For many years, I’ve used an old Mac mini connected to a large external hard disk as a general-purpose network server. It was where all my music and movies were stored, but it also served as overflow storage and an occasional testbed for beta software. It has worked, mostly, but has always felt clumsily patched together. As my storage needs increased, and as I was preparing to write my book Take Control of Your Digital Storage, I realized I needed something more robust, like a NAS (network-attached storage) device.
When I asked a technical friend for his opinion on which kind of NAS to buy, his response mirrored mine (and perhaps yours, too). He had been thinking about getting one, but the sheer number of variables involved kept him from making a purchase.
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A NAS itself typically looks like an unassuming largish box, sometimes containing just a single drive, but more often with two or more drive bays into which you insert bare hard drives or SSDs, making it possible to upgrade the overall storage over time by using higher-capacity drives. What makes it special is that it’s also a computer in its own right, with a processor, operating system, and RAM to handle all its tasks.
The NAS connects to your local network via Ethernet cable, making it available to everyone else on the same network. And in many cases, you can access the NAS when you’re outside the local network. If you arrive somewhere with your laptop and realize that an important file isn’t on your computer’s internal disk (or even if you’re on the couch downstairs and the file is on the NAS in your home office upstairs), it’s no problem; that file is available just as if its drive was directly connected to the computer.
Several vendors sell NAS units, such as Synology, QNAP, Drobo, and WD. And among those, you’ll find models designed for personal use, for small offices, and for industrial applications.
If you think hard drive specs are eye-glazing, wait until you wade into the technicalities of NAS devices. Price is always a consideration, and some manufacturers mix and match components to hit price points—a unit might have four drive bays instead of two, for example, but use an older processor and offer less RAM. But that also means you can likely find something in your budget that performs the tasks you need.
NAS vs. External Drive
Before we step through the features themselves, let’s consider the reasons to use a NAS instead of a standard external hard drive. Some common reasons include:
NAS Features
I’ve arranged the following specs based roughly on their importance, although you may have different priorities, like hardware transcoding for streaming movies.
Number of Drive Bays
Packing more drives into a NAS gives you more storage, but there’s more to it than that. A two-bay NAS sounds like a good starter, and it’s certainly affordable. But remember that a typical NAS RAID configuration is set up with one drive for data and the other for redundancy—RAID 1 in a two-bay model.
If you populate it with two 4 TB drives, for example, you end up with 4 TB of usable storage space and 4 TB of mirrored protection. To increase the capacity, you could buy two 8 TB drives to replace the 4 TB drives, giving you 8 TB of usable storage and 8 TB of protection.
With a four-bay model, you could instead add two more 4 TB drives (which cost less per terabyte than 8 TB drives) to fill out the slots and end up with 12 TB of usable storage and 4 TB of protection in a RAID 5 configuration (or similar proprietary setup) for greater data redundancy and failure protection.
(In a four-drive RAID 5 configuration, redundancy comes not from mirroring, but from recording parity information—small bits of extra data that are added when copying files to ensure that the operations were successful—which is why you have more usable storage compared to redundant storage in this scenario.)
If you’re unfamiliar with how storage and RAID levels interact, check out Synology’s RAID Calculator. Even if you don’t end up buying a Synology NAS, it’s helpful to spec out how various drive capacities work under different RAID levels.
Ethernet
The “network” part of network-attached storage comes from connecting via Ethernet. In most models, that refers to Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), capable of theoretical transfer speeds of 1 Gbps (gigabits per second). Some more expensive models provide 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps) connections. Faster is always better, but consider that the iMac Pro is currently the only Mac that supports 10 GbE directly; you can buy adapters to achieve those speeds with Thunderbolt 3-equipped Macs. Also, 10 GbE networks require Ethernet switches that can handle the speed. My recommendation is that if you think you’ll want 10 GbE in the future, buy a NAS that either has 10 GbE built in or available as an option; some NAS models include PCIe expansion card slots that accept such upgrades. Adobe 2018 trial.
Another Ethernet-related consideration is how many ports are included. NAS models with two or more ports offer a feature called link aggregation. When connected to an Ethernet switch that supports LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol), the NAS can balance the data between Ethernet ports to avoid a bottleneck. If multiple computers on the network access the NAS frequently, link aggregation can improve network performance among them. It does not, unfortunately, double the amount of data that gets fed to a single computer, so you won’t see a speed benefit in that case.
CPU
Since a NAS is a full-fledged computer, not just a dumb hard drive, it requires a processor to run the software and manage storage. For most uses, the type and brand of CPU don’t matter, as they can all serve files well. The CPU specifics become relevant when encrypting data or transcoding video to watch on devices that don’t support that resolution.
Memory
As with any computer, the more RAM a NAS contains, the more capacity it has to accomplish its tasks. You’re not running Photoshop on it, but more RAM helps when the unit is handling multiple simultaneous connections, encrypting data, and other duties. Look for a model that you can expand with more RAM. Even if you don’t max out the memory when you buy it, you can upgrade it later.
Power Consumption
A NAS is designed to run continuously, so check how much energy it requires both under normal operation and when drives are in low-power or hibernation mode. For example, the Synology DiskStation DS418play (the model I purchased) supposedly uses 29.01 W during access and 10.59 W when in its disk hibernation mode. For a current Mac mini, by contrast, Apple specs its power usage as 85 W for “maximum continuous power” and an idle usage of 6 W, so it’s likely that it would average higher than the DiskStation DS418play based on what the Mac is doing.
Hardware Encryption
If it’s essential that your data remain encrypted while stored on the NAS, look for a model that offers hardware encryption. You can still encrypt data without this feature, but doing so requires more CPU power and is slower than dedicated encryption hardware. Reading and writing encrypted data involves a decrease in performance overall, but some hardware assistance is preferable to none. Also, check whether the NAS you’re considering encrypts data at the volume level or just at the folder level.
Hardware Transcoding
If you’re planning to host your audio and video libraries on the NAS and stream the content to computers and devices on the network, consider buying a model that supports hardware transcoding. This feature more quickly converts high-resolution video files to versions that are optimized for the destinations. For example, let’s say you capture a 4K movie file using an iPhone X: when viewed on a 1080p HD television, the NAS streams a transcoded version suitable for that device, discarding the overhead of the 4K resolution data.
Plex, a popular software system for streaming media, uses only the CPU in a NAS for processing, so hardware transcoding isn’t relevant for Plex users. Prioritize the CPU and RAM specs when looking at possible Plex servers.
RAID/File System Support
A NAS that includes more than a single drive uses a RAID scheme to make the disks appear as a single volume. Check to see which RAID levels are supported, in case you want to change them manually. It may also employ its own custom RAID configuration. Synology, for instance, uses Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), which offers striping and redundancy while maximizing the amount of usable storage. Drobo’s BeyondRAID technology works similarly. Adobe all versions.
Depending on the model you’re researching, you’ll run into two file systems: the long-standing ext4 and the newer Btrfs, which adds support for snapshots and some low-level data integrity checks.
Normally, a file system isn’t a feature most people need to worry about; I bring it up here because some vendors use Btrfs as a marketing point. Ext4 tends to be a bit faster than Btrfs and has a longer history. Btrfs was designed as a modern alternative that’s more active about preserving data. Think of ext4 as being roughly analogous to the Mac OS Extended (HFS+) file system and Btrfs as the APFS (Apple File System) file system introduced in macOS High Sierra (see “What APFS Does for You, and What You Can Do with APFS,” 23 July 2018). I wouldn’t call Btrfs an essential feature, but you’re likely to be faced with the decision.
Other Considerations
There are plenty of other things to note, such as the amount of noise the NAS makes and the operating temperature if its location is in a warm environment. I’m also tempted to add performance throughput to this list—after all, faster performance is better, right? However, manufacturers don’t provide it for all models, and those numbers come from controlled tests designed to come up with the best results. So, by all means, take performance into account, but with a skeptical eye.
Why You Should Buy NAS-specific Hard Drives
Hard drive docks make for an excellent general-purpose storage solution. They connect to your computer and accept standard internal hard drives for backups without being burdened by an external drive’s case, cabling, and power supply.
As a result of using such a dock over the years, I have stacks of old drives lying around that were retired when I moved to higher capacities. Wouldn’t it be great to throw them into a NAS and make use of that storage?
It’s a tempting approach, but don’t do it, for three reasons:
Although there are many drive manufacturers out there, my research consistently turned up good reviews of WD’s Red line and Seagate’s Ironwolf line. Both companies also offer “pro” versions that are further hardened for NAS use but are more suited for large enterprise installations.
A NAS Primer
A NAS can be a versatile addition to your Mac’s storage, but the number of options and specifications when buying one can be paralyzing. Use this article as a reference when doing your own research.
After you’ve added a NAS to your setup, see my book Take Control of Your Digital Storage to learn more about working with files on the NAS, accessing it when you’re away from the network, and more. The book also covers other aspects of digital storage, such as using Disk Utility and First Aid, understanding the APFS file system in macOS High Sierra, and strategies for freeing up disk space. Microsoft student edition.
We’re running a three-question survey to see what TidBITS readers think of NAS devices.
Hard drives are most important part of computers well gaming for very long time and it is tough to choose the best hard drive for gaming. There are different types of HDD available according to storage speed and rotation speed. For gaming purpose, the solid state drive took place on HDD. Still, the HDD has advantages over SSD and are the price per GB is low and it is long lasting. The performance of HDD is good over who is not using super fast SSD.
In this article, we will discuss that which hard disk is right according to use. And have the confusion about what is a difference between them? You will find an answer in this list of a best hard drive for gaming in 2018.
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We divide this list into 2.5 inch and 3.5 inches and according to their performance, format and extension and where they can be used.
A 2.5 inch hard drives used in most laptops and consoles as their smaller size. Due to its smaller size, there are some drawbacks like lower capacity, slow rotation speed and less cache memory.
Top Best Hard Drive for Gaming
2.5 inch Best Hard Drive For GamingWD Blue – Reliable Best Hard Drive For Gaming
The WD Blue is famous in its variant. WD Blue has up sides like have less power consumption, high storage capacity and speed. The technology used in it to no touch between the read head and disk make it quite and make is preferable for a laptop. This makes it long lasting. This becomes a best hard drive for gaming.
The Blue model is not only that have long-life, and they are only famous for gaming purpose only. The downside of this model has limited storage capacity. This model is not easily available in the more storage capacity.
WD Black – Solid Performer and Best Hard Drive For Gaming
Second in the list is from the same manufacturer WD. WD Black has 7200 rotation speed and has a cache memory of 32MB, both are higher than WD Blue. Because of high cache memory, it makes a read and writes operations fast.
There are different models available which have storage capacity from 250 GB to whooping 1TB and all models are readily available. It uses the same technology like blue have to make it more powerful.
The WD Black is a little bit expensive but the storage capacity and cache memory are high and it is good for gamers and professionals. The high price has benefits of performance and reliability. The WD Bleu become a best Hard drive for gaming in 2018.
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Seagate Barracuda – Gaming HDD With High Cache Memory and Space
The Seagate Barracuda has a storage capacity of 500 GB to % TB with the rotation speed of 5400 rpm which is very high in 2.5-inch HDD. It has a high cache memory of 128 MB.
This HDD has a higher risk of failure and not so much reliable than the other ones. The Seagate hard drives have a higher failure rate and have warranty issues according to online customers.
But is still highly recommended for data storage and have a low price per gigabyte. This hard drive produces less noise but still have a chance of going wrong during operations.
Toshiba L200 – Toughest Best Hard Drive For Gaming
The well knows Japanese brand Toshiba made affordable storage hard drive. L200 comes with 500 GB and 1 TB options with catch memory of 8 MB and have a rotation speed of 5400 rpm.
This hard drive is truly value for money with a high build quality and reliability and is highly resistant to external shock which is very important for mobile hard drives. It is good in performance and become best hard drive for gaming.
External Hard Drive Size Guide
Now we will discuss 3.5 inch hard drives for desktops. 3.5 inch hard disks have more memory at higher rotation speed than 2.5-inch models. The price of these hard drives varies according to their manufacturer and storage capacity.
Searching for Most Expensive Laptop In 2018?
3.5 inch Best Hard Drive For GamingWD Blue – Better Performer Best HDD For Gaming
Now start the 3.5 inch hard drives with WD Blue. This time WD comes with better performance than 2.5 inches. The storage capacity is from 500 GB to 6 TB. There are two rotation speed options available which are 5400 and 7200 rpm. The cache memory is 64 MB which increases the performance.
There are different models available according to storage capacity which allows a user to choose from and had available with reasonable price. These hard disks store more data which allows gamers to store more and more games. This hard drive is preferable for desktop as well for gamers.
WD Black – 128 MB Cache Gaming HDD
Now let’s talk about WD Black. This hard drive has the same specification as WD Blue. Only they have 64 and 128 MB cache memory options. But don’t judge a book by its cover. It is high power machine in the small box. The storage capacity and rotation speed are same but in the performance and built with the higher quality standard it is far better than the WD Blue.
The price is high but it is affordable for gamers and professionals who seek speed in performance and reliability. If you are a normal daily user you cannot find any difference between Blue and Black variant. According to its specification, this becomes a best hard drive for gaming in 2018.
Seagate Barracuda – Affordable Gaming HDD
As we discuss above in Seagate Barracuda this time it has data storage capacity is extended up to 12 TB. The cache memory has three different models available. For easy access and better performance to data has the support of 7200 rpm.
In the high capacity model of 8 TB and 12 TB, the size is same but storage is high. The strongest side of the hard drive is their high capacity of data storage. They have same chances of failure like 2.5 inch has.
Seagate Barracuda 3.5 inch is identical to 2.5 inches but has higher storage capacity, high cache memory and better performance. But there are failure issues that cannot be neglected.
Toshiba P300 – Value For Money Hard drive
We have marched towards to end of a list. The P300 is desktop variant of L200 which is 2.5 inches hard drive. The P300 has much more than L200 in the memory support of up to 3 TB. The cache memory is also improved and rotation speed is 7200 rpm.
This hard drive is famous than L200. The better performance and highly reliably make it famous. Toshiba makes this hard disk highly performer and in the reasonable price.
There is no major issue arise in the performance. Toshiba makes this hard drive all-rounder performer for gamers and professionally. The low failure ratio makes it preferable for gamers and becomes a best hard drive for gaming of 2018.
Toshiba X300 – Premium & Best Hard Drive For Gaming
Last of the list is Toshiba X300. The storage capacity of hard drive starts at 4 TB and goes up to 8 TB. It has same rotation speed but the cache memory is as high as 128 MB. The high storage capacity makes it more useful in different fields.
The Toshiba X300 has same performance like P300. This hard drive is powerful and fast for gamers and professional uses. The only downside is the price is quite high for daily users. The specifications are satisfied the requirements of the gamers turn into a best hard drive for gaming of 2018.
After analyzing the list there are some important considerations when buying a best hard drive for Gaming
There are different types of hard drives available. But it depends on the user that which is appropriate for a particular application. Here we discuss that which hard drive is good for gaming or for extra storage purpose.
Storage Capacity
People usually think that with more data storage hard drives are good. But it is not. If there is only one large data storage hard disk and anything happens wrong with HDD all the valuable data lost forever. So it is advisable that store data in the different disks. But the point is there no space for more disks in the CPU. So, buy one extra hard drive for backup.
External Hard Drive Buying Guide 2018Rotation Speed
A hard disk’s rotation speed matter with the performance. The higher speed gives better results. The rotation per minute generally known as RPM. There is single write and read arm and disk is moving under it to write the data.
But with high speed, it brings some problems. First one is with high rotation make more noise and generate more heat and also has chances of failure at high speed. That’s why more than 7200 rpm hard drives are not preferable to use.
It is better to use SSD instead to use high rpm hard drives for better performance.
Cache Size
Cache memory is like RAM of an entire system. It saves memory for direct and fast access this makes it fast hard drive speed fast. Higher Cache Size does not important key features to choose a hard drive it is only helpful for some tasks.
External Hard Drive Buying GuideConnectivity
Connectivity is more important in performance between different parts in a system. It will boost the performance of the system give best results.
External Hard Drive Buying Guide 2018 2019
There is no matter with the latest hard drives which all are compatible with the use of SATA 3.0 to connect. If there is an older motherboard with SATA 2.0 it also supports it.
Reliability
In this article, we discuss about the reliability of hard disk. What is the reliability of hard disk and why it is important? There are lots of moving parts in hard drive, so there is more chance to break down. Therefore there is always the risk of failure during operations. It could happen with any model. So it is advisable to take backup of data regularly in external hard drives.
External Hard Drive Buying Guide 2018 PhilippinesThe Different Colors of Western Digital HDDs IndicatesBest Buy External Hard Drive
BLUE = Solid performance and reliability for everyday computing.
BLACK = Maximum performance for power computing and gaming. RED = Increased workloads and reliability particular for NAS. PURPLE = Designed for Surveillance DVR storage. GREEN = Parks the heads for power savings. Comments are closed.
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