Prime Day may have passed, but Amazon’s annual sales extravaganza isn’t over yet – the e-commerce giant is set to unleash a second wave of deals, providing a welcome opportunity for those who missed out on the initial round of discounts. The second round of Prime Day is set to take place in October, with the event running for 48 consecutive hours.
With a vast array of merchandise expected to go on sale, my attention is focused on high-end home network-attached storage (NAS) servers that can efficiently store and manage data. The class’s growth has been nothing short of meteoric, an outcome made intuitive by the increasing demand for knowledge and the NAS’s ability to provide a straightforward framework for centralized learning. While I don’t yet have details on specific NAS enclosures going on sale during Prime Day, I can provide recommendations on products worth considering.
Are you weighing the option of acquiring a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device, or perhaps looking to upgrade an existing model’s hardware or replace it altogether? If so, here are the products you should have on your radar.
ASUSTOR AS5402T
Utilizing a multitude of NAS servers, I’ve had the pleasure of working with one that stands out as being among the best in its category. The Taiwanese model impressively showcased its capabilities by boasting a robust Intel foundation, coupled with impressive specs such as 4GB of RAM, real-time transcoding, and dual 2.5GbE connectivity.
The added appeal lies in the fact that users are granted four M.2 slots alongside the two 3.5-inch drive bays, allowing for the seamless integration of fast SSD storage and traditional hard disk drives. Unlike its past software endeavors, which fell short of expectations, ASUSTOR’s development efforts have finally gained traction in 2024, signifying a notable improvement. The model revamped its software program, introducing a refined and feature-rich ADM interface that exudes polish.
As the AS5402T arrives, this superb alternative shines in its own right; yet, I predict the NAS will receive a 20% discount on Prime Day, rendering it a genuine bargain.
DiskStation DS923+
What sets this product apart is its unique synergy, which is not solely reliant on cutting-edge hardware – it simply wouldn’t have been possible with the technology available at the time. The primary reason why the DS923+ outperforms its competitors is undoubtedly the innovative software program; the DSM interface is unparalleled in the industry, streamlining processes to make life significantly easier. The DS923+ offers a comprehensive suite of software program packages, featuring a user-friendly interface that facilitates seamless navigation. Moreover, its robust container administration capabilities provide unparalleled extensibility, allowing users to customize their experience to suit their unique needs.
This hardware excels, boasting a rapid Ryzen platform, accompanied by an impressive 4GB of RAM and dual M.2 slots for enhanced performance. While the Gigabit Ethernet ports may be somewhat outdated, it’s worth noting that adding a 10GbE network card provides an option for upgrading connectivity; in hindsight, 2.5GbE might have been a more suitable compromise between performance and affordability. While the DS923+ lacks transcoding capabilities, it excels as a Plex media server in all other aspects.
While the DS923+ may not be the best option available, it’s expected to drop to a competitive price of $499 during Prime Day, making it an attractive choice for those in its class; at this price point, there’s little reason to consider any other server in this category.
DiskStation DS223j
You don’t own a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device yet, but are curious to experience its benefits, prompting you to search for options within a specific price range.
Located at the forefront of accessibility, this platform serves as the ultimate portal to the realm of home servers, offering a glimpse into the daily usability of Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices.
While it’s unlikely the DS223j would boast flawless hardware, its true value lies in serving as a gateway to explore software capabilities and seamlessly integrate a NAS into your home setup. Designed to seamlessly sync data across multiple connected devices, this system effectively supports media streaming needs.
At an unbeatable price point of $159 during Prime Day, the DS223j proves to be an outstanding value in retailing.
Far more to return
With Prime Day still a month away, I don’t have details on all the products that will be discounted yet. Having experienced previous holiday season sales events, I can confidently assert that deals are generally more attractive during these periods than those offered in the summer. As such, if you’ve been holding off on upgrades until now, you’ll likely find numerous compelling promotions on both servers and storage drives. Stay tuned for regular updates as I’ll be sharing more insights and ideas in the coming weeks.
