Introduction

We would like to thank QNAP for supplying the review sample.



The fresh TS-451+ uses a much stronger four-core CPU and comes in two versions with either 2 GB and 8 GB of memory, while its predecessor uses a dual-core CPU and features either 1 GB or 4 GB. Considering the TS-451's high performance, these changes alone show potential. Another major, visual difference between the older and newer version is the black finish since the older TS-451 has a white finish. Some of you, including ourselves, would prefer the white finish still; however, QNAP apparently sought to visually set the new version apart from its predecessor.

The TS-451+ caters to enthusiast home users, which is why it not only has an HDMI port, but an IR remote control to easily control it through HD Station and via its built-in IR receiver. Its Intel CPU can also easily handle up to 1080p multimedia content, and its HDMI port allows it to pass 7.1 channel audio on to your home theater's amplifier. The TS-451+ even transcodes Full HD videos on the fly should you want to stream to such devices as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Another interesting feature of this NAS is that you can expand its capacity with a UX-800P expansion unit for up to 12 HDDs, though the TS-451 is also compatible with the UX-800P.

Like all mid- and high-end NAS servers from QNAP, the TS-451+ uses QNAP's QvPC technology, so connect it to a monitor and plug in a keyboard and a mouse and you can use it as a normal PC with Windows or any other operating system and your favorite applications. It might not be a strong PC, especially with a Windows OS, but you will have a ton of storage space at your fingertips. You can also use this NAS as an Internet PC and surf the web through Chrome of Firefox with HD Station or watch multimedia content with Kodi, a media player formerly known as XBMC. As you will have noticed, this small black box hides more than meets the eye, and in this review, we will explore many of its capabilities, along with what new features and upgrades QTS 4.2 has on offer.