Are NAS Drives Safe Enough to Use in 2024?

Are you a NAS owner? Perhaps you are considering buying a NAS based on a recommendation from a friend, work colleague, IT professional or even myself (Robbie) on YouTube. The appeal of owning your own server, cutting the connection with your subscription cloud providers such as Dropbox or Google drive, having all your data backed up in-house and that feeling of pure control/ownership is hard to underestimate. However, over the last 4-5 years or more, it has been hard to ignore that the brand has suffered a series of security issues surrounding the subject of ransomware – a process whereby your data is encrypted with a unique, near uncrackable cypher and a document (typically a .txt) is left for you with instructions for you to make a payment in bitcoin to a predesignated account in order for instructions and the key to recovery your data. Ransomware in of itself is not new and originally dates back to 1996 under the name cryptoviral extortion (you didn’t come here for a history lesson, but the wiki covers a lot of those early developments into the concept) and is frighteningly easy to conduct IF an intruder has access to your system and/or the means to inject the command to encrypt the data inside of any system. Words like virus, hack and malware have been thrown around the internet for the last 20-30 years, however, Malware feels significantly more organized and comparatively recent, as well as being something that has been enacted on all storage platforms, such as Google Drive (thanks to sync tools), Apple was directly hit in 2021 and over 300 BIG name companies that you WILL of heard of in the last 18 months that included:

Acer, FujiFilm, Northern UK Rail, Exabyte Web Hosting, Foxtons, The Salvation Army, Shutterfly Photography, Bose Sound, The NRA, Kronos CRM systems, Gigabyte Motherboards, Volvo, SPAR, Olympus Cameras, GUESS Fashion, ADATA, CD Projekt, Travelex, SK Hynix, Capcom, Crytek, Kmart

Those are just a brief scan of confirmed news reports and only a small fraction of the companies, brands and institutions that have been successfully targetted. Tech companies, media companies, charities and countless retail outlets. Why am I going through all this? Well, 1, these companies should have exceptionally sophisticated storage and remote access protocols in place, 2, cannot use the excuse of being companies with practically no formal association with high-level storage and 3, are companies with a responsibility to protect significantly custom databases that eventually fell foul (partially or fully) to vulnerabilities. Personally, I DO think, when NAS brands have blame on their side (eg Asustor/Terramaster with Deadbolt, QNAP with QLocker, Synology with SynoLocker, etc) that they need to acknowledge publically, make significant errors in these attack proactive management AND have handled a number of the follow-up actions to these incidents very poorly (both in terms of communication and execution) – They need to put their hands up and say “We F’d Up” and take responsibility, up to a point! However, I do also think that the end-user base is also not completely innocent and alongside ascertaining whether any particular NAS brand is safe to use in 2024, we should also think about how we store data, the limits of our own due diligence and our expectations from server devices.

Important note – If you are currently unaware of the severity of ransomware attacks, malware attacks and authentication bypass vulnerabilities, you need to subscribe to this page HERE on NASCompares. Also, if yo are in any doubt about NAS security and owning a system, REMEMBER, the very LEAST you can do is:

• Set your system software updates to automatic (either FULL or just security updates)
• Disable the ‘admin’ account (it should be disabled by default, but make sure!)
• Disable SSH / Terminal services if you are not using them (again, these should be ‘off’ by default, but check)
• Create exclusre login credentials to services/clients (eg Plex should/can have a user:plex + password, and then restrict that account to only the folders and services that it needs, then restrict or ‘ready only’ the rest
• Have at least one backup in place. Remember that a backup is a complete copy of all your data in a different system/location!!!
• Change random ports in the system for accessing the NAS (you tend to find NAS systems use 8000, 8001, 8080, 5000, etc. Change them to something random)
• Enable 2 Step Authentication / 2FA / OTP
• Do not F&*k around with your router or open ports unless you know what you are doing!

Additionally, if you have been affected by ransomware on your storage solution (QNAP, Synology, UnRAID or whatever brand), this post is not intended to play ‘blame games’ or detract from the impact (personally or professionally) that it has caused. I have experienced ransomware attacks, malware attacks through my browser, virus attacks on my OS and seen my fair share of attacks fail and (annoying) succeed. Please do not take this article in the spirit of ‘get stuffed, It’s your fault!”, but as a means of dissecting the current state of play with NAS devices and the realistic expectations/responsibilities of all involved.

PSA – GET YOUR BACKUPS IN ORDER!

Before you even go one paragraph further, I have a simple question for you – do you have a backup in place? If yes, then carry on to the next part. If not, and I cannot stress this enough, GET ONE NOW. The time you are spending reading this you could be susceptible to data loss in about 10 different ways without even factoring in ransomware (Power failure leading to hard drive corruption, Malware from a slightly iffy google search this morning, cloud storage provider going bust, OS failure on your device, etc). In this day and age owning a sufficient data backup is as sensible as buying a raincoat or looking both ways when you cross the street – you don’t do it because you like rain or like looking at cars, you do it because they are peace of mind, they are a safety net, they are for caution in case of the worst. It is a bit tenuous, but owning one or multiple backups always make me think of this quote from Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King:

“There are really only two types of men in the world when it comes to bad trouble,” Andy said, cupping a match between his hands and lighting a cigarette. “Suppose there was a house full of rare paintings and sculptures and fine old antiques, Red? And suppose the guy who owned the house heard that there was a monster of a hurricane headed right at it. One of those two kinds of men just hopes for the best. The hurricane will change course, he says to himself. No right-thinking hurricane would ever dare wipe out all these Rembrandts, my two Degas horses, my Jackson Pollocks and my Paul Klees. Furthermore, God wouldn’t allow it. And if worst comes to worst, they’re insured. That’s one sort of man. The other sort just assumes that hurricane is going to tear right through the middle of his house. If the weather bureau says the hurricane just changed course, this guy assumes it’ll change back in order to put his house on ground zero again. This second type of guy knows there’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’re prepared for the worst.” 

Get a Backup in place

More Ransomware Attacks on QNAP than Any other NAS Brand?

WannaCry, QLocker, eChoraix, Deadbolt, how, many, times…

Probably the most compelling argument against the safety of NAS for many buyers is the simple fact that NAS brands increasingly seem to been in the news more for reasons of ransomware attacks. Indeed, even a quick browse of the last 24 months on the site ‘Bleeping Computer’ for stories on QNAP shows you that there have been multiple vulnerabilities found in their software/access that have allowed encryption commands to be injected into the QNAP NAS system to execute the ransomware attacks. How can this one brand be such a soft target? What are they doing wrong? Well as it stands, reading through news posts before/after previous ransomware attacks, as well as the dissection of events on the official forums in the midst of the an attack, the consistent threads are:

• QNAP is rolling out software and services with weak default settings and acceptable minimums to allow inexperienced users to open up external access WITHOUT the users understanding the risks
• QNAP has weaknesses in it’s software that the brand arguably takes a more reactive, than proactive stance on repairing
• QNAP’s recommendations on actions to user post-ransomware attack both publically and in 1-to-1 dialogue with users has been felt unsatisfactory
• Your QNAP NAS is better off currently used offline/network only

As general as all that might sound (without letting personal opinions colour it) those are largely the four core issues for many that have voiced their feelings on this in the forums. Moving away from the hefty subject of data loss slightly (we will be returning to that in a bit, but that is a question of Backups and routines to discuss), there is the fact that there have been vulnerabilities found in QNAP 1st party applications and services – but then again, so have there been in different NAS brand’s own services too. A click look at their respective Security Advisory pages will tell you this. This doesn’t exonerate QNAP in any way here, as part of the ‘social agreement’ between the end-user and QNAP is that as long as we ‘follow due diligence in protecting the data inside the NAS as directed AND maintain our own network/router setup, the QNAP NAS should protect our data inside the NAS to the best of it’s ability. This is where it all becomes problematic. As QNAP have never successfully balanced the line between giving the user freedom, control and customization WHILST still preventing the user from doing anything self-harming without a full idea of the consequences. It’s a line that their biggest competitor Synology seems to toe better and this comparison only serves to re-enforce the feeling (and numbers) that QNAP are attacked more.

The Nature and Practice of Firmware Updates on ALL NAS Brand Devices – Prevention & Cures

“Remind me Tomorrow” click

Though sometimes NOT the means with which a vulnerability in the NAS software/services is achieved, it is still a factor in some instances that updating to a later firmware would actually have closed a vulnerability. However, this is a remarkably broad statement and the truth is a great deal more nuanced. First, we have to understand that ALL software that has a remote access component via the internet will likely be investigated by cybercriminals for weaknesses. Not just NAS ones – ALL of them, from Microsoft office and Android mobile OS, to your LG TV and Amazon FireTV. Hell, I bet there are people who have investigated the ‘buy now’ option of WINRAR in effort to see if an opening exists to use it as a ransomware entry vector. What I am saying is that as soon as a commercially popular software with internet access exists, people are going to try and take it apart to find out its weaknesses for exploitation. If/When these weaknesses are found and actioned (or submitted to the brand for bounty programs – whereupon brands ask people to try and break their software, so they can make it better/safer/improved), the brand then issues a firmware update to the affected software/services to its user base, then around the merry-go-round we go again! This is not a process that happens daily – but it definitely happens weekly or monthly (depending on the frequency of the brand to instigate the changes that are raised to them). This is why is it so common for companies that are affected by ransomware in their software/services to immediately highlight the need for firmware updates. At that point, the attack vector and vulnerability is reverse engineered, patched and closed. Many of these vulnerabilities are small. Very, VERY small sometimes. Indeed, it is for this reason that all the reputable NAS brands have security advisory pages that list current weaknesses, vulnerabilities and issues on their platform that are being investigated (Synology HERE, Asustor HERE and yes, QNAP HERE) and in all my time in the world of network-attached storage, I do not think I have ever seen one of these pages have ‘100% resolved’, but when something is resolved the resolution is invariably rolled into an update. So what we can take from this is that although firmware updates do not completely remove the possibility of new vulnerabilities being found in the future, they do seemingly close the bulk of existing vulnerabilities that have been found by/volunteered to the brand.

So why do we not install the firmware updates automatically? This isn’t limited to NAS of course! From the Mac notification that have been nagging you at the top right of your screen, to the windows update at the bottom right and all those applications on your phone that are asking you to please install the latest updates to your software – we choose to ignore them til ‘later’! Worse still, there is the old ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mentality that will often result in many users only installing smaller updates, but flat out avoiding the BIG updates as they can ‘change where everything is’ or ‘I heard it breaks a bunch of stuff’. Businesses in particular with shared files in their thousands are always reluctant to run any process that can suspend that access temporarily or change how something works. So, there we have a fine melting pop of ingredients that has led (in some instances, but not all – as we will go further go into) to many users being hit by ransomware attacks via vulnerabilities that, although patches were available, were not actioned. How do we resolve this? Forced update that leaves the user’s own hesitance out of the equation? Limitations of the system’s remote connectivity unless the latest firmware update is installed (console gamers will be very familiar with that method of course)? Or a 50/50 split where minor updates are optional, but larger ones are mandatory? It’s a tough tight rope to walk. So, let’s see how QNAP walked/walks this tight rope and how they could have possibly done it ALOT better.

System Updates and Updates – Should a NAS Brand FORCE Firmware Updates to Users?

Forced? Optional? Access Penalties?

As mentioned, tighter control of firmware implementation would allow the brand to ensure that a NAS that has internet accessibility is updated to a high/current firmware revision. Alternatively, the brand could limit the systems external connectivity and disable all settings if the firmware on the system is not up to date – simply running a check with the NAS brand connected domain when trying to access these services and settings and declining if the latest update is not installed. Xbox and Playstation users are more than aware of this as a fixed rule to ensure that installed software is officially licenced and checked in advance. However, those are closed systems and many buyers have selected NAS over cloud services precisely because of the flexibility and customization it offers. However, when NAS brands have previously FORCED firmware updates remotely for services, it has NOT been received well:

Forced updates are something of a taboo subject too, with the recent rather heavy-handed move by QNAP back in 2020 in light of the Deadbolt ransomware attack to remote push the latest firmware update to all QNAP NAS systems that were internet-connected without any notice to the end-users (overriding any settings that disabled or prevented this). Now, clearly, QNAP did this as an extreme and something to prevent the vulnerability of the system software and/or configuration from being exploited further (that have still not been fully confirmed in its attack vectors, with some users who have ridiculously high-security settings still getting hit). In non-ransomware instances, I think QNAP issuing a message to their user base with a “In 5 day’s there will be an essential system update on XX day XX month at XX:XX time” message, with even a brief explanation of why would have been infinitely more preferable and would have been met with a much more positive stance (as well as it also making many users update sooner). However, clearly, the decision for a forced update was more of a last resort/hastily decided choice and that forms part of another reason that many users find the QNAP platform to sometimes bring services and software to market that could do with a little more time in the oven. Whatever way you look at it, QNAP was going to be damned, whatever they did. But did they put themselves in this position? What about the expectations of the end-user and due diligence? What SHOULD be the expected skillset of a NAS buyer to start with?

The Extent of the End User Responsibility, Skillsets and Expectations? What Are YOUR Responsibilities as a NAS Owner?

How much should a user be expected to know about networking?

The simplicity of NAS systems can often be oversold. It’s annoying and I am as guilty as most of this, but given the wide range of users who install a NAS system into their storage environments, the ease of setup and use is not shared with the ease of setup and understanding of network security in your home or office. On the one hand, NAS brands have supplied multiple services and processes in their system software that make remote access easy, encrypted transmissions easy, SSL certificate applying easy, 2-step authentication easy, UPNP and router pushing easy – you name it, they have tried to make it easy. But should they have? The ease of setting up a number of these services (as well as non-randomized settings in some places) can easily give users a false sense of security. So, for those users of a higher skillset, it would be acceptable that a NAS should only be remotely accessed with the highest layers of security applied, and it should not allow remote level access to be possible without some unique intervention and set-up by the end-user (not just a password and/or disabling an admin account), although to stop presets of this nature would lead to a noticeable spike in the difficulty of setup, perhaps that is what is needed. This is by no means a new issue we are discussing and even a brief google search online finds examples of attack vectors and methods as far back as 1999 on public/org sites.

However, in reality, it simply would not work like this, The user base of most established NAS brands are just too varied and though these tougher and more unique security implementations would secure things, the less technically skilled users would hit hurdle after hurdle, once again, one of the prices of some (not all) of that flexibility. Alot of users who have been hit by ransomware attacks have specifically headed to official forums because they do not have the remote setup experience that might be deemed an acceptable minimum to start opening ports via the NAS settings or directly on the router. This once again brings us back around to what should be the expected skill level of an average NAS Drive owner, how much of the control and security profile of the storage system belongs to the NAS manufacturer and how much should the buyer be expected to do independently? You can buy a car, you can fill it with petrol and the manufacturer can tell you its top speed, and miles to the gallon – but no car manufacturer would feel the need to add to all their adverts “must have a driving licence”, do they? It’s a rather stretched simile I know, but the fact remains that users cannot expect to connect their storage to the internet in 2024, open up pathways to it via the internet and not at least make allowances or provisions that an attack could happen. This leads us to the hardest and coldest fact of practically EVERY SINGLE NAS related recent ransomware attacks that, although only applies to a % of users, is still depressingly true.

How Backups and Data Storage are Still being Misunderstood – UNDERSTANDING WHAT A BACKUP IS, AND A NAS IS NOT!

A frighteningly large number of victims with no backup. Acceptable backup levels?

One of the hardest choices for anyone that has been successfully targetted by ransomware attackers (not exclusive to NAS either) is the choice to pay or not. When I am asked to make recommendations for a home or business user in the free advice section here on NASCompares or the comments on YouTube, I will always ask what the user storage quote is currently (now then double annually over 5yrs), their user base (volume and frequency) and their budget? That last one is always a kicker for some, as no one wants to show their cards! I’m not a salesman and I do not work for a eRetailer, I ask because there is a lot of ground between a £99 DS120j and a £5000 RS3621XS+. However, budget is INCREDIBLY important and should not only be measured by the number of 0’s in the account, but also by the cost of if the data is lost! Many users are so busy thinking of how much it will cost to provision for the future, that they are not factoring in the cost of replacing the past! This is the exact personal vulnerability that ransomware targets and sadly, a lot of users still do not understand 1) what a backup actually IS and 2) what a backup actually ISN’T.

If your data ONLY lives on the NAS, then the NAS is not a backup. You likely knew that. But socially and conventionally, we tend to forget it quite easily. We make space on phones by deleting stuff because ‘it is backed up on the NAS’. We sync our laptops and MacBooks with a remote folder to keep our files safe on the NAS, but still make changes or delete files on the hoof. We take the NAS as red as a backup and at that point, it isn’t! Likewise there are things that SOUND like backups… RAID… Snapshots… Hot Spares… they sound very reassuring, but are not backups, they are safety nets! And are all typically found ‘in system’. A REAL backup is something that is the same files, ELSEWHERE!  There is no avoiding that a NAS (Synology, QNAP, TrueNAS, Whatever!) is NOT a backup solution in of itself, but can be used IN a Backup Strategy. All brands highlight at numerous points on their website that you should have a 1-2-3 Backup strategy, or a bare-metal and cloud backup, or a periodic USB backup, a NAS to NAS remote backup – or ALL of them! Sadly, there are a lot of users in the official NAS branded forums that have been hit by ransomware and did not have backups in place, with some knowledge that they needed a backup but their budget’s prohibited it. Whilst others say that a NAS brand publishes in its online literature that it’s a backup device, they bought it as a backup device, therefore the company missold it and that is the end of argument!

The sad truth is that the brand is not responsible for your backup routine or strategy, it supplies the means to store and access data and their responsibility (succeed or fail) is to ensure its hardware and/or software provides a default secure level of access, as well as the means to configure that access to the users control. There HAVE been vulnerabilities found and they have patched them, as is the usual process in these things (at least, they say they have at that is the best guarantee we can ever have from a brand in the circumstances), but they are NOT responsible for your backup routine. This now leads us to the subject of the NAS hardware, the NAS software and comparisons between brands.

Hardware vs Software Priorities – Is Synology Safer Than QNAP?

Hardware vs Software, QNAP vs Synology, Is the grass greener?

Way back in the mid twenty-teens, whenever I would discuss QNAP and Synology on the platform, I would always say that you go to Synology for the Software and QNAP for the Hardware. Synology’s DSM platform clearly makes up the bulk of the companies investment and attention, makes up a significant chunk of the price tag and is designed around keeping things as user-friendly as possible (within reason). This is why their devices at each generation refresh (DS918+>DS912+>DS923+ or DS218+>DS220+>DS224+) only make smaller increases on the previous generation – the software IS the focus. With QNAP we tend to see the hardware taking bigger leaps each generation. Better standard ethernet, better PCIe gens, Better CPUs much earlier and overall greater hardware at any given time. For PC builders and those that know a lot more about the contents of their laptop than the contents of their router, this is speaking THEIR language and makes the price tag translate better. Fast forward to now and although that logic still remains the same, these brands are more 60/40 in their architecture (where 60 = their preferred hardware or software bias). The issue starts when QNAP seem to rush their software out the door very quickly. Alongside a lot of more beta applications being available, they roll out a lot of new types of software that (and I am sorry to use that expression again, but) could have used more time in the oven. This approach to software development and release can be dicey and although it makes QNAP the more exciting platform (with its better hardware, more diverse software and continued AI or generally automated services), it also means that the platform has less of the layers of troubleshooting red-tape that Synology has (which inversely means the Synology product is going to be more expensive and less hardware rich, as that investment of time needs to be repaid to be justified). In recent years, QNAP has seemingly slowed down it’s hardware releases and rolled out more in software, introducing bounty programs for vulnerabilities, pen testing and is seemingly learning from their mistakes (we hope). Whilst Synology have further doubled down on software innovation, with solutions remaining longer in the market between refreshes) and continued on their path to continued dominance in NAS. Whether you look at the whole thing as a tortoise and the hare situation, or a case of ‘slow and steady wins the race’, there is no denying that Synology appears to take security more seriously than most other brands.

Look at the Apple TV box or Amazon FireTV / Firestick? Is it user-friendly? yes! Is it slick and intuitive? Yes! Is it flexible in the installation of 3rd party applications? NO (at least, not without workarounds)! Is it hardware-powerful? LORD NO! One glance on eBay will show you a thousand other media boxes at the same price with Android on board, 5-10x the hardware and customization coming out of the wazoo. Nevertheless, many users will not buy the apple/amazon media option because although they KNOW it will be slick and ‘hold your hand’ all the way, it will be a closed system, noticeably more expensive and even then “nothing is full proof, right?”. And a lot of the anger at QNAP for their increased ransomware targeting and handling of this needs to also be balanced against why a lot of users chose the QNAP NAS brand. The QNAP NAS platform does have good applications and services, some genuinely unique ones and ones that allow tremendous flexibility and customization – but users need to remain relative to what drew them to the platform and have sufficient backups AND safety nets in place. I would say this about QNAP, about Synology, hell… Google drive, DropBox, Backblaze… ALL of them have localized client tools that rely way too much on the success of versioning/roll-backs being possible on the cloud platform. None of them are 100% full proof and QNAP dropped the ball multiple times here, but none of these ways are unprecedented and should be provisioned for regardless of your NAS brand or cloud platform.

The Sad Truth about Servers, Security and Vulnerabilities

Vulnerability > Update > vulnerability > update > rinse > repeat

No platform, software or service is going to be 100% bulletproof. You can increase your personal layers of security (VPNs, Encryption, layers, restrictive white lists, etc) to hit 99.99% but whatever way you are looking at it, everything we use is software-based and therefore, fallible. Equally, users cannot pretend that it is still the early days of the internet anymore and still be annoyed when a statistical possibility that should have been factored against was not. Do I think NAS drives are safe? I’m sorry to say that the answer is never going to be a simple Yes/No. I think they provide what they say they provide and I think that NAS hardware is still the best in the market right now. But the majority of NAS brand software needs to be less rushed (I somewhat absolve Synology of this, as they seemingly take it 10/10 seriously!), the extra time/budget be spent on that software, or utilize a trusted 3rd party. The need to relinquish some of the customization of their platform in efforts to remove some of the configuration out of the hands of less tech-savvy users who end up overly reliant in defaults. Perhaps a much more rigorous setup policy that, on day 1, have an EXPERT door and a NOVICE door, with randomized defaults and extremely regimented update rules on the latter. Equally, the brand (though better than it was) needs to work on its communication with its end-user base, both in the event of critical issues and education on what the user base needs to have to increase security OUTSIDE of their product.

I still recommend the majority of turnkey NAS brands in the market in terms of their bse product and the range of security/system protection tools they include, but we need to be realistic and honest with ourselves about what we buy and our expectations. If I buy a NAS, I expect it to store the data I store in it and allow me access to it on my terms, but ‘my terms’ might be a lot more/less strict than the next person and with that comes due diligence in 2024. I hope that the last big ransomware attack, deadbolt from the start of 2022, is the last ‘big’ one we hear about moving forward, but I do not think it will be. More than just any one brand, one look at the vulnerabilities listed on security advisories of all the brands tell us that there is big money to be made by these intruders and the brands can only stay 1 step ahead. As always, me and Eddie here on NASCompares have been running a page that links to the bigger NAS security Advisory pages that gets regularly updated, so if you want to get notifications on these as they get added (pulled from the official pages themselves), then you can visit the page below and put your email in for updates when they happen. Have a great week and backup, backup, BACKUP.

Click Below to Read

 

Finally, If you are currently unaware of the Deadbolt ransomware attack that took place on QNAP NAS devices, you can find out more in the NASCompares article and video below:

 

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Terramaster NAS Release TOS 6 in Beta

The release of Terramaster TOS 6 Beta for NAS devices marks a significant milestone in the evolution of NAS operating systems, with an array of new features and comprehensive improvements designed to enhance user experience, system performance, and security. This sixth iteration introduces a radically redesigned user interface and integrates more than 40 new functionalities while refining over 370 aspects, ensuring a top-tier upgrade for TNAS users.

Expanded Key Features and Improvements in TOS 6

• Linux Kernel 6.1 LTS Upgrade: Transitioning to the latest Linux kernel version, TOS 6 benefits from improved scheduling algorithms, enhanced memory management, superior file system support, optimized network performance, advanced security features, and better power management. This upgrade facilitates a more robust and efficient system, capable of handling the demands of both home and enterprise environments with ease.

• Revolutionized Docker Manager 2.0.16: This release introduces Docker Compose project management, adding a new dimension to container orchestration on TNAS devices. The addition of a container terminal and system notifications for Docker image operations streamlines container management. These enhancements, combined with UI and functionality optimizations, cater to developers and IT professionals seeking a versatile platform for containerized applications.

• File Manager Overhaul: With user feedback and industry best practices in mind, the File Manager has been retooled to offer an intuitive, efficient file navigation and management experience. Features such as enhanced directory navigation, column display mode for deep folder hierarchy exploration, tabbed browsing, adjustable thumbnail sizes, and a suite of new file operation tools significantly elevate user productivity.

• Online Disk Wiping: This new utility offers a straightforward solution for securely erasing all data from disks directly within the TOS interface, facilitating easy preparation of drives for repurposing or disposal without the need for external tools.
• Cloud Drive Mounting: Seamlessly integrate cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and more directly into TNAS. This feature enhances the flexibility of data access and management, allowing for efficient data synchronization and sharing between local and cloud storage.

• Security and Privacy Control (SPC): Introducing a robust security framework designed to prevent unauthorized execution of programs on TNAS devices. SPC enhances the overall security posture by ensuring only vetted and authorized applications can run, significantly reducing the risk of malware and ransomware infections.

• SMB Multichannel Support: By enabling multiple network connections for SMB file sharing, TOS 6 ensures higher data transfer speeds, improved reliability, and enhanced redundancy. This feature is particularly beneficial in multi-user environments where network performance directly impacts productivity.
• Direct Data Drive Mounting: Offering unparalleled convenience, this feature allows users to access data on external drives without the need for disk reformatting or repartitioning, preserving existing data while extending the storage capabilities of TNAS devices.
• Storage Pool Migration: Streamlines the process of migrating storage pools between TNAS devices, aiding users in hardware upgrades or replacements without the hassle of data migration or system reconfiguration.
• Advanced ACL Permissions: Delivers granular access control with 13 additional customizable permissions on top of the standard read, write, and deny options. This advanced permission management system enables precise control over data access, ensuring data security and compliance.

TOS 6 Beta System Enhancements

TOS 6 introduces a slew of system-wide enhancements aimed at delivering a more stable, secure, and user-friendly NAS operating environment:

• Performance and Stability: With the new Linux kernel and system optimizations, TOS 6 offers improved system stability and performance, ensuring that TNAS devices can handle intensive tasks and larger volumes of data more efficiently.
• Hardware and Innovation Support: Prepared for the future, TOS 6 includes support for the latest hardware innovations, such as Intel’s “Meteor Lake” chips, and introduces new data structures and error decoding capabilities for enhanced data processing and system reliability.
• Enhanced Security Measures: Building upon TerraMaster’s commitment to security, new features like customizable HTTPS certificates, optimized firewall rule settings, and the innovative SPC module significantly enhance the protection of user data against external threats.
• User Interface and Usability Improvements: From a streamlined desktop design and simplified navigation to a new “Start” menu and customizable user avatars, TOS 6 focuses on creating a more engaging and personalized user experience.
• Comprehensive Application and Service Enhancements: The update enriches the application ecosystem with new functionalities, improved file services, and advanced storage features, catering to a wide range of user needs from media indexing and scheduled task notifications to cross-platform data interoperability and USB storage device health management.

Through these extensive features and improvements, TOS 6 Beta not only advances the capabilities of TNAS devices but also sets a new standard for NAS operating systems, offering a sophisticated platform for storage, management, and security that meets the evolving needs of both individual and enterprise users.

How To Access the TOS 6 Beta – Update Instructions

Applicable models:
F2-221, F2-223, F2-422, F2-423, F2-424
F4-221, F4-223, F4-421, F4-422, F4-423, F4-424, F4-424 Pro, U4-111, U4-423
F5-221, F5-421, F5-422
T6-423
F8-421, F8-422, U8-111, U8-420, U8-423, U8-450, U8-322-9100, U8-522-9400, U8-722-2224
T9-423, T9-450
T12-423, T12-450, U12-423, U12-322-9100, U12-722-2224
U16-322-9100, U16-722-2224, U16-722-2288
U24-612, U24-722-2224

Applicable TOS Versions:
TOS 5.1.123 or later versions; if your device does not meet the update requirements, please do not update! Otherwise, system crashes may occur.

Precautions:
1. The Beta version is an early version of the program, containing most major functions but not yet completed, and may have some defects. This version is only released to specific groups or the general public for testing and feedback collection; the Beta version should not be used in work or production environments. If your TNAS device is running business operations or storing important data, please refrain from participating in this test.
2. Updating the system theoretically will not affect the data on your hard drive, but for safety reasons, please be sure to back up your data in advance.
3. After the update, if applications such as Plex, Emby, Aria2, etc., need to access new shared folders, you will need to reconfigure application user permissions.
4. Previously created firewall rules will be cleared, and you will need to create new firewall rules after the update.
5. If you are using port 5444, you will need to modify this port before updating.
6. After the update, TNAS will exit the domain, and you will need to rejoin the domain and refresh domain users.
7. After the update, if your encrypted shared file key contains special characters, you can only mount it by entering the key.
8. System configuration backups from TOS 5 cannot be restored to TOS 6.
9. Hyper Cache created before the update will become invalid after the update; it is recommended to uninstall Hyper Cache before updating.
10. Docker Manager versions 1.1.99 or earlier cannot run on TOS 6; please update Docker Manager before updating the system.

How to Update to TOS 6 Beta on Your Terramaster NAS?

1. Download the TOS 6 Beta update package: TOS 6 (md5:821b697ddb27dbc9c95ce2be398c791b)
2. Go to TOS > Control Panel > General Settings > System;
3. Under “Manual Update”, upload the update package;
4. Click “Apply”;
5. After the system update is complete, you will need to refresh your browser;
6. Your TNAS IP address may change after the system update. If you are unable to connect to your TNAS using the previous IP address, please use the TNAS PC client to search for the new IP address again.

Other Software Downloads:
TNAS PC for Windows OS: https://tos-downloads.oss-cn-hongkong.a … .1.352.exe
TNAS PC for macOS: https://download2.terra-master.com/TNAS … versal.dmg
TNAS Mobile for Android:https://download2.terra-master.com/TNAS … 3.2.31.apk
TNAS Mobile for iOS: Download from the iOS App Store. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
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DIY NAS vs Turnkey NAS: Which is Best for You?

Today, we’re going to try and quickly and (bluntly) answer a key question in the world of network-attached storage: should you build your own NAS (DIY) or opt for a turnkey solution in 2024? This topic has been hotly debated in our recent video, “Build Your Own NAS vs Turnkey NAS – Which Should You Buy in 2024?”, and we’re here to delve deeper into this discussion with a comprehensive analysis.

Note – We delve into this debate, analyzing the pros and cons of each approach. Watch our detailed discussion here.

In a rush? Let’s Cut to the chase!

If you’re in a rush and simply want to know about the best CPU and motherboard combo to build your best DIY NAS system, below, you can find direct links to each of these bundles that can be purchased predominantly on AliExpress, but some of these options are also available on retailers such as Amazon and Newegg. If you were going to shop at these retailers anyway, why not use the links below as it will ensure that we act as comparers could earn a small fee from these shops. It allows us to keep doing what we do.

Here are ALL the Motherboard+CPU Combos that we cover in this article: (The Best) i3-N305 M-ITX BoardCheck AliExpress ($289-349 with Memory) HERE and Amazon HERE (x4 m.2 @ Gen 4×4) The Minisforum AR900i CPU + M-ITX Motherboard Combo ($399) Amazon HERE (Best for PLEX) Erying 13th Gen i9 Combo 14C / 20T $459  HERE (Gen 5 M-ITX) MINISFORUM BD770i ITX Motherboard $489 (AliExpress) HERE and $399 (Amazon) HERE (Plex Alternative #1) Erying 12th Gen I9 Combo 14C / 20T $389 HERE (ECC M-ITX Combo) CWWK 8-Bay / 9-Bay Board AMD-7735HS/7840HS/8845HS/7940HS $489 (AliExpress) HERE (Plex Alternative #2) Erying 11th Gen i7 8C / 16T = $262  HERE (Best Storage) X99 Motherboard + 32GB RAM = $158 HERE or E5-2680 V.4 CPU + 32GB RAM = $176  HERE (Best Value) Intel N6005 + Motherboard = $229 HERE (Best Value EXTRA) Intel N6005 + Motherboard + 8GB RAM + 128GB SSD = $275 HERE AMAZON – Intel N6005 + Motherboard = $169 HERE

Cost Considerations

DIY NAS: The primary allure of constructing a DIY NAS system lies in its potential for cost savings. By selecting and purchasing individual components, enthusiasts can often build a system that outperforms entry-level commercial NAS units at a similar or lower price point. For example, by choosing a budget-friendly CPU that still meets performance requirements, such as an AMD Ryzen 3 or an Intel Pentium processor, and pairing it with affordable but reliable storage drives, users can significantly reduce costs. However, the economical aspect extends beyond initial setup; a DIY NAS’s running costs, including power consumption and potential upgrades, need careful consideration. While the hardware might be less expensive initially, software choices (free vs. paid NAS operating systems) and the potential need for future hardware upgrades to meet evolving storage demands can add to the total cost of ownership.

A Great example is HERE, the ERYING i9 Motherboard on Aliexpress – £387 for the Motherboard, an Intel 12th Gen i9 CPU pre-fitted and 16GB of DIMM Memory (Click to see on AliExpress)

Turnkey NAS: In contrast, turnkey NAS systems, such as those offered by Synology or QNAP, come with a higher upfront cost. This price not only encompasses well-integrated hardware and software but also the convenience of professional support and warranty services. The premium paid for a turnkey solution is often justified by the inclusion of proprietary software features, such as advanced backup solutions, multimedia streaming capabilities, and user-friendly security enhancements. For instance, Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) offers a suite of applications for data management and security that can appeal to users looking for an out-of-the-box solution. Additionally, the long-term value of customer support and firmware updates that keep the system secure and functional over time cannot be understated.

Skill and Time Investment

DIY NAS: Building a NAS requires a notable investment of time and technical skill. The process involves selecting compatible components, assembling the hardware, and installing and configuring the operating system. For tech enthusiasts, this project offers an opportunity to learn and customize every aspect of their system, from the network settings to data management and security protocols. The DIY path can be particularly rewarding for those who enjoy troubleshooting and optimizing their setups. For example, choosing the right RAID configuration for your needs—be it RAID 1 for redundancy or RAID 5 for a balance of redundancy and storage efficiency—requires understanding the implications of each choice on performance and data safety.

Method	Turn-Key NAS (Synology/QNAP/etc)	Build Your Own / DiY NAS
‘Out the Box’ Setup time (i.e when it’s 100% setup complete and ready for day-to-day use)	20-30 Minutes for Build & Initialization 10mins to 12 Hours for RAID Synchronization (ZFS = Minutes, not hours)	60-120 Minutes for Build & Initialization 10mins to 12 Hours for RAID Synchronization (ZFS = Minutes, not hours)
I.T / Tech Skill Level Requirements (Out of /10)	Synology = 2/10 QNAP 5/10 Asustor / Terramaster = 4/10	TrueNAS Core = 9/10 TrueNAS Scale = 7/10 UnRAID = 6 / 10
Monthly Maintenance (Checking update, stability, logs, etc)	10-15 Minutes	20-30 Minutes
Expandability and Migration (i.e Long term lifespan in Hardware)	Limited to 1st Party hardware and system limitations (i.e Synolgoy DS923+ supports 1x 5-bay expansion, nothing else. Also, Synology NAS HDD/SSDs can ONLY be used in a Synology NAS) More Expansions on QNAP, via USB or SAS Expansion Cards	No hardware limitations (beyond actual 3rd party hardware compatibility) Can migrate to new hardware easily and with limitless scalability (i.e, 1-1000 HDDs) UnRAID much, MUCH more expandable than TrueNAS currently.
Warranty and Repairs (Options if the event of Issues and/or System Failure)	2/3/5 Year Hardware Warranty, 1 Party (Brand) Effective Lifetime Support and Warranty Included	Multiple Hardware Warranty to manage (Mobo, CPU, PSU, etc) Community led Support (Forums, Reddit, etc) Paid Support via TrueNAS/UnRAID Official Platforms)

Turnkey NAS: For those seeking a straightforward, time-saving option, turnkey NAS units are the clear choice. Brands like Synology and QNAP offer systems that are virtually plug-and-play, requiring minimal setup beyond initial configuration. This convenience is especially appealing in professional environments where time equals money. The user-friendly interfaces of turnkey NAS systems are designed with the non-technical user in mind, making tasks like creating user accounts, setting up file sharing, and managing backups as simple as a few clicks. This ease of use extends to maintenance and troubleshooting, which are often supported by extensive documentation and customer support services.

Flexibility and Freedom

DIY NAS: The most significant advantage of a DIY NAS is the unparalleled flexibility it offers. Users can handpick components to meet their specific performance, storage, and budgetary needs, creating a system that can grow and change with their requirements. For example, someone prioritizing media streaming might choose a CPU with strong transcoding capabilities, while another user might focus on maximizing storage capacity with a larger number of drive bays. This customizability extends to software, with a variety of free and open-source NAS operating systems available, such as FreeNAS (now TrueNAS CORE) or OpenMediaVault, which offer powerful features and plugins for a personalized setup.

Turnkey NAS: Turnkey solutions prioritize simplicity and reliability over customization. While these systems may offer less flexibility in terms of hardware and software modification, they are optimized for ease of use and stability. The integrated nature of hardware and software in turnkey NAS units ensures compatibility and performance, which is particularly beneficial for users who value a system that “just works.” However, some turnkey solutions still offer a degree of customization through modular designs that allow for easy hard drive swaps or expansions, as well as software ecosystems that support a range of applications and services.

Middle Ground Solutions

For individuals torn between the customization of DIY and the simplicity of turnkey solutions, there are products that blend these approaches. The Lincstation N1, ZimaCube, and Aoostar R1 represent a middle ground, offering pre-assembled hardware

Pre-built NAS Solutions with NO OS? Perfect Middle Ground?

For individuals torn between the customization of DIY and the simplicity of turnkey solutions, there are products that blend these approaches. The Lincstation N1, ZimaCube, and Aoostar R1 represent a middle ground, offering pre-assembled hardware with some level of customization still available. This section will delve deeper into these options and also introduce the concept of pre-built NAS solutions that come without an operating system, a category that bridges the gap between fully DIY projects and complete turnkey solutions. Pre-built NAS solutions without a pre-installed operating system offer a unique advantage. They eliminate the need for the user to source and assemble hardware components, a task that can be daunting for those without technical expertise. Yet, they still provide the flexibility to choose and install an OS that best fits the user’s needs, such as TrueNAS, OpenMediaVault, or even a customized Linux distribution. This approach allows users to benefit from the hardware reliability of a pre-built system while enjoying the software customization typically associated with a DIY NAS. For instance, TerraMaster and some lesser-known brands offer NAS units that come without proprietary software, enabling users to install third-party or open-source NAS software of their choice.

Comparing these pre-built, software-less NAS solutions to full DIY or complete turnkey solutions from Synology or QNAP reveals distinct pros and cons. On the one hand, they reduce the complexity and time required for a DIY build, since the hardware comes pre-assembled and tested for compatibility and performance. This can be a significant advantage for users who are confident in their ability to manage software but hesitant about building hardware from scratch. On the other hand, these solutions lack the out-of-the-box readiness of turnkey products, requiring users to invest time in selecting, installing, and configuring an operating system and any additional software. The primary advantage of these middle-ground NAS solutions is their potential for customization without the need to commit to the full DIY process. Users can tailor the system’s software to their precise requirements, optimizing for performance, security, or specific functionalities, while avoiding the potential pitfalls of hardware compatibility issues. However, this approach comes with its own set of challenges, including the need for a certain level of technical expertise to select and install the NAS operating system and manage system configuration and maintenance. Unlike turnkey solutions, which offer comprehensive customer support and software updates, users of pre-built NAS systems without pre-installed software must rely on community support or their own skills to troubleshoot issues and update software.

Pre-built NAS solutions without included software present an appealing option for those who seek a balance between customization and convenience. They offer a foundation that saves users from the complexities of hardware assembly, while still providing the freedom to choose and install preferred software, a feature that attracts users who desire a personalized setup but are not ready to embark on a full DIY project. This middle ground offers a compromise that can satisfy a broad range of needs, bridging the gap between the simplicity and support of turnkey solutions and the customization and learning opportunities of a DIY approach.

Conclusion – Which Should You Choose? DiY or Turnkey?

The decision between DIY and turnkey NAS solutions ultimately depends on your personal preferences, technical skills, and specific needs. If you’re a tech enthusiast with a penchant for customization, a DIY NAS offers an engaging project with flexibility and cost benefits. However, if convenience, support, and ease of use are your priorities, a turnkey NAS is the way to go. As you weigh your options, consider products that offer a middle ground, like the Lincstation N1, ZimaCube, or Aoostar R1. These solutions can provide a balance between customization and convenience, fitting the needs of a wider range of users. Remember, whether you build or buy, your NAS is a crucial part of your digital life. Choose the path that aligns with your skills, budget, and expectations for the best possible experience. Once again, the decision hinges on your preferences, skills, and needs. Tech enthusiasts might lean towards a DIY NAS for its flexibility, while those seeking convenience might prefer turnkey solutions. Consider middle-ground products for a balanced approach.

Best CPU+ Motherboard for a Premium Feature but Low Power Consumption NAS – The i3-N305 M-ITX Board

Spec Highlights – i3-N305, 4x Intel i226-V 2.5G Nics, 2x M.2 NVMe. 6x SATA, 1*DDR5 SODIMM, HDMI2.0 + DP – $289 on AliExpress

Currently, the “build your own” favorite across many forums, the new Intel N305 processor, an 8-core, eight-thread i3 processor, comes pre-installed on a Mini-ITX board. It not only provides a remarkably low 7-watt TDP when needed but also offers significant scalability in terms of both clock speed and power efficiency. The $289 N305 version of the CPU and Motherboard combo presents a practical and economical choice for commercial use (making it the perfect upgrade/alternative to the Topton N6005 / N5105 that was so popular last year for first time NAS DiY’ers). It is equipped with the Intel® Core i3-N305 Processor, which is a part of the Alder Lake-N series. This processor boasts eight cores and eight threads, with a max turbo frequency of 3.80 GHz, offering ample computing power for everyday tasks and certain commercial applications. The processor is fabricated using Intel 7 lithography technology, which is indicative of its advanced and efficient design.

Memory support on this combination is versatile, with the motherboard supporting a SO-DIMM DDR5 memory slot, compatible with frequencies of 4800/5200/5600MHz. Although the processor supports a maximum memory size of 16 GB, which is a consideration to keep in mind, the motherboard can handle up to 32 GB, potentially allowing for future upgrades if the board’s capacity is indeed supported by later CPU models or firmware updates.

The integrated graphics, Intel® UHD Graphics with 32 Execution Units, can dynamically operate at up to 1.25 GHz and support 4K content at 60Hz, making it suitable for high-definition displays and basic graphical tasks. Here’s the specification of the $289 N305 version of the CPU+Motherboard combo:

Specification	Detail
Model Number	NAS-N100-N305
Processor Brand	Intel
Processor Models	Intel® Alder Lake-N i3-N305 (up to 3.8 GHz)
Type	MINI PC / PC Stick
Origin	Mainland China
Brand Name	YSJMNPC
Use	Commercial
Memory	– Support notebook DDR5 technology
	– 1 SO-DIMM DDR5 slot
	– Compatible with 4800/5200/5600MHz
	– Max capacity: 32GB
Storage	– 6 x SATA3.0 6Gb/s interface
	– 2 x M.2 NVMe 2280
Graphics Card	Integrated Card (depending on processor model)
Network Card	4 x Intel i226-V 2.5G RJ45 network port
I/O Panel	– 2 x USB 2.0
	– 1 x USB 3.0
	– 1 x Type-C (2.0 rate)
	– 1 x HDMI
	– 1 x DP
	– 4 x RJ45 2.5G network port
	– 1 x AUDIO 3.5mm interface
Motherboard Features	– Matte black PCB
	– Moisture-free fiber 8-layer circuit
	– Full protection (USB, audio, network)
TDP	9-15W
Structure	MINI-ITX (17.0cm x 17.0cm)
Capacitor Design	All solid capacitor
Expansion Slots	1 PCIe x1 (shared with 2nd M.2)
Onboard Interface	– F_PANEL pin
	– TPM pin (compatible with ASUS TPM module)
	– USB2.0 pin
	– CPU_FAN 4-pin (temperature control)
	– SYS_FAN 4-pin (temperature control)
	– 24+4 ATX power interface
Cooling	– Compatible with 115X radiators
	– Silent temperature-controlled radiator
	– Support for two high-performance radiators

In terms of connectivity, the combo is well-equipped with a variety of interfaces, including multiple USB ports with different standards, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4 for video output, and an Intel i226-V 2.5G RJ45 network port for fast wired internet connections.

The inclusion of PCIe lanes and M.2 slots provides additional expansion capabilities, allowing for further customization and the addition of peripherals or storage solutions. The motherboard’s MINI-ITX form factor makes it a compact solution that can fit into small cases, suitable for workspaces with limited room. EASILY the easiest choice of all the NAS Mobo+CPU options on this list, as one of the newest, lowest in price – yet impressively powerful, despite its lower TDP.

Where to Buy the i3-N305 CPU + M-ITX Motherboard Combo: Check AliExpress ($289-349 with Memory) HERE Check Amazon HERE

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Best 5 Bay NAS 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):

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):

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 Power User NAS 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):

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

 

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)

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

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Where is the Synology RS1224+ Rackstation?

Synology is arguably one of the most popular brands in the entire private server market, and once you then factor in the large number of small and medium-sized businesses migrating away from cloud services and onto their own private NAS, who have been flocking in their droves towards Synology, you can understand why they are something of a big deal. Almost 25 years, the brand has been producing numerous desktop and rackmount NAS solutions (alongside a bunch of other side hustles like routers, storage media, business surveillance tools, and more), but in particular, their growth in the rackmount market in the last 5 to 7 years has been genuinely impressive. Which brings us to the subject of today’s article, where the hell is the Synology RS1224+ RackStation NAS? There has been an undeniable shift in the home lab and small business community away from desktop NAS devices and towards small-scale rackmount solutions, and Synology’s recent releases have certainly capitalized on this, thanks to improved smaller-scale four and eight-bay rackmount servers appearing in their product portfolio.

This combined with changes in the baseline hardware of several of their more recent releases have led to many users looking for a very specific kind of Synology rackmount! It has to be compact, it has to be powerful, it has to be scalable, and it has to be reasonably priced – currently, Synology only provides one solution that fits the bill in every regard, the 2020/2021 released RS1221+, which, despite its merits, is still a system that is almost 3 years old, leading many to question the benefits of investing in a system that is perhaps not as cutting edge as the rest of Synology’s portfolio currently stands. The answer, of course? A refresh (something Synology tends to do with their portfolio every two to three years), which would be the Synology RS1224+. Today we want to discuss everything we know, confirm this unit is coming, the expectations we have, and whether it’s worth waiting for it.

Is the Synology RS1224+ Rackstation NAS ACTUALLY Coming? YES

Is the Synology RS1224+ NAS coming? Well, yes! As early as autumn 2023, we saw numerous references to the RS1224+ model ID floating around in the backend of firmware updates and accidentally left in product compatibility pages on official Synology sites. Equally, there was even a Synology RS1223+ model ID appearing in summer 2023, perhaps indicating that this system was designed to arrive earlier than it has. In more recent weeks, users have taken to digging into the latest Synology DSM firmware updates and finding further references towards the existence of a Synology RS1221 (along with a couple of powerhouse expandable rack mounts, and a series of expansion boxes).

None of this is unusual, and for those willing to put in the extra time, you can often find model IDs of upcoming devices if you know where to look. The crucial detail is that clearly a half-depth eight-bay rack mount is indeed on the way from Synology and given its formative mentions in summer 2023, and continued references in 2024, it would indicate that this is a system that Synology has already well featured on their roadmap and factored into their product portfolio.

If you want to play devil’s advocate, one might argue that this product is only a placeholder, a spreadsheet template item, or a hypothetical product that Synology just wants to enter in order to maintain its position in their database. Although that’s not impossible, realistically, there are simply too many references available at this point to deny that Synology is clearly rolling out a product of this hardware and model configuration. Equally, off-the-record discussions with Synology representatives further bolster this point. Ultimately, I think it’s undeniable that Synology is going to continue this product series, but that leads us to the next question: why are users so enamored with the release of the RS1224+?

Why Are Users Waiting for the Synology RS1224+ Rackmount NAS?

As I mentioned earlier, there has been a trend shift away from desktop devices for certain kinds of users. Home enthusiasts often find it considerably more convenient to purchase a small or even medium-sized rack cabinet to be kept somewhere on their property, which can be considerably more efficient for applying numerous rackmount servers than the alternative of utilizing desktop space filled with tower chassis devices. Equally, most businesses do not want to run their main backup or operation server in the same offices they work in and either wish to utilize a separate storage area on the premises or even a small area of physical storage off-site for network and remote personal cloud storage. Much like home lab users who do this for fun, business users can often see tremendous benefits in more modular and compact multi-rackmount devices compared with that of desktop.

However, this reasoning was also largely born out of the fact that right now devices and their physical scale have changed dramatically over the last few years. If you go back even as little as a decade ago, a rackmount device was considerably bigger in depth, much less power-efficient, considerably noisier, and was just generally a much more enterprise and industrial proposition. Thanks to growing efficiencies in server components, smaller but effective cooling systems being developed, and larger storage media allowing systems to occupy fewer storage bays for higher capacity, rackmount devices no longer need to be the big hulking metal monsters they once were, and these days you can pick up four and eight-bay rackmount servers quite easily and affordably. All of this has added up to why users would not only be positively in favor of the release of a new compact, but powerful rackmount NAS system, and why a system like the RS1224+ would be equally popular.

Synology has released several half-depth 30 cm rackmounts (and 40 cm dual power supply rackmounts) in the last few years, a great example being the Synology RS422+, a small, affordable rackmount that provides a decent base level of hardware but does lack the expandability of other devices in their portfolio. Equally, at the start of 2023, Synology rolled out several new medium and large business rackmount devices that provided tremendous power and scalability – but these systems were considerably larger, much more power-hungry, and several times more expensive than the older RS1221+. The perfect middle ground here is the Synology RS1224+, hence why users are sitting quite comfortably on the fence about every other device until they know whether this system is truly arriving and, when it does, what exactly its hardware caliber will be. Let’s discuss what we predict and what we comfortably know about the Synology RS1224+ hardware.

What Are the Estimated Hardware Specifications of the Synology RS1224+ NAS?

As I mentioned earlier, the Synology RS1224+ would not be a completely new and unique product series by the brand but would be a refresh of the existing compact eight-drive rackmount series that the brand has been working on now for more than 5 years. Alongside maintaining a clearly defined portfolio across the whole range of desktop and rackmount devices that they provide, Synology also takes special care to make sure there is not too much overlap when it comes to all of their solutions. Typically when you look at the Synology portfolio, you find that solutions tend to be between $50 and $100 difference in price, and each solution takes that extra bit of investment and puts it into internal performance, total storage, or network connectivity. That also means that products in the Synology portfolio have a tendency to use a small group of CPU and memory combinations and then spread them across a variety of different storage scale devices. This all adds up to us being fairly confident in predicting the internal hardware that the RS1224+ arrives with.

The previous generation arrived with an AMD V1500B quad-core x86 CPU, but Synology has slowly started refreshing all devices with this CPU from the 2019 and 2020 generation towards the new AMD embedded Ryzen V1780B processor. Alongside a higher base clock speed, this is also a more capable CPU, though it does still arrive in the same V1000 product family from AMD. The Synology RS1224+ will definitely arrive with this CPU, as the company has already started rolling it out in their Plus series rackmount, as well as the system definitely arriving with ECC memory. ECC memory has been provided with every single Plus series rackmount that Synology has rolled out in the last 5 years and the RS1224+ will be no exception to this. However, it is still yet to be seen whether the system will arrive with 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB, as Synology has been scaling up the base level of default memory on their systems in the most recent generation refreshes. The rest of the system architecture is fairly easy to predict, with the exception of the network connectivity (more on that in a moment), but below is the expected specifications of the Synology RS1224+ RackStation:

Specification	Detail
Model	Synology RS1224+ NAS
Price	$(TBC)*
Form Factor	Half-depth / 2U RackStation
CPU	AMD Ryzen Embedded V1780B*
CPU Details	4-Core/8-Thread, 3.35GHz
Memory	8-32GB DDR4 UDIMM ECC
Storage Bays	8x SATA 3.5″/2.5″ (Add 4x More drives with the RX Expansion)
Networking	1x 10GbE Copper (10GBASE-T)*
Expansion Slots	1x PCIe Gen 3×8
LAN Ports	2x / 4x RJ45 1GbE LAN*
Expansion Port	1x eSATA
USB Ports	2x USB 3.2 GEN 1 (5Gb/s)
Dimensions	88 mm x 482 mm x 306.6 mm
Dimensions (RP Version)	88 mm x 482 mm x 407.5 mm
Warranty	3-Year Warranty (5yr Opt)
Additional Notes	*massively TBC!!!

There is, however, one area of ambiguity that is still present in the specifications of the Synology RS1224+, the default network connectivity! The system will definitely arrive with at least a couple of 1GbE network ports and will definitely provide a PCIe 3 x8 slot in order to upgrade network connectivity and add combo cards later in the system’s life if needed.

However, what about 10GbE? At the tail end of 2023, Synology saw the release of the Synology RS2423+, a similarly hardware-designed Plus series RackStation solution, that was fully expected to arrive with gigabit networking only. However, when it arrived, Synology provided a 10GBase-T networking port by default (not via a PCIe upgrade, but as standard). Now, this is a 12x HDD system, so there is more than enough media to fully saturate a 10GbE network connection. However, this did not stop Synology in the previous four generations of that RackStation product series from only providing 1GbE by default, so why the change now?

Synology has faced growing criticism from prosumers and small business users for their rather restricted default network connections, limiting the majority of solutions to either 1GbE in their standard class and 10GbE in the power user and enterprise models. Many users have raised questions about Synology perhaps utilizing 2.5 gigabit Ethernet network connections, as used by a majority of their competitors. Others would state that 2.5GbE is something of a technological fad, and 10GbE is the only natural path to go down, so that does bring into question allocating lanes internally to this network bandwidth. The reason I bring the whole thing up is simply that if Synology changed its position on 10GbE on the 12-bay RackStation, it is totally believable to think that they would do so on the Synology RS1224+. Plus, as this is still an eight-bay system and that too could fully saturate a 10GbE even with hard drives, not just SSD. This is still a lingering question on this system and one that we probably won’t know the answer to until launch, but nevertheless, I think there is enough evidence here for us to wonder if Synology will do the right thing and roll this system out the gate with 10G.

When Do I Think the Synology RS1224+ Rackstation Will Be Released?

Given that the model ID of the RS1224+ and RS1224rp+ both arrive with the ’24’ suffix, that typically means that Synology will roll this system out in the first 6 months of 2024. That is still quite a wide and broad remit for a release date, but typically Synology tends to roll out business and enterprise-grade solutions in the first quarter of the year (based on previous experience and other releases we have observed). Nevertheless, at the time of writing in February 2024, we are making our way into the halfway point of the first quarter of 2024, so Synology would be cutting it quite fine, and we have yet to even see provisional leaks of this system via the usual supply chain and compatibility listings to the degree that we normally would prior to a launch. With regards to pricing, that is one area where Synology tends to be thankfully incredibly consistent, and you can fully expect the RS1224+ to match the $999 to $1199 price tag of its predecessor. Stay tuned to NAS Compares as we keep an eye out for this system and discuss whether it deserves your data.

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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.

WE LOVE COFFEE