The UGreen NASync NAS – DXP2800, DXP4800, DXP6800, DXP8800 and DXP480T (Should You Buy?)

Posted on 31 Jan 2024 📧 Subscribe
Contents hide
1 The UGreen NASync Series is Coming to Kickstarter – Should You Back It?
2 The UGreen NASync DXP Range Hardware Specifications
3 Who Are UGreen?
4 Why Would An Established Tech Brand Choose to Launch on Kickstarter?
5 How much will the UGreen NASync Series Cost and When Will It Launch?
6 Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

The UGreen NASync Series is Coming to Kickstarter – Should You Back It?

Arriving on Kickstarter very soon, the UGreen NASync series of devices is an incredibly bold move by the relatively small Chinese computer accessories brand. Arriving with some genuinely industry-challenging hardware, six different configurations, and a multitude of high-bandwidth external connections spread across them, and even rocking out a competitively priced desktop flash system, it sounds like the DXP series of devices is really aiming for the sun here! Today, I want to go through each of these systems that UGreen is promising, discuss the logic, perhaps, behind the choice of crowdfunding to fund the product, and try to help you decide whether this series of devices, coming hopefully later in 2024, deserves your data!

The UGreen NASync DXP Range Hardware Specifications

Ugreen is rolling out this new series of NAS devices across six different hardware revisions, which is quite unusual for a product being launched on crowdfunding but is understandable for an established brand. Clearly, Ugreen wants to present a very strong and confident front in this new arm of their hardware business (a great example of this would be looking at the brand Sabrent, who for a long time were chiefly associated with docking stations and storage cases but now have a comparatively huge presence in the field of SSDs and even memory). Each of the solutions that Ugreen is promoting here can be broken into the standard, plus, and pro series, with each device improving in storage capabilities, network capabilities, and internal hardware. Alongside the five hard drive-focused devices, there is also a dedicated desktop NVMe flash model, which benefits from the heightened internal and external hardware attributes of its larger siblings. That said, each of the tower starter models also features additional M.2 NVMe slots that have varying levels of bandwidth and speed allocation due to the choice between the three CPUs available: the N100, the Pentium Gold, or the Lakefield model and the mobile SoC i5 model. Let’s compare the specifications of each below:

Specification DXP2800

DXP4800

DXP4800 Plus

DXP6800 Pro

DXP8800 Plus

DXP480T Plus

Kickstarter Page HERE HERE HERE HERE HERE HERE
Kickstarter Launch $239.99 $359.99 $419.99 $599.99 $899.99 $479.99
MSRP $399 $559 $699 $999 $1499 $779
Operating System UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro UGOS Pro
CPU Model N100 N100 8505 1235u 1235u 1235u
CPU Brand Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel
CPU Architecture X86 12th Gen N Series X86 12th Gen N Series X86 12th Gen Intel Pentium Gold X86 12th Gen Intel Core i5 X86 12th Gen Intel Core i5 X86 12th Gen Intel Core i5
Cores/Threads 4/4 4/4 5/6 10/12 10/12 10/12
Memory (RAM) 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5 8GB DDR5
ODECC Support Supported Supported Supported Supported Supported Supported
Expandable RAM (max) 16GB 16GB 64GB 64GB 64GB 64GB
Flash Memory (System Disk) eMMC 32GB eMMC 32GB SSD 128GB SSD 128GB SSD 128GB SSD 128GB
SATA Drive Bays 2 4 4 6 8 0
M.2 SSD Drive Slots 2 2 2 2 2 4

The UGreen NASync series presents a choice of CPUs across its range, tailored to different performance needs and price points. The entry-level Intel N100, featured in the DXP2800, is a mobile processor launched in January 2023, offering 4 cores and 4 threads with a boost frequency of up to 3.4 GHz. Its low 6W TDP suggests a design aimed at energy efficiency, with a production process size of 10 nm, denoting a relatively modern chip design. Here’s a comparison table for the Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor 8505, Intel® Core™ i5-1235U Processor, and Intel® Processor N100:

Specification Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor 8505 Intel® Core™ i5-1235U Processor Intel® Processor N100
Product Collection Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor Series 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors Intel® Processor N-series
Vertical Segment Mobile Mobile Mobile
Processor Number 8505 i5-1235U N100
Lithography Intel 7 Intel 7 Intel 7
Total Cores 5 10 4
# of Performance-cores 1 2 –
# of Efficient-cores 4 8 –
Total Threads 6 12 4
Max Turbo Frequency 4.40 GHz 4.40 GHz 3.40 GHz
Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency 4.40 GHz 4.40 GHz –
Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency 3.30 GHz 3.30 GHz –
Cache 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
Processor Base Power 15 W 15 W –
Maximum Turbo Power 55 W 55 W –
Minimum Assured Power – 12 W –
TDP – – 6 W
Marketing Status Launched Launched Launched
Launch Date Q1’22 Q1’22 Q1’23
Embedded Options Available No No No
Max Memory Size 64 GB 64 GB 16 GB
Memory Types Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s, Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s, Up to LPDDR5 5200 MT/s, Up to LPDDR4x 4267 MT/s Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s, Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s, Up to LPDDR5 5200 MT/s, Up to LPDDR4x 4267 MT/s DDR4 3200 MT/s, DDR5 4800 MT/s, LPDDR5 4800 MT/s
Max # of Memory Channels 2 2 1
ECC Memory Supported ‡ No No No
Maximum Memory Speed – – 4800 MHz
GPU Name‡ Intel® UHD Graphics for 12th Gen Intel® Processors Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics eligible Intel® UHD Graphics
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency 1.10 GHz 1.20 GHz 750 MHz
Graphics Output eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1 eDP 1.4b, DP 1.4, HDMI 2.1, MIPI-DSI 1.3
Execution Units 48 80 24
Max Resolution (HDMI)‡ 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz 4096 x 2160@60Hz
Max Resolution (DP)‡ 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz 4096 x 2160@60Hz
DirectX* Support 12.1 12.1 12.1
OpenGL* Support 4.6 4.6 4.6
OpenCL* Support 3.0 3.0 3.0

This processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, ensuring flexibility for users in their system builds. However, the N100’s single-channel memory interface and the absence of ECC memory support reflect its positioning as a budget-friendly option within the NASync lineup.

In terms of connectivity, the UGreen NASync devices offer a variety of options to accommodate different user needs. The series features USB 3.2 ports, with some models including front panel Type-C ports that support up to 10Gb/s transfer rates. High-speed networking is a highlight, with models like the DXP6800 Pro and DXP8800 Plus boasting dual 10Gb Ethernet ports, potentially offering a combined 20Gb/s network throughput when used concurrently. Thunderbolt 4 ports in the higher-end models further enhance the possibilities for high-speed external connections and daisy-chaining of compatible devices.

Storage flexibility is a key attribute of the NASync series, with models ranging from 2 to 8 SATA drive bays, catering to different scale requirements from personal use to more demanding business applications. M.2 NVMe slots are included for faster, more modern storage solutions, with bandwidth and speed allocations varying by model, dictated by the choice of the three different CPUs available. This tiered approach allows potential buyers to select a NAS solution that matches their storage size and speed needs without paying for unnecessary additional capabilities.

Who Are UGreen?

Ugreen, a brand that has been around in one form or another for more than a decade, is chiefly associated with power adapters, computer accessories, and generally providing solutions to connect one device to another. In recent years, they have gained a fairly enviable reputation, featuring on a number of prominent tech platforms with moderately high regard for their solutions. Ugreen is not the first largely computer accessory-related brand to decide to try its hand at their own NAS solution. Partway through 2023, we saw the affordable consumer laptop brand LincPlus take to crowdfunding to launch their own dedicated flash NAS system, the LincStation N1, which just started to receive at the start of 2024 to mostly positive responses. Ugreen first revealed their intention toward an in-house NAS system partway through 2023, and although the system has since seen a few specification changes and even a complete naming change from DXP to the NASync series, they have been quite outspoken at a few big marketing events. Probably one of the biggest that they attended, and in quite a prominent display, was CES 2024 right at the start of this year with a large stand, promoting the majority of their products but with a particularly large presentation on their NAS solutions. Once again, this saw quite universal coverage and, I guess, I can totally see why a user would opt for a Ugreen solution if they have had positive experiences with them in the past. However, why Kickstarter? Why crowdfunding?

Why Would An Established Tech Brand Choose to Launch on Kickstarter?

It is a really good question! If a brand already has a long-running history of product distribution via normal retail outlets such as Amazon and Newegg, why would they suddenly choose to use crowdfunding to sell their new and ambitious product? 2023 and 2024 saw a huge number of new private NAS solutions arrive on the market via crowdfunding. Alongside LincPlus mentioned earlier, there was also the ZimaCube system from SkyWhale. This featured specifications not dissimilar in configuration to the Ugreen NAS systems. However, SkyWhale had two previous successful crowdfunding campaigns under their belt, and therefore it seems quite natural that they would opt for this model in their third release.

Source: https://businessmodelanalyst.com/kickstarter-business-model/

Discussing this with numerous brands in the past, the main reasons outlined to me have been the following:

One, crowdfunding allows relatively small and lesser-known brands to ascertain the level of popularity and engagement that they might achieve for a product prior to a formal release. If they promote a system’s capabilities (both hardware and software) and engagement is low, this allows them to not allocate large budgets that they can ill afford to a project that may perhaps be doomed to failure.

Two, a number of relatively small Chinese brands have difficulty forming marketing, distribution, and engagement with Western audiences. Not necessarily for reasons of language barriers either; this is the days of Google Translate, of course! Mainly, this comes down to understanding Western audiences, marketing on Western-focused social media platforms, and even understanding the requirements that that audience and its level of technological understanding need addressing. For a Chinese manufacturer to use crowdfunding platforms, they not only do it to garner money from the audience for their product but also to take advantage of an established marketing system, tools, and third-party supported social distribution that they neither have nor 100% understand. This can often lead to the crowdfunding campaigns perhaps being a touch overzealous in the marketing of a product that for them they do not understand implicitly, but this is certainly an allure for smaller Eastern companies to be able to distribute their product globally to a high degree of success.

Predominantly, those are the two main reasons that I find explained to me by Eastern brands that utilize the crowdfunding model to promote their product. I have both good and bad stories of server products going through the crowdfunding machine (read the full article here and watch the full video here on NAS Compares for more details on individual cases), but I do think there is a positive argument for why Eastern brands utilize crowdfunding to promote their products.

How much will the UGreen NASync Series Cost and When Will It Launch?

The UGreen NASync series is poised to make a notable entrance into the NAS market with a range of devices that cater to different storage and performance needs. With the Kickstarter launch prices set attractively at $239.99 for the entry-level DXP2800 and scaling up to $899.99 for the high-end DXP8800 Plus, UGreen is competitively positioning its products. The mid-range DXP4800 and DXP4800 Plus are tagged at $359.99 and $419.99 respectively, while the specialized NVMe-focused DXP480T Plus is introduced at $479.99. Post-crowdfunding, the retail prices, also known as the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), are expected to be significantly higher—almost doubling for some models, like the DXP2800 with an MSRP of $399 and the DXP8800 Plus which will retail for $1499. This pricing strategy not only provides an incentive for early backers but also underscores the value proposition of getting in early on the Kickstarter campaign. Nevertheless, THIS IS CROWDFUNDING and therefore not the same as buying from your usual retail outlet, be aware. UGreen is tapping into the growing buzz of middle-ground solutions between turnkey options from Synology/QNAP and BYO/DiY options that retire time and knowledge to build. If you are on the fence, there isn’t a tremendous rush, as crowdfunding officially begins on March 12th (see link below). We will be keeping an eye on this one as the weeks go on!

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      75 thoughts on “The UGreen NASync NAS – DXP2800, DXP4800, DXP6800, DXP8800 and DXP480T (Should You Buy?)”

      6. *Update on the use of 3rd Party OS’ on UGREEN NAS with hardware, with regard to warranty*: “The Ugreen team confirms that whatever is promised in their warranty policy will not change, which only covers the hardware. They also mention that there is a risk of damage if you install a third-party OS, including data loss and compatibility issues, etc.” – Ugreen Representative, 26/3/24
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      8. I do like the design of the devices but my next nas is a rack mount. Also that tray at 16:32 isn’t new, its a lift from the cooler master case which has a ‘half x’ case that looks like a cube, same tray almost exactly.
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      10. I get that it’s basically an industry standard to use eMMC, but with how cheap NAND controllers are, it bothers me that they’re still in use. ????
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      12. Completely agree with you on questioning the validity of the software, especially on Day One. I am a software program manager by trade… in my experience, most HW companies consider SW as an afterthought, which is a shame. I like many of the NASync components (i5 12th gen, 10 Gb connection, Thunderbolt connection) but without the 40% discount, going the DIY route may be a better (more flexible) choice.
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      15. Hey guys love this video, great to see a new NAS, went to buy one, maybe you would like to ask UGREEN why no shipping via kickstarter to United Kingdom
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      19. What’s interesting about this Ugreen NAS is, that, based on answer of their support team, it will only work in USA and Germany ????. “it can be shipped and used for German and US. however even if you can ship the item to slovenia, you also could not use this product.”
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      23. The UGreen NASync Series is Coming to Kickstarter – Should You Back It?
        Nope. Never back kickstarters. A matter of time before you lose your money. It’s a scam.
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      24. The UGreen NASync Series is Coming to Kickstarter – Should You Back It?
        Nope. Never back kickstarters. A matter of time before you lose your money. It’s a scam.
        REPLY ON YOUTUBE

      28. When they first put it up I emailed them some questions, it took them 2 months to write back and the reply was in Chinese, so no thanks lol you answer a english question with Chinese how will the support be on these devices.
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      30. I’ve been using kickstarter for a few years now and it’s not uncommon for companies to do this so its really not a big deal. It allows you to lock in the kickstarter price and join the fundraising campaign at any time up until the campaign ends. Your other alternative is not to pay the 5$ and just join the fundraising campaign after it goes live, the downside to this is if your life is busy and you forget then you might miss out on the special offer. If you pay the $5 you get extra time up until the very end even after they close the fundraising part of the campaign ends plus they usually send out an email remainder the last couple of days left. At least that’s my experience with kickstarter.
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      31. The DXP480P plus is really what I’m looking for in every way (full ssd, small size, power, etc). However, the OS is holding me back a little because I don’t know what to expect and whether it can be changed, and the manufacture because my experience with this brand has not been all good.
        I’m still very interested and intrigued
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      34. Seems too expensive even with the 40% off. Im thinking they jacked up the msrp to make the discount look good. Should be at least $100 or so less each to make it worrh it. Otherwise they look good.
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      37. Very tempted to return the Qnap 673a I just bought and get the 6-bay Ugreen. It’s a much more capable machine for less money. It would go very well with the new Minisforum MS-10, connected via Thunderbolt.
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      40. I’d like to share my takes on this:
        – the 5$ deposit could prevent scalpers. It works for the Steamdeck
        – some companies go Kickstarter to promote/fund products outside their usual range. One example that comes to my mind is the Cooler Master fanless Raspberry Pi4 case a few years ago
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      41. I do think there is a “gap” in the NAS market for a set of 8/16/24/32 bay 2.5″ SATA SSD based NAS devices (with possibly a couple of NVMe “cache”/accelerator drives for increased performance). For my use case (home media server), I’d like to see a turnkey SSD based NAS that could support a ‘large’ number of SATA SSDs (e.g. 8 x 4TB SATA SSDs, 16 x 4TB SATA SSDs, etc). I don’t need the performance of NVMe gen3/4/5 SSDs, their higher costs and the significant issue of dealing with a lot of heat generated by NVMe disks when heavily utilised. I know some of the main NAS vendors have previously released 2.5″ disk NAS devices but these were 4 bay and I’m not entirely sure if they supported SSDs. Plus I don’t want a 3.5″ bay NAS that I can then install 2.5” drives into. Come on QNAP, Synology, Asustor, Terramaster and now UGreen – fire up your “Design” team’s and come up with a small, sleek large number of bays 2.5″ NAS!!!
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      48. Very much looking forward to getting my hands on these.
        All flash version sure thing and also eyeing up the 8 bay, both with the intention of running TrueNAS on them.
        As you said, I very much think they are using KS as a marketing tool and possibly to gauge interest, but totally agree, this could also have happened through a pre-order based in their existing online stores.
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      52. One more thing. Synology and QNAP are both Taiwanese companies. But U-Green is based on the Chinese mainland. You don’t want to find yourself in another Xiaowei situation with the Chinese government spying on your personal data. I know it’s probably an aluminum foil hat thing, but something to think about.
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      55. Kickstarter can eff right off. Zero response to reports and complaints about the state of the Storaxa campaign. Basically KS took their cut and ghosted everybody
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      59. My hope is that their design/motherboard/chipset does support all those PCI-lanes, with so many options like TB, 10Ge etc etc.
        An issue was recently discovered on the Zima Cube pre-release model (eventhough that was model #2).
        PS: I do like seagulls 😉
        But they are considered the “rats” of the sky….
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      69. Hello, how about a more DAS-centric video/article? You did some DAS hardware reviews, but how about the software support (incl. filesystems and redundancy options) side?
        I’m actually struggling to find a good option for my QNAP TL-D800C (used as a DAS, not as a NAS expansion). I’ve tried Storage Spaces, unfortunately can’t set it up with ReFS (yet?). I’ve tried OpenZFS on Windows, as I like its data integrity stuff; it still work in progress. SnapRAID… not sure about its hashing/parity on demand. Running a NAS OS (or something ZFS) on a VM? Would that work? It would have been nice to have the main options on the table, properly described with pros and cons.
        What do you think?
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      71. Even though I have backed Storaxa, I think it is a scam. I would give it a 9 out of 10 chance of being a scam. I just really want to believe in it. I also see mixed comments, even from pros like NASCompares, that it is still possible, so I give it a small chance that I will receive the box in the end. However, somebody noticed in the comments under one of Storaxa’s updates – in their update #7 “Team Hello” video, I see the same green desk as in the “Thunderbolt 22-in-1 Dock with High Security SSD + HDD RAID” Kickstarter project. Video “Noise Check (35-45dB)” from the campaign page. The “Thunderbolt” project looks like a scam since there have been no updates since January 2023. Now, what are the chances that two “different” Kickstarter projects from China about “Storage” (NAS/DAS) have very similar campaigns, probably the same workplace (or maybe they just coincidentally bought the same green working desk and other desks BTW also look similar), are different people, and one of them is a scam and the other is not? Ok they might be copying each other in behavior. But desk… OEM’s workplace?
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      74. Storaxa is already late. They have promised delivery to start in April. Of course the campaign got more complex with the multitude of options, but still. It is a bad sign and people don’t seem to realize this.
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