QNAP TS-473a 4 Bay Nas with Ryzen CPU Fully Upgraded with Hardware Transcoding

TL;DR

The QNAP TS-473A impresses with performance, upgradeability, and features for NAS users.

Transcript

hey guys it's don here from nova spare tech and welcome back to the channel and today we are going to be checking out the qnap ts473a so let's get started now i've been using the qnap nas for about four to five weeks now and i gotta say i am thoroughly impressed and i do want to thank qnap for sending this over to me for review and everything i tal... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 The QNAP TS-473A’s Ryzen V1500B processor allows for efficient multitasking and running intensive applications compared to older Celeron models.
• ✋ Users can expand the RAM up to 64 GB, suitable for running high-demand applications and multiple virtual machines simultaneously.
• 👤 Having both NAS and server capabilities enables diverse use cases, from media streaming to virtualization, catering to tech-savvy users.
• 🧑‍💻 The absence of a front display is noted as a downside, limiting quick access to system stats without logging into the interface.
• ✋ The pricing is justified for users requiring advanced NAS functionality but may seem high for those seeking basic storage solutions.
• 🐎 The QNAP’s 10-gigabit Ethernet upgrade option significantly boosts data transfer speeds, beneficial for large media libraries and extensive file sharing.
• 👻 Features such as Container Station and Virtualization Station allow users to run applications and different operating systems directly on the NAS, maximizing its utility.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the key hardware specifications of the QNAP TS-473A?

The QNAP TS-473A features a Ryzen V1500B CPU with four cores and eight threads running at 2.2 GHz. It comes with two RAM slots capable of supporting 8, 16, 32, or 64 GB of RAM. Additionally, it offers two NVMe slots and four base SATA slots, along with two PCIe 4x lanes for expanded capabilities.

Q: How does the performance of QNAP's TS-473A compare to other NAS devices?

The TS-473A significantly outperforms traditional NAS devices due to its Ryzen CPU and extensive upgrade options. Compared to Synology and other models, it supports higher numbers of virtual machines and containers, thus catering better to users requiring intensive applications like media servers and virtualization.

Q: What upgrades did the reviewer implement on the QNAP NAS?

The reviewer upgraded the QNAP TS-473A with a 10-gigabit Ethernet adapter and an NVIDIA Quadro P400 GPU to facilitate hardware decoding for Plex. These enhancements allowed for smoother streaming across various devices and improved the NAS's overall performance for media management and virtualization tasks.

Q: Is the QNAP TS-473A suitable for all users?

While the TS-473A offers a wealth of performance and feature options, it may not be necessary for users looking for simple NAS functionality. Its pricing is more suited for users who plan to leverage its full capabilities, like running multiple applications and virtual machines, making it less ideal for those needing basic storage solutions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The QNAP TS-473A utilizes a Ryzen V1500B CPU and offers enhanced expandability with options for upgrading RAM and storage, demonstrating impressive hardware capabilities for various applications.

• Its ability to run Plex media server with hardware decoding through an added GPU enhances streaming performance, making it ideal for users with high media consumption needs.

• Despite its strengths, the device's price point may not justify its features for users solely seeking basic NAS functions, necessitating consideration of its intended use case.