Imagine your computer’s brain. It needs a place to keep all its important thoughts, pictures, and games, right? That’s where storage comes in. But sometimes, the way your computer talks to its storage can be tricky. Have you ever wished your computer could just grab what it needs super fast, without any extra steps?
Choosing the right storage for your computer can feel like picking a favorite toy from a giant bin – a lot of choices, and it’s hard to know which one is the best. You might worry about speed, how much space you’ll have, or if it will even work with your computer. Getting this wrong can make your computer feel slow or even stop you from saving your favorite things.
But don’t worry! We’re going to break down Direct Attached Storage, or DAS, in a way that makes sense. By the end of this post, you’ll understand what DAS is, why it’s so cool, and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. Get ready to make your computer storage simple and speedy!
Our Top 5 Direct Attached Storage Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Direct Attached Storage Detailed Reviews
1. TERRAMASTER D4-320 External Hard Drive Enclosure – 4bay USB 3.2 Gen2 10Gbps Type-C USB Storage Hot Swappable Plug and Play (Diskless)
Rating: 9.3/10
The TERRAMASTER D4-320 is a versatile external hard drive enclosure that lets you connect multiple drives to your computer. It’s designed for speed and convenience, making it a great option for storing and accessing large amounts of data.
What We Like:
- Super fast data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps thanks to USB 3.2 Gen2.
- You can easily swap out hard drives without turning off your computer, which saves time.
- Setting it up is a breeze; just plug it in, and it works with Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- It supports big hard drives, up to 30TB each, for a massive total storage of 120TB.
- Installing and removing drives is simple with its tool-free design; the drives lock in securely.
- It stays cool with a smart fan and is much quieter than older models, even in standby.
What Could Be Improved:
- This enclosure does not offer RAID functionality, meaning it treats each drive separately.
If you need a fast and easy way to expand your storage with multiple drives, the TERRAMASTER D4-320 is a solid choice.
2. QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with hardware RAID (Diskless)
Rating: 9.3/10
The QNAP TR-004 is a versatile 4-bay storage device that connects directly to your computer or QNAP NAS using a USB Type-C cable. It’s a great way to add more storage space for your files or to back up your important data. You can set it up with different RAID configurations to protect your data or get the fastest speeds. This diskless unit lets you choose your own hard drives to fit your needs.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to connect to Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.
- You can use it to back up your QNAP NAS, keeping your data safe.
- It expands the storage capacity of your QNAP NAS, giving you more room.
- Hardware RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, and individual disks, offering flexibility.
- The drive bays have locks to keep your hard drives secure.
- It comes with a USB Type-C to Type-A cable for easy connection.
What Could Be Improved:
- It doesn’t work with older QNAP NAS models or those that can’t be updated.
- You can only use it as a separate storage pool or volume on your NAS; it can’t be combined into the main NAS storage.
- You can’t install NAS applications directly onto the TR-004.
- Hard drives can only be moved between TR-004 units; data won’t be recognized if moved to or from a NAS or another device.
The QNAP TR-004 offers a straightforward solution for expanding storage and managing backups. It’s a solid choice for users who need more disk space and data protection options.
3. TERRAMASTER D8 Hybrid HDD NVMe Enclosure USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type C 8Bay USB Storage (Diskless)
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the TERRAMASTER D8 Hybrid, an amazing new storage device that lets you use both fast SSDs and big hard drives at the same time! It’s like having a super-fast lane for your important stuff and a huge warehouse for everything else. This makes it perfect for anyone who needs lots of space but also wants things to load quickly.
What We Like:
- It’s a hybrid enclosure, meaning you can use 4 big hard drives and 4 speedy M.2 NVMe SSDs together.
- You can get a massive total storage of up to 152TB, which is a ton of space for all your files.
- It’s super fast, with speeds up to 10Gbps, so your files transfer in a flash.
- Putting drives in and taking them out is easy and tool-free, and they lock in securely.
- The fan keeps things cool automatically, so your drives stay at the right temperature and last longer.
- It has a handy backup software to keep your important data safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup might take a little time for users new to hybrid storage.
- While it offers a lot of flexibility, managing “hot” and “cold” data effectively requires some user input.
This enclosure offers a powerful and flexible way to manage your storage needs. It’s a great choice for professionals and enthusiasts who demand both speed and massive capacity.
4. CENMATE 4 Bay Hard Drive Enclosure with Cooling Fan for 2.5/3.5″ SATA HDD/SSD with USB A/C 3.0 Cable
Rating: 8.8/10
Are you drowning in digital files and need a reliable way to store them? The CENMATE 4 Bay Hard Drive Enclosure is here to help! This versatile device lets you connect up to four 2.5 or 3.5-inch SATA hard drives or SSDs, giving you a massive storage capacity of up to 80TB. It’s perfect for individuals and businesses who need to save space and keep their important data safe. Plus, it’s super easy to set up – no tools needed!
What We Like:
- Huge storage potential: Holds up to 80TB, so you won’t run out of space anytime soon.
- Fast transfers: USB 3.0 speeds mean you can move large files, like movies, in just a few seconds.
- Keeps drives cool: The built-in fan and aluminum body help prevent your drives from overheating.
- Easy to use: Just plug it in, and it works. No complicated setup required.
- Works with most computers: Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Stays powered: Comes with a stable power adapter for smooth operation.
What Could Be Improved:
- Fan noise: The fan can be a bit loud (40-50 decibels), so it might not be the best choice if you’re really sensitive to noise.
- No RAID/NAS: This enclosure doesn’t support RAID or NAS features.
This CENMATE enclosure offers a fantastic solution for expanding your storage needs with speed and simplicity. It’s a powerful tool for managing your digital life.
5. QNAP TR-002-A-US 2 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with Hardware RAID (Diskless)
Rating: 8.8/10
The QNAP TR-002-A-US 2 Bay USB Type-C DAS is a handy device for storing your digital stuff. It connects directly to your computer, making it super easy to add more storage space. You can use it with Windows, macOS, or Linux computers. It’s also great if you have a QNAP NAS, as it can help expand its storage.
What We Like:
- Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux computers.
- Can be used as extra storage for your computer or to back up your QNAP NAS.
- Easily adds more storage to your QNAP NAS.
- Holds up to two 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA hard drives.
- Offers different ways to set up your drives, like RAID 0, RAID 1, or JBOD.
- Comes with a cable to connect to your computer.
- The drive bays have locks to keep your drives safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- It does not come with hard drives, so you need to buy them separately.
- The setup for RAID might be a little tricky for beginners.
This QNAP TR-002-A-US is a solid option for anyone needing more storage or a way to back up their data. It offers good flexibility and security for your drives.
Your Guide to Direct Attached Storage (DAS)
Direct Attached Storage, or DAS, is like having a super-powered external hard drive for your computer. It connects directly to your computer, making it easy to store and access your files. Think of it as a special toolbox for your digital stuff.
Why Choose DAS?
DAS is great for people who need more space for their photos, videos, or games. It’s also good for backing up important files.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking for a DAS, here are the important things to check out:
- **Capacity:** This is how much stuff your DAS can hold. It’s measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). More is usually better if you have lots of files.
- **Speed:** How fast can your computer get files from the DAS? Look for faster connections like USB 3.0 or USB-C.
- **Connectivity:** How does it plug into your computer? Most use USB, but some might use Thunderbolt.
- **Durability:** Is it built tough? Some DAS units are designed to be dropped or bumped without problems.
- **Power Source:** Does it need its own power cord, or does it get power from the USB cable?
Important Materials
The outside of your DAS is often made of plastic or metal. Metal cases can be stronger and help keep the drives cool. Inside, it has hard drives, which are made with spinning disks.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Brand Reputation: Some companies are known for making reliable storage.
- Build Quality: A solid, well-made DAS will last longer.
- Cooling: Good cooling prevents the drives from getting too hot, which is good for their life.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Cheap Materials: Using flimsy plastic might mean it breaks easily.
- Poor Design: If it doesn’t have good airflow, it can overheat.
- Bad Reviews: Reading what other people say can tell you a lot.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using DAS is usually very simple. You plug it in, and your computer usually recognizes it right away. It’s like plugging in a new USB stick, but with much more space.
- For Photographers and Videographers: You can store all your large photo and video files. This keeps your computer running smoothly.
- For Gamers: Download and store more games. Load times might even be faster.
- For Home Users: Back up your precious family photos and important documents.
- For Small Businesses: Store client files or project data.
10 FAQs About Direct Attached Storage
Q: What is Direct Attached Storage (DAS)?
A: DAS is a storage device that connects directly to one computer. It’s like an external hard drive.
Q: Is DAS easy to set up?
A: Yes, DAS is usually very easy to set up. You just plug it in.
Q: What’s the main benefit of using DAS?
A: The main benefit is getting more storage space for your computer.
Q: Can I use DAS with any computer?
A: Most DAS works with Windows and Mac computers. Check the product details to be sure.
Q: How much storage space do I need?
A: This depends on what you plan to store. For photos and videos, you might need a lot of space (like 2TB or more).
Q: What does “USB 3.0” or “USB-C” mean for speed?
A: These are types of connections that let your computer and the DAS talk to each other faster. Faster connections mean quicker file transfers.
Q: Do I need to format my DAS?
A: Sometimes. New DAS might need to be formatted before you can use it. The instructions will tell you if you need to do this.
Q: Can I use DAS for backups?
A: Yes, DAS is excellent for backing up your important files.
Q: What’s the difference between DAS and Network Attached Storage (NAS)?
A: DAS connects to only one computer. NAS connects to your home network, so multiple devices can access it.
Q: How long do DAS devices usually last?
A: With good care, a DAS can last for many years. Like any electronic device, they can eventually stop working.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.