The UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus is presented as a strong, entry-level Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device. It supports up to four hard disks, allowing users to store a substantial amount of data. For connectivity, the unit connects to a local network via 2.5GbE, which supports almost 300MB/s across the network, deemed ample for a home or micro office. The NAS also includes two USB-A ports and a single USB-C connector on its front panel; all are USB 3.2 Gen 1, supporting up to 625MB/s for backups.
The physical design is noted for its nonconformity; while most NAS enclosures place disk slots at the front, the DH4300 Plus has its slots at the top, giving it a smaller footprint. It is also described as a quiet enclosure, utilizing a single large fan in the base that remains silent for most of its operation.
Setup and usability are highlighted as strengths, with UGREEN’s UGOS Pro operating system being described as impressively user-friendly. However, the system features a limited selection of apps, offering 28 functions, compared to 70 or more available on market leaders like Synology.
In terms of expandability and data management, the four bays offer flexibility. Users can start with two disks in a RAID 1 array for redundancy, or use four disks for RAID 5 or RAID 6, the latter protecting data even if two disks fail. Since there are no M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, fast storage must be achieved using SATA SSDs in the main slots.
The device’s appeal varies by user type. It is ideal for users who require a simple storage solution for important files, given its low cost. Conversely, power users may find its 8GB of RAM and support for Docker containers useful for hosting services like web or Minecraft servers. However, users seeking a simple way to share multimedia content, particularly those needing dedicated applications like Plex, may find the limited app range restrictive.
Performance benchmarks showed the NAS operating reasonably well for its budget price, returning a score of 377 on the PCMark10 Data Drive benchmark. Though small file operations showed slow speeds (around 5MB/s), larger chunks of data increased speeds significantly, with the unit performing comparatively quickly when reading files around 64KB in size. The manual confirms that users must purchase their own disks, with recommendations favoring server-specific drives over desktop drives utilizing SMR technology.
While the UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus may not be the fastest option, its flexibility and cost-effectiveness make it a viable choice for both casual users and enthusiasts.
Source: Trusted Reviews