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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 Linkstation Duo drives are arranged in a Raid 0 configuration.
Data throughout is much in line with a less expensive controller, its not disappointing as such, but compared to models in the next price bracket it does seem somewhat slow.
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.
The Buffalo system is clearly outclassed by the more expensive units, however it is worth bearing in mind, with the drives included it is under half the price of the Synology D710.
Again, the controller inside the Buffalo clearly isn't utilising the full bandwidth of our gigabit network, averaging at around 38.7MB/s read speeds.
Next we created a folder of files, 500mb/s in size with a variety of files, 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.
Again as expected the Buffalo is struggling to keep up with the expensive NAS systems we have in our testing labs. Still, this is enough to stream 1080p MKV content in the ‘real world' so we see no issues considering the low price point.
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 unit is just as we imagined, basically all but silent to the human ear. We could never really notice it even after writing files for over an hour as the fan never seems to spin up enough to generate any audible acoustics. This is very impressive, especially if this is going to be sitting on a desk beside you during a normal day.
Well this seems like a really good low cost way to get into NAS systems 🙂
Yeah its not the fastest unit, but for the price, its really a good buy, especially for more casual users, rather than hardcore guys.
Thats such a good price, the Synology tempted me, but with 1tb of storage its over 500 quid. thats a lot of money. I would be willing to live with lower performance.
Wow I was stunned at the price. the drives alone are almost half of the asking price. Can you upgrade the 1TB unit later with bigger drives?
Funnily enough I was looking at this unit last week with the possiblity of upgrading my own ancient NAS system which is falling apart. I tend to backup documents and videos. I just ordered one , thanks for the review
Read performance is decent, write is a little slow. I like the price, but im not sure how it would handle bigger files. that might be painful to wait at times.
The controller is obviously not an expensive model, which means its not able to saturate the network, but its still quite decent really.
It is not fast enough for me unfortunately, I copy over a lot of files at 10GB or more, 1080p MKVs/ the wait would be painful. but I agree, its a nice pricing point.
That is really inexpensive, didnt think you could get a full NAS system for that price. It would be fine for me, im not into mega network speeds, my network is crappy anyway 🙂
Hey Zardon maybe you could write an article on how to set up a gigabit network, yours looks rather impressive!
Performance is average but the price point is hard to complain about 🙂
I just ordered two of them, one for my brother for his birthday and one for myself :p
Thats a really inexpensive option ! I shall pick one of these up for backups over the network, when speed isnt really that critical.
great review, many nice tests which are real world and useful. I think this is a good option, really cheap too. shall get one.
I was a little disappointed with performance, but I saw the price and its really so little money for a NAS system. with USB option too? Think I might pick one up too for a present for my cousin.
try the speed tests again with differnt hardrives in there? some WD black’s
junk, the onboard controller is trash and creates trash out of your data
Thanks for a great review. Looking to buy one of these to replace a Buffalo Linkstation Live that has recently died. I have been pleased with the Linkstation so it sounds like this will provide similar service. Not the fastest around but great for the price.