Recommendations on a ~$500 NAS?

[Stryker412]

I'm looking to expand my storage to an external NAS device. I currently have 3 750GB drives in an internal RAID setup. I'd like to take them out and have a NAS. I was really set on the qnap 419 but ultimately decided that it's too expensive and does way more than I need it to do.

Basically all I need is:

- ability to do RAID 5
- allow for expansion up to 8TB (x4 2TB drives)
- decent transfer speeds comparable to my internal RAID setup
- prefer e-SATA connection if available

I basically just stream media to my Popcorn Hour. I do not want to build a WHS machine and really just want a small box that can sit on my desk.

 

[thiggins]

You might look at older models of the QNAP and Synologies. An example is the Synology DS409.

Expect any NAS to have lower file transfer performance than an internal RAID array due to network protocol overhead. Also check the approved drive list for any products you're considering.

 

[techboydino]

I'm looking to expand my storage to an external NAS device. I currently have 3 750GB drives in an internal RAID setup. I'd like to take them out and have a NAS. I was really set on the qnap 419 but ultimately decided that it's too expensive and does way more than I need it to do.

Basically all I need is:

- ability to do RAID 5
- allow for expansion up to 8TB (x4 2TB drives)
- decent transfer speeds comparable to my internal RAID setup
- prefer e-SATA connection if available

I basically just stream media to my Popcorn Hour. I do not want to build a WHS machine and really just want a small box that can sit on my desk.

Great Question. I also am looking for basically the same features for the same money. I have scoured this forum and learned some great information. But am no closer to deciding what I want to use. I'm not really looking for comparative answers, hoping to hear people respond with what they have and if they like it or not. Thanks.

 

[randfee]

the DS410 has everything you're asking for and costs 500U$ exactly.

 

[Stryker412]

Western Digital today released the 1.5TB Caviar Black drive, I've been waiting for a black drive in this size. I'm ready to build a NAS with 3 1.5TB drives in a RAID 5 array.

Any other recommendations on a NAS box?

 

[claykin]

I'm looking to expand my storage to an external NAS device. I currently have 3 750GB drives in an internal RAID setup. I'd like to take them out and have a NAS. I was really set on the qnap 419 but ultimately decided that it's too expensive and does way more than I need it to do.

Basically all I need is:

- ability to do RAID 5
- allow for expansion up to 8TB (x4 2TB drives)
- decent transfer speeds comparable to my internal RAID setup
- prefer e-SATA connection if available

I basically just stream media to my Popcorn Hour. I do not want to build a WHS machine and really just want a small box that can sit on my desk.

Sounds like you'd prefer a DAS given your request for eSata connectivity.

http://www.addonics.com/products/HDD_MultiBay/

http://www.sansdigital.com/towerraid/index.php

 

[voyageurs60]

Western Digital today released the 1.5TB Caviar Black drive, I've been waiting for a black drive in this size. I'm ready to build a NAS with 3 1.5TB drives in a RAID 5 array.

Any other recommendations on a NAS box?

yes I am a NOOB - what is meant by a "Black Drive"?
Thanks - Dan

 

[claykin]

yes I am a NOOB - what is meant by a "Black Drive"?
Thanks - Dan

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/index.asp?cat=3

More important, whatever NAS you choose please visit the vendors website and check their disk compatibility list. ONLY purchase disks that are on their approved list.

 

[BigJim]

You might look at older models of the QNAP and Synologies. An example is the Synology DS409.

Expect any NAS to have lower file transfer performance than an internal RAID array due to network protocol overhead. Also check the approved drive list for any products you're considering.

IMHO often the lower performance is related to the manufacturers using cheap CPUs in their boxes, which don't have the power to process the RAID-5 fast enough.

Later in the thread, they talk about using WD Black hard drives. In many NAS, WD's high performance 7200 rpm Black line is a waste of money, for performance that will never make it through the CPU, or network, bottleneck. I'd stick to Green which is much cheaper (and only 5400 rpm). I think thiggins has discussed the general hard disk speed issue before. Blue is supposed to be Enterprise reliability but I'm not convinced the only difference is the label and the warranty.

 

[claykin]

Use disks that are approved by NAS manufacturers.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/nas/...n-your-nas-or-are-you-happy-to-risk-your-data