QNAP TS-464-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, M.2 PCIe Slots and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
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AI Verdict
This 4-bay NAS with an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095, 8GB DDR4, and dual 2.5GbE is for home users needing fast file sharing and M.2 NVMe caching.
This NAS is a strong fit for prosumers and small offices due to its Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and dual 2.5GbE ports, providing a balance of performance and connectivity. The M.2 NVMe slots for caching further enhance its capability for faster data access.
If you need more raw processing power for intensive virtualization or multiple high-bitrate transcodes, look for models with an Intel Core i3 or higher processor.
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Pros
- Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor bursts up to 2.9 GHz, providing sufficient power for home media and file serving.
- Dual 2.5GbE ports accelerate file sharing and large file transfers, supporting up to 5Gbps with Port Trunking.
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots enable cache acceleration or SSD storage pools, significantly improving performance for frequently accessed data.
- Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports offer 10Gb/s transfer speeds for external drives or expansion enclosures.
- Includes 8GB DDR4 RAM, which is not soldered and can be upgraded to 16GB, or even higher unofficially, for more demanding applications.
- Features a 4K HDMI 2.0 output, allowing direct connection to a display for multimedia playback.
Cons
- The QTS operating system has a steeper learning curve compared to some competitors, making initial setup and advanced configurations less intuitive for new users.
- The Intel Celeron processor, while capable, may struggle with multiple concurrent 4K video transcodes, especially if not direct playing.
- Fan noise can become noticeable under heavy CPU load, such as during intensive media processing, which might be distracting in quiet environments.
- The 8GB DDR4 RAM is the base configuration, and while upgradable, some users might prefer a higher base amount for future-proofing without immediate upgrades.
- QNAP's past security vulnerabilities have led to a perception of the platform being less secure, despite recent QTS updates focusing on improvements.
Dimension Scores
The dual 2.5GbE ports with Port Trunking for up to 5Gbps and M.2 NVMe SSD slots for cache acceleration provide significantly faster transfer speeds than standard Gigabit Ethernet NAS devices.
QNAP devices are generally considered robust, but past software vulnerabilities and occasional reports of QTS inconsistencies temper a higher score.
With 4 bays supporting 3.5-inch Serial ATA drives and a maximum capacity of 308 TB, it offers extensive storage potential for home and small business use.
It supports 3.5-inch SATA HDDs, is compatible with desktop environments, and offers backup solutions for both Windows and Mac computers.
Best For
- Centralizing and organizing personal or family photos, music, and videos with 308 TB capacity.
- Home users needing faster file sharing and backups with dual 2.5GbE connectivity.
- Users wanting to improve data access speeds through M.2 NVMe SSD cache acceleration.
- Serving as a Plex Media Server for 4K content, especially when utilizing hardware transcoding.
Not Recommended For
- Enterprise-level virtualization or hosting multiple demanding virtual machines concurrently.
- Users who require a completely silent device under all operating conditions.
- Individuals expecting a plug-and-play experience without any configuration effort.
Watch Out For
- The QTS operating system can be complex, with users reporting a steep learning curve for initial setup and advanced features, unlike more simplified NAS interfaces.
- While capable of 4K playback, the Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 processor might not consistently handle multiple simultaneous 4K transcodes without stuttering, especially for unsupported codecs.
- Some users have noted that the fan noise becomes audible when the CPU is under heavy load, such as during Plex library scans or intensive file operations.
- Despite the 8GB RAM, some users found it insufficient for their needs and opted for an upgrade to 16GB or more, indicating the base RAM might be a limitation for power users.
- QNAP's history with ransomware attacks has created a lingering concern about security, requiring users to stay vigilant with updates and configurations.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BQ5TWCL8 |
| Brand | QNAP |
| Series | TS-464-8G-US |
| Hard Drive | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 4.97 pounds |
| Manufacturer | QNAP |
| Special Feature | LED Light |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | TS-464-8G-US |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 10 x 12 x 13 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10 x 12 x 13 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 308 TB |
| Hard Disk Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Many users highlight the TS-464's strong hardware for its price, particularly the dual 2.5GbE and M.2 NVMe slots, which significantly boost performance for file transfers and application responsiveness. The ability to upgrade the 8GB RAM is also a frequently praised aspect, allowing for more demanding use cases. However, the QTS operating system is a recurring point of contention, often described as having a steep learning curve and being less polished than competitors, requiring users to invest time in configuration. Some users also mention the fan noise becoming noticeable under heavy loads, which can be a drawback for placement in quiet areas.
“Man, this thing is fast with the 2.5GbE and those NVMe drives, but seriously, QNAP, your software needs a serious overhaul for us regular folks, it's a headache to get everything set up right!”
Common Praise
- The dual 2.5GbE ports provide noticeably faster file transfer speeds compared to 1GbE NAS units.
- M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching make a tangible difference in application loading and data access times.
- The 8GB DDR4 RAM is upgradable, allowing users to expand memory for more intensive tasks or virtual machines.
- Handles 4K Plex media serving well, especially with hardware transcoding enabled.
- The inclusion of a 4K HDMI 2.0 output is convenient for direct media playback.
- Offers extensive expandability through its PCIe Gen3 slot and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.
Common Complaints
- The QTS operating system is not user-friendly and requires significant effort to learn and configure effectively.
- Fan noise can be distracting when the NAS is under load, particularly during CPU-intensive operations.
- The Celeron processor, while capable, can struggle with multiple concurrent 4K transcodes, leading to buffering.
- Some users express concern over QNAP's historical security vulnerabilities, despite recent improvements in QTS.
- Initial setup can be frustrating due to the complexity of the QTS software and lack of clear guidance for new users.
Ownership Tips
- Setting up NVMe caching correctly takes some research, but it makes a huge difference in daily responsiveness.
- The QTS interface, while powerful, feels cluttered and takes weeks to navigate comfortably.
- Consider replacing the stock fan if noise is a major concern, especially if you plan on heavy CPU usage.
- The 8GB RAM is enough for basic file serving and a few apps, but for Plex or VMs, an upgrade to 16GB is a noticeable improvement.
- Regularly checking for QTS updates and security advisories is a must, given QNAP's past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the QNAP TS-464-8G-US come with hard drives?
No, this model is diskless, meaning you need to purchase and install your own 3.5-inch Serial ATA hard drives separately.
Can I upgrade the RAM in this NAS?
Yes, the 8GB DDR4 RAM is not soldered and can be upgraded. Officially, it supports up to 16GB DDR4 memory.
What are the M.2 PCIe slots used for?
The dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots are primarily used for cache acceleration to speed up frequently accessed data or for creating SSD storage pools.
Is this NAS suitable for a Plex Media Server?
Yes, it is considered a capable Plex Media Server, especially for 4K content, thanks to its Intel Celeron processor with hardware transcoding capabilities.
What kind of network connectivity does it have?
It features dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports, which can be combined using Port Trunking for up to 5Gbps bandwidth.
Does it have an HDMI output?
Yes, it includes one HDMI 2.0 port that supports 4K output, useful for direct media playback on a display.
Buying Guide
When looking at a NAS like this, you're buying more than just storage; you're getting a mini-server for your home or small office. Think about how much data you have now and how much you expect to have in the next 3-5 years. The number of drive bays dictates your maximum raw capacity, and the processor and RAM determine how smoothly it handles tasks like streaming 4K video or running multiple applications. Network speed is crucial for how fast you can actually get data to and from the device.
Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 processor
This quad-core processor handles the NAS's operating system, file transfers, and applications. It's capable for most home and small office tasks, including 4K video playback, but won't match a desktop CPU for heavy-duty processing like multiple simultaneous video transcodes.
Dual 2.5GbE ports
These ports allow for data transfer speeds up to 2.5 times faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet. If your network switch and other devices also support 2.5GbE, you'll see a significant speed boost when moving large files, like video projects or large photo libraries.
M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots
These slots are for installing fast NVMe SSDs. You can use them to create a 'cache' that stores frequently accessed data, making your NAS feel much snappier, or as a dedicated, high-speed storage pool for critical applications.
8GB DDR4 RAM (upgradable to 16GB)
RAM is like the short-term memory of your NAS. 8GB is a good starting point for basic file serving and media streaming. If you plan to run multiple apps, virtual machines, or heavy Plex usage, upgrading to 16GB will provide more headroom and smoother performance.
Alternatives
If this model doesn't quite fit, look for NAS units with an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen processor for more raw CPU power, or models with more than 4 bays if your storage needs exceed 300TB in the near future.
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