NAS newbie

[Enquiries]

I'm a NAS newbie and need something to store my backups and photos/videos/files, but I want to consider my future needs/wants too so I don't lock myself into something that's not upgradeable or that's destined for obsolescence. I'm an Apple user (iPhone, iPad, MacBooks, etc) and don't use PCs so I'd like something that works with Time Machine for backups. Currently, I use an external USB drive but I want something more secure as far as redundancy (i.e., RAID) and faster as well, both for backing up as well as accessing. I was considering a UGREEN DXP4800 Plus or a Zettlab AI NAS D6 Ultra, however, I also saw that UGREEN has another Local AI NAS upcoming for crowdfunding! I'm also considering utilizing Thunderbolt connectivity and going with a Thunderbay enclosure or similar! Help! I don't want to overspend (I certainly can't afford to!) on something more than I need but I do like the ability to use local AI to search for things! I bought 4 Seagate IronWolf Pro 14TB NAS drives fyi.

[ed]

For your needs as a NAS newbie with a focus on redundancy, backup, and future-proofing, I would suggest a few options that work seamlessly with Apple devices (including Time Machine) and provide good flexibility for growth. Here are my thoughts:

1. Synology DS923+
Why it’s a good option:

Time Machine Support: Synology has excellent compatibility with Apple devices, including Time Machine backups, which would be ideal for your MacBook/iPad/iPhone backups.

Expandability: The DS923+ comes with 4 bays and allows for easy upgrades if you need more storage later.

RAID Options: Synology offers multiple RAID configurations (like SHR, RAID 1, RAID 5) for redundancy.

Future-proofing: The DS923+ supports 10GbE for faster network speeds, and it’s a solid unit with long-term support.

AI Features: While not AI-based directly, Synology has powerful software for managing photos and videos, with Synology Photos being a great tool for sorting and organizing media.

Considerations: The Synology DS923+ is a bit more than a basic NAS, but it’s a great long-term investment. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you could look at their lower-end models.

2. QNAP TS-464
Why it’s a good option:

Thunderbolt: If you want to use Thunderbolt, QNAP has models like the TS-464 that offer Thunderbolt 3 support, which will give you blazing fast speeds when connected directly.

RAID Options: Like Synology, QNAP offers various RAID configurations for redundancy.

AI and Multimedia: QNAP offers some AI features and applications for organizing photos and videos. Their software also supports automatic photo tagging and categorization.

Time Machine: QNAP supports Time Machine backup as well, so you’d have no problem using it for your Apple devices.

Considerations: QNAP tends to have a more complex user interface compared to Synology, which might be a consideration if you’re looking for something simpler. The price point may also be a bit higher, especially if you want Thunderbolt functionality.

3. TerraMaster F4-423
Why it’s a good option:

Affordable: TerraMaster NAS units are typically more affordable compared to Synology or QNAP while still offering good performance.

RAID Support: It supports multiple RAID configurations for redundancy and protection.

Time Machine: TerraMaster does support Time Machine backups as well, so you can back up your Apple devices.

Considerations: The software interface and features might not be as polished as Synology or QNAP, but it's an affordable, solid option for a starter NAS.

4. Using Thunderbay Enclosure:
While a Thunderbay enclosure could offer excellent speeds, especially if you need to access files quickly, it might not provide the same level of redundancy and long-term protection that a dedicated NAS would. You would still need to look at software for backups and ensure you're manually configuring redundancy (like RAID 1) and backups.

Best for Time Machine & Future-Proofing: The Synology DS923+ would be my top recommendation due to its combination of easy-to-use software, compatibility with Time Machine, and expandability. It’s a good balance of features, future-proofing, and affordability.

If Thunderbolt is Important: The QNAP TS-464 is an excellent choice if you prioritize Thunderbolt connectivity for high-speed access.

Budget Option: The TerraMaster F4-423 offers a more affordable solution, but you may have to compromise a bit on advanced features and future-proofing.