INTRODUCTION

   Many people used to ask us what we use in our lab to share files, download data, record through our IP cameras and stream media content and as answered numerous times in the past we use one (and even two sometimes) network attached storage devices/servers. Recently however some of you have asked us if it's really worth having a NAS online 24/7 and although electricity where we're located is not what we'd call "cheap" if you think about the pros the answer is crystal clear. It's true that you can't obviously perform the same tasks as you would with a desktop system or even a laptop (we're getting there however) but just the fact that the majority of NAS models use even less electricity than your average light bulb alone is enough to justify using one either as a media or a download server. Seagate may not be the very first brand name to come in mind when talking about NAS servers but they've actually been in that market for quite some time now (quite successfully) and since many of you asked today we'll be testing the NAS Pro 6-Bay model (DP6) with 24TB worth of storage preinstalled.

   Founded in 1979, Seagate is the leading provider of hard drives and storage solutions. From the videos, music and documents we share with friends and family on social networks, to servers that form the backbone of enterprise data centers and cloud-based computing, to desktop and notebook computers that fuel our personal productivity, Seagate products help more people store, share and protect their valuable digital content. Seagate offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of hard disk drives, solid-state drives and solid-state hybrid drives. In addition, the company offers an extensive line of retail storage products for consumers and small businesses, along with data-recovery services for any brand of hard drive and digital media type. Seagate employs more than 50,000 people around the world.

   The NAS Pro 6-Bay (DP6) is the top model in the desktop line by Seagate (there's also a 2-Bay and a 4-Bay model) and is targeted towards small businesses and offices with up to 50 employees. The DP6 is currently available in 5 different versions without (diskless) and with preinstalled drives (6/12/24/30TB) by Seagate and although this is nothing new since many other manufacturers sell their NAS with preinstalled drives it just feels slightly better when everything (including the software) is made by the same company (guaranteed compatibility). Under the hood of the DP6 we find a dual-core Intel Atom C2338 64-bit CPU running at 1.7GHz, 2GB DDR3 RAM (SO-DIMM) and Phison PS2251-03 USB 3.0-to-Flash micro-controller chip (used to store NAS OS 4) and an Noctua NF-P12 120mm fan (1300RPM/54.32CFM/19.8dBA). In terms of connectivity since the DP6 is aimed towards businesses it only features the basics such as two RJ45 Gigabit ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports and 1 USB 2.0 port (no HDMI port). Time to see if the NAS Pro 6-Bay (DP6) has what it takes to take on similar models by other manufacturers.