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We will be testing the Buffalo NAS within our gigabit network which is pretty much as good as you will get for the home. It is a mixed network with several 1GBit switches for ultimate performance.
Reference Test PC:
Processor: Intel Core i7 920 @ 4ghz
Storage: Kingston 128GB SSD V+ Series
Motherboard: Asus Rampage II Gene
Graphics: Geforce GTX285 2GB
Memory: Corsair Dominator 1600mhz @2000mhz
Network: 2x Belkin 16 Port Gigabit Switches
Operating System: Windows 7 64 Bit Ultimate
Firstly we perform a native network test to ascertain pure data throughput. The Terastation Duo drives are arranged in a Raid 0 configuration and we have Jumbo Frames set to 9k. We found no performance differences with port trunking so have results posted below with a single LAN cable.
Data throughput is improved when compared with the cheaper Linkstation Duo however it is still lacking when compared directly with the higher end Synology or QNAP units we have tested before.
Our local PC has a fast Kingston SSD as the main drive and we are using it to ensure no bottlenecks occur on this side of the testing. Our PC is hooked up to the network and we transfer a 10GB MKV file from the PC to the NAS systems. All three NAS systems are using dual drive Raid 0 configurations with mechanical drives.
Again we can see performance shortcomings when compared to the more expensive QNAP and Synology D710+ units. To be totally subjective however the unit on test today is £299 inc vat with 1TB of storage, the D710+ is £100 more without any storage.
The Terastation Duo controller manages to increase the throughput by around 7 MB/s when compared to the cheaper Linkstation Duo. The Synology D710+ is way out in front here.
Next we created a folder of files, 500mb/s in size with a variety of data , from small database documents to larger jpgs and bmps. We expect to pay a slight penalty as we are using Jumbo frames set to 9k, however performance should still be good.
As we would have imagined by now we can see the Buffalo is struggling to keep up with the expensive NAS systems we have in our testing labs. To be fair, the Terastation is still more than capable of streaming 1080p HD content across our network in the ‘real world' so we see no problems considering the very competitive price.
We take the issue of noise very seriously at KitGuru and this is why we have built a special home brew system as a reference point when we test noise levels of various components. Why do this? Well this means we can eliminate secondary noise pollution in the test room and concentrate on components we are testing. It also brings us slightly closer to industry standards, such as DIN 45635.
As this can be a little confusing for people, here are various dBa ratings in with real world situations to help describe the various levels.
KitGuru noise guide
10dBA – Normal Breathing/Rustling Leaves
20-25dBA – Whisper
30dBA – High Quality Computer fan
40dBA – A Bubbling Brook, or a Refridgerator
50dBA – Normal Conversation
60dBA – Laughter
70dBA – Vacuum Cleaner or Hairdryer
80dBA – City Traffic or a Garbage Disposal
90dBA – Motorcycle or Lawnmower
100dBA – MP3 player at maximum output
110dBA – Orchestra
120dBA – Front row rock concert/Jet Engine
130dBA – Threshold of Pain
140dBA – Military Jet takeoff/Gunshot (close range)
160dBA – Instant Perforation of eardrum
Noise was measured from half a meter away.
The Terastation can be classed as a very silent NAS box registering 25.4 dBA under general use. Even when stressing the unit for long periods of time it remained quiet. In comparison the QNAP systems can get loud when the ATOM processors are taxed and the fans kick in to compensate. This means that the Buffalo units are ideal if you need them close at hand, on a desk beside you for instance.
