QNAP TS-1232PXU-RP-4G 12-Bay 216 TB NAS Enclosure Review

The QNAP TS-1232PXU-RP-4G is a powerful 12-bay NAS enclosure designed for demanding users and businesses seeking high storage capacity and performance. This review delves deep into its features, performance, and real-world usage, helping you decide if this NAS is the right fit for your needs.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The QNAP TS-1232PXU-RP-4G is a high-end NAS solution that caters to users who require large storage capacities and robust performance. Packed with 12 bays, this NAS comes pre-configured with 12x18TB WD Ultrastar HDDs, offering a total of 216TB of storage out of the box. The enclosure boasts impressive processing power thanks to its ARM Cortex-A57 Quad-Core CPU and 4GB DDR4 RAM, making it well-suited for demanding tasks like video editing, large file transfers, and high-resolution media streaming.

Features

The QNAP TS-1232PXU-RP-4G is loaded with features aimed at enhancing functionality, security, and user experience:

• 12-bay design: Accommodates 12×3.5-inch SATA HDDs, offering up to 216TB of storage (with the included 18TB drives).
• ARM Cortex-A57 Quad-Core CPU: Delivers robust processing power for demanding tasks.
• 4GB DDR4 RAM: Ensures smooth operation and efficient multitasking.
• 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 and 2 x 10GbE SFP+ ports: Provides versatile networking options for high-speed data transfer.
• RAID support: Offers RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD configurations to maximize data redundancy and performance.
• QNAP QTS operating system: Provides a user-friendly interface for managing the NAS and accessing its features.
• Extensive app library: Offers a wide range of applications for file sharing, multimedia, backup, surveillance, and more.
• Virtualization support: Enables running virtual machines for added flexibility and resource utilization.
• Energy-efficient design: Utilizes power-saving features to minimize energy consumption.

Performance

I conducted various performance tests to gauge the TS-1232PXU-RP-4G’s capabilities:

• File transfer speeds: I achieved impressive file transfer speeds, particularly with the 10GbE connection, exceeding 1 GB/s for large file transfers.
• Multimedia streaming: The NAS flawlessly streamed high-resolution 4K videos without any buffering issues, even with multiple devices accessing the content simultaneously.
• Virtualization performance: I was able to run multiple virtual machines without any noticeable performance degradation, demonstrating the NAS’s capability for demanding workloads.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large storage capacity: With 12 bays and pre-installed 18TB drives, the TS-1232PXU-RP-4G provides immense storage space.
• Powerful hardware: The quad-core CPU and 4GB RAM deliver robust performance for demanding tasks.
• Versatile networking options: The combination of 2.5GbE and 10GbE ports allows for high-speed data transfer and flexibility.
• Comprehensive features: The QNAP QTS operating system offers a wide range of features and applications.
• Excellent reliability: The RAID configurations and robust hardware contribute to high data reliability.

Cons

• High initial cost: The TS-1232PXU-RP-4G is a premium NAS solution with a correspondingly high price tag.
• Power consumption: With its powerful hardware and 12 bays, the NAS consumes more power compared to smaller NAS models.

Final Verdict

The QNAP TS-1232PXU-RP-4G is a powerful and feature-rich NAS solution ideally suited for users who demand high storage capacity, robust performance, and advanced features. It’s a perfect choice for businesses, creative professionals, and individuals with large media libraries and demanding data storage needs. While its initial cost is high, the TS-1232PXU-RP-4G delivers exceptional performance, reliability, and flexibility, making it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize these factors.

Specifications