+- ASK NC (https://ask.nascompares.com)
+-- Forum: Q&A (https://ask.nascompares.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Before you buy Q&A (https://ask.nascompares.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=2)
+--- Thread: NAS choice (/showthread.php?tid=11561)
NAS choice - Enquiries - 12-30-2024
I have a decent mini-PC hosting my files and containers. I plan to use more self-hosted services to store personal files like photos, videos, and music. Therefore, I need a NAS to provide more storage capacity and redundancy/parity to increase services' reliability.
The problem is that there are too many options, and it is hard to decide. I could also build one myself, but it requires a lot of time to research the correct components, which I do not have now. This is my first NAS, so buying a ready-to-go option seems more appropriate. If possible, I would like to choose the NAS OS. I don't need much horsepower for the NAS as I intend to use the mini-PC for demanding operations.
These are the options I'm considering:
- AOOSTAR WTR PRO 4 bay N100 Nas Mini PC
- ORICO MetaBox Pro 5 Bay NAS Storage System
- UGREEN NASync DXP4800
- TERRAMASTER F4-424 PRO
Could you please provide any advice?
RE: NAS choice - ed - 12-30-2024
Thank you for reaching out. Based on your needs for more storage capacity and redundancy while using your mini-PC for demanding operations, I can provide some insights into the NAS options you’re considering:
AOOSTAR WTR PRO 4 Bay N100 NAS Mini PC
Pros: Compact design with 4 bays for storage expansion, suitable for home use.
Cons: AOOSTAR's NAS solutions are not as widely recognized, and user support and updates may be more limited compared to other brands.
ORICO MetaBox Pro 5 Bay NAS Storage System
Pros: Offers 5 bays for more storage flexibility. ORICO generally provides good build quality and reliability.
Cons: Similar to AOOSTAR, ORICO is less established in the NAS market, which could impact long-term support and software updates.
UGREEN NASync DXP4800
Pros: UGREEN is known for producing solid networking and tech accessories, but this specific NAS system might offer solid features for your needs.
Cons: UGREEN is more recognized for networking gear rather than NAS devices, so this could be a less-tested option for long-term use and reliability.
TERRAMASTER F4-424 PRO
Pros: A reputable brand in the NAS market, providing reliable, affordable 4-bay solutions with a focus on data redundancy and protection.
Cons: The Terramaster NAS systems can sometimes have limitations in terms of app ecosystems compared to Synology or QNAP.
Recommendations
Given that you don’t need much horsepower for the NAS and prefer a ready-to-go solution, I would recommend the TERRAMASTER F4-424 PRO for its solid reputation, reliable performance, and straightforward setup. It also offers ample storage expansion with 4 bays and built-in redundancy, which is key for data protection.
If you're considering a more established brand with a feature-rich ecosystem and more advanced OS options, you might also want to explore Synology or QNAP NAS devices, which offer robust software options for self-hosted services and storage management.
Since you’re new to NAS, the TERRAMASTER F4-424 PRO would likely be a good balance of ease of use and long-term reliability.
RE: NAS choice - guinuxbr - 12-31-2024
Hello, Ed.
Thank you for the answer and for the videos you make on YouTube. They are very helpful and informative.
I'll do some research to see if I can find a good offer for the TERRAMASTER F4-424 PRO.