Why my NAS is slow – backing up small files.
I reviewed the backup and identified there are ~400K files <= 1Mb. Not sure how many total files as I have not investigated. I assume the amount I have is what you mean by a lot.
Is the slowness with that many small files an issue for the NAS, the backup software, the USB drive or some combination?
When you copy a file to a location, you’re essentially copying the information in the file, bit by bit to the new location, as well as adding some data to the file, allocation tables. This information may include data such as start of file, end of file, size, etc. This data mutt be written onto the allocation table for every new file. (Quora)

Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?
What is the best NAS filesystem for small files?
| Where to Buy a Product | |||
|
|
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
|
VISIT RETAILER ➤ |
![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
|
VISIT RETAILER ➤ |
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 is used 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 HERE
UGREEN DXP4800 PRO NAS Review
Minisforum G7 Pro Review
CAN YOU TRUST UNIFI REVIEWS? Let's Discuss Reviewing UniFi...
WHERE IS SYNOLOGY DSM 8? and DO YOU CARE? (RAID Room)
UniFi Routers vs OpenWRT DIY Routers - Which Should You Choose?
WHY IS PLEX A BIT S#!t NOW? IS 2026 JELLYFIN TIME? (RAID Room)
Access content via Patreon or KO-FI
Discover more from NAS Compares
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.












DISCUSS with others your opinion about this subject.
ASK questions to NAS community
SHARE more details what you have found on this subject
IMPROVE this niche ecosystem, let us know what to change/fix on this site