Moving from EX2 Ultra

[darrix]

Hi, for the last few years I've used a basic WD EX2 Ultra with 2x4TB drives.  I need to increase the storage now and WD indicates that to do this I also need a 48W power supply.  Fine--however, they will give me the specs for it but they don't sell the power adapter now and are unwilling to give me the MFG and part number so I can simply buy it outright from another vendor.  So, first question:  does anyone here know the MFG and part number for this adapter (which they included with the 0 drive or gt 10TB drive units)?  I can use the specs but I'd be more secure using something they've tested for the box.

Second question:  this has started me thinking that I'd rather have a better NAS and I've been looking at your channels videos and I'm thinking about either the QNAP TS-464-8G-US 4 Bay or the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus because I have Docker needs (databases, etc) that I think might be well handled by this.  The UGREEN seems superior in that the RAM can be expanded and the processors are pretty new.  The QNAP has the advantage of superior software but it doesn't appear as if the RAM can be expanded.  Is that a fair understanding of the differences?

Thanks much

[ed]

Thanks for reaching out! I'll address both of your questions below:

Power Supply for WD EX2 Ultra:
Unfortunately, since WD no longer offers the power adapter for the EX2 Ultra, the specific manufacturer and part number may not be easily accessible. However, if you have the current adapter's specifications (e.g., input/output voltage, current, and connector type), you could likely find a compatible third-party power supply from vendors like Amazon, Newegg, or eBay. It's essential to ensure that the replacement meets the exact voltage and current output needed to safely power your EX2 Ultra. If you can’t find the adapter by searching the exact specifications, it might be helpful to reach out to a WD support forum or a community that may have encountered the same issue.

QNAP TS-464-8G-US vs. UGREEN DXP4800 Plus:
You're right in your understanding of the differences between the two NAS options.

QNAP TS-464-8G-US: This NAS comes with QNAP's well-known software suite, which is great for ease of use, storage management, and various applications like Plex, surveillance, etc. However, the RAM is not expandable, so you're limited to the 8GB that it comes with. While this is generally sufficient for light to moderate use, if you plan to run many Docker containers or need more resources for databases, it could become a limiting factor.

UGREEN DXP4800 Plus: This model, which appears to be a DIY-style NAS or server option, gives you more flexibility, especially with expandable RAM and potentially more powerful processors. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for better customizability and want to run resource-heavy applications or virtual machines. The downside is that it may require more technical knowledge to configure compared to QNAP’s user-friendly interface. Additionally, UGREEN may not have the same software ecosystem and support as QNAP.

Recommendation:
If you prioritize ease of use, software support, and stability, and your Docker needs are moderate, the QNAP TS-464-8G-US is a solid option. On the other hand, if you're looking for more power, expandability, and are comfortable with a bit of DIY setup, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus may be a better choice.