CONCLUSION

   When the people over at Thecus released the N4100EVO a few months ago and asked me if i was interested in reviewing it i was expecting a mid-end unit since up until today i haven't used or tested a low-end 4 bay NAS server. However after checking the specifications sheet and especially after performing every test in the book the N4100EVO is without doubt aimed towards people who want a rather low-cost (yet high quality) NAS server with basic functionality and room for up to 4 disk drives. Normally I’d be somewhat disappointed by such a product but given that most units in our charts are mid-end and also because Thecus never really claimed that the N4100EVO was anything but a low-end unit i really can't.

   According to Thecus the thing that packs the most punch with the N4100EVO 4 Bay NAS Server is its cost and with a price tag set at USD273.42 inside the USA (Wallmart) and at around 260Euros inside the EU i really have to agree with them. Of course each and every person out there has different needs so for me the N4100EVO is simply not the ideal device simply because media playback (especially MKV media playback) and surveillance capabilities are two important factors (the surveillance module offers very limited functionality), however most people configure their NAS servers for downloading, sharing music and hosting pages. On the other hand i can always do with just 2 drive bays since i have the highest capacity disk drives around at any given time, however other people are sure to have old drives laying around which will most probably want to use so they may be better off with a 4 bay unit (and the list goes on). Bottom line if you are out to get an 4 bay NAS server and you don't want to spend over USD300/300Euros for it then the NV4100EVO by Thecus could be your way out, however i really suggest making sure that you're ok with what it offers in terms of both performance and features prior to moving in for the kill.

PROS

- Build Quality (Sturdy)
- 4 Drive Bays (With Locks)
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- JBOD/RAID0/1/5 Support
- Internal 150W PSU
- Price (For Some) 

CONS

- Performance
- Loud
- Limited Media Playback Functionality