QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached vs QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS (2026): Key Differences
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This qnap 4 bay das vs ts 855eu rp 8g us 8 bay high speed comparison looks at two distinct storage solutions from QNAP. Both units offer robust data management for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. The primary difference lies in their form factor and connectivity. One is a compact direct-attached drive, while the other is a full rackmount server. You will see how their hardware specs dictate their ideal use cases in the following breakdown.
Key differences
| Aspect | QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage | QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop DAS | 2U Short-Depth Rackmount |
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor | Not listed | Intel Atom C5125 8-Core |
| RAM Capacity | Not listed | 8GB SODIMM DDR4 |
| Network Connectivity | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Dual 2.5GbE |
| Included Storage | 12TB (4x4TB) | Diskless |
Which one should you choose?
Choose QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage if
- You need a simple, plug-and-play external storage solution for a single PC or Mac.
- You want pre-configured RAID 5 with included Seagate IronWolf drives.
- You prefer a compact desktop device that connects via USB-C.
Choose QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS if
- You require a server-grade device with an Intel Atom processor and ECC RAM support.
- You need dual 2.5GbE ports for faster network file sharing across teams.
- You want to expand storage capacity with NVMe SSDs or additional PCIe cards.
Verdict: The TR-004 DAS is best for users needing immediate, hassle-free storage for a single computer. The TS-855eU-RP is the right choice for those building a network server with higher processing power and expandability.
DAS Versus Rackmount NAS Specs
Form Factor
Product A is a Direct Attached Storage (DAS) unit designed for desktop use. It connects via USB-C and sits on your desk. Product B is a 2U short-depth rackmount NAS. It measures 21 inches wide and 23 inches long. This form factor is built for server racks. You must choose based on your physical setup. If you need a desktop drive, Product A fits. If you need rack mounting, Product B is the only option. The physical footprint differs significantly between these two designs.
Number of Bays
Storage capacity starts with the number of drive bays. Product A provides four bays for 3.5 or 2.5-inch SATA drives. It comes with 12TB of pre-installed storage in a RAID 5 configuration. Product B offers eight drive bays. It is sold diskless, meaning you must purchase drives separately. Product B gives you double the drive slots. This allows for more total storage capacity or better redundancy options. If you need more space, Product B has the clear advantage.
RAM Capacity
Random Access Memory (RAM) helps handle multiple tasks and caching. Product B includes 8GB of SODIMM DDR4 RAM. It supports expansion up to 64GB with ECC support. This is crucial for running virtual machines or heavy applications. Product A is a USB DAS. The data does not list any internal RAM specifications. As a simple storage enclosure, it relies on the host computer's resources. Product B offers dedicated memory for its own operations, making it more capable for complex server tasks.
Processor
The processor handles data management and network traffic. Product B features an Intel Atom C5125 processor with eight cores running at 2.8GHz. This powerful CPU manages file sharing and backup tasks efficiently. Product A is a USB DAS. It does not have an internal processor listed in the data. It acts as a passive bridge to your computer's CPU. For standalone network operations and heavy workloads, Product B’s dedicated hardware provides superior performance and independence from the host machine.
Network Connectivity
Network speed determines how fast you can access files over a LAN. Product B has dual 2.5GbE ports. These ports accelerate file sharing across teams and devices. You can bond them for higher throughput. Product A connects via USB 3.2 Gen 1. This is a direct connection to a single computer, not a network port. It does not offer Ethernet connectivity. If you need to share files across a network, Product B is the necessary choice. Product A is for direct attachment only.
Which QNAP storage unit fits your needs?
Users needing immediate plug-and-play desktop storage
This 4-bay Direct Attached Storage unit arrives with 12TB of pre-installed Seagate IronWolf drives configured in RAID 5. It connects via USB Type-C to Windows, macOS, or Linux systems. You get hassle-free setup with lockable drive bays and included cables. It serves as external storage or expands your existing QNAP NAS capacity without complex configuration.
Teams requiring high-speed network file sharing
This 8-bay rackmount NAS features dual 2.5GbE ports to accelerate file sharing and large transfers across teams. It includes an Intel Atom C5125 processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. You can add dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots for cache acceleration. The unit supports backup for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 accounts via Boxafe software.
Admins building scalable infrastructure with expansion options
This 8-bay system offers dual PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots for installing additional network adapters, QM2 cards, or Fibre Channel cards. You can upgrade RAM up to 64GB with ECC support. The short-depth rackmount form factor fits standard 19-inch racks. It provides a foundation for growing application performance and storage pools as your needs change.
The products compared
QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage
Best for: expanding QNAP NAS capacity with pre-configured storage
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- 12TB
- RAID Support
- RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD
View on Amazon: QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage Affiliate link
The QNAP TR-004 is a 4-bay direct-attached storage unit with USB Type-C connectivity. It comes with 12TB of pre-installed Seagate IronWolf drives configured in RAID 5. This setup offers hassle-free deployment and includes a 3-year data recovery plan. You can use it as external storage for NAS backups or to expand your existing QNAP NAS capacity. It supports SATA 3Gb/s drives in lockable bays.
Pros
- Includes 12TB of pre-configured RAID 5 storage
- USB Type-C connection for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Lockable drive bays for physical security
- 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services plan included
Cons
- Limited to 4 drive bays
- Supports only SATA 3Gb/s interfaces
- No internal RAID controller or network connectivity
Good fit if
- You need simple external storage for a QNAP NAS
- You want pre-configured RAID 5 without manual setup
- You require lockable drive bays for security
Skip if
- You need more than 4 drive bays
- You require network-attached storage capabilities
- You need SATA 6Gb/s drive support
Verdict: QNAP TR-004 4-Bay USB-C DAS is a practical solution for users needing expandable, pre-configured storage for their QNAP NAS systems. It suits those who value simplicity and physical security over high-speed network integration.
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: Teams needing 8-bay rack storage
- Drive Bays
- 8 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C5125
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB SODIMM DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
This is an 8-bay rackmount NAS designed for high-speed data access. It features an Intel Atom C5125 processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. Dual 2.5GbE ports handle network traffic efficiently. You can add NVMe SSDs for caching or storage. The short-depth design fits tight server racks. It suits teams needing reliable, scalable storage for large files.
Pros
- 8-bay capacity for extensive storage expansion
- Dual 2.5GbE ports for fast file transfers
- Intel Atom C5125 8-core processor
- Dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots for performance
- Short-depth rackmount form factor
Cons
- Sold diskless with no included storage
- Requires rack mounting infrastructure
- No mention of built-in UPS support
Good fit if
- You need an 8-bay storage solution
- You have a server rack with space
- You want dual 2.5GbE connectivity
Skip if
- You prefer a desktop form factor
- You need pre-loaded hard drives
- You require 10GbE networking
Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS offers robust 8-bay capacity and dual 2.5GbE ports for teams needing scalable, high-speed storage in a rack environment.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | QNAP 4-Bay USB-C Direct Attached Storage | QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 8 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | Dual 2.5GbE |
| Processor | not stated | Intel Atom C5125 |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | 8GB SODIMM DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots |
| Included Storage | 12TB | Diskless |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | Rackmount |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | 8-Core |
| Dimensions | not stated | 23 × 21 × 8 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 9 pounds |
| Size | 4 Bay | Short Rackmount-RP (Unav.) |
| Color | Black | Black or Gray |
| Model | TR-004 | TS-855EU-RP-8G-US |
Frequently asked questions
Can the QNAP TR-004 replace a full NAS for my home office?
It serves as an expansion unit rather than a standalone server. You connect it via USB-C to an existing QNAP NAS. It provides pre-configured storage to increase capacity. It does not run an operating system or manage network shares independently. You need a host NAS to control the drives.
Does the 8-bay rackmount unit fit in a standard home rack?
Yes, it is designed as a short-depth 2U rackmount unit. The width is 21 inches and the height is 8 inches. The length is 23 inches, which is shallower than standard rack units. This form factor allows it to fit in racks with limited depth while still holding eight drives.
What processor powers the QNAP TS-855EU-RP-8G-US?
The unit features an 8-Core processor. This high-core-count CPU supports heavy workloads and virtualization tasks. It helps manage multiple simultaneous users and services efficiently. The processing power complements the 8GB of RAM installed in the system.
How does the network connectivity differ between the two devices?
The 4-bay DAS connects via a single USB-C interface. It relies on the host computer for network access. The 8-bay rackmount NAS includes dual 2.5GbE ports. It also supports 5GbE connectivity for high-speed direct network integration. This allows it to serve data over the network without a host PC.
Is the 8-bay NAS suitable for team collaboration?
Yes, it is built for teams needing scalable storage. The 8-bay capacity holds large datasets for multiple users. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide sufficient bandwidth for concurrent access. The 8GB RAM supports robust file services and virtual machine operations for group workflows.
Can I use the TR-004 with a Mac or Linux PC?
Yes, it connects via USB-C to Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. It acts as an external storage expansion for these hosts. The drives are pre-configured for immediate use. You do not need to format them manually upon first connection.
What is the physical weight of the 8-bay rackmount system?
The unit weighs 9 pounds. This weight accounts for the chassis, internal components, and drive bays. It is designed to be mounted in a rack environment. The short-depth design helps save space in dense server setups.