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+--- Thread: 10bay vs 4 + add-on (/showthread.php?tid=11517)
10bay vs 4 + add-on - Enquiries - 12-12-2024
hi, am trying to decide between getting a bigger gas, say 8 bays now for expansion or a 4 bay and then a add-on later. I've not seen this sort of pro/con type video. I currently have a T5-221 but its getting long in the tooth
thanks
jody
RE: 10bay vs 4 + add-on - ed - 12-14-2024
The choice between a larger 10-bay NAS now or a smaller 4-bay NAS with an add-on expansion later comes down to a few factors:
1. Cost and Budget Flexibility:
A 10-bay NAS will likely be more expensive upfront compared to a 4-bay unit, which may give you more budget flexibility now. However, you’ll pay more over time if you need to add extra expansion units.
2. Future Expansion Needs:
If you’re already planning on growing your storage in the near future, a 10-bay NAS may provide more long-term value. With a 4-bay NAS, you can add an expansion unit later, but that requires careful management of your current drives and might involve a bit more hassle for upgrades.
3. Space and Power Consumption:
A 10-bay NAS will consume more power and require more space compared to a 4-bay with an add-on unit. If you're in a limited space or concerned about energy use, a 4-bay NAS with expansion could be a better fit.
4. Performance Considerations:
Some NAS models with expansion units may have limitations on throughput or expansion performance (like reduced I/O speeds with add-on units). A larger NAS may have more powerful components and could offer better overall performance for your needs, especially for high-demand tasks.
5. Redundancy and Flexibility:
A 10-bay NAS will allow you to configure larger volumes or more RAID options, which can be important if redundancy and performance are critical to you. With a 4-bay setup, adding an expansion unit keeps your options flexible but requires more careful planning for data safety.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for long-term scalability and don’t mind a larger investment now, a 10-bay NAS might be the best option. However, if you’re budget-conscious and don’t need immediate massive storage, a 4-bay NAS with an expansion option later could work well and offer more flexibility as your storage needs grow.
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