least three drives and combines their storage into one ‘pool’, while still ensuring data safety.

Click to view slideshow.

1. Drive Capacity: Depending on the amount of data you plan to store, you’ll need to choose the right drive capacities. Terramaster’s NAS models support varying numbers of bays (places to put a drive). Think about your future needs as well; it’s often wiser to invest in a model with more bays than you currently need.
2. Drive Health Monitoring: Terramaster’s OS includes utilities to monitor drive health, helping predict potential drive failures. Regularly checking this can help prevent unexpected data loss.

1GbE, 2.5GbE, and 10GbE: What’s the difference?

One of the important considerations when setting up a NAS is the network speed. Here, the terms 1GbE, 2.5GbE, and 10GbE often come up. But what do they mean?

Simply put, these terms refer to network speeds:

• 1GbE (1 Gigabit Ethernet): Offers speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).
• 2.5GbE (2.5 Gigabit Ethernet): Offers speeds up to 2.5 gigabits per second.
• 10GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet): Offers speeds up to 10 gigabits per second.

Click to view slideshow.

Now, why should you care? The speed determines how fast you can read or write data to your NAS. If you’re a videographer working with 4K videos, for instance, you’d benefit from faster speeds like 10GbE. For regular home use, 1GbE might suffice.

However, remember that just having a 10GbE NAS isn’t enough. Your entire network, including routers and switches, must also support the desired speeds.

Terramaster provides NAS models with varying Ethernet capabilities. So, depending on your need for speed and budget, there’s a model for you.

Choosing Between Terramaster Desktop and Rackmount NAS

When delving deeper into the world of Network-Attached Storage (NAS), you’ll quickly discover that the physical form factor of the device can vary greatly. Two of the most common types of NAS are the desktop-based and the rackmount configurations. While Terramaster predominantly focuses on desktop NAS solutions, understanding the distinction between these two forms can help you make an informed choice tailored to your specific needs.

Understanding the Basics of Rackmount and Desktop NAS

Before we dive into the pros and cons of each type, it’s vital to understand the fundamental differences:

1. Desktop NAS: As the name implies, these are designed to sit on a desk or a shelf. They are typically more compact, stand-alone, and look like larger external hard drives.
2. Rackmount NAS: These are designed to be mounted in standardized rack cabinets commonly found in data centers and server rooms. They come in a form factor to fit the horizontal racks, usually expressed in ‘rack units’ or U (e.g., 1U, 2U, 4U).

Desktop NAS: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Compactness: They are perfect for small offices or homes with limited space. Their design is generally aesthetically pleasing, allowing them to blend seamlessly with other office devices or even home décor.
2. Portability: Easier to move around if needed, making them suitable for dynamic environments or places with changing setups.
3. Ease of Use: Most desktop NAS devices are plug-and-play. They often require minimal setup, perfect for those who may not have advanced IT skills.
4. Cost: Generally, desktop NAS devices are more affordable, making them an excellent choice for small businesses or personal use.

Cons:

1. Limited Scalability: Given their size and design, there’s a limit to how many drives or additional components you can add.
2. Cooling and Noise: Some desktop NAS models, especially those with multiple drives, may generate more noise and heat, as they lack the extensive cooling systems found in larger rackmount devices.

Rackmount NAS: Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Scalability: Rackmount devices are built for expansion. Whether you’re looking to add more drives or integrate other server components, they provide more flexibility.
2. Efficient Cooling: Designed for data centers, they come with built-in cooling mechanisms to handle heat from multiple devices, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
3. Higher Performance: These devices are generally more powerful, offering better CPU and RAM configurations suitable for businesses with extensive data operations.
4. Centralized Management: Being in a rack setup, all devices can be managed centrally, which is beneficial for larger operations.

Cons:

1. Size and Portability: Rackmount devices aren’t meant to be moved frequently. They require dedicated space, preferably in a cooled environment.
2. Complexity: They might require more expertise to set up and manage, especially in larger configurations.
3. Cost: Generally more expensive than desktop NAS due to their advanced features and build.

Given the above factors, how should you decide? Here are some considerations to help guide your choice:

1. Purpose: A home user wanting to store personal photos, documents, and media files might find a desktop NAS more than sufficient. However, a business dealing with massive databases, multiple simultaneous users, or requiring centralized server solutions would benefit more from a rackmount setup.
2. Space: Do you have space for a rack setup? If you’re limited on room, a desktop NAS might be the only feasible option.
3. Budget: High-end rackmount setups can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, a desktop NAS from Terramaster can provide excellent value for money.
4. Future Expansion: Always consider your future needs. If you foresee significant growth in your data needs, investing in a scalable rackmount solution now might save you the hassle and expense of upgrading later.
5. Technical Know-How: If you’re not tech-savvy and don’t have access to IT expertise, a desktop NAS is usually more straightforward and user-friendly. Rackmount setups, while offering more power and scalability, might pose challenges in setup and management.

Both desktop and rackmount NAS devices have their merits. While Terramaster primarily focuses on desktop NAS solutions, catering to a vast number of home users and small businesses, understanding the distinction between these two forms ensures you’re equipped with the knowledge to make the best decision. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a small business owner, or a large enterprise, there’s a NAS solution out there tailored to your needs. Remember, the key lies in assessing current requirements while also keeping an eye on the future. With the right NAS, you ensure not only the safety and accessibility of your data but also the smoothness of your operations.

Wrapping Up Terramaster and the Conclusion

A NAS is more than just a storage solution. It’s a centralized hub for your digital life. With brands like Terramaster providing a range of options suited for various needs, diving into the world of NAS has never been easier. When considering storage, weigh the pros and cons of HDDs vs. SSDs, think about redundancy, and plan for future data needs. Also, in today’s data-heavy world, network speeds play a crucial role, so choose a model that aligns with your demands. Whether you’re a professional needing a robust data management solution or a home user looking to centralize family memories, Terramaster’s NAS offerings can cater to your requirements. Dive in, and discover a more organized, accessible, and secure digital life.

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Why Choose TerraMaster NAS? Advantages and Disadvantages

One brand that I have always had a personal love for is TerraMaster. This is purely subjective and should be taken with a pinch of salt, but for a brand that no one really knows about, they give ALOT of the key features that other bigger brand advertise alot. BTRFS support is available on pretty much ALL the Intel-based devices, they feature one of the ONLY 4 LAN 2-Bay NAS’, along with an Intel N5105 based 10Gbe 2, 4 5 and 8-Bay solution and a particularly unique 2 HDD 10GbE system. Arriving with a thunderbolt DAS range too, Terramaster is a NAS brand that has evolved comparatively quickly and although for the most part, they are only available via Amazon, this has still allowed them to be a recognizable brand. Typically in a like for like hardware comparison with them and companies like Synology/QNAP, you will find them better value for money, and the software (though less diverse or slick than those two big brands) is still pretty smooth and intuative. The chassis design is a little underwhelming, but even that has improved in recent revisions. All in all, they are the best budget NAS solution out there in 2023 and a good entry point into NAS.

PROS of TerraMaster NAS

• Great Price vs Hardware
• VERY Fast Brand Evolution
• TOS 5 Software introducing Surveillance, FluidRAID, AI-Powered photo Recognition and Isolation Mode
• Added a LARGE 2.5GbE selection of NAS in their portfolio
• Hugely Improved GUI and Client apps
• BTRFS available as file system choice
• Desktop and Rackmount options
• Similar Hardware to QNAP and Asustor, but at a Lower Price
• Straight forward range and classification
• Very Straight Fordwared Setup

CONS of TerraMaster NAS

• Very Few Mobile Apps
• Not quite as polished or fully featured as Synology/QNAP
• Despite Business targeting, very poor support of 10GBe till recently in the F2-423
• A little dated design
• Arrives with Warranty, but the turnaround is slower than many
• Have been targetted by Ransomware attacks in the last 2 years

Terramaster F2-423 NAS – $289 4-Core Intel 64bit CPU – 4/32GB Memory – 2.5GbE – 2-Bay	RECOMMENDED – Terramaster F5-422 – $599 4-Core Intel 64bit CPU – 4/16GB Memory – 10GbE – 5-Bay	Terramaster T12-423 12-Bay NAS – $1399 4-Core Intel 64bit CPU – 4/32GB Memory – 2.5GbE – NVMe – 12-Bay
Best Budget NAS Check Amazon Below for Current Prices/Stock	Best Mid-Range Solution Check Amazon Below for Current Prices/Stock	Best Business Solution Check Amazon Below for Current Prices/Stock

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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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Synology and How Your Analytical Data is Stored, Used and Deleted

Synology, a renowned network-attached storage (NAS) solutions provider, maintains a series of data-driven services to supplement their product suite. The transparency and clarity in Synology’s data collection and storage protocols reflect their dedication to ensuring users’ privacy. Below is a comprehensive evaluation of their privacy practices across several services.

Resources Usesd for this Summary:

Needless to say, the full extent of Synology’s internal operations are going to be largely confidential. However, much like any other company that handles user data, they provide a detailed breakdown of their terms of service and data collection disclosure. These are provided as guidelines of how the brand receives, stores, utilizes and deletes data that is collected in the process of specific applications or services. Full details on these policies in their full length can be found below:

• Software EULA
• Services Data Collection Disclosure
• Synology Account
• Pre-Release Program Agreement
• Package Center
• Legal Agreement

Additionally, we made a much larger video on this subject, that highlights all the areas of the Synology service agreements and data collection details. You can find it HERE.

C2 Service: The Synology C2 Service is a cloud suite aiming to enhance the user experience for Synology product users. For subscribers, Synology requires essential data such as account credentials and payment details. If users partake in specific events within the C2 platform, event-specific URLs might be recorded. This data collection allows Synology to seamlessly integrate and customize services for its user base. Data is safeguarded using encryption techniques and is stored across globally distributed data centers located in the US, Germany, and Taiwan. Upon the cessation of a subscription or when an account is deleted, Synology retains the data for a stipulated period before initiating permanent deletion to give users a window for potential account recovery.

Device Network Mapping: With the vision of easing initial device setups, Synology designed the Device Network Mapping service. It collects specific device details to assist in identifying and preparing devices to integrate within a network environment. Though this service collects vital information, Synology ensures the temporary nature of this storage. The data is designated for removal post its immediate utility or after 90 days of inactivity, ensuring no unnecessary long-term storage.

QuickConnect and Synology DDNS: Synology’s commitment to improving connectivity for users is manifested in services like QuickConnect and Synology DDNS. These services, while instrumental in boosting user experience, require the collection of device information. This data serves to facilitate domain name resolutions and enhance the security of user connections through encryption. The retention of this data is directly linked to the active status of the user’s Synology Account.

Synology Application Service: To satiate the modern user’s demand for real-time notifications, Synology offers the Synology Application Service. This service processes messages and certain device details, which are essential for push notifications across Synology’s application suite. It’s worth noting that post the delivery of these messages, Synology takes measures to ensure that the data is immediately purged from their servers.

DSM Configuration Backup: Recognizing the value of configuration data, Synology presents the DSM Configuration Backup service. It not only stores configuration details securely but also ensures that the data is encrypted, making it a vital asset in restoration or upgrade scenarios. If a user opts to deactivate this service, Synology maintains a data retention policy of up to 180 days before initiating the deletion process.

Active Insight: Active Insight emerges as a valuable tool for users seeking analytical insights into their NAS devices’ performance. By accumulating operation data, Synology endeavors to offer performance insights, real-time analytics, and specialized technical support. This service also aids in Synology’s internal product improvement initiatives. Synology commits to store this data in its Frankfurt data center, ensuring European data protection standards. Periodic evaluations are performed to cleanse any identifiable links from the stored data, reinforcing privacy measures. Moreover, stringent access controls are in place to limit raw and aggregated data visibility to a select set of employees.

MailPlus: The MailPlus service, when paired with Bitdefender’s antispam/antivirus functionalities, necessitates the sharing of specific technical data. This collaboration is vital to offer a fortified defense against spam and potential cyber threats. However, users should be aware that this data bypasses Synology’s storage mechanisms and is sent directly to Bitdefender’s infrastructure.

Concluding Thoughts: Navigating through Synology’s data privacy policies reveals a company that is invested in ensuring a clear demarcation of its data collection, utilization, storage, and deletion methodologies. Each service comes equipped with user-centric guidelines and often offers choices for users to opt-in or out as per their comfort. However, users must remain vigilant and thoroughly understand third-party collaborations and their implications. As with any service, the responsibility remains mutual: while Synology offers transparent practices, users must be proactive in understanding and deciding what’s best for their data.

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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.

WE LOVE COFFEE