The QNAP TS-453B NAS vs the TS-453A NAS – OId vs New in this QNAP 4-Bay Faceoff

Rob Andrews

7 years ago

Contents hide

1 Comparing the 2015 QNAP TS-453A and the 2017 TS-453B NAS

2 What are the Pros and Cons of the QNAP TS-453A NAS released in 2015?

3 What are the Pros and Cons of the QNAP TS-453B NAS released in 2017?

4 Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Comparing the 2015 QNAP TS-453A and the 2017 TS-453B NAS

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 QNAP NAS devices can do. So, whether you decide upon the QNAP TS-453A-4G NAS or the QNAP TS-453B-4G, you will definitely be able to:

Host a Virtualisation Platform – setup and run multiple VMs, supporting multiple Operating systems and enhanced by the Docker app, Container Station
Create a standalone PC with the additional of a keyboard, mouse and monitor
Both units arrive with a remote to maximize the media uses of that HDMI port
Serve as a cross platform service – bridging connections and transfers of files between Mac and Windows systems over the network
Heavily support RTRR 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 QNAP TS-453A NAS released in 2015?

VALUE

Still one of the best NAS servers out there – Cost wise it is VERY well placed and will continue to be one of the best NAS devices we will recommend you to buy throughout 2017..

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 the year for us .!

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.

What are the Pros and Cons of the QNAP TS-453B NAS released in 2017?

VALUE

Arriving with the ability to do almost any currently generation NAS task, the TS-453B is certainly in our top 5 4-Bay NAS servers of 2017. If you need a NAS to do that tasks you need and want to ensure you get the most for your money, look no further than this plucky little 4-Bay NAS from QNAP.

FEATURES

When I first saw the specs and connections of this NAS I was genuinely impressed by it’s covering of numerous NAS applications and tasks. Only the TS-453A has ever left me equally impressed in terms of Cost vs Value of hardware. I cannot recommend it enough. With features like Dual HDMI, DUAL LAN, PCIe Slot, SD Card reader, Quick Connect DAS, one touch USB 3.0 Copy, Hot Swapping, new and improved remote control and more. This is fast becoming the home and SMB NAS to beat in 2017!

PERFORMANCE

Using the new Intel Celeron J series CPU and 4/8GB of RAM means that it will handle most of the popular NAS tasks required of it. Functions, services and applications like Plex, Kodi over HDMI in Linux Station, VMs, standalone surveillance, all RAID levels, DLNA support, apple time machine, Mac and Windows full RTRRR, QVR Pro Beta are all possible with the TS-453B and can be set up quickly and easily!

DESIGN

This great NAS for 2017 is easily a stand out model in terms of ability and hardware inside. But one factor that is often a controversial one is the chassis. For many the fact the TS-453B casing is mostly plastic is a put off. However it still maintains an excellent temperature, low noise and with the removable front panel (much like the Synology DS216+II) it is a closed system. Until you need access to the tooless HDD trays and hot swapping occasionally. In this way the TS-453B is as versatile and able as any other NAS.

VALUE

Again, those with 4K File editing on the fly, Thunderbolt connectivity and enterprise level use in mind, maybe spend the extra £500-2000 and buy a TVS-1282T from QNAP NAS.

FEATURES

Only 2x LAN on this 4-Bay NAS, but you can add more with the PCIe. Aside from that and the lack of a Thunderbolt 3 connectivity option for MacBook Pro users are the only faults I can find!

PERFORMANCE

Many more advanced PC users will want to consider devices featuring i5 and i7 Intel CPU NAS servers as they have 1 or 2 very high end tasks in mind. Though the TS-453B is a fantastic device, it is designed to do many, many things well. If you have 1 or 2 things that need to be done to an enterprise standard, maybe look at the TVS-473.

DESIGN

Despite the NAS doing everything you need, some will prefer the metal chassis and tray design of the QNAP TS-453A.

📧 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 🔔

🔒 Join Inner Circle

Get an alert every time something gets added to this specific article!

Want to follow specific category? 📧 Subscribe

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.

Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.

TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions

If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.