QNAP TS-673-4G 8 Bay NAS Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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In this qnap ts 673 4g 8 bay NAS review, we look at a storage solution built for heavy workloads. The device features an AMD R-Series quad-core processor running at 2.13 GHz. It also includes four 1GbE LAN ports for reliable network connectivity. With eight drive bays and dual M.2 SSD slots, it offers flexible expansion options. This setup supports virtualization and containerized apps. You get 4GB of DDR4 RAM as standard. The unit weighs 12.3 pounds and measures 10.4 inches wide. It is designed for users who need scalable storage and centralized management.
What stands out
- AMD RX-421ND 2.13 GHz quad-core processor for consistent performance
- Eight drive bays supporting six 2.5"/3.5" drives plus two M.2 SATA SSDs
- Four 1GbE LAN ports with optional 10GbE PCIe expansion capability
- Support for NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 graphics card for 4K video transcoding
- Two PCIe Gen3 x4 slots for QM2 cards or network adapters
Who it fits
Good fit for
This NAS suits home labs and small business owners who need robust virtualization support. The four network ports allow for link aggregation or separate management traffic. Users who run Docker containers or virtual machines will appreciate the quad-core CPU and 4GB RAM. The M.2 slots are ideal for those wanting to add SSD caching for faster file access. If you need to transcode 4K video without an external GPU, the optional graphics card support is a key feature for media enthusiasts.
Who should skip it
If you require 10GbE connectivity out of the box, this model may not fit your needs. You must purchase separate PCIe expansion cards to achieve speeds beyond 1GbE. The standard 4GB RAM might limit complex virtualization setups, though an 8GB variant exists. Users seeking a compact, silent device for a bedroom should note the 12.3-pound weight and standard fan noise. Those who do not need eight bays might find the size and cost disproportionate to their storage requirements.
Verdict: The QNAP TS-673-4G is a versatile, expansion-ready NAS for users who need multiple network ports and virtualization capabilities. It is best for those who can plan for optional 10GbE upgrades and value flexible storage configurations.
Key specs for your QNAP NAS
AMD R-Series Quad-core 2.1GHz
This processor handles multiple tasks simultaneously without slowing down. You can run virtual machines, container apps, and file services at the same time. The quad-core design ensures smooth performance for heavy workloads. If you plan to use your NAS for media transcoding or database management, this CPU power provides the necessary headroom for efficient operation.
4GB DDR4 RAM
Random access memory allows the system to quickly access active data. Four gigabytes is a standard starting point for general file storage and light application use. It helps the NAS respond faster to read and write requests. If you intend to run many concurrent apps or virtual machines, you might need to upgrade this memory for optimal stability and speed.
8-Bay storage
This capacity holds eight hard drives, giving you significant room for large media libraries or extensive backups. You can configure these drives in RAID arrays for redundancy or performance. This setup is ideal for users who need centralized storage for multiple computers or devices. It supports various drive sizes, allowing you to mix and match capacities as your needs grow.
Four 1GbE LAN ports
Having four network ports lets you connect to multiple switches or networks simultaneously. You can bond these ports for higher throughput or separate traffic types like data and backup. This flexibility improves network reliability and speed for your entire household or office. It is particularly useful if you want to isolate NAS traffic from your main internet connection for better security.
Design and Build Quality
The QNAP TS-673-4G is a substantial unit. According to the listing, it measures 11 inches in length, 10.4 inches in width, and 7.41 inches in height. It weighs 12.3 pounds. The chassis is finished in black. This size and weight suggest it is designed for a stationary setup. You should place it on a sturdy shelf or desk. It is not intended to be moved frequently. The build supports eight drive bays. This includes six slots for 2.5 or 3.5-inch drives. There are also two M.2 slots for SATA SSDs. This layout allows for significant storage expansion. You can mix HDDs and SSDs based on your needs. The dense drive configuration requires a stable surface. Vibration from multiple spinning disks is a factor to consider. The solid construction helps manage this. It provides a reliable base for your data. The physical footprint is moderate for an eight-bay unit. You need to ensure you have enough space. The design prioritizes capacity over compactness. This makes it suitable for a dedicated server room or a home office corner. It is not a portable device. The fixed position ensures optimal airflow and stability for the internal components.
Setup and everyday use
Setting up the QNAP TS-673-4G requires attention to its physical layout and network options. You install drives into the eight available bays, which accept both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA disks. The system also supports two M.2 SSD slots for caching or additional storage pools. This setup allows you to improve file access efficiency for frequently used data. For connectivity, the device includes four 1GbE LAN ports. You can configure these for link aggregation or load balancing to ensure reliable network performance. If you need faster speeds, the dual PCIe Gen3 x4 slots allow for optional 10GbE expansion cards. The unit also supports NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 graphics cards for 4K video transcoding. Daily use involves managing virtualization, containerized apps, and centralized storage through the QNAP interface. The quad-core processor and 4GB RAM handle multiple tasks simultaneously. You can run backup services, sharing tools, and disaster recovery plans without significant slowdowns. The black chassis sits on a desk or in a rack, taking up space due to its 11-inch length and 12.3-pound weight. This model suits users who need scalable storage for heavy workloads. It is ideal for those who want to expand network capabilities later via PCIe cards. The straightforward drive installation and flexible networking make it practical for both home labs and small offices.
Before you buy this NAS
Before you buy, verify your network infrastructure. This unit ships with four 1GbE ports. You can add 10GbE via PCIe slots or QM2 cards. If you need faster throughput, budget for those expansion cards now. Check your rack space. The chassis is 11 inches long and weighs 12.3 pounds. It is not a small desktop device. Ensure your server room or office can support this weight and size.
Consider your storage needs. The eight bays hold 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives. Two M.2 slots support SSDs for caching. If you plan heavy video transcoding, check GPU compatibility. The system supports NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 cards. You may need to purchase that separately. Review power requirements. This is a 4GB RAM model. You can upgrade to 8GB later if your virtualization tasks grow. Compare this to smaller 2-bay units if you only need basic file sharing. This model suits teams needing scalability.
Check before you buy
- Confirm you have space for the 11-inch length and 12.3-pound weight.
- Check if you need 10GbE and budget for PCIe expansion cards.
- Verify GPU compatibility if you plan 4K video transcoding.
- Ensure your rack or shelf can support the chassis dimensions.
The product at a glance
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
Best for: High-capacity storage with transcoding
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4x GbE LAN
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TS-673-4G is an 8-bay network-attached storage device built for heavy data management. It uses an AMD R-Series quad-core processor and includes 4GB of DDR4 RAM. You get four 1GbE ports and dual M.2 slots for SSD caching or storage pools. The chassis supports NVIDIA graphics cards for 4K transcoding. This unit suits users who need scalable storage for virtualization, containers, and disaster recovery.
Pros
- Eight drive bays for high capacity
- Dual M.2 slots for SSD caching
- Supports NVIDIA GT1030 for 4K transcoding
- Four 1GbE LAN ports
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM included
- Limited to 1GbE network speeds
- Heavy at 12.3 pounds
Good fit if
- You need extensive storage for many drives
- You want to run virtualization or containers
- You require hardware-accelerated video transcoding
Skip if
- You need faster than 1GbE connectivity
- You want more than 4GB of RAM pre-installed
- You prefer a compact and lightweight unit
Verdict: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS fits users who need high capacity and hardware transcoding. It suits those who can manage its weight and accept 1GbE limits.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS |
|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 6 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 4x GbE LAN |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 11 × 10.4 × 7.41 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 pounds |
| Size | 4GB RAM |
| Color | Black |
| Model | TS-673-4G-US |
Frequently asked questions
Is the QNAP TS-673-4G good for video transcoding?
Yes, this NAS is built for high-capacity storage with hardware transcoding capabilities. The AMD R-Series quad-core processor at 2.13 GHz handles multiple tasks simultaneously. This design ensures smooth performance for heavy workloads like media streaming. You can run container apps and file services without slowing down the system.
What network speeds does the TS-673-4G support natively?
The device features four 1GbE LAN ports for reliable network connectivity. These ports provide standard gigabit speeds for everyday file transfers and streaming. If you need faster throughput, you can add 10GbE via PCIe slots or QM2 cards. Verify your network infrastructure to ensure compatibility with these expansion options.
How much RAM does this NAS model include?
The QNAP TS-673-4G comes with 4GB of RAM capacity. This amount supports the quad-core processor in managing multiple virtual machines and services. The system is designed to handle heavy workloads efficiently. You may consider upgrading RAM if you plan to run many simultaneous applications or containers on the device.
Does the TS-673-4G support both 2.5 and 3.5-inch drives?
Yes, the eight available bays accept both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA disks. This flexibility allows you to mix drive types based on your storage needs. The system also supports two M.2 SSD slots for caching or additional storage. You can configure the bays to optimize performance or capacity depending on your specific use case.
What are the physical dimensions of the QNAP TS-673-4G?
The chassis measures 11 inches in length, 10.4 inches in width, and 7.41 inches in height. It weighs 12.3 pounds, making it a substantial unit. The finish is black, which fits most home or office environments. Check your rack space or desk area to ensure the device fits comfortably in your setup.
Who is the ideal user for this NAS device?
This NAS fits users who need high capacity and hardware transcoding. It suits those who can manage its weight and accept 1GbE limits. The quad-core processor handles virtual machines and container apps well. If you require fast network speeds, you must budget for expansion cards. It is best for heavy workloads.
Can I add faster networking to this NAS later?
Yes, you can add 10GbE connectivity via PCIe slots or QM2 cards. The unit ships with four 1GbE ports for standard connectivity. Upgrading allows you to bypass the 1GbE limits for faster data transfer. You should budget for these expansion cards now if you anticipate needing higher throughput for your specific workflow.