QNAP TS-101 and TS-201 NAS Servers

Assessing performance of components such as the QNAP TS-101 and TS-201 NAS units can be difficult. There are so many variables to consider such as the hard drives used, the hard drive configuration, network speed, router, switch, the size of network, well, you get the picture.  Nonetheless, we wanted to quantify performance in some way that would be relevant to our readers.  In this case, we kept network performance testing to a few basic tests considering the multitude of variables in each environment that can have a major bearing on individual performance.  We also measured power consumption of the two units in our current configuration.  Again, this is dependant somewhat on the hard drives installed, but should still provide a fair indicator of power consumption, which is a major characteristic to quantify as these units are both marketed as low power consumption devices.  With that said, below is a brief list of the hardware used in our tests. 

The HotHardware Test Systems AMD

Basic Network Performance Metrics Bandwidth Assessment

For our basic performance testing we copied a 2GB file from a PC to a network share on each device to measure Write performance, logging how long it took to complete the process in minutes:seconds.  Next, we copied the file back to the the PC to test Read performance, once again logging the time to complete the process.  We ran each iteration with the PC connected to a Linksys WRT54G router for 100Mbps testing and Gigabit testing was tested with a default MTU of 1500 while directly connected to the Gigabit port on the PC using the CAT 5e cable provided.

Overall, in our experience, Read testing was the strength of the TS-101, topping the TS-201 in both modes of operation.  Write performance, conversely, was a strength of the TS-201, leading the TS-101 in both configurations.  Once again, these are basic tests that are easily influenced by hardware and network variables.  With a proper Gigabit switch and support for Jumbo frames, both devices should deliver even faster performance, especially with larger files. 

Basic Power Consumption Wattage

As for their power consumption, both devices performed on par with the same hard drive installed in each.  First we powered up the unit and monitored power usage while the unit posted and then ran for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes the wattage was recorded, with both units drawing the values steadily at this point. 

Lastly, the units were left untouched for 30 minutes, allowing time for the hard drives to power down.  Once again, when the values were recorded, there was no fluctuations occurring at that time.  In the end, both units were quite similar in power draw, with the TS-201 being slightly more power hungry.  No matter how you look at it though, both units have an awful lot to offer while drawing less power than a low wattage light bulb.