Long time fan and subscriber of the channel, I have been researching & waiting for the last few years, but I am still torn between ease of use software (secure) & future-proof hardware (I dont mind spending more to get higher performance if it will make a notable difference in perceived experience... Please help me determine the best 6-8bay or higher NAS model options -- Synology, QNAP, UGREEN, ASUSTOR, TerraMaster, etc. excluding Buffalo, NetGear or lower tier. Prefer at least a 8/12-core cpu with dual M.2 slots caching capability along with a 10g network port with at least another 2.5g port onboard and PCIE 4/5 slot if possible and hopefully TB4 /USB 4.0

Need to be able to use off the shelf drives particularly WD RED Plus 12TB & 6TB models as I have 5 of these already. Are there any other model drives that I should consider to fill up the raid-6 or SHR2 - Ironwolf PRO, WD Gold Ent., Hitachi, Toshiba, etc. ?

Thank you in advance for your help. All the best, Josh

Aoostar WTR Max vs Minisforum MS-A2 comparison
Which one would you choose for home server?

I have a QNAP, TS-216G device. Following your NAS Setup Guilde (2024) Part-3. I am unable to find the "Qnap, Qsync for windows (exe)" file to download on my PC. All I see are several QNAP vSphere files (not sure what they are). Is this unavaliable for my NAS? If so what are my alternatives?

Thanks, really enjoy your videos !!

I bought a domain name and I would like to connect it to a WordPress website I have stored on my Asustor AS5402T NAS.

Can you advise on the best solution for an iCloud replacement?
I am still using DS414, planning to upgrade and to reduce iCloud to contacts, reminders, calendars, etc. sync only, replacing the data heavy services like iCloud Drive and Photos with "local cloud".
I started testing Synology Photos and Drive, and they both work, but the hardware limitations of Ds414 make it impossible to migrate completely.

DS414 is now used for backups, file storage, music storage/DLNA and some video storage for editing (editing local copies, so copying back and forth).

I've watched multiple videos on 4-bay Synology and QNAP NASes and I am still hesitating (DS425+, DS925+ when they are released, and TS-464 or TS-453)
I am familiar with DSM but Synology seems not to be interested so much in home users anymore (H.265?).
I am tempted by QNAP but not sure about security and reliability.

Can you advise?

P.S. YouTube guide to replacing iCloud with a NAS would be great.

Currently have DS224+ with 2x16TB in SHR1. Looking to upgrade NAS platform now (next 6 months and move current drives over) for expanding to 40-60TB within near future (1-2 yrs or as needed). Don’t need full increase now but want to be able to add storage easily to grow. Considering 4-6 bays (DS923+ / DS1522+)? Current network is 1GbE. Main NAS function is data repository with remote access capability. Was suggested to look at new DS925+ but outside CPU, kind of looks like a downgrade? BTW watch your YouTube channel regularly and I HATE SEAGULLS too. ?? Thanks for any suggestions.

I'm looking for an entry into the NAS world. I'm techy but I'd like to keep it simple and casual so that's why I've been looking at Synology.

My main use case - back up family photos and videos and centralise the files from various small drives I have.

I'll probably try out Docker for fun.

I'm looking at DS423+ and 2x 8TB drives. I already own an IronWolf 8TB with about 4TB of stuff already on it.

I'd setup the NAS with 2x 8TB drives and then copy the files before I add my IronWolf as a 3rd HDD.

Should I get Synology drives or can I go for the cheaper IronWolfs?

Also I'm looking at APC BE850G2 UPS (520W/850VA) and I'll need a cheap 5 port 1gig switch as well.

Most of the time I'll access the NAS over Wi-Fi from my laptop and smartphone.

Does my plan make sense?

Cheers for the advice!

Hello mate, I find your reviews really useful, but one thing that you rarely seem to mention is compatibility with 4TB nvme drives. Specifically, I'm talking about the purple coloured N355 server board that you reviewed recently. Can it reliably support 2x 4TB nvme drives in its native two slots reliably? That's all I really need from it, but with it shipping from China, I want to be sure, before I shell out for it. I'd also like to know, what other motherboards you recommend that have the same processor, or something that ramps down, close to single figures (in watts from the wall) when idle, supports 4TB drives (at least 2 out of the box), dual 2.5gbe (10gbe if poss), mini itx form factor, silent/really quiet and decent cooling. Thanks!

Hi Team,

Appreciate your YouTube channel and knowledge.

Been building a GeekPi Home Network rack with jetkvms for Mac minis and xgs wifi and gateway fiber and the planned Pro XG 8 PoE Switch.

most of the stuff I have ordered above except for the Pro XG 8 PoE Switch.

I cant find any information on availability or pricing...

Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thx,

Oliver

Hello, I am currently running a Dell Optiplex 3020 tower Intel i5-4590 with 12Gb Ram, one 500Gb SSD as main and two 4.5 TB for storage of movies and shows. The only use for this is Plex, I might have exhausted the space on the Dell and would like to entertain another option to store 2 additional 4.5 TB HDDs. I can still use this PC, I would like to have the ability to extend the storage space with additional HDDs. Any advice. I have no experience with NAS.