Review: Store all your files on the super-fast QNAP TS-431X3 NAS
QNAP is one of the most popular brands for network-attached storage enclosures and the new TS-431X3 is a promising small unit with some capable features. Namely, the 1Gb, 2.5Gb, and 10Gb SFP+ connections, allowing for some seriously rapid transfer speeds. It’s actually part of QNAP’s more affordable enclosure series, which makes this all the more exciting.
It’s difficult to find 10Gb or even 2.5Gb ports in NAS enclosures that cost less than $500. QNAP designed the TS-431X3 to have just enough performance to keep up with the 10Gb connection, all whilst keeping costs low to aggressively price the enclosure against competing products from other vendors. Has the effort paid off and is this the best NAS for home use?
10Gb NAS
QNAP TS-431X3
Bottom line: QNAP made quite the compelling NAS enclosure for serious file storage.
Pros
- Four drive bays
- Great value
- Upgradable RAM
- 2.5Gb and 10Gb LAN
- Lower power draw
Cons
- Somewhat weak CPU
- No M.2 slots
QNAP TS-431X3 tech specs
Category | QNAP TS-431X3 |
---|---|
CPU | AnnapurnaLabs AL-314 |
RAM | 4 GB DDR3 (max 8 GB) |
Drive bays | 4x (SSD/HDD) |
Capacity | 64 TB |
Cooling | 1x 120 mm fan |
Ports | 1x 10Gb LAN SFP+ 1x 2.5Gb LAN 1x 1Gb LAN 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (1 front, 2 back) |
Power draw | W |
Dimensions | 169 x 160 x 219 mm ( x x inches) |
Weight | 2.01 kg ( lbs) |
You’ll love how fast the QNAP TS-431X3 NAS is
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
QNAP’s TS-431X3 CPU isn’t anything special, but the 10Gb SFP+ port sure is.
I say that because it’s primarily targeting the former with four drive bays and a 32-bit ARM processor. You won’t want to run Plex Media Server or other highly demanding apps and services, but for backing up all your devices, saving money on cloud storage, as well as setting up a centralized data server, it’s more than enough.
That’s also where the specifications get really interesting. Usually, we’d find at most a 2.5Gb LAN port or two 1Gb LAN ports that can be linked for additional bandwidth. That’s not the case with the QNAP TS-431X3. The company decided to bring down a 10Gb SFP+ connector from more premium (and expensive) NAS enclosures to this mid-range model.
The QNAP TS-431X3 is perfectly suited for file storage at home and in the office.
On the front, we have some LED indicators for status, LAN, disks, and even the USB. There’s QNAP branding, the four drive bays, two buttons (one for power and the other for transfer), as well as one of the three available USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports. The sides and top are clear, aside from a piano black strip that traverses the top edge of the chassis.
The rear of the QNAP TS-431X3 is where the magic happens with a single 1Gb LAN port, joined by another single 2.5Gb LAN port, and the all-mighty 10Gb SFP+ LAN port. Even if you only have a 1Gb capable network configured right now, it’s easy to upgrade your infrastructure with a new router and/or switch without needing to replace your NAS.
Picking the best drives for your NAS
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
Your NAS enclosure isn’t much good to you without a hard drive or few installed and that’s where our round-up of the best NAS drives comes into play. If you need to pick a new drive to store all your stuff on, we’ve got you covered.
On paper, the NAS enclosure should offer full speeds, so long as you’re not doing anything else intensive on the server. The CPU should be more than capable of handling a connection or two, allowing for massive files to be stored and accessed remotely. For both 1Gb and 2.5Gb, the TS-431X3 easily handled everything I threw at it.
A few test runs saw a stable transfer rate of around 240MB/s using the single 2.5Gb LAN port. The CPU was barely used and so I don’t see much of an issue with the 10Gb link. Excellent results for file storage. The 4GB of pre-installed RAM shouldn’t be an issue either, but if you do happen to hit the limit or the NAS feels a little sluggish, it can be bumped to 8GB.
QNAP’s OS is a joy to use
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
Upon setting up your TS-431X3 NAS for the first time, you’ll need to locate its IP address using your router admin panel or by using QNAP Qfinder Pro. Once you’ve connected to the enclosure using your favorite web browser, the initial setup wizard takes a few moments of your time.
Source: Windows Central
Whether you plan on running a media server, configuring all your devices to automatically backup to the enclosure, or provide access to friends and family to store and access files, QTS will get you up and running in no time at all. The experience is flawless and the hardware inside the enclosure runs everything without a hitch.
What you might dislike about the QNAP TS-431X3
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
I also found the LEDs to be a little on the weak side, depending on the angle you’re looking at the NAS. I do like how the front plate covers the LEDs so you don’t see blank boxes when they’re not lit, but if you enjoy staring at the flashing lights offset, prepare to be disappointed.
So, should you buy the QNAP TS-431X3?
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
It’s not the most powerful NAS around, but it’s not designed to be. The Amazon ARM CPU is only 32-bit and you shouldn’t attempt to run Plex on this NAS, but if you’re more into building a network solution for storing files and backups, the TS-431X3 is available with rapid transfer speeds.
The RAM is a little on the slow slide, being DDR3 and not DDR4, but it can be upgraded to 8GB. The four drive bays allow you to store up to 64TB of data, depending on which RAID configuration you opt for. The enclosure is quiet and the QNAP OS is brilliant to use. If 10Gb networking is what you care most for, this NAS is worth shortlisting.
10Gb NAS
QNAP TS-431X3
QNAP packs a punch with this NAS
The TS-431X3 has features you’d usually find in more expensive enclosures, like the available 10Gb SFP+ port. Have a speedy network? This is a great affordable NAS for you.
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