QNAP TS-264-8G-US Desktop NAS Review: Is This the Ultimate Home Storage Solution?

Looking for a compact yet powerful network storage solution? The QNAP TS-264 offers impressive performance in a sleek desktop form factor. This 2-bay NAS comes packed with features that make it suitable for both home and small business users.

Powered by an Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, the TS-264 delivers reliable performance for file sharing, media streaming, and backups. The dual 2.5GbE ports are particularly noteworthy, providing faster network speeds than typical gigabit connections for quicker file transfers.

Users appreciate the inclusion of dual M.2 PCIe slots, which allow for SSD cache acceleration to boost performance. Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports provide additional expansion options for external drives or backup devices.

The QNAP operating system offers comprehensive functionality for organizing media libraries and backing up computers. Windows users can utilize NetBak Replicator while Mac owners can seamlessly integrate with Time Machine.

Security features haven’t been overlooked either. The Intel AES-NI encryption engine helps protect sensitive data without sacrificing performance, and remote access is secure through QNAP’s cloud service.

Bottom Line

The QNAP TS-264 represents excellent value for anyone seeking reliable network storage with room to grow.

With its powerful processor, expandable memory, and faster networking capabilities, it’s a solid investment for centralized data storage and management.

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QNAP TS-264-8G-US 2 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS Overview

Network storage solutions need to balance performance with usability, and the TS-264 delivers impressively on both fronts. This compact 2-bay NAS is powered by an Intel Celeron quad-core processor that can burst up to 2.9 GHz, paired with 8GB of DDR4 RAM.

Connection speeds get a significant boost thanks to dual 2.5GbE ports, allowing faster file transfers and smoother sharing across devices. For those seeking enhanced performance, the unit includes two M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slots that can be used for cache acceleration.

The TS-264 excels in connectivity with multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports supporting transfer speeds up to 10Gb/s. This makes it ideal for backing up Windows computers using QNAP’s NetBak Replicator, or Mac systems via Time Machine.

Built with a metal chassis in a sleek black design, this NAS measures just 8.1″D x 6.6″W x 4.1″H, making it suitable for desktop placement without occupying excessive space.

Intel Celeron Quad-Core Processor

Processing power matters significantly when choosing a NAS device. The TS-264 comes equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor that delivers reliable performance for everyday NAS operations. This processor provides enough computational capability to handle multiple simultaneous file transfers, media transcoding, and various background applications.

The quad-core design allows the QNAP to multitask efficiently, ensuring smooth performance even when multiple users access the system simultaneously. Users report consistent performance when streaming media files, backing up data, or running containerized applications.

The Celeron processor strikes a good balance between power consumption and performance. It generates less heat than higher-end processors while still providing adequate processing power for a home or small business NAS solution. This efficiency helps keep operating costs down over the device’s lifetime.

Dual 2.5GbE Network Connectivity

The network capabilities of this NAS truly stand out with its dual 2.5GbE ports. These ports offer substantial bandwidth improvements over standard gigabit connections, providing up to 2.5 times the network speed when properly configured.

Users can leverage these dual ports for link aggregation, effectively combining the bandwidth for even faster file transfers. Alternatively, the ports can be configured for network redundancy, ensuring continuous access to data even if one connection fails.

The multi-speed compatibility (2.5G/1G/100M) ensures this QNAP works seamlessly with existing network infrastructure while providing a path for future upgrades. For businesses or home users working with large media files, this enhanced connectivity significantly reduces wait times during transfers and backups.

The dual ports also enable more advanced networking setups, allowing different subnets or dedicated connections for specific applications.

M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Slots

Storage expansion flexibility is a standout feature on this compact NAS device. The TS-264 includes dedicated M.2 PCIe slots that allow users to install high-speed NVMe SSDs alongside traditional hard drives.

These slots serve multiple purposes in the system architecture. Users can configure the M.2 drives as cache to accelerate overall system performance or use them as regular storage volumes. This dual-functionality provides significant versatility.

The inclusion of PCIe NVMe support rather than slower SATA-based M.2 ensures maximum throughput for demanding applications. When populated with quality NVMe drives, file transfers become noticeably more responsive, especially during intensive operations like virtualization or multimedia editing.

While the M.2 slots provide excellent speed potential, users should note that drives for these slots must be purchased separately from the diskless unit.

USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports

Connectivity options are abundant on this desktop NAS, with the USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports being particularly impressive. These high-speed ports deliver up to 10Gbps data transfer rates, significantly faster than older USB standards. This allows quick backups from external drives and efficient data migration between devices.

The TS-264 makes excellent use of these ports, positioning them conveniently for easy access. When transferring large media files or datasets, these ports prevent the bottlenecks commonly experienced with older USB connections.

For users with compatible peripherals, these ports represent a meaningful upgrade over standard USB connections. The enhanced transfer speed becomes particularly valuable when working with large backup operations or media libraries that require frequent access from external storage devices.

Personal and Family Media Center

This NAS device transforms the way families organize and access their multimedia content. The TS-264 serves as a centralized hub for storing photos, music, and videos, making them accessible to everyone in the household. With its powerful Intel processor and 8GB of RAM, streaming high-definition content to multiple devices simultaneously is smooth and responsive.

Family photos and home videos can be organized in customizable folders and albums, with easy access from anywhere through QNAP’s remote access features. The dual 2.5GbE ports ensure quick transfers when uploading new media content, while the multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports make it simple to import files directly from cameras or external drives.

Media enthusiasts will appreciate how the QNAP handles transcoding and streaming to smart TVs, phones, and tablets throughout the home. The ability to back up Windows computers with NetBak Replicator and Mac systems with Time Machine integration ensures that precious family memories remain protected even if personal devices fail.

Data Protection and Backup Solutions

The TS-264 offers robust data protection features that give users peace of mind when storing important files. Its integrated Intel AES-NI encryption engine helps safeguard confidential information without compromising system performance.

For Windows users, QNAP’s NetBak Replicator software provides a straightforward backup solution, while Mac owners can utilize Time Machine compatibility for seamless automated backups. The NAS supports multiple backup approaches, including local, remote, and cloud-based options.

One particularly valuable feature is MyQNAPCloud, which enables secure remote access to files from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it ideal for both personal and small business use cases where accessing data on the go is essential.

The dual-drive bay configuration supports various RAID setups, allowing users to balance between storage capacity and data redundancy based on their specific needs. For users with critical data, implementing a RAID 1 mirror provides excellent protection against drive failures.

Pros and Cons

When evaluating a networked storage solution, understanding the strengths and limitations helps make an informed decision. The TS-264 offers several compelling features alongside a few considerations that potential buyers should weigh before purchase.

Pros

• Powerful Processing Capabilities – The quad-core Intel Celeron processor with 8GB DDR4 RAM provides robust performance for file sharing, multimedia streaming, and general NAS operations.
• Fast Network Connectivity – Dual 2.5GbE ports significantly improve file transfer speeds compared to traditional 1GbE connections, allowing faster access to stored data.
• Performance Enhancement Options – Dual M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slots enable cache acceleration or dedicated SSD storage pools to boost overall system performance.
• Versatile Connectivity – Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports support high-speed external devices at up to 10Gb/s, expanding storage possibilities.
• Remote Access Capabilities – The MyQNAPCloud service allows secure access to files from anywhere, enhancing the unit’s flexibility for remote work scenarios.

Cons

• Limited Bay Count – With only 2 bays, expansion capabilities are more restricted than 4+ bay models, potentially limiting maximum storage capacity.
• Learning Curve – The QNAP operating system offers extensive functionality but may require more technical knowledge compared to more streamlined consumer NAS solutions.
• Price Premium – The high-performance components command a higher price point than basic NAS units, which might be excessive for casual home users.
• Drives Not Included – As a diskless unit, additional purchase of compatible hard drives is required, increasing the total cost of implementation.

Customer Reviews

Users have given the QNAP TS-264 overwhelmingly positive feedback, earning it a 4.5-star rating from 271 reviewers. Many customers highlight its exceptional performance as an upgrade from older QNAP models, with several mentioning their previous units served them reliably for nearly a decade. The NAS receives praise for its versatility and openness compared to competing brands.

Long-term NAS users appreciate how seamlessly they could transfer data from old devices. One customer noted how easily they migrated by simply moving drives over, with the system recognizing all previous apps and configurations immediately.

Several reviewers mention the dual memory slot configuration, though some were surprised to find only one 8GB module pre-installed. The NAS appears particularly popular among users with demanding storage needs for both professional and personal applications.

First-time NAS buyers also report satisfaction with their purchase, suggesting the TS-264 offers a good balance of performance and accessibility for various experience levels.

Conclusion

This QNAP NAS delivers impressive performance and versatility for users seeking reliable data storage. With its Intel Celeron quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, the TS-264 handles multiple tasks efficiently. The dual 2.5GbE ports provide excellent network connectivity options, while the M.2 PCIe slots offer expansion potential. Users particularly appreciate the smooth setup process and long-term reliability, which are hallmarks of the QNAP brand.

The strong 4.5-star rating from over 270 customers reinforces its position as a solid choice for both home and small business environments. While it represents a significant investment, the performance, feature set, and build quality justify the price for those who need dependable network storage. For users looking to upgrade from older NAS systems or set up their first serious storage solution, the TS-264 stands as a compelling option in the two-bay NAS market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating the world of Network Attached Storage can be confusing, especially when comparing different models and trying to understand technical specifications. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the TS-264 NAS to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

How does the QNAP TS-264-8G compare to the Synology DS224+ in terms of performance and features?

The QNAP TS-264-8G offers several advantages over the Synology DS224+. The TS-264 comes equipped with an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, while the DS224+ typically features a less powerful CPU. Performance-wise, the QNAP’s dual 2.5GbE network ports provide faster file transfer speeds compared to the Synology’s standard 1GbE ports. The TS-264 also includes dual M.2 PCIe slots for NVMe SSD caching or storage pools, a feature often missing in comparable Synology models. However, Synology’s DSM operating system is generally considered more user-friendly than QNAP’s QTS, though the latter offers more customization options.

What are the key specifications and hardware included in the QNAP TS-264 model?

The TS-264 comes with an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor (burst up to 2.9 GHz) and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It features two drive bays supporting SATA 6 Gb/s drives, dual 2.5GbE network ports for improved connectivity, and dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots for cache acceleration or additional storage. The NAS includes multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with up to 10Gb/s transfer speeds for connecting external devices. The system comes diskless, allowing users to install their preferred drives. The integrated Intel AES-NI encryption engine helps protect data without compromising performance.

Can the RAM in the QNAP TS-264-8G NAS be upgraded, and if so, what are the specifications and limitations of such an upgrade?

Yes, the RAM in the TS-264-8G can be upgraded. The device comes with 8GB DDR4 memory pre-installed in one of its two available memory slots. According to QNAP specifications, the NAS supports up to 16GB of total RAM. Users can either replace the existing 8GB module with a 16GB module or add an additional 8GB module to the empty slot. The NAS uses standard DDR4 SODIMM memory. When upgrading, it’s advisable to use memory modules that are compatible with QNAP devices to avoid potential stability issues.

Are there any notable differences in the user experience between the QNAP TS-264-8G and its predecessor, the QNAP TS-262?

The TS-264-8G offers significant improvements over its predecessor. The newer model features the Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor, which provides better performance than the CPU in the TS-262. The TS-264 includes dual 2.5GbE ports compared to the standard gigabit Ethernet on the older model, enabling faster network transfers. The addition of M.2 PCIe slots for NVMe SSDs is another major upgrade missing from the previous generation. The TS-264 also offers USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with faster transfer speeds. From a software perspective, the newer model supports the latest versions of QNAP’s QTS operating system, providing access to newer applications and features.

How can a QNAP NAS, specifically the TS-264-8G model, be connected directly to a computer for data access?

The TS-264-8G can be connected directly to a computer in several ways:

1. Network Connection – The most common method is connecting the NAS to your computer via Ethernet cables through a network switch or router.
2. Direct Ethernet Connection – You can connect the TS-264-8G directly to your computer using an Ethernet cable. You’ll need to configure static IP addresses on both devices.
3. USB Connection – While not providing full NAS functionality, USB ports can be used to connect external devices to the NAS, not for connecting the NAS directly to a computer for file access.

Once connected, you can access the NAS through its IP address in a web browser for management, or map network drives for file access in your operating system.

What is the country of origin for QNAP NAS systems, including the TS-264-8G, and does it affect the device’s reliability or performance?

QNAP NAS systems, including the TS-264-8G, are manufactured in Taiwan. QNAP (Quality Network Appliance Provider) is a Taiwanese company that specializes in network attached storage solutions. The country of origin itself does not directly impact the device’s reliability or performance. Taiwan has a strong reputation for producing high-quality electronics and has been a hub for technology manufacturing for decades. The performance and reliability of the TS-264-8G depend more on its components, design, quality control processes, and firmware, rather than simply its country of origin. QNAP is generally well-regarded in the NAS industry for producing reliable devices with regular firmware updates.