The QNAP TS-464 is the latest high-end consumer home Network Attached Storage (NAS) server from QNAP, replacing the TS-453D. The model number signifies this is a 4-bay, new-generation TS-x64 model (compared to the TS-x53 series). The 4G RAM variant is available now in Singapore at S$929 excluding HDD. Scroll to the bottom of the article for the shop links.
Previously, QNAP sent over the entry-level TS-230 which has served me very well for over a year. Despite security concerns with QNAP products caused primarily due to weak passwords, I have not had any issues as I have consistently updated the software and firmware as well as enforcing security features like 2FA and disabling any unnecessary features. While the TS-230 supports most software applications introduced in every QTS upgrade, the limited processor performance and RAM size prevent me from running multiple intensive applications. Quite often when I receive notifications about some new apps, I am hesitant to install them for fear of causing bottlenecks.
With the TS-464, I am excited to test the QNAP NAS further on all the features. Thanks to QNAP for sending the new unit to allow me to continue exploring the benefits of running my own server at home. I would say the biggest benefit is that you keep your own data close to you rather than relying on third party cloud storage that can be costly in the long run.
Like you, I am not an expert user on computer networking, and I hope this article can reach out to like-minded users who are interested in running a fuss-free NAS server at home and reap the important benefits.
TS-464 Features and Comparison
First, let me touch on the new features of the TS-464:
- Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 2.0GHz quad-core processor, burst up to 2.9GHz
- 4GB SO-DIMM DDR4, upgradable to 16GB (2x 8GB)
- Support up to 4 SATA hard disks (2.5-inch x 4)
- Support up to 2 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 x1
- 2x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Port (2.5G/1G/100M)
- 1x PCIe Gen 3 x2 expansion slot
- 2x USB 2.0 port (rear)
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) port (USB Type-A, front and rear)
- 1x HDMI 2.0 port (rear)
- 1x 120mm fan
- Dimensions: 168 x 170 x 226 mm
- Weight: 2.29 kg (without HDD)
On paper, the TS-464 is an upgrade from the TS-453D and its competitor, Synology DS920+, which both run on Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core 2.0 GHz processor with burst up to 2.7GHz. It is a massive upgrade from the TS-230 which is a mere Realtek RTD1296 quad-core 1.4GHz and 2GB RAM. Other hardware advantages over the Synology DS920+ include the HDMI output (vs. none), expandable RAM to 16GB (vs. 8GB), two M.2 PCIe slot (vs. none), two 2.5GbE ports (vs. 1GbE), two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (vs. none). Simply-put, the QNAP TS-464 is the top prosumer NAS model for this price range if you are looking to get one right now.
Upgrading from older QNAP NAS
If you are an existing QNAP NAS owner, upgrading to a new NAS model is so seamless and you won’t even have any downtime. All I have to do is to remove the HDD from the old QNAP NAS and insert into the new QNAP NAS. Even the HDD bracket is identical when I moved from TS-230 to TS-464. Before migration, check the compatibility here.
Once I booted up the new NAS, I waited for my router to notify me of a new device that has joined my home network so that I could pick up the IP address from which I can use my web browser to load the QTS login page. If your router does not have this feature, you can also use a free tool called Qfinder Pro to identify the NAS IP. Once the familiar QTS login page is loaded, you can simply enter the same login ID and password. Then that’s it. You might want to just go through all the settings and stuff to make sure all the apps are running and the config are the same. If your previous QTS OS is identical, then there should not be any additional thing to do.
If your server name is using the NAS product model, e.g. “TS-230”, then you might want to rename it via the Control Panel under “General Settings”. However, your existing Windows Networking path will have to be remapped. I decided not to change mine because my server name is not the QNAP product model and I would have to remap my NAS drives from all my computers.
Observations After Upgrade
The first noticeable change I find after the upgrade from TS-230 to TS-464 is the general performance of the new NAS server. Clearly the TS-464 is so much faster and less of a drag when installing apps as well as executing the jobs.
The second important benefit is that the server runs quieter. I don’t hear the fan ramping up like it did in the TS-230, perhaps because there is more space in the TS-464 hence it does not build up heat.
Concerning the cyber-attacks on QNAP NAS servers that occurred over the last few years, QNAP has addressed them with regular updates culminating in the QTS 5.0 OS. Most of these cyber-attacks are due to weak passwords but it is also partially due to the numerous security settings that are unfamiliar to the novice users resulting in greater exposure to such vulnerability. By installing the QNAP Security Counselor app, QuFirewall app, and scheduling regular checks, it will highlight risks to the owner and provide recommendations for rectification. Personally, I have not encountered any breaches despite noticing a lot of attacks on my NAS which I observed from the network logs, which are very common and has occurred even on my blog server.
Next Steps
After using the QNAP TS-230 for almost two years, the TS-464 propels me into the next phase of NAS ownership. The first QNAP NAS was truly a good start to let me get familiarise with running a NAS server and understanding the capabilities and limitations, mostly related to the processor performance. Now that I have upgraded to the TS-464, I will be able to run more QNAP applications that I have mentioned in the TS-230 review, for instance:
Multimedia Consumption – the NAS supports several apps that conveniently let you access photos, stream music and videos stored on the NAS. QuMagie is a photo browser with A.I. that analyses photos and groups them into logical tags, for instance, places, events, people. Other QTS apps like Photo Station, Music Station, Video Station let you access the respective media quickly.
Personal Search Engine – Qsirch is an app that scans the metadata of the files, like photo location or object found in the photo, so that you can find the content you need faster. The Lite version is free while the Premium version supports people image search.
More Advanced Tools – The NAS can run a web server, set up virtual machines, run SD-WAN, backup and sync with your existing cloud services, centrally store multiple surveillance camera videos. It can also run email, calendar, contacts clients, download and backup all the content from your existing cloud mailbox (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.) to your private cloud on the NAS.
My next upgrade path for my NAS journey would be to get additional HDD to run a RAID setup so that I can be better assured of my data safety in case the current HDD fails. Subscribe to my website at the top right sidebar to be notified when the follow-up Part 2 article is published.
Where To Buy TS-464
The QNAP TS-464-4G (preinstalled with 4G RAM) is available for purchase at Lazada and Shopee at S$929 (excluding HDD).
