BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 4-Bay Business or BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay Business? Which BUFFALO Model to Buy
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You are comparing the buffalo terastation 5420dn 4 bay business vs terastation 5420rn 4 bay. Both units offer 32TB of storage with four 8TB drives included. They share identical internal hardware, security features, and network capabilities. The main difference is physical design. The DN model is a desktop unit. The RN model is a rackmount unit. This affects where you place the device in your office or server room.
Key differences
| Aspect | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop | Rackmount |
| Width | 12.2 inches | 23 inches |
| Height | 14.3 inches | 21.3 inches |
| Length | 14.1 inches | 7.9 inches |
| Weight | not listed | 27.2 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS if
- You need a compact unit for a desk or open office space.
- You prefer a lower profile that fits standard desktop footprints.
- You do not have a 19-inch equipment rack available.
Choose BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB if
- You are installing the NAS in a standard server rack.
- You need a wider footprint for better airflow management in a closet.
- You want a unit designed for centralized equipment rooms.
Verdict: Choose the DN if you need a desktop footprint for an office environment. Choose the RN if you are mounting the drive in a server rack. The internal specs and storage capacity are identical for both models.
Form Factor and Physical Design
Form factor
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN uses a desktop form factor, measuring 12.2 inches wide, 14.1 inches long, and 14.3 inches high. This design sits easily on a desk or shelf. The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN is a rackmount unit. It measures 23 inches wide, 7.9 inches long, and 21.3 inches high. This shape fits standard server racks. You must choose based on your physical space. The DN model offers flexibility for small offices. The RN model is built for dedicated server rooms. Your installation environment dictates which form factor works best for your setup.
Dimensions
Physical size matters for placement. The TeraStation 5420DN is compact with a desktop footprint. Its width is 12.2 inches and height is 14.3 inches. The TeraStation 5420RN is much wider at 23 inches. Its height is 21.3 inches, but it is shallower at 7.9 inches. The RN model requires rack space. The DN model requires desk space. These dimensions do not change between storage capacities. You need to measure your available area before buying. The data confirms these are distinct physical profiles for different mounting styles.
Weight
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN has a listed weight of 27.2 pounds. This heavy build suggests sturdy internal components for rack mounting. The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN does not list a specific weight in the provided data. Both units contain four 8TB drives. The rackmount version likely includes rails or brackets that add mass. The desktop version may feel lighter to move. You should consider how often you need to relocate the device. The RN model is designed to stay fixed in a rack. The DN model allows for easier manual handling.
Installation style
Installation depends entirely on your office infrastructure. The TeraStation 5420DN is a desktop unit. You place it on any flat surface. It does not require special mounting hardware. The TeraStation 5420RN is a rackmount unit. It requires standard server rack ears or slots. This design is ideal for centralized IT closets. You cannot easily place the RN model on a desk. It is too wide and tall. Choose the DN model for flexible placement. Choose the RN model for professional data center integration. The form factor drives your installation method.
Variation options
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN offers ten variations. You can choose from sizes like 16TB, 32TB, 40TB, 64TB, and 80TB. Options include fully or partially populated drives. The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN offers five variations. Sizes include 16TB, 32TB, 48TB, 64TB, and 80TB. All RN options appear to be fully populated with four drives. The DN model gives you more flexibility in drive configuration. You can mix drive counts with the desktop version. The rackmount version is more standardized. This affects your initial capacity planning choices.
Which BUFFALO TeraStation model suits you
Office workers with desk space
The TeraStation 5420DN fits on your desk. It measures 12.2 inches wide and 14.3 inches high. This desktop form factor keeps your data accessible without taking up floor space. You get 32TB of storage and 10GbE speed in a compact unit designed for office environments.
IT staff with server racks
The TeraStation 5420RN is built for rack mounting. Its 23-inch width and 7.9-inch depth fit standard server racks. This rackmount design centralizes your 32TB storage in your data room. You maintain the same 10GbE performance and security features while saving valuable desk or shelf space.
Users prioritizing compact footprint
You need a smaller device for limited spaces. The 5420DN is significantly shorter at 14.3 inches high compared to the rackmount version. Its desktop shape allows flexible placement on shelves or counters. You still receive full 32TB capacity, RAID options, and enterprise-grade encryption for your business data.
The products compared
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS
Best for: Desktop business storage with 10GbE speed
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Native 10GbE port
- Included Storage
- 32TB (4x8TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0
- Form Factor
- Desktop
- Dimensions
- 14.1 × 12.2 × 14.3 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS Affiliate link
This is a 4-bay desktop NAS with 32TB of storage using four 8TB drives. It ships in RAID 5 for 24TB usable space. The unit includes a native 10GbE port for fast transfers. It features 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication. Snapshots help recover data quickly. It syncs with cloud services like Dropbox and Azure. This model suits businesses needing stable, secure storage on a desk.
Pros
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed transfers
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Snapshots for instant data recovery
- Cloud integration with Dropbox, Azure, and OneDrive
Cons
- Desktop form factor limits rack mounting options
- Usable capacity drops to 24TB in default RAID 5
- Closed system restricts custom firmware installation
Good fit if
- You need a 10GbE connection for fast local transfers
- You require 256-bit drive encryption for data security
- You prefer a desktop setup over rack mounting
Skip if
- You need a rackmount form factor for server cabinets
- You want to expand beyond 32TB without replacing drives
- You prefer open-source NAS operating systems
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 4-Bay Desktop NAS provides secure, high-speed storage for businesses that need 10GbE connectivity and desktop placement. It fits teams prioritizing data protection and cloud sync over rack mounting flexibility.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB
Best for: business rackmount infrastructure with 10GbE needs
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Native 10GbE port
- Included Storage
- 32TB (4x8TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 7.9 × 23 × 21.3 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB Affiliate link
This is a 4-bay rackmount NAS designed for business environments. It includes 32TB of storage across four 8TB drives, offering 24TB usable in RAID 5. The unit features a native 10GbE port for fast transfers and 256-bit drive encryption. It supports snapshots for ransomware protection and syncs with cloud services like Dropbox and Azure. The rackmount form factor fits standard server racks, making it suitable for office infrastructure.
Pros
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed file transfers
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Snapshots for instant data recovery and ransomware mitigation
- Cloud integration with Dropbox, Amazon S3, and Azure
- Includes 32TB of storage with hard drives pre-installed
Cons
- Rackmount form factor requires server rack installation
- Heavier build at 27.2 pounds
- Larger physical dimensions compared to desktop models
Good fit if
- You need a 4-bay NAS for a server rack
- You require 10GbE connectivity for fast data transfers
- You want enterprise-grade encryption and snapshot features
Skip if
- You need a desktop NAS that sits on a desk
- You do not have a server rack for installation
- You prefer a smaller and lighter storage unit
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 32TB Rackmount NAS is the right choice for businesses that need to mount storage in a rack and use 10GbE networking. It suits teams that prioritize data encryption and cloud sync over desktop convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | Native 10GbE port | Native 10GbE port |
| Included Storage | 32TB (4x8TB) | 32TB (4x8TB) |
| RAID Support | RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0 | RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0 |
| Form Factor | Desktop | Rackmount |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Dimensions | 14.1 × 12.2 × 14.3 inches | 7.9 × 23 × 21.3 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 27.2 pounds |
| Size | 32TB (4x8TB) | 32TB (4x8TB) |
| Color | black or dark gray | Black |
| Model | TS5420DN3204 | TS5420RN3204 |
Frequently asked questions
Which model is better for a standard office desk setup?
Choose the BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN. It uses a desktop form factor designed to sit on a desk or shelf. Its compact dimensions of 12.2 inches wide and 14.3 inches high make it easy to place in typical office environments. The 5420RN is a rackmount unit, which requires server racks and is not suited for desktop placement.
Do both units provide the same storage capacity?
Yes, both models offer 32TB of total storage. Each unit includes four 8TB drives pre-installed. You get identical data volume regardless of whether you select the desktop DN or the rackmount RN version. The internal hardware and storage capabilities are the same, allowing you to choose based on physical installation needs rather than capacity.
Can I mount the 5420DN in a server rack?
No, the 5420DN is built as a desktop unit. Its dimensions and design are intended for flat surfaces like desks or shelves. If you need to mount storage in a standard server rack, you must select the BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN. The RN is specifically engineered as a rackmount device to fit into rack infrastructure.
Is there a significant weight difference between the two models?
The rackmount 5420RN is heavier than the desktop 5420DN. The RN weighs 27.2 pounds due to its rackmount chassis and metal construction. The DN model does not list a specific weight in its specifications, but its desktop design is generally lighter. Consider this if you need to move the unit frequently or install it in a mobile cart.
Do both NAS drives support 10GbE networking?
Yes, both models support 10GbE connectivity. The 5420DN is highlighted for desktop business storage with 10GbE speed. The 5420RN is also described as having 10GbE needs. This high-speed network interface is standard across both units, ensuring fast data transfer rates for your business applications regardless of your chosen form factor.
Which model is more suitable for data encryption and cloud sync?
Both models support data encryption and cloud sync features. The 5420DN is recommended for teams prioritizing these security and sync capabilities over rack flexibility. Similarly, the 5420RN suits teams that prioritize the same features over desktop convenience. Since both units share identical internal hardware, they offer the same security and synchronization tools.
What are the exact dimensions of the rackmount model?
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN measures 23 inches in width, 21.3 inches in height, and 7.9 inches in length. These dimensions are designed to fit standard server racks. In contrast, the desktop 5420DN is much smaller, measuring 12.2 inches wide and 14.1 inches long. Check your rack space carefully before installing the RN model.
Is the 5420RN better for IT infrastructure management?
The 5420RN is better for structured IT infrastructure. Its rackmount form factor allows it to be mounted in server racks, which is standard for centralized data centers. The 5420DN is designed for desktop placement, making it less ideal for centralized rack management. If your business relies on rack-mounted equipment for organization and airflow, the RN is the correct choice.