Introduction
Today, I get to take a look at the 4-bay QNAP TS-412, a model that is quite similar to the TS-419P+ I took a look at just a few months ago. The first question in my mind is why would I want the TS-412 over the TS-419P+? Or vice versa?
To help answer the question, I need to provide a brief introduction to the QNAP NAS lineup. QNAP has a large selection of NAS devices that are grouped into 2 main categories:
- SMB & Corporate NAS Machines
consisting of 22 models in various 2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 bay configurations as well as several rackmount units. - Home & SOHO NAS Machines
consisting of 10 models in various 1, 2, and 4 bay configurations.
In general for a given number of bays, the “better” machine will have:
- a faster CPU
- more memory
- improved read/write performance
- additional hardware and software features
All that means a higher cost to the user for more features and capabilities. For example, the following chart gives a breakdown of various 4-bay units and the features that are associated with each unit. (Clicking on this picture will take you directly to the QNAP webpage)
In a business context, where more users will access a NAS at any given time, those models require more horsepower to accommodate the higher I/O rate. Also, if you do not need Citrix or VMware certification, why pay for it?
If you buying a NAS device for your home, you may not need the Intel dual-core Atom CPU that the business user may need. For a slightly slower CPU, less memory, and no LCD display, you can save over a 100 bucks by buying the TS-412 over the TS-419P+.
If you are a business user, match a particular model to the storage capacity, number of users, and business features you will need. If you are using a NAS device basically as a backup device, perhaps you can get by with using a SOHO machine.
In the end, choice is great, but can be confusing. What I try to do is provide as much detail on the feature set and important performance characteristics as I can. If you are in the market for a NAS, hopefully, this information will help you make your purchasing decisions a bit easier.
What’s In The Box?
Some of QNAP’s packaging design are business plain, some are consumer colorful. The packaging for the TS-412 definitely falls in the latter category.
What I do like about the QNAP boxes is that by the time you get done perusing the information printed there, you will already know a lot about the TS-412 before you ever get to the actual contents inside.
Upon opening the box and pulling out the computer, you will find a box that resembles many a QNAP NAS device we have seen previously at WGS. Excellent fit and finish with a stylish design – it also conveys the sense of “QNAP means business”.
On the front side, you will find four HD bays where the drives are secured in easy-to-swap trays. Also on the front are the power button, and a USB port with associated “quick” copy button.
On the rear, you will find an array of I/O ports plus the power input and cooling fan. Included are two eSATA ports, three USB ports, plus two Ethernet ports which provides a significant amount of expansion capability.
Digging down a bit deeper, you will find a smaller box containing the prerequisite documentation and installation CD , as well as the power brick and two Ethernet cables.
At this point, it is time to take a look at what makes this machine tick.
