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Limited to 3U rack space shared with other equipment. So max height of 5” for chassis. Only need a NAS to allow scans from HP network printer to all devices in office to grab scans. Will require multiple folders with different user permissions but only for 1-5 people max. Was considering the Terramaster F8 with only 2 nvme drives which would sit horizontal on the shelf with fans facing front of rack to blow air out the back. Is this the lowest cost and is the TOS easy to hand over to less technical people once initial set up is complete? Should I be considering any other model? Goals are 1) lowest cost 2) under 5” height 3) easy to manage network shares for likely 3 users (network backups, VIP user, general user). Only need enough space to store minimal backups for ubiquity OS/config and run TOS. Thanks!
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For your needs, the Terramaster F8 with NVMe drives sounds like a good start, as it's compact, fits within your size constraints, and is relatively cost-effective. However, keep in mind that the TOS (Terramaster's OS) is generally user-friendly, but it might not be as polished or intuitive as some other brands like Synology or QNAP for less tech-savvy users.
Here are some things to consider:
Synology DS223+ – This would be slightly above the cost of the Terramaster, but it offers a more polished software interface (DSM) that’s generally easier for non-tech users to navigate. It also has a good track record for ease of use in small offices and would allow you to manage user permissions with minimal hassle. The DS223+ would meet your height constraints and is a great option for a small, cost-effective NAS for up to 3-5 users.
QNAP TS-231P3 – Similar to Synology in terms of ease of use but offers a bit more flexibility in terms of apps and functionality. It would fit under 5” in height and be an affordable option for your use case.
Terramaster F4-423 – If you need slightly more expandability with the same simple TOS interface, the F4-423 might be worth considering. It has more drive slots but remains compact and cost-effective.
Since your requirements are relatively simple (network shares, minimal backups, and user permissions), I think the Synology DS223+ would be a great choice if you're looking for a bit more software polish and a simpler experience for less technical people. If cost is your primary concern, the Terramaster F8 could work, but you may need to spend a bit more time on the setup and user training for it.
