QNAP TBS-h574TX – NVMe Flash, Thunderbolt 4, Intel Core i3/i5, 10GbE – WHAT THE WHAT?

Posted on 29 May 2023 📧 Subscribe
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1 QNAP TBS-h574TX Flash + Thunderbolt4 NAS – ABSOLUTE GAME CHANGER!
2 Hardware Specifications and Ports of the QNAP TBS-574TX NVMe Flash + Thunderbolt4 NAS
3 What is EDSFF Storage? (Enterprise and Data Center Standard Form Factor) and what is ES.1
4 When Will the QNAP TSBS-574TX NAS Be Released?
5 Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

QNAP TBS-h574TX Flash + Thunderbolt4 NAS – ABSOLUTE GAME CHANGER!

Update Nov ’23 – The QNAP TBS-574TX is now known as the TBS-h574TX, to indicate that this system supports QuTS Hero, the ZFS software platform

Get ready for a thrilling expedition into the world of next-gen network storage. This year at Computex 2023, QNAP has unveiled an exciting new NAS model, raising the bar for the entire industry. With the introduction of their latest 5-Bay NAS, QNAP is redefining how we think about data storage and network efficiency, all while demonstrating their continued commitment to innovation and user choice. Yes, that does all sound a bit wanky – but I have to give QNAP credit here, the TBS-574TX is a very interesting-looking NAS indeed! As part of the Computex 2023 showcase, QNAP hosted a seminar event, delving into the applications and potential of this new NAS model and services in QuTS/QTS. But I am getting ahead of myself a bit. What exactly is the TBS-h574TX? And why is it something of a game-changer?

Hardware Specifications and Ports of the QNAP TBS-574TX NVMe Flash + Thunderbolt4 NAS

Straight off the bad, this NAS is something REAL special! The TBS-h574TX might be one fo the most intriguing pieces of hardware that QNAP have revealed in several years. Arriving off the back of the TBS-574X that was revealed at CES 2023 in January, this seems to be a newly Thunderbolt4 enabled model. Arriving with the bleeding edge EDSFF ES.1 SSD support (ultimately, built on regular NVMe SSD PCIe storage, but allows greater capacity, heat dissipation potential, hot-swapping and expanded surface area utilities to improve NAND distribution. Which equals more potential storage and greater performance as NAND distribution increases. The QNAP TSBS-h574TX features five storage bays of ES.1, but ramps up the internal AND external bandwidth tremendously, with the choice of an Intel 12th Gen i3 or i5 Processor. Alongside the PCIe Gen4 lanes and quantity that these processors offer, this also is what allows the TBS-574TX to support two Thunderbolt 4 Ports for local direct access AND external 10GbE connectivity (plus 2.5GbE thrown in).

At a little over 2KG in weight and just 60x215x199mm in size, this means that this insanely powerful compact NAS also has an exceptionally small physical footprint. It’s also worth highlighting that this system has fans (absolutely no way you would want these kinds of specs on a fanless/silent NAS – it would throttle/bottleneck in no time!), but they appear to be quite modest in size and likely result in a suitably diminished noise level too. With regard to memory, it will come as no surprise in these ‘memory scarse’ and ‘memory price spike’ times, that this compact system has pre-soldered memory, with either 8GB or 16GB as the default (non-upgradable) choice. There is yet to be confirmed at the time of writing if this memory is ECC or not. Here are the specifications we know so far:

Model QNAP TBS-h574TX
Software QuTS Hero (ZFS) or QTS (Linux/EXT4)
CPU Intel 12th Gen i3-1220PE 8-Core/12 Thread (Max 4.2Ghz) or i5-1250pe 12 Core/16 Thread (Max 4.4Ghz) CPU Choice
Memory 8GB/16GB of fixed Memory (Not ECC)
Drive Bays 5-Bay
Drive Interface ES.1 SSDs at 15mm height, or normal M.2 NVMes at 2280 with an adapter
Thunderbolt 4 Ports 2x, TB4 USB-C
10GbE Ports x1
2.5GbE Ports x1
USB Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10Gb) Ports (Also, 1-Touch Copy Button)

1x USB 2.0
HDMI 1x HDMI 1.4b
Power External PSU, 90-120w
Fans Twin rear fans, approx 40mm
Warranty TBC (Likely 3yrs)

Provisional speeds were also shown at QNAP partner event which they stated would provide a stable 1,500MB/s Read/Write.  The generation of the M.2/ES.1 slots is yet to be confirmed, but this is still very high for a TB over NAS connection:

What is EDSFF Storage? (Enterprise and Data Center Standard Form Factor) and what is ES.1

The Enterprise and Data Center SSD Form Factor (EDSFF) was developed as a response to the evolving needs and challenges of datacenter storage. It introduces a variety of form factors that outperform the existing SSD form factors, offering improved capacity, performance, scalability, manageability, along with superior thermal and power management. NVMe SSDs, with their flexibility and compatibility, are a preferred choice for datacenter storage. EDSFF form factors use the same NVMe protocol and PCIe interface, reinforcing their suitability for modern datacenters. A critical aspect of datacenter storage is the ability to consolidate and maintain flexibility. The E1.S form factor within the EDSFF family achieves this balance effortlessly. With its compact design, the E1.S (where ‘S’ stands for ‘short’) enables flexible server configurations within a 1U space, promoting optimal performance levels. It comes in four thickness variants, ranging from 5.9mm to 24mm, slightly longer yet broader than the M.2, to accommodate additional NAND flash for increased capacity. The E1.S form factor parallels the E1.L in terms of compatibility with a 1U server. The 15mm and 25mm options, although housing fewer drives per rack due to their asymmetrical enclosures, provide a favorable trade-off with enhanced power and performance per drive.

Set to spearhead the transition from M.2, the E1.S form factor is becoming a new standard in datacenter storage. The advantages it offers include:

  • Expanded space and enhanced cooling capabilities for improved server airflow
  • Purpose-built for hot-swap/hot-plug functionality across various devices
  • Efficient modular scaling of NVMe performance and capacity
  • Reduced system infrastructure and drive costs
  • Increased density and high IOPs, offering more IOPs per inch compared to the U.2 15mm

When Will the QNAP TSBS-574TX NAS Be Released?

As mentioned, THIS is a very interesting NAS. But this is not the first Thunderbolt4 NAS that QNAP has ever revealed (the TS-464T4 from Early 2022 for example, which is seemingly now cancelled) and we have still yet to see a true TB4 release from them. So, as exciting as this product looks – I will wait till I see it actually get released before I get my hopes up! I have been informed that they are aiming for a Q3 2023 release for this NAS.

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      85 thoughts on “QNAP TBS-h574TX – NVMe Flash, Thunderbolt 4, Intel Core i3/i5, 10GbE – WHAT THE WHAT?”

      1. Damn it MAN!

        It is not available from any of the QNAP partners, here in Belgium or Germany.

        I’ve even bought the TR-004 for back-up archiving, and started to collect high-capacity drives; in order to couple it with this, but I still can’t buy the damn thing.

        Was it actually released? Does has anyone physically been able to buy one?
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      7. This is pretty neat! I believe this is the first time I’ve seen a product with hot-swappable NVMe M.2 drive trays. I bet more products like this will be available in no time.
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      15. I’ve been watching the videos out of Taiwan (ideally before the PLA comes to visit) that mention “Thunderbolt”. As a Mac user I’m used to Thunderbolt way back (as a FireWire replacement). Is this current “Thunderbolt” the same technology (i.e. I can use it on a Mac) or is this just the term recycled and applied to different technology (the ports look very similar to USB C)?
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      16. Having seen the show floor photos for the cooling needed by these Gen5 M.2’s, I see little hope someone’s NAS enclosure will support beyond perhaps teaming with ONE specific physical form.
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      20. I would like to see more AI progression on their Photo’s. Right now it is quite querky. Showing the same person in the same outfit and nearly identical photos as two different people or people that are quite different as the same with out an easy way on the mobile app to seperate them from each other.
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      21. 16:15 Couldn’t Synology at least remove the protective plastic film off the front of one of their most expensive desktop models when it’s on display for the world to see ? This was a really great wrap-up Robbie and Eddie; thank you very much.
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      27. This is on elf the main reasons I have patiently waited before diving in ‘head first’ to NAS systems for storage, backup, PLEX and multi-media. I am waiting for all flash system with large HDD storage for long term backup
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      28. I am not sure about other use cases, but photo and or video editors do not need SSDs for cold storage. We are better served by a combination of HDDs and SSDs.
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      29. I want to buy a NAS the TS 464 is the one I have chosen however it was released a couple of years ago and I don’t know when the next version will be released, I am glad to see this video because it means that QNAP is active in developing new products I would like if someone could tell me when the product that replaces the TS464 is expected or if there is no remplace in the near future, thanks for your time reading this and if is possible your help
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      33. Looks like it would be a much better product if it was indeed a DAS and having true TB4. With QNAPS history of NAS security maybe it’s time they dropped it if they can’t manage it ! What would be the largest NVMe drives it could take right now ?
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      35. Great exclusive video mate! I don’t think QNAP gets enough credit for bold hardware innovation, I think they stand head and shoulders above their competition. Could you ask them if the reason the 2022 TB4 never made it was because of the Celeron processor not being able to adequately support Thunderbolt?
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      37. Robbie I will send you a request for (paid) guidance via your website, the work you are doing is essential to the future of the NHS; it will save lives. Thank you for everything.
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      39. The article header (“QNAP TBS-574TX – NVMe Flash, Thunderbolt 4, Intel Core I3/I7, 10GbE – WHAT THE WHAT?”) refers to I7 yet the article itself only mentions i3 and I5 processors. Will this NAS be made available in an i7 version as well?

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      44. Is the TS-464T4 released yet (It’s been 10 months since the 1/2022 announcement as of 11/2022). Is it possible to buy TS-464 without the Thunderbolt and add it later as an expansion card assuming it gets released at a later date?
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      48. I asked QNAP and they said “mid September”. This was regarding to availability in northern Europe. But perhaps it’s the same in other parts of Europe (and perhaps even USA) as well.
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      50. Oh also, this specific TS464 model is not selling in China, there’s another TS464C version on sale in China (with a completely different case and a slightly different spec. But this exact same 464 model is selling in Japan.
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      52. Haha, it looks like with your first review video you kick some retailers out of their comfort. You announce it too early..? ????
        Now they have to lower the price to the x53 and they do not like it. So they delay the x64.
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      53. I asked a qnap representative in Spain two weeks ago and he told me that it will be released at the end of July….. July is not over yet, I still have hopes….
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      54. I found a board with the Celeron N5095 processor in china, with 12 SATA ports. I would like to know if the card of this NAS would be similar. Is it possible to install Debian on this NAS?
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      58. Thanks for covering this topic. I found this discussion and your recent x53E video to be very helpful. Haven’t decided whether to take advantage of the better 453d price point or wait for the 464 with the preferred Thunderbolt interface.
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      60. ❤Only for fans over 18 year⤵️ Alles sehr schön. Aber zuerst zusammen die Nummern 10 und 1. Eine verwohntt.online Brünette und eine andere Blondine. Es wäre unfair, wenni ich 4 wählen würde
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      62. If was only that one, where is the TS-462, the TS-433, the TS-453 ? and I could mention two more, Nada, no where to be seen, in GPU world is called a paper lunch.
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      66. Cool vid! I just finished watching your other vid on this topic, but it did not click what u were saying until I watched this one. Ouch. Lol….

        Feel free to ignore what I am about to say…

        It’s a scam! If it is not thunderbolt 4, then they should not be allowed to market it as such! I am so happy I watched your video. It is essentially an adapter that converts a thunderbolt signal into an IP signal. That means….it’s not thunderbolt!

        I will share what I am working on/the problem that I am trying to solve.

        Problem. I create content. Running out of hard drive space. I would like a scalable hard drive solution primarily to work off of and for easy backup.

        Idea. During the course of researching, it was unfortunate that the multi-bay DAS storage solutions appear to have bad reputations or unreliable products. Soooo…I said….why not? Let’s consider the NAS as a solution. Okay….so what is the ideal solution…Well….

        1. At least 4 bays.
        2. Can hold at least 16TB hard drives.
        3. Can be setup as just a bunch of disks. (Note: I am too inexperienced to use RAID setups so I have a continuous backup idea that would be sufficient for my needs.)
        4. Be able to hold my old hard drives without forced formatting hence the reason for the NAS being able to be setup as just a bunch of disks.
        5. Be able to be setup as direct attached storage via Thunderbolt 4. Logic. I am buying a Thunderbolt 4 desktop when they become available. Instead of creating content on my desktop and then transferring the files to my NAS, wouldn’t it be easier to just do all my work directly off the NAS just by connecting to it directly via Thunderbolt 4 essentially using it as a DAS? What a great idea!?

        I’ll stop there as there were other factors for the ideal solution, but I wanted to at least share how your video just saved me alot of time, money, energy, and frustration! Good looking out!

        I believe QNAP, Synology, and the other NAS companies are starting to realize that although limited budgets, many of us small content creators have ideas about how we want to solve our hard drive/storage problems. Ultimately, it is an extension of our computer to have large drives that we can work from and followed by being able to easily do backups for when hard drives fail. And being able to watch 4k movies and connect remotely is really just icing on the cake. It does not make sense to buy a DAS because the icing is becoming more affordable.

        Welp….I do actually have more to say, buuuuuut just wanted to say thank u for sharing your experience! Good looking out.

        Gotta get some work done.

        I’m out….

        Mark
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      70. Thanks for always providing us newbies with great information! I am slated to receive my Mac Studio soon, which has built in 10gbe, so this unit will definitely be on my consideration list!
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      76. Excellent exclusive content as always. Just wondering, this has the same Celeron processor as the TBS-464 Nasbook however on that device is limited to 8gb RAM (vs 16gb on this one) and this has 2 M.2 slots and thunderbolt 4. Why is it possible on this device and not the other one if it is the same processor? Considering getting this instead and just using 2 of the highest capacity M.2 drives I can find as a more future proof device
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      80. For me, this really needed to be 6 bay NAS but I bet QNAP knows most people buy 4 bay NASes so they decided to allocate the additional bandwidth on that extra SSD or the 10GBe connection.
        Cannot blame them, but for my storage/redundancy needs this is an almost perfect device 2 bays short.
        For those looking for TB DASes, I have a 5 bay Terramaster one that has been working fine for ~1 year now and can pull up to 425-450MBs transfer rates with high performance drives in RAID5. You need to deal with a proprietary Windows only driver though.
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      83. Hi there, Seems that the saving of not having to purchase a Thunderbolt – Ethernet 10G adaptor makes this NAS potentially quite attractive. I’m a photographer (hobbyist but serious) and want to soon buy a NAS that I can edit on, so 10G + M.2 SSD cache seems to be the way to go. I have a laptop PC with Thunderbolt 3, so I can use the money that was going on the adaptor to buy the SSD’s/drives. Looking forward to this NAS coming out. PS: thanks for all your content – I’m rapidly teaching myself all about NAS and your videos are sooo helpful! PS: If I was not to choose the QNAP TS-464T4 what would you say is the next best thing (cheaper, not more expensive) for photo editing???, Cheers, Mark
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      84. *Note* – Apologies for the slightly fuzzy camera. Currently integrating a new Camera and lighting into the recording space and this new NAS release caught me off guard! Expect better picture quality and resolution in 2022! Happy New Year Everyone!
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