[NAS] Buying my first

[ryuxdragonx]

Hello all, I'm a freelance graphic designer. I also have a lot of media files to store, so I'm looking into getting my first NAS.

I've been looking at the QNAP TS-251+ with 2x8TB for Raid 1. It's mainly to save and archive my design work because I cannot afford to lose any of those. I also want to move all of my media files to one central location so I can access with all my devices (my custom pc, my macbook and other devices)

Other than that, I also want to see if I can run a basic web server off that same nas to host my personal portfolio website. It doesn't have to be up and running 24/7 (slight downtimes are acceptable) because I don't expect high traffic on my website at all.

My fibre at home is Singtel 1.0Gbps plan and my desktop is connected via ethernet.

What are your takes on this? I like the QNAP because of the strong processor, fast speed transfers (as far as I can tell from reviews), and its strong media capabilities.

 

[delson_tan]

I was in the same situation as you but ended up choosing Synology over QNAP because the thread here seems more active and from what I read, easier for first timer like me. It's a bit like choosing Apple over Android, lower end specs, more ex but more noob friendly due to OS.

 

[ryuxdragonx]

I was in the same situation as you but ended up choosing Synology over QNAP because the thread here seems more active and from what I read, easier for first timer like me. It's a bit like choosing Apple over Android, lower end specs, more ex but more noob friendly due to OS.

If it's only over user-friendliness I don't think it would be a turn off for me. I kept checking the various models and qnap seems to be cheaper with better hardware.

 

[delson_tan]

If it's only over user-friendliness I don't think it would be a turn off for me. I kept checking the various models and qnap seems to be cheaper with better hardware.

If you are more technically inclined in terms of networking and NAS, I would think QNAP is a better choice. For me, I value more local community support coz it's my first NAS and I need more help and ease of use, that's why went with Synology, otherwise I would choose QNAP too.

 

[keenklee]

It's mainly to save and archive my design work because I cannot afford to lose any of those.

Just to note, depending on how it is done, archive and backup can be very different.

 

[harky]

QNAP is cheap?

 

[ryuxdragonx]

QNAP is cheap?

Comparing NAS of similar specs of course. Do correct me if I'm wrong though. I'm new to this.

 

[ryuxdragonx]

Just to note, depending on how it is done, archive and backup can be very different.

Yes I know haha. It's not really a backup for my files. It's a central storage with redundancy. I plan on hooking up my 5TB external hard drive to my NAS in the future as well as a secondary backup for important files.

 

[keenklee]

Yes I know haha. It's not really a backup for my files. It's a central storage with redundancy. I plan on hooking up my 5TB external hard drive to my NAS in the future as well as a secondary backup for important files.

Well thought out !

 

[geckoSG]

Synology is my recommendation. It has good features

 

[Epalite]

It's mainly to save and archive my design work because I cannot afford to lose any of those. I also want to move all of my media files to one central location so I can access with all my devices (my custom pc, my macbook and other devices)

With the recent WannaCry attack, single NAS may not be the only solution to a central storage. I am working on protecting my and company's data using redundancy.

My office uses both QNAP and Synology, I personally find Synology to be a better choice in terms of UI. I have also used Buffalo before.

 

[Hein]

I have tried both, and here's some feedback.......

The Synology UI is miles ahead of QNAP; ease of use, friendliness and stuffs....

However, I still end up choosing QNAP as my last NAS(451+) since, as you mentionned, you get more value for your money with QNAP currently... Another point is that the 451+, which is similar to the 251+ has a HDMI output, and the NAS can also be used as a media player, which is working GREAT so far for me...

I have 2x 4Tb HDD in RAID 1. Will add in another 4Tb by end of the year to make it RAID 5. You can also look into the 4 bay, since you can push up to RAID 5 on it.

Btw, 3x 4Tb on RAID 5 is cheaper than 2x 8Tb on RAID 1, and you get 8Tb effective on both.