Wouldnt it be a waste to buy a Windows Server license just for a 2 HDD server?
If moiskyrie's boss wants just a regular file server with multiple users why not just any box with either Ubuntu server or and of those free NAS OS (FreeNAS etc, etc). I do not see a need for Windows as Samba can in all cases manage user authentication and access limitation.

THe one problem with getting QNAP/Syno is that there is no room for future expansion (physically( if say a new drive needs to be added. If you have a Atom board for example, you can add a RAID expansion card and add many more HDD assuming you get a casing big enough.

I got my Windows License from office's server upgrade so basically it's free.
There's plenty of choice out there, Windows server is just an example, but maybe the Linux can does it better, I don't know since I don't use Linux.
And as far as I know FreeNAS network performance is still slow, in my case, the driver is optimized, not sure if Ubuntu (server edition?) can do the same.
So far I only uses Windows applications, switching to another platform is... too tedious

If Expansion is required, I won't recommend using Intel Atom, too little power and slow PCI(-E) slot, best is getting a full pledge system where there's plenty of PCI-E x8 (and above) for better performance on RAID card.

My next aim is AMD APU board which has 4x SATA + Gigabit network so I won't need the PCI Gigabit network card anymore, can probably add a SATA card (2x SATA port) up to 6 HDDs. Maybe can try other OS... but I still need AIO box bah... probably will still sticks to Windows...

i am asking for a recommendation

1. to download torrents 24/7
2. as a media shared drive (can we stream my hd videos direct from the hdd to my laptop or ipad..without the need to download?) What if the video needs vlc media player to play or codecs from k-lite mega pack codec? will it play?
3. need to be able to work with macbook as well both windows and macbook
4. optional - would be great if can remote access from outside when I am at starbucks/etc


my options are

QNAP TS212
Synology DS212J
Buffalo Link Station Pro Duo (this is cheapest and I feel so tempted to get this)
ASUS NAS-M25
D-LINK 2-BAY NAS NETWORK STORAGE ENCLOSURE (DNS-320L)


additionally should i get the WD green 3tb hdd x 2 for them?? or should spend more for a 1tb wd black?? so sad the NAS already so expensive no budget for hdd

This post has been edited by perfect10: Feb 6 2013, 03:02 PM

true, but you can actually get away with it if you get a RAID card as most have their own processor to compute the RAID. My recommendation would be not to use Atom as most like u say have PCIe x8 only and only 1 slot.

If you can try to look for MB with dual GNIC. Do fail over configuration.

Well, if one can get a RAID card, I don't think he'll use Intel Atom anymore, most probably the RAID card can buy few pcs of Atom board
Dual GNIC I don't think I would need such setup for home usage only, for the kiasu only

But for Office, yes those RAID and Multi GNIC is a must for critical application system.

Many years (more than 15 years ago), we had a Linux Box (Debian) with a hardware RAID 5 card. As with all these special RAID 5 cards, drivers in Linux was quite hard to come by. We don't use Windows server because the University doesn't have the budget for Licensing. Back then we had 2 server, 1 was a 100gb x 8 in RAID 5 configuration and a few laters we had a 250gb x 8 in RAID 5...

The point is, it doesn't matter what PC Atom/x86 system you use to make your NAS.... you'll normally maximise it from Day 1. If you run Mirror or RAID 5 systems, you'll never add more disks later.... However if you are just running them as individual disks, then yes, you'll add more space as you need to....

Today, we have so many options for NAS.... dlink, buffalo (budget), QNAP, synology (med priced) NAS are great and perfect for the consumer......

At the end of the day, for Home/Small Business use, I would rather get a NAS box (dlink/synology/QNAP/buffalo) because of the following reasons
+ Build in Firmware (NO OS required)
+ Simple to setup, simple to use. Most non Tech Savvy people can mange a NAS
+ less point of failure compared to a PC setup (power supply normally fails every 2 years)

However a NAS box does have it's bad points
- Should your NAS power supply or the box fail, you'll probably have a very difficult time recovering your data.... unless you get the identical box....

If you had any linux/windows based NAS box, you'll still be able to recover it using another PC with linux/windows....

However it would be better to get a Windows/Linux based NAS if you need a file server as well other services like, printer server, WAMP server, or any other common services you may need....

So based on your needs, you'll be able to design/get something out.... don't worry so much about future proofing it.... just get what you need today (and maybe 1 year from now).... save the money and either get bigger disks, or save that money for an upgrade after a year ....

I dont think the Buffalo Pro Duo is the cheapest one on the list, but it is quite well spec (I think its RM399).
One of my friend has a Pro Duo, and it has decent speeds (on GB network)... I have used the Buffalo Duo (non Pro) and in my opinion its OK... ok.... (means SLOW la).... but its cheap la....

I think, for your usage the QNAP or Synology would be a little overkill.... (but if you can afford it, why not.. I have installed used Synology and it is quite reliable when compared to the Buffalo)

I would recommend getting the Pro Duo if you can afford it (Not the Buffalo Link Station Duo!, but the Pro Duo!), and the 2nd choice will be the Dlink 320 (which I am planning to buy this weekend)

Based on my requirement (Backup and File serving for Media), I think the Dlink 320 should be sufficient for my needs...

I had asked about the performance of the Dlink 320 vs the Pro Duo on the forum, but nobody replied.....

I am using Buffalo Pro Duo for almost 2 years, bought at 400++.
Performance wise is ok, transfer rate at 30Mb++ with Gigabit switch.
Can support Apple device and can remote access from internet.

My bro bought Dlink 320 on last year ~ 300. (Can get less than 300 on PCFair)
He regret of getting it, performance is slower than Buffalo.
User Interface is very simple but not much feature compare to Buffalo.
And worse is he notice Dlink 320 doesn't support his 3TB HDD.

For me, I am happy with my Buffalo Pro Duo.
The decision is up to you.

My friend claims that he can get about 50-70mb on his Pro Duo....

The review online I read on the Dlink 320, should be able to hit about 30-40MB....

Need to do more reading on the Dlink, got 1 review I read on the forum, his one can hit around that speed....

The only reason why I am considering the Dlink 320 is because of my requirements, just need to run (offsite via VPN) backup and stream Media at home....

but for RM100 extra, I can get the Pro Duo....

I need someone who owns them both, and have real experience...

Not considering the 3TB, as the price/TB is not worth it.....

thanks so much for the recommendation...the synology if i am getting i will only afford to put one small hdd inside until next year till get $$$ so i guess buffalo is the best choice for now hehehe

syk, thanks for your input, just wondering is streaming movies easy for HD movies?? or those with codec?? got lag / etc??

Depend on what HD level you are in. Normal HD movie don't have problem streaming. The rest like codec and format is depend on your player to decode.

For 3D movie streaming, yes. There will be some problem with shuttering. You need a read/write good speed NAS. And not forget the network setup. Like router and switch.

I m currently facing the 3D streaming problem. The synology NAS stream to the player via router have some shuttering with those high bitrate 3D movie scene. I m not sure is it the NAS problem or the router bottleneck. The palyer is confirm good since play in the player HDD is no problem. The next solution will be waiting for the fw upgrade from synology. If still the same, than will look at the router side.

Yes, for streaming of HD movie the bottleneck is the network.
Make sure you have Gigabit switch for that. (At least transfer rate of 20+ Mb)
I'd tried both Wifi & 100M switch, the result is not very satisfy for big HD movie (>10Gb file)

I check around the gigabit switch. The price from cheap till expensive. ANy different? What to pick?

For streaming, forget the wifi. It is useless.

I m still testing the streaming via NFS, samba and UPNP. All no problem with HD movie even big file. But for 3D, it shuttering.

i hv same dilemma as you, but in no hurry to get one yet...

seems like DNS-320 (non L) is the cheapest if the only difference is cloud service

I am using cheapo gigabit switch from D-Link 5 port (Rm80) or you can choose TP-Link 5 port (rm60)
Worth a try before commit to high end switch which cost a bomb!

Thank you for your view. I'm looking for this both model. Your post really make my decision easier.

Is there any speed different with the high end swith and the cheap switch?

I m tired to try around. It is wasting money and time. 1 shoot to make it right.

The high end switch might be more faster and stable, and also can support more concurrent connection without packet drop. For normal home user, I think cheap one will just do the job.

Thanks.

The critical point is must be able to sustain the speed with at least 2 connection. Example streaming 3d movie at the hall and streaming in the room at the same time without any shuttering.