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Aujourd’hui — 28 mars 2024Flux principal

UGREEN NAS Drive – Should You Buy?

Par : Rob Andrews
27 mars 2024 à 18:00

The UGREEN NAS Drives – Should You Back This Kickstarter?

The UGreen NAS series has recently been launched on Kickstarter, presenting an exciting opportunity for enthusiasts and potential users to engage with what the product promises. However, as with any product, especially those launched via crowdfunding platforms, it’s crucial to approach with a balanced perspective, recognizing both its strengths and potential limitations. In this context, the commentary highlights five appealing aspects of the UGreen NASync series and acknowledges five areas of concern or aspects that might be disappointing to some users. This nuanced approach is essential, especially when considering a product in its crowdfunding stage, distinct from a traditional retail purchase. Crowdfunding offers a unique set of risks and rewards, necessitating a careful approach from backers. For a comprehensive understanding, including detailed insights and analysis, it’s recommended to view the extensive one-hour review on YouTube and read the accompanying article for in-depth coverage of the UGreen NASync DXP4800 PLUS.

Important Links

  • The UGREEN NASync Kickstarter Page – HERE
  • UGREEN NASync DXP4800 PLUS NAS Review (Video) HERE  (Written Review)HERE
  • UGREEN NASync DXP4800 PLUS NAS Review (Should You Buy Video, Shorter) – HERE
  • UGREEN UGOS NAS Software Review – (Video) HERE – (Written Review) HERE

Reasons I LIKE the UGREEN NAS Drives

First, let’s discuss the really positive and impressive things about the UGREEN NASync series of devices.

The UGREEN NAS Have GREAT Hardware

You really can’t find fault, especially given the price, with the variety of hardware across the six versions of the UGreen NASync series. From an efficient and affordable N100 processor to a robust Pentium and a 10-core i5, the hardware range is impressive. Additionally, these systems come with 2.5G and 10G network connectivity, and some even offer Thunderbolt connectivity.

It’s the finer details that stand out: 8GB of DDR5 memory across the board, SD card slots in several models, and a compact Gen 4 SSD flash model featuring Wi-Fi 6E. The hardware spectrum UGreen offers in their debut series is truly remarkable.

UGREEN NAS Are Arriving With Good Design and Quality Build

The early prototypes of the DXP 4800 Plus and DXP480T showcase impressive build quality and construction. UGreen is evidently investing significantly in this new branch of their tech portfolio, a fact that is palpable in the devices’ build. With unique branding and a robust, predominantly metal construction, these systems feel sturdy. All internal components, including the motherboard and chip arrangement, are UGreen branded, featuring a custom UGreen kernel for the motherboard BIOS. This attention to detail ensures the system feels far from cheap, marking a strong entry into the NAS world with a product that seems exceptionally established.

The UGREEN Mobile Application is very, VERY Good!

You may have heard various opinions about the UGreen UGOS NAS software, which is currently in beta, coinciding with the launch of its crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. While actual product fulfillment might not occur until later in summer 2024, it’s worth delving into the mobile application aspect of their software. UGreen has prioritized the development of their mobile application, making it a comprehensive NAS management tool that stands out in terms of usability. Unlike many NAS software solutions that struggle to adapt desktop functionalities into a mobile format, resulting in a compromised user experience, the UGreen NAS Sync mobile app for Android and iOS is exceptionally well-crafted. It offers extensive control over system features without overwhelming users with complexity. This approach marks a significant departure from merely offering a web portal API in a less reliable mobile app form. UGreen’s investment in developing a potent and user-friendly mobile tool showcases their commitment to enhancing user experience, positioning it highly even when compared to industry leaders like Synology.

UGREEN is an Established Brand, NOT an Unknown or Startup

Unlike many startup and crowdfunded network-attached storage (NAS) solutions I’ve discussed on this channel (check out my history of NAS Kickstarter and Indiegogo articles), UGreen is an established brand in the tech sector. Having been around for nearly 14 years and already known for peripherals, this marks their first foray into network-attached storage. It’s important to recognize that UGreen brings existing brand recognition, a well-developed supply chain, support network, and production experience accustomed to worldwide distribution. A major challenge for many crowdfunded products, not just NAS, is that even great ideas can falter due to production and distribution issues. Having an established brand behind a product can often mitigate these risks, providing a level of assurance seldom seen with traditional indie startups.

The UGREEN NAS Range Are Very Affordable

I’ve already mentioned this, but it’s worth reiterating the exceptionally competitive price point across all six devices in the UGreen NASync portfolio. This pricing strategy is noteworthy both for early crowdfunding backers and for the retail recommended price (RRP) once these devices hit traditional retail channels. The brand’s own website even offers a staggering 40% discount, suggesting these products might be positioned as loss leaders to make a significant impact in the NAS market or that their profit margins are remarkably high. This pricing strategy makes the UGreen NASync series hard to overlook compared to other solutions. While not the cheapest, the pricing is balanced enough to cover production and distribution costs without deterring potential buyers who might consider more established market alternatives.

Specification DXP2800

DXP4800

DXP4800 Plus

DXP6800 Pro

DXP8800 Plus

DXP480T Plus

Kickstarter Page HERE HERE HERE HERE HERE HERE
Kickstarter Launch $239.99 $359.99 $419.99 $599.99 $899.99 $479.99
MSRP $399 $559 $699 $999 $1499 $779
Operating System UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro
CPU Model N100 N100 8505 1235u 1235u 1235u
CPU Brand Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel
CPU Architecture X86 12th Gen N Series X86 12th Gen N Series X86 12th Gen Intel Pentium Gold X86 12th Gen Intel Core i5 X86 12th Gen Intel Core i5 X86 12th Gen Intel Core i5
Cores/Threads 4/4 4/4 5/6 10/12 10/12 10/12
Memory (RAM) 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5
ODECC Support Supported Supported Supported Supported Supported Supported
Expandable RAM (max) 16GB 16GB 64GB 64GB 64GB 64GB
Flash Memory (System Disk) eMMC 32GB eMMC 32GB SSD 128GB SSD 128GB SSD 128GB SSD 128GB
SATA Drive Bays 2 4 4 6 8 0
M.2 SSD Drive Slots 2 2 2 2 2 4

Things About the UGREEN NAS Drives That I DO NOT Like

While the five positive aspects of the UGreen NAS product are commendable, it’s essential to approach with a balanced view. In the spirit of thorough evaluation, attention must be turned to aspects of the UGreen NAS product that may not meet expectations or could be considered drawbacks. This critical examination helps ensure a well-rounded perspective before making an informed decision about the product.

The UGREEN NAS are ONLY Available in Germany and the United States

Why on earth is this product only being initially provided in Germany and the United States? I can appreciate that it takes a lot of work to provide a product globally at launch, and even the biggest brands in the tech world may, from time to time, stagger their release schedule and geographical release strategy – resulting in different regions getting their products earlier or later than others. However, UGreen already has an established product availability in numerous other regions. Additionally, this is a crowdfunded product, and one could argue that they want to get as many bums on seats as possible! Limiting the scope of availability for this product at launch to just these two regions has definitely annoyed a lot of users in the UK, France, Australia, Canada… the list goes on and on! Additionally, remember that 40% discount I mentioned earlier for the early crowdfunding backers? Imagine hearing good things about a product and finding out you can get it at a comparatively low price compared to established solutions in the market, but then find out that you are living in one of the regions that isn’t supported and when you eventually can get hold of the product, chances are you are getting it much closer to the RRP! How annoying is that! With Germany just a hop, skip, and a jump away from many other neighbouring countries in Europe, this is a bitter pill to swallow!

3rd Party NAS OS Support is COMPLICATED

The installation of third-party operating systems on the UGreen NAS is a complex topic. Recently, a NASCompares Q&A highlighted users’ concerns about the warranty when installing systems like TrueNAS or UnRAID. UGreen initially stated that installing a third-party OS would void the 2-year warranty, frustrating many. However, discussions at UGreen may lead to a policy allowing third-party OS installations under certain conditions without voiding the warranty. Yet, this has not been finalized. Additionally, installing a third-party OS is challenging due to the custom UGreen BIOS, and attempts to install alternative operating systems have faced significant hurdles, including system reboots, suggesting potential hardware or software safeguards against such modifications. This uncertainty and technical complexity have left many users concerned about the feasibility and warranty implications of using third-party operating systems on UGreen’s NAS systems.

26/03/24 – Update on the use of 3rd Party OS’ on UGREEN NAS with hardware, with regard to warranty*: “The Ugreen team confirms that whatever is promised in their warranty policy will not change, which only covers the hardware. They also mention that there is a risk of damage if you install a third-party OS, including data loss and compatibility issues, etc.” – Ugreen Representative, 26/3/24

NOTE – If you want to hear more about how it went installing a 3rd party OS on the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 PLUS NAS, Watch the video HERE, or in the embedded video below (it’s been set to the correct section):

The UGOS UGREEN NAS Software is Still in BETA and Not Finished

I’ve already mentioned this, but it’s worth reiterating. Currently, the UGreen NAS software isn’t ‘finished’. During my one-month review period, UGreen pushed numerous software updates that improved performance and stability. Yet, key software features are missing, such as two-factor authentication, encrypted volumes support, WORM support, container or virtualization apps, and Plex or Emby applications. While the software is still in beta and not officially launching for many months, allowing room for improvements, it’s somewhat frustrating, especially when the mobile app appears polished in contrast to the desktop experience’s inconsistencies.

10GbE Performance was not as great – Subject to Change Later in Development (I Hope)

This is something that will hopefully be addressed as the product undergoes further development through crowdfunding, but it needs highlighting. The prototype I received offered moderate performance over external 10GBE, and while internal performance of the M.2 NVMe drives improved with updates, optimal performance was achieved using SSH rather than native file transmission. Tweaks to enhance network connectivity, like adjusting the jumbo frame/MTU, are unavailable in the current software beta, contributing to an inconsistent experience.

UGREEN-DXP4800-PLUS-1-NVMe-SSD-10GbE-AJA-PERFORMANCE

Additionally, power consumption was about 15 to 20% higher than anticipated, a significant figure considering the system’s robust specifications and storage media.

Not Clear WHY UGREEN Opted for Crowdfunding via Kickstarter

This is probably the biggest problem that users have with UGreen and its NAS system being launched the way it is – why on earth is an established brand launching on crowdfunding? Kickstarter is predominantly targeted towards indie startup companies and those that are trying to launch a new product into a market to gauge interest and find an audience. There is an argument that UGreen, an Eastern company who have yet to formally release a network-attached storage solution, could definitely see the benefit in utilizing both the tools and the relative financial safety afforded to crowdfunding to gauge the interest of a product at launch and ensure financial efficiency. However, to use crowdfunding, but also launch six different SKUs, for a brand that’s been in the tech world for more than a decade is super weird! I get it, most of their prior technological experience has been more in accessories and adapters, so there is an argument that they don’t want to risk too much on a new venture. But I personally would have recommended that they launch just two SKUs via traditional retail purchasing, then launch the rest of the series as a phase 2, if interest in the initial two products is good enough. The 4-bay desktop DXP4800 Plus and DXP480T would have made great options as the market is still crying out for solid 4-bay NAS systems and 2023/2024 has already seen several prominent NVMe flash NAS systems arriving for home and prosumer use – the demand is already clearly there!

Conclusion – Should You Buy/Back the UGREEN NAS?

BOTTOM LINE – The UGREEN NASYnc DXP4800 Plus does not feel ‘finished’ yet and still needs more time in the over, but UGREEN have been very clear with me that this product is not intended for release and fulfilment till summer 2024 and improvements, optimization and product completion is still in progress. Judging the UGREEN NAS systems, when what we have is a pre-release and pre-crowdfunding sample, was always going to be tough. The DXP4800 PLUS is a very well put-together NAS solution, arriving with a fantastic launching price point (arguably even at its RRP for the hardware on offer). UGREEN has clearly made efforts here to carve out their own style, adding their own aesthetic to the traditional 4-bay server box design that plagues NAS boxes at this scale. Equally, although they are not the first brand to consider Kickstarter/Crowdfunding for launching a new product in the NAS/personal-cloud sector, this is easily one of the most confident entries I have seen yet. The fact that this system arrives on the market primarily as a crowdfunded solution (though almost certainly, if successful, will roll out at traditional retail) is definitely going to give users some pause for thought. Equally, the UGREEN NAS software, still in beta at the time of writing, although very responsive and nailing down the basics, still feels like it needs more work to compete with the bigger boys at Synology and QNAP. Hardware architecture, scalability, and performance are all pretty impressive, though the performance of the Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe slots didn’t seem to hit the numbers I was expecting. Perhaps a question of PCIe bottlenecking internally, or a need for further tweaking and optimization as the system continues development. Bottom line, with expected software updates to roll out closer to launch and fulfillment, such as an expanded App center and mobile client, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is definitely a device worth keeping an eye on in the growing Turnkey and semi-DIY NAS market. As an alternative to public cloud services, this is a no-brainer and worth the entry price point. As an alternative to established Turnkey NAS Solutions, we will hold off judgment till it is publicly released.

SOFTWARE - 6/10
HARDWARE - 9/10
PERFORMANCE - 6/10
PRICE - 9/10
VALUE - 8/10


7.6
PROS
👍🏻Exceptional Hardware for the Price
👍🏻4 HDDs + 2x Gen 4x4 M.2 in 1 box under $400
👍🏻Good Balanced CPU choice in the Pentium Gold 8505
👍🏻10GbE and 2.5GbE as standard
👍🏻An SD Card Slot (wielrd rare!)
👍🏻10/10 Build Quality
👍🏻Great Scalability
👍🏻Fantastic Mobile Application (even vs Synology and QNAP etc)
👍🏻Desktop/Browser GUI shows promise
👍🏻Established Brand entering the NAS Market
👍🏻Not too noisy (comparatively)
👍🏻Very Appealing retail package+accessories
CONS
👎🏻10GbE Performance was underwhelming
👎🏻Crowdfunding choice is confusing
👎🏻Software (still in Beta) is still far from ready 22/3/24
👎🏻non-UGREEN PSU is unexpected
👎🏻

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À partir d’avant-hierFlux principal

UGREEN NASync DXP4800 PLUS NAS Review

Par : Rob Andrews
22 mars 2024 à 15:00

UGREEN NASync DXP4800 PLUS Review (Pre-Release)

With many newcomers stepping into the network-attached storage arena, aiming to compete with established giants like Synology and QNAP, UGREEN’s entry is one of the most confident I’ve seen to date. UGREEN, a brand that has existed for quite some time in the computer accessories arena, seems to have a head start over other brands trying to enter the private consumer cloud and entry-level business market. The NASync series, also known as the DXP series, features an unusually large number of SKUs at launch, offering seven different configurations of storage capacity, internal hardware, and external connectivity. In a somewhat unconventional move, the brand has opted to use the crowdfunding site Kickstarter to launch its new product range. Although crowdfunding for NAS solutions was once rare, by 2024, several mid to high-profile crowdfunded NAS solutions have emerged with varying degrees of success. Predominantly East Asian-based brands often utilize Kickstarter to introduce their products to a Western audience, and UGREEN is doubling down on this strategy. Today, we’re examining the DXP4800 Plus, a 4-bay prosumer solution aiming to change expectations for server value. It boasts high-demand features like a powerful Intel CPU, DDR5 memory, Gen SSD storage, 10GbE, and flexible OS usage. There’s a lot to like here, but is this brand’s first foray into NAS storage worth your investment? And should Synology and QNAP be concerned?

Important – The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus NAS is still in the early stages of crowdfunding. The unit provided for review by UGREEN might not represent the finished product if/when crowdfunding is concluded and eventual fulfillment begins. UGREEN is an already long-established and trusted brand, but nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that this is still a product that is initially being made available via crowdfunding and therefore an element of additional care is always advised, compared with a comparable product purchased via traditional retail outlets.

UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NASync Review – Quick Conclusion

BOTTOM LINE – The UGREEN NASYnc DXP4800 Plus does not feel ‘finished’ yet and still needs more time in the over, but UGREEN have been very clear with me that this product is not intended for release and fulfilment till summer 2024 and improvements, optimization and product completion is still in progress. Judging the UGREEN NAS systems, when what we have is a pre-release and pre-crowdfunding sample, was always going to be tough. The DXP4800 PLUS is a very well put-together NAS solution, arriving with a fantastic launching price point (arguably even at its RRP for the hardware on offer). UGREEN has clearly made efforts here to carve out their own style, adding their own aesthetic to the traditional 4-bay server box design that plagues NAS boxes at this scale. Equally, although they are not the first brand to consider Kickstarter/Crowdfunding for launching a new product in the NAS/personal-cloud sector, this is easily one of the most confident entries I have seen yet. The fact that this system arrives on the market primarily as a crowdfunded solution (though almost certainly, if successful, will roll out at traditional retail) is definitely going to give users some pause for thought. Equally, the UGREEN NAS software, still in beta at the time of writing, although very responsive and nailing down the basics, still feels like it needs more work to compete with the bigger boys at Synology and QNAP. Hardware architecture, scalability, and performance are all pretty impressive, though the performance of the Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe slots didn’t seem to hit the numbers I was expecting. Perhaps a question of PCIe bottlenecking internally, or a need for further tweaking and optimization as the system continues development. Bottom line, with expected software updates to roll out closer to launch and fulfillment, such as an expanded App center and mobile client, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is definitely a device worth keeping an eye on in the growing Turnkey and semi-DIY NAS market. As an alternative to public cloud services, this is a no-brainer and worth the entry price point. As an alternative to established Turnkey NAS Solutions, we will hold off judgment till it is publicly released.

SOFTWARE - 6/10
HARDWARE - 9/10
PERFORMANCE - 6/10
PRICE - 9/10
VALUE - 8/10


7.6
PROS
👍🏻Exceptional Hardware for the Price
👍🏻4 HDDs + 2x Gen 4x4 M.2 in 1 box under $400
👍🏻Good Balanced CPU choice in the Pentium Gold 8505
👍🏻10GbE and 2.5GbE as standard
👍🏻An SD Card Slot (wielrd rare!)
👍🏻10/10 Build Quality
👍🏻Great Scalability
👍🏻Fantastic Mobile Application (even vs Synology and QNAP etc)
👍🏻Desktop/Browser GUI shows promise
👍🏻Established Brand entering the NAS Market
👍🏻Not too noisy (comparatively)
👍🏻Very Appealing retail package+accessories
CONS
👎🏻10GbE Performance was underwhelming
👎🏻Crowdfunding choice is confusing
👎🏻Software (still in Beta) is still far from ready 22/3/24
👎🏻non-UGREEN PSU is unexpected
👎🏻

UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NASync Review – Presentation

You really do have to hand it to UGREEN. The presentation of the DXP4800 Plus is genuinely top-tier. This brand’s experience in computer accessories has clearly influenced the presentation of their NAS system, opting for glossy retail packaging that boldly showcases the system’s capabilities over a standard dull brown box.

Inside the shiny box is a well-organized shipping container, with the system secured by rigid foam and an accessory kit containing everything needed to get started. As previously mentioned, retail packaging and device protection during transit are often overlooked by brands, risking damage. Despite being largely unpopulated, except for an internal 2242 SSD for the OS, minimizing the risk of damage, the extra effort on protection is appreciated.

The DXP4800 Plus includes nearly everything needed for setup, aside from hard drives. Given the early stage of the system’s crowdfunding campaign, additional storage options may later become available. The included kit, while basic, ensures users new to hosting their own servers have everything required.

It’s the attention to detail that impresses – from M.2 NVMe heat pads of notable quality and thickness for thermal dissipation, to the included Cat 7 network cables with high-quality gold/copper ends, differentiating them from standard cables.

Even the instruction manual, a rarity as most NAS brands now direct users online, stands out with its glossy presentation and offers more than basic setup guidance.

However, the choice of an external power supply (PSU) was unexpected, given UGREEN’s reputation for high-quality power adapters and cables. While not a deal-breaker, it’s curious to see a non-branded external PSU used, especially when the DXP480t model reviewed elsewhere came with a branded UGREEN PSU. This inconsistency in their approach to PSUs is puzzling.

Overall, the presentation of the DXP4800 Plus from UGREEN, a newcomer to the NAS market intending to launch via Kickstarter, is exceptionally well done. Despite some accessory quality inconsistencies, the overall package is commendable for a pre-release sample. Now, let’s proceed to discuss the system’s design.

UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NASync Review – Design

At first glance, the DXP 4800 Plus appears to be a fairly standard four-disk NAS enclosure, and you might be forgiven for thinking it’s just reiterating the typical case design prevalent among numerous companies. However, there’s more to its design and efficiency than meets the eye. For starters, the external enclosure is entirely metal, enhancing heat dissipation directly from the base panel housing the M.2 modules. Additionally, UGREEN has infused the design with their unique stylistic choices, evident in the presentation of individual bays and the arrangement and accessibility of various ports and connections.

The inclusion of small design flourishes, like the rear removable mesh metallic fan panel that magnetically attaches to the casing, is particularly appreciated. While such a feature is familiar to prosumer PC cases, it’s surprisingly rare in NAS designs – puzzling, given NAS systems’ continuous operation and higher likelihood of accumulating dust and debris. Despite being a relatively minor detail, this fan cover’s presence in UGREEN’s first product impresses me.

Handling individual storage bays, however, presents a mixed reaction. The bold numeric design distinguishes it aesthetically from other NAS brands that often opt for bland, nondescript bays. The tool-less, click-and-load trays that forego the need for a screwdriver for drive installation and the inclusion of individual locking mechanisms (with keys) are commendable features.

Yet, these trays feel somewhat flimsy compared to the more robust trays found in desktop solutions from Synology and QNAP. While they secure the hard drives and align with the internal enclosure runners, the internal locking mechanism doesn’t inspire confidence in its security. The trays’ perceived cheap production quality slightly detracts from the overall positive aesthetic. Despite this, the system supports the latest 22TB hard drives, which means daily interaction with these trays will be minimal.

The main storage area features a pre-constructed PCB with four integrated SATA and power connectors. The system documentation indicates that SAS drives are unsupported, a non-issue for this system’s scale and price point.

Upon removing the base’s metallic panel, the two M.2 NVMe SSD bays and upgradable DDR5 SODIMM ports are revealed. Space constraints make heat sink installation challenging, but UGREEN has anticipated this with the inclusion of thick heat pads in the accessory kit, facilitating heat dissipation through the external casing.

UGREEN’s entry into 24/7 service storage with the DXP 4800 Plus is noteworthy, especially for a brand new to this sector. Their effort to differentiate through design and functionality is largely successful, although the storage trays’ quality could be improved. Overall, the system’s design is a strong point, and I look forward to discussing ports and connectivity next.

UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NASync Review – Ports and Connections

One of the earliest things to notice about the connectivity on offer on the DXP 4800 Plus NAS is that this system brings back support for SD cards. This may seem almost insane to the average photo and video editor, but SD card readers on NAS devices have been largely absent for almost a decade, despite enormous protestations from photo and video editors for years. Therefore, it’s kind of impressive that UGREEN has opted to provide an SD card slot and a front-mounted USB Type-C connection on the DXP4800 Plus when practically every other brand in the NAS industry does not. It’s going to be a tremendously convenient feature for those wanting to ingest media directly into the system via numerous storage methods and camera systems, making it that much more convenient than many others in the market.

Carrying on the subject of convenience, it’s also worth highlighting that the system not only has a front-mounted USB like the majority of other NAS systems but also arrives with USB Type-C connectivity on the front. This is a surprisingly rare feature in most modern desktop NAS devices, even in 2024.

Flipping the device around, we see that the system has even more USB ports that can be utilized by the system in a host-client relationship. That means that the UGREEN NAS system will act as the host device for connected storage drives and supported peripherals. Unfortunately, this does mean that you cannot directly connect to this device using those USB ports, and the USB 2.0 connections are pretty much exclusively designed for connecting printers and office peripherals, uninterruptible power supplies, or keyboard/mouse in KVM setups alongside the visual output.

The visual output of this system is a 4K 60 frames per second HDMI 2.0 connection. The software for the UGREEN NAS system is still in beta, and currently, the HDMI output is limited to command line access. Currently, there is no graphical user interface afforded to the HDMI output, such as you would find on a QNAP or Asustor NAS system, but as this is a relatively niche feature for many, I’m not going to give them too much of a hard time over this.

Across the rest of the UGREEN NAS range, there is a multitude of different connection profiles and options. In the case of the DXP 4800 Plus, the system arrives with a single 10 gigabit ethernet connection and a single 2.5 gigabit Ethernet connection. Although there is a lack of Thunderbolt connectivity afforded to the more expensive Intel i5 options, the inclusion of these two copper network connections means that not only is there support for failover, but there is also support for link aggregation and port trunking. Given that the system already supports SMB Multi-channel, which can be enabled in the control panel of the UGREEN software, it means in Windows environments, there’s potential for 1.25 GB per second network transmission.The saturation of both of these ports is going to be pretty easy for a four-hard-drive and two NVMe system, and the system does support direct connection from a PC or Mac client directly into the UGREEN system if preferred. However, there is no option for upgrading the system via PCIe cards.

Overall, in terms of ports and connectivity, I’m really happy with everything I found on the DXP 4800 Plus, and although it lacks a bit of scalability in terms of improving upon the network connectivity down the line, what you have at this price point is a fantastic base level of network connectivity, combined with a decent degree of functionality and modern storage expandability to boot. However, all of that connectivity isn’t a great deal if you don’t have much to work with inside, so let’s talk about the internal hardware architecture of the UGREEN NAS.

UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NASync Review – Internal Hardware

As mentioned earlier, it’s surprisingly confident of UGREEN to launch so many different NAS devices simultaneously for their first foray into network-attached storage. Not only have they provided several different storage scales and architectures, but they are also supporting three different internal hardware CPUs in terms of CPU. The scale in terms of price and capabilities of each system varies, but they include the Intel N100, Intel Pentium Gold, and Intel 12th Generation i5. The DXP4800 Plus arrived with an Intel Pentium G processor that is a five-core, six-thread architecture (one power core, four efficiency cores).

Though not the first to utilize this CPU in domestic and prosumer NAS, nevertheless, this processor is remarkably underused. Generally, when most brands opt to play it safe with the N100/N300 or immediately scale up towards the i5. It’s surprising because the Pentium Gold processor does a surprisingly good job of balancing a reasonable price point versus a decent degree of hardware resources at your disposal. This is a 20 lane Gen 4 processor that still manages to be more power-efficient than the i5 in bigger models.

Arriving with integrated graphics, supporting up to 64 gigabytes of memory (arriving with 8GB of DDR5 SODIMM and two slots), there is a lot to like here. It is especially surprising when you realize that the brand already provides closely priced N100 and i5 models either side of this device in UGREEN’s NAS portfolio. This processor performs exceedingly well with Plex Media Server and, thanks to those 20 lanes, also means there’s a decent spread of available hardware architecture across the whole device.

The layout of the internal architecture is still yet to be confirmed at the time of writing this review, but digging a little into the backend via SSH revealed that each of the M.2 NVMe slots on the base of this system are Gen 4 x 4. However, how this all separates out on the system chipset and whether these are being delivered into PCIe switches to spread the architecture out for the rest of the system storage, double network connectivity, and dedicating lanes to all those available connections, is definitely an area that leaves pause for thought.

Returning to that base panel, we find that the system arrives with an 8GB DDR5 SODIMM memory module and the capacity to add an additional module when needed. 8GB for this system is pretty decent, but do keep in mind that this system does not support ECC memory. Indeed, none of the UGREEN systems support ECC memory, and although they make a point of highlighting the on-die checks associated with DDR5, most experienced storage enthusiasts tend to prefer traditional ECC memory support. Nevertheless, 8GB is a good amount of memory to start with, and it’s great to know that you are not locked in with presoldered and fixed memory on the board, which is a move often used by more economical brands to save some money and dedicate lanes more efficiently. There see to be two network controllers, one 10GbE controller located under a heatsink:

Which I had difficulty identifying, but I suspect is a Marvell AQtion Aquantia AQC113/AQC114/AQC114CS/AQC115Cs, comprising (from official pages) a high-performance,Scalable mGig, Ethernet MAC+PHY Controllers designed to support the following network rates: 10GBASE-T/5GBASET/ 2.5GBASE-T/1000BASET/100BASE-TX/10BASE-Te. When equipped with a PCI Express Gen 4 x4, this family of Scalable mGig Ethernet MAC+PHY Controllers easily handle the 10 GbE line-rate performance. The AQC113, AQC114, AQC114CS, AQC115C device family combines a mGig Ethernet MAC Controller with a full-reach, low-power, highperformance, multi-gigabit, single-port Gen 4 Ethernet Alaska PHY transceiver into a single, monolithic device that is designed using the latest 14nm, multi-gate, FinFET process technology.

And an additional 2.5GbE Controller (the Intel S2363L51 SRKTU, instead of the usual Intel i226-V 2.5GbE we have observed in a number of Topton/CWWK boards of late) that very little information is available for online:

The USB controller/manager appears to be an ASM1543, (from the ASmedia pages) a one Four to two differential channels mux switch with integrated Type-C Configuration Channel Logic Circuitry, using for USB3.1 type-C mux and CC detection application. The signal performance of mux switch is up to 10Gbps SuperSpeedPlus USB bus with low insertion loss and return loss, and it also supports USB plug orientation, configurable as DFP role or UFP role through the setting of strapping pins, and implementing the strapping for the setting/detection of Type-C current mode, following USB3.1 Revision 1.0 and USB Type-C Connector and Cable Revision 1.3 standard specification.

Next, we find a Richtek RT3624BE, (from the manf pages) a synchronous buck controller which supports 2 output rails and can fully meet Intel IMVP9.1 requirements. The RT3624BE adopts G-NAVPTM (Green Native AVP) which is Richtek’s proprietary topology derived from finite DC gain of EA amplifier with current mode control, making it easy to set the droop to meet all Intel CPU requirements of AVP (Adaptive Voltage Positioning). Based on the G-NAVPTM topology, the RT3624BE features a new generation of quick response mechanism (Adaptive Quick Response, AQR) to optimize AVP performance during load transient and reduce output capacitors. The RT3624BE integrates a high accuracy ADC for platform and function settings, such as ICCMAX, switching frequency, over-current threshold or AQR trigger level.=

In terms of the SATA storage management, I found a ASMedia ASM116 SATA host controller(AHCI). Which is upstream PCIe Gen3 x2 and downstream four SATA Gen3 ports. It’s a low latency, low cost and low power AHCI controller. With four SATA ports and cascaded port multipliers, ASM1164 can enable users to build up various high speed IO systems, including server, high capacity system storage or surveillance platforms.

Finally, we find the two M.2 NVMe slots. Each of these slots supports a 2280 length SSD, which, at launch, can be utilized as a storage pool. As the software, and indeed the system as a whole, is still in early development, features such as caching or even tiered caching appear to be absent at this time. Initially, I was really pleased and impressed that the DXP4800 Plus box arrived with twin NVMe four lanes architecture on each individual slot.

This means that this four-hard-drive system also comes with two super-fast 8000 megabytes per second bandwidth SSD upgrade slots – which is tremendously rare and hugely appealing.

Additionally, digging a bit more into the backend of the system via SSH showed that there had been no downgrade on this speed either! Typically, for reasons of lane allocation, consumption, or heat generation in a system, M.2 slots will often be internally downgraded to a lower performance speed (as is often the case with the likes of Synology and QNAP). There was no sign of this here, and this was a genuine breath of fresh air to see such a high speed and high bandwidth connection afforded to these SSD slots.

Earlier in March when I was testing the (late alpha, early Beta) version of the NAS software, system and services, the performance numbers I got were not hugely encouraging internally. However, there have been numerous improvements on the system software and I am pleased to confirm that the M.2 NVMe slots were indeed 4×4 bandwidth and that some brief 1GB transfer/creation testing showed some early 7GB/s benchmarks on the Gen 4×4 SSD I has inside the system. Now we cannot rule out the impact of caching internally and these tests are NOT reflective of everyday (i.e non synthetic) use, but it was definitely an encouraging sign.

However, when I tried to repeatedly move 1GB of data between each of the NM,2 NVMe, the performance would drop down to 2.4Gb/s, which further suggested some lane sharing and a possible bottleneck by a controller perhaps. Again, this is a beta software/system and UGREEN repeated that this system is still undergoing optimization.

External performance over 10GbE was also an area that I really, REALLY hope this is sees significant optimization. I was hitting a bottleneck of around 500-600MB/s on upload and download (on a 10Gbe / 1,000MB/s connection). The performance numbers below were over 10GbE (with the MTU set at 1500 – As the software is currently not allowing me to scale it to 9000 MTU/Jumbo frames) and for 4x HDDs in a RAID 5, I would be happy with 600MB/s realistically. however…

When I was hitting the SAME numbers when I was accessing a Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe over 10GbE, I would FULLY expect this to be 999MB/s up and down! Instead, the 10GbE connection, using AJA, on a Seagate Firecuda 530 SSD, was still hitting that bottleneck.

Switching to a Windows transfer test, moving 5GB of data to the m.2 NVMe SSD, over 10GbE saw similar results. My test PC in this case was running on a Gen4x4 SSD, so there was no meaningful storage bottleneck on my PC, and the connection was established via a clear 10GbE connection (via a managed Netgear switch) and using a Sonnet Solo 10G adapter over Thunderbolt.

Further testing confirmed performance dips when transferring data between SSDs, indicating a shared pathway. Despite this being a pre-release sample, and acknowledging potential future optimizations, the observed SSD performance, though still faster than many market alternatives, fell comparatively short of expectations given the hardware capabilities (though still higher than the majority of M.2 SSD performance offered by other brands providing HDD SATA + M.2 solutions right now).

The UGREEN NAS’s software, still in beta, promises further insights into the brand’s direction with their NAS solution and its accompanying software and services, warranting a closer examination as development progresses.

UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NASync Review – Software

At the time of writing, the UGREEN NAS software is still in beta, with the mobile application is live now. Reviewing the software included with the DXP4800 Plus—as a final product—feels somewhat premature. The NASsync software beta reveals many baseline functions and long-term plans, detailed in the video below in our initial overview and first impressions of the UGREEN NAS software:

You can read the MASSIVE Software review (covering the Desktop and Mobile experience) HERE on the NASCompares Review Article.

Alternatively, you can watch the video version of the UGREEN UGOS NAS Software Beta Review in the video below:

The TL;DR on the UGREEN NAS software

it’s on track to become a smooth and user-friendly experience, comparable to giants like Synology and QNAP, especially in terms of the web browser experience. Unlike opting for the complexity of TrueNAS or the streamlined, container-focused UI of UnRAID, the UGREEN NAS software is more akin to Synology DSM. The foundation is clearly laid out for expansion in terms of features and tools for the user’s disposal. However, there are notable absences of baseline applications such as container or virtual machine support, and a multi-tiered backup solution within the web GUI (though the UGREEN NAS mobile and desktop clients are in development, expected to preview in March). Basic services for file management, shares, user account control, and an app center—soon to be linked to a repository—are all user-friendly but present some inconsistencies, likely due to its beta status and ongoing development. The physical product may be closer to final development, but the software needs more time for optimization. SMB services were less consistent than desired, and settings changes sometimes didn’t save or recall correctly. This is common for beta software finding its footing, yet it’s important to note that the hardware feels more refined than the software at this stage, months before user delivery. In brief:

What I liked:

  • Intuitive UI with services located logically and responsive controls.
  • Baseline services such as network interface management, user account control, firewall handling, and SSH interface control are all present.
  • A clearly defined app center awaiting connection to an online repository.
  • Helpful tips and guidance are available on most pages, aiding new users.
  • Support for modern services like SMB3 multi-channel and domain services in the beta.
  • Clear account and resource management accessible from the desktop, likely appealing to most users.
  • The inclusion of a remote access relay service and UGREEN account creation from day one, simplifying remote access for new users with built-in firewall and domain tools.

What I disliked:

  • Absence of two-factor authentication in the software.
  • Lack of virtualization or container applications at this stage.
  • Sporadic SMB performance.
  • Default enablement of SSH support, which may change post-beta.
  • In-progress language integration, leading to occasional default displays in Chinese or error messages in Chinese despite English settings.

Improvements needed:

  • Expansion of app integration and desktop client tools for easier system-client bridging.
  • Introduction of a default application for device discovery on the local network, a basic service offered by many NAS brands.
  • More information on UGREEN account and remote access security.

Acknowledging this is a beta, it’s fair to reserve full judgment until the software fully rolls out. As it stands, this beta is promising yet lacks some established NAS software fundamentals. Hopefully, we’ll see significant advancements as the release approaches.

UGREEN DXP4800 Plus NAS Storage Review – Verdict and Conclusion

BOTTOM LINE – The UGREEN NASYnc DXP4800 Plus does not feel ‘finished’ yet and still needs more time in the over, but UGREEN have been very clear with me that this product is not intended for release and fulfilment till summer 2024 and improvements, optimization and product completion is still in progress. Evaluating the UGreen NAS systems, particularly the DXP4800 PLUS, presents a unique set of challenges, given its status as both a pre-release and a pre-crowdfunding sample. This NAS solution stands out not just for its robust construction but also for its exceptional entry price, which seems quite competitive even against its Retail Price Point for the array of hardware it brings to the table. UGreen’s initiative to infuse their extensive experience in computer accessories into a NAS product has resulted in a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from the conventional 4-bay server box designs that dominate the market. Their decision to launch through Kickstarter, while not entirely novel in the NAS or personal-cloud arena, signifies one of the most assertive and bold market entries observed to date. The strategy of arriving on the market primarily through crowdfunding will undoubtedly prompt potential users to carefully consider their investment. However, it’s worth noting the significant potential this approach offers for bringing innovative products directly to those who would most benefit from them. The current state of the UGreen NAS software, still in its beta phase, showcases a solid foundation with much promise, despite needing further refinement to stand toe-to-toe with industry giants like Synology and QNAP. The hardware’s scalability and overall performance metrics are commendable, though there’s an observed need for further optimization, particularly concerning the Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe slots, which didn’t quite meet expected performance benchmarks. This could potentially be attributed to internal PCIe bottlenecking or other factors that may be addressed as the system progresses through its development phase. With the hope of significant software updates and enhancements, such as an expanded App center and a more integrated mobile client, the UGreen DXP4800 Plus is positioned as a noteworthy contender in the burgeoning turnkey and semi-DIY NAS market. Its compelling value proposition as an alternative to mainstream public cloud services, coupled with its attractive pricing, renders it a formidable option for those seeking robust data storage solutions. Yet, in consideration of its potential as an alternative to more established turnkey NAS solutions, a final verdict is reserved until the product’s full public release. The expectation is that, with continued development and user feedback, the UGreen DXP4800 Plus will not only refine its offerings but also significantly influence user expectations and standards within the NAS market.

PROS of the UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NAS CONS of the UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NAS
Exceptional Hardware for the Price
4 HDDs + 2x Gen 4×4 M.2 in 1 box under $400
Good Balanced CPU choice in the Pentium Gold 8505
10GbE and 2.5GbE as standard
An SD Card Slot (wielrd rare!)
10/10 Build Quality
Great Scalability
Fantastic Mobile Application (even vs Synology and QNAP etc)
Desktop/Browser GUI shows promise
Established Brand entering the NAS Market
Not too noisy (comparatively)
Very Appealing retail package+accessories
10GbE Performance was underwhelming
Crowdfunding choice is confusing
Software (still in Beta) is still far from ready 22/3/24
non-UGREEN PSU is unexpected

Click the Link Below to find out more about the UGREEN NASync NAS Series on the brand’s official Site:

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UGREEN Brand User Q&A – Questions About the New DXP NASync NAS Storage Solution

Par : Rob Andrews
14 mars 2024 à 16:00

Your Questions for UGREEN about their New NAS Solution

IMPORTANT March 22 UpdateThe UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NAS Review is NOW LIVE, watch it HERE, read it HERE and learn about the Software HERE and HERE

With UGREEN still in the process of launching their Kickstarter campaign for a new NAS Storage Solution (the DXP NASync series) to market, many users (myself included) have a lot of questions about the product. Let’s face it, we are not talking about a standard ‘over the counter’ purchase where – this is CROWDFUNDING! Therefore, users need to take extra care and caution before considering putting down money (remember, crowdfunding is not the same as eRetail!). Alot of users want to know just what the UGREEN DXP NAS Storage solution can do, what it can’t do, UGREEN’s plans for the future and…at a very basic level… is the UGREEN NAS actually a ‘thing’! People have been burnt by crowdfunding before, plus UGREEN has no previous recognized experience in the world of NAS, They are definitely SIGNIFICANTLY more established in the tech market (12 years) than many other crowdfunded NAS/Private Cloud solutions that have popped up in the last 1-2 years to challenge the likes of Synology and QNAP, but this is their first NAS. Heck, it’s actually 4-5 different NAS’ arriving at launch – that’s a big, big undertaking! So, l asked you guys to fire me over as many questions as possible to ask the brand directly, and you did not disappoint! I have taken the many, MANY questions that were submitted and condensed them into the 20 questions below. With the crowdfunding launch for their product arriving towards the end of the month. many of the questions below represent users’ reservations and dealbreakers before they are prepared to engage with the brand, the solution and the launch! So, let’s go through the brand’s responses to your Questions.

UGREEN NAS Brand Q&A – The TL;DR

IMPORTANT – The Ugreen Q&A Video goes into ALOT more detail in the responses to each question, so if you want MORE detail, then do watch it HERE and use the chapters on the bottom of the video

I GET IT! You are in a rush! So, here is the short version, the skinny, the cliff notes! I asked 20 questions in total (slightly more in the zoom recording coming to YouTube), and here is the summary of their answers in bullet points:

  • Kickstarter Launch: UGREEN chose Kickstarter to engage with consumers early, gather feedback before official launch, and because other well-known brands have also launched products via crowdfunding.
  • Connectivity: The NAS device supports Thunderbolt connection for host use only, with plans to expand its capabilities. WiFi 6E support on the DXP480T Flash system allows connections both to and from the system, as well as to a router.
  • Third-Party OS Installation: Installing third-party operating systems, like UnRAID or TrueNAS, is not officially supported and voids the warranty. *Update on the use of 3rd Party OS’ on UGREEN NAS with hardware, with regard to warranty*: “The Ugreen team confirms that whatever is promised in their warranty policy will not change, which only covers the hardware. They also mention that there is a risk of damage if you install a third-party OS, including data loss and compatibility issues, etc.” – Ugreen Representative, 26/3/24
  • Availability: Initially, the product is available only in Germany, with plans to expand to more regions based on demand.
  • Security: UGREEN is focusing on financial-grade security standards, working on EN303645 and TruestE certification, and plans to enhance security features continuously.
  • Additional Options and Hardware Information: A PledgeBox option will be added during the campaign for adding HDDs and SSDs. Detailed PCIe lane layouts will be available in the product manuals.
  • Remote Access: The UGREEN Link service allows remote access to the NAS via a custom domain name after account registration.
  • Power Consumption: Details on power consumption will be included in the product manual, with specifics available upon request.
  • Kickstarter Campaign Delay: The campaign was delayed to incorporate user feedback on the app for a better user experience.
  • UGREEN OS Features: Support for automatic on/off schedules, SSD caching, full phone storage backup, online data scrubbing/checksumming with BTRFS, and basic to complex RAID configurations.
  • Native Applications and Functions: The NAS will feature a smart assistant for AI-based smart recognition and classification, virtualization, Docker support, and NFS protocol support, but lacks iSCSI support.
  • Future Developments: Some features, like full phone backup and virtualization/Docker support, are still under development.

So, some GOOD news, some BAD news and some ‘TBC’ news. Let’s dig more into the actual Q&A itself and go through those questions, one by one.

The Q&A with UGREEN – Answering Your Questions about their NAS Solution

Below is the written response provided to me by the HQ (handled by Diana An, a Marketing Specialist in conjunction with their product management teams) of UGREEN after submitting my questions, collected from user comments (HERE and HERE) between March 4th and 10th 2024. There is also a Zoom session with UGREEN that will be live soon/now that goes into much greater detail and analysis of these questions and answers, conducted with Hernan Lopez, a U.S.-based UGREEN representative. Questions were provided in advance to UGREEN 48 hours in advance of the Zoom session (timezone dependent) in order to allow UGREEN time to sufficiently source adequate answers. The questions and answers below are provided unedited and unchallenged, but further investigation was conducted in the Zoom recording that is/will be available on the NASCompares Youtube Channel HERE. I should also add that UGREEN has provided me with a DXP4800 PLUS and a DXP480T NAS unit for testing and evaluation, which I will be publishing videos and articles on later this month (hopefully, prior to the launch of the campaign) in order to evaluate these pre-release units and assess the quality of the hardware, software and viability of the solution.

Additionally, I would like to thank the many channel viewers and subscribers for providing the questions for this Q&A. There were around 100+ in total, so I was forced to consolidate them (merging similar/identical questions together, or answering less debated/unanswered questions in those comments of the initial posts (again, see HERE and HERE). Questions below have been credited to numerous YouTube members (denoted by the @ prefix, with my own name there too), but in many cases, the questions were asked by many, many users (eg why Kickstarter?), so I have attributed to just the first 2-3 users). Here is the Q&A:


Why Kickstarter?

  • Why Is UGREEN bringing this NAS solution to Kickstarter/Crowdfunding? UGREEN is an established brand, so why use Crowdfunding for this new product line?

@grege9862 , @InspectorGadget2014

Firstly, The UGREEN NASync is our new product line and we can have pre-connection and pre-communication with the consumers and get their feedback in advance before we bring it on Kickstarter. Secondly, many well-known brands also launched their new product line on kickstarter/Crowdfunding.


  • How is the Thunderbolt connection handled, is it host-only use, or can you connect to it over Thunderbolt (point to point) with a Mac or Windows system?

@michaelpaolini , @ajrfilm9951

Currently, Thunderbolt connection for our device is host only, and can be used for external storage. But some features like Thunderbolt Networking are in our development plan.


  • Same question as above, but for the WiFi 6E support on the DXP480T Flash system – Does this allow connections both TOO the system from a user AND connections for the NAS to a Router?

@DIGIBITE (Eddie!)

The wifi on our 480T device supports both functions above.


  • Is installing 3rd Party OS’, such as UnRAID and TrueNAS, possible and will UGREEN still support the user’s hardware 2-year warranty if they do so?

(@LacayoDe , @herbentroost427, @ghostbaleada , @misku_ , @ttuschak

UPDATE 26/03/24 The position of UGREEN on the use of 3rd Party OS Use on their NAS hardware (with regard to hardware warranty) has changed since this Q&A.: “The Ugreen team confirms that whatever is promised in their warranty policy will not change, which only covers the hardware. They also mention that there is a risk of damage if you install a third-party OS, including data loss and compatibility issues, etc.” – Ugreen Representative, 26/3/24

Unfortunately, modifying the built-in system is not officially supported. It’s not suggested to do so. If users insist on doing it, they will lose the warranty permanently.


  • Why is the Product currently only available to buyers in Germany and the United States, and not the rest of Europe, Australia, and more? Will this change?

@TheFric , @rogerwagner8498 , @ghostbaleada , @misku_ , @herbentroost427 , @ajrfilm9951

Our products are still in their infancy, and when expectations are good, we will gradually expand markets in more regions.


  • What provisions and plans do UGREEN have in place for their systems with regard to security? i.e what is “Financial Grade Security”, will they be publishing security advisories, pen testing, etc?

@michaelpaolini

We will be referring to Professional-grade security standards and continuously optimizing and improving the system’s security features. Currently we are also working on the certification of EN303645 and TruestE.

NOTE from Robbie – This question was expanded upon in the YouTube Q&A, and I recommend watching HERE for a fuller response to this question


  • Will UGREEN be adding a PledgeBox option during their campaign to allow users to add HDDs and SSDs?

@famoussasjohn

Yes, we will add the PledgeBox option during the campaign.


Source www.techpowerup.com
  • Can you provide a breakdown of the PCIe lane layout of each system?

@Latino3650 , @GroundDwellerStudioS

We will have hardware product manuals that will contain device information. The product manual is currently in the editing process. Which model of product do you want to know about? We can send it to you separately first.


  • How will remote access to the UGREEN NAS be conducted via UGREEN services?

@michaelpaolini

To use the UGREEN Link service, you need to register a UGREEN Link account first, then log in to the control panel of the NAS device and set a custom domain name. After applying the settings, you will be assigned the corresponding domain name for remote access.


  • Can you provide further clarification on the power consumption of your devices, even as a level benchmark of a fully populated device during active/passive activity?

@Butyouveheardofme3486 , iVuehl

This information will be described in the product manual, similar to the PCIe issue. If you would like to know about a specific model, we can send it to you separately.


  • Why was the launch of your Kickstarter campaign delayed?

@nascompares

During the public beta period, we collected some user experience optimization suggestions for the App. And we hope to deliver a version with a better experience to everyone, so we delayed the launch for half a month.


  • Does the UGREEN os allow automatic on/off schedule

@overclocked9033

Yes, UGREEN OS supports this schedule and you can customise it in the control panel.


  • Is SSD Cache Supported?

@Fan_de_Parcs

Yes

Yes, you can use a SSD either for cache or storage usage. However, you can’t use the same drive for both caching and storage purposes.


  • Will the mobile software support full phone storage backup?

@Fan_de_Parcs

Yes, this backup function is in our plan and still under development.


  • Does their native OS use a filesystem that can do online data scrubbing / checksumming to detect errors? e.g. BTRFS or ZoL

@Dreamslacker

UGREEN OS supports BTRFS in terms of data scrubbing / checksumming.


  • Will RAID expansion be possible (i.e adding more drives to an existing RAID Pool)

Not possible yet.

(NOTE FROM Me/ Robbie – In a recent software update, I found that a new option is in place for expansions, but it is still WiP. It seems to only reflect INSIDE the system and not a physically connected external expansion however, i.e needs empty bays. See Below)


  • Will you be providing/supporting a flexible RAID system (comparable to Synology Hybrid RAID or Terramaster TRAID)?

@doppelherz

Basic,JBOD,Raid0,Raid1,Raid5,Raid6,Raid10 are supported.


  • On their Kickstarter page is mention of an AI integrated smart assistant, we are curious to know what that means?

@thomasm964

AI Smart Recognition & Classification(without Internet connection), search Pictures by Text. Search for photos of pets, fruits, vehicles or more simply by entering search keywords. Use smart recognition to create photo albums that intelligently identify and classify faces, places, animals, and more. AI service are going to operate in-system and without internet connectivity. If an app or service is installed on the system that requires internet connectivity, this will be made clear in the app release notes and controllable on the system GUI


  • Will there be virtualization and docker support out of the box?

@cyberlando

Yes, virtualization and docker will support out of the box. However, this is still early stage of our beta and these 2 functions are still under development.


  • What is the support/status of NFS Support or iSCSI Target/LUNs?

@dozix88

UGREEN NAS supports the NFS protocol, including NFSv3, NFSv4, NFSv4.1, while iSCSI is not supported.


How much will the UGreen NASync Series Cost and When Will It Launch?

The UGreen NASync series is poised to make a notable entrance into the NAS market with a range of devices that cater to different storage and performance needs. With the Kickstarter launch prices set attractively at $239.99 for the entry-level DXP2800 and scaling up to $899.99 for the high-end DXP8800 Plus, UGreen is competitively positioning its products. The mid-range DXP4800 and DXP4800 Plus are tagged at $359.99 and $419.99 respectively, while the specialized NVMe-focused DXP480T Plus is introduced at $479.99. Post-crowdfunding, the retail prices, also known as the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), are expected to be significantly higher—almost doubling for some models, like the DXP2800 with an MSRP of $399 and the DXP8800 Plus which will retail for $1499. This pricing strategy not only provides an incentive for early backers but also underscores the value proposition of getting in early on the Kickstarter campaign. Nevertheless, THIS IS CROWDFUNDING and therefore not the same as buying from your usual retail outlet, be aware. UGreen is tapping into the growing buzz of middle-ground solutions between turnkey options from Synology/QNAP and BYO/DiY options that retire time and knowledge to build. If you are on the fence, there isn’t a tremendous rush, as crowdfunding officially begins on March 26th (see link below). We will be keeping an eye on this one as the weeks go on!

Click the Link Below to find out more about the UGREEN NASync NAS Series on the brand’s official Site:


 

 

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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
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
 
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Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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The UGreen NASync DXP NAS Series – Should You Buy?

Par : Rob Andrews
5 février 2024 à 18:00

The UGreen NASync Series is Coming to Kickstarter – Should You Back It?

IMPORTANT March 22 UpdateThe UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NAS Review is NOW LIVE, watch it HERE, read it HERE and learn about the Software HERE and HERE

(Original Article)

Arriving on Kickstarter very soon, the UGreen NASync series of devices is an incredibly bold move by the relatively small Chinese computer accessories brand. Arriving with some genuinely industry-challenging hardware, six different configurations, and a multitude of high-bandwidth external connections spread across them, and even rocking out a competitively priced desktop flash system, it sounds like the DXP series of devices is really aiming for the sun here! Today, I want to go through each of these systems that UGreen is promising, discuss the logic, perhaps, behind the choice of crowdfunding to fund the product, and try to help you decide whether this series of devices, coming hopefully later in 2024, deserves your data!

The UGreen NASync DXP Range Hardware Specifications

Ugreen is rolling out this new series of NAS devices across six different hardware revisions, which is quite unusual for a product being launched on crowdfunding but is understandable for an established brand. Clearly, Ugreen wants to present a very strong and confident front in this new arm of their hardware business (a great example of this would be looking at the brand Sabrent, who for a long time were chiefly associated with docking stations and storage cases but now have a comparatively huge presence in the field of SSDs and even memory). Each of the solutions that Ugreen is promoting here can be broken into the standard, plus, and pro series, with each device improving in storage capabilities, network capabilities, and internal hardware. Alongside the five hard drive-focused devices, there is also a dedicated desktop NVMe flash model, which benefits from the heightened internal and external hardware attributes of its larger siblings. That said, each of the tower starter models also features additional M.2 NVMe slots that have varying levels of bandwidth and speed allocation due to the choice between the three CPUs available: the N100, the Pentium Gold, or the Lakefield model and the mobile SoC i5 model. Let’s compare the specifications of each below:

Specification DXP2800

DXP4800

DXP4800 Plus

DXP6800 Pro

DXP8800 Plus

DXP480T Plus

Kickstarter Launch $239.99 $359.99 $419.99 $599.99 $899.99 $479.99
MSRP $399 $559 $699 $999 $1499 $779
Operating System UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro
CPU Model N100 N100 8505 1235u 1235u 1235u
CPU Brand Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel
CPU Architecture X86 12th Gen N Series X86 12th Gen N Series X86 12th Gen Intel Pentium Gold X86 12th Gen Intel Core i5 X86 12th Gen Intel Core i5 X86 12th Gen Intel Core i5
Cores/Threads 4/4 4/4 5/6 10/12 10/12 10/12
Memory (RAM) 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5
ODECC Support Supported Supported Supported Supported Supported Supported
Expandable RAM (max) 16GB 16GB 64GB 64GB 64GB 64GB
Flash Memory (System Disk) eMMC 32GB eMMC 32GB SSD 128GB SSD 128GB SSD 128GB SSD 128GB
SATA Drive Bays 2 4 4 6 8 0
M.2 SSD Drive Slots 2 2 2 2 2 4

The UGreen NASync series presents a choice of CPUs across its range, tailored to different performance needs and price points. The entry-level Intel N100, featured in the DXP2800, is a mobile processor launched in January 2023, offering 4 cores and 4 threads with a boost frequency of up to 3.4 GHz. Its low 6W TDP suggests a design aimed at energy efficiency, with a production process size of 10 nm, denoting a relatively modern chip design. Here’s a comparison table for the Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor 8505, Intel® Core™ i5-1235U Processor, and Intel® Processor N100:

Specification Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor 8505 Intel® Core™ i5-1235U Processor Intel® Processor N100
Product Collection Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor Series 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors Intel® Processor N-series
Vertical Segment Mobile Mobile Mobile
Processor Number 8505 i5-1235U N100
Lithography Intel 7 Intel 7 Intel 7
Total Cores 5 10 4
# of Performance-cores 1 2
# of Efficient-cores 4 8
Total Threads 6 12 4
Max Turbo Frequency 4.40 GHz 4.40 GHz 3.40 GHz
Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency 4.40 GHz 4.40 GHz
Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency 3.30 GHz 3.30 GHz
Cache 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
Processor Base Power 15 W 15 W
Maximum Turbo Power 55 W 55 W
Minimum Assured Power 12 W
TDP 6 W
Marketing Status Launched Launched Launched
Launch Date Q1’22 Q1’22 Q1’23
Embedded Options Available No No No
Max Memory Size 64 GB 64 GB 16 GB
Memory Types Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s, Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s, Up to LPDDR5 5200 MT/s, Up to LPDDR4x 4267 MT/s Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s, Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s, Up to LPDDR5 5200 MT/s, Up to LPDDR4x 4267 MT/s DDR4 3200 MT/s, DDR5 4800 MT/s, LPDDR5 4800 MT/s
Max # of Memory Channels 2 2 1
ECC Memory Supported ‡ No No No
Maximum Memory Speed 4800 MHz
GPU Name‡ Intel® UHD Graphics for 12th Gen Intel® Processors Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics eligible Intel® UHD Graphics
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency 1.10 GHz 1.20 GHz 750 MHz
Graphics Output eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4, HDMI 2.1, MIPI-DSI 1.3
Execution Units 48 80 24
Max Resolution (HDMI)‡ 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz 4096 x 2160@60Hz
Max Resolution (DP)‡ 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz 4096 x 2160@60Hz
DirectX* Support 12.1 12.1 12.1
OpenGL* Support 4.6 4.6 4.6
OpenCL* Support 3.0 3.0 3.0

This processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, ensuring flexibility for users in their system builds. However, the N100’s single-channel memory interface and the absence of ECC memory support reflect its positioning as a budget-friendly option within the NASync lineup.

In terms of connectivity, the UGreen NASync devices offer a variety of options to accommodate different user needs. The series features USB 3.2 ports, with some models including front panel Type-C ports that support up to 10Gb/s transfer rates. High-speed networking is a highlight, with models like the DXP6800 Pro and DXP8800 Plus boasting dual 10Gb Ethernet ports, potentially offering a combined 20Gb/s network throughput when used concurrently. Thunderbolt 4 ports in the higher-end models further enhance the possibilities for high-speed external connections and daisy-chaining of compatible devices.

Storage flexibility is a key attribute of the NASync series, with models ranging from 2 to 8 SATA drive bays, catering to different scale requirements from personal use to more demanding business applications. M.2 NVMe slots are included for faster, more modern storage solutions, with bandwidth and speed allocations varying by model, dictated by the choice of the three different CPUs available. This tiered approach allows potential buyers to select a NAS solution that matches their storage size and speed needs without paying for unnecessary additional capabilities.

Who Are UGreen?

Ugreen, a brand that has been around in one form or another for more than a decade, is chiefly associated with power adapters, computer accessories, and generally providing solutions to connect one device to another. In recent years, they have gained a fairly enviable reputation, featuring on a number of prominent tech platforms with moderately high regard for their solutions. Ugreen is not the first largely computer accessory-related brand to decide to try its hand at their own NAS solution. Partway through 2023, we saw the affordable consumer laptop brand LincPlus take to crowdfunding to launch their own dedicated flash NAS system, the LincStation N1, which just started to receive at the start of 2024 to mostly positive responses. Ugreen first revealed their intention toward an in-house NAS system partway through 2023, and although the system has since seen a few specification changes and even a complete naming change from DXP to the NASync series, they have been quite outspoken at a few big marketing events. Probably one of the biggest that they attended, and in quite a prominent display, was CES 2024 right at the start of this year with a large stand, promoting the majority of their products but with a particularly large presentation on their NAS solutions. Once again, this saw quite universal coverage and, I guess, I can totally see why a user would opt for a Ugreen solution if they have had positive experiences with them in the past. However, why Kickstarter? Why crowdfunding?

Why Would An Established Tech Brand Choose to Launch on Kickstarter?

It is a really good question! If a brand already has a long-running history of product distribution via normal retail outlets such as Amazon and Newegg, why would they suddenly choose to use crowdfunding to sell their new and ambitious product? 2023 and 2024 saw a huge number of new private NAS solutions arrive on the market via crowdfunding. Alongside LincPlus mentioned earlier, there was also the ZimaCube system from SkyWhale. This featured specifications not dissimilar in configuration to the Ugreen NAS systems. However, SkyWhale had two previous successful crowdfunding campaigns under their belt, and therefore it seems quite natural that they would opt for this model in their third release.

Source: https://businessmodelanalyst.com/kickstarter-business-model/

Discussing this with numerous brands in the past, the main reasons outlined to me have been the following:

One, crowdfunding allows relatively small and lesser-known brands to ascertain the level of popularity and engagement that they might achieve for a product prior to a formal release. If they promote a system’s capabilities (both hardware and software) and engagement is low, this allows them to not allocate large budgets that they can ill afford to a project that may perhaps be doomed to failure.

Two, a number of relatively small Chinese brands have difficulty forming marketing, distribution, and engagement with Western audiences. Not necessarily for reasons of language barriers either; this is the days of Google Translate, of course! Mainly, this comes down to understanding Western audiences, marketing on Western-focused social media platforms, and even understanding the requirements that that audience and its level of technological understanding need addressing. For a Chinese manufacturer to use crowdfunding platforms, they not only do it to garner money from the audience for their product but also to take advantage of an established marketing system, tools, and third-party supported social distribution that they neither have nor 100% understand. This can often lead to the crowdfunding campaigns perhaps being a touch overzealous in the marketing of a product that for them they do not understand implicitly, but this is certainly an allure for smaller Eastern companies to be able to distribute their product globally to a high degree of success.

Predominantly, those are the two main reasons that I find explained to me by Eastern brands that utilize the crowdfunding model to promote their product. I have both good and bad stories of server products going through the crowdfunding machine (read the full article here and watch the full video here on NAS Compares for more details on individual cases), but I do think there is a positive argument for why Eastern brands utilize crowdfunding to promote their products.

How much will the UGreen NASync Series Cost and When Will It Launch?

The UGreen NASync series is poised to make a notable entrance into the NAS market with a range of devices that cater to different storage and performance needs. With the Kickstarter launch prices set attractively at $239.99 for the entry-level DXP2800 and scaling up to $899.99 for the high-end DXP8800 Plus, UGreen is competitively positioning its products. The mid-range DXP4800 and DXP4800 Plus are tagged at $359.99 and $419.99 respectively, while the specialized NVMe-focused DXP480T Plus is introduced at $479.99. Post-crowdfunding, the retail prices, also known as the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), are expected to be significantly higher—almost doubling for some models, like the DXP2800 with an MSRP of $399 and the DXP8800 Plus which will retail for $1499. This pricing strategy not only provides an incentive for early backers but also underscores the value proposition of getting in early on the Kickstarter campaign. Nevertheless, THIS IS CROWDFUNDING and therefore not the same as buying from your usual retail outlet, be aware. UGreen is tapping into the growing buzz of middle-ground solutions between turnkey options from Synology/QNAP and BYO/DiY options that retire time and knowledge to build. If you are on the fence, there isn’t a tremendous rush, as crowdfunding officially begins on March 12th (see link below). We will be keeping an eye on this one as the weeks go on!

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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
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
 
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
    
 
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

 
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