After careful consideration I have decided to transfer all hardware review activities to a new domain. I purchased Hardwareasylum.com in 2012 and have been working hard to build a new and improved Ninjalane on that domain. If you are reading this you have reached one of the archived articles, news, projects and/or reviews that were left behind during the site migration.
Please update your bookmarks and be sure to visit the new and improved Ninjalane at Hardwareasylum.com
QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo NAS Review
Author: Dennis Garcia
Published: Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Introduction
To make files available to a broad audience you have a couple of basic options and your decision will normally be driven by who needs to get them. For instance to share files over the internet you'll need to employ and FTP or Web server complete with user accounts and security to ensure that only the proper people have access. The other option is to use file based protocol like NFS or SMB and share directories and other related information over the network. This method will also require accounts and security which becomes transparent as the login information is tied to your PC.
Enabling this sort of functionally is a basic component of any network server although managing this can become rather cumbersome which is where a NAS appliance comes into play. A NAS takes over the basic file serving duties and wraps them up into a small easy to administer package. This is important when you consider the time required to setup a normal server and configure it for your needs. Then the ongoing costs involved to have someone available if something goes wrong. The basic NAS does this for you. Administration is done thru a web interface with most everything being distilled down to a simple point and click.
In this review we will be looking at the QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo NAS. This is a small self contained NAS unit that can also double as a low cost server platform for personal or business use.
Enabling this sort of functionally is a basic component of any network server although managing this can become rather cumbersome which is where a NAS appliance comes into play. A NAS takes over the basic file serving duties and wraps them up into a small easy to administer package. This is important when you consider the time required to setup a normal server and configure it for your needs. Then the ongoing costs involved to have someone available if something goes wrong. The basic NAS does this for you. Administration is done thru a web interface with most everything being distilled down to a simple point and click.
In this review we will be looking at the QNAP TS-409 Pro Turbo NAS. This is a small self contained NAS unit that can also double as a low cost server platform for personal or business use.
Lets start with the specs
Processor: Marvell 5281 500MHz
Memory: 256MB DDRII RAM, 8MB Flash
HDD Capacity: 4 x 3.5" SATA I/II HDD, up to 4TB (the standard system is shipped without HDDs)
LAN Port: 1 x Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet port
LED Indicators: USB, Status, HDD 1, HDD 2, HDD 3, HDD 4, LAN
USB: 3 x USB 2.0, support USB printer, disk, digital camera, pen drive, USB hub, and USB UPS etc.
Buttons: USB auto-copy button, Power button, Reset button
Alarm Buzzer: System Warning
Form Factor: Tower
Dimensions :225(D) x 176(W) x 188(H) mm
Weight: Net weight: 3Kg (w/o power adaptor)
Power Supply: External Adapter, 96W, DC 12V, 8A
Energy-saving Design: Smart fan, sleep mode: 18.8W In operation: 44.6W
Thermal Solution: Heat dissipation by smart fan
In terms of hardware this device is solid with the makings of a full feature server.
For a complete list of hardware specs, server features, and related software specifications please consult the QNAP website. http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_feature.asp?p_id=85
Memory: 256MB DDRII RAM, 8MB Flash
HDD Capacity: 4 x 3.5" SATA I/II HDD, up to 4TB (the standard system is shipped without HDDs)
LAN Port: 1 x Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet port
LED Indicators: USB, Status, HDD 1, HDD 2, HDD 3, HDD 4, LAN
USB: 3 x USB 2.0, support USB printer, disk, digital camera, pen drive, USB hub, and USB UPS etc.
Buttons: USB auto-copy button, Power button, Reset button
Alarm Buzzer: System Warning
Form Factor: Tower
Dimensions :225(D) x 176(W) x 188(H) mm
Weight: Net weight: 3Kg (w/o power adaptor)
Power Supply: External Adapter, 96W, DC 12V, 8A
Energy-saving Design: Smart fan, sleep mode: 18.8W In operation: 44.6W
Thermal Solution: Heat dissipation by smart fan
In terms of hardware this device is solid with the makings of a full feature server.
For a complete list of hardware specs, server features, and related software specifications please consult the QNAP website. http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_feature.asp?p_id=85
