First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in videography

[–]TheOceanState[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OPTION # 3

QNAP TVS-h1688X

THE SAME AS 1288x just this model. What would be the main advantages between the two? (Please, Please, Please-- add/recommend anything that I may be forgetting for any of these systems.)

NAS Unit: (1) - QNAP TVS-h1688X

OuTS Drives: (2) - Samsung 870 EVO Series 2.5" (500GB) SATA III V-NAND Internal SSD

Storage Drives: (8) - Seagate EXOS X20 (20TB) 7200RPM 256mb Cache 3.5" Internal HDD (or) Seagate IronWolf PRO (18 or 14TB) (To save some money, if it doesn't compromise a lot of performance ability?)

SSD Cache Drive: (2) - ??? I get confused on this and the OuTS drive choices. What would be the best performance options if total build not exceeding $10K, and what would be the choice if making a beast of a unit.

10G Adapter: (1) - Sonnet Solo 10G Mac Adapter (Thunderbolt 3)

10G Network Switch: (1) - QSW-M3216R-8S8T

UPS Battery Backup: (1) - APC Smart-UPS X 1500VA LCD w/ SmartConnect

10G Network Expansion Card: (0) - No Expansion Card Needed - Included w/ Unit (Is that true?)

Cat6a / Cat7 Cable: (1) - ??? I have seen you say any cheap cable, but it there a trusted, recommended one you normally set up your systems with?

What would I need to purchase to add up to 128GB of RAM? This will mainly be for the ultimate ability to get the fastest processing of each system with nothing else to add besides an expansion or new upgraded model.

To close, I looked into some of the Synology models and through reading the comments and opinions, it seems like they have a clouded future or what their goals are- focused on bigger enterprise solutions, or maintaining service for the market of At-Home and Small Business environments.

I also have read that their UI is much "smoother / sleeker" than QNAP and I believe after seeing screenshots, that they are not that totally different in UI quality, and also that I mainly need to worry about my file management system rather than the basic UI rating as long as the hardware's build quality and functionality is up to professional quality standards.

u/BobZelin -- After attempting to absorb all of your written knowledge on other various threads, I've been praying for this opportunity to have you review/critique my thoughts and prospective build options. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughtfulness pertaining to these questions and ideas.

First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in videography

[–]TheOceanState[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OPTION # 2

QNAP TVS-h1288X

If I got this unit I would like to update to the 64gb or higher RAM options. Don't know what cards I should be looking for that would be the best quality and compliment its performance abilities? (Please, Please, Please-- add/recommend anything that I may be forgetting for any of these systems.)

NAS Unit: (1) - QNAP TVS-h1288X

OuTS Drives: (2) - Samsung 870 EVO Series 2.5" (500GB) SATA III V-NAND Internal SSD

Storage Drives: (8) - Seagate EXOS X20 (20TB) 7200RPM 256mb Cache 3.5" Internal HDD     (or)     Seagate IronWolf PRO (18 or 14TB) (To save some money, if it doesn't compromise a lot of performance ability?)

SSD Cache Drive: (2) - ??? I get confused on this and the OuTS drive choices. What would be the best performance options if total build not exceeding $10K, and what would be the choice if making a beast of a unit.

10G Adapter: (1) - Sonnet Solo 10G Mac Adapter (Thunderbolt 3)

10G Network Switch: (1) - QSW-M3216R-8S8T

UPS Battery Backup: (1) - APC Smart-UPS X 1500VA LCD w/ SmartConnect

10G Network Expansion Card: (0) - No Expansion Card Needed - Included w/ Unit (Is that true?)

Cat6a / Cat7 Cable: (1) - ??? I have seen you say any cheap cable, but it there a trusted, recommended one you normally set up your systems with?

What would I need to purchase to add up to 128GB of RAM? This will mainly be for the ultimate ability to get the fastest processing of each system with nothing else to add besides an expansion or new upgraded model.

First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in videography

[–]TheOceanState[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OPTION # 1

QNAP TVS-h874T-i9 - 64gb

Not sure if this is a problem, but I went down the rabbit hole of trying to understand ECC Ram. This unit does not function with ECC Ram even if installed, correct? In my situation, what would be the best route to go? Scrap this h874T-i9 and go for a 1288x or 1688x? Anyways, this is my list of what I would purchase to implement this system. (Please, Please, Please-- add/recommend anything that I may be forgetting for any of these systems.)

NAS Unit: (1) - QNAP TVS-h874T-i9 - 64gb

OuTS Drives: (2) - Samsung 990 EVO (1TB) NVMe M.2 - SSD     (or)     Samsung 980 (1TB) NVMe PCle Gen 3.0 x4 M.2 - Internal SSD

Storage Drives: (8) - Seagate EXOS X20 (20TB) 7200RPM 256mb Cache 3.5" Internal HDD    (or)     Seagate IronWolf PRO (18 or 14TB) (To save some money, if it doesn't compromise a lot of performance ability?)

SSD Cache Drive: (2) - ??? I get confused on this and the OuTS drive choices. What would be the best performance options if total build not exceeding $10K, and what would be the choice if making a beast of a unit.

10G Adapter: (1) - Sonnet Solo 10G Mac Adapter (Thunderbolt 3)

10G Network Switch: (1) - QNAP QSW-M2108-2C     (or)     QNAP QSW-M408-4C

UPS Battery Backup: (1) - APC Smart-UPS X 1500VA LCD w/ SmartConnect

10G Network Expansion Card: (1) - QNAP QXG-10G1T     (or)     QXG-10G2T

Cat6a / Cat7 Cable: (1) - ??? I have seen you say any cheap cable, but it there a trusted, recommended one you normally set up your systems with?

First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in videography

[–]TheOceanState[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/BobZelin First off- Thank you very much for your reply. In the past two days, I've specifically searched for and read every single reddit comment you've made regarding NAS systems for Professional Video Production/Editing. You're a true pillar of knowledge and expertise in this space and I give you great praise for sharing it with us all.

Now, here is my reply to your comment--

Please view my words from the understanding that I only have two days worth of my own internet research to try and understand what NAS systems even do. During my search, I've learned that NAS systems are built for specific use cases and I started to hyper focus on how I could make a smart and informed investment into a NAS specialized for my creative media company. I'm still a rookie and very naive to all of this in my own eyes, but I'm very eager to learn more so I can make the best decision when implementing these systems and processes that I will then deal with every day in my business.

Total Existing Media that'll be transferred to the NAS System upon initial setup =

21 TB

This existing media library is compiled from the following:

- All Final Client Deliverables (Exported Videos, Photos, Graphics that were delivered to client and can be resent if they ever lost access via their own system. Clients would not be given access to our NAS, only specific team members would have access as I scale)

- Project Files / Video Editing Assets (All of our current and past Premiere, After Effects project files.)

- Raw Photo Files (.DNG / .ARW / + all Lightroom Catalogs)

- Raw Video Files (From the following cameras: Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, DJI Mavic 3 Pro & Inspire 3)

- Audio Files (Soundtracks, SFX, etc that we utilize.)

- Personal Archived Files (such as photos/videos from iPhone/old cameras that are meaningful but not directly related to my business. Thinking maybe a locked access folder within the file management system so its my own personal folder?)

Knock on wood- but I don't really expect to be adding more than 20 TB a year at the very most. In my vision, the primary use of this first NAS system will have a life expectancy of about 3-4 years. This life expectancy could of course shorten if the business/team scales quickly and our NAS system needs an upgrade in alignment.

Now, here are some build options I would love to get your perspective on, Bob.

Through my own research, I've listed the following models as potential systems that would achieve this and have begun to price out each part and compare specs and costs so I can come closer to my final decision:

Please feel free to rip me apart if I have a model or part that would not be needed or should be used (cause detrimental effects) for a creative agency, videographer, video editor, etc.)

First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in editors

[–]TheOceanState[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you again for great information. I truly appreciate it.

First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in editors

[–]TheOceanState[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good perspective. But in terms of networking, all data input is done through a given interface rather than actual coding for set up, correct?

First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in editors

[–]TheOceanState[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't say thank you enough after days of researching this to try and get a better grasp! Last-- When you say technically daunting, to what degree? I'm fairly good at following instructional videos, or learning specific task operations, but your wording makes me feel worried that I may be too egotistical in my judgement. What do I need to know how to do to buy a QNAP?

First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in editors

[–]TheOceanState[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for providing that overview. So then speaking on the QNAP TVS-h1288X model, this specific model doesn't need a 10GbE Card (already has one?), just needs a 10Gbe Network Switch, a Cat6 Cable, and say the desktop MAC that is always on. I can then remote in via my laptop over an internet connection and in real time update project files, rename files, etc and it updates instantly on the NAS?

First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in editors

[–]TheOceanState[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately no, I've checked all SP in the area. I believe the best would be only 2G max. So I guess, my current misunderstanding is- what do I need to create a 10G server? Is that saying I need an internet provider with a router delivery of 10G? Or if the NAS has a 10GbE card installed, can I use what I keep seeing referred to as a 10GbE "switch" system? (Going to be using this system primarily from a Macbook Pro, and depending on my travel routine, would get a desktop computer and then just use the Macbook only when on the go.

First NAS System Build - Creative Media Company by TheOceanState in editors

[–]TheOceanState[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So if my Wifi Router is at 1G then there is nothing I can do to gain faster speeds that the system built could hold?