Review: Thecus N2310 - Storage - HEXUS.net

Conclusion

Delivering some of the best performance numbers we've seen from a PowerPC-based solution, the N2310 offers a good mix of speed, functionality and ease of use.

It's a great time to be in the market for a NAS. The industry's latest processor technologies are helping raise the bar for performance in entry-level units, an increase in hard-disk capacities has allowed for up to 8TB of storage from a simple dual-bay box, and prices are continuing to descend toward affordable levels.

We're expecting to see multiple high-profile players release low-cost NAS servers aimed at the home or small office in 2014. Tasked with meeting the storage needs of the modern-day consumer, each box will consolidate your data in a central location, make it available to all of your devices and promise comprehensive backup and security.

In an effort to enhance its own mainstream portfolio, Thecus has fleshed-out its range with the N2310. Available for £120, this is a dual-bay NAS that eschews some of the frills in order to provide home-server essentials at an affordable price.

Delivering some of the best performance numbers we've seen from a PowerPC-based solution, the N2310 offers a good mix of speed, functionality and ease of use. There's room for improvement on the software side of things and the unit as a whole could have been quieter, but anyone looking to take their first steps into network-attached storage should have this little box on their radar.

The Good

Capable performance
Slim, compact design
Simple setup
USB 3.0 connectivity
Low power consumption

The Bad

Could be quieter
No HDD spin-down when idle
Software feels rough around the edges

HEXUS.awards

Thecus N2310

HEXUS.where2buy

The Thecus N2310 NAS server is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

HEXUS.right2reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.

*UK-based HEXUS community members are eligible for free delivery and priority customer service through the SCAN.care@HEXUS forum.

HEXUS Forums :: 1 Comment

Login with Forum Account

Don't have an account? Register today!

Posted by deleted - Wed 08 Jan 2014 14:47

The only snag in terms of energy efficiency is the server's lack of support for hard-disk spin down, hence the lacklustre showing in our Extended Idle graph.

It's worth noting, also, that hard-disk noise can be bothersome. During use, we experienced noticeable vibration in the N2310 chassis, and though there are rubber feet at its base, the vibration did generate enough noise to become distracting. Adding to the frustration is the rear exhaust fan, which can't be manually toned-down through software and is too vocal for our liking.

I was pretty enthusiastic about the N2310 until I read that bit above. I've got a need for a NAS for backup purposes and unfortunately the only place I can put it is in a bedroom, so quietness is a major requirement.

Surely it'd be possible to do the disk spin down as a software update, and surely an improved model with a temperature sensing fan would be attractive to many. Heck, if there was a “plus” model with disk spin down and a fan that only came on when the disks were being used available for £140-150 then they can have my money now.

User Name
Password