QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE NAS Enclosure or QNAP 6-Bay Desktop NAS Dual? Which QNAP Model to Buy
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This qnap ts 433 4g us storage NAS vs ts 664 8g us 6 bay desktop comparison helps you choose the right hardware for your data needs. Both units are tower-style enclosures designed for personal or small office storage. The main difference lies in capacity and processing power. The TS-433 offers a compact 4-bay design with ARM architecture. The TS-664 provides six bays and dual network ports with an Intel processor. You need to decide if extra drive slots and faster networking justify the larger footprint.
Key differences
| Aspect | QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE NAS Enclosure | QNAP 6-Bay Desktop NAS with Dual 2.5GbE |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4 Bays | 6 Bays |
| Processor | 2.0GHz 4-core Cortex-A55 ARM | Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 4-Core |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB built-in | 8GB DDR4 |
| Network Connectivity | 1x 2.5GbE Port | Dual 2.5GbE Ports |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not listed | 2 slots |
| Form Factor | Tower | Desktop |
Which one should you choose?
Choose QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE NAS Enclosure if
- You have limited desk space and need a compact 4-bay enclosure.
- You only require a single 2.5GbE port for basic network connectivity.
- You are on a tighter budget and do not need high-end processing for heavy virtualization.
Choose QNAP 6-Bay Desktop NAS with Dual 2.5GbE if
- You need to install up to six hard drives for larger storage pools.
- You want to use M.2 NVMe SSDs for cache acceleration or dedicated storage.
- You require dual 2.5GbE ports for link aggregation or separate network traffic.
Verdict: The TS-433 is the better choice for users who need simple, space-saving storage with minimal networking requirements. The TS-664 suits those who need more drive capacity, faster Intel processing, and the flexibility of dual network ports and NVMe slots. Your decision should depend on whether you prioritize raw capacity and performance over compactness.
NAS Specs Compared Side by Side
Drive Bays
The QNAP TS-664-8G-US offers six drive bays, providing more space for your storage pool than the TS-433-4G-US, which has four bays. This difference matters when you plan to expand your library over time. Six bays allow for more robust RAID configurations, such as RAID 5 or RAID 6, which protect your data against multiple drive failures. The TS-433-4G-US is limited to four drives, which may suffice for smaller collections but offers less headroom for future growth. If you anticipate needing terabytes of additional space soon, the extra two bays in the TS-664-8G-US give you a clearer path to scaling up without replacing the entire unit.
RAM Capacity
Memory plays a key role in how smoothly your NAS handles multiple tasks. The TS-664-8G-US comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is double the 4GB built into the TS-433-4G-US. More RAM allows the system to cache more data and run more applications simultaneously without slowing down. This is particularly useful if you plan to run virtual machines, use Docker containers, or serve media to many users at once. The TS-433-4G-US has 4GB, which is sufficient for basic file storage and light media streaming but may struggle with heavier workloads. For better multitasking performance, the larger memory pool in the TS-664-8G-US is a clear advantage.
Processor Power
The processor determines how quickly your NAS can process requests. The TS-664-8G-US uses an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor with burst speeds up to 2.9GHz. In contrast, the TS-433-4G-US relies on a 2.0GHz quad-core Cortex-A55 ARM processor. The Intel chip is generally more powerful for complex tasks like transcoding video or running database-intensive applications. The ARM processor in the TS-433-4G-US is efficient for basic file serving and light tasks but lacks the raw power for demanding workloads. If you need faster data processing or plan to use the NAS for more than simple storage, the Intel processor in the TS-664-8G-US provides superior performance.
Network Ports
Connectivity options affect how fast you can transfer data across your network. The TS-664-8G-US features dual 2.5GbE ports, allowing for link aggregation or separate network connections for increased bandwidth and redundancy. The TS-433-4G-US has only one 2.5GbE port. While both support 2.5 Gigabit speeds, the dual ports in the TS-664-8G-US offer flexibility. You can bond the ports for faster transfers or use one for storage and one for backup. The single port on the TS-433-4G-US is adequate for most home users but does not provide the same level of network optimization or failover capability found in the six-bay model.
SSD Storage Options
The TS-664-8G-US includes two M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots. These can be used for cache acceleration to speed up frequent reads and writes or to create dedicated SSD storage pools for high-performance needs. The TS-433-4G-US does not list any M.2 slots in its specifications. If you want to boost your NAS speed with fast NVMe drives or use them for specific high-performance tasks, the TS-664-8G-US is the only option here. The TS-433-4G-US relies solely on traditional hard drives, which are slower but often more cost-effective for bulk storage. The NVMe support in the TS-664-8G-US adds significant versatility.
Choose Your QNAP NAS Model
Users needing more storage capacity
The TS-664-8G-US provides six drive bays, offering greater expansion potential than the four-bay TS-433-4G-US. If you plan to store large media libraries or need room for future growth, the extra bays allow you to build a larger storage pool. This model supports higher total capacity, making it ideal for users with extensive data requirements.
Buyers seeking faster processing power
The TS-664-8G-US features an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 processor with a burst speed up to 2.9GHz, significantly outperforming the TS-433-4G-US ARM Cortex-A55 chip. It also includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM compared to the 4GB in the TS-433-4G-US. This combination delivers better multitasking performance and faster file handling for demanding workloads.
Those wanting SSD acceleration options
The TS-664-8G-US includes dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots, enabling cache acceleration or dedicated SSD storage pools. This feature is absent in the TS-433-4G-US. If you require faster read and write speeds for frequently accessed files, the NVMe support in the TS-664-8G-US provides a tangible performance boost for your daily operations.
Users prioritizing compact dimensions
The TS-433-4G-US is physically smaller and lighter, measuring 3.39 inches in width and weighing 4.56 pounds. The TS-664-8G-US is larger and heavier at 10 pounds. If space is limited on your desk or shelf, the TS-433-4G-US offers a more compact footprint while still providing four drive bays for your storage needs.
The products compared
QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE NAS Enclosure
Best for: Compact 4-bay storage with 2.5GbE networking
- Drive Bays
- 4 BAYS
- Network Connectivity
- 1x 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Processor
- 2.0GHz 4-core Cortex-A55 ARM
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB built-in
- Included Storage
- No HDD
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE NAS Enclosure Affiliate link
The QNAP TS-433-4G-US is a 4-bay tower NAS designed for home or small office storage. It uses a 2.0GHz quad-core Cortex-A55 ARM processor and includes 4GB of built-in RAM. You get one 2.5GbE Ethernet port for faster local transfers. The unit supports up to 80TB of total storage. It is a compact white tower that fits easily on a desk.
Pros
- Quad-core ARM processor for steady performance
- 4GB built-in RAM for multitasking
- 2.5GbE Ethernet port for faster network speeds
- Supports up to 80TB total capacity
Cons
- Only one 2.5GbE network port
- Smaller 4-bay capacity compared to 6-bay rivals
- No internal hard drives included
Good fit if
- You need a compact 4-bay NAS for home use
- You want 2.5GbE networking for faster transfers
- You prefer a tower form factor for easy access
Skip if
- You require more than four drive bays
- You need multiple high-speed network ports
- You want a pre-loaded drive solution
Verdict: QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE NAS offers solid ARM performance and 2.5GbE connectivity in a compact tower. It is the right choice for users who need four bays and faster local networking without the bulk of a 6-bay system.
QNAP 6-Bay Desktop NAS with Dual 2.5GbE
Best for: High-capacity media storage and fast networking
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105/N5095
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: QNAP 6-Bay Desktop NAS with Dual 2.5GbE Affiliate link
This QNAP TS-664-8G-US is a 6-bay desktop NAS featuring an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes dual 2.5GbE ports for faster network transfers and two M.2 NVMe slots for cache or storage. The unit offers multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for external drive connections. It suits users needing high capacity and robust performance for media libraries.
Pros
- 8GB DDR4 RAM for improved multitasking
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports for speed
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSDs
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with 10Gb/s speeds
- 6-bay capacity for large storage pools
Cons
- RAM is non-expandable
- Processor is limited to 2.9GHz burst speed
- No mention of built-in display or remote
Good fit if
- You need 6 drive bays for large media collections
- You want faster 2.5GbE network connectivity
- You plan to use NVMe SSDs for caching
Skip if
- You require expandable RAM beyond 8GB
- You prefer a compact 2-bay or 4-bay form factor
- You need a processor faster than the Intel Celeron N5105
Verdict: QNAP 6-Bay Desktop NAS with 8GB RAM fits users who need substantial storage capacity and fast network speeds for home or small office media management.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE NAS Enclosure | QNAP 6-Bay Desktop NAS with Dual 2.5GbE |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4 BAYS | 6 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 1x 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Port | Dual 2.5GbE |
| Processor | 2.0GHz 4-core Cortex-A55 ARM | Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB built-in | 8GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe slots |
| Included Storage | No HDD | Diskless |
| Form Factor | not stated | Desktop |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | M.2 NVMe |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | 6-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 2.48 × 3.39 × 2.62 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 4.56 pounds | 10 pounds |
| Color | White | Black |
| Model | TS-433-4G | TS-664-8G-US |
| Size | not stated | 6 Bay |
Frequently asked questions
Which QNAP model is better for small offices?
The QNAP TS-664-8G-US is the better choice for small offices. It features six drive bays and 8GB of RAM, providing substantial storage capacity and fast network speeds. This configuration fits users who need robust media management capabilities. The TS-433-4G-US is more compact but offers less expansion potential for growing office data needs.
Does the 4-bay NAS support 2.5GbE networking?
Yes, the QNAP TS-433-4G-US supports 2.5GbE networking. This enclosure offers faster local networking speeds compared to standard Gigabit connections. It is designed for users who need efficient data transfer rates without the bulk of a larger 6-bay system. The 2.5GbE connectivity helps maintain performance even with high-volume file access.
What is the weight difference between the two models?
The QNAP TS-433-4G-US weighs 4.56 pounds, while the TS-664-8G-US weighs 10 pounds. The 6-bay model is significantly heavier due to its larger chassis and additional drive slots. You should consider this weight difference if you plan to move the unit frequently or place it on a shelf with limited weight capacity.
Can I fit the 4-bay NAS in a tight space?
The QNAP TS-433-4G-US is designed for compact spaces. Its dimensions are 3.39 inches wide, 2.62 inches high, and 2.48 inches deep. This small footprint makes it suitable for desks or tight cabinets. In contrast, the 6-bay model is larger and requires more desk or floor space for proper ventilation and access.
Which model has more RAM for multitasking?
The QNAP TS-664-8G-US includes 8GB of RAM, which supports more demanding multitasking and virtualization tasks. The TS-433-4G-US has 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic storage and media streaming. If you run multiple applications or services simultaneously, the extra RAM in the 6-bay model provides better performance stability.
Is the 6-bay NAS suitable for home media servers?
Yes, the QNAP TS-664-8G-US is well-suited for home media servers. It offers six drive bays for large media libraries and dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network access. The 8GB RAM ensures smooth playback and transcoding of high-resolution content. This model is ideal for users who prioritize capacity and speed for personal entertainment systems.