QNAP TR-002-A-US 2 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with Hardware RAID (Diskless)
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AI Verdict
A 2-bay diskless DAS with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connectivity and hardware RAID 0, 1, JBOD for expanding storage on Windows, macOS, or Linux systems.
This 2-bay diskless DAS offers hardware RAID 0, 1, and JBOD with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connectivity, making it suitable for direct storage expansion or basic NAS backup. However, reported slow performance and unreliable hot-swapping limit its utility for demanding tasks or frequent drive changes.
If you need faster performance and more reliable drive management, look for DAS enclosures with Thunderbolt connectivity or dedicated NAS units with higher-end processors and more RAM.
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Pros
- Supports hardware RAID 0, 1, JBOD, and individual disk modes configurable via DIP switches or software.
- Connects via USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, offering up to 10Gbps interface speed.
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
- Can expand QNAP NAS capacity or function as direct-attached storage for PCs.
- Features tool-less drive trays for 3.5-inch hard drives.
- Includes a USB Type-C to Type-A connector cable for broad host compatibility.
Cons
- Users report slow performance, often below expected speeds even with SSDs.
- The fan generates noticeable noise, described as distracting by some users.
- Hot-swapping drives is unreliable and often requires a full device shutdown.
- Drives cannot be migrated to or from a NAS or other devices; data will not be recognized.
- Management software has reported crashes and bugs, leading to user frustration.
Dimension Scores
Users report slow performance, often below expected speeds even with the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface.
While hardware RAID offers some data protection, unreliable hot-swapping and reported software issues detract from overall reliability.
Supports two 3.5-inch SATA drives, allowing for significant storage expansion up to 2000 GB per drive (based on product data, though individual drives can be larger).
Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux, and includes a USB Type-C to Type-A cable for broad host device support.
Best For
- Users needing a simple, hardware-controlled RAID 1 backup solution for a single computer.
- Expanding storage for a QNAP NAS where data migration between devices is not a concern.
- Directly attaching 3.5-inch SATA drives to a desktop or laptop for local storage.
- Individuals comfortable with potential software quirks and manual drive management.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring seamless drive migration between different enclosures or NAS devices.
- Environments where low noise levels are critical, such as quiet home offices.
- Professionals needing consistent, high-speed data transfer for large files.
Watch Out For
- Reported slow performance, with users noting speeds often slower than expected even with SSDs installed.
- The fan can be surprisingly loud, described as distracting in a home office environment.
- Hot-swapping drives is unreliable, often requiring a full device shutdown to swap drives safely.
- Drives cannot be migrated to or from a NAS or another device; the files and data will not be recognized.
- Management software has experienced crashes and bugs, making the user experience frustrating.
- Poor documentation leaves users confused during setup, described as 'getting a treasure map with half the clues missing'.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BVCXFMDH |
| Brand | QNAP |
| Color | Diskless |
| Series | TR-002-A-US |
| Hard Drive | Diskless |
| Item Weight | 4.89 pounds |
| Manufacturer | QNAP |
| Special Feature | LED Light |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | TR-002-A-US |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Package Dimensions | 10.55 x 9.45 x 8.03 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA |
| Hard Disk Description | Diskless |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2000 GB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding is the recurring complaint about slow performance, with users stating speeds are often lower than anticipated despite the USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. Many buyers also find the fan noise distracting, making it less suitable for quiet environments. The management software is frequently cited for crashes and bugs, adding to user frustration.
“Man, I thought this would be faster with USB-C but my transfers are dragging, and the fan sounds like a tiny jet engine sometimes, kinda regretting it for my video edits.”
Common Praise
- Easy hardware RAID setup using DIP switches.
- Tool-less installation for 3.5-inch drives.
- Functions well as a direct-attached storage device for Mac and PC.
- USB Type-C to Type-A cable included for immediate use.
- Ability to expand QNAP NAS capacity.
Common Complaints
- Slower than expected data transfer speeds.
- Loud fan operation.
- Unreliable hot-swapping of drives.
- Poorly documented setup instructions.
- Inability to migrate drives between different QNAP devices or NAS units.
- Software issues including crashes and bugs.
Ownership Tips
- The 'diskless' nature means you need to factor in the cost of two SATA drives.
- The unit can be used as a simple external drive, but its hardware RAID features are the main draw.
- You might need to experiment with different drives to avoid compatibility issues reported by some users.
- The QNAP External RAID Manager software is optional if you use the DIP switches for RAID, but it's needed for monitoring drive health.
- Data stored on drives in this enclosure won't be recognized if moved directly to a NAS or another TR-002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this with both my Mac and Windows PC?
Yes, the TR-002 is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can be switched between computers by plugging in the USB cable.
Does it require software to set up RAID?
You can set up RAID modes (Individual, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1) using DIP switches on the back of the unit, or through the QNAP External RAID Manager utility on your computer.
Can I upgrade the storage by swapping out drives?
While you can swap drives, hot-swapping is reported as unreliable, often requiring a full device shutdown. Also, data on drives moved to/from other devices won't be recognized.
Is this device noisy?
Some users have reported the fan to be surprisingly loud and distracting, though others don't notice it.
What kind of drives can I use with it?
It supports up to two 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA drives, but users have reported compatibility issues with some drives despite the official list.
Buying Guide
When buying a Direct Attached Storage (DAS) like this, you're essentially getting an external enclosure for hard drives you supply. The key is how it connects to your computer (USB 3.2 Gen 2 here) and what kind of RAID it supports (hardware RAID 0, 1, JBOD). This impacts your data speed, redundancy, and how much control you have over your storage.
Interface (USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C)
Hardware RAID (0, 1, JBOD)
Diskless
Alternatives
If this doesn't fit, search for DAS units with Thunderbolt connectivity for higher sustained speeds, or consider a full Network Attached Storage (NAS) device if you need network access, advanced software features, and easier drive migration.
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