QNAP TS-419P+ Turbo NAS Review & Giveaway
QNAP TS-419P+ Review
Recently, our evaluations encompassed Netgear’s ReadyNAS Ultra 4, which demonstrated impressive data transfer rates. Prior to that, Synology’s DS411j garnered acclaim for its user-friendly interface and visually appealing GUI. We also noted the simplicity of the Drobo FS. Today, we will examine a NAS solution designed to integrate the strengths of all these devices.
The focus of this assessment is the QNAP TS-419P+ Turbo NAS. Available solely as a diskless unit, it carries a price point of $599, representing a significant investment. However, individuals considering a NAS purchase should find this review particularly valuable, as this model may align perfectly with their requirements. Furthermore, the review unit will be given away following this assessment.
Key Features and Specifications
The QNAP TS-419P+ is engineered for prosumer use and incorporates four hot-swappable drive bays. It is powered by a Marvell 6282 1.6 GHZ processor and features 512 MB of DDR2 memory. Connectivity is provided through dual gigabit ethernet ports, four USB ports, and two eSATA ports.
The inclusion of both eSATA and dual ethernet ports distinguishes the TS-419P+ from other NAS devices evaluated in the preceding three days. These features contribute to its enhanced capabilities and versatility.
The front panel houses the four drive bays, a USB port with a dedicated one-touch backup button, an LCD panel, and two control buttons. The LCD panel displays system status, IP address, and allows for system administration functions like shutdown or restart.
The device boasts a brushed aluminium enclosure, lending it a sophisticated aesthetic.
Connectivity and Networking
The rear panel provides extensive connectivity options. Two eSATA ports are present, a feature absent from the other three NAS devices previously reviewed. Additionally, it offers one more USB port than the Netgear ReadyNAS Ultra 4.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of the QNAP is its dual ethernet interface, supporting network teaming. Network teaming, discussed yesterday in the Netgear ReadyNAS Ultra 4 review (where it was unfortunately unsupported), allows for the aggregation of two network interfaces into a single, faster connection to the router.
The TS-419P+ supports several network teaming modes, including:
- Balance-rr (Round-Robin)
- Active Backup
- Balance XOR
- Broadcast
- IEEE 802.3ad
- Balance-tlb (Adaptive Transmit Load Balancing)
- Balance-alb (Adaptive Load Balancing)
Initial impressions suggest the TS-419P+ possesses hardware specifications capable of satisfying the demands of discerning prosumers.
Installation and Device Detection
As the TS-419P+ operates as a diskless system, users will need to supply their own hard drives. Currently, the maximum storage capacity supported by this device is 2 TB per drive.
Installing the drives is a straightforward process. Simply remove the drive trays from the front bays, secure the drives to the trays with screws, and then reinsert them into the enclosure. Powering on the device completes this initial hardware setup.
Initial Setup with QNAP Finder
Similar to other NAS devices, the QNAP TS-419P+ includes a dedicated detection application, QNAP Finder, available on the accompanying CD. This application is compatible with multiple operating systems.
Upon installation, QNAP Finder will automatically identify any QNAP NAS devices connected to your network. It then provides assistance in accessing the web-based graphical user interface (GUI).
Selecting "Configure" initiates the setup procedure.
The initial drive configuration is a six-stage process. During this process, you will be prompted to define a device name, establish an administrator password, set the correct time zone, select the desired services, and finally, configure the RAID array.
The TS-419P+ supports a variety of RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 5+ hot spare, and JBOD. Furthermore, it is compatible with the EXT4 file system. Once the device is customized, the complete system initialization typically takes around 15 minutes.
Accessing the Web Interface
Accessing the administration GUI via a web browser is simple if the device’s IP address is known. Simply enter the IP address into your browser’s address bar. Alternatively, utilize the QNAP Finder application to locate the device and then click the "Connect" option.
QNAP’s web interface is well-designed, comparable to Synology’s, although it does not offer multi-tasking capabilities.
The GUI is intuitive and responsive, allowing for easy navigation. It also provides convenient, one-click access to enable various features, such as Apple Time Machine support, file server functionality, a web server, backup server, iTunes server, print server, media center, and a torrent download center. Webcam surveillance support is also included.
The TS-419P+ offers several advanced settings, including UPS support and power management options. Beyond these, the system allows for expanded functionality through its QPKG system.
This system enables the installation of additional features like a Twonkymedia server, a Squeezebox server, a PS3 media server, and platforms like Joomla and Wordpress.
Expanding Storage Capacity
The TS-419P+ is designed for effortless upgrades and expansion thanks to its hot-swappable, front access drive bays. This feature simplifies the process of adding or replacing storage drives.
Furthermore, the system provides support for on-the-fly RAID level migration. Consequently, transitioning from a RAID configuration utilizing two disks to one employing four disks is remarkably straightforward.
This capability ensures minimal downtime and disruption during storage enhancements. The flexibility offered by the TS-419P+ makes it a scalable storage solution.
Key Expansion Features
- Hot-swappable bays: Drives can be replaced without powering down the system.
- RAID migration: Seamlessly change RAID levels as storage needs evolve.
- Simplified upgrades: Expanding from 2 to 4 disks is a simple process.
The ease of expansion provided by the TS-419P+ allows users to adapt their storage capacity to changing demands. Maintaining optimal performance is achieved without complex procedures.
Administration and Control
Comprehensive settings are readily available through the graphical user interface (GUI). This includes configuration of the RAID array, user access controls, allocation of disk quotas, and management of file services, alongside backup parameters.
A convenient integrated search feature is also provided, enabling quick location of specific settings within the system.
The GUI serves as a central monitoring point, displaying crucial system data. This encompasses both system and hard drive temperatures, as well as their S.M.A.R.T. status reports.
Final Assessment
The QNAP TS-419P+ demonstrates considerable proficiency across all tested areas. Features such as network aggregation and dynamic RAID reconfiguration provide a robust experience for technically inclined users.
This QNAP TS-419P+ Turbo NAS is currently available for purchase through online vendors, including Newegg, at a price of $569.99.
MakeUseOf extends its gratitude to QNAP for their support. Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact us directly via email to discuss potential collaborations.
