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Need advice upgrading to a "real" NAS

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roldogg

Regular Contributor
I've used a Seagate GoFlex drive in the past, which crashed on me and I spent $800 for Seagate to recover the data. Now I've been using one of the WD My Cloud drives, which is very unsatisfactory. After recently spending money to upgrade my main desktop, I'd like to buy a NAS that can run either RAID5 or RAID10. I also want it to be able to multiple LAN ports for LAG and an option for 10GBe. I'll be using it to backup 5 PCs, and I also would like to stream 4K video to my TV and stream HD content to other TVs, possibly stream to more than one at a time, and I'd also like to be able to backup content and stream content to mobile devices too.

So many NAS devices have hit the market over the last year or so that I get overwhelmed when trying to compare all of the devices and their features. Between QNAP, Synology, Asustor, etc, can someone please guide me in the right direction so I can make a decision to buy and not regret? Thanks!
 
A NAS is first and foremost reliable. Or, at least it should be.

QNAP or Synology with an i3 or higher processor and 4GB ram or higher.

Everybody else is just playing catch up.
 
QNAP or Synology.
I researched extensively and chose Synology and it's been excellent for some 2 years now.

Remember that RAID is not a backup.
As a home user with a SOHO too, I do well with a 2 bay NAS and a 2TB USB3 backup drive.
 
I have run Windows Home Server 2011 for many years without any problems. Microsoft writes good PC backup programs. The Home server is very easy to use. I have changed out the hard drives one time. I built the hardware for Microsoft Server 2008 and used it for several years before being switched over to Home Server. RAID5 or RAID10 is not sufficient for back up purposes. You still need backups. Home Server 2011 does automatic server as well as client backups written by Microsoft with automatic Microsoft updates. I don’t think you can buy Home Server 2011 anymore but I would look at what Microsoft has available. I think this is a much better package for secure and reliable backups of your important data than using a NAS which you have the responsibility of maintaining backups. Things go wrong and they always go wrong at the worst time. There are lots corporations which use Microsoft Server to protect their data.
 
While WHS is a possibility (if licenses are still available for purchase), I don't believe it is the best way to go.

With QNAP or Synology, there is very little to learn with respect to configuring the hardware to run as required. The same cannot be said with WHS or any O/S that is fully customizable.

I would put that time and money into hardware rather than the learning curve of configuring WHS on new dedicated hardware.

Not only will a NAS be more efficient, so will it's implementation too.
 
I think you are missing the point. With Home Server you are getting a complete package turnkey. All the back ups are thought out, all the archiving, all the maintenance and updates to maintain this is done, no planning or effort required. My machines and clients back up nightly. I just pop in the Microsoft disc to rebuild any machine. To me this is the beauty of this system. Microsoft has taken on all the responsibility.

I see a NAS as a snap shot in time. You have the responsibility for planning, maintaining and archiving backups. Making sure all of this happens. You also must maintain firmware and test these changes to make sure things are compatible with all your OSs. You need to come up with a restore plan and test when changes are made. I don’t think you are going to restore a full OS from a NAS backup to a client unless you add a third parties software to the mix which requires more testing and more updates. I see NAS more as nice storage hardware.
 
QNAP or Synology.
I researched extensively and chose Synology and it's been excellent for some 2 years now.

Remember that RAID is not a backup.
As a home user with a SOHO too, I do well with a 2 bay NAS and a 2TB USB3 backup drive.

I realize that RAID itself isn't backup software, but I would like to implement a RAID5 or RAID10 configuration for performance and redundancy. In my computer I'm using an M.2 PCIe SSD for my OS, my software is installed on 2 Samsung 256GB 840 Pros setup in RAID0, and all my data is stored on a 2TB and a 1TB drives. In my NAS(correct me if I'm wrong, I was thinking about either a RAID5 or RAID10 configuration for increased performance and mirroring. Having had a NAS drive go out in the past, it would be good to know that my data is mirrored with another drive so if a drive does die on me, all I need to do is swap the dead drive for a new drive and all the data would automatically be put back on it since I'd still have a drive running with all my info on it. I recently got rid of my company's server, which housed all the information we're required to keep on file, and I had the SQL Server data file backed up locally to a NAS and every night, it would update the data file which was kept offsite, in 2 different places. Now everything, including all the software, is outsourced and backups of my corporate data is done twice daily. I don't need that kind of disaster and recovery plan, I just want to be able to backup my personal info, have more than one drive hosting the data, and I also want to be able to stream data from it to other devices, like a media server. It would be nice if multiple devices can also backup personal data, locally and remotely, and stream data, locally and remotely.

I'm tired of having a single NAS (like a Seagate GoFlex or a WD MyCloud) and want to get something with more storage, is upgradable, has more functionality, and is very fast. Over the last year it seems like enterprise NAS devices are starting to enter the consumer market, but when that happens, you start seeing marketing hype for features that actually provide no benefit making it more difficult to buy a solid device with all the functionality you want.

Why would RAID5 and/or RAID10 not be suitable for backup purposes if I just need something to store image files of my PCs, or hold my backup files, but also want to store data to it that multiple devices can access, locally and remotely, and stream anything from a song to a 4K video? I don't need my data to be as secure as my company data, I just want to be able to backup data from approximately 8 devices, have the data mirrored in case of hardware failure, and be able to stream 4K videos with no buffering. I've been looking at the QNAP, the Synology, and also the Drobo.
 
I think you are missing the point. With Home Server you are getting a complete package turnkey. All the back ups are thought out, all the archiving, all the maintenance and updates to maintain this is done, no planning or effort required. My machines and clients back up nightly. I just pop in the Microsoft disc to rebuild any machine. To me this is the beauty of this system. Microsoft has taken on all the responsibility.

I see a NAS as a snap shot in time. You have the responsibility for planning, maintaining and archiving backups. Making sure all of this happens. You also must maintain firmware and test these changes to make sure things are compatible with all your OSs. You need to come up with a restore plan and test when changes are made. I don’t think you are going to restore a full OS from a NAS backup to a client unless you add a third parties software to the mix which requires more testing and more updates. I see NAS more as nice storage hardware.

No point missed. A QNAP or Synology NAS as I originally spec'd is light years above an O/S system built pre 2011 and with no availability currently.

My Windows 8.1 systems backup without issue to my NAS. I do not do system imaging as I have found it does not decrease my rebuild times vs. a clean os install and almost guaranteed stability (with the latter).

A quick search has not found any WHS licenses available to be purchased. I think this is a dead end today.


I realize that RAID itself isn't backup software, but I would like to implement a RAID5 or RAID10 configuration for performance and redundancy. In my computer I'm using an M.2 PCIe SSD for my OS, my software is installed on 2 Samsung 256GB 840 Pros setup in RAID0, and all my data is stored on a 2TB and a 1TB drives. In my NAS(correct me if I'm wrong, I was thinking about either a RAID5 or RAID10 configuration for increased performance and mirroring. Having had a NAS drive go out in the past, it would be good to know that my data is mirrored with another drive so if a drive does die on me, all I need to do is swap the dead drive for a new drive and all the data would automatically be put back on it since I'd still have a drive running with all my info on it. I recently got rid of my company's server, which housed all the information we're required to keep on file, and I had the SQL Server data file backed up locally to a NAS and every night, it would update the data file which was kept offsite, in 2 different places. Now everything, including all the software, is outsourced and backups of my corporate data is done twice daily. I don't need that kind of disaster and recovery plan, I just want to be able to backup my personal info, have more than one drive hosting the data, and I also want to be able to stream data from it to other devices, like a media server. It would be nice if multiple devices can also backup personal data, locally and remotely, and stream data, locally and remotely.

I'm tired of having a single NAS (like a Seagate GoFlex or a WD MyCloud) and want to get something with more storage, is upgradable, has more functionality, and is very fast. Over the last year it seems like enterprise NAS devices are starting to enter the consumer market, but when that happens, you start seeing marketing hype for features that actually provide no benefit making it more difficult to buy a solid device with all the functionality you want.

Why would RAID5 and/or RAID10 not be suitable for backup purposes if I just need something to store image files of my PCs, or hold my backup files, but also want to store data to it that multiple devices can access, locally and remotely, and stream anything from a song to a 4K video? I don't need my data to be as secure as my company data, I just want to be able to backup data from approximately 8 devices, have the data mirrored in case of hardware failure, and be able to stream 4K videos with no buffering. I've been looking at the QNAP, the Synology, and also the Drobo.


Forget the Drobo products. More proprietary than the fruity brand and less reliable too.

RAID is not a backup vs. a physically and logically separated backup from your online data in the sense that any viruses are propagated to the RAID volume and any hardware catastrophe (including flood, theft, fire...) wipes out all your data.

In a sense, even with multiple disks holding the same data, it is still a single point of failure.

How do you feel with a build your own solution? Or, WHS if you can actually get your hands on a license?
 
RAID is for redundancy not backups. If you delete an important file, it gone on all the RAID. The file will need to be recovered from a backup.

You don’t state how many drives you are going to be setting up in a RAID configuration. You positively need a large APC to have battery backup for a large RAID. You never want power fluctuating on a RAID. It will corrupt.
 
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No point missed. A QNAP or Synology NAS as I originally spec'd is light years above an O/S system built pre 2011 and with no availability currently.

I would be interested in how QNAP or SynologyNAS is light years ahead of WHS? Please explain.
 
I would be interested in how QNAP or SynologyNAS is light years ahead of WHS? Please explain.

In a word? 2015.

WHS 2011 is outdated tech.
 
Current QNAP and Synology NAS products and their respective OS' which are constantly and continuously updated are infinitely better than an EOL solution like WHS 2011 today.

Anything that connects to the internet or even has access to a local area network that is not updated continuously or as needed is not in the running for a backup solution, imo. That would be the number one point of failure in such a process. And would be possibly more vulnerable with each passing year.
 
Microsoft is still supporting Home Server 2011 and will continue for 10 years. Microsoft has a replacement newer Home Server, I just have not run the newer version. I have been running my system for over 7 years. Where will your NAS be in 7 years?
 
No. I have only worked on big networks where data was very important and costly. You are not allowed to lose data. We had some NAS units which were used for temporary storage. They were never used for mission critical data. They would not be fast enough in a big network.

I was reading about the NAS systems today. They seem to only come with 3 years of updates. I guess they expect you to replace them every 3 years.
 
Microsoft is still supporting Home Server 2011 and will continue for 10 years. Microsoft has a replacement newer Home Server, I just have not run the newer version. I have been running my system for over 7 years. Where will your NAS be in 7 years?


http://arstechnica.com/information-...home-server-is-dead-but-we-shouldnt-mourn-it/

While you may think that support will continue for another decade, there are other opinions out there.

It's not going to disappear overnight—it will be available for OEM preinstallations until an astonishing and not entirely plausible December 31, 2025, though hobbyist system builders only have until December 31, 2013 to buy standalone copies—but it won't receive any new features or upgrades.


As the article clearly states and I have been telling my customers for a few years now, Windows 8 and 8.1 has many of the most important features that WHS once offered. No new features or upgrades is not a product that I call 'supported'. It is dead.

I don't know where the QNAP line of NAS' I have been using and recommending will be in 7 years.

All I know is that at this point in time, they are the most trouble-free, straightforward to implement and reliable storage units I have ever used.

Anything home built simply doesn't compare in reliability and dependability and I've had experience in that too. Anything bought from an OEM is simply too expensive.

I've used lesser nas' units. They are in the garbage pile in the back of my office and are a reminder to my customers of what not to buy. (I offer them to take for free the ones I have, but none have accepted so far).
 
I've used a Seagate GoFlex drive in the past, which crashed on me and I spent $800 for Seagate to recover the data. Now I've been using one of the WD My Cloud drives, which is very unsatisfactory. After recently spending money to upgrade my main desktop, I'd like to buy a NAS that can run either RAID5 or RAID10. I also want it to be able to multiple LAN ports for LAG and an option for 10GBe. I'll be using it to backup 5 PCs, and I also would like to stream 4K video to my TV and stream HD content to other TVs, possibly stream to more than one at a time, and I'd also like to be able to backup content and stream content to mobile devices too.

So many NAS devices have hit the market over the last year or so that I get overwhelmed when trying to compare all of the devices and their features. Between QNAP, Synology, Asustor, etc, can someone please guide me in the right direction so I can make a decision to buy and not regret? Thanks!

Agree there's a lot to pick from. You need to approach this project systematically.

1) How much data do you expect to store overall? Do you need 2TB or 20TB? The number and size of the disks is the first measure you need.

2) What features do you need? Your initial post lists several. Which are 'needs' and which are 'wants', just in case you need to make a hard decision.

3) Why do you want Raid 5 or Raid 10? I'm not saying you don't need it, just do you want it because it's cool or because of a specific need?

4) Asustor, Synology, and QNAP all have on-line demo modes for their OS. Play around to see if one jumps out as best for you.

5) Other mfgrs are popular but have fewer apps on their OS. Go to the main sales sites and survey the popular brands. Then go to the mfgr sites to see if their products match your needs. Not everyone needs to be able to run a WordPress site off their NAS from an easy to download app.

6) Someone said i3 and more for internal specs. Good idea. Some NAS boxes can run virtual systems. Thinking ahead, do you think you might want one?

7) Finally, you can always consider building your own storage server. Windows Server on a spare or small form PC is not out of the question if your needs are big. Then comes the technological challenge of adding the disks. This would be a very big job.
 
I have to disagree with home built stuff being bad. I build the best I can find at the time. I have been building PCs since the 286 days. I would change crystals to get 8 or 9 mhz. Seemed flying compared to 6. My WHS 2011 server is a true Intel server board with an Intel Xeon quad processor. Slow compared to today’s servers but it is still a much bigger processor than any currently bought NAS. It will run circles around a NAS.

I don’t plan to run WHS 2011 for another 10 years. I don’t think I will run Server 2012. I will probably upgrade when the next generation of server comes out.
 
I don't believe home built systems are bad either. Just that when all the support, setup and build times are taken into consideration, QNAP and Synology are simply in a different league when NAS systems are considered.

The hardware that you're using to run WHS was never in doubt and I agree most NAS units can't compare.

But hardware does not run anything; the software does.

And QNAP and Synology keep building on their bulletproof platforms while adding more features and plugging security updates on a continual basis. And when the hardware allows it; even for products older than 3 years as you mentioned above.
 

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