[SOLVED] QNAP NAS - time to add more storage - expansion or upgrade?

[khill0]

I have QNAP TS-251 NAS unit. Great unit, but I'm out of room. I'm wondering if I out to upgrade to a newer, more powerful unit with more Bays (like the 453) or just add an expansion unit. QNAP's website is confusing - I think the TR-4 will work but it is not clear. They list the UX-500/UX-800 as upgrades but you can't seem to buy those anywhere.

I'm running at 85% capacity so need to resolve this and get something on order quickly. Thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

I have a TS-453a and a TR-004 expansion.
They mesh seamlessly.

For yours:
https://www.qnap.com/en-us/compatibility-expansion?model=ts-251

It should work.

 

[khill0]

Thanks for the reply. I didn't come across that page on their website. The TS-251 page lists only the UX as possible expansions.

What would be the advantages of upgrading to newer 4-bay model like the TS-453?

 

[USAFRet]

Does your current unit meet your needs except for space?
If so, just add the TR-004 and some drives.

If you want/need other features, then a new NAS might be in order.

Also, budget. How much do you want to spend on this?

 

[khill0]

I use my NAS mostly as backup device and Media Server. The current unit is OK but a bit slow and I wonder if a newer unit would help that. I do need to beef up my storage quite a bit as well.

 

[popatim]

Define slow?
File transfer speeds could very well be due to full drives, slow network, or both.
HDD's slow down as they fill due to the inner sections of the platter spinning slower then the outer sections.

 

[khill0]

I think slow is not really the right word. Underpowered maybe? I would like to have a unit that can do video encoding and I don't think that's supported by the 251...

 

[USAFRet]

I think slow is not really the right word. Underpowered maybe? I would like to have a unit that can do video encoding and I don't think that's supported by the 251...

OK then..more features than what your current 251 does.

Then a new unit may be indicated.