Imagine your computer needs to save a mountain of important files, but the storage is slow and hard to reach. Does that sound frustrating? In today’s digital world, we all create massive amounts of data, from school projects to family photos. Finding fast, reliable storage is a big deal. This is where Direct Attached Storage, or DAS, steps in. But choosing the right DAS can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need more speed? Are you worried about fitting it all in your workspace? Many people get stuck trying to balance cost, performance, and ease of use.
Don’t worry; we are here to clear up the confusion. This guide breaks down exactly what DAS is and why it might be the perfect solution for your needs, whether you are a gamer, a video editor, or just someone with too many files. By the end of this post, you will understand the key features, know how to pick the best device for you, and avoid common mistakes. Ready to unlock faster, simpler data access? Let’s dive into the world of Direct Attached Storage!
Table of Contents
Top Direct Attached Storage Recommendations
- High-Speed Data Transmission: The D4-320 hard drive enclosure (a DAS, NOT a NAS) utilizes the USB 3.2 Gen2 protocol, achieving high-speed data transmission of up to 10Gbps. When equipped with four hard drives, the actual read/write speed can reach up to 1,016 MB/s (combined read/write with four SATA III HDDs of 8TB each). With just one SSD installed, the read speed effortlessly reaches 510 MB/s (SATA III 1TB SSD). The D4-320 supports a single HDD up to 30TB, with a total capacity of 120TB, and is compatible with various hard drives, including 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, 2.5-inch SATA hard drives, and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs.
- Plug-and-Play Compatibility: The D4-320 USB storage supports 4 individual disks (NO RAID function), and is plug-and-play, eliminating the need for drivers. It is highly compatible with MAC, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The USB Type-C interface supports various computer interfaces, including USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4.
- Hot Swappable Convenience: The D4-320 HDD enclosure supports hot swapping, allowing users to replace hard disks without powering off the device. This feature enhances convenience and efficiency in data transfer processes.
- Tool-Free Hard Drive Management: Featuring a tool-free hard drive tray design, the D4-320 external HDD enclosure enables easy installation and removal of hard drives without requiring additional tools. Furthermore, the D4-320 incorporates TerraMaster's unique Push-lock design, automatically securing the hard drive tray upon insertion, preventing the hard drive from falling out or disconnecting.
- Efficient Heat Dissipation and Quieter Operation: The D4-320 direct attached storage incorporates an intelligent temperature-controlled fan for optimal heat dissipation. Additionally, specialized sound-absorbing panels and vibration damping measures contribute to a quieter operation, with noise levels reduced by up to 50% compared to the previous generation. In standby mode, the noise level drops below 21 dB(A), creating a remarkably quiet user environment.
- Ultimate Storage Versatility: Featuring four SATA 6Gbit/s bays, the enclosure supports both 3.5'' and 2.5'' hard drives and SSDs. Effortlessly expand your storage capacity up to 4x22TB, ensuring you have ample space for all your critical data, multimedia projects, and extensive game libraries. Note: For 2.5'' hard drives, additional 2.5'' to 3.5'' mounting brackets are required(Not included).
- Blazing Fast Data Transfer: Experience unparalleled data transfer speeds with the USB 3.2 Type-C port, capable of reaching up to 10Gbps. Seamlessly handle massive files and high-volume data transfers with exceptional efficiency and speed, perfect for both professional and personal use.
- Enhanced Connectivity and Display Options: Beyond storage, this docking station features an additional USB 3.2 Type-C port for connecting peripherals or daisy-chaining devices, along with an HDMI interface that supports up to 4K@60Hz resolution(under DP1.4). Create a seamless and efficient workspace with high-speed connectivity and stunning display capabilities. Note: Please ensure the USB-C port on your host supports video output and use the USB-C to C cable, or the HDMI port will not work.
- Premium Build Quality and Cooling: Constructed from high-quality aluminum, the docking station offers superior heat dissipation and robust structural integrity. Dual built-in fans automatically activate at 48°C, ensuring your drives remain cool and perform optimally, even during intensive tasks.
- Hot-Swappable Flexibility: Designed for convenience, each of the four bays comes with an independent ON/OFF power switch. Easily swap drives in and out without powering down the entire system, streamlining your workflow and enhancing productivity.
- Direct-attached storage device via USB Type-C for Windows, macOS and Linux
- Use the TR-004 as external storage for NAS backup
- Expand the capacity of your QNAP NAS
- 4 x 3.5-inch SATA 3Gb/s (Diskless)
- Hardware RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, and individual disks
- 【Reliable External Storage System for Individuals and Business】The 4 Bay Hard Drive Enclosure supports 2.5/3.5 inches HDD and SSD, max capacity up to 80TB( 20TB for each hard drive), it's a ideal external hard drive enclosure for personal or enterprise using.Save space on your desktop or laptop.
- 【No heat】The 4 bay hard drive reader built in Aluminum-Alloy materials and 2 inch Fan.Maximize the security of your data.NOTE：Fan noise is around 40-50 decibels, not recommended if you are very sensitive to noise.
- 【Up to 5Gbps】This 4 bay enclosure equips with advanced chip and USB 3.0 output interface, Max 5Gbps under UASP control.Transfer 1G movie in 3-5 seconds with USB 3.0 Ports, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0.
- 【Wide Compatibility, Plug and Play】Equipped with USB A/C 3.0 Cable Cable.Compatible with Windows 7 and above, Mac 9.1 and above, Linux.Plug and play, no fuss, no muss.
- 【Stable power supply】Equipped with DC 12V power adapter to provide stability for high-speed transmission.
- High Speed: The D2-320 hard drive enclosure (a DAS, NOT a NAS) adopts USB 3.2 Gen2 protocol for high-speed data transmission up to 10Gbps. With 2 hard drives in RAID 0, the read/write speed can reach up to 521MB/s (SATA III HDD 8TB x 2). With 2 SSD’s in RAID 0, the read speed can reach 1075MB/s (SATA III 1TB SSD x 2).
- Multiple RAIDs supported: The D2-320 is a hardware RAID enclosure and it supports RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD and SINGLE which can better satisfy various demands of users. In RAID 1, data will be in a mirror backup. When there is a damaged hard drive, you can directly replace the hard drive, and the data will be recovered automatically. This provides an absolute security for the data.
- Super-large Storage Space: The D2-320 USB storage enclosure can support up to two 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD, as well as 2.5" SATA SSD, with a maximum capacity of 22TB per drive, providing users with up to 44TB (22TB x 2) of storage space.
- Better Heat Dissipation: The D2-320 HDD enclosure has an intelligent temperature-controlled and low-noise fan that automatically adjusts its speed based on the temperature of the hard disk. This feature ensures that the hard disk operates at its best temperature and provides better heat dissipation.
- Convenient to swap hard drives: The D2-320 external hard drive enclosure features a tool-free hard drive tray design that allows for easy installation and removal of hard drives without the need for any tools. Furthermore, the D2-320 incorporates a brand new Push-lock unique design from TerraMaster, which automatically locks the hard drive tray when you insert the hard drive, preventing the hard drive from falling out or disconnecting.
- Innovative Storage: An innovation of an 8-bay hybrid HDD NVMe SSD enclosure. The D8 Hybrid can hold 4 SATA HDDs/SSDs and 4 M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs, with a capacity of 30TB a drive, and 8TB per M.2 SSD, providing users with up to 152TB (30TB x 4 + 8TB x 4) of storage space, combining the advantages of HDDs’ massive capacity and SSDs’ high-speed performance simultaneously! With TERRAMASTER's TPC Backupper software, you can easily schedule backups of important data to enhance data security.
- Ideal Solution for Hot and Cold Data: Tailor your storage setup to your data’s needs and usage patterns. Leverage the large capacity advantage of mechanical hard drives and the high-speed read/write performance of M.2 SSDs. Users have the flexibility to manually select where to store their data based on type and frequency of usage, optimizing storage efficiency and access speed. This approach ensures swift access to hot data stored on high-speed SSDs, while cold data is stored economically and efficiently on HDDs.
- 10Gbps Transfer Bandwidth: The D8 Hybrid hard drive enclosure adopts USB 3.2 Gen2 protocol for high-speed data transmission up to 10Gbps. With an SSD, the speed can reach up to 521MB/s, and using an NVMeM.2SSDs, it can reach up to 980MB/s.
- Convenient to swap hard drives: The M.2 SSD enclosure features a tool-free hard drive tray design that allows for easy installation and removal of hard drives without the need for any tools. Furthermore, this USB storage incorporates a brand new Push-Lock unique design from TERRAMASTER, which automatically locks the hard drive tray when you insert the hard drive, preventing the hard drive from falling out or disconnecting.
- Better Heat Dissipation: This HDD enclosure has an intelligent temperature-controlled and low-noise fan that automatically adjusts its speed based on the temperature of the hard disk. This feature ensures that the hard disk operates at its best temperature and provides better heat dissipation. The D8 Hybrid direct attached storage also features power on recovery, it automatically reboots after abnormal power loss while staying off after normal shutdown, enabling unattended operation.
- Compatibility : Perfect for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Versatility : Use as external storage or for NAS backup
- Expansion : Easily increase your QNAP NAS capacity
- Flexibility : Supports up to 2 x 2.5"/3.5" SATA drives
- Advanced Options : Hardware RAID 0, 1, JBOD, and individual disk support
- High Speed: The D6-320 hard drive enclosure (a DAS, NOT a NAS) adopts USB 3.2 Gen2 protocol for high-speed data transmission up to 10Gbps. With 6 hard drives installed, the read/write speed can reach up to 1,030MB/s (SATA III HDD 8TB x 6). With one SSD installed, the read speed can reach 510MB/s (SATA III 1TB SSD x 1).
- Super-large Storage Space: The D6-320 HDD storage enclosure can support up to six 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD, as well as 2.5" SATA SSD, with a maximum capacity of 22TB per drive, providing users with up to 132TB (22TB x 6) of storage space. Note that the D6-320 does not support arrays and only works with individual disks.
- Plug and Play, Highly Compatible: The D6-320 das storage is a plug-and-play device that doesn't require drivers to work. It is highly compatible with MAC, Windows, and Linux operating systems. It has a USB Type-C interface and comes with a USB type C-type C cable. The device is compatible with various computer interfaces, including USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4.
- Hot Swappable: The D6-320 USB enclosure supports hot swapping, which allows you to replace the hard disk without having to power off the device. This feature makes data transfer more convenient and efficient.
- Better Heat Dissipation: The D6-320 USB storage has an intelligent temperature-controlled and low-noise fan that automatically adjusts its speed based on the temperature of the hard disk. This feature ensures that the hard disk operates at its best temperature and provides better heat dissipation.
Your Essential Guide to Buying Direct Attached Storage (DAS)
Direct Attached Storage, or DAS, is a straightforward way to add extra storage space directly to your computer or server. Think of it as plugging in a powerful external hard drive, but often with more options for speed and capacity. This guide helps you pick the best DAS for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for DAS, focus on these main features. They decide how fast and how much data you can store.
- Connectivity: How does the DAS talk to your computer? Look for modern connections like USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 or 4, or eSATA. Faster connections mean faster file transfers.
- Drive Bays: This is how many hard drives or SSDs fit inside the DAS enclosure. More bays mean more storage space. Some enclosures hold just one drive, while others hold eight or more.
- RAID Support: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) combines multiple drives for better speed or better safety. Simple RAID levels like RAID 0 (speed) or RAID 1 (safety copy) are common in DAS units.
- Drive Type Support: Check if the DAS accepts Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid State Drives (SSDs), or both. SSDs are much faster but usually cost more per gigabyte.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used in the DAS enclosure affect how long it lasts and how well it keeps your drives cool.
Enclosure Construction
- Aluminum or Metal Chassis: Good quality DAS units usually have sturdy metal casings. Metal helps pull heat away from the drives, which keeps them running cooler and safer.
- Plastic Casing: Cheaper units sometimes use more plastic. While lighter, plastic does not dissipate heat as well as metal.
Internal Components
The controller chip inside the enclosure is very important. A good controller manages the data flow efficiently, which boosts your speed, especially when using RAID.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a DAS system better or worse for you.
Boosting Quality (What Makes It Good)
- Tool-Less Design: The best units let you swap drives without needing a screwdriver. This makes upgrades and repairs very easy.
- Quiet Fans: If you work in a quiet office, look for units with large, slow-spinning, or quiet fans. Some high-end DAS units are fan-less.
- Hardware RAID: DAS units that handle RAID calculations themselves (hardware RAID) perform better than those that rely on your computer’s software (software RAID).
Reducing Quality (What Makes It Bad)
- Proprietary Drives: Some manufacturers force you to use only their specific, often expensive, hard drives. Avoid these if you want flexibility.
- Poor Heat Management: If the casing gets very hot during use, the drives inside will wear out faster. This reduces the overall quality and lifespan.
- Slow Controllers: If the connection speed (like USB 2.0) is much slower than the drives inside can handle, you waste money on fast drives.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the DAS heavily influences which model you should buy.
For the Everyday User (Backup and Media)
If you just need a big place to back up photos or store movies, a simple one or two-bay DAS connected via USB 3.0 is perfect. Ease of use is the main goal here.
For Creative Professionals (Video Editing and Design)
Video editors need speed. Look for DAS units with Thunderbolt connections and SSDs set up in a fast RAID configuration (like RAID 0). This lets you edit large 4K video files directly from the storage without lag.
For Small Businesses (Data Safety)
Safety matters most for business data. Choose a multi-bay DAS (four or more bays) that supports RAID 5 or RAID 6. This setup protects your data; if one drive fails, you do not lose any information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About DAS
Q: What is the main difference between DAS and NAS?
A: DAS connects directly to one computer using a cable (like USB or Thunderbolt). NAS (Network Attached Storage) connects to your router and can be accessed by many computers over the network.
Q: Do I need to buy the drives separately?
A: Many DAS enclosures are sold empty, meaning you must buy the hard drives or SSDs separately. Some “plug-and-play” models come pre-loaded with drives.
Q: Is DAS faster than a regular external hard drive?
A: Often, yes. DAS enclosures allow you to use multiple drives in a fast setup (RAID) and often use faster connection ports like Thunderbolt, which regular external drives might not support.
Q: What is the best connection type for speed?
A: Thunderbolt 3 or 4 generally offers the fastest connection speeds available for DAS, especially if you are using many fast SSDs.
Q: What is RAID 1, and why should I use it?
A: RAID 1 mirrors your data. Every file you save on one drive is instantly saved on a second drive. If the first drive breaks, your data is safe on the second one.
Q: Will a DAS unit make a lot of noise?
A: Noise depends on the fans and the drives inside. SSD-only DAS units are usually quiet. Units with many spinning HDDs and active cooling fans can produce noticeable humming or whirring sounds.
Q: Can I upgrade the drives later?
A: Yes, most good DAS enclosures allow you to easily swap out smaller drives for larger ones later on, though you must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for rebuilding the RAID array.
Q: Do I need special software to set up DAS?
A: For basic single-drive use, no special software is required; the computer sees it like any other drive. For setting up RAID, you often use simple software included with the DAS or settings in your computer’s operating system.
Q: Does DAS use a lot of electricity?
A: Yes, DAS units use more power than a single external drive because they have multiple drives and often cooling fans running constantly.
Q: Is DAS safe from viruses?
A: DAS protects your files physically, but it does not protect against software threats. If your computer gets a virus, the virus can still copy itself onto the files stored on your DAS.