SSD Cache config for QNAP TS-x62-4G

[Enquiries]

I would like to extend my QNAP TS-262-4G with SSD Cache but unsure how big and how many M.2 SSD drives I should buy. Twice 1TB is a good idea? Or should it be a single 2TB? Or twice 2TB? Or a single 4TB?

The official QNAP table is very confusing for me, 2TB is indicated with a dash. Maybe it's not supported? I have go either less or more?

Would like to optimize a little bit more for performance than for price. The NAS is used for Time Machine backups and for Plex.

[lyly19]

We recommend choosing 2 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSDs (if supported) to optimize performance and ensure compatibility with the QNAP TS-262-4G.

[ed]

Thank you for your email! I understand you're looking to extend your QNAP TS-262-4G with SSD Cache and are considering the best SSD configuration for performance.

For your use case with Time Machine backups and Plex, optimizing for performance is a great approach. Here are a few points to consider when deciding on the SSD configuration:

1TB SSDs (x2): This option gives you flexibility and redundancy, with two smaller SSDs in a RAID 1 setup. You’ll get better read/write speeds compared to a single SSD, while also having the benefit of data redundancy in case one drive fails. This option fits within your budget and offers a solid performance boost for both backups and Plex streaming.

2TB SSD (x1): A single 2TB SSD could work well for your needs if you prefer to keep things simple. However, keep in mind that a single drive won’t provide redundancy. The official QNAP support table may indicate compatibility issues with 2TB SSDs, but this typically applies to specific models or brands, so it's worth double-checking the compatibility of the drive you're considering.

2TB SSDs (x2): This option is ideal if you're planning for high performance and additional storage. The extra capacity would be useful for larger Plex libraries and more Time Machine backups. The RAID 1 setup would also ensure redundancy.

4TB SSD (x1): A single 4TB SSD would provide the largest storage and performance, but without redundancy, which could be a risk if the drive fails. Since you're looking for performance optimization, the 4TB SSD could be a good fit if you prioritize capacity over redundancy. However, the price might exceed your budget.

My Recommendation:
Given your budget of around GBP 350 (USD 425), I’d recommend going for two 1TB SSDs in RAID 1 for a balance of performance, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness. If you find that the price difference between 1TB and 2TB is minimal, then two 2TB SSDs would provide you with more future-proofing for your storage needs.

[fishingtested]

Thank you for your email! I understand you're looking to extend your QNAP TS-262-4G with SSD Cache and are considering the best SSD configuration for performance.
For your use case with Time Machine backups and Plex, optimizing for performance is a great approach. Here are a few points to consider when deciding on the SSD configuration:
1TB SSDs (x2): This option gives you flexibility and redundancy, with two smaller SSDs in a RAID 1 setup. You’ll get better read/write speeds compared to a single SSD, while also having the benefit of data redundancy in case one drive fails. This option fits within your budget and offers a solid performance boost for both backups and Plex streaming.
2TB SSD (x1): A single 2TB SSD could work well for your needs if you prefer to keep things simple. However, keep in mind that a single drive won’t provide redundancy. The official QNAP support table may indicate compatibility issues with 2TB SSDs, but this typically applies to specific models or brands, so it's worth double-checking the compatibility of the drive you're considering.
2TB SSDs (x2): This option is ideal if you're planning for high performance and additional storage. The extra capacity would be useful for larger Plex libraries and more Time Machine backups. The RAID 1 setup would also ensure redundancy.
4TB SSD (x1): A single 4TB SSD would provide the largest storage and performance, but without redundancy, which could be a risk if the drive fails. Since you're looking for performance optimization, the 4TB SSD could be a good fit if you prioritize capacity over redundancy. However, the price might exceed your budget.
My Recommendation:
Given your budget of around GBP 350 (USD drift boss 425), I’d recommend going for two 1TB SSDs in RAID 1 for a balance of performance, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness. If you find that the price difference between 1TB and 2TB is minimal, then two 2TB SSDs would provide you with more future-proofing for your storage needs.

Thanks for the quick help admin. I got it figured out!