NAS servers take go more than mutual among abode users over the past few years, providing a quick, easy and secure ways of backing up of import data. They are power efficient, assuasive even dwelling house users to run them 24/7, while configuring them is easier than ever thank you to companies such every bit Synology and QNAP refining their software over the years.

Compared to a dedicated server that requires a monitor, keyboard, mouse and of course a PC case, a desktop NAS is considerably more than compact, especially 2-bay and four-bay models, which are typically smaller than a shoe box.

Models such every bit the four-bay Synology DS415+ have less of a footprint than a standard ATX motherboard so nosotros don't imagine there are many users who demand something smaller.

All the same, back in mid-2009 NAS specialist Synology released the DS409slim, a tiny four-bay NAS outfitted with ii.5" bays and a one.2GHz Marvel processor with 128MB of RAM.

Around the same time QNAP came out with the SS-439 Pro Turbo, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom-powered NAS with 1GB of RAM, which naturally cost quite a chip more than than the DS409slim.

QNAP has since released an extensive range of 2.5" NAS products and by 2022 it was actually pushing the thought of SSD-equipped NAS boxes. The visitor's current 2.5" models include the $400 TS-451S, the $600 TS-453S Pro (formerly the SS-453 Pro), and the TS-453mini, which comes in a $530 package with 2GB of RAM and one with 8GB for $670.

Both versions of the TS-453mini are much more expensive than Synology's latest compact NAS, the DS414slim, which can be had for $300.

Given that deviation in price, it seems the Synology DS414slim and QNAP TS-453mini and aren't direct competitors. The DS414slim also has a tiny ane.78L capacity whereas the TS-453mini is a relative behemoth at 6.3L, so this isn't a directly up Synology vs. QNAP boxing, but rather a look at each company'due south approach to developing compact NAS solutions.

Synology DS414slim

For lack of a better word, the Synology DS414slim is cute. It's hard to imagine this tiny box as a NAS because it's only roughly twice the size of an Intel NUC and all the same it can adjust iv ii.5" storage devices while as well managing to fit all the gubbins that make it piece of work.

The unit measures just 120mm tall, 105mm broad and just 142mm deep, giving information technology a total capacity of only i.78L, while it weighs but 0.66kg.

Synology has always targeted the affordable home market with its mini NAS creations and the DS414slim is no different. Within you volition find a Marvell Armada 370 SoC at its centre, which features a one.2GHz dual-cadre processor. In that location is only 512MB of DDR3 memory, though Synology says this is the perfect amount for this processor and for what the DS414slim is designed to exercise.

Autonomously from being incredibly pocket-size, the DS414slim is an impressive looking unit offering a creative withal functional design.

From the front we spot a single USB 3.0 port for rapidly hooking up external devices such as a difficult drive. Above that are 6 condition LEDs which signal individual drive action, as well every bit LAN1 and LAN2 activity -- that's right, this little box sports dual Gigabit LAN.

Off to the left side we find more LEDs and the power push button. The condition lite is green when all is well, while the power indicator is constantly blue. The power button is tucked away downwardly the lesser of the left side panel and it has to exist held down for 10 seconds to initiate shutdown.

Later on the status LED/power push console the left side of the example protrudes out by about 10mm which creates more room inside but also gives the DS414slim a more than interesting wait.

The reverse side is much the same, though it doesn't feature the indentation for the condition LED and power push.

Underneath the DS414slim you will find a fan vent for a 60mm fan which features a number of different operating profiles. Synology has likewise designed a detachable fan module that makes fan replacement/cleaning quick and easy.

The fan itself isn't always active and features cool, quiet and low-power modes, and Synology cites a maximum operating volume of 21.8 dBA. Information technology also notes that when fully loaded with Seagate 500GB ST9500325AS hard drives, the DS414slim generates just 17.2 dBA when left at idle.

Along with the fan are four rectangular feet that enhance the unit roughly 10mm off the ground, which is important every bit the DS414slim draws in all of its cool air from underneath. For those who accept to place the unit on an uneven surface Synology has included a base plate, which they say allows for better ventilation and prevents strange objects from entering.

Around the back we notice dual Gigabit LAN ports, a single USB 3.0 port, a DC power input, factory reset button and a Kensington lock. Information technology's interesting that Synology decided to include dual Gigabit LAN on this budget model as we wouldn't take thought there was a need for failover and Link Aggregation support. Still, it'south nice to see that they were able to include these features at such a competitive price.