QNAP 2 Bay DAS with 8TB Storage Capacity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Preconfigured RAID 1 Seagate IronWolf HDD Bundle (TR-002-28ST-US)
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AI Verdict
This is a 2-bay USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C DAS with 8TB pre-configured RAID 1 Seagate IronWolf HDDs, best for simple external storage or QNAP NAS expansion.
This QNAP DAS is a decent pick if you need a pre-configured 8TB RAID 1 solution for basic external storage or QNAP NAS expansion. The included IronWolf drives and data recovery plan are a plus, but the reported noise and performance issues mean it's not for everyone.
If you need faster performance or quieter operation, look for DAS units with Thunderbolt connectivity or passive cooling designs.
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Pros
- Comes with two 8TB Seagate IronWolf drives pre-installed and pre-configured in RAID 1, offering immediate data redundancy.
- Includes a 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services plan for the Seagate IronWolf drives, adding a layer of data protection.
- Connects via USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, providing up to 10Gbps theoretical transfer speeds for direct-attached storage.
- Supports flexible storage configurations including Individual, JBOD, RAID 0, and RAID 1, configurable via hardware DIP switches or software.
- Functions as a DAS for Windows, macOS, and Linux, or as an expansion unit for QNAP NAS.
- Features lockable drive trays to prevent accidental drive removal.
Cons
- Users report the fan can be noisy, making it distracting in quiet environments.
- Some users experience disappointing performance, with speeds slower than expected even with SSDs.
- The drive trays are described as flimsy plastic, raising concerns about long-term durability.
- Hot-swapping drives is reported as unreliable, often requiring a full device shutdown.
- Documentation is minimal, leading to setup struggles and requiring users to search for answers online.
Dimension Scores
While it uses USB 3.2 Gen 2, some users report disappointing speeds, indicating it may not consistently reach its theoretical maximums.
The pre-configured RAID 1 with Seagate IronWolf drives and a 3-year data recovery plan offers good data redundancy, but unreliable hot-swapping and flimsy drive trays detract from overall reliability.
The 8TB pre-installed capacity in RAID 1 (4TB usable) is suitable for many personal backup and external storage needs.
It offers broad compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can also integrate with QNAP NAS systems.
Best For
- Mac Mini users needing direct-attached storage for local files like work, photos, and videos.
- QNAP NAS owners looking to expand their existing NAS capacity without adding another full NAS unit.
- Users who need simple, redundant external storage (RAID 1) for desktop or laptop backups.
- Anyone requiring a hardware RAID solution that operates independently of a host system's resources.
Not Recommended For
- Users needing high-speed data transfers for large media libraries or demanding professional video editing.
- Environments where low noise is critical, such as a bedroom or quiet home office.
- Those who anticipate needing to expand or migrate their RAID configuration incrementally, as the unit does not support this.
Watch Out For
- The fan noise is a recurring complaint, with users finding it surprisingly loud despite marketing claims of quiet operation.
- Performance can be slower than expected, with some users noting disappointing speeds even when using solid-state drives.
- The plastic drive caddies feel flimsy, which doesn't inspire confidence in the long-term durability of the unit.
- Hot-swapping drives is often unreliable, forcing users to shut down the entire device to safely swap drives.
- Power management issues have been reported, causing the unit to go to sleep unexpectedly and making access a waiting game.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DD9YX1SP |
| Brand | QNAP |
| Series | TR-002 |
| Hard Drive | 8 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 7.89 pounds |
| Manufacturer | QNAP |
| Hard Disk Size | 8 TB |
| Special Feature | LED Light |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | TR-002 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Package Dimensions | 10.91 x 9.57 x 8.07 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | Ethernet |
| Hard Drive Interface | Ethernet |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 3.5 Inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 8 TB |
What Buyers Say
Many users find the QNAP TR-002 to be a straightforward DAS solution, especially for Mac users looking for local storage. However, the fan noise is a frequently mentioned annoyance, and some buyers are let down by the actual transfer speeds, which don't always live up to the USB 3.2 Gen 2 spec. The plastic drive trays also feel cheap, which is a bummer for a device meant to house important data.
“Man, I just needed a simple backup for my Mac, and this thing's fan sounds like a tiny jet engine sometimes. The drives are there, and it works, but seriously, the noise is a pain.”
Common Praise
- Comes with 8TB Seagate IronWolf drives already installed and set up in RAID 1.
- Works directly with Mac via USB, making it easy to access files.
- Offers hardware RAID control, which is simpler than software-only solutions.
- Functions well as an expansion unit for existing QNAP NAS setups.
Common Complaints
- The fan makes too much noise, even when the drives aren't actively spinning.
- Actual data transfer speeds are often slower than expected for USB 3.2 Gen 2.
- The plastic drive caddies feel cheap and not very sturdy.
- Documentation is sparse, making initial setup and troubleshooting frustrating.
- Hot-swapping drives doesn't reliably work, requiring a full shutdown to change disks.
Ownership Tips
- The fan noise can become noticeable even in a moderately quiet room, not just during heavy use.
- You'll likely need to download the QNAP External RAID Manager software to get the most out of it, as the manual is pretty basic.
- While it says hot-swappable, don't count on it; plan for downtime if you need to replace a drive.
- The USB-C cable included is often short, so factor in buying a longer one if your setup needs it.
- The pre-configured RAID 1 is convenient, but remember you only get 4TB of usable space from the 8TB total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this with my Mac?
Yes, the QNAP TR-002 is compatible with macOS, as well as Windows and Linux operating systems. You connect it directly to your Mac via the USB Type-C port.
Does it come with hard drives?
Yes, this specific bundle (TR-002-28ST-US) includes two 8TB Seagate IronWolf drives pre-installed and pre-configured in RAID 1.
Is it noisy?
Several users have reported that the fan can be noisy, which might be distracting if you plan to use it in a quiet environment.
Can I change the RAID configuration?
Yes, you can switch between Individual, JBOD, RAID 0, and RAID 1 modes using hardware DIP switches or the QNAP External RAID Manager utility on your computer.
Can I expand the storage later by adding more drives?
No, QNAP TR units, including the TR-002, do not support RAID migration or expansion. You cannot incrementally add drives to an existing RAID.
What kind of USB connection does it use?
It uses a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port for high-speed data transfer, and it comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) unit like this, you're essentially getting an external enclosure for hard drives that connects directly to your computer, not over a network. The big deal here is RAID, which means how the drives work together. RAID 1, like in this unit, mirrors your data across both drives, so if one fails, your data is safe on the other. This is different from a Network Attached Storage (NAS), which is a mini-computer that connects to your network and lets multiple devices access files. A DAS is usually simpler and faster for a single computer.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
This is the connection speed, and 'Gen 2' means it can theoretically transfer data up to 10 Gigabits per second. Think of it like a highway: a wider highway (higher Gen number) means more cars (data) can pass through faster, which is important for moving large files quickly.
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
RAID 1 takes two drives and makes an exact copy of your data on both. If one drive dies, you still have all your files on the other one. It's like having a backup copy of your important documents stored in two identical folders, giving you peace of mind against drive failure.
Seagate IronWolf HDDs
These are 'NAS-grade' hard drives, designed to run 24/7 and handle the vibrations and workloads common in multi-drive enclosures. They're generally more durable and reliable than standard desktop hard drives for continuous use.
Alternatives
If this unit doesn't fit, look for DAS enclosures with Thunderbolt connectivity for higher speeds, or consider a dedicated NAS if you need network access for multiple users and more advanced features.
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