QNAP TL-D800C 8 Bay Desktop JBOD Storage Enclosure with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Connectivity
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AI Verdict
This is an 8-bay JBOD enclosure with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connectivity, designed for expanding storage on QNAP NAS, Windows, or Mac systems.
This enclosure is a situational fit because its 8 x 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s bays and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connectivity offer high capacity and fast direct connection. However, its limitations in hardware RAID support and user-reported software and cable issues mean it's not a universal solution for all storage expansion needs. It specifically caters to those comfortable with software-defined storage or expanding a QNAP NAS as a separate volume.
If you need integrated hardware RAID capabilities or faster network access, look for a dedicated NAS unit with multiple Ethernet ports or an enclosure with an integrated hardware RAID controller.
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Pros
- Provides 8 x 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s drive bays for high-capacity storage expansion.
- Features USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connectivity, offering up to 10 Gbps data transfer speeds.
- Supports USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP) for potentially faster file transfers.
- Compatible with QNAP NAS, Windows, and Mac computers for broad usability.
- Drives are presented individually to a PC, allowing for software RAID configurations like Windows Storage Spaces or Linux mdadm.
- Includes lockable drive trays to prevent accidental drive removal.
Cons
- Users report it's expensive for an enclosure that only functions as JBOD.
- QNAP's JBOD Manager software does not support RAID 5, 6, or 10 when connected to a PC, only RAID 0 and 1.
- Some users experience issues with the included USB-A to C cable, suggesting a need for a better quality cable for optimal performance.
- The QNAP management software is described as unintuitive by users.
- Reports of slow boot times and intermittent drive recognition issues exist.
Dimension Scores
The USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface provides up to 10 Gbps (1250 MB/s) theoretical bandwidth, with QNAP reporting up to 907 MB/s in Windows RAID 0 tests, which is above average for a direct-attached enclosure.
User reports mention intermittent drive recognition issues and drive sleds getting stuck, which directly impacts the reliability of accessing data.
With 8 x 3.5-inch bays supporting up to 18TB drives, it offers a potential raw capacity of 144TB, which is among the highest for desktop JBOD enclosures.
It works with QNAP NAS, Windows, and Mac, and presents drives individually for software RAID, but it has specific limitations like not supporting USB 2.0 and not allowing storage pool combination with a QNAP NAS.
Best For
- Expanding storage capacity for an existing QNAP NAS without integrating into its main storage pool.
- Adding 8 x 3.5-inch drives to a Windows or Ubuntu PC for software RAID (e.g., Storage Spaces, mdadm).
- Creating a large, portable backup solution for data migration between systems.
- Users who need direct access to individual drives for data recovery or swapping.
Not Recommended For
- Users expecting hardware RAID 5, 6, or 10 functionality directly from the enclosure when connected to a PC.
- Anyone needing seamless integration of its storage pool with an existing QNAP NAS storage pool.
- Environments requiring fast boot-up times for immediate data access.
Watch Out For
- The enclosure can only be used as a separate storage pool on a QNAP NAS, it cannot be combined with existing storage pools.
- If you configure RAID via a QNAP NAS, data recovery depends on that NAS being functional, which is a single point of failure.
- Some users report the included USB-A to C cable limits performance, requiring an additional purchase for a better cable.
- Drive sleds can get stuck, making drive access a hassle.
- Intermittent drive recognition issues have been reported, potentially leading to data loss or corruption.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B086WCRFQ3 |
| Size | 8 Bay |
| Brand | QNAP |
| Color | black |
| Item Weight | 16.76 pounds |
| Manufacturer | QNAP |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Item model number | TL-D800C |
| Compatible Devices | Servers, Laptops, Desktops |
| Product Dimensions | 12.96 x 11.08 x 7.41 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 12.96 x 11.08 x 7.41 inches |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding is the number of users reporting issues with the included USB cable and the unintuitive QNAP management software, which can hinder the experience despite the enclosure's high-speed interface. Many users also expressed frustration over the lack of advanced hardware RAID options directly within the enclosure's own software. The enclosure's slow boot times and occasional drive recognition problems are also recurring themes, suggesting potential headaches for daily use.
“Man, I just needed more space for my Plex server, and this thing gives me 8 bays, but getting it to play nice with my Windows machine and not drop drives has been a headache. The software is a mess, and I had to buy a better cable.”
Common Praise
- Provides 8 bays for significant storage expansion.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C offers fast direct connectivity.
- Allows individual drives to be seen by the host OS, enabling software RAID.
- Sturdy metal construction.
- Lockable drive trays are a welcome security feature.
Common Complaints
- The QNAP management software is difficult to use.
- Included USB cable can be problematic, requiring a replacement for optimal performance.
- Slow boot-up times before drives become accessible.
- Drive sleds can get stuck, making drive installation or removal frustrating.
- Intermittent drive recognition issues lead to concerns about data integrity.
- It's considered expensive for a basic JBOD enclosure without advanced hardware RAID.
Ownership Tips
- You'll likely need to source your own high-quality USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C cable to avoid performance bottlenecks.
- Be prepared to manage RAID configurations through your operating system (Windows Storage Spaces, Linux mdadm) rather than relying on QNAP's software for anything beyond basic JBOD or RAID 0/1.
- Expect a noticeable boot-up delay before the drives become available to your system.
- The physical drive sleds might require some force or careful handling to insert and remove drives.
- If connecting to a QNAP NAS, remember it creates a separate volume; it won't merge with your existing NAS storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the QNAP TL-D800C support RAID 5 or RAID 6?
When connected to a PC, the QNAP JBOD Manager software only shows support for RAID 0 and 1. For RAID 5 or 6, you would need to use software RAID on your connected computer (like Windows Storage Spaces or Linux mdadm) or configure it through a compatible QNAP NAS.
Can I combine the storage from this enclosure with my existing QNAP NAS storage pool?
No, the TL-D800C can only be used as an individual storage pool or volume on a QNAP NAS. Its storage cannot be combined with the connected NAS's existing storage pool.
What kind of drives does this enclosure support?
It supports 8 x 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s or 3Gb/s hard drives. It is diskless, meaning you need to provide your own drives.
Is the included USB cable sufficient for full performance?
Some users have reported issues with the included USB-A to C cable potentially limiting performance. For maximum speed, you might need to invest in a higher-quality USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C cable.
Can I access SMART data from the drives in Windows?
Yes, SMART data from the hard drives appears to be accessible in Windows without needing the QNAP JBOD Manager software, similar to how it works in Linux.
Buying Guide
When looking at a JBOD enclosure like this, you're essentially buying a box to hold and power your hard drives, connecting them directly to your computer or NAS via USB. It's not a NAS itself, so it doesn't have its own operating system or network capabilities. You'll rely on the connected device to manage the drives, including setting up any RAID. This means the performance and features largely depend on your host system's capabilities and software. Don't expect it to magically handle complex RAID levels on its own.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps)
This is the connection speed between the enclosure and your computer. 10 Gbps is fast, like a two-lane highway for data. It's crucial for quickly moving large files, especially when you have multiple drives working together. If your computer only has older USB ports, you won't get this speed.
8 x 3.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s bays
This tells you how many hard drives you can put in and what type. 3.5-inch drives are standard desktop hard drives, usually offering higher capacities. SATA 6Gb/s is the interface speed for each drive, ensuring modern hard drives can perform at their best within the enclosure.
JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks)
This means the enclosure presents each drive individually to your computer. It doesn't combine them into a single volume or create any RAID itself. Your computer's operating system or a connected NAS will be responsible for managing how these individual drives are used, whether as separate volumes or combined into a software RAID array.
Alternatives
If you need integrated hardware RAID functionality or network access without relying on a host computer, look for a dedicated Network Attached Storage (NAS) device with multiple drive bays and built-in RAID controllers. If you need faster internal drive speeds, consider enclosures that support 2.5-inch SSDs or have Thunderbolt connectivity.
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