QNAP AMD Ryzen Based NAS Redefining Desktop Storage
“Ryzen NAS” is the first QNAP AMD Ryzen NAS TS-x77 series since November. Since then, it has stepped up business and home productivity with an impressive solution of hardware. Many of its features include software with Turbo Core (up to 3.7 GHz), SSD caching, USB 3.1 Gen 2, support for AMD Radeon and NVIDIA graphics cards, support for VDI, private cloud and virtualization.
The Ryzen NAS is available in 6, 8 and 12 bay models with up to 8 cores/16 threads. The NAS device can also host application containers, maintain full-content search capabilities, and is used in partnership with IP cameras as a surveillance DVR. The TS-x77 is virtualization-ready for VMware, Citrix, Microsoft Hyper-V and Windows Server 2012 R2 environments with the support of iSER (iSCSI Over DMA). In the past, AMD has introduced DIY NAS devices and outperformed with a better drive volume performance than CPU intensive file systems as ZFS. The link below shows specs and additional details that this new architecture allows for scalability, efficiency, and administers IOPS-demanding workloads and multitasking.
Click here to view the QNAP Link
Models and Overview
QNAP has been shipping the Ryzen processor based NAS devices with a host of models commencing with a six-bay (4x 3.5”, 2x 2.5”) TS-677-1600-8G, AMD Ryzen 5 1600 6 cores/12 threads 3.2GHz processor and 8GB RAM.
QNAP TS-677
The eight-bay (6x 3.5”, 2x 2.5”) model TS-877-1600-8G – basically exactly as the six bays – but with two bays more, the change occurs with TS-877-1700-16G that sports a higher core CPU and RAM – AMD Ryzen 7 1700 8 cores/16 threads 3.0GHz processor (Turbo Core 3.7GHz) 16GB RAM.
QNAP TS-877
Last but not least, the twelve-bay (8x 3.5”, 4x 2.5”) is QNAP’s flagship in this series. With four drive bays for SSD or 2.5” drives, the TS-1277-1600-8G is the entry level with the same processor as the others. The TS-1277-1700-16G AMD Ryzen 7 1700 8 cores/16 threads 3.0GHz processor (Turbo Core 3.7GHz) 16GB RAM and finally with the same processor and eight cores TS-1277-1700-64G comes fully loaded with 64GB RAM, which is its maximum allowance. The memory used is UDIMM DDR4 and has a maximum of four slots.
NOTE: For dual or quad DIMM configurations, you must use a pair of identical DDR4 modules and ensure you install in pairs as that provides safety and avoids compatibility issues.
TS-1277-1700-64G
Core and Choices
So, what choices do we have when it comes to processor cores? Well, it doesn’t take a genius to opt for the 8 cores/16 threads option as that will be the high performers, but what does matter is what purpose you will use it for today. If all you want is future proofing and have the other features such as M.2 and dual SSD slots so QTiering becomes possible then the six bay is fine. If you don’t need more than 35TB of usable capacity, don’t waste money on the others.
Now, if you want to utilize all the features provided – Video card option, 10GbE card, SSD and a host of other add-ons then plum for the top of the line TS-1277-1700-64G as the extra cores and memory will do the trick in balancing performance and using all the features QNAP offers to its fullest effect. The barebone price of the TS-1277-1700-64G for $3599.00 is affordable, but an investment you want to make sure you need to do.
Features and Compatibility
Model: TS-1277 – Start with the hardware features that will determine longevity and compatibility – 3 x PCIe slots (1 x PCIe 3.0 x8, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4 and 1 x PCIe 2.0 x4) These are used for installation of 10Gbe/40Gbe network cards, PCIe NVMe SSD, Graphics Card or USB 3.1 expansion card. External connection for peripherals is served well with 5 x USB 3.0 Type-A ports located at the back of the unit for connectivity to external storage, printers, UPS, and much more.
The USB offering continues with USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C located at the rear providing 10 Gb/s speeds. For audio/video purposes there are 2 x 3.5mm microphone input jacks, supporting dynamic microphones.
Ethernet connectivity comes with 4x1Gbe RJ45 ports as standard and can be used for service binding, port trunking, and MPIO settings. Whilst the NAS has internal speakers there is an option to use the 3.5mm Line Out Audio output jack socket for connecting to external speakers.
The 2 x M.2 SATA 6Gb/s SSD ports support form factors 22110, 2280, 2260, and 2242, the main purpose of this would be to configure for SSD caching and Qtier technology support, either way make sure you buy the correct size to fit your needs, normally to work you need them in pairs, 250GB x 2 will only provide 250GB usable storage – normally 500GB is good but if you can afford it plum for the 1TB x 2 if you wanted space and higher performance for reading and write.
Video cards support is via AMD Radeon and NVIDIA® graphics cards for video processing or GPU-pass through to VMs. If storage efficiency is required then ensure the use of Qtier™ technology and SSD caching as this will optimize storage 24/7.
Conclusion
The TS-677, TS-877 and the TS-1277 are certainly worthy of a closer look, the home enthusiast should welcome the added features, whilst the business buyer can upscale usability by merely the extra features provided. QNAP it appears has kept in mind all users with the longevity of user’s investment. Our brief incursion into performance yielded a few pleasant results for the TS-1277-1700-64G, integrated with a combination of SSD’s and M.2’s.. We may be changing our hand here but this NAS will give any other NAS a run for its money. A class act by QNAP, a NAS that will be venerated for years to come.
