Software Advice

[Enquiries]

I am looking to upgrade my 3TB DS218 as I need more storage, my only real complaint against the DS218 is that it takes a really long time for time machine to see the older back up files and restore them if needed.
I use the NAS as a single camera monitor, as a DLNA server without transcoding, and as a Time Machine backup, nothing fancy.
I would like to take advantage of my 2.5GBe home network speed to improve my Time Machine lookups from my 10GBe Mac Mini so am considering the QNAP TS-262, QNAP TS-264, Asustor AS5402T, TerraMaster F2-424 and am concerned about which software (QTS,ADM,TOS) would be best suited to my needs?
I like Synology but looking for something quicker.

[ed]

It sounds like you’ve got a solid setup with your DS218 but need more speed and storage, especially for Time Machine backups. Given your requirements and preferences for quicker access to backup files, let's dive into your options!

Quick Overview of Your Options:
QNAP TS-262:
This model is equipped with a dual-core Intel Celeron processor, 2GB RAM (expandable), and supports up to 2.5GbE. It’s a budget-friendly choice but might not be as powerful for future scaling or larger loads. However, QNAP’s QTS OS is robust and user-friendly, offering fast access to Time Machine backups and general performance. It also supports multi-functional applications like DLNA and camera monitoring.
QNAP TS-264:
A step up from the TS-262, featuring a more powerful Intel Celeron N4505 processor, 4GB RAM (expandable), and 2.5GbE. QTS software offers good compatibility with Time Machine backups, so this would be a better choice for improving your Time Machine lookups, especially on a 10GbE Mac Mini.
Asustor AS5402T:
This model comes with a 2-core Intel Celeron J4005 processor, 4GB of RAM (expandable), and 2.5GbE. Asustor’s ADM software is also solid and provides a streamlined experience, but it’s not as feature-rich or flexible as QTS in terms of additional services. However, the performance should be adequate for your use cases, and it has a good user interface for backups.
TerraMaster F2-424:
The F2-424 offers a 4-core Intel Celeron J3455 processor, 4GB RAM (expandable), and 2.5GbE. The TOS operating system is a bit more basic compared to QTS and ADM, but it’s still serviceable for your tasks. The main draw of TerraMaster is its value for money, but it may not be as optimized for backup speeds compared to the QNAP or Asustor options.
Best Software for Your Needs:
QTS (QNAP):
Best suited for Time Machine integration, as it provides fast and reliable backups, and it's feature-rich with an excellent App Center for extra functionalities. If Time Machine speed is your top concern, QTS will give you the smoothest experience, especially with your 2.5GbE network. It also handles DLNA streaming well without transcoding. If you plan to scale up in the future (e.g., adding more cameras or services), QTS will be better equipped for that.
ADM (Asustor):
While ADM is a good operating system, it lacks the advanced features that QTS offers. If your focus is mainly on Time Machine and straightforward usage, it will work fine, but it’s not as optimized for Time Machine lookups and performance as QTS.
TOS (TerraMaster):
TOS is simpler and not as polished as QTS or ADM. For your use case, it might be the least ideal option if you prioritize quick Time Machine backups and overall system flexibility.
Conclusion:
If Time Machine backup speed is your priority and you want to leverage your 2.5GbE network effectively, QNAP TS-264 with QTS would be your best bet. It offers a solid combination of performance and software flexibility, making it ideal for handling Time Machine backups faster and without issues. If you want something simpler but still decent, the Asustor AS5402T would work, though QTS offers more fine-tuned performance for your use case.