A recent ruling from Germany's Federal Supreme Court (BGH) has revived a legal battle over whether browser-based ad blockers infringe copyright, raising fears about a potential ban of the tools in the country. [...]

OpenAI is testing an AI-powered browser that uses Chromium as its underlying engine, and it could debut on macOS first. [...]

AI Console for Synology Mail Plus and Synology Office – But Should You Use It?

Note -Thanks again to Daniel from Germany for all his support and assistance for this video. Visit his site HERE

Synology has introduced a new software package called AI Console, aimed at integrating third-party AI and large language model (LLM) services directly into select Synology productivity applications. The package is available on devices running DSM 7.2 or later and supports only certain x86-64 NAS models, reflecting the higher processing and memory requirements of AI workloads.

Rather than running its own local AI engine, Synology provides a centralised management tool for connecting to established AI providers, including OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Google Gemini via AI Studio or Vertex AI, Amazon Bedrock, and Baidu AI Cloud. Once linked using the administrator’s API key, these services can be used within Synology MailPlus and Synology Office to perform tasks such as summarising long emails, generating responses, translating text, adjusting tone, and producing refined document content.

The AI Console is designed with administration and control in mind. It allows system managers to configure access on a per-package basis, selectively enabling or excluding AI features for specific users or groups. Advanced options include setting daily or per-minute token limits for each user to control consumption and manage costs, as usage charges are determined by the chosen AI provider rather than Synology itself. For privacy protection, the Console supports a de-identification process that can mask predefined categories of sensitive data before prompts are sent to an AI provider, with the original data restored after the response is received.

Administrators can monitor adoption and usage trends through transaction logs, which capture request details such as timestamps, IP addresses, API models used, and token counts, alongside admin logs that record configuration changes. While the AI Console does not add AI functionality to all DSM applications, it focuses on extending the business-oriented MailPlus and Office suite. However, this is not a move that will please all Synology owners or buyers, as some value their NAS primarily for complete local data control and may view any cloud-connected AI integration as an unnecessary or risky addition.

Why is Synology AI Console So Contentious?

The idea of adding AI functionality to a NAS is divisive because many users adopt these systems specifically to avoid reliance on cloud-based services. A key selling point of a Synology NAS has long been the ability to store, process, and back up data entirely within the user’s own premises, retaining full control over where that data resides and who can access it.

By design, the Synology AI Console connects to external AI providers through API calls, meaning that text-based content from MailPlus or Office documents is transmitted to third-party servers for processing. Even with encryption in transit and privacy safeguards such as de-identification, this external dependency conflicts with the expectations of users who purchased a NAS to minimise exposure to external networks. This tension is heightened by the fact that the AI operations do not run locally on the NAS hardware, which for some buyers undermines the appeal of integrating AI into a device marketed for self-contained operation.

Another factor making AI use contentious is the trust and compliance aspect. Many NAS deployments are in small businesses, professional environments, or home offices handling sensitive material. Sending even anonymised extracts of communications or documents to an external service raises compliance questions for organisations bound by strict data protection rules, especially in regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, or legal services.

While the AI Console provides administrative controls, auditing tools, and the option to disable AI entirely for certain users or packages, the underlying reality remains that data is leaving the local network for processing. This creates a fundamental divide between those who welcome AI for its productivity benefits and those who see any form of off-device data processing as incompatible with the core value proposition of a private NAS.

What Security Provisions Have Synology Put in Place?

Synology’s AI Console incorporates multiple layers of control to reduce the risks associated with transmitting data to third-party AI providers. API keys for connected AI services are stored locally on the NAS rather than in the cloud, and all requests are sent directly from the device to the selected AI provider. Administrators can remove these keys at any time, immediately severing the connection. The system allows AI access to be enabled or disabled at the package level, with the option to exclude specific users or groups entirely. To prevent uncontrolled consumption, administrators can set token rate limits per user, measured either per minute or per day. Transaction logs record each AI request with details such as timestamp, source IP address, user account, API model used, and token usage, while admin logs document any configuration changes. This creates a verifiable audit trail for compliance and internal review.

Key security provisions include:

• Local storage of API keys, with no cloud-based key management.

• Direct communication between the NAS and the AI provider, bypassing Synology’s own servers.

• Ability to revoke API access instantly by deleting stored keys.

• Per-package AI enable/disable controls, with user and group-level exclusions.

• Token rate limiting to control per-user API usage.

• Detailed transaction logs for all AI requests.

• Administrative logs for configuration changes.

• Optional logging of request inputs and outputs for auditing.

For added privacy, Synology offers a de-identification feature that can mask selected categories of sensitive data before they are transmitted to the AI provider, restoring the original information once the processed output is returned. This feature can identify and anonymise common identifiers such as names, email addresses, IP addresses, banking details, and various country-specific personal or business numbers. De-identification relies on a combination of AI-driven semantic analysis and predefined regular expression rules, giving administrators control over which data types are masked. It requires the installation of the Container Manager package and a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, with each enabled language model consuming roughly 1 GB of memory. Although Synology notes that de-identification cannot guarantee 100% masking, the mechanism is intended to significantly reduce the chance of exposing sensitive details during AI processing.

Synology Mail Plus and AI Console Integration

When enabled for Synology MailPlus, the AI Console provides a set of functions aimed at improving email efficiency through automated text processing. Within the MailPlus interface, users can generate short or detailed summaries of incoming emails, which can help quickly assess lengthy messages without reading them in full. The AI assistant can also draft replies based on user instructions, with options to adjust tone, length, and formality, or translate the response into a supported language. All AI processing is text-based, with attachments excluded from transmission to the AI provider. The system also supports “Help me write” prompts directly within the reply editor, allowing for quick generation of tailored responses that can be inserted and then edited before sending. Importantly, these capabilities are only available to users granted AI permissions by the administrator, and all actions are recorded in transaction logs for review.

The integration offers multiple editing refinements, including making a message more formal or casual, shortening or lengthening text, and translating to or from languages supported by the connected AI model. Users can also rephrase replies entirely or request alternative drafts. Although these capabilities are similar to features found in other email platforms that integrate AI, the implementation within MailPlus is designed to remain under the control of the NAS administrator, with optional de-identification masking personal data before it is sent to the provider. Responses are generated by the third-party AI service configured in AI Console, and processing occurs only when the user explicitly invokes an AI function, avoiding any automated sending of content without user action.

From a functional perspective, MailPlus AI integration is targeted primarily at professional or business environments that run their own Synology-hosted mail server. It can streamline response drafting, reduce time spent on routine communication, and support multilingual correspondence. However, the scope is currently limited to text-based tasks, with no AI-driven attachment analysis, advanced categorisation, sentiment detection, or automated email sorting included. The feature set also lacks customisable style profiles beyond the basic tone and length adjustments, meaning more specific brand or sector language must still be applied manually. The value for each organisation will depend on how frequently staff interact with longer, more complex emails, and whether the trade-off of involving an external AI service aligns with internal data handling policies and compliance requirements.

Synology Office and AI Console Integration

In Synology Office, AI Console integration extends across the suite’s document, spreadsheet, and presentation tools, embedding AI-assisted functions within the existing editing interface. In documents, the AI assistant can summarise entire files, rewrite selected sections, adjust tone, translate content, or improve grammar. These actions can be applied either through a right-click contextual menu or via a dedicated AI sidebar that displays results alongside the original content. Users can choose to insert AI-generated revisions directly into the file or keep them separate for manual comparison. The system maintains Office’s existing version history, meaning any AI-driven edits can be rolled back without data loss.

In spreadsheets, the integration is aimed at assisting with formula comprehension and basic data interpretation. Users can request explanations of specific formulas, generate new formulas from plain-language prompts, or run simple calculations without manually writing functions. The AI can also produce summaries of table data, although its analytical depth is limited compared to dedicated business intelligence tools. As with documents, processing is restricted to text-based content; the system does not transmit embedded images or charts to the AI provider. Administrators can control whether AI features are available in spreadsheets, allowing them to be enabled for certain user groups while remaining disabled for others.

For presentations, the AI can refine slide text, translate content, or expand bullet points into fuller sentences, making it useful for producing alternate versions of existing material. The functionality mirrors what is available in documents, with tone and length adjustments as well as grammar checks. However, it does not currently create entirely new slide decks or visual layouts from prompts. The processing workflow remains the same across all Office formats: only when a user explicitly triggers an AI action is the relevant text sent to the configured provider, and all requests are recorded in the AI Console’s transaction logs.

Overall, the Synology Office integration offers consistent AI tools across its core applications, focusing on editorial and language-based support rather than data-driven automation. While the scope is narrower than AI-enabled features in some third-party office suites, the implementation maintains administrative control and allows for selective deployment, making it adaptable to environments where privacy considerations limit the use of external services.

What Features of AI/LLM Are Not Present?

Although the Synology AI Console brings AI-assisted functions to MailPlus and Office, it does not provide the same breadth of capabilities found in some competing platforms. There is no locally hosted AI model option, meaning all processing is dependent on a live connection to a third-party provider. As a result, the system lacks offline functionality, GPU-accelerated local workloads, or support for running open-source LLMs within the NAS environment. In practical terms, this means that all AI operations involve external processing, which may not suit users who require fully on-premises data handling.

Beyond the infrastructure level, several functional gaps remain. The integration does not extend to all DSM applications, omitting areas such as File Station, Photo Station, Synology Photos, and Surveillance Station. Within MailPlus and Office, the AI features are focused on text editing and basic summarisation rather than broader automation. There is no built-in capability for sentiment analysis, advanced data analytics, automatic categorisation, or content generation from large datasets. Similarly, the AI Console does not currently allow multi-step task automation or integration with custom scripts, limiting its use to predefined actions within the supported productivity tools.

Is Synology AI Console Safe?

From a technical and administrative perspective, Synology has implemented several measures to protect data when using the AI Console. API keys are stored locally on the NAS, and requests to AI providers are sent directly from the device rather than passing through Synology-operated servers. Administrators can limit access to specific packages, exclude selected users or groups, set token usage caps, and monitor all AI interactions through detailed logs. For additional privacy, the optional de-identification feature can mask sensitive details such as personal identifiers, banking information, and IP addresses before prompts are transmitted, restoring them only after the AI provider returns a response.

However, the safety of the AI Console ultimately depends on the chosen AI provider and the user’s own policies. All processing occurs on the provider’s infrastructure, meaning data leaves the local network whenever AI features are used. Even with encryption and masking in place, this external dependency may be unacceptable in environments with strict regulatory requirements or where complete local control is mandatory. While Synology provides the tools to minimise risk and monitor usage, it is the administrator’s responsibility to select a compliant provider, configure de-identification appropriately, and ensure that AI features are only enabled where the security implications are fully understood.

Here is my video on the original reveal of AI Integration/Connection into Synology DSM when it was first shown off during the Synology Solution Exhibition back in 2023 in Taipei:

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Microsoft has released Windows 11 KB5063878 and KB5063875 cumulative updates for versions 24H2 and 23H2 to fix security vulnerabilities and issues. [...]

Should You Buy the Terramaster F4 SSD NAS?

The TerraMaster F4 SSD is a 4-bay all-flash NAS aimed at home and prosumer users who want compact, quiet, and high-speed network storage based on SSD technology. Priced at $399, it represents the third entry in TerraMaster’s SSD-focused lineup, positioned below the larger 8-bay F8 SSD and the i5-powered F8 SSD Plus. This model is designed to deliver a balance between affordability and performance, featuring the Intel N95 quad-core processor, 8GB of DDR5 memory (upgradeable to 32GB), and four M.2 NVMe SSD slots across mixed-speed PCIe lanes. While its architecture targets lower power consumption and silent operation (rated at 19 dB in standby), it also integrates a 5GbE network port, USB 3.2 connectivity, and a toolless design to ease deployment. Designed for both turnkey usage with TerraMaster’s TOS 6 OS or as a flexible bare-metal option for TrueNAS or UnRAID, the F4 SSD sits at a crossroads between convenience and configurability—providing users with both preconfigured software and open-ended potential for third-party operating systems.

Terramaster F4 SSD NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The TerraMaster F4 SSD delivers a compelling package for users seeking an affordable, compact, and all-flash NAS solution with a strong blend of performance and usability. Its toolless, space-saving design makes installation easy, while the inclusion of four M.2 NVMe slots—two at PCIe 3.0 x2 and two at x1—offers fast storage potential, albeit with some asymmetry that could affect RAID performance in certain configurations. Powered by the efficient Intel N95 CPU and 8GB of DDR5 memory, the system supports multimedia streaming, Docker containers, virtual machines, and AI-powered photo indexing, all handled by the continually improving TOS 6 operating system. Key strengths include the 5GbE networking for faster data access, support for mixed-capacity SSDs via TRAID, and very low noise and power consumption, making it ideal for home environments. However, limitations such as the single network port with no redundancy, lack of ECC memory support, and the presence of mixed-speed NVMe slots may be off-putting to power users or small businesses seeking higher resilience and uniform throughput. Still, at $399, the F4 SSD offers a well-rounded balance of speed, features, and ease of use for home users, prosumers, and content creators who want SSD-level performance without the complexity or cost of higher-end systems.

Terramaster F4 SSD NAS
Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster F4 SSD NAS @ $399	B&H for the Terramaster F4 SSD NAS @ $399.99

 

Terramaster F4 SSD NAS Review – Design and Storage

The TerraMaster F4 SSD adopts a compact, minimalist design that is clearly optimized for silent, flash-only operation. Measuring just 138mm x 60mm x 140mm and weighing 0.6 kg, it is one of the smallest 4-bay NAS chassis on the market, aided by its exclusive use of M.2 NVMe SSDs instead of traditional 3.5-inch hard drives. This all-flash design allows the chassis to maintain a reduced footprint while still offering significant internal capacity—up to 32TB using four 8TB drives. The unit features a clean, industrial aesthetic with smooth surfaces and subtle branding, aligning with TerraMaster’s recent design choices in their SSD NAS series. Importantly, the internal layout supports top-to-bottom convection airflow, with side ventilation and smart fan controls designed to balance cooling and acoustics.

Installation is clearly a design priority here. The F4 SSD uses a toolless construction held together by a single thumbscrew, allowing the user to remove the outer casing in seconds. Internally, SSDs are inserted via a pull-out drawer mechanism with dedicated mounting trays, and there’s ample clearance around each M.2 slot for installing large passive heatsinks.

Notably, the SSD slots are laid out in such a way that their orientation lines up directly with the two 50mm rear fans. These fans are positioned to channel airflow across both the SSDs and the large passive heatsink mounted over the Intel N95 CPU, ensuring that even under sustained workloads the thermals remain controlled without relying on noisy active cooling systems.

The internal storage configuration is somewhat mixed in terms of interface speed. Of the four M.2 slots, two operate over PCIe 3.0 x2 lanes, and two are limited to PCIe 3.0 x1. This introduces a disparity in potential transfer speeds—approximately 1.6GB/s per drive for the faster pair, and around 700-900MB/s for the slower ones.

While this approach is a practical trade-off due to CPU lane limitations, it may pose bottlenecks in RAID scenarios where all four drives are used in a single pool. However, for users willing to configure their SSDs into two independent volumes, or who rely on TerraMaster’s TRAID system with mixed-capacity drives, the system can still make efficient use of available bandwidth.

The F4 SSD supports a range of RAID configurations including TRAID, TRAID+, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, as well as JBOD and single-drive modes. TRAID, TerraMaster’s hybrid RAID system, is especially notable here as it supports storage expansion using drives of different sizes—an advantage for users who plan to incrementally upgrade their SSDs over time. This flexibility is rare in entry-level NAS units, and helps avoid the traditional pitfalls of having to replace all drives at once in standard RAID arrays. The software layer automatically calculates parity and adjusts volume size without requiring complete data migration or reconfiguration.

From a practical perspective, the move to SSD-only architecture enables faster access times, reduced power usage, and significantly lower noise. TerraMaster reports a typical power draw of just 32W under full load with four SSDs, around 11-13W with all 4 SSD in a ‘read state’ with the CPU at sub 5%, and only 8W in complete hibernation. The fan noise sits below 19dB during idle operation, placing it among the quietest NAS units available. For environments such as living rooms or bedrooms where noise sensitivity is key, this silent thermal design makes the F4 SSD particularly well-suited for home multimedia centers and always-on photo backup servers.

Terramaster F4 SSD NAS Review – Internal Hardware

At the heart of the TerraMaster F4 SSD is the Intel N95 processor, a quad-core, four-thread CPU based on the Alder Lake-N architecture. Clocked at a base frequency of 1.7GHz with a boost up to 3.4GHz, it offers efficient processing power with a low 15W TDP, which contributes to the unit’s low thermal output and power consumption. While not designed for heavy computational workloads, the N95 supports Intel Quick Sync for hardware-accelerated video transcoding and includes integrated UHD graphics capable of handling 4K@60Hz decoding.

This makes the F4 SSD suitable for multimedia servers like Plex or Jellyfin, which are supported out of the box by TerraMaster’s TOS operating system. The CPU also provides nine PCIe Gen3 lanes for connecting NVMe drives, network interfaces, and USB ports—something that TerraMaster appears to have carefully balanced across components.

The system is equipped with 8GB of DDR5 memory pre-installed in a single SODIMM slot, with support for up to 32GB. The memory is non-ECC, which is expected for this price bracket and CPU class, though some users may view this as a drawback in data-critical environments. DDR5 support is a notable inclusion, offering higher bandwidth and lower power consumption than DDR4.

Because there is only a single memory slot, upgrades require replacing the pre-installed module entirely, but access is straightforward thanks to the removable chassis design. Combined with the N95 CPU and SSD storage, the memory allows for lightweight virtualization, Docker container deployment, and simultaneous access by multiple users—within the limitations of the CPU’s architecture.

Internally, the F4 SSD supports four M.2 2280 NVMe drives: two connected via PCIe 3.0 x2, and two via PCIe 3.0 x1. This setup is a direct consequence of the limited PCIe lane count on the N95 CPU, and reflects a compromise between cost and performance. While this layout means that users may encounter performance bottlenecks if building a single RAID array across all four slots, TerraMaster’s OS allows for flexible configuration, including the creation of separate volumes. The system also includes a substantial heatsink on the CPU and aligns airflow directly over both the CPU and storage bays. Together, these components form a power-efficient, quiet, and competent NAS platform optimized for SSD workloads.

Terramaster F4 SSD NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The TerraMaster F4 SSD is equipped with a practical selection of ports that reflect its mid-tier positioning. The standout feature is a single RJ-45 5GbE Ethernet port, offering five times the bandwidth of standard Gigabit connections and double that of 2.5GbE. This enables significantly faster file transfers when paired with compatible switches or direct-to-PC connections, making it a viable solution for photo and video editing over the network. However, the inclusion of only one network port—without redundancy or support for link aggregation—limits failover options and prevents more advanced networking setups, a drawback that may be felt in business or multi-user deployments. Users seeking dual LAN ports for redundancy or trunking will need to resort to USB-to-Ethernet adapters, which are supported via the system’s high-speed USB 3.2 ports.

In addition to its network interface, the F4 SSD features three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports rated at 10Gbps each—two Type-A and one Type-C. These ports support a variety of functions, including attaching external storage for backups, connecting USB-based 2.5GbE/5GbE adapters, or even interfacing with uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). This level of connectivity is somewhat uncommon in compact SSD NAS systems and adds useful flexibility, particularly for users operating the unit as a personal cloud or remote access point. Notably absent, however, are legacy USB 2.0 ports or additional network expansion slots (such as PCIe or SFP+), which would have extended the F4 SSD’s upgradeability for more advanced users.

On the display side, the NAS includes a single HDMI 2.0b port, allowing for direct output of its graphical interface or multimedia playback, though this feature is seldom used in headless NAS operation. Still, its presence supports limited desktop use cases or direct-attached displays for VM consoles and Docker GUIs. Internally, the Intel N95 CPU provides up to three display outputs, but only one is exposed in this system. The absence of a VGA port, PCIe expansion slots, or front-facing ports keeps the design clean but does reduce options for advanced customization. Ultimately, the F4 SSD provides just enough I/O for mainstream home or small office use, while intentionally leaving out more enterprise-grade connectivity.

Terramaster F4 SSD NAS Review – TOS Software and Services

The TerraMaster F4 SSD ships with TOS 6, the company’s latest revision of its NAS operating system. TOS 6 has matured significantly compared to earlier versions, now offering a more stable and responsive interface with support for modern NAS functionality. The OS features a multi-window desktop-like environment accessible via browser, along with mobile and desktop clients for streamlined access.

The interface, though less polished than Synology’s DSM, has seen improvements in usability, with clearer organization of applications, settings, and user tools. Key system features include centralized backup, file indexing, user/group controls, and integrated snapshot functionality for shared folders and iSCSI volumes. For home users and prosumers, these updates represent a notable step forward, especially when paired with the low latency benefits of SSD storage.

Among TOS 6’s more prominent features is TRAID (TerraMaster RAID), a hybrid RAID system designed to offer flexible storage expansion and mixed-capacity drive support. Similar in principle to Synology’s SHR, TRAID allows users to start with a small number of SSDs and expand later with larger ones without reconfiguring the entire array.

This flexibility is especially useful in all-flash systems where high-capacity SSDs can be cost-prohibitive to install all at once. In addition to TRAID and TRAID+, the system also supports traditional RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10), JBOD, and single-drive configurations. Volume expansion, RAID migration, SSD TRIM, and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring are supported natively, along with scheduled snapshots and USB-based backups.

TOS 6 includes a growing suite of first- and third-party applications that address multimedia, surveillance, and cloud connectivity. The F4 SSD supports Plex Media Server, Jellyfin, Emby, and TerraMaster’s own Multimedia Server for DLNA/UPnP streaming. Users can also deploy Docker containers, virtual machines, and network services such as iSCSI, FTP, WebDAV, and VPN servers.

Multimedia support is further bolstered by hardware-accelerated 4K video decoding via the Intel UHD iGPU, making the NAS suitable as a home media hub. AI photo indexing is also integrated into Terra Photos, allowing automated categorization of people, pets, and scenes. For mobile users, the TNAS app offers automatic photo/video uploads and remote file access, enhancing backup automation and content management.

Enterprise and security features are present but modest. TOS 6 includes AES-encrypted folders, SSL certificate import, two-factor authentication, and alerting via email or desktop notifications. Integration with AD domains and LDAP clients is supported, but ECC memory is not, reflecting the system’s home and small-office focus. Additional cloud integration is provided via CloudSync, which supports Google Drive, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Dropbox, Baidu, and Alibaba Cloud.

For users requiring simple hybrid-cloud backups or syncing across multiple platforms, this unified interface is functional and sufficient. While TOS lacks the enterprise depth of some competing NAS platforms, its overall range of applications and services is now competitive for most home or light professional needs.

Terramaster F4 SSD NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The TerraMaster F4 SSD presents itself as a well-considered entry into the compact, all-flash NAS segment, balancing low noise, energy efficiency, and competitive performance at a sub-$400 price point. With its fanless NVMe-based design, Intel N95 quad-core processor, and DDR5 memory, it meets the essential needs of home and small office users looking for a reliable and responsive storage solution. The inclusion of TerraMaster’s increasingly capable TOS 6 operating system, featuring AI-driven photo management, centralized backup, and Docker/VM support, makes it more than just a network storage device—it becomes a lightweight but versatile data center for the home. Its TRAID support allows for mixed SSD deployments with easy expansion, which is particularly attractive to users upgrading gradually or working within budget constraints. The thoughtful internal layout and cooling also ensure performance remains consistent even under sustained load, without sacrificing the near-silent operation.

However, the F4 SSD is not without caveats. The use of a single 5GbE port, without redundancy or aggregation, may deter users requiring network failover or higher throughput for simultaneous operations. Additionally, although the PCIe lane allocation strategy maximizes the N95’s limited bandwidth, the asymmetry between Gen3 x2 and x1 slots could bottleneck RAID performance depending on how volumes are configured. When compared to the larger F8 SSD or DIY options with dual 10GbE or ECC support, the F4 SSD may feel limiting to power users or business environments with stricter reliability requirements. That said, for the vast majority of home users, content creators, and prosumers looking for an all-in-one, high-speed NAS that blends well into living spaces, the F4 SSD delivers a solid and accessible solution. Its price-to-performance ratio, combined with the simplicity of deployment and maturing software ecosystem, makes it a compelling option in the growing market of SSD NAS devices.

Terramaster F4 SSD NAS
Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster F4 SSD NAS @ $399	B&H for the Terramaster F4 SSD NAS @ $399.99

 

PROs of the Terramaster F4 SSD

CONs of the Terramaster F4 SSD

Compact, toolless chassis with easy-access thumb screw and SSD installation All-flash NVMe architecture with support for four M.2 2280 SSDs 5GbE network port enables high-speed local and remote transfers TRAID and TRAID+ allow mixed-capacity SSDs and seamless storage expansion TOS 6 OS includes Plex, Jellyfin, Docker, VM support, and AI photo indexing Quiet operation (19 dB) and low power usage (32W under load) Priced competitively at $399 for a turnkey SSD NAS

Single 5GbE port with no failover or link aggregation Two of the four SSD slots are limited to PCIe Gen3 x1, creating potential RAID bottlenecks Non-ECC DDR5 memory may not meet strict data integrity requirements

 

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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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Microsoft confirmed that it's testing the ability to paste text only (plain format) to OneNote for Windows and Mac. [...]

Proton has launched Proton Authenticator, a free standalone two-factor authentication (2FA) application for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. [...]

The UGREEN DH4300 PLUS NAS Review – Good Value?

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus is a 4-bay NAS solution introduced quietly into the company’s growing lineup of storage devices, appearing online without the usual fanfare. Closely related to the DH4300 Plus in both hardware and feature set, this model forms part of UGREEN’s value-tier NAS systems, designed to provide essential private cloud functionality at a lower cost. Targeted at home users, prosumers, and small offices, the DH4300 Plus offers a mix of modern storage capacity and lightweight computing through its ARM-based architecture. With support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, 2.5GbE networking, and up to 120TB of raw storage across four SATA bays, the device aims to provide a reasonably capable platform for tasks like file serving, multimedia streaming, and basic photo management.

However, the DH4300 Plus doesn’t just follow the pattern of other budget NAS solutions. It includes features uncommon at this price point, such as HDMI output and 10Gbps USB connectivity, which extend its use case beyond simple backups into media and even light-duty AI-powered photo organization. Its system-on-chip, the Rockchip RK3588, is more powerful than the processors seen in comparable entry-level NAS systems from other brands like Synology or QNAP. While it lacks the high-end features of premium NAS units—such as multi-port networking or M.2 expansion—it still manages to deliver a compact, energy-efficient package suited to most daily NAS workloads. This review breaks down each component of the DH4300 Plus, from its physical design and internal hardware to its software ecosystem, to help users decide whether this is the right solution for their needs.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus stands out as a well-equipped entry-level NAS that offers considerably more than its modest price tag suggests, positioning itself as a serious contender in the growing value NAS market. Powered by the RK3588 ARM processor and backed by 8GB of LPDDR4X memory, it delivers capable performance for a wide range of NAS tasks including file sharing, media streaming, light containerization via Docker, and AI-assisted photo management. Its support for 2.5GbE networking, 10Gbps USB ports, and HDMI 2.1 output adds versatility, enabling faster-than-Gigabit transfer speeds and options for direct media playback or on-site display access. The system’s low power consumption, compact footprint, and quiet operation make it especially well-suited for 24/7 deployment in home or small office environments. AI functionality for face recognition and album generation, powered by the on-chip NPU, further enhances its value for users managing large personal photo or media libraries. However, the device is limited by its lack of PCIe or M.2 expansion, absence of link aggregation or redundant LAN, and the relatively immature UGOS Pro software, which trails behind DSM and QTS in terms of advanced features, third-party app support, and overall refinement. Still, for users seeking a reliable, efficient, and feature-packed NAS at a competitive price, the DH4300 Plus represents a compelling option that punches well above its weight—offering core functionality, multimedia capabilities, and surprising hardware strength without venturing into high-end NAS pricing territory.

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UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Design and Storage

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus adopts a minimalist, vertical chassis design that blends functional cooling with a relatively compact footprint. Measuring 155mm x 155mm x 215.7mm, the enclosure is tall and narrow, allowing it to accommodate four internal 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA drives without consuming significant desk space. Instead of traditional hot-swappable trays, UGREEN uses a toolless drive insertion mechanism where each drive slides vertically into the chassis.

This approach reduces complexity and keeps production costs lower but introduces compromises in terms of drive handling and vibration isolation. The top panel is removable and held magnetically, granting access to the internal drive bays and initial setup QR code sticker located inside the lid. Ventilation is handled by side vents, perforations at the top of the cover, and a single downward-facing internal fan near the system board.

Drive installation is simple but not entirely refined. Each of the four bays inside feeds directly into a fixed SATA backplane. Drives are inserted vertically without caddies and seat against rubber bumpers at the rear, which help reduce some of the mechanical vibration but do not provide the same structural integrity or thermal separation found in more traditional hot swap and more easily accessible tray-based designs.

The plastic inner rails feel light and somewhat fragile, especially when compared to metal-based bays found in more premium NAS models. Still, the internal structure was found to be sufficient during testing, even when populating the system with higher-capacity drives. The unit officially supports up to 4 x 30TB drives, allowing a total storage capacity of 120TB in JBOD or RAID configurations, though users will need to supply their own disks as none are included in the package.

Airflow and thermal behavior of the DH4300 Plus are managed via passive intake vents and a single active cooling fan positioned on the base of the chassis. This fan draws air from the top and sides of the NAS, passing it over the CPU and power delivery components before exhausting out the bottom. While this layout is thermally efficient for a low-power device like this, it lacks redundancy and doesn’t allow for custom fan curve profiles within UGOS Pro.

During 24-hour tests with four IronWolf drives installed, drive temperatures remained between 44°C and 45°C, while the system chassis and CPU areas stayed in the range of 38°C to 42°C under typical workloads. Though these temperatures are within operational thresholds, users deploying the NAS in warmer environments or fully populating it with high-RPM drives may need to consider ambient airflow or active external cooling assistance.

The DH4300 Plus is constructed from a mix of metal and plastic materials, with a soft matte finish and minimal front I/O clutter. This helps the device appear more neutral in office or home setups. All primary status LEDs are located subtly on the front edge, along with a power button and high-speed USB-C port. Despite its budget positioning, UGREEN has maintained an external aesthetic that doesn’t look out of place beside other premium tech. However, internal cost-saving decisions are more evident. The lack of a proper drive locking mechanism or hotswap support reinforces that this NAS is not meant for heavy-duty enterprise usage or high-frequency drive replacement tasks. It is more appropriate as a near-permanent local storage solution once disks have been installed and configured.

In terms of storage functionality, the DH4300 Plus supports multiple RAID modes, including Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. This flexibility is notable, as several competing ARM-based NAS units limit RAID options—particularly RAID 6, which requires higher CPU and memory resources to compute parity. While software RAID performance will depend heavily on the chosen configuration and disk types, the Rockchip RK3588 SoC proved capable of maintaining consistent performance in RAID 5 across moderate workloads, including file copying, media playback, and snapshot operations. UGREEN’s system also offers automatic drive recognition and formatting through the UGOS Pro interface, allowing less experienced users to get started quickly, though without the advanced data scrubbing and repair features available on some higher-end NAS platforms.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Internal Hardware

At the heart of the DH4300 Plus lies the Rockchip RK3588 processor, an 8-core ARM-based SoC featuring a hybrid core architecture. It combines four high-performance Cortex-A76 cores with four efficiency-oriented Cortex-A55 cores, providing a significant performance uplift over most ARM-based NAS processors in the same price bracket. The RK3588 includes a Mali-G610 GPU and an integrated NPU capable of delivering up to 6 TOPS of AI performance. This allows for features like facial recognition, object tagging, and scene categorization within UGOS Pro. Notably, this chip has seen growing popularity in DIY NAS and edge computing applications due to its multimedia capabilities and low power draw. Its inclusion in a turnkey NAS platform at this price point positions the DH4300 Plus as an outlier among typical value-series offerings.

Complementing the processor is 8GB of LPDDR4X memory, which is soldered to the board and not user-upgradable. While this limits long-term scalability, 8GB is a generous amount for an ARM-based NAS and sufficient for most general-purpose NAS workloads including file sharing, media serving, AI-assisted photo sorting, and light Docker container deployment. The system also features a 32GB eMMC module, serving as a dedicated system drive for UGOS Pro. This separation of the OS from user storage pools ensures stability during boot and updates while also freeing up the full capacity of installed SATA drives for data. The lack of NVMe or SATA DOM options means the eMMC is fixed, but in practice, it performed reliably during testing without any bottlenecks.

From a thermal and power standpoint, the RK3588 platform proves to be highly efficient. Even under moderate to heavy loads—such as simultaneous file transfers, streaming tasks, and indexing—the SoC maintains stable temperatures in the low 40s Celsius range. Combined with a modest power draw of around 30–35 watts under active use (and ~4.7 watts at idle without drives), the DH4300 Plus is suitable for continuous 24/7 operation in home or office environments. While the lack of ECC memory or redundant power limits its appeal for enterprise deployment, the core hardware is well-balanced for its target audience, especially when considering how much performance and functionality is packed into a device with a sub-$400 price point.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus offers a streamlined but functionally adequate set of connectivity options for a value-focused NAS. On the front of the device, users will find a USB-C port rated at 5Gbps, accompanied by two additional USB-A ports on the rear capable of 10Gbps transfer speeds. These high-speed USB ports are somewhat unusual on an ARM-based NAS and allow for faster direct-attached storage backups or peripheral integration, including UPS management or external media access. While not hot-swappable in the OS UI, the ports performed reliably in tests when mounting USB SSDs and thumb drives for quick file transfer and offline sync. Their positioning also maintains a tidy cable layout, with most high-traffic connections located on the back panel.

Network connectivity is delivered through a single 2.5GbE RJ45 port, which represents a solid step above the standard 1GbE ports found on most entry-level NAS units. This allows the DH4300 Plus to exceed typical Gigabit transfer speeds, reaching up to ~280MB/s in peak file transfer tests using large sequential data. However, the inclusion of only one LAN port means there’s no support for link aggregation or failover. This limits the device’s flexibility in multi-user environments or scenarios requiring redundancy. Given the hardware capabilities of the RK3588 platform, a second LAN port—or even a fallback 1GbE—would have been ideal. Still, for a single-user or small team deployment, the 2.5GbE connection is more than sufficient for everyday access to large media files, backups, and collaborative workspaces.

One of the most unexpected and welcome features is the presence of an HDMI 2.1 output, capable of 4K at 60Hz. HDMI on value-tier NAS systems is uncommon, and its inclusion here enables media playback, real-time NAS control via a directly connected monitor, and potential kiosk or signage applications. The UGOS Pro operating system includes a built-in theater mode to pair with this feature, although its capabilities are more basic than those found in platforms like QNAP’s HD Station. Nevertheless, for users wanting to leverage the NAS as a lightweight local media center or for on-site admin access without relying solely on browser-based control, the HDMI output adds flexibility. The only caveat is that the device lacks any form of PCIe expansion, so users cannot add additional ports or NVMe caching options later.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Software and Services

The DH4300 Plus runs UGOS Pro, UGREEN’s proprietary NAS operating system tailored for ARM-based platforms. While it doesn’t match the feature depth of more mature systems like Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, UGOS Pro has seen steady improvements and now covers most of the foundational functions expected from a modern NAS. The UI is browser-accessible and includes modules for storage management, user permissions, cloud sync, backups, and multimedia playback. During testing, the OS handled basic setup, RAID initialization, and file system formatting efficiently. Users can configure shared folders, enable SMB/NFS/AFP protocols, and even set up multi-tiered backup routines to local, USB, or cloud destinations such as Google Drive and Dropbox.

One of the more advanced features is the integrated AI photo engine, which leverages the RK3588’s NPU to organize media libraries using facial recognition, object tagging, and scene classification. This is similar in principle to what Synology Photos or QNAP QuMagie offer, though UGOS Pro lacks the same level of customization or filtering depth. The system can automatically generate albums, identify duplicates, and even create baby-focused timelines.

These features worked reliably on smaller photo sets but began to slow down when indexing larger libraries—likely a result of both memory and algorithmic efficiency. Despite this, the inclusion of AI functionality in a sub-$400 NAS is notable, especially since it runs locally and does not require cloud processing.

Application support is growing within UGOS Pro. Native apps for file access, media playback, surveillance (limited), and mobile sync are included, along with support for Docker containers, allowing users to sideload additional tools not officially available. Notably, BTRFS is supported as a file system option, enabling snapshot functionality and some degree of data integrity checks. However, there are limitations: virtualization is not supported due to the ARM architecture, and there’s currently no iSCSI target support.

Additionally, while the broader UGREEN ecosystem includes a Jellyfin app for other devices, this model did not have native Jellyfin support at launch—requiring users to deploy it manually via Docker. Features like multi-factor authentication, scheduled shutdown/start, and remote access are included, but power users may find the interface lacking compared to more polished systems.

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus delivers respectable media performance when running Jellyfin, particularly with 1080p and 4K content. During testing, the system handled native playback of 4K files smoothly and managed light transcoding tasks without excessive CPU strain, thanks to the efficiency of the RK3588’s integrated GPU and NPU. Native playback of 8K media was technically possible, but pushed the CPU usage to 70–75%, and any attempt at transcoding 8K content resulted in the processor maxing out at 100%, making it unsuitable for high-resolution real-time conversion.

While the NAS can serve 8K files over the network for compatible client playback, its ARM-based architecture lacks the raw transcoding power and hardware acceleration frameworks seen in x86-based systems with Intel Quick Sync. For most users, 1080p and 4K Jellyfin playback—both native and lightly transcoded—is handled reliably, but 8K should be considered the upper limit of what the DH4300 can manage, and only under specific playback conditions without conversion.

UGREEN DH4300 NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus carves out a unique niche in the budget NAS landscape by delivering hardware typically reserved for higher-tier systems at a much lower price point. Its RK3588 processor, 8GB of RAM, and support for 2.5GbE networking place it well ahead of most similarly priced competitors in terms of raw specifications. Additionally, features such as HDMI output, 10Gbps USB ports, and local AI-powered photo indexing are rare to find in entry-level NAS systems. Despite its plastic-heavy internal design and lack of expansion options like PCIe or M.2, the device delivers stable performance for file sharing, media access, and low-intensity AI workloads. It is not suited for power users demanding virtual machines or advanced snapshot automation, but within its class, the DH4300 Plus presents an appealing balance between cost and capability.

That said, the software experience is still a work in progress. UGOS Pro covers the essentials and offers a visually accessible UI, but lacks the advanced features and ecosystem integration found in more mature platforms like Synology DSM or QNAP QTS. Docker and snapshot support add welcome flexibility, but the absence of native Jellyfin, iSCSI, and VM functionality limits its use in more complex environments. Still, for home users, media collectors, or small office setups looking for reliable backup, modest AI-enhanced photo sorting, and smooth 4K playback, the DH4300 Plus delivers value well beyond its price tag. While it won’t replace high-end NAS appliances, it serves as a capable, efficient, and quietly innovative option in a saturated entry-level NAS market.

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PROs of the UGREEN DH4300 NAS

CONs of the UGREEN DH4300 NAS

Powerful ARM CPU: Equipped with the RK3588 SoC, offering 8 cores, integrated GPU, and NPU for AI workloads. Generous (but fixed!) Memory: 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, rare in budget NAS systems, supports multitasking and Docker use. 2.5GbE Network Port: Provides faster-than-Gigabit throughput for backups, media streaming, and multi-user access. HDMI 2.1 Output: Rare on ARM powered turnkey NAS, and enables direct media playback or NAS control at up to 4K 60Hz, uncommon in value-tier NAS units. USB 10Gbps Ports: Dual USB-A 10Gbps and one USB-C 5Gbps allow for high-speed backups or external storage expansion. AI Photo Management: Built-in NPU supports facial recognition and scene detection for local, private media organization. Low Power Consumption: Efficient under load (~30W) and idle (~5W without drives), suitable for 24/7 operation.

No PCIe or M.2 Expansion: Lacks future scalability for NVMe caching, 10GbE, or other upgrades. Single LAN Port: Only one 2.5GbE port, with no failover or link aggregation support. Limited Software Ecosystem: UGOS Pro lacks iSCSI, VM support, and native Jellyfin, trailing behind DSM/QTS in maturity.

 

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New Value Series UGREEN DH4300 and DH2300 NAS Drives

UGREEN has unveiled two new value-focused NAS devices, the DH3400 and DH3200, designed to meet the needs of home and small office users who want practical, low-power network storage without unnecessary complexity. The DH3400 is a 4-bay model, while the DH3200 offers a 2-bay configuration, both intended for those looking to implement efficient backups, multimedia streaming, and personal cloud storage at a more affordable price point. First revealed through the 2025 iF Design Awards and then quietly launched with a limited discount during Amazon Prime Day, these models occupy a lower tier in UGREEN’s NAS range, complementing rather than replacing their existing higher-end DXP series.

These two devices clearly target users who prioritize straightforward functionality over high-end processing power or advanced virtualization. Both systems are engineered with energy-efficient components and a compact design that makes them suitable for desktop environments where noise, heat, and power consumption need to be minimized. By offering a clear set of features—including RAID support, snapshot capabilities, and 4K multimedia output—at a modest price, the DH3400 and DH3200 aim to appeal to customers who need reliable, low-maintenance storage hardware that can integrate easily into a home network or small office setup.

UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 NAS Hardware Specifications

The UGREEN DH3400 and DH3200 are built on a shared hardware platform, with the key difference being drive bay count—four bays on the DH3400 and two on the DH3200. Both systems use the Rockchip RK3588C processor, an 8-core ARM-based SoC running at 2.4 GHz, designed to prioritize energy efficiency and low thermal output rather than raw performance. The RK3588C includes integrated Mali-G610 graphics and an AI engine capable of delivering up to six tera operations per second (TOPS), which enables features like facial recognition and semantic photo search without taxing the CPU as much as it would likewise ARM processors without it.

Both units come equipped with 8 GB of soldered LPDDR4X memory, which cannot be upgraded. This is a typical limitation of ARM-based NAS systems, where memory is tightly coupled with the SoC for efficiency. The onboard memory is adequate for the included software stack, which supports multi-user environments, Docker containers, and AI-driven media management. For system storage, UGREEN integrates a 32 GB eMMC module to host the UGOS Pro operating system. This keeps the SATA bays fully available for user storage, though it does mean the system disk cannot be swapped or expanded.

The DH3400 supports up to four 3.5” or 2.5” SATA drives, while the DH3200 supports two, and both models can accommodate up to 30 TB per bay, for a maximum of 120 TB on the DH3400 when fully populated. Supported RAID configurations include JBOD, Basic, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing a range of data protection and performance options suited to home and SOHO environments.

Networking and external connectivity are kept simple yet functional. Each system includes a single 2.5 GbE Ethernet port, which supports transfer speeds up to roughly 300 MB/s under optimal conditions. Although dual LAN ports for link aggregation or failover would have been welcome at this price point, the single-port setup is likely sufficient for the target audience.

Three USB ports are provided: one USB-C @ 5Gb/s and two USB-A @ 10 Gb/s. These are useful for connecting additional external drives, creating tiered backups, or quickly offloading data from portable devices. The inclusion of a full-size HDMI port capable of 4K/60Hz output is another notable feature, enabling direct connection to a monitor or TV for multimedia playback or system administration from a local display—something not all competing devices offer.

From a physical and design perspective, the DH series is clearly built to fit seamlessly into a home or small office. The DH3400’s chassis measures just 155 × 155 × 215.7 mm, and its vertical, injection-molded plastic design keeps its footprint compact and thermals manageable. Power consumption is modest at a rated 12V/6A, helping keep operational costs low and making the units suitable for 24/7 use.

The overall aesthetic is understated, drawing comparisons to earlier Western Digital consumer NAS devices, with a focus on quiet operation and minimal disruption to the workspace. While there is no support for PCIe expansion or M.2 NVMe storage—features found in higher-end UGREEN DXP models—the streamlined hardware specification aligns with the device’s role as an affordable, efficient, and easy-to-deploy file server for users who don’t require more advanced features.

UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 NAS Software Specifications

Both the DH3400 and DH3200 ship with UGREEN’s UGOS Pro operating system, a Linux-based NAS software platform designed to be user-friendly while offering a solid range of core functionality. UGOS Pro provides a clean, browser-based interface accessible from Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and even smart TVs, making it easy for users to manage their storage from almost any device. The OS supports secure multi-user access with advanced encryption, a built-in firewall, and two-factor authentication, ensuring that data remains protected from unauthorized access. Local data storage is emphasized over cloud reliance, though cloud backup targets are supported for redundancy.

In terms of features, UGOS Pro includes most of the essential applications expected of a modern NAS. File and folder management is straightforward, with support for SMB/CIFS, NFS, and WebDAV protocols. Users can set up scheduled or on-demand backups, including multi-tiered strategies spanning local drives, external USB storage, and supported cloud services. Snapshot functionality is included to help protect against accidental deletion or data corruption. Multimedia applications are also integrated, with tools for organizing and streaming photos, videos, and music, plus support for the HDMI output for direct 4K media playback on connected displays.

Despite being a value-oriented device, the DH3400 and DH3200 still offer some advanced capabilities thanks to the efficiency of the RK3588C CPU. These include AI-powered features such as photo recognition by faces, scenes, and locations, automatic duplicate removal, and the creation of personalized albums. Semantic search functionality helps users locate files more intuitively, and Docker is supported for lightweight containerized applications. However, resource-intensive functions like virtualization and more complex enterprise-grade apps are not included, in keeping with the intended role of these systems as affordable, entry-level NAS solutions. Plus, no doubt, the ease of integrating this more cost-effective solution with other, more powerful DXP NAS systems using the nativa backup sync application is going to be a breeze on the LAN!

UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 NAS – Price and Launch Date?

UGREEN’s new DH2300 and DH4300 NAS models have already quietly launched, with availability beginning during Amazon Prime Day 2025 in what can best be described as a stealth release. The DH4300, the 4-bay model, is currently listed at $429.99 diskless, although a temporary promotional discount during Prime Day dropped the price as low as $349.99. At the time of writing, UGREEN has not provided an official end date for the promotional pricing, so buyers should assume the standard price is $429.99 going forward. The DH2300, the 2-bay variant, has not yet been widely listed, and official pricing for that model has yet to be confirmed. Both models are expected to continue rolling out to major online retailers over the coming weeks, with broader global availability likely to follow given UGREEN’s previous product launch patterns. For now, early adopters in supported regions can purchase the DH4300 directly from platforms like Amazon, and keep an eye on listings for the DH2300 to appear soon. Buyers should note that, as with most diskless NAS products, storage drives are sold separately. These models are positioned as affordable, efficient storage solutions in UGREEN’s lineup, complementing rather than replacing their existing DXP series. By offering a lower barrier to entry, UGREEN appears to be catering to users looking for basic yet capable NAS hardware at an accessible price. Those interested in purchasing should monitor retailer listings closely for availability and any further discounts as stock becomes more widely distributed.

You can order from the Official UGREEN site via the banner below:

Alternatively, the UGREEN DH4300 has appeared on Amazon on Multiple locations. So you can check the Amazon store in your region by clicking the banner below.

Remember. We get a small commission from any sales that occur from using the links above, and these go directly into allowing us to keep doing what we do.

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45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Case Review

The 45Drives HL8 is an 8-bay desktop NAS chassis developed for users who want professional-grade storage hardware without committing to the rigid ecosystems of traditional NAS vendors. Designed and manufactured in North America, the HL8 is available in several configurations, with this review focusing specifically on the chassis, backplane, and power supply model. This version includes a precision-built steel enclosure, a direct-wired 8-bay SATA backplane, and a 500W 80 Plus Gold-rated Flex ATX power supply. It omits bundled motherboards, CPUs, and pre-installed operating systems, appealing to users who prefer to build or customize their NAS hardware environment while still benefiting from an integrated power and storage foundation. The HL8 aims to bridge the gap between low-cost DIY NAS enclosures, which often suffer from poor thermals and awkward layouts, and locked-down consumer appliances that limit software choices and upgrade potential. With a hinged open-frame design, support for full-height PCIe cards, and internal layout optimized for accessibility and cooling, the HL8 is positioned as a platform for long-term use and adaptability rather than a quick-start solution. While its price point is significantly higher than generic imported chassis, its construction and modular focus suggest it’s intended for serious users seeking more control, not simply more convenience.

Who Are 45Drives?

45Drives is a Canadian storage hardware manufacturer based in Nova Scotia, operating as a division of Protocase, a custom enclosure and prototyping company. The brand has built a reputation among system integrators, IT professionals, and homelab enthusiasts for delivering modular, open-platform storage solutions. Unlike many NAS vendors that focus on vertically integrated ecosystems, 45Drives offers systems built around industry-standard components, designed to be user-serviceable and adaptable. Their catalog includes high-density rackmount systems like the Storinator, hybrid flash-HDD systems such as the Stornado, and more recently, a range of compact desktop NAS chassis under the “HL” or HomeLab label. The HL8, HL4, and HL15 models are part of this effort to scale down enterprise-grade build quality into a form factor more appropriate for deskside or small office deployment.

A core part of 45Drives’ identity is its commitment to open-source principles, not just through hardware compatibility but also in software tooling and education. The company develops and maintains Cockpit-based management modules—such as their ZFS and Samba interfaces—for Linux distributions like Rocky Linux, which they often preinstall with their systems. These modules are freely available on GitHub, and the company encourages users to modify, self-host, or adapt them as needed. In addition to their software work, 45Drives actively engages with the community through regular YouTube content, documentation portals, and technical support that continues even when customers deviate from default hardware or software configurations. This combination of enterprise durability, user empowerment, and open development has earned 45Drives a dedicated following among those who want to retain full control over their infrastructure without sacrificing reliability or support.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – External Design

The HL8’s exterior sets it apart from typical consumer NAS enclosures through its bold and unique industrial construction – practically enterprise grade, at a homelab and desktop level. Built from 16-gauge powder-coated steel, the chassis weighs approximately 22 lbs even before drives are installed, conveying a sense of structural rigidity that clearly aligns more with enterprise hardware than with mass-market desktop cases.

The finish is matte and durable, avoiding cheap plastics or decorative panels. Buyers can choose between metal and acrylic front plates, and several color options are available, offering some degree of personalization—something rarely seen at this tier. Branding is subtle, with the HL8 model designation etched into the top panel and a logo plate on the front face.

Unlike most enclosures that rely on removable panels or sliding trays, the HL8 features a hinged “clam shell” design. The entire upper shell lifts open via captive thumb screws, granting immediate access to internal components without needing to remove the drives or disconnect cabling.

This mechanism provides real-time visibility into the system’s interior during operation, making it easier to perform diagnostics, replace fans, or adjust cabling. It’s particularly helpful for users who regularly service or upgrade their systems, and it avoids many of the frustrations associated with cramped or tool-dependent access panels.

The front of the case houses eight hot-swap 3.5” bays in a vertical arrangement, accessible without tools and pre-wired via the internal backplane. These bays are trayless and rely on drive guides for alignment, secured by the structural frame rather than individual plastic sleds. This design allows for rapid drive installation and removal while minimizing potential points of mechanical failure. The front ventilation is cut directly into the steel fascia, and airflow is directed through the drive bays by internal Noctua fans located behind them. There are no visible indicators or LCD panels on the front panel—minimalism is favored over visual clutter.

Around the rear, the layout remains conventional but clean. The rear I/O cutout accommodates standard mini-ITX motherboard layouts, and the single expansion slot supports a full-height PCIe card up to 72mm in height. The integrated Flex ATX power supply sits beside the motherboard area with its own exhaust fan, and ample passive ventilation is provided via additional steel cutouts. While visually understated, the HL8’s outer design prioritizes durability, accessibility, and functional airflow—traits that reflect its enterprise lineage more than its homelab label might suggest.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Internal Case Design

Internally, the HL8 case is engineered for both accessibility and structured airflow, with a layout that avoids many of the compromises found in smaller or mass-produced enclosures. The most notable feature is its fully hinged body, which allows the entire top and side panel assembly to lift upward without removing the drives. This open-access approach separates the drive chamber from the motherboard compartment without creating restrictive airflow barriers. It’s a significant advantage for users who need to inspect, troubleshoot, or upgrade internal components, especially when working with larger cooling units or dense cable configurations.

The motherboard area is positioned on the right side of the chassis, aligned horizontally to the drive plane, which prevents any obstruction by drive trays or cabling. This layout supports standard mini-ITX boards and allows full visibility of memory slots, M.2 sockets, and power headers even with drives installed. The motherboard is flanked by routing space that supports organized cabling, including SATA or power leads. This spacing is particularly useful when working with non-modular PSUs or when routing SATA cables from alternative controllers or add-in cards. The case does not limit users to any specific board vendor or layout beyond the mini-ITX size constraint.

Cabling for the backplane is pre-installed in the PSU model, which simplifies setup considerably. The backplane itself is a direct-wired design supporting up to eight SATA drives without requiring SAS expander cards or proprietary interfaces. This approach ensures compatibility with a wide range of consumer and enterprise SATA drives and avoids the long-term risks of vendor-specific drive bay lock-ins. It also makes replacing or troubleshooting individual cables far easier than in systems using multipath or bundled connectors. Power and data connections are cleanly routed through the side of the case, keeping airflow clear and minimizing vibration interference.

The Flex ATX PSU sits at the rear left and is mounted horizontally, drawing air through its own intake and exhausting separately from the main airflow path. This compact configuration leaves the bulk of the case’s lower chamber available for future expansion or airflow tuning. Additional internal fan mounts and brackets are preinstalled, and 45Drives includes all necessary mounting screws and documentation—even down to port-specific manuals for the pre-installed PSU. The internal design of the HL8 shows clear thought toward ease of maintenance and modularity, reflecting an expectation that users will revisit and modify their system over time rather than treat it as a sealed appliance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Noise and Cooling

The HL8’s cooling design reflects a balance between thermal efficiency and acoustic performance, especially in its PSU-included configuration. By default, this model ships with multiple Noctua fans—specifically, two NF-A12x15 fans for intake and one NF-A4x10 for exhaust—which are widely regarded for their low noise output and long-term reliability.

Combined with the direct airflow path created by the open drive cage layout, the HL8 maintains effective cooling of both hard drives and system components without requiring high-RPM, high-noise fan profiles. Even under load, thermal tests show the drive temperatures hovering around 50°C in a 20°C ambient environment—well within safe operating margins for mechanical disks.

In real-world usage, the system produces around 33–34 dBA at idle and 42 dBA under full fan load during tasks such as ZFS pool creation or sustained disk activity. These levels are consistent with what you would expect from a quiet desktop PC and are significantly lower than typical rackmount systems or budget enclosures using unbranded high-speed fans.

The use of steel panels throughout the chassis also contributes to noise dampening, reducing vibration resonance from spinning drives. Overall, the HL8’s thermal and acoustic profile is well-suited for deployment in office or home environments where audible noise is a concern, without sacrificing long-term cooling performance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay Case vs the Jonsbo N3 Case

The 45Drives HL8 and the Jonsbo N3 both offer 8-bay NAS enclosures for mini-ITX builds, but they cater to very different tiers of the DIY NAS market. The HL8 is positioned as a premium, enterprise-grade enclosure built entirely from 16-gauge steel and manufactured in Canada. It includes a fully integrated backplane, Noctua fans, and a Flex ATX PSU—features aimed at maximizing serviceability, thermal control, and long-term reliability.

Priced at roughly $880 USD for the chassis, backplane, and PSU combo, it targets users who demand industrial standards in a desktop form factor. The Jonsbo N3, in contrast, is a Chinese-manufactured enclosure constructed from 2.0mm aluminium alloy with 1.0mm steel internals.

It focuses on maximizing functionality in a compact and aesthetically refined format, with average retail pricing ranging between $150–$170 USD, though occasional sales and unpredictable shipping costs on platforms like AliExpress can make pricing volatile.

In terms of hardware layout and user experience, the HL8 emphasizes modularity and ease of access. Its unique “flower-style” hinged chassis allows for complete servicing of drives, motherboard, cabling, and PSU without disassembly. The built-in backplane supports both SATA and SAS, reducing the need for messy cabling or additional HBA cards unless required for scale-out. Meanwhile, the Jonsbo N3 offers a two-chamber design separating drives and the motherboard/PSU area, supporting 8 hot-swap drives via an included SATA-only backplane. However, the power delivery system relies on two Molex and one SATA connector—an odd combination that may require more planning for power distribution. The N3 also employs a PSU passthrough cable from the back to a front-mounted internal SFX PSU, saving space but potentially restricting airflow and complicating installation. Unlike the HL8’s enterprise cable routing, the N3 requires tight cable management due to its smaller internal volume, and is more prone to cable congestion near the motherboard tray.

Where the HL8 wins in build quality and professional usability, the N3 counters with surprising features at its price point. The N3 includes dual rear fans, 8 LED indicators for drive activity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C front I/O, and support for large PCIe GPUs or network cards up to 250mm. However, it uses rubber grommet-mounted drive holders instead of trays—a cost-saving measure that may reduce vibration but introduces concerns about long-term durability and ease of drive removal. It also lacks tool-less panels for the main lid, requiring an Allen key for access, which, while flush and neat, isn’t practical for regular service. By comparison, the HL8 is fully toolless throughout. Ultimately, the HL8 is ideal for users who prioritize low-maintenance reliability and modular enterprise design in a desktop form, while the N3 offers excellent value for cost-conscious DIY builders willing to trade some serviceability and airflow flexibility for size, aesthetics, and affordability.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – The Pre-Built AMD Model

In addition to offering the HL8 as a chassis with backplane and power supply, 45Drives also sells a fully assembled, tested, and burn-in validated configuration for users who prefer a turnkey deployment. The current prebuilt model typically includes a Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX mini-ITX motherboard, paired with either an AMD Ryzen 5 5500GT (6-core, 12-thread) or Ryzen 7 5700G (8-core, 16-thread) processor. These CPUs offer solid single- and multi-threaded performance, integrated graphics for transcoding or light GUI workloads, and efficient power profiles.

The build also comes with up to 64GB of DDR4 UDIMM memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD (typically Gen 4), Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 low-profile CPU cooler, and factory-installed Noctua case fans. All internal wiring is professionally routed, and the system arrives with Rocky Linux and the Houston UI preinstalled for immediate setup.

At the time of writing, the total cost of the prebuilt HL8 with the Ryzen 5700G configuration is $1,538 USD. In contrast, a self-built system using comparable off-the-shelf components can be assembled for approximately $875–$900. A rough cost breakdown would be: Ryzen 7 5700G and B550I motherboard combo ($260), 64GB DDR4 UDIMM ($103), 1TB NVMe SSD ($60), 500W Flex ATX Gold PSU ($90), Noctua CPU and case fans ($75), plus an equivalent MITX 8-bay chassis with SATA backplane ($159–$180). While this approach offers clear cost savings, it comes with multiple delivery sources, fragmented warranties, and no factory testing—factors that may be important to users prioritizing reliability and vendor accountability over price.

The prebuilt model is best suited to users who want predictable performance, reduced setup time, and consolidated post-sale support. It removes the need for component sourcing, physical assembly, and initial troubleshooting. However, it also imposes some limitations, such as the use of a single 2.5GbE network port and lack of configuration flexibility. Users requiring more advanced networking or GPU options will need to expand via the PCIe slot manually. Overall, the prebuilt HL8 fills a niche for those who want an enterprise-adjacent storage server without the learning curve or integration work required by a ground-up build, but it may be over-specified or overpriced for more self-sufficient users.

The 45Drives Houseton UI Software – Any Good?

The Houston UI platform from 45Drives is built on top of the open-source Cockpit Project, designed to offer users a web-based server management interface with a lightweight footprint.

Its browser-based GUI makes it accessible from any device on the network, and it supports multiple Linux distributions, including Rocky Linux, which is often used as the default OS with Houston UI.

One of the primary strengths of Houston UI is its ZFS management interface. Users can easily create, modify, and monitor ZFS storage pools without needing to interact directly with the command line.

The system allows for selection of RAID types (RAIDZ1, Z2, etc.), VDEV expansion, record size configuration, deduplication, encryption, and adjustable compression — all accessible within a guided, GUI-based setup.

System monitoring is a central feature of Houston UI, with a real-time dashboard showing CPU, memory, network throughput, and active services. It includes disk status indicators, smart monitoring tools, and hardware detail pages.

Some of which include visual layouts depending on motherboard detection. While the graphical presentation is basic compared to Synology DSM, it does provide sufficient system insight for regular administration.

Houston UI also includes a modular service control center, where administrators can enable or disable a wide range of server services such as Samba (SMB), NFS, SSH, and rsync.

Each module is toggleable, and users can configure individual services with editable configuration files directly from the browser. This brings flexibility, while still maintaining visual accessibility for basic tasks.

The task scheduler in Houston UI provides an easy way to set up automated jobs — including backups, updates, power cycling, and network interface toggling.

Unlike many systems that hide these functions under multiple wizards, Houston offers a unified “Tasks” area for managing all routine automations, including custom scripts and cron-based tasks.

A standout feature is the cloud synchronization and backup module, which offers connectivity to cloud platforms such as Amazon S3 and Backblaze B2, as well as support for local-to-remote rsync and FTP targets. It allows users to control bandwidth, frequency, and folder mappings from a single-pane interface — something that’s typically fragmented in competing platforms.

For users running virtual machines, Houston UI includes a KVM-based virtualization manager. This allows the creation and monitoring of guest VMs directly through the browser, including storage provisioning, image selection, CPU/memory configuration, and console access. While not as feature-rich as Proxmox, it’s suitable for lightweight VM workloads and container testing.

Finally, Houston supports module extensions, with 45Drives publishing their own file sharing and ZFS modules via GitHub. These can be installed on any compatible Linux system running Cockpit. This open approach allows users to build their own UI extensions or pull from the community, avoiding platform lock-in and enabling customization well beyond the factory defaults.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The 45Drives HL8, when configured as a chassis with backplane and PSU, represents a refined and deliberate approach to small-form NAS deployment. Priced around $880 USD, this configuration sits well above entry-level alternatives, but the investment is clearly reflected in its enterprise-grade construction, serviceable layout, and attention to detail. With a robust 16-gauge steel chassis, direct-wired SATA backplane, and a high-efficiency 500W Flex ATX PSU pre-installed, it offers an ideal base for users who plan to build a serious and scalable NAS solution without locking themselves into restrictive ecosystems.

The hinged body design, tool-free drive access, and Noctua fan integration show a strong understanding of real-world usability, especially for those who perform ongoing maintenance, upgrades, or hardware experimentation. In that sense, it’s less a typical “consumer NAS case” and more a modular platform intended for long-term infrastructure use in homelab and small business environments.

That said, this is not a universal fit for all users. The HL8’s exclusive support for mini-ITX motherboards imposes limitations on connectivity and expansion, especially for those needing multiple PCIe lanes or additional SATA ports without relying on adapters. And while the internal layout is clearly optimized, buyers still need to be comfortable sourcing and configuring their own motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage—something that could be daunting for beginners or those seeking simplicity over flexibility. In markets where similar 8-bay enclosures from lesser-known brands can be found for half the price, the HL8’s value lies more in its physical build quality, localized production, and long-term viability rather than raw cost efficiency. Users comparing it to entry-tier rackmount gear or compact server cases will need to weigh whether the HL8’s refinement and modularity justify the premium.

Ultimately, the HL8 is a product with a clearly defined audience: self-hosters, IT professionals, and technical users who understand the value of vendor-agnostic hardware and want to retain full control over their system’s lifecycle. It offers a rare middle ground between low-cost DIY setups that require piecemeal integration and fully locked turnkey NAS systems from mainstream brands. For those who are willing to invest not only financially but also in the time and knowledge needed to assemble and manage their NAS environment, the HL8 stands out as one of the most thoughtfully engineered and supportable 8-bay NAS chassis currently on the market.

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Does the Orico Cyberdata Vault CF56 and CF56 Pro Deserve Your Data?

IMPORTANT – This is a review of two early prototypes of the Orico Cyberdata Vault NAS devices that will be launching on crowdfunding in July, and likely will see improvement and optimization as time and development continue. I provide this rolling/dynamic review as an indication of what the system is aiming fo ran a full and detailed review of the final product will arrive much closer to launch.

The Orico CyberData Vault CF56 and CF56 Pro NAS systems are part of a newly developed six-model lineup that will be launched via Kickstarter, aimed squarely at prosumers, media professionals, and small business environments in need of hybrid local storage with higher bandwidth connectivity and ZFS support. Both systems are built around the same chassis design but differ significantly in internal capabilities: the CF56 features an Intel Core i3-N305 processor (8-core, 8-thread), while the CF56 Pro steps up to an Intel Core i5-1240P (12-core, 16-thread). The units combine traditional 3.5-inch HDD storage (five bays) with six M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching or tiered storage configurations, housed within a structure that offers magnetic access panels and multi-zone active cooling.

These models also introduce Orico’s new CyberData OS, a ZFS-based operating system featuring snapshots, real-time media indexing, and AI photo recognition—although in its current form it remains incomplete and in early development. With features such as dual 10GbE on the Pro model, USB4 connectivity, and flexible expansion via a GPU dock or RAID cabinet, these NAS systems reflect Orico’s shift from accessory brand to full-scale storage solution provider. While still prototype units, the CF56 and CF56 Pro demonstrate hardware ambition aligned with recent trends in semi-professional NAS design, echoing earlier moves from competitors like UGREEN, Aoostar, and Minisforum.

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Quick Conclusion

The Orico CF56 and CF56 Pro offer a promising blend of modern hardware, hybrid storage design, and ZFS-based data protection aimed at prosumers and small creative teams seeking high-speed, subscription-free private cloud solutions. With a total of five 3.5” HDD bays and six M.2 NVMe SSD slots, both units provide considerable flexibility for building tiered or cache-accelerated storage environments, while their use of efficient Intel processors—the N305 in the CF56 and the more powerful i5-1240P in the Pro—positions them for a wide range of workflows from basic file serving to heavier tasks like 8K transcoding, Docker hosting, and AI media indexing. The CF56 Pro, in particular, stands out with its dual 10GbE networking, USB4 ports, GPU dock support, and multi-zone cooling—placing it closer to workstation-class NAS territory. However, both models are currently limited by the early state of their CyberData OS software, which, while promising in features like snapshots, AI recognition, and mobile integration, suffers from missing essentials such as two-factor authentication, a complete app ecosystem, and consistent language localization. Performance results also reflect this unfinished software layer, with SMB transfer speeds and transcoding performance falling short of the hardware’s full potential. Concerns like elevated NVMe temperatures on the Pro model and the lack of ECC memory support—despite ZFS being the default file system—underscore the need for careful expectations among more advanced users. Nonetheless, as hardware platforms, the CF56 and CF56 Pro are well-designed and competitive, particularly if Orico can deliver on its planned optimizations and enhancements by the time of full release.

BUILD QUALITY - 8/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 8/10

VALUE - 8/10

7.8

PROS

Hybrid storage: 5x HDD + 6x M.2 NVMe SSD (flexible ZFS configurations)
Dual 10GbE on CF56 Pro for high-speed networking
Modern CPUs: Efficient N305 and powerful i5-1240P
Expandability via GPU dock (CF56 Pro only) and USB4 RAID cabinet
Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM with dual-channel (CF56 Pro)
Multi-zone active cooling and manual fan profiles
HDMI + DisplayPort output with 4K/8K support
Integrated AI media management and Docker support

CONS

No ECC memory support
USB4 ports lack network-over-USB functionality (Coming Later Apparently)
Early firmware lacks optimization (e.g. SMB transfer speeds)
CyberData OS lacks two-factor authentication and app store currently
Top NVMe region on CF56 Pro runs hot under load (80°C) on this protoype
Localization/UI inconsistencies in current OS build (still pre-launch) and Software still in development; not final at time of review
Crowdfunding is Not For Everyone

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Design

The exterior design of the CF56 and CF56 Pro is clearly built around practical serviceability and visual minimalism, with both devices using a shared chassis that prioritizes easy access to internal components. The most distinctive feature is the magnetic front panel, which is removable without tools and serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. This panel provides ventilation along the sides and top edges, as well as system information through onboard LED indicators.

Behind it, the five 3.5-inch drive bays are arranged vertically on a dedicated SATA backplane, pre-wired for direct access to the internal storage controller. This layout streamlines maintenance and makes drive replacement relatively simple, although hot-swap capability has not been officially confirmed in the prototype documentation.

Above the HDD area, users will find four top-facing M.2 NVMe SSD slots located beneath a secondary magnetic lid, which includes a washable mesh dust filter. This dual-layered design gives quick tool-less access to the upper SSDs, and the system provides enough internal clearance to accommodate full-height heatsinks.

Underneath the chassis are two additional M.2 NVMe slots, accessed by removing the base plate, which is secured with standard screws. Combined, this provides a total of six M.2 bays, enabling hybrid storage setups where SSDs can be allocated for cache, metadata pools, or as part of a tiered ZFS configuration. While the layout appears consistent across both models, there are minor internal structural differences, especially in the power and thermals between the N305 and i5 variants.

Build quality varies slightly depending on perspective. The chassis exterior is predominantly plastic for reduced weight and cost, but the internal structure—such as drive cages, shielding, and board mounting points—is fully metal, contributing to better durability and heat dissipation.

Ventilation is managed by a single large rear fan, with the Pro variant including additional improvements in thermal zoning. Noise levels remained within reasonable limits during testing, with the CF56 model averaging 29–31 dBA in quiet mode and the CF56 Pro rising to 46–47 dBA under full load. This suggests that although the design is visually consistent, thermal demands increase substantially with the i5-1240P model under sustained workloads or dense NVMe configurations.

One notable design concern relates to the temperature observed in the upper M.2 bay region of the CF56 Pro. During extended stress testing, the top section of the chassis reached temperatures close to 80°C, prompting early correspondence with Orico about hardware revision plans. According to the brand, this issue has already led to a second- and third-generation PCB redesign, aiming to reduce thermal concentration around the CPU and top NVMe slots. It’s expected that the final retail revision of the CF56 Pro will include enhanced heat dissipation features in that area, potentially including better ventilation cutouts or redesigned passive cooling components on the board level.

Lastly, the system’s approach to internal power delivery differs subtly between models. Both the CF56 and CF56 Pro use an external PSU that connects via a barrel plug, but the wattage and thermal ceiling requirements are significantly higher on the Pro due to its 12-core CPU and expanded 10GbE networking. These differences also manifest in fan curve behavior and system-wide power consumption. Under light but active load (including live network activity and idle CPU), the CF56 consumed around 45–46W. In contrast, the CF56 Pro peaked at 79–81W during 8K transcoding and full NVMe/HDD population. This further emphasizes how both models share a common enclosure but diverge internally to meet their respective performance tiers.

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Internal Hardware

Internally, the CF56 and CF56 Pro share a similar board layout, but the differences in their processors define the target use case and overall capabilities of each unit. The CF56 is powered by the Intel Core i3-N305, an energy-efficient 8-core/8-thread processor based on the Gracemont architecture. This CPU is commonly used in fanless mini PCs and excels in multi-threaded workloads at low power consumption, making it suitable for light-to-moderate NAS tasks such as SMB file serving, local backups, Docker containers, and light Plex usage. Meanwhile, the CF56 Pro features the Intel Core i5-1240P, a significantly more powerful 12-core/16-thread processor with four performance cores and eight efficiency cores. This hybrid architecture provides greater burst throughput and a better foundation for AI-enhanced services, real-time media indexing, and virtualization tasks.

Both systems come with DDR5 memory pre-installed—16GB in the prototype units—but with different slot configurations. The CF56 includes a single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot, limiting it to a maximum of 32GB of memory and restricting dual-channel capability. In contrast, the CF56 Pro includes two SO-DIMM slots, supporting up to 64GB DDR5 and enabling dual-channel operation, which offers a notable performance uplift in workloads such as memory-intensive VMs or media databases. However, ECC memory is not supported on either model, due to both CPUs lacking ECC validation. This may concern users intending to rely on ZFS for mission-critical operations, as ECC is typically recommended in those scenarios to prevent silent data corruption.

Storage throughput is also heavily influenced by the PCIe lane allocation on each model. In the CF56, all six M.2 NVMe SSD slots operate on Gen 3 lanes, with those on the top four slots running at PCIe 3.0 x1 speeds and the bottom two reaching PCIe 3.0 x4. While this limits maximum per-slot bandwidth to around 1 GB/s on the upper four, it allows for cost-effective use of Gen 3 drives, which remain widely available and affordable. The CF56 Pro offers higher total bandwidth, with its top four M.2 slots upgraded to PCIe 3.0 x2, and the bottom two retaining PCIe 3.0 x4. Despite the i5-1240P supporting Gen 4 PCIe, Orico appears to have intentionally limited all M.2 slots to Gen 3 to manage thermals and ensure system stability under prolonged load.

An unexpected discovery during prototype testing revealed a possible seventh internal M.2 slot in the CF56 Pro, presumed to host the system boot drive or be reserved for future expansion. However, due to the lack of SSH access in the prototype firmware, further validation was not possible at the time of recording.

Regardless, the six main M.2 slots and five SATA drive bays offer ample storage configurability, especially when paired with the ZFS features of CyberData OS. System cooling, power delivery, and memory configuration all reflect Orico’s attempt to match their component selection with real-world use cases—balancing between hardware headroom, affordability, and the needs of semi-professional users handling mixed media workflows.

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Ports and Connections

The CF56 and CF56 Pro both offer a broad selection of ports, but the Pro model significantly extends external connectivity, particularly in terms of networking and high-speed data interfaces. On the CF56, the rear I/O includes a standard 2.5GbE LAN port alongside a single 10GbE RJ45 connection, suitable for most users looking to transfer large media files or operate light virtual environments. The CF56 Pro upgrades this to two dedicated 10GbE ports, allowing for simultaneous high-throughput tasks or link aggregation configurations. This networking setup makes the Pro variant especially attractive for multi-user environments, such as small studios, where heavy media file access and backups may occur concurrently across devices.

Both models include a similar array of USB ports on the rear and front panels. This consists of two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for high-speed peripheral or DAS connectivity, and two legacy USB 2.0 ports suitable for input devices or basic accessories. The CF56 Pro goes a step further by incorporating dual USB4 ports—though in testing, these were not available for direct network interface (as is possible on some modern NAS with Thunderbolt or USB-C network tunneling), but functioned as general-purpose USB interfaces. According to Orico, future firmware revisions may unlock additional functionality, but as of the current prototype, USB4 is primarily used for connecting high-speed external drives or expansion units.

Video output is supported across both systems, which include an HDMI 2.0 port and a DisplayPort 1.4 connection on the CF56, and upgraded HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a outputs on the CF56 Pro. These allow users to output up to 8K display resolution, enabling the NAS to function as a lightweight desktop, digital signage server, or direct-play multimedia center. Integration with CyberData OS supports media playback and basic interface control over HDMI, though there are some limitations in UI optimization for direct screen navigation, especially in the current prototype firmware. Still, the availability of dual video outputs on both models reflects a growing trend in hybrid NAS/HTPC design.

Power input is provided via a barrel connector on both models, though the CF56 Pro uses a higher-wattage external PSU due to the increased demands of its CPU and dual 10GbE networking. Internal power distribution appears to be cleanly handled, and the systems remained electrically stable during tests. One area of future interest will be how Orico handles expandability. While Thunderbolt or USB4-based RAID cabinets are planned for the series, support was not fully implemented in the prototype stage. GPU dock support is also present only on the larger devices in the product family, leveraging the i5’s PCIe expansion capability for dedicated GPU tasks such as video rendering, AI inference, or VM acceleration.

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Performance, Heat and Power Tests

Initial performance evaluations of the CF56 and CF56 Pro revealed that while the underlying hardware is capable, real-world throughput is currently constrained by early-stage software optimization. During SMB file transfer testing over 10GbE, both models struggled to reach expected performance levels, with the CF56 averaging below 500 MB/s and the CF56 Pro rarely breaking 1 GB/s, even under favorable conditions. Orico acknowledged this limitation and confirmed that software-level optimization was ongoing. As such, these figures should be treated as provisional and not reflective of the final product performance. In both models, ZFS was used as the underlying file system, configured in a hybrid tiered setup with HDDs for capacity and NVMe for metadata and caching.

Transcoding tests were particularly revealing of the CPU differences between the models. The CF56 managed basic 1080p and some 4K H.265 transcodes via software decoding, but exhibited signs of strain under higher bitrates or simultaneous streams. In contrast, the CF56 Pro with its i5-1240P processor handled up to eight 8K transcodes concurrently during one benchmark, maintaining responsiveness while CPU usage hovered around 30%. Despite this impressive processing ability, peak system power draw climbed to 81W, highlighting the thermal and energy trade-offs required for sustained performance. Notably, neither system offers hardware transcoding via Intel Quick Sync, as support for it was not accessible in the current CyberData OS build.

Thermal management remained mostly acceptable, though not without concern on the CF56 Pro. Under stress, the top M.2 bay area reached 80°C, and while no thermal throttling occurred, prolonged exposure could reduce SSD lifespan or stability. Orico responded that this issue was already being addressed through a revised internal board layout and enhanced venting. The CF56 maintained lower temperatures during the same tests, remaining between 38–46°C under average usage. The difference is largely attributable to the lower TDP of the N305 CPU and reduced overall system throughput, which in turn generated less heat throughout the chassis.

Noise levels were measured in all three fan modes (Quiet, Standard, and Turbo) to assess usability in home or small office settings. In Quiet mode, the CF56 registered 29–31 dBA, making it suitable for desktop deployment or living room environments. The CF56 Pro remained silent under light use, but escalated to 46–47 dBA under Turbo mode, with fan noise becoming noticeably audible. Most of the ambient sound during low to moderate use came from HDD activity, rather than the cooling fans. The OS includes manual fan control and profile scheduling, allowing users to balance performance and acoustics based on workload and time of day.

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Software and Services

The desktop client software included with the Orico CF56 and CF56 Pro NAS systems is built on fnOS, a closed-source NAS operating system developed in China and increasingly licensed by various hardware brands. In its current state, the desktop interface provides access to all core storage functions, including RAID management, user permissions, snapshot control, and file operations, but it clearly reflects a system still undergoing development.

While the application is responsive and offers real-time monitoring of CPU, memory, and storage activity, it lacks polish in both design layout and localization. Several UI elements remain inconsistently translated, and some modules—such as the multimedia suite and AI functions—exhibit a mixture of English and untranslated Chinese text even when the system language is set to English.

Functionally, the OS supports the major protocols expected from a ZFS-based platform, including SMB, NFS, FTP, and Time Machine backup for macOS. File-level encryption, inline deduplication, and snapshot creation are all available within the storage management interface, with options for cache acceleration using the M.2 NVMe drives.

However, the absence of certain administrative features—most notably two-factor authentication, SSH access, and a dedicated app store—limits its appeal for security-conscious users or those looking to expand functionality via community-developed tools.

The system does include Docker support with a container manager interface, but VM deployment and third-party service integration (e.g., Plex, Jellyfin) are currently unavailable or not pre-installed.

The file management system in the desktop client is functional but basic, offering drag-and-drop file operations, preview support for common file types, and options for setting sharing permissions. Remote access features rely on a relay service provided by Orico, and while this worked reliably during testing, there was no visible option for configuring custom domain access, HTTPS certificates, or firewall profiles—features typically expected in more mature NAS operating systems.

Some of the advanced AI features, such as facial recognition and semantic photo tagging, are accessible through this desktop interface, but their functionality is inconsistent due to metadata scraping issues and interface reliability.

On the mobile side, the fnOS-derived application shows greater completeness. The Android client used during testing allowed for quick setup, user management, remote file access, and snapshot control. Photo and video libraries are indexed automatically and presented with timeline views, location tags, and album sorting. The app also supports real-time uploads, camera roll backups, and basic editing metadata tagging.

AI recognition features such as object detection and face grouping are available, although semantic search accuracy remains mixed.

Remote control of HDMI playback from the phone is supported, allowing content streaming directly to a connected display, but the controls remain basic and lack the refinement of dedicated media remote interfaces.

Overall, while the mobile app appears more polished and covers most core user needs, both desktop and mobile software clients reflect a platform that is not yet feature-complete. The reliance on fnOS gives Orico a functional foundation with native ZFS support and UI consistency across devices, but the closed nature of the system, combined with the lack of extensibility and incomplete localization, may limit its immediate appeal outside of its domestic market.

If Orico follows through on promised optimizations and expands the software stack with a proper app ecosystem and advanced security controls, the platform could become more viable in international NAS markets. Until then, the software should be considered a work-in-progress that supports basic NAS tasks but may fall short for more demanding or technical deployments.

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The Orico CF56 and CF56 Pro represent a calculated step into the semi-professional NAS market by a brand historically known for accessories and external storage enclosures. By leveraging Intel’s N305 and i5-1240P processors, DDR5 memory, and a mix of HDD and NVMe storage options, Orico offers a compelling hardware platform on both models—especially in terms of expandability and bandwidth potential. The CF56 is well-suited for users who require reliable local storage with some containerization and light media usage, while the CF56 Pro pushes into territory typically occupied by entry-level rackmounts or high-end desktop NAS systems, thanks to its dual 10GbE ports, USB4 support, and improved thermal zoning. While the lack of ECC memory may deter more cautious enterprise buyers, most of the design trade-offs appear intentional and aligned with prosumer priorities.

That said, both units remain in a pre-release state at the time of writing, and their software platform—CyberData OS—is clearly still under development. While the ZFS integration, AI media indexing, and snapshot management show promise, issues such as language inconsistencies, incomplete feature sets, and missing essentials like two-factor authentication may limit early adoption. File transfer and multimedia performance also require further optimization, with current speeds falling short of the hardware’s capabilities. As prototypes, the CF56 and CF56 Pro demonstrate strong hardware foundations, and if the OS matures as expected by launch, these units could become legitimate alternatives to mainstream NAS systems in the increasingly crowded hybrid storage space.

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TB5 M.2 NVMe Pegasus5 from Promise Revealed

At Computex 2025 in Taipei, PROMISE Technology introduced the Pegasus5 M8, an NVMe-based RAID storage system built around Intel’s Thunderbolt 5 interface. This new addition to the Pegasus5 product line focuses on delivering high-throughput, low-latency performance in a compact form factor tailored for professionals working with data-heavy content. Thunderbolt 5 provides a significant increase in bandwidth compared to previous generations, supporting up to 80 Gbps combined data and video transfer, which the M8 leverages for intensive media workflows. The M8 was presented as part of PROMISE’s wider strategy to address evolving demands in high-resolution video production, AI-assisted processing, and portable high-speed storage. Its debut follows the earlier launch of the Pegasus5 R12 and R12 Pro, which introduced 12-bay and hybrid HDD/SSD tower configurations with RAID capabilities, aimed at larger-scale desktop storage environments.

Promise Pegasus5 M8 Hardware Specifications

The Pegasus5 M8 is a compact, all-flash 8-bay direct-attached storage (DAS) system that exclusively supports M.2 NVMe SSDs. It accommodates both standard 2280-length SSDs and 1.5-inch variants, allowing flexibility in selecting drives based on capacity, endurance, or thermal profile. The system supports a mix of TLC-based drives for high performance and QLC-based drives for increased capacity per dollar, giving users the option to tailor the configuration toward speed, cost-efficiency, or a balance of both. Each M.2 slot is connected via a high-speed PCIe backplane, allowing maximum parallel bandwidth to the controller for simultaneous multi-drive operations.

Specification	Details
Form Factor	8-Bay Portable NVMe Storage System
Drive Support	8 × M.2 NVMe SSD (2280 and 1.5-inch supported)
Interface	Thunderbolt 5 (up to 80 Gbps combined bandwidth)
Maximum Throughput	Up to 6,000 MB/s
RAID Support	RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
RAID Engine	PROMISE PromiseRAID with NVMeBoost acceleration
Management Software	PROMISE Utility Pro (macOS and Windows compatible)
Power Delivery	Up to 140W passthrough charging (depends on host capabilities)
Display Support	Dual 6K or single 8K monitor via Thunderbolt 5 DisplayPort tunneling
Thermal Management	Intelligent fan control, internal heat dissipation with SSD thermal pads
Power Supply	Internal, 100–240V AC, 50–60Hz
Compatibility	macOS 13 and above, Windows 10 and later
Dimensions	Not officially disclosed (compact/portable class)
Certifications	RoHS, ErP compliant

The system’s core connectivity is provided by Thunderbolt 5, which doubles the baseline throughput of Thunderbolt 4. In standard mode, it offers 40 Gbps bidirectional data bandwidth, while the Bandwidth Boost mode enables a combined total of up to 80 Gbps for asymmetric workloads—ideal for video-heavy pipelines. In addition to raw data throughput, Thunderbolt 5 also provides support for DisplayPort tunneling, enabling the M8 to drive external monitors (up to dual 6K or a single 8K display) through the same interface used for data. Furthermore, the port delivers significantly enhanced power, with the system supporting passthrough charging of up to 140W, subject to host-side capabilities and cable specification.

Internally, the M8 leverages PROMISE’s NVMeBoost and PromiseRAID technologies for RAID management, data acceleration, and system diagnostics. RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 are supported across the full NVMe SSD array, providing a wide range of redundancy and performance configurations. PromiseRAID includes advanced features such as Predictive Data Migration (PDM), which periodically checks drive health using SMART telemetry and reallocates data proactively in the event of early failure indicators. This is paired with real-time monitoring, automatic rebuild processes, and background consistency checks—all accessible via the PROMISE Utility Pro software.

From a thermal and acoustic perspective, the M8 is designed with intelligent fan control that dynamically adjusts based on system temperature, minimizing noise during idle or low-load periods. The chassis incorporates airflow paths optimized for side-to-side or front-to-back movement depending on orientation, and thermal pads are used to dissipate heat from the M.2 SSDs to internal heatsinks. The power supply is internal, auto-switching between 100–240V AC, and the unit includes power-saving features such as host-synced sleep/wake, contributing to energy efficiency in extended deployment. The system is compatible with macOS 13 and later as well as Windows 11.

In the context of the PROMISE Pegasus5 series, particularly models like the R12 and M8 that utilize Thunderbolt 4 and 5, it’s important to distinguish between upstream and downstream ports as they serve different roles in device connectivity. The upstream port on a Pegasus5 system is used to connect the storage unit to the host computer—typically a Mac or Windows workstation. This is the primary data pathway through which the system is controlled, data is read and written, and device management is executed.

The downstream port, by contrast, enables daisy-chaining or peripheral expansion from the Pegasus unit to additional Thunderbolt or USB-C devices. This could include external monitors, additional storage devices, or other Thunderbolt peripherals. On Thunderbolt 4-enabled systems like the Pegasus5 R12, the downstream port supports dual 4K or a single 8K monitor, allowing it to act as both a storage device and a hub for display and accessory connectivity. On Thunderbolt 5 systems like the M8 or R12 Pro, this downstream capability is expanded further, supporting higher display resolutions and bandwidth-intensive devices without reducing data throughput to the storage array. This separation ensures consistent storage performance even when other peripherals are in use.

Promise Pegasus5 R12 and R12 Pro Specifications

The Pegasus5 R12 and R12 Pro are tower-based storage systems designed primarily for desktop environments where higher raw capacity and mixed-drive support are required. The standard R12 model features 12 bays for 3.5-inch SATA HDDs, supporting up to 288TB using 24TB drives. It connects via Thunderbolt 4 and provides sequential performance of up to 3,000 MB/s. The unit includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports—one upstream and one downstream—supporting daisy-chaining and external display connectivity. Internally, it runs on a quad-core 2.2 GHz storage processor with 8GB of DDR4 ECC memory, and supports a wide range of RAID levels including 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, with optional hot spare functionality. Like the M8, it is managed via PROMISE Utility Pro and includes support for Predictive Data Migration.

Specification	Pegasus5 R12	Pegasus5 R12 Pro
Form Factor	12-Bay Tower	12 + 4-Bay Hybrid Tower
Drive Support	12 × 3.5″ SATA HDD	12 × 3.5″ SATA HDD + 4 × M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
Max Capacity	Up to 288TB (12 × 24TB)	288TB HDD + 32TB NVMe SSD (4 × 8TB)
Interface	Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps), USB4 compatible	Thunderbolt 5 (up to 80 Gbps), USB4 compatible
Maximum Throughput	Up to 3,000 MB/s	Up to 6,000 MB/s
RAID Support	RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60	RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, 50 (NVMe), full RAID for HDD
RAID Engine	PromiseRAID	PromiseRAID with NVMe RAID support
Processor	Storage Processor, 4-core, 2.2 GHz	Same
Memory	8GB DDR4 ECC DIMM	Same
Display Support	One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port (dual 4K or single 8K monitor)	Thunderbolt 5 display tunneling for multiple 6K/8K monitors
Power Delivery	Up to 85W (Thunderbolt/USB4 host)	Up to 140W passthrough charging (host dependent)
Management Software	PROMISE Utility Pro	Same
Operating Systems	macOS 13 and above, Windows 10 or later	Same
Hot Swap / Hot Spare	Supported	Supported
Smart Features	Predictive Data Migration, SMART polling, Intelligent cooling	Same
Dimensions (mm)	318 x 227 x 227	Same
Weight	15.5 kg	Slightly higher (exact value not disclosed)
Power Supply	AC 100–240V, 350W	Same
Certifications	EMC: FCC, CE; Safety: cTUVus, CB; RoHS, ErP	Same

The R12 Pro builds upon this foundation by introducing a hybrid 12+4 bay architecture—adding four M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots alongside the 12 standard HDD bays. This hybrid layout enables users to implement NVMe-based caching or tiered storage to accelerate performance-critical operations while retaining the high capacity of mechanical storage. The R12 Pro is equipped with Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, offering a data rate of up to 6,000 MB/s and compatibility with advanced display and charging protocols. RAID support is extended to NVMe drives, allowing configurations such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50 across the SSD layer. The system retains the same internal architecture and management tools as the standard R12 but introduces higher thermal demands and greater performance headroom due to its dual-media architecture.

Who are the Promise Pegasus5 M8, R12 and R12 Pro For?

The Pegasus5 M8, R12, and R12 Pro are each designed to address distinct storage requirements, aligning with varying workflows and user priorities. The M8 is suited for professionals who require high-speed NVMe performance in a compact and portable form factor. Its use of Thunderbolt 5 and full NVMe support makes it particularly effective for high-resolution video editing (4K to 8K), real-time AI model training, and mobile post-production environments. Its small footprint and low-noise design further enhance its usability for users who operate in constrained or shared workspaces, or who regularly travel with their equipment.

The R12 and R12 Pro are more appropriate for stationary, high-capacity storage needs. The R12, with its 12-bay HDD configuration, supports large media libraries and backup repositories, making it suitable for long-term storage in editing suites or enterprise archive setups. The R12 Pro extends this by incorporating NVMe SSD support alongside HDDs, offering tiered storage capabilities that appeal to users who require a balance between high throughput and large volume. This model is targeted at studios or teams managing high-bandwidth workflows such as multi-stream video processing, where simultaneous access to cached and archival data is necessary.

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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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Synology Launches RS2825RP+ RackStation NAS for Business Deployments

As Synology continue its large-scale refresh of its solution portfolio, it is finally time to start talking about rackmount solutions! Although many were waiting on the RS1225+, it looks like the brand wants to ‘go big’ with the Synology RS2825RP+ 16 Bay, expandable 10GbE equipped and 25G Ready server solution. Arriving in the PLUS series, and therefore subject to the recent hardline storage media verification changes made by the brand for the 2025 series and onwards, the RS2825RP+ is clearly a very, very different solution and therefore perhaps reaching a target audience who are more receptive to it (maybe). Synology have a phenomenal history when it comes to their rackmount series – for many years it was just the rackstation series – but eventually we saw the UC, SA, FS and XS arrives.. which in turn is now rolling towards the enterprise challengers such as the Active Protect DP devices, the Gridstation (GS) devices and even a long desired and promised NVMe Flash series (the PAS range). So, PLUS series devices like the RS2825RP+ are occupying an increasingly squeezed area of the portfolio where buyers want comparatively affordable, scalable and capable storage. The changes by the brand on drive media support and verification do undercut this somewhat, so with that in mind, what has this new 3U Rackmount got to offer you in 2025 that makes it deserved your money and your data?

The Synology RS2825RP+ is equipped with an AMD Ryzen V1780B processor, offering a quad-core architecture with base and boost clocks of 3.35 GHz and 3.6 GHz, respectively. Designed for enterprise-grade workloads, the system includes 8 GB of ECC DDR4 memory in a single module configuration, which can be expanded up to 32 GB via two available slots. The rackmount chassis conforms to a 3U form factor and houses 16 front-accessible drive bays, supporting both 3.5” and 2.5” SATA formats. Networking capabilities include dual 1GbE ports and a single 10GbE port for high-speed data transfer, with a PCIe Gen3 slot offering further upgrade flexibility for additional NICs or storage controllers. According to Synology’s internal benchmarks, the unit delivers up to 3,519 MB/s sequential read and 1,790 MB/s write performance, which is suitable for multi-user environments requiring fast data access and sharing.

Engineered for sustained operation in business-critical environments, the RS2825RP+ incorporates three hot-swappable fans for effective airflow and dual redundant power supplies to mitigate downtime during hardware failures. The hot-swappable drive trays support online volume management, allowing for drive replacement or expansion without system shutdown. The power input is adaptable across 100–240V AC ranges, ensuring compatibility with global power standards. The system is further enhanced by a dedicated hardware encryption engine, allowing encrypted data processing without heavily impacting performance, making it practical for organizations handling sensitive or regulated data.

On the software side, the RS2825RP+ runs Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM), which supports a wide suite of data protection, business productivity, and infrastructure management applications. Included without additional licensing are tools such as Synology High Availability, which enables failover between identical units to ensure service continuity, and Snapshot Replication, which offers near-instantaneous recovery points for shared folders and LUNs. Hyper Backup extends protection to remote servers and public clouds with features like deduplication, data integrity verification, and multi-versioned backup scheduling. For IT environments reliant on virtualization, DSM integrates natively with VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix, and OpenStack, with support for VMware VAAI and Windows ODX to offload and streamline storage operations.

Beyond infrastructure, DSM also serves as a collaboration platform. Synology Drive allows for real-time file synchronization across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms, with granular permissions for enterprise-grade file governance. Users can collaborate using Synology Office, which provides a shared workspace for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with unlimited versioning and cross-format compatibility. Communication features such as Synology Chat and Calendar are included, supporting encrypted messaging and team scheduling. Hybrid Share, an optional feature, combines on-premise access speed with cloud-based scalability, enabling multi-site deployments to efficiently manage shared files with a single global namespace.

The RS2825RP+ supports a maximum of 28 drives when paired with the RX1225RP expansion unit, enabling up to 560 TB of raw storage using currently available 20 TB drives. Storage flexibility is provided through support for Btrfs on internal volumes and a range of file systems on external devices. Multiple RAID configurations are available, including Synology Hybrid RAID, Basic, JBOD, and traditional RAID levels 0 through 10. SSD caching is supported via both SATA and M.2 NVMe SSDs, the latter requiring optional expansion cards. Volume sizes up to 200 TB are supported, although configurations exceeding 108 TB require the system to be upgraded to 32 GB of RAM, ensuring memory availability for managing large metadata and file tables.

A key constraint with the RS2825RP+ is Synology’s enforcement of verified drive compatibility. At the time of release, the system only allows initialization and full access to features when Synology-branded drives or those listed on its official compatibility list are installed. This closed ecosystem policy may limit adoption among users seeking to repurpose third-party or existing storage media. The restriction also affects advanced features such as SSD caching, drive health monitoring, and hybrid volume configurations, which are tied to Synology’s drive firmware and integration layers. The Synology RS2825RP+ offers a balanced mix of compute power, storage expandability, and data protection features suitable for centralized IT infrastructure in small to medium-sized businesses. Its high-speed throughput, enterprise-grade software suite, and support for virtualization and surveillance make it versatile for multiple deployment scenarios. However, organizations considering this model should weigh the implications of Synology’s drive compatibility enforcement against their existing hardware procurement policies.

Synology RS2825RP+ vs RS2821RP+ – A Significant Upgrade?

he RS2825RP+ is expected to replace the older RS2821RP+ in Synology’s 16-bay rackmount NAS lineup, and while both systems share the same 3U chassis size, drive bay count, and expansion support up to 28 bays, they diverge significantly in internal hardware. The newer model features a faster AMD Ryzen V1780B CPU with a higher base clock of 3.35 GHz (vs 2.2 GHz in the V1500B), along with 8 GB of ECC DDR4 memory pre-installed—double that of the RS2821RP+. The RS2825RP+ also includes a 10GbE port by default, something absent from the RS2821RP+, which instead comes with four 1GbE ports. While both models support PCIe expansion, the RS2825RP+ uses a newer generation processor with improved encryption offloading and virtualization potential, better suited to modern business applications with higher throughput demands.

However, the RS2821RP+ offers greater flexibility in terms of supported drive media. Although Synology recommends its own branded drives for this unit, it does not enforce the same strict hardware lock-in seen on the RS2825RP+. Users of the RS2821RP+ can utilize a broader range of 2.5” and 3.5” SATA HDDs and SSDs, including many from third-party vendors, without encountering initialization blocks or feature restrictions. This openness makes the RS2821RP+ a more attractive option for businesses with existing storage investments or those who prioritize long-term cost control and vendor neutrality. By contrast, the RS2825RP+ requires verified drives at launch, which restricts hardware reusability and may increase TCO for those transitioning from legacy systems.

When Will the Synology RS2825RP+ Be Released and the Price?

Ultimately, the RS2825RP+ represents a forward step in terms of raw performance and integrated networking capabilities, aligning with Synology’s broader push toward all-in-one systems with deeper integration and control. But that progress comes at the cost of flexibility, particularly in storage media compatibility. The RS2821RP+ may remain relevant for users seeking broader hardware compatibility, even as the RS2825RP+ replaces it in the official portfolio. Buyers will need to weigh the advantages of newer hardware against the limitations introduced by Synology’s tighter ecosystem approach.

All shared information online and inadvertent slips on the RS2825RP+ appear to indicate that the RS2825RP+ will arrive at a similar price point to it’s predecessor at around $3000-3499, and launching earlier in the eastern regions, but eventually rolling out globally in June.

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Synology Beestation Plus 8TB Revealed and Detailed

Synology has unveiled the BeeStation Plus (BST170-8T) in their pre-Computex build up (alongside an early reveal back in Jan 2025 at CES/Pepcom), the latest addition to its growing portfolio of personal cloud storage solutions aimed at everyday users. Building on the success of the original BeeStation (BST150-4T), the Plus model directly addresses feedback from users who wanted greater capacity, faster performance, and more versatile applications—without the steep learning curve of traditional NAS systems. This one-bay device ships pre-populated with an 8TB Synology HAT3310 hard drive (7200 RPM), powered by a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 processor and 4GB of non-upgradable DDR4 memory. The combination is notable because it brings x86-class processing and hardware transcoding support to an ultra-simplified setup—something virtually unheard of in this form factor. With its out-of-the-box readiness, cloud-linked setup process, and focus on seamless user experience, BeeStation Plus is designed for those seeking to move away from Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox subscriptions, offering complete local control of data without compromising on usability. Features such as AI-driven photo management, native mobile apps, and Plex Media Server support are now included, making this device far more than just cold storage. For individuals and families looking to centralize their backups, photos, videos, and personal files in a user-friendly ecosystem—without paying monthly cloud fees—Synology positions the BeeStation Plus as an appealing middle ground between cloud services and more complex NAS platforms like the DiskStation DS224+.

Synology Beestation Plus 8TB – Who Is This For?

The BeeStation Plus is designed with a clear goal: to serve individuals, families, and small teams who want private, centralized storage without the barriers that typically come with managing a traditional NAS. It’s aimed at users who are familiar with cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud, but want to move away from recurring subscription fees and the privacy concerns associated with third-party cloud storage. For many, the idea of hosting data locally remains appealing—yet the complexity of DSM-based Synology systems can be overwhelming. The BeeStation Plus sidesteps that entirely by offering a plug-and-play experience: no drive installation, no volume configuration, no knowledge of RAID, and no need to navigate DSM’s enterprise-leaning control panels.

Instead of DSM, BeeStation Plus runs a simplified, task-oriented operating system that emphasizes automation and immediacy. Setup is handled via a QR code and cloud-linked sign-in process using your existing Apple or Google account. Within minutes, users can begin backing up photos, syncing cloud drives, or transferring personal data using intuitive applications like BeePhotos and BeeFiles. Notably, BeePhotos offers local AI processing for face recognition and subject categorization—no data is sent to the cloud, and everything runs on-device using the integrated GPU in the Intel Celeron chip. These features mimic what users expect from modern photo cloud services, but with full local ownership.

Where the DiskStation platform caters to power users—with capabilities like multi-tiered storage pools, user-group policies, virtualization, Docker containers, and dual-LAN failover—BeeStation Plus avoids this complexity altogether. While some may view it as limiting, Synology has correctly identified a growing segment of mainstream users who simply want a secure, reliable, and easy-to-manage storage hub for their files, memories, and work. For them, BeeStation Plus delivers a near turn-key solution that doesn’t demand IT knowledge or ongoing configuration, while still offering meaningful tools like Plex integration, two-way cloud sync, and internal snapshot recovery.

Synology Beestation Plus 8TB – Hardware Specifications

At the heart of the Synology BeeStation Plus is the Intel Celeron J4125, a quad-core x86 processor that, while not cutting-edge, is a substantial leap from the Realtek RTD1619B used in the original BeeStation. The J4125 brings integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600, enabling hardware video transcoding—critical for smooth 4K Plex streaming and responsive AI-powered photo recognition within BeePhotos. This CPU choice also allows Synology to run a broader range of services, including native Plex Media Server installation and enhanced indexing performance for large photo or document libraries. Paired with 4GB of DDR4 memory, the system is built to handle simultaneous user access and background tasks like backups and media processing without performance degradation—something the original model struggled with due to its lower RAM and ARM-based chip.

The BeeStation Plus ships with a pre-installed 8TB Synology HAT3310 hard drive, a 7200 RPM SATA HDD from Synology’s own verified drive lineup. While the device only supports a single internal bay, the included drive offers ample performance for most home and SOHO workloads, and the use of a higher-RPM disk ensures better responsiveness for large file transfers and indexing tasks. The storage is non-removable by design, as BeeStation products prioritize simplicity and stability over modularity. This also means there is no RAID support—underscoring that this device is not built for redundancy, but rather for centralized storage with optional external or cloud-based backup using BeeProtect or a secondary Synology NAS.

Connectivity is modest but practical. The system includes one 1GbE RJ-45 Ethernet port for network access and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (one Type-A and one Type-C) for expanding storage or performing external backups. External drives can be browsed directly via BeeFiles or automatically backed up using the system’s USB Backup function. While some users may lament the lack of 2.5GbE or additional LAN ports, it’s worth noting that the target audience likely won’t saturate even gigabit speeds in everyday use. In real-world tests, BeeStation Plus can hit 150–180MB/s read speeds from its internal drive—enough to support simultaneous multimedia streaming and active file transfers across the network. The compact chassis also includes a cooling fan, a new addition over the passive original BeeStation, helping ensure thermal stability during extended workloads like Plex streaming or bulk photo indexing.

Synology Beestation Plus 8TB – BSM Software and Services

The BeeStation Plus is tightly integrated with Synology’s Bee-branded suite of applications, which form the foundation of its user experience. Chief among them is BeePhotos, a powerful photo management tool that automatically backs up images from mobile devices and organizes them using on-device AI for face, subject, and location recognition. Unlike cloud photo services, all indexing occurs locally, ensuring that sensitive images never leave the device. BeePhotos now supports iCloud Photo Backup, enabling direct migration of Apple photo libraries without requiring intermediate steps via your phone or computer. The web interface replicates the timeline-based design familiar to users of Google Photos or iCloud, complete with album views, smart filters, and Chromecast streaming. Meanwhile, BeeFiles acts as the central file manager, supporting version history, password-protected sharing, USB device browsing, and desktop sync via the BeeStation desktop client for Windows and macOS.

Beyond personal use, Synology has also included multi-user support for up to eight invited users, each with isolated private storage spaces and individual access rights. Users can connect to BeeStation from anywhere via the Synology cloud portal or mobile apps, allowing seamless collaboration and remote file access. BeeStation Plus also introduces native support for Plex Media Server, offering hardware-accelerated streaming of 4K content to TVs, tablets, or mobile devices. Integration is simplified through the BeeStation web portal, and libraries can be organized via BeeFiles’ dedicated “Plex Media Library” folder structure. Users can also take advantage of BeeProtect, a low-cost, unlimited-capacity cloud backup service that stores a full copy of the BeeStation’s data offsite—ideal for disaster recovery. Internal snapshot-based restore points add another layer of protection, allowing users to roll back the system in the event of accidental deletions or ransomware events, without relying on third-party services.

Synology Beestation Plus vs Synology DS224+/DS225+ and Beestation

The BeeStation Plus represents a clear technical upgrade over the original BeeStation, featuring a move from an ARM-based Realtek RTD1619B processor to a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125, along with a jump from 1GB to 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It also swaps the 5400 RPM 4TB HAT3300 drive for a faster 7200 RPM 8TB HAT3310, doubling the storage and improving responsiveness for tasks like AI photo indexing and multimedia playback. The inclusion of an active cooling fan further reinforces its suitability for continuous workloads, while added support for Plex Media Server and iCloud Photo Backup expands its capabilities far beyond the entry-level functionality of its predecessor. Both units share the same compact 1-bay form factor and cloud-integrated setup process, but the Plus model is built for heavier use, particularly in multi-user homes or for users archiving large libraries of photos and videos.

Synology Beestation Plus 8TB – Pricing and Release

The Synology BeeStation Plus (BST170-8T) launched globally in May 2025 with a suggested retail price of $369.95 USD (excluding VAT), positioning it as a compelling middle-ground between basic cloud drives and full NAS systems. This price includes the pre-installed 8TB Synology HAT3310 hard drive, three months of complimentary BeeProtect cloud backup, and full access to the BeeFiles and BeePhotos applications out of the box. While significantly more expensive than the original BeeStation’s $199.95 launch price, the BeeStation Plus delivers a considerable leap in performance, storage, and application support. Synology is clearly aiming to attract users looking to escape rising cloud subscription fees, with the device’s total cost of ownership undercutting comparable iCloud or Google One plans over just a few years. With increasing emphasis on private cloud solutions that are easy to deploy, the BeeStation Plus marks Synology’s most consumer-friendly push yet into the mainstream storage market.

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