QNAP Launches the TR-004, a 4-bay Hardware RAID Storage Expansion Device

[btarunr]

QNAP Systems, Inc. (QNAP), a leading computing, networking and storage solution provider, today launched the TR-004, a 4-bay hardware RAID storage expansion device that can be attached to PC or NAS via USB 3.0 Type-C. The multipurpose TR-004 can be used to add storage space to a QNAP NAS, and can also serve as hardware-based RAID storage for PCs and NAS. The TR-004 offers convenient cross-platform file sharing and high flexibility for users, acting as a high-efficiency and intuitive storage expansion option.

The TR-004 supports individual, JBOD and RAID 0/1/5/10 storage configurations. QNAP NAS users can use the TR-004 with their NAS, including setting RAID parameters and creating a storage pool by using the "Storage and Snapshots" app within QTS. Alternatively, the TR-004 can be used as an external storage device of the NAS. The TR-004 can also be used with computers to facilitate file sharing and exchange, and supports the exFAT file system. Computer users with limited storage upgrade options can also use the TR-004 as an expansion unit, and a specialized QNAP External RAID Manager utility (Windows/macOS) can help them view disk health, change RAID configurations, check logs, and update the firmware of the TR-004.



Jason Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, said: "The TR-004 is a new option for NAS and DAS expansion, with a single device being available in two realms. While existing QNAP NAS users can add storage space to their NAS with the TR-004, PC users can purchase the device, acquire a NAS at a later time, and keep using their TR-004 for maximum cost efficiency."

A DIP switch on the rear of the TR-004 can switch the disk configuration of the device. There are also status indicators, a one touch copy button and an eject button to make operations more intuitive. When the host PC/NAS goes to sleep, shuts down, or is disconnected, the TR-004 will go into the sleep mode and save energy.

For more information, visit the product page.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[XXL_AI]

it seems to have usb type c, why not power from there? it is capable of delivering 100Watts already.

 

[nemesis.ie]

it seems to have usb type c, why not power from there? it is capable of delivering 100Watts already.

Maybe it can be, but there are not a lot of machines or NAS boxes (yet) with 3.1 that can put out the required power I suspect, so they need to cover the use cases where the juice is not available over USB I imagine.

 

[TheLostSwede]

it seems to have usb type c, why not power from there? it is capable of delivering 100Watts already.

Yes and no. You're mixing up USB-C and USB PD, which isn't always the same. A USB-C device doesn't have to support USB PD, which might be counter intuitive, but as with much of the USB spec, not everything is logical.

On top of that, as this device has to be backwards compatible with already available QNAP hardware, which doesn't have USB-C with PD, you would still need a second power input option. This is also most likely why they supply it with a USB-A to USB-C cable, rather than a C-C cable.

 

[Octavean]

So I am guessing this will be about ~$400 to ~$500 USD.

If so, I like it but I can get the same or similar functionality out of something cheaper. In fact one can get an 8 bay RAID enclosure with USB and eSATA connection options and RAID 0, 5, 10, 50 for ~$330.

So this is nice but it really needs to be priced right,.....

 

[TheLostSwede]

So I am guessing this will be about ~$400 to ~$500 USD.

If so, I like it but I can get the same or similar functionality out of something cheaper. In fact one can get an 8 bay RAID enclosure with USB and eSATA connection options and RAID 0, 5, 10, 50 for ~$330.

So this is nice but it really needs to be priced right,.....

Fortunately not, it's £210 from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/QNAP-TR-004-3-5-Inch-Hardware-Enclosure/dp/B07K23ZJFN

 

[XXL_AI]

apple paves the way, others follow, not because they want to, they pushed.

on my current thinkpad & nvidia jetson xavier, I have PD, I love it. I'd like to have more stuff uses PD.

 

[TheLostSwede]

apple paves the way, others follow, not because they want to, they pushed.

on my current thinkpad & nvidia jetson xavier, I have PD, I love it. I'd like to have more stuff uses PD.

Right now it's about cost, it's not free to add USB PD. It adds at least $2-3 to the cost of a device and that doesn't include the power brick, nor certification costs.
It looks like a good technology that will hopefully become more common over time, but it'll be a very long time before it arrives on low-cost devices.

 

[Octavean]

Fortunately not, it's £210 from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/QNAP-TR-004-3-5-Inch-Hardware-Enclosure/dp/B07K23ZJFN

Well it seems that the TR-004 can function as a true expansion unit to extend the Volume in a QNAP NAS and that is noteworthy functionality. You can't do that with a 3rd party option so that is saying something. The price is also more reasonable then I would have thought at £210 or ~$277 USD. Not cheap but acceptable.

The last 4 bay RAID enclosure model I purchased was the Vantec HX4R of which I purchased two at the sale of ~$69.99 each.

There is an updated Mediasonic ProRAID 8 bay enclosure model H82-SU31 that uses USB-C and comes in at about ~$370.

One would also think that a QNAP TR-008 8 Bay model in the works.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Keep in mind that UK pricing includes 20% VAT/sales tax.