Buzz
The QNAP TS-453D-4G is a NAS suitable for both home and small business use.
If you're in the market for a new server device for your home or small business, chances are you're well aware that NAS technology has advanced significantly, no longer just simple hard drives.
The capabilities of this technology have been widely promoted, especially when compared to third-party cloud services and online file subscriptions (such as Google Drive and Dropbox). This holds even more true as NAS providers collaborate with Office 365 and GSuite collaboration platforms.
Buying a NAS drive in 2021 is not just about cost savings and enjoying your entertainment; it has become an independent operating system and a complete data storage solution.
One of the latest products garnering attention in this industry is the QNAP TS-453D NAS. In today's article, we'll also explore whether the QNAP TS-453D NAS is worth your investment.
The packaging of the QNAP TS-453D is unassuming, made of brown hardcover bearing the QNAP label. On top of the box are images of the device and its technical specifications.
Upon unboxing, we observe meticulous packaging for transportation. The device is securely held within foam padding, with accessories in separate compartments to ensure they remain undamaged.
Inside, we find instructions for the initial setup, as well as information about the 2-year comprehensive warranty that comes with the TS-453D.
The accompanying setup guide for the TS-453D is quite straightforward as most of it is depicted through illustrations. There aren't many details in the guide, but this is increasingly common.
The reason being is that popular brands prefer using online guides, ensuring buyers can set up the product even if firmware changes over time.
The complete accessory set of the QNAP TS-453D-4G includes:
• External 90W power supply unit
• Power adapter for regional use
• 2x RJ45 LAN cables
• Quick Start Installation Guide
• Screws for 2.5' drives, as well as optional 3.5' screws
The next-generation hardware has become more efficient, meaning you can perform similar tasks to the previous generation devices with less energy consumption.
However, if you want to utilize the CPU/Memory/accessories at their maximum, you'll need slightly more energy than necessary. QNAP TS-453D doesn't always use the full 90W.
According to QNAP NAS, in their tests, the TS-453D NAS consumed 11.3W in sleep mode and 25.98W of power while operational.
When unboxing the QNAP TS-453D, we get our first glimpse of this NAS drive server. The TS-453D frame measures 16.8×17×22.6cm and shares many similarities with the frames of TS-453Be, TS-453B, and TS-453BT3.
The TS-453D frame is designed very well and could be one of the brand's most minimalist designs.
The front panel of the TS-453D frame is much simpler than previous NAS generations, with only a few features.
The longstanding LCD control panel on the front has been removed, which is quite regrettable as it could display temperature, IPS, and system ID information with just a button press.
In place of the LCD control panel are LED lights used to indicate the device's power status, drive access permissions, system status, and overall system activity during read/write actions.
These LED lights can be adjusted within the QTS operating system to make them brighter or dimmer/off as needed.
At the top right corner on the front side is the power button, while at the bottom right is the USB quick copy button and a USB 3.0 port.
Although the TS-453D boasts multiple USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, the ideal use of these ports is for quickly synchronizing backup data to/from an external USB drive.
The front protective shield of the QNAP TS-453D can slide and lock, designed to prevent accidental removal, thereby safeguarding the drives.
Each bay features sturdy plastic trays, capable of accommodating 3.5-inch hard drives without the need for screws, as well as 2.5-inch drive screw holes at the bottom of each tray included with the accessory pack.
The trays are made of fairly sturdy plastic and each tray slides in neatly. While metal trays, though more robust, will always generate more vibration/noise from the installed drives.
Drive installation is quite straightforward and they can be installed/changed even when the device is powered on.
The four HDD bays are connected on a single PCB board placed on the cooling fan, located at the rear of the device. Even with the front protective shield attached, the device still ensures 24/7 ventilation.
Below the TS-453D are a series of ventilation holes for the HDD/SSD drive bays. They are supported by rubber feet that raise the NAS a few millimeters.
Turning to the rear of the TS-453D, we can see more details than on the front.
The rear fan is sized at 12cm and can be adjusted to increase/decrease RPM as needed to balance between cooling and noise level.
At the bottom left corner are 2 USB 2.0 ports and 2 USB 3.0 ports. Accompanying them are 2 2.5Gbe RJ45 LAN ports and an HDMI port.
When dissecting the TS-453D, we can uncover its main CPU, flash memory module, and integrated network controller. You can upgrade the default memory of the QNAP TS-453D from 4GB to the manufacturer's maximum of 8GB.
Apart from hardware, the software of QNAP TS-453D also deserves attention.
The device comes with the QTS operating system. For those unfamiliar with QNAP's operating system, it comes with hundreds of free applications accessible from a web browser or desktop client app. These apps provide everything you need from a network-connected storage device.
In conclusion, the QNAP TS-453D is an outstanding product. With its affordable price tag coupled with features preparing for future technology and excellent first-party/third-party software support, the QNAP TS-453D becomes one of the best devices the company has ever produced. The QNAP TS-453D truly marks a remarkable leap forward for this major brand in the NAS storage arena.
