NAS storage
NAS for 4 TB of data: what you need and what it costs
With 4 TB today and 25% growth a year, you will need about 8 TB of usable space in three years. On 8 TB drives in RAID 5, that is 3 drives, so a NAS with at least 3 bays.
What you need
- Data today
- 4 TB
- Usable space in 3 years
- 8 TB
- Drives
- 3 x 8 TB, RAID 5
- Bays needed
- 3
Models that fit
Questions
Is RAID a backup?
No. RAID keeps you running when a drive fails, but not after deletion, ransomware or theft. Keep a second copy on another NAS, a USB drive kept offline, or the cloud.
Which drives should I use?
NAS-rated drives (for example WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf) from the NAS maker's compatibility list.
Can I add drives later?
Yes, if you leave empty bays. Many NAS units also take an expansion unit later.
Other sizes
NAS for 2 TB of dataNAS for 8 TB of dataNAS for 16 TB of dataNAS for 32 TB of dataNAS for 64 TB of data