QNAP TR-004-44WD-US 4 Bay DAS (USB Type-C) with 12TB Storage Capacity, Preconfigured RAID 5 WD Red Plus HDD Bundle
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AI Verdict
A 4-bay DAS with 12TB pre-configured RAID 5 WD Red Plus HDDs, connecting via USB 3.2 Gen 1 for direct storage or QNAP NAS expansion.
This DAS offers 12TB of RAID 5 storage via USB 3.2 Gen 1, making it suitable for direct-attached backup or QNAP NAS expansion where data redundancy is key. However, its SATA 3Gb/s internal interface and reported speed limitations mean it won't satisfy users needing peak performance.
If you need faster transfer speeds, look for DAS enclosures with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) or Thunderbolt 3/4 interfaces and SATA 6Gb/s internal connections.
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Pros
- Pre-configured 12TB (4x4TB) RAID 5 with WD Red Plus HDDs simplifies setup for immediate data redundancy.
- Direct-attached storage via USB Type-C for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems offers broad compatibility.
- Expands capacity of QNAP NAS without consuming additional NAS system resources.
- Supports multiple RAID configurations (0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD, Single) configurable via DIP switches or QNAP software.
- Lockable drive bays provide physical security for installed drives.
- Includes QNAP External RAID Manager utility for software configuration and drive health monitoring.
Cons
- Interface is USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gb/s), which is slower than newer USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gb/s) or Thunderbolt standards.
- Internal drive interface is SATA 3Gb/s (SATA2), limiting potential drive speeds and creating a bottleneck.
- Does not support hot-plugging drives; adding or removing a drive reboots the unit, requiring careful handling.
- Reported slow performance, with some users experiencing caps around 180 MBps for single-disk reads and 50 MBps per device for multi-disk reads.
- The product data incorrectly lists 'Solid State Drive' as drive_type, but it bundles with HDDs.
Dimension Scores
While USB 3.2 Gen 1 offers 5 Gb/s, the internal SATA 3Gb/s interface and reported real-world speeds capping around 180 MBps for single drives and 50 MBps per drive for multi-disk reads are below current category averages for multi-bay enclosures.
The pre-configured RAID 5 with WD Red Plus HDDs provides data redundancy against a single drive failure, and the enclosure itself is generally reported as stable once configured.
12TB of usable storage in a pre-configured RAID 5 array is a substantial capacity for many home users and small businesses, fitting common backup and media storage needs.
It offers broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems via a standard USB Type-C connection, and can also expand QNAP NAS devices.
Best For
- Users needing a pre-configured, redundant external storage solution for a single computer.
- Expanding storage capacity for an existing QNAP NAS.
- Local backup of large media libraries or critical data on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Individuals prioritizing data redundancy with RAID 5 without requiring network access.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring high-speed data transfer for demanding tasks like 4K video editing.
- Environments needing network-attached storage (NAS) functionality for multi-user access.
- Anyone expecting SSD-level performance from the bundled HDDs.
Watch Out For
- The device does not support hot-plugging; adding or removing a drive forces a system reboot, potentially causing data loss if not properly dismounted.
- Internal SATA interface is limited to 3Gbps (SATA2), which can bottleneck modern hard drives and overall transfer speeds.
- Reported read speeds can cap around 180 MBps for single disks and drop to about 50 MBps per device when reading from multiple disks simultaneously.
- Some users experience the unit hanging for 40-60 seconds when waking from sleep, freezing system operations during this time.
- The stock 120mm fan can be loud, prompting some users to replace it for quieter operation.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CZ9NSVZX |
| Brand | QNAP |
| Color | Western Digital |
| Series | TR-004 |
| Hard Drive | 12 TB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 11.7 pounds |
| Manufacturer | QNAP |
| Special Feature | LED Light |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | TR-004 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Package Dimensions | 12.6 x 12.2 x 9.84 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 2.0/3.0 |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 12000 GB |
What Buyers Say
Many users report frustration with the TR-004's performance, specifically its internal SATA 3Gb/s limitation and the lack of hot-plugging, which forces a system reboot when drives are added or removed. While the pre-configured RAID 5 and USB-C connectivity are convenient, real-world transfer speeds, particularly with multiple simultaneous accesses, can be slower than expected, sometimes capping around 50 MBps per drive. Some owners also note issues with the unit hanging for extended periods when waking from sleep.
“Man, I thought 12TB RAID 5 would be awesome for my Plex server, but this thing is slow! It caps out at like 180MB/s and if I try to copy a bunch of stuff at once, it just crawls. Plus, if I want to swap a drive, the whole thing reboots, which is just dumb. I guess it works, but it's not what I hoped for.”
Common Praise
- Pre-configured RAID 5 with 12TB WD Red Plus drives simplifies setup for data redundancy.
- Flexible RAID modes (0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD, Single) can be set via DIP switches or software.
- Functions as a direct-attached storage for Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.
- Can expand the storage capacity of a QNAP NAS efficiently.
- Includes a 120mm fan for cooling, which can be replaced with a quieter model.
Common Complaints
- Internal SATA 3Gb/s interface limits drive performance, even with faster HDDs.
- Lack of hot-plugging means the unit reboots when drives are inserted or removed.
- Reported slow transfer speeds, especially when accessing multiple drives simultaneously.
- The unit can experience 40-60 second hangs when waking from sleep.
- Stock fan can be loud, leading some users to swap it out.
- The front door and drive trays are described as flimsy or 'hilariously bad' by some users.
Ownership Tips
- The QNAP External RAID Manager software is essential for monitoring drive health and managing RAID configurations beyond the DIP switches.
- Replacing the stock fan with a quieter 120mm PWM fan significantly reduces operational noise.
- Be prepared for the unit to go to sleep quickly when disconnected from USB, requiring reconnection for array rebuilds.
- The physical drive trays and locking mechanism feel less robust than expected.
- Performance can vary significantly depending on the host system and specific workload, with some users reporting adequate speeds for media streaming despite general complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a NAS device?
No, the QNAP TR-004 is a Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) device, meaning it connects directly to a computer or QNAP NAS via USB and does not have network capabilities on its own.
What RAID levels does it support?
It supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD, and Single disk modes, configurable via DIP switches on the unit or through QNAP's External RAID Manager software.
Can I use my own hard drives?
Yes, the enclosure supports 4 x 3.5/2.5-inch SATA 3Gb/s drives, allowing you to install your own compatible HDDs or SSDs.
What kind of speeds can I expect?
With USB 3.2 Gen 1, you can expect theoretical speeds up to 5 Gb/s, but real-world performance with HDDs and SATA 3Gb/s can cap around 180 MBps for single-disk operations and lower for multi-disk reads.
Does it work with both Windows and Mac?
Yes, it is compatible with Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.11 or later, and Linux operating systems.
Is the RAID 5 pre-configured?
Yes, this specific bundle comes with four 4TB WD Red Plus drives pre-installed and pre-configured in a RAID 5 array, providing 12TB of usable storage.
Buying Guide
When looking at a Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) like this, you're essentially getting an external hard drive enclosure with multiple bays and built-in RAID capabilities. It connects directly to your computer via USB, unlike a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) which connects to your network. This means it's great for personal backups or expanding a single computer's storage, but it won't share files across your home network without your computer being on and sharing them.
RAID 5
This isn't just about more storage; it's about data protection. With RAID 5, your data is spread across multiple drives, and if one drive fails, the system can rebuild your data from the remaining drives, like having a backup plan built right into your storage.
USB 3.2 Gen 1
Think of this as the highway connecting the DAS to your computer. USB 3.2 Gen 1 (also known as USB 3.0) is a standard speed lane, offering up to 5 Gigabits per second. It's faster than older USB, but not as fast as the express lanes like USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt, which can be twice as fast or more.
SATA 3Gb/s
This is the internal connection speed between the enclosure and each hard drive. While USB 3.2 Gen 1 is the external speed limit, the internal SATA 3Gb/s (SATA2) acts as a smaller pipe, meaning even if your external connection is fast, the drives inside can only transfer data at this internal rate, which can be a bottleneck for modern hard drives.
Alternatives
If you need faster data transfer for large files or multiple users, look for DAS units with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) or Thunderbolt 3/4 interfaces, and ensure they support SATA 6Gb/s for internal drive connections. If network access is a priority, consider a dedicated NAS device.
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