The more hard drives in the NAS, the more data you can store. During our tests, we evaluate which HDD arrays support drives, the ability to backup to the cloud, and also explore server options. The more server functions on board the device, the better. In the end, it is precisely from this that the score for the functionality of the device is formed, which is 45% of the total score in our rating.
The biggest benefit of 4-drive NAS is the ability to install a high-capacity HDD, creating an impressive 40TB of storage (if using 10TB HDDs) in simple JBOD array mode. You can also combine hard drives into a RAID array. In the case of 4-disk systems, these can be RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 10. For high performance and fault tolerance, we recommend using RAID 5.
First place: QNAP TS-451+-8G
QNAP TS-451+-8G NAS RAID is based on 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron J1900 processor and equipped with user-friendly QTS 4.0 operating system. The device is suitable for both home use and office needs: NAS allows you to back up data, synchronize files, organize a media library and create a personal cloud. Remote access is provided for accessing files.
QNAP TS-451+-8G enables on-the-fly transcoding of 1080p video into digestible formats supported by computers, media players, TV panels and mobile devices. At the same time, the same video can be viewed on several devices at once, including those that do not have much computing power and, accordingly, cannot perform the transcoding process themselves.
Peculiarities:
- Memory expandable up to 8 GB
- Support for video surveillance systems (license for 2 cameras included)
- Built-in media center
- Quiet cooler
- Apple AirPlay support
- Support for 7.1 channel surround sound
Average retail price: 51 600 rubles
Second place: Asustor AS6104T
Asustor AS6104T compact NAS drive is powered by Intel Braswell quad-core platform with ADM (ASUSTOR Data Master) software interface, which is convenient and easy to learn. Supported RAID modes (Single disk, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10) allow you to use the device as a high-capacity storage or high-performance server for data backup.
Asustor AS6104T will receive a high-quality and durable case with a metal frame. The HDD mounting rails are also made of metal and equipped with rubber pads that minimize HDD vibrations. But there are no locks on the sled, so you should not leave this NAS storage within the reach of children who can accidentally pull the drive out of the server.
Peculiarities:
- Hot-swap HDD available
- Automatic fan speed control
- Customizable backlight
- Support for drives with a total capacity of up to 40 TB
- Intuitive Russian-language OS
- Built-in firewall
Average retail price: 36 600 rubles
Third place: QNAP TS-453mini-2G
Like the leader of our rating, the QNAP TS-453mini-2G mini server is equipped with a 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron J1900 CPU and, despite its compactness, provides a wide range of capabilities. Based on it, you can create a 24-hour video surveillance system with IP-based storage, organize video streaming on any device via DLNA, AirPlay and Plex, set up a VPN and a web server, a RADIUS server, etc.
The design of the network drive involves the vertical installation of hard drives, which made it possible to reduce its dimensions and the area it occupies on the desktop. The top cover is attached with magnets, blocking access (for example, from children) to the sled with installed HDD. At the same time, it provides quick access to the drives, without requiring the use of tools to dismantle the aforementioned hatch.
Peculiarities:
- RAM modules can be upgraded
- Compact size thanks to vertical HDD arrangement
- Low power consumption
- A sufficient number of modern connectors, despite the mini form factor
- Ability to run virtual machines directly on the NAS server
- Storage for IP-based video surveillance systems
Average retail price: 55 200 rubles
Fourth place: QNAP TS-451-4G
The QNAP TS-451-4G, which occupies the fourth position, is equipped with an Intel Celeron N3060 processor with a nominal frequency of 1.6 GHz and the ability to automatically overclock to 2.48 GHz. Let’s immediately pay attention to the USB Quick Access technology used here, which allows you to quickly configure the NAS out of the box and start it up even without network access.
Also, thanks to this option, the server can be connected to a computer via a USB cable (it connects to the USB Quick Access connector on the NAS case) and access all data on the server through the proprietary Qfinder Pro utility. To work with network devices, you can use the classic connection via an Ethernet port. In this case, the QNAP TS-451-4G will work as a traditional NAS.
Peculiarities:
- USB QuickAccess port for direct data access
- Hardware support for UHD video decoding and transcoding
- Ability to run virtual machines directly on the NAS server
- Virtual JBOD Mode (VJBOD)
- Multimedia control via remote control
- Quiet operation and low power consumption
Average retail price: 44 500 rubles
Fifth place: Asustor AS5004T
The fifth position in our rating is occupied by the Asustor AS5004T model. At the time of this writing, this device has been discontinued, but it can still be found on sale. This NAS server loses to the leaders of our rating in terms of total capacity: the device supports the installation of four hard drives of 8 TB each, which gives a total of 32 TB of space. Recall. that our leader supports the installation of drives with a total capacity of up to 40 TB.
If you choose this NAS device and decide to upgrade it with RAM, you should be careful: the limitations of the AS5 platform dictate their own rules. So, when using memory modules with a capacity of 8 GB, it is allowed to install only one RAM bar, while the original modules must be removed. Installation of two high-capacity modules at once is not possible.
Peculiarities:
- Ability to integrate with cloud storage
- Bidirectional backup
- The NAS server is able to automatically enter standby mode
- Automatic fan control
- Application Dr. ASUSTOR Evaluates Conditions
drives and provides recommendations on settings - Quiet operation and low power consumption
Average retail price: 30 600 rubles
Top 10 Quad HDD NAS
1. QNAP TS-451-4G
2. Asustor AS6104T
3. QNAP TS-453mini-2G
4. QNAP TS-451-4G
5. Asustor AS5004T
6. QNAP TS-431
7. Synology DS415+
8. Synology DS415play
9. Asustor AS-304T
To choose the best hard drive for your NAS, we recommend that you refer to the material in which we talk about the top ten best 3.5-inch drives. Fans of 2.5-inch solutions will find useful information in the material about the most capacious drives for laptops.
Top 10 3.5 inch Hard Drives: Best HDDs of 2017
