Ever felt like your computer just can’t keep up with how much stuff you want to save? Modern digital life demands fast and reliable storage, but picking the right system can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. You might be wondering: should I go for speed, capacity, or something that fits my budget? Choosing the wrong storage setup can lead to frustratingly slow loading times and the constant worry of losing important files.
Direct Attached Storage, or DAS, is a popular solution many people turn to for direct, high-speed data access. But even within DAS, there are different types and features that can confuse even experienced users. Understanding the basics of DAS means unlocking better performance for your videos, games, and work projects.
In this post, we will break down exactly what DAS is and why it matters for your setup. We will explore the key benefits and help you avoid common pitfalls when buying your next drive. Get ready to learn how to select the perfect DAS to supercharge your data storage!
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.
- 【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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- [Flexible RAID Mode Management]: This 3.5-inch RAID HDD enclosure supports eight configuration modes, namely 0, 1, 3, 5, 10, JBOD, CLONE, and CLEAR. It enables dual data backup, enhances data security, and caters to the individualized needs of diverse users. Note: It is advisable to back up your data before mode switching. If you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us
- [Supports 22TB Single Disk]: The 5-bay HDD enclosure accommodates 3.5-inch SATA disks, and the maximum storage capacity amounts to 110TB. It can effortlessly fulfill the storage requirements of large-scale engineering projects, high-resolution video footages, and other large-capacity data, eliminating concerns about capacity shortages
- [5Gbps Data Transfer]: The USB 3.0 interface of the external hard drive bay is compatible with SATA 6 Gbps, and the transfer speed reaches up to 235MB/s, facilitating effortless backup and transfer of files and videos, enabling centralized management and enhancing work efficiency
- [Effective Heat-dissipation]The 3.5-inch aluminum HDD case is outfitted with an 80mm silent cooling fan. Front and rear vents are designed, and the airflow effectively dissipates heat, ensuring the stable and efficient operation of the equipment over an extended period
- [Safety Protection]: The RAID enclosure features a bracket-free design for quick disassembly and assembly and possesses an independent safety locking mechanism to effectively prevent the unexpected removal or loss of the hard disk and guarantee the security of data
- 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
The Essential Buying Guide for Direct Attached Storage (DAS)
Direct Attached Storage (DAS) is a simple way to add more storage space directly to your computer or server. Think of it like plugging in an extra, super-fast filing cabinet right next to your main desk. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for DAS, certain features make a big difference in how well it works for you.
- Connectivity Type: This is how the DAS talks to your computer. Look for Thunderbolt 3 or 4, or fast USB (like USB 3.1 or 3.2). These offer the quickest speeds for moving big files.
- Drive Bays: This tells you how many hard drives or SSDs you can fit inside. A two-bay unit is great for backups. A four-bay or more is better for serious video editing or large data needs.
- RAID Support: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) lets you combine multiple drives for speed or safety. Simple DAS units might offer RAID 0 (speed) or RAID 1 (safety). Choose a unit that supports the RAID level you need.
- Cooling System: Fast drives create heat. A good DAS has quiet, effective fans or large metal casings to keep things cool. Overheating slows down your storage.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your DAS depends on a few internal and external parts.
Improving Quality
- SSD vs. HDD: Solid State Drives (SSDs) are much faster and more durable than older Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Using SSDs in your DAS drastically improves performance.
- Durable Casing: Strong aluminum casings protect the drives better from bumps and help dissipate heat efficiently.
- Quality Controller Chip: The internal chip managing the drives must be reliable. Look for reviews that praise the unit’s long-term stability.
Reducing Quality
- Cheap Plastic Housing: Plastic does not cool as well as metal. This can cause the drives to slow down during heavy use.
- Slow Interfaces: Using older USB 2.0 or slow SATA connections will bottleneck the speed, no matter how fast the drives inside are.
- Poor Power Supply: A weak or unreliable power adapter can cause data corruption or system crashes.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and heat management.
Most high-quality DAS enclosures use **aluminum** for the body. Aluminum conducts heat away from the drives very well. Inside, you need proper **drive trays** (often metal or sturdy plastic) to hold the actual storage drives securely. The cables connecting the DAS to your computer should be thick and well-shielded to prevent signal loss.
3. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the DAS heavily influences your purchase decision.
For Everyday Users and Backup
If you just need to back up your photos or documents, you want simplicity. Look for a plug-and-play unit with one or two bays. You probably don’t need complex RAID settings. A simple USB connection is often fast enough.
For Creative Professionals (Video Editors, Designers)
These users require maximum speed and reliability. You must choose DAS units with **Thunderbolt** or high-speed USB-C connections. These setups often use RAID 0 for blazing fast read/write speeds when editing large 4K video files directly from the unit.
Set Up and Management
A good user experience means easy installation. The best DAS units let you slide the drives in without tools. Software should be simple; you should not need advanced IT knowledge to set up basic RAID configurations.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about DAS
Q: What is the main difference between DAS and NAS?
A: DAS connects directly to one computer, like an external hard drive. NAS (Network Attached Storage) connects to your router, allowing many people on a network to access it at the same time.
Q: Is DAS faster than using a single external hard drive?
A: Yes, usually. DAS often uses multiple drives in a RAID configuration, which combines their speed, making them much faster than a single drive.
Q: Do I need special software to use a DAS?
A: Most modern DAS units are plug-and-play. You may only need special software if you want to set up advanced RAID modes.
Q: Can I use both SSDs and HDDs in the same DAS enclosure?
A: Some enclosures allow this, but it is often not recommended. Mixing speeds can cause performance issues, depending on the RAID settings you choose.
Q: What is the most important connection type for speed?
A: Thunderbolt (3 or 4) currently offers the fastest connection speeds for DAS devices.
Q: Will a DAS help me recover data if a drive fails?
A: Only if you set it up using RAID 1 (mirroring). RAID 1 copies all your data to a second drive, so if one fails, your data is safe on the other.
Q: Are DAS units noisy?
A: If the unit uses traditional spinning hard drives (HDDs), you will hear some noise from the spinning platters and the cooling fan. SSD-only DAS units are usually silent.
Q: How do I choose the right size (number of bays)?
A: Choose two bays for simple backup. Choose four or more bays if you need large capacity and high safety features for professional work.
Q: Does the DAS enclosure protect my data if my computer crashes?
A: The enclosure protects the physical drives. It does not protect your data if your computer’s operating system gets a virus or crashes, unless you have specifically configured RAID for backup.
Q: What should I do if my DAS suddenly stops working?
A: First, check the power cable and the connection cable to your computer. If that fails, check the status lights on the enclosure; they often indicate which internal drive has failed.