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Is Ugreen NAS the Best Choice for Your Data Storage Needs?

September 14, 2024

Is Ugreen NAS the Best Choice for Your Data Storage Needs?

Are you considering the UGREEN NAS as a potential upgrade for your Home setup running a Desktop NAS or a NAS Network?

The Thunderbolt 4 NVME enclosure of Ugreen promises impressive technical specs, substantial storage capacity, and versatile software solutions, which would be perfect for tasks like backup, network storage, private cloud storage, Next Cloud, and running a home server on up to a 10GBPS NAS with virtualization and Docker.

The Ugreen NAS (Network Attached Storage) has emerged as a popular solution, offering a blend of performance and affordability. This device aims to address the growing need for reliable storage and easy access to data, making it a contender for those seeking an effective way to manage their digital assets.

This article explores the Ugreen NAS and its potential as the best choice for data storage needs. It delves into the hardware specifications, examining the device’s 4-bay configuration and RAID options. Verifying whether they are the smallest NAS solutions available in an M.2 RAID enclosure, the article also examines the capabilities of UGOS software, such as the Storage Manager and virtual machine management features.

Additionally, it assesses the performance and reliability of the Ugreen NAS, considering factors such as data transfer speeds and the robustness of the Ugreen NASync system.

Ugreen NAS Hardware Overview

The Ugreen NAS offers a robust hardware configuration designed to meet diverse data storage needs. This section explores the key components that make up the Ugreen NAS, including its processing power, storage capabilities, and connectivity options.

CPU and Memory Options

At the heart of the Ugreen NAS lies a powerful processing unit. The device features a 12th Generation 5-core Intel CPU, providing the necessary computational power for efficient data management and multitasking ^[1]. This processor ensures smooth operation, even when handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

To complement the CPU, the Ugreen NAS comes with 8GB of DDR5 4800MHz RAM, which can be expanded up to 32GB ^[2]. This expandable memory configuration allows for improved software and system performance, making multitasking easier than ever. The high-speed DDR5 RAM contributes to swift response times and seamless operations ^[2].

For users requiring additional performance, the Ugreen NAS is equipped with M.2 NVMe slots for SSDs ^[2]. These slots can be utilized for fast caching, significantly accelerating read and write processes. The inclusion of SSD caching enhances overall system responsiveness and reduces noise levels during operation ^[2].

Drive Bay Configurations

The Ugreen NAS offers versatile storage options with its multi-bay design. The device supports up to 184 terabytes of storage space, providing ample room for large data collections ^[1]. The standard configuration includes a 4-bay setup, allowing users to install up to four hard drives ^[1].

When configuring the NAS, users have the flexibility to choose from various RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) options. For instance, implementing RAID 5 with four 4-terabyte drives would result in 12 terabytes of usable space while providing protection against a single disk failure ^[1]. Alternatively, RAID 6 can be employed for enhanced data protection, allowing for two disk failures at the cost of reduced usable capacity ^[1].

It’s crucial to use NAS-rated drives designed for 24/7 operation. Recommended options include WD Red drives, Seagate Ironwolf, Seagate Ironwolf Pro, or Seagate Exos drives, all of which are specifically engineered for the demands of a NAS environment ^[1].

Connectivity Features

The Ugreen NAS offers a range of connectivity options to ensure seamless integration into various network setups. The device is equipped with dual network ports, providing flexibility and redundancy in network connections ^[2].

For high-speed data transfers, the Ugreen NAS is equipped with dual 10GbE ports, which require the use of a 10GbE cable.. These ports can be aggregated to achieve a 20G bandwidth, enabling impressive download speeds of up to 2500MB/s ^[2]. This high-bandwidth capability is particularly beneficial for users dealing with large files or requiring quick access to massive offline resources. To leverage the maximum speed check out the Guide setting up a Home Network

In addition to the network ports, the Ugreen NAS includes dual Thunderbolt™ 4 ports ^[2]. These versatile ports allow for the connection of various storage devices, such as mobile hard disks and disk array cabinets, with data transmission rates of up to 40Gbps per port ^[2]. This feature enhances the NAS’s expandability and provides users with additional high-speed data transfer options.

The device also includes USB ports for connecting external devices. Depending on the specific model, users can expect to find USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (up to 10Gb/s), USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (up to 5Gb/s), and USB 2.0 ports (up to 480Mb/s) ^[3]. Some models may also include an SD3.0 card slot for direct access to memory cards ^[3].

For users requiring visual output, the Ugreen NAS supports 4K 60Hz HDMI output, allowing for high-quality video playback directly from the device ^[3].

The Ugreen NAS’s hardware configuration, combining powerful processing capabilities, flexible storage options, and diverse connectivity features, positions it as a versatile solution for both home and business users seeking efficient and reliable data management.

UGOS Software Capabilities

File Management and Sharing

The UGOS software powering the Ugreen NAS offers a comprehensive suite of file management and sharing capabilities. The system supports multiple file protocol services, including SMB, FTP, NFS, rsync, and WebDAV, which administrators can configure to suit their needs ^[4]. This versatility ensures compatibility with various devices and operating systems.

The file manager provides efficient tools for organizing and locating data, including search and filtering functions ^[4]. Users can create personal folders to store and manage documents, photos, music, and videos, with the ability to set permissions to protect their privacy ^[4]. Shared folders facilitate collaboration among team members or family, promoting information sharing while maintaining security through flexible permission settings ^[4].

Fine-grained permission control allows for detailed access settings at the folder level, ensuring file safety and confidentiality ^[4]. The system supports basic file operations such as copy, paste, cut, delete, and search, as well as more advanced functions like file compression/decompression, creating shortcuts, and viewing historical versions ^[4].

For convenient file sharing, users can easily share files with friends or allow them to upload files to the device without requiring account registration ^[4]. The system also provides centralized access to files from external storage devices or third-party cloud storage tools through the file manager ^[4].

Backup and Sync Tools

The Ugreen NAS UOS software includes robust backup and synchronization features to ensure data protection and consistency across devices. The system utilizes incremental backup and deduplication techniques to reduce backup time and storage space usage ^[4]. It supports data synchronization between different devices, enabling consistency between NAS, computers, and file servers ^[4].

Users can set up various scheduled backup tasks according to their needs ^[4]. The system offers file version management, allowing users to manage historical versions of files in shared folders for the sync function ^[4]. Custom synchronization strategies and settings improve the efficiency of sync tasks and reduce management burden ^[4].

To enhance the performance of sync tasks, the software supports customization of the maximum number of files uploaded and downloaded simultaneously, as well as bandwidth limitations ^[4]. A centralized management interface allows users to deploy, manage, and monitor all backup tasks, simplifying data protection plans and reducing maintenance workload ^[4].

Media Streaming Features

The UOS software has recently expanded its multimedia capabilities through software updates, particularly for models like the DXP 4800 and DXP 480T ^[5]. One significant addition is the support for Docker containers, which allows users to run media server applications like Plex ^[5].

With Plex Media Server running as a Docker container, users can stream various types of media content, including 720p, 1080p, 4K, and even 8K multimedia ^[5]. The system’s performance in handling these streams varies depending on the file type and quality:

1080p playback: The system handles 1080p content efficiently, with minimal CPU utilization and no transcoding required for compatible formats ^[5].
4K playback: 4K files play smoothly without transcoding, showing little impact on CPU usage ^[5].
Multiple 4K streams: The system can handle multiple 4K streams simultaneously, although some slowdowns may occur during initial buffering ^[5].
8K content: Playback of 8K files is challenging and may not be successful on all models ^[5].

The UGOS software also includes a native media server service that can be managed via the mobile app ^[6]. This feature allows users to access and stream their media files directly from the NAS to various devices.

The Photos tool within the UGOS software provides quick and responsive photo management, including AI-powered categorization and facial recognition ^[6]. It also offers a map view for geotagged photos, enhancing the organization and browsing experience for users’ photo collections ^[6].

While the UOS software’s media capabilities are continually improving, some areas still require optimization. For instance, the mobile app’s photo layout may benefit from refinements, and automatic backup options for non-photo content on mobile devices are currently limited ^[6].

Performance and Reliability

The Ugreen NAS offers a blend of performance and reliability features designed to meet the demands of modern data storage needs. This section examines the device’s read/write speeds, RAID support, and overall system stability.

Read/Write Speeds

The read/write speeds of the Ugreen NAS are influenced by two primary factors: network settings and the hard disk drives used. Typically, hard disk drives offer read/write speeds of about 150-200MB/s ^[7]. However, users can enhance this performance by utilizing multiple hard drives simultaneously. By employing three to four hard disk drives to read and write files concurrently, users can significantly boost overall speed ^[7].

For those seeking even faster performance, the Ugreen NAS supports the use of SSDs. The device is equipped with two M.2 NVMe slots for SSDs, which can greatly accelerate read and write processes ^[8]. This SSD caching not only enhances read/write speeds but also contributes to reduced noise levels during operation ^[8].

The all-flash storage option, available in models like the NASync DXP480T Plus, utilizes solid-state drive (SSD) technology to achieve faster reading and writing performance, substantially improving work efficiency ^[8].

RAID Support

The Ugreen NAS supports various RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, offering users flexibility in balancing performance, capacity, and data protection. RAID combines multiple independent disks into a large-capacity disk group, enhancing the performance of the entire disk system while storing redundant data to increase fault tolerance ^[9].

Different RAID levels offer distinct advantages:

RAID 0: Requires at least two drives and offers highly improved read and write performance. However, data loss occurs if any disk fails ^[10].
RAID 1: Requires at least two drives and provides data redundancy. If one disk fails, a new disk can replace it, recovering the data ^[10].
RAID 5: Requires at least three drives and offers a balance of performance, capacity, and data protection. It can recover data if one disk fails ^[10].
RAID 6: Requires at least four drives and can recover data even if two disks fail simultaneously ^[10].
RAID 10: Requires at least four drives (even number) and combines the benefits of RAID 1 and RAID 0, offering both performance and security ^[10].

It’s crucial to note that while RAID provides fault tolerance for hard drive failures, it does not serve as a complete backup solution. Accidental file deletions or system-wide issues can still result in data loss across all drives in the RAID group ^[7].

System Stability

The Ugreen NAS incorporates several features to ensure system stability and reliability. The device utilizes a 12th Generation 5-core Intel CPU, providing robust processing power for seamless multitasking and efficient data processing ^[8]. This powerful processor, combined with the ability to expand RAM up to 64GB, contributes to swift response times and smooth operations ^[8].

To enhance stability, the Ugreen NAS employs specific vibration damping and shock absorption mechanics, keeping drives firmly on track ^[11]. Efficient cooling systems are also in place to prevent overheating, thereby preserving drive lifespan ^[11].

The system supports high annualized workload ratings, with some models capable of handling 550TB or 600TB per year. This high workload capacity helps drives withstand intensive 24/7 RAID operation without succumbing early to wear and tear ^[11].

Despite these stability measures, it’s important to acknowledge that no system is entirely risk-free. The Ugreen NAS, like any storage device, can face potential issues such as hard disk failure, system corruption, or security vulnerabilities ^[7]. To mitigate these risks, it’s advisable to implement regular backups of critical data stored on the NAS ^[7].

Conclusion

The Ugreen NAS proves to be a strong contender in the world of data storage solutions. Its blend of powerful hardware, versatile software capabilities, and robust performance caters to a wide range of users, from home enthusiasts to small businesses. The device’s ability to handle various RAID configurations, coupled with its high-speed connectivity options, gives it an edge in managing and protecting valuable data.

While the Ugreen NAS shines in many areas, it’s crucial to remember that no storage solution is perfect. Users should weigh their specific needs against the device’s offerings and consider implementing additional backup strategies to safeguard their data. In the end, the Ugreen NAS stands out as a reliable and feature-rich option to consider for those looking to upgrade their data storage setup.

FAQs

Is the Ugreen NASync a good investment?
Yes, the Ugreen NASync is considered a solid investment. It features four tool-free SATA drive bays, two M.2 SSD slots, dual multi-gig LAN ports, and multiple USB ports. Its performance is also noted to be robust.

What type of memory is used in UGREEN NAS devices?
UGREEN NAS devices come equipped with 8GB of DDR5 4800MHz RAM, which can be expanded up to 64GB. This type of memory supports enhanced processing speeds and improved performance across software and system operations, facilitating efficient multitasking.

What file systems are supported by UGREEN NAS?
UGREEN NAS supports multiple file systems, including EXT4 and BTRFS. Users can configure their systems with various RAID setups like RAID 5, RAID 0, and RAID 1. However, as of 2024, it does not support the Write Once, Read Many (WORM) file system, which may be considered a limitation.

How much does UGREEN NAS cost?
Initially, during its Kickstarter campaign, UGREEN NAS was announced with a launch price of USD 699.00. However, prices have increased, and for example, the 4800 Plus model now costs around USD 884.00 (€799). Additionally, there are concerns about the software not being fully refined yet.