The QNAP TS-264-8G isn’t just another network storage device; it’s a performance powerhouse meticulously engineered for demanding home and office environments. From the moment you unpack it, the promise of speed and expandability is palpable, though it comes at a premium.
At its heart lies the Intel Celeron N5095 processor, a four-core engine capable of effortlessly handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Paired with 8GB of DDR4 RAM – expandable to a generous 16GB – this NAS is built to thrive under pressure, ensuring smooth operation even with numerous users and applications.
Versatility is key. The TS-264-8G accommodates both traditional 3.5-inch hard drives and slimmer 2.5-inch drives or SSDs, offering flexibility in storage choices. But the real magic lies in its upgrade potential. Two M.2 slots beckon, ready to accept NVMe SSDs for caching acceleration or additional storage capacity.
The inclusion of a PCIe 3.0 slot elevates this NAS to another level. This allows for further expansion via dedicated QNAP cards, potentially adding a blazing-fast 10GbE LAN port or even more NVMe SSDs. It’s a level of future-proofing rarely seen in this class of device.
Connectivity is comprehensive. A USB 3.2 Gen2 port graces the front panel, complete with a convenient copy function. Around the back, you’ll find a standard USB-A port, two USB 2.0 ports, and a crucial HDMI port. This HDMI output allows the NAS to function almost like a dedicated computer, ideal for virtualization applications.
Dual 2.5GbE LAN ports provide exceptional network throughput, and can even be linked together for increased bandwidth and redundancy. This ensures consistently fast data transfer speeds, even during peak usage.
In rigorous testing, the TS-264-8G delivered truly impressive results. Using a RAID 1 configuration with two 4TB Seagate Ironwolf drives, it achieved write speeds of 247MB/s and read speeds of almost 285MB/s with larger files. Smaller files were processed even faster, reaching nearly 252MB/s for writing and 296MB/s for reading.
Real-world performance mirrored these benchmarks. Copying a 4K movie resulted in speeds of 223MB/s for writing and 261MB/s for reading – setting new records in comparative tests. Even simultaneous backups and file transfers maintained a remarkable speed of over 103MB/s.
Setting up the TS-264-8G is surprisingly straightforward. Hard drives click into place without the need for tools, and the Qfinder Pro utility quickly locates the device on your network. The intuitive setup process guides you through firmware updates, account creation, and network configuration.
QNAP’s QTS firmware provides a visually organized and feature-rich interface. The extensive App Center unlocks a world of possibilities, allowing you to install media servers, security applications, and more. For those seeking even greater flexibility, the option to switch to the QuTS hero operating system – optimized for mixed HDD/SSD storage – is available.
However, this performance comes at a cost. The TS-264-8G consumes more power than comparable 1GbE NAS systems, drawing up to 33.7 watts during operation. Even in idle and sleep modes, energy usage remains noticeably higher.
Despite the power draw, the TS-264-8G maintains cool operating temperatures thanks to efficient airflow. The system remained well within safe limits even under sustained load.
Ultimately, the QNAP TS-264-8G is a compelling choice for users who demand exceptional performance, expandability, and a comprehensive feature set. It’s an investment, but one that delivers a truly premium network storage experience.
