Community-attached storage (NAS) is what’s used for storing information on a server linked to a neighborhood space community (LAN). NAS enclosures are gaining popularity as individuals look to take management of the place their information is saved and we have been reviewing them proper right here on Home windows Central for a few years.
When purchasing round for a NAS enclosure, or checking a deal noticed in your favourite retailer’s web site, there is a robust chance we have reviewed it. Like PC parts, laptops, and different merchandise, to be able to produce high-quality, impartial critiques, we have to guarantee we’re placing product samples to the check.
This web page will run you thru a extra detailed breakdown of how we evaluate NAS and our present methodology. This information might change as we regulate our workflow and benchmarking instruments based mostly on trade tendencies and person suggestions.Â
Design and options
NAS enclosures do not differ an excessive amount of between manufacturers and fashions. It is tough to design a server with out ending up with a slab of plastic or steel (or a mixture of each). Nonetheless, we price enclosures based mostly on the general design, which incorporates aesthetics and the way straightforward it’s to entry drives and different elements of the interior chassis.
Options are an necessary think about selecting a NAS. Not all NAS enclosures are constructed the identical. Some have 1Gb LAN ports whereas others might have 2.5Gb and even 10Gb connections. This determines how a lot bandwidth is offered for information to maneuver to and from the server throughout the community.
Different highlights embrace M.2 slots, RAM slots, and USB ports. Cloud-based providers are additionally an necessary consideration, which firms like Synology are engaged on creating with backups, password administration, and extra being obtainable to NAS house owners. Not solely does this present extra management for house owners, however may end in financial savings.
Efficiency
For NAS efficiency, we make the most of a variety of exams. A very powerful one is information switch, which takes under consideration chipset, drive, and community stacks. We use information which might be transferred utilizing protocols like SMB to find out pace, referencing efficiency of the drives themselves by means of CrystalDiskMark.
Then there’s efficiency of the processor itself (and built-in graphics), which is greatest suited to heavy duties like media transcoding. We make the most of the identical media file that is rendered at totally different resolutions to make sure the processor is able to dealing with heavy work masses.
Assigning a rating
When reviewing NAS enclosures and all different merchandise on Home windows Central, we make use of a five-star evaluate system. Ranging between one and 5 stars, this permits for one to shortly look and see how we price a product total. Goal efficiency information is mixed with the subjective expertise of the reviewer to reach with a rating.
- Â 1-1.5 stars: We can’t suggest this NAS, interval. Save your cash!
- Â 2-2.5 stars: We do not suggest you purchase this NAS, but it surely does have some redeeming qualities that could be engaging to some.Â
- Â 3-3.5 stars: NAS with this ranking are simply common, with an excellent unfold of execs and cons. We will not be stoked about this laptop computer, but it surely’s value contemplating and could also be simply what somebody is on the lookout for.Â
- Â 4-4.5 stars: Opinions with this rating are for NAS that we really feel are above common and are positively value your time to think about.Â
- Â 5 stars: The very best of one of the best. This rating is reserved for essentially the most standout NAS of their class for high quality and expertise. You possibly can make sure that your cash will likely be well-spent with these enclosures.Â
For extra details about our evaluate awards and our staff of reviewers, make sure to take a look at our broader information on how we check and evaluate on Home windows Central.
