Yesterday, 08:04 AM
Thanks for getting in touch. Based on your setup and goals, replacing your current RAID 5 file server with a modern NAS is absolutely viable, and can bring improved reliability, easier management, and lower power usage.
Since you’re using it for file sharing and accounting applications across 4 workstations, here’s what I’d recommend looking for in a replacement NAS:
• 4 to 8 bays, depending on how much you want to expand in the future. Even if you’re only using around 2TB now, you’ll want room to grow.
• RAID 5 or RAID 6 support for redundancy and reliability.
• 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking support to future-proof your office speeds and avoid slowdowns when multiple users access files.
• Snapshot support and backup options to protect against accidental deletion or ransomware.
• Intel or AMD-based CPU, ideally x86, for better app compatibility and performance (especially if your accounting software relies on mapped drives or legacy features).
A couple of solid options:
• QNAP TVS-h674 (or TS-673A for a bit less): Good all-rounder for business use, supports QuTS hero (ZFS-based).
• Synology DS1821+ or DS1621+: Reliable, user-friendly DSM software, good support ecosystem, and great backup tools.
• Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 or Gen1: Decent value for business NAS with 2.5GbE and solid app support.
You can pair one of those with 4 x 4TB or 6TB WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf drives in RAID 5, which will give you plenty of space, fault tolerance, and performance.
Since you’re using it for file sharing and accounting applications across 4 workstations, here’s what I’d recommend looking for in a replacement NAS:
• 4 to 8 bays, depending on how much you want to expand in the future. Even if you’re only using around 2TB now, you’ll want room to grow.
• RAID 5 or RAID 6 support for redundancy and reliability.
• 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking support to future-proof your office speeds and avoid slowdowns when multiple users access files.
• Snapshot support and backup options to protect against accidental deletion or ransomware.
• Intel or AMD-based CPU, ideally x86, for better app compatibility and performance (especially if your accounting software relies on mapped drives or legacy features).
A couple of solid options:
• QNAP TVS-h674 (or TS-673A for a bit less): Good all-rounder for business use, supports QuTS hero (ZFS-based).
• Synology DS1821+ or DS1621+: Reliable, user-friendly DSM software, good support ecosystem, and great backup tools.
• Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 or Gen1: Decent value for business NAS with 2.5GbE and solid app support.
You can pair one of those with 4 x 4TB or 6TB WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf drives in RAID 5, which will give you plenty of space, fault tolerance, and performance.