If you want to store data for business or personal use, we’ve got you covered. Here in our QNAP TVS-872XU Review, we’re going to provide you with all the essential details about the TVS-872XU.
QNAP Systems Inc. is an IT device manufacturer based in Taiwan that specialises in network storage solutions. They create notable products for both individual-use and businesses (NAS).
The company is among the leading manufacturers of top-notch NVRs in the world. Plus, they’re the top creators of HD network media players for small to medium-sized businesses.
QNAP’s TVS-872XU has a unique design for diverse business IT environments. It’s the reason why the TVS-872XU comes with an 8th generation Intel Core processor. The NAS sports the Mellanox ConnectX -4Lx 10GbE controller, plus a PCIe expansion for 25GbE/40GbE connectivity. These features help enhance extensive file sharing, virtual applications, or heavily-loaded backups.
The PCIe expandability lets you install graphics cards to authorise video transcoding and AI workflows. Plus, 4K HDMI 2.0 output displays surveillance videos on a television screen or monitor to better surveillance management.
Sounds like something you’d need? Or has the TVS-872XU piqued your interest? If so, we’ve got you covered.
Here on our QNAP TVS-872XU review, we’ll provide all the tidbits and detailed information there is about the product. These will give you an idea if the TVS-872XU is something you’d require for your storage solution needs.
But before anything else, let’s take a look at its packaging and contents included.
QNAP TVS-872XU Packaging
We received our QNAP TVS-872XU in a sturdy and durable-looking package. It’s thick enough to protect the NAS inside, preventing any instances of damages while in transit.
As expected, the QNAP TVS-872XU is kept inside the box while staying securely in its spot. All other accessories included are kept neatly in place, so you won’t see a mess once you open the box.
Aside from the QNAP TVS-872XU, other items you’ll find in the box include two Ethernet cables and a power cord. You’ll also find 32 flat head screws for 3.5″ HDDs, and 24 flat head screws for 2.5″ HDDs. Lastly, you’ll get the usual quick installation guide.
Next up on our QNAP TVS-872XU review, we’ll focus on the functions and design of the TVS-872XU.
QNAP TVS-872XU Review – Design and Functionality
On this portion of our QNAP TVS-872XU review, we will talk about the NAS’ design and functionality. Plus, we’ll give you brief details on its parts and how it works.
In front of the TVS-872XU, you will find the company’s logo on the top left corner. On the right is the power button, status LED, LAN LED, expansion unit LED, and drive LEDs. Its rear panel shows its Ethernet ports, PCIe slots, USB ports, a power input, HDMI port, and reset button.
This NAS allows for high-speed storage, backup, collaboration, iSCSI apps, and disaster recovery. It’s a comprehensive solution that guarantees high performance, flexibility, and business-ready capabilities.
The equipped PCIe slots give users the option to install 10GbE/ 25GbE/ 40GbE network cards for bandwidth-demanding applications, QM2 cards for more M.2 SSDs, and graphics cards for use cases that involve heavy GPU tasks.
Key Features of the QNAP TVS-872XU
This part of our QNAP TVS-872XU review is where we focus on the NAS’ key features.
8th Generation Intel Core Quad-Core Processor with 64GB RAM
The TVS-872XU has an 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8100 quad-core 3.6GHz CPU and DDR4 memory of up to 64GB. With that, the NAS performs better, allowing you to get more tasks done. It offers two 10GbE SFP+ LAN, four Gigabit ports, AES-NI encryption; plus, it supports SATA 6Gb/s drives. These excellent features make the TVS-872XU deliver outstanding performance while efficiently securing your data.
Dual-Channel Memory Offers Power-Smart Operation
The QNAP TVS-872XU supports the dual-channel DDR4 memory via four extended DIMM slots. When utilising paired memory modules, the NAS can easily leverage the power of the dual-channel style to enhance performance. You can also customise memory setups of the QNAP TVS-872XU for better operation. It allows you to handle aggressive-changing workloads like virtualisation.
Recommended usage of PCIe slots
The QNAP TVS-872XU NAS offers diversified PCIe slots. And to guarantee that SATA drives have adequate bandwidth, it’s necessary to only utilise low-end expansion cards. These include Wi-Fi adapters or cards such as the 1GbE NIC USB 3.0.
These low-end cards can be used with the PCIe 2nd Gen slot since due to its connection with the PCH. If you’re using high-end expansion cards like SAS or graphics cards, it’s best to use PCIe 3rd gen slots. The reason is that these slots connect to the CPU itself.
Dual 10GbE Connectivity for Quick Data transfer and VMware Virtualization via iSER
The two 10GbE SFP+ ports of the TVS-872XU utilise the Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx SmartNIC controller. These ports support the iSCSI extensions for RDMA (iSER) protocol, allowing data to bypass standard network drivers and socket layer. Also, it directly enters the memory buffers of the ESXi storage and server to reduce CPU workloads.
When the TVS-872XU and VMware server work together, it delivers enhanced read/write performance by up to 60%. Latency decreases by 50%, making it an essential tool for optimising virtualisation apps.
GPU-Accelerated Computing
Graphics cards often undergo optimisations for graphical transformations and calculations. The TVS-872XU has PCIe slots where you can place NVIDIA or AMD Radeon graphics cards. It provides several benefits for virtual machine performance and image processing. Doing this will result in an enhanced data-intensive AI machine learning.
Extended 5-Year Hardware Warranty
By default, the TVS-872XU comes with a three-year warranty with no additional costs. If necessary, you can extend its warranty by up to two years for an additional fee.
Enterprise-grade SSD Performance from Affordable SSDs
Today, small businesses and home users can boost their NAS’ performance with low-cost SSDs when using the TVS-872XU. The NAS’ SSD extra over-provisioning feature allows for distributing more OP space from 1% to 60%. With that, you can optimise random write speeds and prolong your SSD’s lifespan.
When you use consumer SSDs, adjust the SSD OP, then achieve enterprise-grade SSD performance. You’ll enjoy faster file backups, seamless multimedia experiences, and optimised apps for virtualisation.
Create an Affordable Fibre Channel SAN Environment
Usually, Fibre Channel SAN products are expensive. However, there are more affordable options to include your NAS to a SAN environment. Once you install an ATTO, Marvell, or QNAP Fibre Channel card, you can set a Fibre Channel Target. Take advantage of the benefits that the QNAP NAS offers such as Qtier, snapshot protection, SSD cache acceleration, and more. There are also Port Binding and LUN Masking features for an extra layer of data security.
Flexible Allocation of Physical and Virtual Network Resources for Straightforward Network Deployment
The Network & Virtual Switch app allows you to take advantage of limited physical network resources for unlimited virtual apps. Additionally, you can centrally manage the whole network structure via visualised network topology map.
Flexible management enables the reorganisation of virtual and physical network connections with ease. With that, you can distribute sufficient network resources to containers, virtual machines, and the TVS-872XU when necessary. Network deployment becomes simple as your network management efficiency improves.
Up to 128 Monitoring Channels in QVR Pro, Transcoding in Real-Time, and 4K HDMI output
The TVS-872XU’s HDMI 2.0 port supports 4K (3840 x 2160) 60Hz output. With that, you can use the HD Station to directly display surveillance videos and media files on TV or monitor. With the advanced Intel UHD Graphics 630, converting videos to universal file formats is easier. These features allow the TVS-872XU to provide high-res 4K (H.264) and 1080p video transcoding.
Optimised Collaboration with Smooth File Syncing and Sharing
The TVS-872XU provides central storage for data and files. It supports SMB/CIFS, NFS, and AFP protocols for file sharing across Linux/UNIX, Mac, and Windows networks. With Qsync, all files that you upload to your NAS will be available for linked smartphones, laptops, tablets, and PCs.
You can sync shared folders for sharing files within a group for better flexibility of collaboration and team projects. With File Station, you can manage these files, as well as those in mobile phones and optical disc drives.
QNAP TVS-872XU Review Specifications
This section of our QNAP TVS-872XU review, will all be about the TVS-872XU’s specifications. For its CPU, it sports an Intel Core i3-810] 4 core 3.6GHz processor. It has a 64-bit architecture, an Intel UHD graphics 360, and AES-NI encryption engine.
Memory Slots and Modules
The TVS-872XU has a 4GB UDIMM DDR4 (1 x4GB) system memory, while its maximum memory is at 64GB (4 x16GB). You’ll also find a total of 4x long DIMM DDR4 memory slots. However, if you’re doing a quad or dual DIMM setup, it’s best to utilise a pair of interchangeable DDR4 modules.
The storage solution features a 4GB flash memory with dual boot OS security. This TVS-872XU also has hot-swappable 8 x 3.5″ SATA 6 Gbps drive bays.
Compatibility, Ports, and Power
When speaking of its drive compatibility, the TVS-872XU works with a 3.5″ SATA hard disk drive. It’s compatible with a 2.5″ SATA hard disk drive and 2.5″ SATA solid-state drive. QNAP integrated two 10GbE SFP+ SmartNIC Ethernet ports, plus four RJ45 Ethernet ports as well.
USB availability includes two Type-C USB 3.1 2nd Gen 5V/3A 10Gbps. Additionally, It comes with four Type-A USB 3.1 2nd gen 5V/1A 10Gbps. There are four PCIe slots wherein Slot 1 – x4 PCIe 2nd Gen (PCH). Slot 2 – x8 PCIe 3rd Gen CPU, and Slot 3 – x4 PCIe 3rd Gen CPU. The Slot 4 – x4 PCIe 3rd Gen CPU comes preinstalled with a single 10GbE network adapter.
The storage solution utilises a 360W power supply unit that’s 100 to 240V. Aside from that, it consumes 76.8W while operating, with WD-10-EFRX fully populated drives.
Dimensions
This 2U rackmount TVS-872XU has a 2.0 HDMI output of up to 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz. Plus, its overall temperature ranges from 0 to 40-degrees Celsius. Lastly, the unit measures 3.48 (H) x 18.98 (W) x 22.13 (D) inches. It weighs a total of 24.1lbs.
Our next section on this QNAP TVS-872XU review is all about getting hands-on with the TVS-871XU.
Hands-on with the QNAP TVS-872XU
In this section of our QNAP TVS-872XU review, let’s talk about how the NAS performed. We’re going to talk about the software it uses to work effectively as well.
The QNAP TVS-872XU has a design made for business IT environments. Because of it combined with its excellent features, it was able to share our large files seamlessly. Intensive data transfers were as notable, and we didn’t experience any issues while trying it out.
As usual, we highly recommend that you install quality hard drives that are designed specifically for NAS usage. We opt for the Seagate IronWolf hard drives which is what we installed in the TVS-872XU. The Seagate IronWolf drives come in at a very affordable price but they are also designed for use within NAS enclosures. This ensures that your data remains safe on the drives and greatly reduces the risk of drive failures. By installing the IronWolf’s in a RAID configuration you will also get the added benefit of some disk redundancy should anything ever happen to one of the drives or the NAS.
SSD Cache Acceleration
The goal of enabling the SSD cache is for boosting the performance of random access. It’s aimed towards a tiny area of data that’s often accessible via storage space.
An example would be with large write operations / sequential reads – such as high-definition video streaming – and random data reading patterns. These lack re-reading patterns, thus, won’t benefit from SSD caching.
When it comes to general applications, it’s necessary to allow the Skip Sequential I/O option. It’s to enable sequential I/O to pass through drives of storage spaces.
The QNAP SSD cache technology is established on disk I/O reading caches. Once the Turbo NAS’ applications access the hard drive/s, all data will be within the SSD. Once the apps access the same data the second time, these will be read via the SSD cache.
The most commonly accessed data are within the SSD cache. On the other hand, the hard drive is only accessible once data from the SSD can’t be found.
Two Variants of the SSD Cache
The SSD cache can highly improve random access performance. It’s possible by keeping frequently accessed data and information on the SSD cache. Here, you can mount the SSD cache on an iSCSI LUN (block-level) or volume.
Generally, there are two kinds of SSD cache: the read-only cache and the read-write cache.
The read-only cache can have 1 to 12 SSDs that are mountable to a RAID 0 or basic configuration. It’s to better the random read performance of the storage space where it’s fixed. Do note that the SSD read-only cache keeps copies of information from the volume. With that, there won’t be any data losses even if the read-only cache crashes.
For the read-write cache, this can be fixed to RAID 1, 5, or 6 setups. However, it depends on the number of SSDs available. You can go for up to 12 SSDs, and it will help improve the random read-write performance of storage space. Both kinds of SSD cache enforces an LRU or Least Recently Used algorithm. It’s to switch data and other information in the cache.
Reasons to Use SSD Cache Acceleration
There’s one important reason why you should utilise SSDs, SSD cache, and a mix of other drives. It’s to acquire the best levels of efficiency by carrying out data tiering. The company created the feature called Qtier – a technology that drives auto-tiering by continuously enhancing data across storage tiers.
As the prices of SSDs are becoming more favourable, an increase in the demand for high-performance storage occurs as well. With the benefits of high IOPS plus low response times, SSDs enhance data centre application performances requiring consistently fast performance.
Yet as the SSDs cost per Gigabyte is still higher than standard HDDs, it’s always better to use HDDs. It’s for keeping huge numbers of cold and rarely utilised data.
QNAP designed Qtier or QNAP auto-tiering technology that uses the SSDs speed with the HDDs capacity in a NAS system. The Qtier immediately migrates information based on data frequency. Meaning, depending on how many times the data has been accessed via industry-leading SAS controllers (12Gb/s).
Generally, it improves the entire system’s performance under complex and varied workloads, as well as server applications. It occurs while simultaneously providing increased storage capacity for cold data.
Qtier Technology
The Qtier is QNAP’s automated tiering technology. By enabling its auto-tiering on the TVS-872XU, organisations can simply purchase the needed amount of SSDs. It will allow them to acquire the highest value, plus excellent storage capacities for data sharing and storage.
The Qtier technology empowers the NAS with auto-tiering that continuously aids in optimising storage. It’s done by automatically shifting data between 2.5″ SSDs and high-capacity HDDs based on the access frequency of data.
Qtier 2.0 offers IO-awareness, granting SSD-tiered storage with cache-like reserved space for handling burst I/O in real-time. It thoroughly maximises the advantages and benefits of SSDs, making it convenient for all.
It also enhances the efficiency and performance storage by shifting hot data to increased-performance SSDs and lower performing data. It moves this information to either SATA or SAS HDDs. Doing so provides users with an SSDs performance while benefiting from the most cost-efficient large-capacity HDDs.
The company claims that the transfer of data occurs without interfering with regular IO. Alternatively, SSD cache writes data requiring the highest performance and can be read back from the cache for enhanced performance. Data and information can exist on both HDDs and SSDs; plus, they can simultaneously aid in protecting data integrity.
Benefits of using Qtier Technology
Utilising the Qtier technology in your environment has a ton of benefits. First, it can save you money, since you won’t spend thousands of cash on a costly flash solution. You won’t need to purchase an additional nearline solution which makes it even better.
Qtier Technology lets you cut costs while having a single solution for everything. You’ll be able to expand using a JBOD box, allowing storage expansions while growing. Performance boosts are vital for increased productivity while not having technology obstruct tasks. Instead, technology will help and assist with enhanced productivity.
This technology allows for quick data access compared to SATA/NL drives. Interestingly, it’s even faster than SAS when using SSDs instead.
There’s also the QTS Storage Manager that lets you set up and configure your tiered NAS efficiently. Get to create RAID groups for each available tier, then set schedules to complete the setup aspects in a snap.
Get to access the statistics of auto-tiering to guarantee the accuracy of your policies for auto-tiering. Furthermore, you can ensure that the policies in place are efficiently aiding all your storage requirements.
QVR Pro
QVR Pro is QNAP’s latest surveillance solution. It offers eight embedded monitoring channels that let you immediately establish a home surveillance environment. QVR Pro hosts it on your QNAP TVS-872XU without needing additional software.
With businesses, they can quickly and readily extend their number of monitoring channels up to 128 channels in total. The NAS can do this by purchasing QVR Pro licenses to setup large-scale surveillance networks.
The company has improved the QVR Pro’s motion detection feature. So with the Surveillance Station, QNAP NAS depends on the IP cameras for sending motion detection triggers.
Technically, it does not have motion detection functions on its own. However, the QVR Pro allows the NAS to perform motion detection functions on up to a total of two channels. It can go for a maximum resolution of 1080p. It is a significant aspect, especially if you’re someone who has older IP cameras with lower features for motion detection.
Advantages of QVR Pro
Of course, QVR Pro has its own set of benefits, and these include Camera Management & Support, and Optimal Bandwidth Management.
Let’s start with Camera Management & Support. The QVR Pro backs thousands of camera models from more than 140 brands. It also supports cameras with different image formats, letting you immediately establish varied surveillance solutions. It’s to cater to your environment while offering a convenient form of camera control.
When it comes to Optimal Bandwidth Management, you’ll get to assign specific bandwidth to each camera. It allows you to optimise and maximise the use of NAS system resources to guarantee seamless recordings.
QVR Center – Assigned Deployment, Streamlined Management
It doesn’t matter if your organisation is in the same building, or scattered across a vast campus. The QVR Center makes your surveillance tasks easier by allowing central control of multiple QVR Pros installed in different areas.
You can centrally monitor and manage live feeds, as well as playback surveillance footages. Plus, you can receive event alerts from various QVR Pros to decrease event response times.
QVR Guard – Uninterrupted and Seamless Recording Tasks
The QVR Guard is a top-quality failover control application to safeguard the QVR Pro from things like system failures. Not only that, but the application guarantees uninterrupted and seamless surveillance recordings.
The QVR Guard comes with failover functions that instantly takes over all recording tasks on the QVR Pro server. It’s a complete lifesaver during events of unexpected system or hardware failure.
All recording data are saved on the QVR Guard until the QVR Pro reboots then works normally. With the QBR Guard, it offers reliable redundancy for the QVR Pro to ensure seamless surveillance recordings.
QVR Pro Client mobile app
This mobile application offers multiple display layouts that let you simultaneously watch numerous channels. Under one channel view, you can instantly switch between playback and live modes. If ever you have a slow or metered network connection, you can opt for the low-bandwidth mode.
It allows you to view bandwidth-optimised streams without affecting the recording’s quality. Additionally, you can remotely manage PTZ cameras, as well as its preset point from the application. Other features present include mobile notifications and camera view via e-map.
Comprehensive QVR Pro license plans for everyone
The QVR Pro Gold is mainly for business users. These people often require a full range of advanced features from the QVR Pro. The QVR Pro Unlimited Playback is for users needing to playback older recordings via the QVR Pro Client. These recordings are usually over 14 days.
By default, the QVR Pro comes with a total of eight camera channels. With that, users are allowed to add camera channels by purchasing the QVR Pro Camera Channel Extension License. These channels include the QVR Pro 1, 4, and 8 Channels.
Plex Media Server
The Plex Media Server is one of the more popular platforms for managing and playing media. You can either take advantage of it in or outside your home. It’s technically a media server that functions beyond platforms like Windows, macOS, and more.
This server also allows you to save music while organising all media content such as photos, videos, and music. In addition to these, there are Plex applications that work across smartphones and other devices. It readily allows you access to view all your saved content on the server.
To make things simpler, the Plex Media Server works similarly to a digital storehouse of all your relevant content. It’s a platform that lets you access certain content on selected devices. Generally, you can consider it as your on-demand service for work and entertainment.
Having Plex makes things more convenient, especially when you have a couple of movies or shows on the go. The TVS-872XU will allow you to directly add content to Plex, making it ready to stream, anytime.
Note that the process is mostly automated. With that, you should also remember that it can take a bit of time to complete. It’s most evident when you have a massive library of files that requires indexing.
Hybrid Backup Sync
For the Hybrid Backup Sync, it’s a multi-function backup solution that supports data from your QNAP TVS-872XU. These will store files on different remote, local and cloud storage. The Hybrid Backup Sync prevents data loss during critical hardware failure or system damage. Also, it aids multi-position backup, flexible synchronisation, and instant recover.
This tool consolidates restore, backup, and syncing functions into one QTS application. It’s for a convenient and secure data transfer to local storage spaces. Plus, the process lets you develop data backup efficiency, disaster recovery, and file syncing remotely or on the cloud.
To make it easier, this application offers data storage plans and full disaster recovery. What’s more, it conveniently supports synchronisation services and online storage in different clouds. These include Alibaba Cloud, Google Drive, Microsoft, OneDrive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, and a lot more.
Thanks to its extremely responsive graphical UI, the Hybrid Backup Sync lets you perform numerous backup tasks efficiently. You can have a centralised and straightforward task management function at your disposal. It will then provide you with the possibility to analyse detailed information regarding your activity’s status and its details.
Benefits of Hybrid Backup Sync
With this solution, you can create several backup processes and sync or restore from the overview page. It allows you to confirm the use of storage space and immediately checks the status of current operations. The results provide you with positive outcomes, highlighted errors and warnings, plus the total number of errors available.
The Hybrid Backup Sync also lets you check backup processes from other NAS devices to centrally manage all processes easily. The application allows alarm recording to immediately review error messages and warnings to avoid critical delays in tasks.
Overall Performance
Just like we mentioned, the TVS-872XU performed brilliantly, and we didn’t experience any problems or issues when we used it. File sharing was smooth, data transfer was seamless, media playback and transcoding was excellent too. We were delighted with its operation, and would highly recommend this NAS from QNAP.
For the Qtier and SSD Cache Acceleration, they performed just like what we expected. When we coupled it with a couple of SSDs, it was able to enhance the NAS’ performance further.
In the past, we were already satisfied with the max playback speed of the Surveillance Station. However, we felt that it would be better and could be faster. Now, our wishes came true since the QVR Pro allowed for seamless video playback on the synchronised mode. It moved up to ten times faster compared to the Surveillance Station, which was surprising.
Another reason to try out the QVR Pro is the enhanced QVR Pro Client, their mobile application.
For the Plex software’s built-in technology, it provides outstanding performance without needing a dedicated transcoder. When it comes to video streaming, we can also say that it’s close to perfect.
Watching videos was snappy and quick, so viewing these on Plex was enjoyable. With that, the QNAP TVS-872XU’s software performed as well, so that’s getting a five star from us too.
QNAP TVS-872XU Review Summary
When putting together this QNAP TVS-872XU review, we found that the QNAP TVS-872XU is an ideal NAS solution, whether it’s for home or business use and provides excellent performance. It has a durable construction, it’s user-friendly, and it comes with excellent features for efficient file storage, syncing, and sharing. Most importantly, its software offers a lot of handy applications, and it delivers outstanding performance.
To conclude our QNAP TVS-872XU review, we highly recommend this NAS for your storage needs. If you want this NAS solution, check out the company’s store locator to see their authorised dealers.
