Managing files and backups across a handful of devices—whether at home or in a small office—can get messy fast. The TS-264 is QNAP’s answer: a compact NAS that aims to make storage and access a lot less stressful for anyone wanting reliable data management.
- Quad-core Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 4-core/4-thread burst up to 2.9 GHz with 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports accelerates file sharing across teams and devices or streamline large file transfers
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots enable cache acceleration or SSD storage pools for improved performance
People mostly say setup is pretty straightforward, and migrating data from older QNAP units isn’t much of a headache. Performance feels snappy for file sharing and backups, though a few folks have run into hiccups with certain backup features. Memory expansion can be a little finicky—you’ll want to double-check the slot configs. If you’re new to network storage, expect to spend a bit of time figuring things out.
Overview of the QNAP TS-264-8G-US 2 Bay Desktop NAS
This 2-bay NAS is all about modern hardware and flexibility. The TS-264-8G packs a quad-core Intel chip and 8GB of RAM, making it a solid pick for home or small office setups. Dual 2.5GbE network ports and a bunch of USB options give you plenty of ways to move files around or expand storage.
One cool thing: it supports M.2 NVMe SSD slots for cache or extra storage, which can really speed things up. Some users like how easy it is to migrate drives or upgrade, but there are occasional grumbles about USB backup compatibility. The small footprint and centralized file management tools make it a practical fit for personal data wrangling.
Performance and Speed
File transfers are smooth, and the interface doesn’t lag. The quad-core CPU and dual 2.5GbE ports help keep things moving, even when you’re juggling backups or streaming media.
Users often mention migration from older systems goes off without much drama, and data access speed is a strong point. On the downside, a few have reported glitches when backing up via USB—especially with big file batches.
For regular home or small office use, the TS-264-8G feels reliable and doesn’t bog down under normal workloads. It’s not a miracle machine, but it does deliver on quick network access and multitasking, even if a couple of people are using it at once.
Seamless File Sharing
Moving files between users and devices is pretty much what this NAS was made for. The dual 2.5GbE network ports mean you can share large files without twiddling your thumbs. People say it’s efficient for team setups or just bouncing data between your own devices.
Backup and migration jobs usually go off without much fuss, though some folks hit snags with USB backups now and then. It plays nice with both Mac and Windows, which is handy, but if you want perfect USB compatibility with every device, you might run into a few limits.
Pros:
- Fast network speeds for file transfers
- Multiple device support
Cons:
- Backup reliability with some USB devices may vary
M.2 NVMe SSD Expansion
If you care about flexible storage, the TS-264 delivers with its M.2 NVMe SSD slots for cache acceleration or extra space. It’s a straightforward way to boost speeds or add fast SSD storage without eating up your main drive bays.
Some users love the bump in responsiveness after adding M.2 drives, and the setup isn’t complicated. The catch? Only two M.2 slots, so you can’t go wild with SSD upgrades.
Pros:
- Enables SSD caching for faster data access
- Allows storage expansion without removing disk drives
Cons:
- Only two M.2 slots
- Adding SSDs might bump up system temps, so keep an eye on cooling
Flexible USB 3.2 Connectivity
USB 3.2 support is a welcome upgrade, letting you transfer files faster than older USB standards. It’s handy for plugging in external drives or doing quick backups.
The ports are backward compatible, so your old peripherals still work. But if you’re planning to hook up a bunch of devices at once, you might find yourself short on ports.
For most people, USB 3.2 makes external backups and flash drive transfers less of a slog. If you’re a “connect everything” type, you’ll probably want a hub.
Data Security and Encryption
Keeping files safe is a big deal, and the TS-264 has hardware-based encryption (Intel AES-NI) that protects your data without dragging down speed.
Most folks feel good about the data protection features, though getting access controls and backups set up can take a bit of learning. You can share encrypted files and access stuff remotely, which is great for families or distributed teams.
Security’s solid, but if you’re not super technical, expect to spend some time figuring out privacy settings. Still, if privacy is a must-have, the built-in encryption is a real plus.
Effortless Backup Solutions
Backups are never fun, but this NAS tries to make them less painful. It works with NetBak Replicator for Windows and Time Machine for Mac, so you can plug it into your usual backup routines without much fuss.
Compatibility with different backup software and multiple connection options help speed things up, though there are occasional quirks with some USB devices. It’s worth double-checking compatibility if you use a lot of external hardware.
Highlights:
- Streamlined backups for PC and Mac
- Flexible remote access via cloud services
- Some quirks with third-party USB backups
For most users, backup is simple enough, but getting every device to play nice might take a little prep.
Remote Access Capabilities
With MyQNAPCloud built in, you can get to your files from pretty much anywhere. Remote access works well once it’s set up, making it easy to grab or manage documents and media from different devices.
People are generally happy with remote connectivity, but newbies might find the initial setup a bit confusing. Security is baked in, but you’ll want to spend a little time getting permissions dialed in.
If you need off-site access, the TS-264 is flexible enough, though first-timers should expect a bit of a learning curve.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick look at what stands out—and what might trip you up.
Pros
-
Performance
The TS-264-8G gets high marks for fast file transfers, thanks to dual 2.5GbE ports and M.2 SSD caching. It’s a good fit for anyone working with big files or sharing in a group. -
Ease of Upgrade and Migration
Swapping drives from an older QNAP or upgrading to bigger ones is usually painless, so you’re not stuck worrying about downtime or data loss. -
Versatility and Connectivity
With multiple USB 3.2 ports, M.2 SSD slots, and dual network ports, you’ve got plenty of options for fast backups, expansion, and remote access. -
Centralized Backup and Storage
It’s a strong pick for consolidating data, ditching third-party cloud storage, and backing up both Windows and Mac machines.
Cons
-
Memory Configuration
Out of the box, only one of the two memory slots is filled with 8GB. So, you don’t get dual-channel benefits right away, which could matter if you’re chasing every last bit of speed. -
Potential Backup Issues
Some reports mention incomplete backups when moving tons of files from USB devices. Worth being careful if you rely heavily on external backups. -
Transition from Other Systems
Migration is mostly smooth, but some users still had to handle updates and settings manually when moving from an older unit. -
Learning Curve
There’s a lot you can do with this NAS, but that means setup can be a bit much for newcomers. Reading the docs helps.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast Performance | Memory not dual-channel |
| Versatile Ports | Possible backup challenges |
| Easy Drive Swaps | Initial setup complexity |
| Centralized Control | Manual migration steps |
Customer Reviews
A lot of users praise the easy drive migration and smooth firmware updates. The TS-264-8G gets called out for its performance upgrades over older models, and it’s often described as reliable for both home and work storage needs.
People like the backup features, expandability, and how easy it is to move data from older QNAPs. On the flip side, there are some gripes about certain files not backing up from external devices and the single RAM stick setup.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Common Sentiment |
|---|---|
| Setup | Simple, smooth |
| Performance | Reliable, fast |
| Flexibility | Appreciated |
| Issues | Occasional backup challenges, RAM configuration |
Setting Up and Upgrading the NAS
Getting started with the TS-264 is mostly painless—clear on-screen prompts walk you through the basics. Most people say hardware assembly, like popping in drives, is tool-free and doesn’t need any special skills.
Upgrades are pretty straightforward too. Adding storage or swapping drives is simple, though installing M.2 SSDs can be a little cramped compared to bigger NAS boxes.
Summary Table
| Step | User Feedback |
|---|---|
| Initial Setup | Smooth for most users |
| Drive Installation | Tool-less, quick |
| Upgrading Storage | Straightforward |
| M.2 Slot Access | Less spacious |
The TS-264 makes setup and upgrades easy enough, though the interior does get a bit tight for upgrades.
For buyers looking to centralize storage with flexibility and good connectivity options, the TS-264 is a solid choice. Consider it if you want reliable file management and backup capabilities—check the price and details here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the QNAP TS-264-8G-US NAS?
People notice the compact size and sturdy metal chassis right away on this 2-bay NAS. The TS-264-8G packs a quad-core Intel Celeron processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM, which definitely helps with multitasking and smooth file access.
Dual 2.5GbE ports and support for M.2 NVMe SSDs mean faster network connections and a boost from cache acceleration if you set it up. USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports are handy for quicker file transfers—especially if you’re juggling big media files. Encryption options are there too, which is reassuring if you’re storing anything sensitive.
How does the QNAP TS-264-8G-US compare to the Synology DS224+?
Both the TS-264-8G and Synology DS224+ are aimed at home or small office folks who need a reliable place for all their stuff. QNAP gives you higher network speeds right out of the box thanks to those dual 2.5GbE ports, while Synology tends to win points for its straightforward software.
QNAP’s hardware flexibility—like NVMe support for cache—is a draw for some, but Synology’s interface and software ecosystem are tough to beat if you want something super intuitive. In the end, it really comes down to what you value more: hardware options, software feel, or maybe even price.
| Feature | QNAP TS-264-8G | Synology DS224+ |
|---|---|---|
| Max Network Speed | 2 x 2.5GbE | 1 x 1GbE |
| Processor | Intel Celeron Quad-Core | Intel Celeron Dual-Core |
| NVMe SSD Slots | 2 (M.2, PCIe) | Not standard |
| System Software | QTS | DSM |
| User Interface | Customizable | User-friendly |
What type of performance can I expect from the QNAP TS-264-8G-US?
For a 2-bay NAS, the TS-264-8G holds its own. The processor and 8GB RAM combo is enough for light virtualization, several users poking around at once, and media streaming.
If you pop in SSDs for caching or extra pools, you’ll likely see a speed bump with heavier workloads. Actual network speeds? Well, that depends on your setup—if you’re stuck at 1GbE elsewhere, you won’t see the full benefit of 2.5GbE.
Most folks describe daily use as smooth and responsive. If you’re working with massive media libraries or really pushing things, you might want to look at something with more bays.
What are the storage capabilities and limitations of the QNAP TS-264-8G?
You get two SATA bays, so there’s some flexibility with drive sizes, both HDDs and SSDs. RAID 0 or 1 is supported, letting you pick between a bit more speed or some redundancy.
Those M.2 NVMe slots? Great for cache or tiered storage, but you can’t use them as your main storage pool, which is a bit of a bummer if you hoped for all-flash. How much you can store depends on the drives you buy, but if you’re planning a giant home archive, two bays might feel limiting.
It ships diskless, so you’ll need to pick and install your own drives. That’s good for flexibility, but it does mean a little extra work out of the box.
How user-friendly is the setup and management of the QNAP TS-264-8G-US?
Most people find the hardware setup pretty straightforward, though if you’re adding memory or swapping drives, you might need a screwdriver. The QTS web interface includes wizards and tools that help with initial setup and daily management.
It plays nicely with cloud services, Windows, and Mac backups, so it works in mixed households or offices. Some say the QTS interface isn’t as sleek as Synology’s DSM, but once you get used to it, it’s workable.
Remote access is there through MyQNAPCloud and mobile apps, so you can grab files on the go. There’s a lot under the hood if you want to dig in, though you might need to poke around the help docs or watch a tutorial or two if you’re going beyond the basics.
What are users saying about the reliability of the QNAP TS-264-8G-US NAS?
Most folks describe the TS-264-8G-US as steady in daily use, with QNAP pushing out software updates on a regular basis. People who’ve upgraded from older QNAP gear usually talk about smooth data migration and hardware that just keeps chugging along.
There are a few international reviews mentioning occasional hiccups—backup quirks or needing to tinker with certain file types or external devices. Still, for the majority, it seems to handle media storage and routine backups without much fuss. Of course, it’s tech, so having a backup plan is always smart, right?
