QNAP NAS – Thunderbolt 3 Shared RAID Storage Solution for Video Editors

When collaborating with a team of video editors, one of the most significant challenges in the workflow has to do with the efficient file management and transfer speeds involved in the creative process. Since you’re working with other content creators who also may need access to the files you’re using, the task can prove to be quite daunting and frustrating if you haven’t built the right hardware infrastructure in advance. The real deal-breaker, however, is not the time-consuming setup and complex storage functionality these systems are usually associated with, but the huge investment that typically comes with such a solution.

According to YouTube filmmaker and editor Max Yuryev, there is a way to save some hassle and get a reliable storage system at a relatively reasonable price. Say hello to the QNAP NAS, which is what Yuryev describes to be an all-in-one storage solution that makes the device a server, network switch, and computer in a relatively small form factor.

In the video, Yuryev goes on to talk more about the 12-bay version of the QNAP NAS. That model is equipped with an Intel i5 processor and 16GB of upgradable memory. When it comes to adding hard drives, you can use HDDs, SSDs, and even the ultra-fast M.2 drives. The unit also has several ports for Ethernet and USB, both type A and C Thunderbolt 3, allowing editors more lines of access to different machines and/or users.

As mentioned, the QNAP does have its own computer and operating system, making it more than just some storage solution. You can access the software functions through your computer’s web browser connected to the unit. In the operating system, you’ll be able to monitor the performance of the QNAP, as well as download and install additional apps to automate your workflow, setup drive operations, and even generate download links to make sharing content more accessible.

QNAP TVS-1282T3 12-Bay NAS Enclosure Highlights

• 8 x 3.5″/2.5″, 4 x 2.5″ SATA Drive Bays
• 2 x M.2 SATA III Slots
• 3.4 GHz Intel Core i5-7500 Quad-Core
• 16GB of 2133 MHz DDR4 RAM
• 2 x 10GbE | 4 x Gigabit Ethernet
• Thunderbolt 3 | USB 3.0 Type-A | HDMI
• RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, + Hot Spare, JBOD
• Up to 1600 MB/s File Transfer Speeds
• AES 256-Bit Volume Encryption
• QTS 4.3 Operating System
• Price: $3,099

In regards to read/write performance, the results are staggering. According to Yuryev and his team, they are able to pull transfer speeds at an average of 1600 MB/s (or 1.6 GB/s). This rapid data transfer speed results in the ability to seamlessly edit high-quality and demanding file formats across different computers within the network, all without compromising timeline or network performance.

Now if you’re sold on the idea of a no-compromises, high-speed and flexible functionality of the 12-bay QNAP NAS, you may want to consider one crucial aspect – the price. Even though the product doesn’t cost as much as some top-of-the-line enterprise storage systems, it will still set you back a significant amount of money, especially if you haven’t factored in the price for drives good enough to take advantage of the provided network traffic distribution.

Then again, all hope is not lost with the 4-bay versions of the QNAP NAS. While you may not get the exact same performance and storage capacity of their bigger 12-bay counterparts, the 4-bay units still have the computer functionality and speed to be a worthwhile purchase.

[source: Max Yuryev]

Order Links:

QNAP TVS-471-I3-4G-US 4-Bay Turbo NAS Enclosure (B&H, Amazon US)

QNAP TVS-1282T3 12-Bay NAS Enclosure (B&H, Amazon US)

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.

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