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U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case Review – Good M-ATX NAS Case?
U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case Review
In this review, we take a closer look at the U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case, a compact storage enclosure designed to address the storage needs of various users. Our evaluation will provide a detailed examination of its design, features, and overall performance, offering a fact-based assessment to assist you in making an informed decision regarding its compatibility with your specific storage requirements. Whether you are a professional seeking reliable data storage solutions or an enthusiast embarking on a home NAS build, our analysis aims to provide a balanced and factual perspective on the U-NAS NSC-810A.
Note – You can watch the video review of the U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Enclosure HERE on YouTube
Hardware Highlights in Brief:
- Chassis Type: Mini-Tower.
- Color: Black.
- Motherboard Compatibility: Micro ATX, Mini-ITX.
- PSU Form Factor: 1U Flex (not included).
- Front Ports: 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, Audio (mic & headphone).
- Cooling: 2 x 120mm Gelid Ultra Quiet Fans (variable speed).
- Expansion:
- Hot-Swap Drive Bays: 8 x 3.5” SATA/SAS.
- Internal Drive Bay: 1 x 2.5” HDD/SSD.
- Expansion Slots: 2 x PCI / PCI Express.
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 315mm x 275mm x 197mm (feet not included).
- Net Weight: 5.6KG.
U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case Review – Quick Conclusion
The U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case provides a compact and well-organized storage solution with several advantages. It offers 8-Bay storage capacity and a user-friendly internal layout, including pre-connected SATA cables and effective cooling options. The option to replace the rear backplane and space for a 2.5” SATA SSD drive add to its versatility. However, some limitations include the non-standard PSU, potential constraints for M-ATX motherboards, and interference issues with larger PCIe cards. Despite these considerations, the NSC-810A remains a practical choice for specific storage needs, provided users account for its unique features and limitations.
| $219 (Check Amazon HERE) | $219 (Check Aliexpress HERE) |
| Pros of the U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case | Cons of the U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case |
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U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case Review – Packaging
The U-NAS NSC-810A NAS case arrives in a standard brown box, which can be described as rather generic in appearance. However, within this unassuming packaging, you’ll find a well-protected 8-Bay enclosure encased in sturdy black hard foam.
The accessories accompanying the enclosure come neatly organized within their dedicated kit box. This accessory box contains essential items such as cable ties, a molex power splitter, screws suitable for 2.5” and 3.5” HDDs, and a SATA 2.5” plate designed to accommodate a drive.
It’s worth noting that U-NAS offers additional accessories separately, allowing users to customize their NAS setup. These optional extras include SAS rear-connected backplanes and a PCIe EXTENSION KIT.
For those seeking a complete package, U-NAS provides the option to purchase the NAS case prepopulated with a 1U Flex 350W PSU included, priced at $329, or without any PSU included at a cost of $219. In the PSU-included configuration, the power supply unit arrives pre-installed, alongside the presence of 2x molex power connectors pre-connected to the storage backboard.
In summation, the accessories kit provided with the U-NAS NSC-810A NAS case offers practicality and organization. While the packaging and accessories might be characterized as somewhat generic, they nonetheless offer good value for the price, ensuring that users receive a comprehensive package equipped with essential components for their NAS setup.
U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case Review – Design
This NAS case, while not unique to the U-NAS brand, does arrive bearing the U-NAS logo prominently displayed at the top, distinguishing it from similar cases available on Aliexpress and Amazon.
The chassis of the NSC-810A is characterized by its metal external lid, enveloping three sides of the enclosure. Its dimensions measure 315mm x 275mm x 197mm, presenting a desktop-style 8-Bay design.
Upon unboxing, the case’s metal slides are found protected by a layer of plastic, which can be easily peeled off to reveal the pristine surfaces. While the metal casing may be considered somewhat thin, it provides a reassuring level of sturdiness.
The external lid features a brushed and smooth metal finish, contributing to its overall aesthetics. Ventilation is concentrated on one side of the case, where the motherboard and CPU are typically located. Here, an internally mounted 80mm Geild silent fan ensures airflow.
On the opposite side of the case, three smaller ventilation panels are present, contributing to cooling efforts. However, it’s important to note that there is no further ventilation on the top or base of the chassis.
The front panel of the case is constructed from plastic and lacks a dedicated cavity for an LCD panel. While not a glaring issue, it results in a noticeable and somewhat unconventional space on the front panel. It includes a clearly visible USB Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb/s) port, as well as sturdy power on/off and reset buttons.
One distinctive feature is found at the corner edge of the front panel, where 2x additional USB 2.0 Type-A ports and sound (audio In/Out) ports are located. This addition enhances the case’s functionality and connectivity options.
While the individual storage bays within the case are not lockable, they feature ample ventilation to support cooling. Each storage tray is designed for easy removal and includes a spring-loaded handle for user convenience. Inside each bay, combined SAS/SATA connectors facilitate connectivity.
Turning to the rear panel, it features two large 120mm fans to manage cooling efficiently. The case includes a clear M-ITX, DTX, or M-ATX-ready backplane panel, with the board placed horizontally at the top left of the casing. However, this orientation results in an issue with PCIe card deployment, which will be elaborated on later in the review.
In terms of aesthetics, it’s important to acknowledge that the case may appear somewhat dated by the standards of 2023/2024. Nonetheless, it compensates for this with its robust construction, signifying durability as a primary attribute.
U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case Review – Inside
Inside the U-NAS NSC-810A, you’ll find an internal 1U FLEX PSU cavity. However, it’s worth noting that some users may prefer a standard SFX PSU due to its wider availability in retail shops.
The included PSU comes with a main 20 PIN connector, 2x SATA power connectors, and 2 additional smaller motherboard port connectors, ensuring adequate power distribution.
The case comes equipped with pre-connected SATA data cables, offering convenience during setup. These SATA cables are pre-attached to the rear backboard, streamlining cable management. Power for the SATA backboard is also pre-attached via 2x molex power cables, contributing to a tidy and organized internal layout.
Front panel cables are neatly arranged, maintaining an organized appearance. The front panel connectors encompass a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, power and reset buttons, LED indicators, audio In/Out ports, and 2x USB connectors, enhancing the case’s connectivity options.
The M-ITX or M-ATX motherboard is mounted horizontally at the top of the case, which accommodates 2x PCIe slots with full width and ¾ length cavities. However, due to the motherboard’s horizontal placement, the installation of PCIe cards necessitates the use of a PCIe riser or extender, which further occupies the limited internal space, mainly already occupied by cables.
M-ATX motherboards, in particular, may fit quite snugly, especially with the presence of cables and a riser, potentially impacting airflow and components’ accessibility.
The CPU fan height allowance within the case is relatively generous, especially when compared to the NSC-410 4-Bay model. Additionally, the presence of an internal fan ensures active airflow over the motherboard and CPU cooler.
However, the internal 80mm fan is positioned in the pathway of the PCIe cards. Consequently, exceptionally large PCIe cards may obstruct this fan. An alternate placement on the other side of the casing might have mitigated this issue.
It’s important to note that more powerful CPUs, such as Intel Core i5 and above or high-end AMD Ryzens, may encounter thermal challenges in this configuration. To address potential overheating concerns, users may need to invest in integrated and compact copper-piped CPU heatsinks and fans.
The rear backplane responsible for SATA/SAS connections can be replaced with a SAS backplane version, an option available from U-NAS. Furthermore, the case offers space for a 2.5” SATA SSD drive, and an additional SATA cable is included to facilitate this.
The U-NAS NSC-810A represents a compact case with certain design considerations. While it allows for an organized interior layout, the placement of the motherboard in close proximity to the 8-Bay SATA drive cage at an angle may limit CPU fan options and potentially obstruct horizontal airflow. Other cases, such as the Audhied K7, have addressed motherboard placement differently, providing more space for CPU fans and eliminating the need for PCIe risers/extenders.
U-NAS NSC-810A vs NSC-410 NAS Case Comparison
The U-NAS NSC-410 and NSC-810A NAS cases, both offering storage solutions, exhibit distinct differences while sharing some common traits. In terms of size, the NSC-410 is a smaller 4-Bay enclosure, whereas the NSC-810A boasts a more extensive 8-Bay capacity. This difference in capacity makes the NSC-810A a preferable choice for users with larger storage needs, while the NSC-410 caters to more modest requirements. While both cases maintain an organized internal layout with pre-connected SATA cables and tidy front panel connectors, they differ in the placement of motherboards. The NSC-410 positions motherboards vertically, while the NSC-810A opts for a horizontal placement. This design choice impacts CPU fan options and airflow considerations, with the NSC-810A potentially limiting the space available for CPU cooling solutions. Additionally, the NSC-810A features two large 120mm fans on its rear panel, enhancing cooling capabilities, whereas the NSC-410 relies on a single 120mm fan for airflow.
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Key Differences:
- Compatibility: The NSC-810A supports both M-ITX and M-ATX Motherboards, whereas the NSC-410 only supports M-ITX
- Capacity: NSC-410 offers 4-Bay storage, whereas NSC-810A provides an 8-Bay capacity.
- Motherboard Placement: NSC-410 positions motherboards vertically, while NSC-810A mounts them horizontally.
- Cooling: NSC-810A incorporates two large 120mm fans for enhanced cooling, while NSC-410 relies on a single 120mm fan.
- Size: NSC-810A is larger with dimensions of 315mm x 275mm x 197mm, while NSC-410 is more compact at 263mm x 195mm x 197mm.
- Storage Bay Trays: The NSC-810A may accommodate larger PCIe cards due to its additional size, while the NSC-410 may have constraints in this regard.
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U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case Review – Verdict and Conclusion
The U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case presents a practical solution for those seeking a compact and well-organized storage enclosure. While it offers several notable advantages, there are certain considerations to bear in mind. On the positive side, the case’s compact design with 8-Bay storage capacity makes it suitable for various storage needs. The organized internal layout, including pre-connected SATA cables and tidy front panel connectors, streamlines the installation process. Additionally, the generous CPU fan height allowance and the presence of an internal fan contribute to effective cooling solutions. The option to replace the rear backplane with a SAS version enhances the case’s versatility, and the provision of space for a 2.5” SATA SSD drive is a practical inclusion. The case’s overall construction, with a durable metal exterior, underscores its longevity. However, it’s important to acknowledge certain limitations, such as the non-standard 1U FLEX PSU, which may require some users to adapt their power supply configuration. The motherboard’s close proximity to the SATA drive cage may restrict CPU fan choices and impact airflow, necessitating PCIe risers or extenders.
Furthermore, the case’s suitability for M-ATX motherboards, particularly with additional cables and risers, may be constrained. The internal 80mm fan’s position can interfere with larger PCIe cards, requiring careful consideration during component selection. Finally, users with more demanding CPUs may need to invest in specialized cooling solutions. The NSC-810A NAS Case offers a practical and compact storage solution, complemented by an organized interior and robust construction. While it has certain design considerations, its overall positive attributes make it a viable choice for those with specific storage requirements, provided they align with the case’s unique features and limitations.
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| $219 (Check Amazon HERE) | $219 (Check Aliexpress HERE) |
| Pros of the U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case | Cons of the U-NAS NSC-810A NAS Case |
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