by 4 reviews.
UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS Review: A Powerhouse with Room for Improvement
The UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS is a high-performance network-attached storage solution designed for professionals, businesses, and multimedia enthusiasts. With its 12th Gen Intel Core i5 1235u 10-Core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, dual 10GbE ports, and support for up to 208TB of storage, this NAS promises to deliver exceptional speed, capacity, and versatility. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details based on real customer experiences.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Performance and Speed
The UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus is a beast when it comes to raw performance. Customers have praised its Intel i5 processor and 8GB DDR5 RAM for handling multitasking and data processing with ease. One user equipped their NAS with 8 Seagate 24TB drives, upgraded the memory, and added a 4TB NVMe drive, resulting in a system that’s “fast, super responsive, and easy to manage.” RAID 5 configurations, while time-consuming to set up, have proven to be reliable and efficient for data redundancy.
However, not all users have experienced the same level of performance. Some have reported underwhelming transfer speeds, with one customer noting that their 10GbE network cards maxed out at around 400MB/s, far below the advertised 2500MB/s. This issue appears to be related to the OS’s handling of SATA-3 transfer rates, which has left some users frustrated.
Build Quality and Design
The NASync DXP8800 Plus boasts a robust and thoughtful design. Its aluminum alloy drive trays, cooling fan, and dust mesh ensure durability and optimal performance. The device is also praised for its power efficiency, making it a great choice for users looking to balance performance with energy consumption.
That said, some users have reported a persistent “coil whine” coming from the power supply, which can be distracting in quiet environments. Additionally, the cooling system has been a point of contention. In “Default Mode,” the fans struggle to keep 8 HDDs below 110°F, while “Performance Mode” produces significant noise, making it less suitable for desktop use in noise-sensitive settings.
Software and Usability
The UGOS Pro operating system is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the built-in applications are user-friendly and provide excellent control over the device. Features like Storage Manager, Files, and Photos are consolidated into a single interface, simplifying data management.
However, the OS has its limitations. Advanced users have noted the lack of iSCSI LUN support and the inability of virtual machines to access external media like USB or Thunderbolt devices. Some customers have resorted to installing alternative operating systems like TrueNAS or UnRaid to overcome these shortcomings.
Storage and Expandability
With 8 SATA bays and 2 M.2 NVMe slots, the NASync DXP8800 Plus offers impressive storage capacity and flexibility. Users have successfully configured multiple RAID setups, including RAID 5 and RAID 0, to suit their needs. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports and an SD 4.0 card reader further enhances its versatility, making it a hub for multimedia and professional workflows.
Despite these strengths, some users have encountered issues with NVMe caching, reporting that file transfers occasionally “stutter.” This suggests that while the hardware is capable, the software may need further optimization to fully leverage its potential.
Conclusion: Is the UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus Worth It?
The UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus is a powerful and feature-rich NAS that excels in many areas, including performance, build quality, and expandability. Its Intel i5 processor, dual 10GbE ports, and Thunderbolt 4 support make it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
However, it’s not without its flaws. The OS needs refinement, particularly in terms of advanced features and transfer speed optimization. Cooling and noise levels could also be improved for a better user experience.
Final Verdict: If you’re looking for a high-capacity, high-performance NAS and are willing to tinker with the OS or explore alternative software, the UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus is an excellent investment. However, if you prioritize a seamless out-of-the-box experience, you may want to wait for future updates or consider other options.
Specification UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS, Intel i5 1235u 10-Core CPU, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 128G SSD, 2 * 10GbE, 2 * M.2 NVMe Slots, 8K HDMI, 2 * TBT4, Network Attached Storage (Diskless):
Comments from Amazon:
I have a DXP8800 bought on Dec 11, 2024, Here is what I have found. The system has a bad "coil whine" that appears to come from the power supply, NOT the fan. The fans in "Default Mode" and the system in idle mode can't cool 8 HDD below 110f, in "performance mode" there is no way you can call this a "Desktop NAS" unless you are Deaf. The 10GB Net cards are a joke as the most transfer rate I have seen is about 400MB. They need to prioritize the MTU change to 9014 and allow Jumbo Frames. I have 64GB memory and 1TB of M.2 drive and tried using them (M.2) as caching only to find the file transfer will actually "Studder". I have all 8 bays filled with the Seagate 2X18, 18TB Mach-2 HDD with dual actuators. I have half configured in Raid 5 and the other 4 in Raid 0. I have changed all the performance settings in the OS to achieve the best performance, with little to no change. My Desktop system is running an I-7 running at 4.0GHZ, 64GB Memory, and a dual port 10GB genuine Intel (550 chip) Net card, all Net cables are Cat-8. I have tried transfering from a 4 SSD raid-0 to and from the NAS with not much better results at to speed. I tried transferring 9TB of data to the NAS and it took 36 hours to complete. Even transferring from one storage pool to another is much slower the expected. I do believe the entire problem is within the OS's ability to handle the transfer rates of SATA-3. So I shall load another OS M.2 and try TrueNAS and possibly UnRaid next.
UGreen DXP8800 Plus Outstanding build quality. Thoughtful design. Power efficient yet powerful Intel Core i5 1235U 10 core / 12 thread processor with built in video subsystem. Easy Access HDD's and easy access to RAM as well as NVMe SSD's. Fast dual 10GbE. Thunderbolt 4 support along with USB 3.2 Gen 2. The only downside that I can think of is the provided UGreen UGOS Pro OS which needs some work. Most of the basic features are there. If a supported app isn't available then Docker will likely get you sorted. Still, the lack of iSCSI LUN support can be a problem for advanced users. Virtual Machines cant access external media such as USB or Thunderbolt. The OS is stable, it's just some of the little things haven't been sorted.
I just put the UGreen DXP8800Plus online. I equipped mine with 8 Seagate 24TB Drives, upgraded the memory, and added a 4TB NVME drive to boost throughput. WOW, it's fantastic. The RAID 5 drive stripping did take a while, but the results are worthwhile. The storage is fast, super responsive, and easy to manage. The built-in applications are tremendous and control of the device is extremely easy. I'm glad I decided to upgrade and have absolutely no regrets.