QNAP 2 Bay DAS with 8TB Storage Capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Preconfigured RAID 1 WD Red Plus HDD Bundle (TR-002-28WD-US)
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AI Verdict
This is a 2-bay USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C DAS with 8TB WD Red Plus HDDs pre-configured in RAID 1, best for simple, redundant external storage for desktop users.
This QNAP DAS is a situational fit because it offers pre-configured 8TB RAID 1 storage via USB-C, which is convenient for immediate data redundancy. However, user complaints about noise, flimsy drive trays, and unreliable hot-swapping mean it's not a universally seamless experience.
If you need quieter operation or more robust build quality, look for DAS enclosures with larger, slower fans or fanless designs, and metal drive trays.
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Pros
- Comes with 8TB WD Red Plus drives pre-installed and pre-configured in RAID 1, offering 4TB of usable, redundant storage out of the box.
- Features a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface, providing up to 10Gbps transfer speeds for direct connection to Windows, macOS, or Linux computers.
- Supports hardware RAID 0, 1, JBOD, and individual disk modes, configurable via DIP switches or software.
- Can expand the capacity of a QNAP NAS or function as a standalone direct-attached storage device.
- Includes lockable hard drive trays, preventing accidental drive removal.
- Tool-less installation for 3.5-inch hard drives.
Cons
- Drive trays are made of plastic and can feel flimsy, raising durability concerns.
- Users report the fan can be noisy, and the HDDs themselves produce chattering sounds during operation.
- Hot-swapping functionality is reported as unreliable, often requiring a full device shutdown to swap drives.
- Documentation is minimal and setup can be a hassle, with users often needing to search online for answers.
- The unit may not play well with power-saving settings, leading to unexpected sleep modes and delayed access.
Dimension Scores
The USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) interface is fast, but the included HDDs and RAID 1 configuration limit real-world speeds compared to SSD-based DAS units.
Hardware RAID 1 provides data redundancy, but user reports of issues with WD Red Plus 8TB drives and unreliable hot-swapping are concerning.
The 8TB bundle pre-configured in RAID 1 offers a usable 4TB, which is a common and practical capacity for many users seeking redundant storage.
It offers broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, and QNAP NAS devices via a standard USB-C connection.
Best For
- Mac or PC users needing simple, redundant external storage for backups or large media libraries.
- QNAP NAS owners looking to expand storage capacity without using a conventional expansion unit.
- Individuals who prioritize hardware RAID 1 data redundancy for critical files over maximum speed.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring frequent drive swapping without powering down the device.
- Anyone sensitive to fan noise or drive chatter in a quiet work environment.
- Users who need to upgrade to drives larger than 8TB, as compatibility for higher capacities has been questioned.
Watch Out For
- The plastic drive caddies feel cheap and might not hold up to frequent handling.
- The fan can be surprisingly loud, and the included WD Red Plus HDDs contribute to operational noise.
- Hot-swapping drives is unreliable; expect to power down the unit for drive changes.
- The manual is lacking, making initial setup and troubleshooting more difficult than it should be.
- Some users report the unit struggles with power management, unexpectedly entering sleep mode.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DD1FM1KN |
| Brand | QNAP |
| Color | Red |
| Series | TR-002 |
| Hard Drive | 8 TB Solid State Drive |
| Item Weight | 7.94 pounds |
| Manufacturer | QNAP |
| Special Feature | LED Light |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | TR-002-28WD-US |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Package Dimensions | 10.79 x 9.41 x 7.99 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB-C |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB-C |
| Hard Disk Description | Solid State Drive |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Connectivity Technology | Ethernet |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 8000 GB |
What Buyers Say
Many users found the QNAP TR-002 enclosure, especially in bundles, to be a mixed bag. The most surprising finding is the frequent mention of noisy operation from both the fan and the drives, which can be distracting in a home office setting. The plastic drive trays also feel cheap, leading to concerns about long-term durability. While the hardware RAID options are appreciated, the documentation is often criticized for being too sparse, making initial setup frustrating. Some users also experienced software bugs and unreliable hot-swapping.
“Look, I just needed a simple backup for my photos, and this does the job with RAID 1, but man, the fan is louder than my old desktop, and those plastic trays feel like they'll snap if I look at them wrong. Setup was a headache too, the manual was useless.”
Common Praise
- Hardware RAID 1 provides peace of mind for data redundancy.
- Direct USB-C connection is straightforward for external storage.
- Works seamlessly with both Mac and Windows systems.
- Tool-less installation for 3.5-inch hard drives simplifies setup.
- Can expand QNAP NAS storage without using a traditional expansion unit.
Common Complaints
- Fan noise and HDD chatter are noticeable and can be distracting.
- Drive caddies feel flimsy and cheap, not inspiring confidence.
- The included manual is unhelpful, requiring users to seek external support.
- Hot-swapping drives is often unreliable, necessitating a full shutdown.
- Software can be buggy and prone to crashes.
- Power management issues cause unexpected sleep modes.
Ownership Tips
- The fan noise is a constant companion, especially in a quiet room.
- Don't count on hot-swapping; plan for downtime when changing drives.
- You'll likely need to consult online forums or QNAP's website for detailed setup instructions.
- The plastic drive trays require careful handling to avoid breakage.
- Be prepared for the unit to occasionally go to sleep unexpectedly if power-saving features are enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this come with hard drives?
Yes, this specific bundle includes two 8TB WD Red Plus hard drives, pre-configured in RAID 1 for immediate use.
Can I change the RAID mode?
Yes, you can switch between hardware RAID 0, 1, JBOD, or individual disk modes using DIP switches on the back of the unit.
Is it compatible with macOS?
Yes, the QNAP TR-002 is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, connecting via USB-C.
How fast is the connection?
It uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface, which supports data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
Can I upgrade the drives to a larger capacity later?
While the enclosure supports 3.5-inch SATA drives, some users have reported issues or limitations when trying to upgrade to drives larger than 8TB.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a Direct Attached Storage (DAS) like this, you're essentially getting an external hard drive enclosure that can hold multiple drives and manage them in a RAID configuration. This means you can combine drives for more speed (RAID 0) or, more commonly with a 2-bay unit, for data redundancy (RAID 1), where your data is mirrored across both drives. If one drive fails, your data is still safe on the other. You connect it directly to your computer, unlike a Network Attached Storage (NAS) which connects to your network.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
This is your connection speed. USB 3.2 Gen 2 means it can theoretically transfer data at up to 10 Gigabits per second. Think of it like a wider highway for your data; the wider the highway, the faster your files can move between the DAS and your computer, assuming your drives can keep up.
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
This is about data protection. With RAID 1, your data is written identically to both hard drives. If one drive dies, you haven't lost anything because an exact copy exists on the other drive. It's like having two identical copies of an important document, so if you spill coffee on one, you still have the other. The trade-off is that you only get half the total storage capacity (e.g., two 8TB drives give you 8TB total, but in RAID 1, you only get 4TB usable).
WD Red Plus HDD
These are the actual storage drives inside. WD Red Plus drives are designed for NAS and RAID environments, meaning they're built for continuous operation and better vibration tolerance than standard desktop drives. They're hard disk drives (HDDs), so they're slower than Solid State Drives (SSDs) but offer much more capacity for the price.
Alternatives
If this doesn't fit, look for DAS enclosures with Thunderbolt connectivity for higher speeds, or consider a diskless enclosure if you prefer to choose your own drives (SSDs for speed, different HDDs for capacity/noise profile).
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