QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with hardware RAID (Diskless)
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AI Verdict
This 4-bay, diskless DAS offers hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, and JBOD via USB 3.2 Gen 1, best for local backups or QNAP NAS expansion.
The TR-004 provides hardware RAID options and expands storage via USB-C, making it suitable for specific local backup or QNAP NAS expansion needs. However, its SATA2 internal interface and lack of true hot-swapping limit its utility for demanding, high-availability scenarios.
If you need faster performance or network access, look for DAS units with Thunderbolt connectivity or consider a dedicated Network Attached Storage (NAS) device.
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Pros
- Hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, and individual disk modes are configurable via DIP switches or software.
- Connects directly to Windows, macOS, and Linux systems via USB Type-C.
- Can expand the capacity of a QNAP NAS or serve as external storage for NAS backup.
- Includes a USB Type-C to Type-A connector cable in the box.
- Features tool-less trays for 3.5-inch drives, with screw mounting options for 2.5-inch drives.
- Users report satisfactory speeds for single-drive access or media server use cases.
Cons
- The internal SATA interface is SATA 3Gbps (SATA2), which can limit maximum drive speeds.
- Does not support hot-swapping; adding or removing a drive reboots the unit.
- S.M.A.R.T. data for individual drives is only accessible via QNAP's External RAID Manager utility, not standard OS tools.
- Reported speeds can cap around 180 MB/s for single disks and drop to 50 MB/s per device when reading from multiple drives simultaneously.
- Some users describe the drive sleds as flimsy.
Dimension Scores
Reported speeds are capped around 180-250 MB/s, and can drop to 50 MB/s per drive when accessing multiple drives simultaneously, limited by its SATA2 internal interface and USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection.
Offers hardware RAID for data protection, but the lack of hot-swapping and some reported USB connection issues introduce potential points of failure or inconvenience.
As a diskless unit, it allows users to choose their own 3.5-inch SATA drives, offering flexible capacity up to four bays.
It connects via USB Type-C to Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, and can expand QNAP NAS devices, providing broad host compatibility.
Best For
- Local, direct-attached storage for Windows, macOS, or Linux PCs.
- Expanding storage for an existing QNAP NAS.
- Creating a hardware RAID 5 array for media storage for a Plex server.
- Users who prefer hardware RAID management over software RAID.
Not Recommended For
- Environments requiring hot-swappable drives for continuous operation.
- Users needing network access to storage (it's DAS, not NAS).
- Workflows demanding sustained high-speed transfers from multiple drives concurrently.
Watch Out For
- The internal SATA interface is SATA2 (3Gbps), which can limit drive performance.
- Performance can cap at about 180 MB/s for single drives and drop to around 50 MB/s per device when reading from three drives simultaneously.
- Hot-swapping is not supported; adding or removing a drive forces a reboot of the unit.
- Monitoring drive health (S.M.A.R.T.) requires QNAP's proprietary software, not standard operating system utilities.
- Some users have reported issues with the USB-C connector failing.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B07K4RC7X9 |
| Brand | QNAP |
| Color | Diskless |
| Series | TR-004 |
| Hard Drive | DAS (comes unpopulated) |
| Item Weight | 4.08 pounds |
| Manufacturer | QNAP |
| Special Feature | Compact, fast speed |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | TR-004-US |
| Compatible Devices | Server |
| Product Dimensions | 8.62 x 6.31 x 6.63 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Disk Description | DAS (comes unpopulated) |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| National Stock Number | 0 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8.62 x 6.31 x 6.63 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Specific Uses For Product | business, personal |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users are drawn to the TR-004 for its hardware RAID capabilities and the promise of expanding storage, but the reality of its performance and operational quirks often leads to frustration. The internal SATA2 interface is a recurring point of contention, limiting the speeds users expect from a modern USB-C device. While some find it perfectly adequate for media servers or simple backups, others are disappointed by the lack of true hot-swapping and the necessity of proprietary software for basic drive monitoring.
“I bought this thing for RAID 5 and thought it'd be fast with USB-C, but it's like, barely faster than a single old hard drive sometimes, and don't even think about pulling a drive out without everything crashing. What a pain.”
Common Praise
- Hardware RAID options (0, 1, 5, JBOD) are easy to configure via DIP switches or software.
- Easy setup and installation for direct attachment to PCs.
- Works well as a media server storage solution for Plex users.
- The QNAP External RAID Manager utility is described as lightweight and easy to use for managing RAID and monitoring status.
- Can expand storage for existing QNAP NAS units.
Common Complaints
- Internal SATA 3Gbps (SATA2) interface limits overall speed.
- Does not support hot-swapping; removing or adding a drive reboots the unit.
- S.M.A.R.T. data is not accessible without QNAP's specific software.
- Reported slow performance, especially when reading from multiple drives simultaneously.
- Flimsy drive sleds and perceived cheap build quality by some users.
- Some users experienced issues with the USB-C connection or software recognition.
Ownership Tips
- The stock fan can be loud, but it's replaceable with a standard 120x25mm PWM fan.
- Disks go to standby, and the fan stops, after 3-5 minutes of inactivity.
- Rebuilding a 3TB RAID array can take about 8 hours.
- The instructions for DIP switch configuration might be inverted from intuitive understanding.
- Bitlocker encryption remains enabled on volumes even after array rebuilds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hot-swap drives?
No, the device does not support hot-swapping; adding or removing a drive requires a reboot of the unit.
How fast is the USB connection?
It uses USB 3.2 Gen 1, which has a theoretical maximum speed of 5Gbps.
Can I see S.M.A.R.T. data for my drives?
Yes, but only through the QNAP External RAID Manager utility, not directly via your operating system's disk management tools.
Is it compatible with non-QNAP NAS devices?
It's primarily designed to expand QNAP NAS units or function as a direct-attached storage for Windows, macOS, or Linux computers.
What RAID levels does it support?
It supports hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, and individual disk modes.
Buying Guide
A Direct Attached Storage (DAS) unit like this connects directly to your computer via a cable, unlike a Network Attached Storage (NAS) which connects to your network. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) combines multiple drives for performance, redundancy, or both, but it's not a backup solution on its own. Hardware RAID means the enclosure handles the RAID processing, freeing up your computer's resources.
Capacity (Diskless)
This means the unit comes empty, and you need to buy your own 3.5-inch SATA hard drives to put inside, letting you choose the exact storage size and type you need.
Interface (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C)
This is how the DAS connects to your computer; USB 3.2 Gen 1 offers speeds up to 5 Gigabits per second, which is fast enough for many tasks but not as quick as newer USB standards or Thunderbolt.
Hardware RAID (0, 1, 5, JBOD)
This feature lets the enclosure manage how your drives work together, like mirroring data (RAID 1) for protection or striping data (RAID 0) for speed, without your computer having to do the heavy lifting.
Alternatives
If you need faster data transfer speeds, look for DAS enclosures with Thunderbolt connectivity; for network access, remote management, and more advanced software features, a dedicated NAS device would be a better fit.
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