Comparing the Synology DS1517+ NAS and the QNAP TS-453A NAS
What can both NAS server’s do? Before I get down to which of these units is better at what task, I think it is important to know the things that BOTH of these NAS devices can do. So, whether you decide upon the Synology DS1517+ that was released in April 2017 or the older but well established QNAP TS-453A, you will definitely be able to:
- Host a Virtualisation or Container Platform – setup and run multiple VMs, supporting multiple Operating systems and enhanced by the Docker app, Container Station
- Full access to your media from mobile devices, PC, Laptop and console devices
- The QNAP arrives with a remote control
- The Synology arrives with an expandable PCIe slot of m.2 cache, 10GBe and more options open to you later
- The QNAP has dual HDMI ports for direct media access for your HDMI enabled 1080p and 4K TV
- The Synology can be upgraded by upto 16GB of DDR3 Memory, whereas the Synology can only reach heights of 8GB
- Serve as a cross platform service – bridging connections and transfers of files between Mac and Windows systems over the network
- Heavily support background data checks and comprehensive snapshot technology meaning you will have an equal amount of backup options whichever you go for. As well as migration, connection and interaction with existing cloud services like dropbox, Google Drive ElephantDrive
- Create a comprehensive Surveillance solutions, supporting multiple IP cameras and even arriving with some licences included
- Access exactly the same NAS OS that is updated regularly and has a huge app store to really customise your setup to make it your own
What are the Pros and Cons of the DS1517+ Synology NAS release?
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VALUE Although this might not be the cheapest 5-Bay NAS in the market, the Synology DS1517+ NAS is the go-to NAS server for Mac users, those who want a streamlined and user-friendly UI and most importantly of all, the people who want a NAS that sits there doing the job it needs and don;t want to tinker. An excellent NAS server and some fantastic product output buy the joint best NAS providers of 2017. FEATURES The remarkably powerful Quad-Core CPU that the DS1517+ arrives with is an excellent multi-tasking and single task NAS. Those who are familiar with the Synology software and the Synology range will take one look at this unit and what it can do and fall in love! Also, arriving with either 2GB or 8GB or DDR3 memory (which can be expanded further to 16GB!!!) whatever you did in your previous desktop Synology NAS, the DS1517+ and DS1817+ will do it better! PERFORMANCE With this being the highest powered Synology Desktop NAS yet (if you overlook the DS3617xs) then it won;t come as a shock that the DS1517+ and DS1817+ are two of the best performing NAS ever released from Synology. Whatever you need your NAS to do, however you need it to perform, this unit can do it. And don’t forget that to expand your storage, you can always use two of the DX517 Synology NAS Expansion devices to add an extra 10 HDD to your storage capacity. This can be independent storage, one GIANT RAID combining all potential 15 HDD bays, or used as a synchronised backup from the NAS to the expansion. A terrific and full featured NAS server DESIGN If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! That is the motto of Synology by the look of their chassiS design this last few years and in the DS1517+ NAS from Synology, this is kept in check! A great combination of metal and plastic where it count, this unit much like it’s predecessor (the DS1515+) factors like noise and heat are kept low and this enclosure definitely ticks the boxes for all the Mac users out there – plus looks really nice on your desk! Not exactly vital, but in an age of modern design, a welcome addition |
VALUE If you are of a mind to upgrade more, to tinker with the hardware, to play with your device in the settings, direct access and generally are of a slightly more technical mind, then the Synology DS1517+ might seen a little too expensive for what you get. For you, I recommend the QNAP TVS-671, TVS-673 or the TVS-682. All 6-Bays and all in a similar price range to the DS1517+ NAS FEATURES Synology NAS still lack functions like HDMI, LCD, DAS connectivity, Thunderbolt, remote controls and more. A little bit of a pity that we are still yet to see more action from Synology on this, as QNAP really dominate on these areas PERFORMANCE Because the DS1517+ NAS is a closed system (no direct access), all performance and application use is limited to network only. Of course, given the improved encryption system ‘AES-NI’ in use and all login and access permissions and credentials are checked constantly and the BTRFS file system for background checks and snapshots, this is only a partial disadvantage DESIGN features like a lack of LCD, remote control and one touch copy button will put some users off – if you need these features, then then QNAP TVS-473 may well be the NAS server for you
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What are the Pros and Cons of the older TS-453A QNAP NAS release?
VALUE This NAS is designed with multitasking and can handly VMWare, Plex, KODI, Emby, Surveillance over IP Cameras and more, as well as arriving with DUAL OS Linux Setup as you wish and a remote control and dual HDMI IN 1080p and 4K transcoding. Hard to argue with that kind of ability FEATURES In terms of Price vs Ability, you will struggle to find a better NAS – the QNAP TS-x53a Series is easily the best QNAP NAS of 2016 for us at PERFORMANCE This NAS is designed with multitasking and can handly VMWare, Plex, KODI, Emby, Surveillance over IP Cameras and more, as well as arriving with DUAL OS Linux Setup as you wish and a remote control and dual HDMI IN 1080p and 4K transcoding. Hard to argue with that kind of ability DESIGN Combination of metal and plastic, this QNAP NAS is designed to fit in both an office and home environment – very compact yet functional |
VALUE Just a shame that there isn’t a Pentium or Intel i3 version available FEATURES The CPU is not as powerful as the Pentium CPU in the latest WD PR4100 and others but this is so much lower in price PERFORMANCE Once again, there are bigger and better CPUs out there and this NAS is not quite suitable if you want PLEX 1080p transcoding on EVERYTHING (though it can handle 1080p HD it may struggle with high bitrate or dense media unlike an i7 CPU) DESIGN As it is mostly metallic, it is a pinch noiser than a whole plastic version
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