QNAP TS-932PX-4G 5+4 Bay High-Speed NAS with Two 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ports
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AI Verdict
This is a 9-bay NAS with a 1.7GHz ARM quad-core CPU, 4GB DDR4 RAM, two 10GbE SFP+, and two 2.5GbE ports, built for high-speed file serving, not heavy processing.
This NAS is a strong contender if your primary need is high-speed data transfer and storage for large files, thanks to its 10GbE and 2.5GbE ports and hybrid bay configuration. However, its ARM processor limits its suitability for demanding applications like media transcoding or virtualization, making it a poor choice if those are your priorities.
If you need more processing power for applications like Plex transcoding or VMs, look for NAS models with an Intel x86 processor (e.g., Celeron or Xeon) and at least 8GB of RAM.
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Pros
- Includes two 10GbE SFP+ and two 2.5GbE ports for high-speed network connectivity, supporting bandwidth-demanding applications.
- Offers nine drive bays (five 3.5-inch and four 2.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s) in a compact chassis the size of a 5-bay NAS.
- Supports SSD caching and Qtier auto-tiering with its four 2.5-inch bays to boost application performance.
- Features an energy-efficient AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core 1.7GHz processor.
- Memory is expandable up to 16GB DDR4, allowing for future upgrades.
- Supports up to 256 snapshots per NAS and 64 per volume/LUN for data protection.
Cons
- The ARM-based 1.7GHz processor is a bottleneck for CPU-intensive tasks like Plex transcoding or virtualization.
- Lacks redundant power supplies, which is a concern for continuous operation and critical data environments.
- Does not support flexible RAID configurations, potentially limiting volume creation with mixed drive sizes.
- Write performance can be negligible with HDDs, even over 10GbE, requiring specific tweaking to saturate the connection.
- The ARM architecture limits access to some advanced QNAP applications, including ZFS-based features.
Dimension Scores
The inclusion of two 10GbE SFP+ and two 2.5GbE ports, combined with SSD caching support, provides significantly faster data transfer than typical consumer NAS devices.
While it supports snapshots for data recovery, the lack of redundant power supplies is a notable omission for critical reliability in a business context.
Fitting nine drive bays (five 3.5-inch and four 2.5-inch) into a compact 5-bay form factor offers exceptional storage density.
It supports common file sharing protocols, but the ARM processor limits compatibility with some advanced QNAP applications and virtualization.
Best For
- Small businesses or prosumers needing fast file sharing and storage for multiple users over 10GbE/2.5GbE networks.
- Users creating a hybrid storage setup with both HDDs for capacity and SSDs for caching or high-speed access.
- Content creators or video editors who need to work with large files directly from the NAS without lag.
- Archiving and backing up data from multiple devices without requiring on-the-fly media transcoding.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring a powerful Plex media server for real-time video transcoding.
- Environments needing high availability with redundant power supplies.
- Advanced homelab setups that rely on virtualization or ZFS file systems.
Watch Out For
- The ARM-based processor means you won't get access to all the 'aggressive' QNAP apps, like ZFS-based storage or virtualization, which is a bummer if you're expecting full QTS functionality.
- If you're mixing drive sizes, be aware that the NAS reportedly downsizes volumes to the smallest drive in the array, which can waste capacity.
- Don't expect this to handle Plex transcoding well; the 1.7GHz ARM CPU is a bottleneck and it lacks a dedicated transcoding engine.
- You'll likely want to upgrade the 4GB RAM to 16GB if you plan on running more than basic file serving, as users recommend doing so before populating bays.
- The noise level can increase to about 35-38 dBi when populated with larger drives (above 12-14TB), which might be noticeable in a quiet environment.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08FB5LBJP |
| Size | 9-bay |
| Brand | QNAP |
| Color | black |
| Voltage | 100240 Volts |
| Material | Metal |
| Hard Drive | QNAP |
| Item Weight | 7.9 pounds |
| Manufacturer | QNAP |
| Item model number | TS-932PX-4G-US |
| Product Dimensions | 11 x 11 x 11 inches |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 11 x 11 x 11 inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users are drawn to this NAS for its impressive networking capabilities, specifically the two 10GbE SFP+ and two 2.5GbE ports, which are a major selling point for fast file transfers. The compact design, fitting nine drives into a 5-bay footprint, is also frequently highlighted as a space-saving advantage. However, a recurring theme in user feedback is the limitation of the ARM processor, particularly when it comes to demanding tasks like Plex transcoding or running certain advanced QNAP apps, leading to some disappointment for those expecting a more powerful all-in-one solution. The potential for non-flexible RAID with mixed drive sizes is also a concern for some buyers.
“Man, I bought this for the 10GbE and the bays, and it delivers on that, but trying to run Plex on it is a joke, it just chokes on anything more than direct play. Should've read more about that ARM chip before pulling the trigger.”
Common Praise
- The two 10GbE SFP+ and two 2.5GbE ports deliver very fast network speeds for file access and sharing.
- The compact design fits nine drive bays into the physical size of a 5-bay NAS.
- The four 2.5-inch bays are useful for SSD caching, significantly boosting application performance.
- It works well for direct video editing from the NAS, with users reporting no lag when using SSDs for scrubbing.
- The ability to expand RAM up to 16GB provides headroom for future needs.
Common Complaints
- The ARM-based 1.7GHz processor struggles with CPU-intensive tasks like Plex media transcoding.
- The lack of redundant power supplies is a drawback for business-critical applications.
- Some users report that it doesn't allow for flexible RAID, forcing volumes to the smallest drive size.
- The ARM architecture means not all QNAP applications, especially advanced ones like ZFS, are available.
- Noise levels can become noticeable (35-38 dBi) when using larger capacity hard drives.
Ownership Tips
- You'll definitely want to max out the RAM to 16GB early on, especially if you're doing anything beyond basic file storage.
- The 10GbE ports are legit, but you need to make sure your network infrastructure can actually handle those speeds to see the benefit.
- Don't expect this to be a silent guardian; with a bunch of big spinning drives, it makes its presence known.
- The QNAP software ecosystem is deep, but you'll quickly hit walls with certain apps if they require an x86 processor.
- Setting up the SSD caching is a must to really get the most out of the performance, otherwise, the HDDs can feel slow even on a fast network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this NAS handle 4K video transcoding for Plex?
No, the AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core 1.7GHz processor is not powerful enough for real-time 4K video transcoding. It's better suited for direct playback or archiving.
Does this NAS support flexible RAID configurations with different sized drives?
User reports indicate that it may not allow for flexible RAID, meaning volumes could be downsized to the smallest drive in the array. This can lead to wasted storage capacity if you use mixed drive sizes.
Is the 4GB RAM enough, or should I upgrade it?
While 4GB is the base, many users recommend upgrading the RAM to the maximum 16GB, especially if you plan to use SSD caching or run multiple applications.
What kind of network speeds can I expect?
With its two 10GbE SFP+ and two 2.5GbE ports, you can expect very high network speeds, especially when using SSDs for caching or direct storage, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Can I expand the storage capacity beyond the nine internal bays?
Yes, the TS-932PX supports storage expansion using QNAP TL and TR series USB storage expansion enclosures.
Is this NAS noisy?
The chassis itself is generally low noise, but when populated with larger drives (above 12-14TB), the noise level can increase to about 35-38 dBi.
Buying Guide
When looking at a NAS like this, you need to think about what you're actually going to do with it. If you're just storing files and sharing them fast, the network ports are key. If you want to run apps, stream media, or do anything that requires real processing power, the CPU becomes super important. Don't get caught up in just the number of bays; the brains inside matter just as much.
10GbE SFP+ and 2.5GbE Ports
These are your data highways. Standard home networks are usually 1GbE, which is like a single-lane road. 2.5GbE is a two-lane highway, and 10GbE is a super-fast multi-lane expressway. If you're moving huge video files or working with large datasets, these faster ports mean you spend less time waiting.
AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core 1.7GHz processor
This is the engine of your NAS. An ARM processor is generally more energy-efficient but less powerful than an Intel x86 processor. Think of it like a fuel-efficient sedan versus a sports car. It's fine for basic tasks and file serving, but it will struggle with heavy lifting like video transcoding or running virtual machines.
5 x 3.5-inch + 4 x 2.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s Bays
The 3.5-inch bays are for your traditional, high-capacity hard drives (HDDs) where you'll store most of your data. The 2.5-inch bays are typically for smaller, faster solid-state drives (SSDs). You can use these SSDs for 'caching' frequently accessed data, making your NAS feel much snappier, like having a small, fast pit crew for your data.
4 GB SODIMM DDR4 Memory (Max 16GB)
RAM is like the short-term memory of your NAS. More RAM means it can handle more tasks simultaneously and run applications more smoothly. While 4GB is a starting point, upgrading to 16GB can make a big difference in responsiveness, especially if you're using features like SSD caching or multiple users are accessing it.
Alternatives
If this NAS doesn't quite fit, look for models with an Intel x86 processor (like Celeron or Core i3/i5) for better application performance and transcoding, or consider units with redundant power supplies for mission-critical data needs.
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