Best NAS Home Storage Under $200 for Exceptional Performance and Reliability
Looking for reliable and cost-effective home storage solutions? We have curated a selection of the best Network Attached Storage (NAS) options under $200, ensuring both performance and reliability are met. These solutions offer features like RAID 5, improving data redundancy and performance while keeping the price tag manageable.
Introduction to NAS Storage
Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated storage device that allows multiple users on a network to store, access, and manage digital files. Unlike regular hard drives, NAS devices offer advanced storage management, data redundancy, and improved performance. They are especially favored by families, small businesses, and media enthusiasts who require large storage capacities and fast data access.
What is RAID 5 and Why is it Important?
RAID 5 is a RAID level that offers a balance between performance and data protection. It distributes parity information across all hard drives in a RAID group, which allows for continued operation even if a single drive fails. This redundancy ensures that data remains intact and reduces the risk of data loss. Additionally, the dispersion of system resources allocated to parity allows the remaining drives to handle reads and writes more efficiently, enhancing overall performance.
Top NAS Options Under $200
We have carefully selected three best performing and affordable NAS options that you can get under $200, ensuring a balance of features, reliability, and value for your investment.
1. QNAP TS-251B
The QNAP TS-251B is a cost-effective NAS that fits our criteria. It features a dual-core CPU and can handle up to 4 hard drives in a 2-bay configuration. While it does not include an onboard processor that meets the $340 range, it is a highly capable solution for those looking to manage small to medium-sized home networks. You can add more hard drives as your storage needs grow, and it supports RAID 5 for enhanced data protection.
2. Synology DiskStation DS1822
The Synology DiskStation DS1822 is another great choice under $200. It comes with a quad-core CPU, allowing for smoother multitasking and faster data transfer. This NAS supports up to 10 hard drives, making it perfect for large storage requirements. Its RAIDs include RAID 5, ensuring data redundancy and improved performance. With more drive bays, you can also expand it to support your storage needs as your collection grows.
3. Western Digital My Cloud Elite 4 Disk Station
The Western Digital My Cloud Elite 4 Disk Station is a sturdy choice under $200, featuring a quad-core processor and four 4 GB hard drives setup as RAID 5. This NAS is ideal for families and small businesses requiring a high level of storage and data protection. It provides reliable dual power supplies and is built to handle the demands of daily use. Additionally, its user-friendly interface makes it simple to manage your data and settings.
Setting Up RAID 5 for Optimal Performance
To get the most out of your NAS configuration, setting up RAID 5 is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose Your Drives
Select at least three hard drives of the same size and performance. Mixing and matching drives can lead to performance degradation.
Step 2: Install the Drives
Insert the hard drives into the designated slots of your NAS device.
Step 3: Configure RAID 5
Log in to the NAS device’s web interface and navigate to the “Storage” section. Configure the drives for RAID 5. Ensure that the RAID 5 array is set to replicate parity data across all drives.
Step 4: Test the Array
After setting up the RAID 5 array, test its performance and data integrity to ensure everything is working as expected.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right NAS home storage under $200 helps you achieve both performance and reliability without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a family looking to back up photos, videos, and personal files or a small business needing robust storage solutions, one of these NAS options can meet your needs. By choosing a device with RAID 5, you ensure data redundancy, which is essential for protecting your valuable information.
Consider the features, build quality, and user reviews before making your decision. Happy storing!