If you have time. Advice would be amazing

[Enquiries]

Hello. I came across your you tube channel and can see you know a lot about this field. And would highly appreciate some recommendations if you have some time to help.

I am a video editor that only edits at home. I am drowning in external hard drives. So came to understand I need a DAS system as I don’t require all the features of a NAS and it’s solely me using the external storage.

I would love to have a quiet as possible unit. So 4 bay is more likely. But happy to look at 6-8 bays.

Currently after my research I’ve boiled it down to a

QNAP TR-004 ORQNAP TL-D800C
WD RED pro 24tb

Is there any better recommendations on what to do? I really do need a fast system for video editing.

Thanks in advance.

Daniel

[ed]

Since you’re focusing on a DAS (Direct-Attached Storage) and working solo, you're on the right track to avoid unnecessary overhead from NAS features. A DAS offers speed, simplicity, and reliability, especially when paired with fast drives and a proper RAID setup.

Quiet DAS Recommendations
From your shortlist, both the QNAP TR-004 and QNAP TL-D800C are solid options. Here’s how they compare and what to consider:
1. QNAP TR-004
* 4 bays, compact, and quieter due to fewer drives.
* Limited capacity (96TB max with 24TB drives).
* Affordable and simple, with software RAID support.
2. QNAP TL-D800C
* 8 bays, more future-proof with potential for 192TB (8x 24TB).
* Better suited for higher-capacity needs or multiple RAID options.
* Slightly larger and potentially noisier due to more drives and fans.
If you’re sticking with a 4-bay for noise concerns and don’t foresee needing massive storage in the next 2-3 years, the TR-004 is an excellent choice. For more headroom and long-term scalability, the TL-D800C would be better.

Drive Recommendations
The WD Red Pro 24TB is an excellent choice for performance and reliability, but it’s worth considering alternatives:
* Seagate IronWolf Pro: Slightly quieter operation and great for heavy workloads.
* Toshiba N300: Affordable with competitive speeds, but can be noisier.
If noise is a concern, opt for drives with a lower RPM (e.g., 5400) instead of 7200 RPM, though you may sacrifice some speed. Adding rubber drive mounts or a sound-dampening enclosure can also help reduce noise.


Alternative DAS Options
Here are a couple of alternatives within your budget to consider:
1. TerraMaster D8 Thunderbolt 3
* 8 bays, Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.
* Extremely fast for video editing workflows.
* Slightly pricier but more future-proof.
2. OWC ThunderBay 4 or 8
* Premium build, Thunderbolt 3.
* Well-suited for Mac users.
* Offers excellent speed and reliability for video editing.