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+--- Thread: Rackmount NAS (/showthread.php?tid=12285)
Rackmount NAS - Enquiries - 08-28-2025
I am looking to consolidate to 1 NAS for Plex and File Backup (hobby photographer with lots of RAW photo files). I am looking at the QNAP TS-h3077AFU but am curious to know how loud the system is (will be populated with SAA SSDs, but work in IT and I know how loud server fans can be so curious to know how loud the system can be even with silent drives in it).
RE: Rackmount NAS - ed - 08-29-2025
Thanks for getting in touch. The QNAP TS-h3077AFU is an absolute powerhouse, especially with SAS SSDs — you’re going to get excellent IOPS and performance for Plex, backups, RAW photo workflows, and even VMs if you ever expand into that.
That said, you’re absolutely right to be concerned about noise.
Even though SSDs are silent, the TS-h3077AFU is still a rackmount NAS, and QNAP typically designs these with enterprise environments in mind. That means high airflow fans, often dual or triple 80mm or 92mm units, designed to keep things cool under constant 24/7 load. These fans can ramp up well above 45–50 dB, especially during drive checks, heavy I/O, or warm ambient conditions.
If you’re placing this unit anywhere near your living or working space, it will absolutely be audible — even at idle. It’s not quite as loud as a full 2U server chassis with spinning drives, but it’s nowhere near what you’d call “quiet” or “home office friendly.”
If silence is critical and you’re committed to rackmount, I’d recommend:
• Installing it in a vented soundproof rack cabinet (like one from StarTech or Tripp Lite).
• Swapping the default fans with Noctua industrial fans (note: this may void warranty).
• Lowering the fan curve via QNAP’s system controls — with caution.
If you’re flexible on form factor, you might get better noise levels with something like the QNAP TVS-h874X or the Synology RS1221+ (with fan mods), which are more “prosumer”-oriented and still support SSD storage and 10GbE.