QNAP TVS-473e 4-Bay NAS Review

Selecting the proper network to join your NAS storage device can be quite challenging, especially if you want it to be capable of doing everything that you want; though finding a powerful and perfectly efficient NAS is generally easy. If you have the money, it’ll be even easier since you can spend to get your NAS device that features a hardware that enables you to do a lot of tasks.

The thing is, none of this won’t mean a thing if your device is poorly made, especially if it comes with an incapable type of software. Good thing is that QNAP has their TVS-473e 4-Bay NAS device that we think can be one of the best NAS devices of this year. The NAS from QNAP is generally a powerful business NAS that features an AMD RC 421-BD quad-core APU that goes up to 64 GB, DDR4 RAM; it also supports USB Quick Access, dual PCIe slots, as well as HDMI 4k output.

If this is something that you’ll need for your everyday tasks, let’s take a look further at the NAS 4-BAY device from QNAP to know more about this. But before getting into its features, specifications, and performance, let’s first have a sneak peek of what’s inside the box once you purchase the TVS-473e 4-BAY NAS.

QNAP TVS-473e 4-Bay NAS Review – Whats in the Box?

The QNAP TVS-473E is packed neatly and securely in a simple-looking box that features the QNAP logo on all four sides of the container; though on one side, you’ll find a sticker that features the product’s image and its main features. Once you open the device’s box, you’ll get to see an accessory box that contains the quick start setup guide which gives you all the information you’ll need for the installation process, a warranty, and an assortment of cables for connecting the device. Under the box of accessories, you’ll find the NAS device itself which is wrapped in plastic for better protection.

The Product

QNAP TVS-473e 4-Bay NAS Review – The Best Gets Better

The NAS device features a sturdy and durable exterior that boosts the overall performance of the system; it is also coupled with an expandable and flexible architecture to fulfill all your varying requisites and needs. Aside from the TVS-473E having an outstanding and highly notable hardware, it also features a scalable storage that supports virtualization, centralized storage, containerized apps, sharing, backup, as well as disaster recovery.

Moreover, QNAP also offers a variety of ways to actually expand and bolster your NAS storage as required to accommodate all your data and media; it also provides a variety of productivity applications such as the IFTTT Agent, Q-Mail Agent, WirelessAP Station, Browser Station, and the QIoT Suite Lite. With that, we can definitely say that QNAP made a lot of great technological advancements with the TVS-473E which is a big advantage for all of its users.

At the rear of the NAS, you will find the HDMI port that lets you connect it to a monitor or TV; with this, you won’t be limited to network speed. The NAS also features four LAN ports which makes it a great enterprise-level NAS; the four USB 3 ports on the device will provide you with up to 5 Gb/s transfer speed of external device. It’s actually fast enough to acquire your files quickly and it makes backing up with an Apple Time Machine or external drive quick and very easy.

The TVS-473E 4-Bay NAS is powered by a high-end and high-quality AMD-R APU Series that combines one of the best CPU with the AMD Radeon R-7 Graphics performance to give you an energy-efficient and high-performing NAS solution. The device is made using the most advanced level metal design that is mixed with a stylish and rather classy gold finish; plus, its highly-capable and efficient TVS-473E gives you an expanded PCIe, HDMI 4K @ 30 Hz output, a unique Quick Access Port for the USB, a 4K H-264 video decoding, as well as great acceleration for the best audio-visual experience.

The TVS-473E features an encryption engine accelerated by a special hardware with the AES-NI and it also provides you with excellent encryption performance that is basically unmatched in its class. It also improves your system’s performance and security, while simultaneously guaranteeing the safety of any sensitive and susceptible business details that are kept in the NAS. There are also two additional PCI slots that support the 10-GbE adapters, the 3.1 10 Gbps cards, QM2 cards, or even wireless network cards.

Another great thing about the TVS-473E 4-Bay NAS is that it also features a 3rd Generation AMD GCN architecture with an advanced GPU performance that can readily support stunning 4K UHD display and 4K H-264 video decoding. Not only that, but the QNAP TVS-473E also delivers outstanding real-time 1080p and 4K video transcoding to easily convert any video to universal formats that can be played seamlessly on your mobile devices, PCs, and even your Smart TV. For more convenience, this 4-Bay NAS also provides you with a dual HDMI output that allows extended or duplicated configurations for your desktop; you can also link the NAS to an AV or HDTV receiver while simultaneously utilizing your media player in the HD Station or Hybrid Desk Station with the QRemote mobile app or QNAP’s remote control (this is sold separately) to fully enjoy 4K @ 30 Hz videos and rich media content with outstanding audio-visuals.

The QNAP TVS-473E backs block-based iSCSI LUN, as well as Citrix, Windows Server 2012 R2, VMware, and Microsoft Hyper V to provide reliable, high-performance, and an affordable storage solution for certain virtual environments. We also learned that the 4-Bay NAS supports Microsoft ODX and VMware VAAI to boost performance by advancing the server loading for the Hyper V and ESXi server respectively; plus, it also backs the QNAP SMI S provider and QNAP vSphere Client plug-in with better-operating efficiency and control when it comes to virtualization applications. Also, making use of the RDMA protocol i-SCSI Extension with a compatible 10-GbE NIC helps increase the data transfer performance of the TVS-473E as a VMware ESXi storage, making this an excellent tool for optimizing any type of demanding application that is specific for virtualization.

Lastly, the device also keeps data and other types of files while supporting AFP, SMB / CIFS, and NFS protocols for seamless file sharing across Linux / UNIX, Mac, and Windows networks. And since it is coupled with the Qsync – a specific type of convenience that makes the QNAP 4-Bay NAS a high-capacity and safe data center for syncing files – any file that will be uploaded to the device will become available to each of your linked devices like your laptop, PC, and smartphones.

Since it features a variety of functions and applications, the QTS improves your personal productivity, management efficiency, multimedia, and more. It’s actually really useful since it makes your whole NAS experience more efficient, flexible, and much easier. Their Q-Boost also gives you NAS optimization tools that help boost and schedule applications, as well as free system resources. Another notable feature of the device is its integrated App Center that features a ton of install and on-demand applications which makes the NAS device more functional and efficient. Generally, the QTS provides you with more optimized cloud experience while combining essential advanced features.

The 4-Bay NAS device from QNAP also lets you have a smart video control system that readily helps you manage playback, video & audio recording, as well as real-time monitoring with a plethora of customizable settings to protect your workspace. You can also use the V-Mobile application to easily manage and control monitored channels via your mobile devices; you can also install the Vcam application to easily transform your device into a network camera that can readily record files to your TVS-473E. The NAS also makes use of a next-generation AMD R-Series RX 421-BD, quad-core 2.1 GHz APU with up to a total of 64 GB dual-channel DDR4 RAM. The TVS-473E allows for extremely quick multitasking with decreased power consumption. The QNAP TVS-473E also features a couple of Gen3 x4 or PCIe slots that lets you install optional single or dual-port 10 GbE NICs to increase the speed of applications demanding higher bandwidth for a continuously growing number of data. You’ll also be able to insert wireless network cards or QM2 cards to increase the functionality of the NAS.

Another feature of this device is that it supports creative QM2 PCIe cards that lets you add a total of two M.2 SSDs; you will also be able to configure the SSD caching, or establish a RAID 5-tiered storage with two more M.2 SSDs in the same 4-Bay NAS device. Since these SSDs won’t occupy any of the drive bays that are available, the QM2 card will let you maximize both your storage performance and capacity. There are also a couple of QM2 cards that feature 10 GbE, 10 GBASE T connections to provide you with an SSD caching with excellent network connection on just one card.

When it comes to the TVS-473E from QNAP, their Qtier Technology allows the device to utilize auto-tiering to further help in optimizing storage capabilities across the 2.5-inch SSD, M.2 SSD, as well as increased capacity SATA drives featuring continuous acceleration. Their new technology also has the IO awareness feature that authorizes the SSD-tiered storage with appropriate space to handle burst I / O, further increasing the advantages of the SSD. It’s also great that the NAS device can be installed easily, giving you direct access to any files with USB Quick Access. It features an ingenious USB Quick Access port that eliminates any of the complications or issues of installing the TVS-473E for the first time; plus, it also gives you direct access to all files that are kept on the device without requiring any network connectivity which is really convenient in our opinion. You’ll just have to use a cable that’s compatible to connect the NAS device to your MAC or PC then utilize the Qfinger Pro to configure. It’s basically that easy so you won’t really need to have any technical expertise to use QNAP’s TVS-473E; additionally, you can also assign access right to numerous users for various folders to prevent any unauthorized access to important data.

Q-filing

Q-filing is present to automate file arrangements, determining filing conditions, setting schedules, as well as organizing and archiving files based on your requirements.

OCR Converter

This application extracts text from your images which helps assist file arrangements, searching, and editing.

Qsirch

This is a full-text searching application that features quick file searching; it also lets you use the Qsirch Helper Extension for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. The helper works by assisting you in searching for files on your NAS device when utilizing Google Search; it enables great productivity boosts that highly decreases the time spent searching for files on the device.

Product Specifications

CPU

• Processor: AMD R-Series RX-421BD quad-core 2.1 GHz processor, Turbo Core up to 3.4 GHz
• Architecture: 64-bit
• Graphics: Embedded Radeon R7 graphics processor
• Encryption Engine: AES-NI

System Memory

• 8 GB DDR4 (2 x 4 GB)

Maximum Memory

• 64 GB (4 x 16 GB)

Memory Slot

• 4 x SODIMM DDR4

Flash Memory

• 512MB DOM

Drive Bay

• 4 x SATA 6 Gbps

Drive Compatibility

• 5-inch SATA hard disk drives
• 5-inch SATA hard disk drives
• 5-inch SATA solid state drives

M.2 SSD Slot

• 2 x M.2 2260/2280 SATA 6Gb/s SSDs

SSD Cache Acceleration Support

• Drive bays 1 to 4
• 2 slots 1 to 2
• Optional: SSD using PCIe expansion slot

Gigabit Ethernet Port

• 4 x RJ45

USB QuickAccess Port

• USB Micro-B

PCIe Slot

• 2 x PCIe 3.0 x4

USB Port

• 4 x USB 3.0 (Front: 1; Back: 3)

HDMI Output

• 2 x HDMI 1.4b (up to 3840 x 2160 resolution at 30 Hz)

Audio

• 2 x 3.5 mm dynamic microphone jacks
• 1 x 3.5 mm line-out jack
• 2 x speakers

Display Panel

• Monochrome backlit LCD display with Enter and Select buttons

USB One Touch Copy

• Front: USB 3.0

IR sensor

• QNAP RM-IR004 remote control (MCE compatible) (sold separately)

Form Factor

• Tower

Dimensions (H x W x D)

• 2 x 199.3 x 279.6 mm
• 41 x 7.85 x 11.01 inch

Net Weight

• 9 kg (10.80 lbs)

Power Consumption (W)

• HDD standby: 33.24 W
• In operation: 56.23 W

How it Performs

We installed 4x 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives into our new QNAP TVS-473e 4 Bay NAS which was an incredibly easy process thanks to the tool free drive bays. The TVS-473e configured the 4 IronWolf drives as a RAID5 configuration automatically and once setup we were ready to rock and roll.

Transferring files across a Gigabit connection to the NAS saw transfer speeds of around 112MB/s.

Of course, we tried the TVS-473E from QNAP and it can actually do almost everything and anything in NAS; the great thing about it is that it can perform even better compared to most of the NAS devices that are out today so we can easily say that it is one of the best NAS devices. The NAS also backs the latest software for QNAP (QTS 4.3.4) and its user interface is just as great and efficient as ever.

We can say that the QNAP TVS-473E is really a convenient device since it can practically do everything that you want it to do: you can use it to host a number of virtual machines that are in the office, for centralized platforms on the commute, as well as editing videos and photos. You can also play and transcode 4k media in H-246 and H-265 to all of your internet-enabled devices and even use it as a stand-alone PC with a mouse, keyboard, and monitor linked; with these connections, you can still simultaneously utilize the device for all your NAS tasks without having any problems or issues.

Software

Let’s take a look at the NAS’ software which is the QTS 4.3.4. The company actually explored the whole range of storage management, thus, creating a user-friendly and comprehensive manager for Storage and Snapshots. The remodeled UI doesn’t only simplify the process of storage management but it also better emphasizes visual snapshot management with necessary details and information.

Diminishes the Threat of Ransomware

With the help of the block-based snapshots, it can help prevent ransomware, making it an essential element for protecting the data on your NAS. The snapshot support of QNAP is block-based, featuring a copy on write technology to determine the file revisions which will be saved individually in the file system. We can say that this is really beneficial and convenient for decreasing storage space usage; plus, it also speeds up the creation and restoration of snapshots compared to those that are file-based. This generally makes it an excellent tool for meeting various business requirements when it comes to achieving RPO’s (Recovery Point Objectives) as well as RTO’s (Recovery Time Objectives).

Boosts Storage Investment

With the Global SSD Cache Technology, storage investment is greatly maximized since the caching aids in boosting the performance of the IOPS. The company’s global SSD cache acceleration technology can readily share one SSD volume / RAID with various volumes for a read|write or read-only cache. So when you’re setting up relevant settings, there are basically zero service interruptions which lets you easily balance any capacity and efficiency needs.

Raid 50 | 60 Balances Protection, Capacity and Performance

This aids in balancing the protection, capacity, and performance for high-capacity NAS with complete SSD or HDD configurations; as for businesses that utilize NAS, the RAID 50/60 doesn’t only give you better data protection compared to a single RAID 5/6. This also maximizes and boosts the available storage space unlike the RAID 10; and also, the RAID 50 | 60 also provides you with good choices for professional database usage and professional video streaming.

Improved QTS Performance with the QBoost

We learned that the QBoost is one of the optimization tools of the NAS that aids in speeding up and scheduling applications, as well as freeing system resources. If by any chance, your TVS-473E is low on memory, the QBoost can readily perform a single-click optimization to free memory resources to boost the efficiency of its operation. Moreover, the QBoost also clears junk and temporary files while simultaneously aiding allocation management to prevent any form of system lags due to continuous use of applications.

The Hybrid Backup Sync

This feature allows you to easily backup and search for files in different locations, plus it also gives you a flexible and dependable backup / disaster recovery solution. This will be extremely useful for organizations or businesses when efficiently performing routine backup while simultaneously minimizing the total cost of ownership or TCO.

360° Panorama Views + Multi-Zone Multimedia

QNAP also entered the world of AR or Augmented Reality with their 360° Panorama Application. This will allow you to easily stream media to every device that is linked to your QNAP TVS-473E 4-Bay NAS device. And since 360° videos and photos have become mainstream in this day and age, QNAP also included support for these types of AR applications. Just remember that the photos EXIF or videos metadata should contain a 360° data to automatically display these as 360° files. Don’t worry about not having this type of data on your file since it can easily be turned into 360° files just by clicking the 360° button in the File, Video, or Photo Station.

The Surveillance Station 5.1

Surely you’ve already noticed that a ton of fisheye and high megapixel cameras have become greatly popular today, so specific features for these applications have been integrated into the Surveillance Station 5.1. This also boosts the efficiency of fisheye and high-resolution footage while also increasing the control capabilities of the surveillance systems. The device with its Surveillance Station Local Display function can readily carry out playback and monitoring using an HDMI display to easily deliver full and live video monitoring. For the QNAP QvPC technology, it offers you a clear and simple way to decrease the total costs in your SMB and SOHO environment. We also think that the Surveillance Station is great in a way that it lets you easily monitor and control a number of IP cameras in real-time via web browsers while gaining first-hand status of all monitored areas; and simultaneously, you will also be able to directly manage your fisheye and PTZ cameras flexibly.

Dewarp Technology

This specific technology from QNAP is necessary for monitoring a variety of applications. It works without affecting your original recordings which is something really good and convenient as well. If your fisheye camera is listed on the capability list, you can easily select from numerous dewarping modes on Qdewarp’s remote monitoring page for different types of monitoring applications; also, these aren’t limited to dewarping modes that are vendor-specific.

Region of Interest for 10-R View

Cameras with high resolution can cover bigger areas compared to the classic ones, so if you want to view your original image as well as numerous regional images using your camera in a single view, you can opt for a five or seven split view to determine various focused areas on the overview image. We really appreciated that you won’t really need any extra camera licenses for this. You will also have flexible control over monitoring and with the view management, you will get to customize your own views and layouts for various monitoring locations and purposes. In the Surveillance Station remote monitoring page, you can readily choose your defined views to immediately and seamlessly focus areas and cameras with ease.

Aside from these, the Surveillance Station 5.1 also offers a creative desktop design for seamless working efficiency; its multi-window layout also lets you have smooth and continuous multi-tasking activities which let you readily switch between tasks for more productivity. Additionally, it also gives you user-friendly choices to better set up your surveillance system.

Upgrading the RAM

We decided to upgrade the TVS-473e from the included RAM to an 8GB kit. The upgrade process was very simple.

Step 1

Shutdown the NAS and remove the case screws from the rear of the NAS

Step 2

Gently slide the NAS casing forwards to that it slides of easily

Step 3

Locate the existing RAM module

Step 4

Gently lift the RAM module and slide out at an angle

Step 5

Place the new RAM module at an angle and slide into the empty RAM slot

Step 6

Slide case cover back onto the NAS, fasten screws and restart the NAS

THATS IT! Very straight forward and pain free.

Conclusion

We actually think that it’s great of QNAP to re-release a couple of their NAS series with a lower price tag, further improved performance, and the removal of a couple of ports and accessories that weren’t really necessary. It’s also very good that they decided to make things more affordable and accessible since their NAS devices are really great and essential.

The TVS-473E from QNAP is something more powerful and efficient, in our opinion, since it is a more polished and high-performing device compared to the older units. Aside from it being very efficient and convenient since it is able to perform and function excellently, this specific NAS device also has a very attractive exterior which makes it even better, especially if you’re someone who’s aiming for aesthetics when it comes to peripherals and devices in your work area.

We highly recommend the TVS-473e, especially if you’re someone who connects and utilizes a lot of devices while simultaneously working with the NAS; and overall, we give this a double thumbs-up for its performance and efficiency.

Where to Buy

If you want to purchase the QNAP TVS-473e 4-Bay NAS you can do so for around $1500AUD. Head on over to the product page at QNAP for more information.

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