M.2 SSD-Based NAS From Qnap

Qnap Systems, Inc. released the first M.2 SSD-based NAS – the TBS-453A NASbook.

Featuring a quad-core Intel Corp. processor and using M.2 SSDs for storage, the TBS-453A provides full NAS functionalities with RAID protection in a compact size, and can also act as a physical network switch and share network access with multiple users. With its compact, near-silent design, dual HDMI output, and 4K display, it can fit in anywhere to boost the productivity and connectivity of small offices.

“M.2 SSDs are now used in thin-and-light laptops and small-form-factor PCs. Remarkably small in size, they deliver high performance with zero noise and are expected to become more affordable as they become more popular,” said Jason Hsu, product manager, Qnap, adding “In light of M.2 SSD’s benefits, we are proud to present the industry-first TBS-453A M.2 SSD NASbook to provide users with a portable yet versatile NAS.“

TBS-453A NASbook front and rear

The TBS-453A is powered by a 14nm Celeron N3150 quad-core 1.6GHz processor (that can automatically burst up to 2.08GHz for CPU-intensive tasks) and dual-channel 4GB/8GB DDR3L RAM. It features 2xGbE ports and 3xGb switch ports that supports network switch and private network modes. These modes allow users to build flexible network environments to enhance workgroup collaboration by allowing connected devices to access files stored on the TBS-453A or to share internet connectivity. It delivers up to 112MB/s throughput per LAN port while being energy efficient, and supports AES-NI hardware-accelerated encryption to drive AES 256-bit encrypted transfer speeds of up to 109MB/s throughput per LAN port.

The TBS-453A is supplied with a compact AC adapter and supports a range 10V~20V DC input to meet various power sources. The RAM and SSDs are accessible for installation and upgrading. The TBS-453A’s storage is expandable by connecting an eight-bay UX-800P or five-bay UX-500P expansion enclosure.

The TBS-453A is also geared for rich multimedia applications. Users can connect it to a TV or A/V receiver to enjoy 4K multimedia content. With its two 3.5mm microphone jacks, a Line out port, a built-in speaker, and the OceanKTV app, it can also be transformed into an affordable karaoke machine or for use with diverse audio applications.

The TBS-453A comes with various applications to meet business needs and to improve productivity. By connecting a keyboard, mouse and HDMI display, Linux Station allows the NAS to be used as a Linux workstation to empower open-source software development and to allow users to run Linux apps. Qsirch lets users find NAS data amazingly quickly with its powerful near real-time full-text search engine. QTS Storage Manager provides a web-based snapshot tool for efficient data recovery, allowing up to 1,024 snapshots for volumes and LUNs in a NAS. The TBS-453A further offers a hybrid approach to virtualization applications. Virtualization Station allows users to run multiple Windows, Linux, Unix and Android based VMs on the NAS with a HDMI monitor and USB keyboard/mouse support (via QvPC technology), and Container Station integrates both LXC and Docker virtualization technologies.

Click to enlarge

Key specifications of TBS-453A:

TBS-453A-4G: shipped without M.2 SSDs
TBS-453A-4G-480GB: shipped with 2x240GB M.2 SSDs
TBS-453A-4G-960GB: shipped with 4x240GB M.2 SSDs
TBS-453A-8G: shipped without M.2 SSDs
TBS-453A-8G-480GB: shipped with 2x240GB M.2 SSDs
TBS-453A-8G-960GB: shipped with 4x240GB M.2 SSDs

Quad-core Celeron N3150 1.6GHz processor (burst up to 2.08GHz), dual-channel 4GB/8GB DDR3L-1600 SODIMM RAM (max. 8GB); 4xM.2 2280/2260/2242 SATA 6Gb/s SSDs; 2xGb RJ45 Ethernet ports + 3xGb RJ45 Ethernet switch ports; 2x4K-compatible HDMI ports; 4xUSB 3.0 ports, 1xUSB 2.0 port; 2×3.5mm microphone jacks (dynamic microphones only); 1xline out audio jack and 1x built-in speaker; 1xSD card reader

The four-bay M.2 SSD NASbook TBS-453A is available.