INTRODUCTION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   With just hours before we say goodbye to 2015 and embrace 2016 i decided to upload yet another review (our last of 2015) mainly because i met some people the other day who knew nothing about network attached storage devices (NAS). I mean not owning one but having a general idea is one thing (happens all the time really) but not knowing that such devices even exist is strange especially since these people have been following technology for at least over a decade now. Anyways these guys are looking for an easy way to share files with their friends and families (both online and local), download large chunks of data over the internet without using their computers and if possible to playback downloaded data directly onto their home theater and portable devices. My answer to them was to simply wait and read this review once up to see what NAS servers are capable off and what better way to deliver on that than for us to test the latest model by QNAP the TurboNAS TS-451+8G.

   QNAP Systems, Inc., as its brand promise "Quality Network Appliance Provider", aims to deliver comprehensive offerings of cutting edge network attached storage (NAS) and network video recorder (NVR) solutions featured with ease-of-use, robust operation, large storage capacity, and trustworthy reliability. QNAP integrates technologies and designs to bring forth quality products that effectively improve business efficiency on file sharing, virtualization applications, storage management and surveillance in the business environments, as well as enrich entertainment life for home users with the offering of a fun multimedia center experience. Headquartered in Taipei, QNAP delivers its solutions to the global market with nonstop innovation and passion.

   QNAP has been releasing more models lately than ever before and as a result some of those models are actually very close in terms of specifications and even closer when it comes to offered features (check the TS-453Mini for example). With that small notice out of the way the latest TS-451+8G wears the same J1900 quad-core Intel Celeron SoC model (64Bit/22nm/2MB L2 Cache) running at 2GHz (2.41GHz boost) we've seen used in NAS servers quite a lot lately (the Intel® HD Graphics Mesa DRI Bay Trail running at 688MHz takes care of the graphics/playback end) along with 8GB of DDR3L RAM (running at 1600MHz) and 512MB of flash memory. The TS-451+8G also features 4 SATA III drive bays (for 3.5" and 2.5" drives), 2 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 RJ-45 Gigabit LAN ports, HDMI v1.4a port and a build-in IR sensor which can be used with their RM-IR002 remote control (included in the bundle). As for the software-end of the TS-451+8G we decided to test it with the latest QTS 4.2.1 Beta by QNAP which among the usual features it also offers the previously seen virtualization station which you can use to install multiple OS onto the NAS (Windows included) and the ability to run both LXC and Docker virtualization technologies (you can use LXC to load Linux virtual machines) via the brand new Container station (can also be used to deploy LibreOffice, MongoDB, Nginx, Node.js, Redis, MySQL, WordPress, Deluge, Minecraft, Wine, Jenkins, GitLab, Redmine, Joomla!, and much more).

 

 

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unlike the TS-453Mini the TS-451+ arrives inside a plain cardboard box that has the company name at the front and a large sticker with the model name and specifications.

 

 

Several warning and certification logos/icons are placed on both sides.

 

 

Some of the products software features are listed at the rear.

 

 

The typical thank you note by QNAP is the first thing you'll see once you open the box.

 

 

As always the NAS is wrapped inside a plastic bag and placed between two thick foam spacers.

 

 

Along with the TS-451+ QNAP also bundles the RM-IR002 remote control, two RJ-45 Ethernet cables, AC power adapter and cord, two small bags with screws for 3.5/2.5" drives and the quick install guide.

 

 

THE TURBONAS TS-451+8G EXTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the TS-451+ QNAP has followed the typical design they've been using for years now with one exception, the exterior is made out of hard plastic. Size-wise the device measures 235mm in length, 180mm in width and 177mm in height and weighs 3kg.

 

 

The left side is perforated to allow air to both enter and exit.

 

 

At the front we see the 4 drive bays, company logo, 7 activity LEDs, power on/off and one-touch copy buttons and a USB 3.0 port.

 

 

The 4 drive trays don't feature locks and although made out of plastic they are quite sturdy.

 

 

A sticker placed at the top has the proper HDD sequence, CPU model and amount of installed memory.

 

 

The 2D cloud key is placed on the right side of the NAS.

 

 

A large 120mm exhaust fan is placed at the rear of the unit right next to the HDMI port, two Ethernet ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, USB 3.0 port, DC power in and a Kensington lock.

 

 

Part of the base is also perforated and here we also see 4 rather tall rubber feet.

 

 

THE TURBONAS TS-451+8G INTERIOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unlike other models by QNAP to access the interior you will need to remove the 4 screws found at the rear and pull the enclosure as seen above.

 

 

Here you can see the TS-451+8G without the largest part of its plastic enclosure.

 

 

Removing the PCB to see all of the installed parts was not hard but as always time is precious so we just decided to point out the basic hardware components like these two SODIMM DDR3L 4GB @ 1600MHz modules by Transcend.

 

 

We also see a 512MB DOM (flash memory) by Apacer and a medium-sized heatsink over the J1900 quad-core Celeron SoC.

 

 

SETUP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are several ways you can detect and setup the NAS but Qfinder Pro is the best and this is what we used here as well.

 

 

Depending on the usage you want for the NAS you can configure it either for Home or Office use. The first also loads multimedia applications while the second only loads necessary services (we used Home).

 

 

After you make the choice you only have to enter a new name for the NAS and a new password (if you want to change the default ones), setup the network settings and choose the desired configuration for the drives.

 

 

QTS 4.2.1 BETA PART 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As mentioned earlier for this review we used the latest version of the QTS 4.2.1 Beta version (can be downloaded from the above link or from within the NAS once you click on the beta versions box inside the FW update page).

 

 

The login screen is very rich in terms of pictures and certainly a step up compared to previous versions (home configuration).

 

 

The main screen lists all of the installed applications among other things.

 

 

The very detailed resource monitor can once again be accessed from the lower left corner while a drop down start-like menu can be accessed from the top left corner.

 

 

You can also switch between Tab, Window and Frameless mode (depending on the device you view the QTS from) from the upper right corner.

 

 

As always everything goes through the control panel of the QTS.

 

 

Via the System Settings menu you can set the name for the server, adjust time, set a password, change the codepage, adjust the login screen, specify your location, adjust the network IP, access the network and virtual switch feature (if installed), play around with power options, set notifications, check the state of the installed drives, create RAID and Virtual drives, setup cache acceleration (via SSD), enable/disable security settings, configure the speed of the fan, backup and restore NAS data, configure external devices, check hardware information, setup backup options, access external device settings, check the logs and of course perform firmware updates (beta ones included).

 

 

The Privilege Settings tab is very basic and allows you to create new users, assign those users to groups, setup shared folders, set specific quotas for each user and configure domain security.

 

 

rom within the Network Services menu you will find everything network-related including FTP settings, Telnet service settings and service discovery settings. You can also setup/configure the Qsync Central Station v2.0 which allows you to have your files synced between the NAS and your other internet capable devices at all times.

 

 

In order to use some of the installed stations you will need to enable them from within the Applications tab.

 

 

QTS 4.2.1 BETA PART 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can use the TS-451+ with your TV set by installing/enabling the HybridDesk Station. Unlike older QTS versions this time over this station downloads many applications like Kodi, Google Chrome, Facebook and many more.

 

 

You will need to enable the Web Server feature in order to install/access some of the apps mentioned later on.

 

 

The design of the photo station has also improved and it’s now easier to see and share all your pictures with other PC and mobile devices.

 

 

With the Music Station you can stream and playback your entire music collection without switching to an external application (design-wise there are several changes as well).

 

 

The Video Station allows for media playback onto your computer and smartphone screen (providing you have the app installed).

 

 

Via the File Station you can transfer files to and from the NAS and although also revamped it still looks quite a bit like the Windows explorer.

 

 

Much like with previous QTS versions you can use the backup station to backup data from your local computer and onto the NAS (or from another NAS to this NAS) or to backup data directly online with Amazons S3 Cloud Service.

 

 

QNAP has made their myQNAPCloud app available and what it does is allow access to the NAS and all its features from another computer or your smartphone from all over the world (setting up port forwarding for your model/router however may take a few more steps than the app states).

 

 

As usual by default the QTS has but a few applications/stations installed but you can install many more from within the App Center.

 

 

The Container Station Is a new app which allows the end user to install Linux releases like Ubuntu and several other programs like Minecraft onto the NAS.

 

 

Another useful app is the brand new Media Streaming add-on which can basically stream media onto devices via Airplay and HDMI.

 

 

QNAP also just released the Q Center application via which you can control the basic functions of every NAS connected into the local network. It’s easy to use but it has just a limited amount of available settings.

 

 

You can use the Virtualization Station to mount and run both Linux and Windows operating systems (unlike the Container Station however you need ISOs of the OS you plan to use).

 

 

Qsirch is a brand new application which allows the end user to search for specific files inside the NAS at incredible speeds. It may not come in handy much for home use but for office use it could prove to be a valuable addition.

 

 

You can use the Download Station for torrents or direct HTTP/FTP download (rtorrent v0.9.6-1208 currently has some issues so right now this is the best option).

 

 

Due to some weird bug found in the last 4.2.1 Beta releases the Surveillance Station is nowhere to be seen in the App menu. We will address that with QNAP but for now you can check the Surveillance Station tab in our TS-453Mini review.

 

 

HYBRIDDESK STATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By installing the applications required to enable the HybridDesk Station you can use most of the applications found in the NAS from the comfort of your living room and/or bed. The applications installed are Google Chrome, Clementine (multi-platform music player), DeadBeef (music player), Facebook, File Station, Firefox, KODI (XBMC), LibreOffice (office suite), Surveillance Station, Music Station, QTS (web interface), OpenTTD (game), Photo Station, Plex Home Theater (media player), Skype, Spotify (music download), Supertux (game), TuneInRadio (online radio), Video Station, Wesnoth (game), HD Player (combines the photo, music, video stations) and YouTube.

 

 

KODI is the one application that we like to focus on since its performance is the decisive factor for people who are looking to get a mid to high-end NAS like the TS-451+.

 

 

Still the developers allow the end user to personalize the KODI application quite a bit (for example change the skin of the menus and set the region/language/audio language options).

 

 

Important information like the hardware components of the unit is once again accessible through KODI much like the several video and audio settings.

 

 

Our Blu-Ray MKV rips of Avatar S.E (42GB) and Avengers Age Of Ultron (38GB) were once again used to test the playback capabilities of the NAS at hand and just like the TS-453Mini the TS-451+ produced extremely smooth playback (we literally didn't encounter even a single glitch/freeze/lag).

 

 

ANDROID/IOS APPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QNAP has a small selection of Android/iOS applications from where you can check the state of the NAS Server, enable/disable the installed stations, start/pause torrent/HTTP/FTP downloads and access many of its functions (audio/pictures/files) as seen above.

 

 

TESTING METHODOLOGY – PERFORMANCE RESULTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Originally we had decided that since some of the NAS servers/devices we've tested in the past are no longer in our possession (naturally) we would keep performing the exact same testing methodology we did in the past for as long as possible in order to provide accurate comparison results. However since our real-life tests are not enough for some people we also decided to throw in ATTO and Crystal Disk Mark to cover the more demanding users. However as always we will be using up to six Seagate Constellation ES.3 4TB SATA III hard disk drive(s) with 3.5” compatible units and up to two (for now) Enterprise Capacity 2.5 HDD V3 2TB SATA III HDDs with 2.5” compatible units to perform several upload/download tests with 10.9GB (Single) and 40,8GB (RAID) files. Tests are repeated a total of 4 times after which we record the average numbers (from the 4 peak ones) into our charts. The network device used for 1GbE tests is the same Netgear D6300 AC1600 Gigabit ADSL2+ Modem/Router we’ve been using lately when performing tests on NAS servers. Since the 25^th of June 2015 for 10GbE tests we’ll be using a Netgear ProSafe XS712T 10G Smart Switch and an Intel XT540-AT2 10GbE PCIe card (10GbE compatible NAS cards will be provided from each company and stated in each review).

SINGLE DISK TESTS

RAID TESTS

 

TEST RESULTS – TEMPERATURES / CONSUMPTION / NOISE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEMPERATURES

POWER CONSUMPTION

NOISE LEVELS

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   The brand new TS-451+8G offers roughly the same performance and features as the TS-453Mini-8G which we reviewed a while back but does so by using up less power and producing lower noise levels (surprising since the TS-453Mini is advertised as the silent model). Sure it’s nothing special in terms of design, has 4 horizontal drive bays (not vertical and tool-free ones), two USB 3.0 ports (instead of 3) and it’s slightly larger and heavier but at the end of the day do these really matter that much? Well QNAP obviously seems to think so since they have both models in their inventory but for the majority of users out there I think the TS-451+8G will do just fine especially if it comes at a lower price tag. Now I still don’t know why the Surveillance Station is not available in the two QTS 4.2.1 Beta versions we used (I will ask our friends over at QNAP about that) but even at beta this version packs quite a few interesting features and so far we’ve experienced no problems with it (we’ve been using it with other QNAP NAS models as well).

   After checking online we found that the TS-451+8G retails for USD649 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 624Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price tag which places it right next to the TS-453Mini-8G which is roughly USD20/20Euros more expensive. With that in mind both models exchange blows so in the end chances are people will decide based on appearance rather than the number of available USB 3.0 ports. Regardless however both NAS models offer excellent performance levels with a plethora of features even most enthusiasts could ever hope to use and that’s why the TS-451+8G gets our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Intel Celeron J1900 Quad Core CPU
- Excellent Performance
- Features
- 8GB DDR3L RAM (Our Sample)
- Bundled IR Remote
- Power Consumption / Noise Levels
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- 2 USB 3.0 Ports & 2 USB 2.0 Ports
- HDMI v1.4a Output
- RAID 0/1/5/6/10/5 + Hot Spare
- SATA III (6Gb/s)
- QTS 4.2(.1) OS

 

CONS

- Surveillance Station Issue in QTS 4.2.1 Beta