Windows NAS Review | Top 2 NAS Devices on Windows Storage Server
NAS (network-storage service) easily handles massive data storage task helping users keep all important content safe and share files more conveniently. Both home and business users may require getting a NAS to manage the huge data library. A most majority of people seemingly prefer dominated Linux-based NAS but what if someone hopes to get a Windows-based NAS? Here, we would like to recommend the best 2 Windows NAS appliances for you.
Table of Contents:
If you try to save your large DVD collection to NAS…
WinX DVD Ripper Platinum is the leading DVD ripper software available to digitalize (homemade or copy-protected) DVD discs into MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV or other formats while maintaining nearly lossless quality for better keeping, managing on NAS.
What You Should Know about Windows Storage Server - The Windows OS for NAS
Windows Storage Server, based on Windows Server, is specially designed for network-attached storage devices offering an efficient solution to backup, restore and manage files. It features cost-effective methods for data storage due to Storage Space and Data Deduplication techs. All authenticated users or group members are allowed to organize data, check status, access shared files and manage printing on the same server in a smart way. It also provides a secure and fast way helping users access files and folders on client computer and server. With My Server app, users can perform light administration tasks more flexibly on Windows desktops, laptops and tablets. Thanks to BranchCache, internet usage can be greatly optimized. And, multiple network connections can be used simultaneously with SMB Mlti-channle.
The current available Windows Storage Server versions include the latest Windows Storage Server 2016 and most commonly used 2012 and 2012 R2. And hardware features will vary from each edition of Storage Server versions. >> More on Windows Storage Server Overview
Top 2 NAS Devices Based on Windows Storage Server
Microsoft announced that "Thecus is the first OEM to deliver new NAS appliances running on Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Essentials". Later, some other brands started developing Windows NAS for example Buffalo. What's the best NAS based on Windows Storage Server? Check the top 2 list below.
Thecus W5810
Thecus 5-bay W5810 is the flagship model for home, SOHO environment and small business up to 50 employees. It embeds a SSD for boot drive with pre-installed Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Essentials copy making the setup and integration flawlessly. Plus Microsoft Azure, it can integrate local backups with cloud service for a more secure storage. Built-in HDMI output gives users an opportunity to stream media files to TV from NAS. Usage of USB 3.0 connectivity delivers a much faster speed to copy content from (external) hard drive to NAS while P2P connectivity can perform transformation from Windows NAS to cloud services without network configuration.
TERASTATION WS5200
TERASTATION is a 2-bay business NAS device based on Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 offering high performance, efficiency and availability. Data management and backup becomes easier and more reliable. It is populated with WD Red drives with a capacity of 4 or 8TB. A secure data copy is guaranteed even though a drive fails when enabling Hot Swap. This Windows NAS can remove and replace data from the faulty drive without data loss. With 11 licenses of NovaBACKUP Buffalo Edition, it can well protect data for small, medium businesses. Also, it uses USB 3.0 to greatly speed up data transfer.
Specs Comparison of Top 2 Windows NAS
Thecus W5810 |
TERASTATION WS5200 |
|
| Processor | Intel® Celeron™ J1900 Quad-Core SoC | Intel® Atom™ Dual-Core D2550p |
| RAM | 4GB DDR3 | 4GB DDR3 |
| OS | WSS 2012 R2 | WSS 2012 R2 |
| Drive Bays | 5 | 2 |
| Drive Interface | 5 x SATA for internal | SATA 3Gb/s |
| LAN Interface | RJ-45x2: 10/100/1000 BASE-TX Auto MDI/MDI-X | RJ-45x2: 10/100/1000 |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Ports x2; USB 3.0 Ports x2 | USB 2.0 Ports x2; USB 3.0 Ports x2 |
| Power Supply | 200W Power Supply | Internal AC 100-240V Universal, 50/60Hz |
| Dimensions | 230 x 190 x 240 (mm) | 170 x 170 x 230 (mm) |
| Weight (kg) | 5.09 | 4.5 |
| Environment | Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (Operation); -40°C to 70°C (Non-operation) Humidity: 0 ~ 80 % R.H. (Non-condensing) |
Temperature: 5-40°C Humidity: 20-80% (non-condensing) |
Both Windows NAS devices bring high efficiency to backup, manage and stream data. As the first OEM who performs Windows Storage Service for NAS, Tecus seemingly can fully take advantage of this Windows OS while Buffalo Technology's TeraStation works for many years on NAS. Choose the best one depending on your own needs.
Also read: NAS vs Cloud:Which is better?
Best Solution for Saving DVD to NAS - WinX DVD Ripper Platinum
- Digitalize DVDs to MP4 (H.264), AVI, WMV, MOV, FLV etc, or 1:1 copy DVDs to ISO image, VIDEO_TS folder, MPEG2 for better storing on NAS;
- Convert DVDs to iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Mobile, Xbox, PS3/4 and other portable devices;
- Remove any encryptions on 99-title DVD, workout DVD, new movie DVD and other strictly protected DVDs;
- Edit DVD videos. Crop/trim videos or merge several titles into one; disable/enable subtitles or add external subtitles.
Related External Source from Wiki:
Network-attached Storage - a file-level computer data storage server connected to a computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. NAS is specialized for serving files either by its hardware, software, or configuration...
