Introduction
Have you ever dreamt of having your own mini-cloud? A place where you can store, secure, and share all your important files with whoever you want? A place where you can enjoy your favorite media, games, and apps on any device? A place where you can experiment with the latest technologies and features without limitations? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we have good news for you. There is a device that can fulfil all these dreams: the QNAP TS-855X. This powerhouse from QNAP is not just an ordinary NAS. It’s a powerful and versatile solution that gives you unprecedented control and flexibility over your data. Want to learn more? Keep on reading!
Specifications
The QNAP TS-855X is an 8-bay desktop NAS with the following specifications:
• CPU: Intel Atom C5125 8-core 2.2 GHz processor with Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT)
• RAM: 8 GB DDR4 (expandable up to 32 GB)
• Storage: 6 x 3.5-inch SATA drives (for HDDs) and 2 x 2.5-inch SATA drives (for SSDs)
• M.2 Slots: 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4
• Network: 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45, 1 x 10Gbase-T RJ45
• PCIe Slots: 2 x PCIe Gen3 x4
• USB Ports: 3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A
• HDMI Port: 1 x HDMI 1.4b
• Audio: 1 x speaker, 1 x line-out, 1 x microphone-in
• Dimensions: 188.2 x 329.3 x 279.6 mm
• Weight: 6.52 kg
The QNAP TS-855X is a powerful and versatile NAS solution that gives you unprecedented control and flexibility over your data. The device features a fast processor supporting encryption, compression, and deduplication, a substantial amount of expandable RAM, a unique hybrid design supporting both HDDs and SSDs, two built-in M.2 NVMe SSD slots usable as cache or additional storage layers, three network ports with 10GbE connectivity, two PCIe slots for extra network or expansion cards, an HDMI port for connecting the NAS to a monitor, TV, or projector, and a speaker, line-out, and microphone-in for sound playback or recording.
The QNAP TS-855X has a suggested retail price of €1500, which is reasonable considering its performance and features. Of course, there are other NAS devices on the market comparable to the QNAP TS-855X. One of the most popular NAS devices is the Synology DS1821+, also an 8-bay desktop NAS. However, the Synology DS1821+ has less CPU power, less RAM, fewer network ports, no built-in M.2 slots, and no HDMI port. The Synology DS1821+ does have two eSATA ports and four USB ports. The Synology DS1821+ has a suggested retail price of €949, which is slightly cheaper than the QNAP TS-855X but offers fewer features.
Another competitor of the QNAP TS-855X is the Asustor AS6608T, also an 8-bay desktop NAS. The Asustor AS6608T has similar CPU power, RAM, and network ports as the QNAP TS-855X. However, the Asustor AS6608T has slower M.2 slots as they are only for SATA SSDs and not for NVMe SSDs. On the other hand, the Asustor AS6608T does have two HDMI ports and four USB ports. The Asustor AS6608T has a suggested retail price of €899, which is cheaper than the QNAP TS-855X but provides less speed for the M.2 slots.
Unboxing
In this chapter, we will unbox the QNAP TS-855X and show you what’s inside the package. We will also discuss the physical features and connections of the device. Let’s get started!
The QNAP TS-855X comes in a sturdy cardboard box with the QNAP logo and model name on the front. The specifications, features, and contents of the package are listed on the sides of the box. The box weighs about 8 kg, so you might need some assistance to carry it.
Upon opening the box, you will see a foam layer that protects the device from shocks and impacts. You should carefully remove this layer to access the device. Underneath the device, you will find a smaller box containing accessories such as the power cable, network cables, keys for the drive trays, screws for the drives, a quick start guide, and a warranty card.
The device itself features a sturdy metal casing with a black finish. It has dimensions of 188.2 x 329.3 x 279.6 mm and weighs 6.52 kg. It boasts a simple yet elegant design, with the QNAP logo and a status LED at the front. On the front, you will also see six 3.5-inch drive trays and two 2.5-inch drive trays at the top. Each drive tray has a locking mechanism and an LED indicator for drive activity and health. You can easily open the drive trays by pulling them out using the handle. You can then place your hard drives or SSDs into the trays and secure them with the provided screws. For 3.5-inch drives, you can also use the tool-less design by simply sliding them into the trays without screws.
At the back of the device, you will find a fan that ensures proper air circulation and cooling. You will also see three network ports: two 2.5GbE RJ45 ports and one 10Gbase-T RJ45 port. These ports allow you to connect your NAS to network devices such as routers, switches, or computers. Additionally, there are two PCIe slots where you can install extra network cards or expansion cards. To access these slots, you will need to remove the rear plates. Furthermore, you will find three USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports that you can use to connect external devices like hard drives, flash drives, printers, or cameras. The HDMI 1.4b port enables you to connect your NAS to a monitor, TV, or projector. Additionally, there is a speaker, a line-out, and a microphone-in for audio playback or recording. Lastly, you will see a power connector where you can plug in the provided power cable.
The package is quite complete with manuals, screws, power cable and network cables.
On the front there is a power button and USB-port with the button to click-copy. This means that if you plugin a USB-stick, SD-card into a USB-stick or such, by pressing the button, the drive will be copied to a certain folder.
The TS-855X is a bit different than other nasses. This one holds two 2.5 inch drives for SSD’s, next to the two NVMe drives which can be placed on the inside of the machine.
For this review, I use two Kingston Data Center Series DC500R SSD’s and six Toshiba MG09ACA18TE 18TB Hard drives.
The sides of the QNAP are clean, without any logo or anything else.
The most important ports are on the backside. Besides the two fans this NAS holds the capability to use a 10GbE port, and two 2.5GbE. Besides the 3 usb-ports the nas also has expansion slots for more nvme or even 10GbE possibilities.
The QNAP TS-855X has two expansion ports, one on each side.
Even more magic up it’s sleeve, the 855 can also use two NVMe slots for storage or caching.
Software
In this chapter, we will explore the software running on the QNAP TS-855X and the various features and applications it offers. We will also demonstrate how to install, configure, and update the software. Finally, we will share our opinion on the software and our experience with it. Let’s get started!
The QNAP TS-855X operates on the QTS operating system, which boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Based on Linux, QTS offers a rich set of features and applications for data management, backup, virtualization, multimedia, security, and more. You can access QTS through a web browser or a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the QNAP AI Core feature enables voice commands to control QTS using a microphone connected to your NAS.
To install QTS, start by connecting your NAS to the network and a power source. Then, press the power button on the front to turn on your NAS. Next, visit https://start.qnap.com on your computer and follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your NAS. During this process, you’ll set up a username and password for your NAS, choose a name and IP address for it, select a disk configuration, and optionally create a myQNAPcloud account for remote access. Once these steps are completed, you can log in to QTS using your username and password.
To configure QTS, access the Control Panel by clicking the icon in the upper-left corner of QTS. The Control Panel provides access to various settings and options for your NAS, such as system settings, network settings, user settings, device settings, security settings, and more. You can also utilize the search function to quickly find the setting you need. Additionally, the help function provides more information about each setting or option.
To update QTS, use the live update feature accessed by clicking the icon in the upper-right corner of QTS. The live update feature automatically checks for new versions of QTS or installed applications. You can then choose to download and install updates manually or automatically. The notification feature keeps you informed about the update status.
The QNAP TS-855X also offers a wide range of applications that you can install and use on your NAS. Find these applications in the App Center, opened by clicking the icon in the middle of QTS. The App Center provides access to hundreds of applications developed by QNAP or third parties. Applications are sorted into categories such as backup/synchronization, business, entertainment, development, or utilities. You can also search for applications by name or keyword and read reviews and ratings from other users. Installing an application is as simple as clicking the “Install” button and following the on-screen instructions. To conclude, the QNAP TS-855X’s software, particularly the QTS operating system, offers a versatile and user-friendly experience with a diverse range of functionalities and applications for enhanced data management and more.
The QNAP TS-855X offers a wide range of applications that you can install and use on your NAS. You can find these applications in the App Center, accessible by clicking the icon in the middle of QTS. The App Center provides access to hundreds of applications developed by QNAP or third-party developers. These applications are sorted into categories, such as backup/synchronization, business, entertainment, development, or utilities. You can also search for applications by name or keyword and read reviews and ratings from other users. Installing an application is as simple as clicking the “Install” button and following the on-screen instructions. To remove an application, you only need to click the “Uninstall” button and confirm the removal.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and useful applications available for the QNAP TS-855X:
• File Station: This is a file management application that grants you access to all files stored on your NAS or external devices connected to your NAS. With File Station, you can view, copy, move, rename, delete, share, or download files. The application also supports file compression, encryption, synchronization, and backup. File Station is capable of handling various file formats, such as images, videos, music, documents, or archives. Additionally, you can preview files using File Station, making it a convenient tool for organizing and managing your files on the NAS.
• Hybrid Backup Sync: This application facilitates data protection and sharing through backup and synchronization. You can use Hybrid Backup Sync to create backups of your NAS data to other devices, such as external hard drives, USB flash drives, other NAS devices, or cloud storage services. It also enables bidirectional synchronization between your NAS and other devices, ensuring you always have the latest version of your data. Additionally, you can restore from backups using Hybrid Backup Sync in case of data loss or corruption. The application supports versioning, allowing you to preserve and recover previous versions of your data.
• Virtualization Station: This powerful application allows you to run virtual machines on your NAS. A virtual machine is a software-based simulation of a computer that can run a different operating system than the host operating system. With Virtualization Station, you can run various operating systems on your NAS, such as Windows, Linux, or Android, and also run different applications on these virtual machines, such as Office, Photoshop, or games. You can access these virtual machines through a web browser or a mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, you can take snapshots of these virtual machines to capture their status at a specific moment and restore them later. Virtualization Station expands the capabilities of your NAS and allows you to experiment with different operating systems and applications.
• HD Station: HD Station is a multimedia application that grants access to various multimedia applications, including Plex, Kodi, YouTube, or Spotify. You can connect your NAS to a monitor, TV, or projector via the HDMI port using HD Station. This way, you can enjoy your favorite media, games, and apps on a larger screen. You can control HD Station using a remote control, a keyboard, and a mouse. Alternatively, you can use the Qremote app on your smartphone or tablet to control HD Station. HD Station transforms your NAS into a versatile multimedia or entertainment station.
These are just a few examples of the many applications available for the QNAP TS-855X. There are many more applications waiting to be discovered and tried in the App Center. The extensive selection of applications allows you to tailor your NAS to your specific needs and preferences, enhancing its functionality and making it a versatile tool for various tasks.
User Experience
I have been using the QNAP TS-855X for a few weeks now, and I am very satisfied with it. It is a powerful and versatile NAS device that meets all my needs for data storage, backup, virtualization, multimedia, and more. It offers a large storage capacity, thanks to the six 3.5-inch HDD bays and two 2.5-inch SSD bays. The device also provides fast network performance with its dual 2.5GbE ports and a single 10GbE port. Additionally, it offers plenty of expansion options with its two PCIe slots and two M.2 NVMe slots.
The device comes in a metal housing with a sleek black glossy finish. On the front, there is a power button, a status LED, and the QNAP logo. At the back, you’ll find a fan, three network ports, two PCIe slots, three USB ports, an HDMI port, a speaker, a line output, and a microphone input. The package includes a power cable, two network cables, a set of keys and screws for the drive bays, a quick start guide, and a warranty card.
Setting up the device was simple and quick. I installed six 18TB hard drives into the 3.5-inch drive bays and two 960GB SSDs into the 2.5-inch bays. After connecting the power cable to the device and a power outlet and attaching a network cable between the device and my router, I powered it on by pressing the power button. Then, I accessed https://start.qnap.com on my computer and followed the on-screen instructions to initialize the NAS. I set up a username and password for the NAS, chose a name and an IP address, selected RAID 5 for the hard drives, RAID 1 for the SSDs, and optionally created a myQNAPcloud account to access the NAS remotely. After completing these steps, I could log in to QTS with my username and password.
Some of the disadvantages of the QNAP TS-855X are:
– It requires a minimum of 16 GB RAM to run QuTS hero, which is an advanced operating system that supports data deduplication and compression. QuTS hero can also enhance the NAS’s performance and efficiency, especially with 10GbE or faster network connections. However, the base model of the QNAP TS-855X comes with only 8 GB RAM, so you’ll need to upgrade the memory if you want to use QuTS hero.
– The device can be quite noisy, especially when the fan is running at full speed or when the hard drives are busy with activity. This can be bothersome, particularly in a quiet environment or when trying to sleep. You can adjust the noise level in the system settings, but this may also affect the NAS’s temperature and performance.
– It consumes a significant amount of power, especially when under heavy load or when many devices or functions are connected or enabled. This can result in a higher electricity bill or a larger ecological footprint. You can reduce power consumption by enabling sleep mode or the energy-saving mode, but this may also impact the availability and performance of the NAS.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we find that the QNAP TS-855X is an excellent NAS solution suitable for both home and business users. The device boasts a fast processor, ample RAM, a unique hybrid design supporting both HDDs and SSDs, two built-in M.2 NVMe SSD slots, three network ports with 10GbE connectivity, two PCIe slots for additional network or expansion cards, an HDMI port for connecting the NAS to a monitor, TV, or projector, and a speaker, line output, and microphone input for sound playback or recording. Additionally, it runs on the user-friendly and intuitive QTS operating system, offering a rich set of features and applications for data management, backup, virtualization, multimedia, security, and more. Considering its performance and features, the QNAP TS-855X comes at a reasonable price.
However, the QNAP TS-855X does have a few drawbacks. The device can be noisy at times, particularly when the fan is running at full speed or during heavy HDD activity. This noise might be bothersome, especially in a quiet environment or while trying to sleep. Additionally, the device consumes a considerable amount of power, particularly when under heavy load or when many devices or functions are connected or enabled, leading to higher electricity costs. But to be quite honest, every device you use (intensively) will use a lot of power. One a bit more than the other.
Nevertheless, the benefits of the QNAP TS-855X outweigh its drawbacks. We are highly impressed with the device and would recommend it to anyone in search of a powerful and versatile NAS solution.
The QNAP TS-855X gets 5 out of 5 stars. It really deserved it.
