Exterior

The design is the same as with all other high-end QNAP models, but there is a major difference as the quality of the golden finish is absolutely fantastic and easily sets the TVS-46 apart. We just wish all other QNAP models had the same finish instead of the boring greyish one. External quality is top-notch overall, which is as it should be with such an expensive product.


Near the front bottom-left corner are the on/off switch and the copy button that surrounds a USB 3.0 port.


The LCD above the HDD trays has three LED indicators (Status, USB, and LAN) on its bottom-left side, and a button on the other side even allows you to perform several basic administrative tasks should you want to get the NAS' IP address, check on system temperatures, etc. The LCD screen deactivates automatically once the start-up or reboot phase finishes to keep energy consumption as low as possible.


A sticker on top of the NAS describes the HDD sequence, but it is useless since you can install the HDDs in any order after extracting them. The NAS will operate perfectly fine afterward.


A large sticker on top provides the cloud key you have to enter on start.qnap.com during the server's initial setup procedure.


As per usual for a QNAP NAS, only one of two sides has a vent through which fresh air finds its way inside.


The large fan grill in the rear takes up most of the real estate there. In the top-left corner are the AC receptacle and a small fan grill for the PSU's 40 mm fan. Opposite it is the expansion slot for an optional 10 GbE port, and a little below the port are all the I/O ports, a Kensington lock, and the reset button you will need a pointy object to activate since it has been put a ways into the chassis to make sure no one activates it accidentally.


On the bottom of the NAS are four plastic stands. These can be detached if you want to lower the unit's overall height.


We removed all trays to provide you with a shot of the SATA PCIe expansion card.


The trays are of good quality and feature locks, which definitely enhances physical data security. Their main problem is the lack of sound-absorbing material, so we might come across noise issues due to vibrating HDDs, which can be annoying.