Final Thoughts

Overall, the Thecus N3200XXX was a pleasant surprise. The device offered comparable performance to our Core 2 Duo test system while consistently beating the NAS enclosures offered by Synology, LG and QNAP. Along with scoring high in our benchmarks, the device is well stocked with software features. Its Web Administration Interface is thoughtfully designed, making setup a cakewalk -- even for novice users, if nosotros had to approximate.

Although the hot-swappable bays weren't designed too as they could've been, information technology was fairly easy to install storage drives. In fact, it's fair to say that nosotros appreciated near of the N3200XXX'southward internal design -- information technology was the external design that disappointed. To put it bluntly, the N3200XXX looks like a very inexpensive product, and its flimsy front door doesn't assistance. This is a shame considering at $430 (without difficult drives) information technology'due south not exactly inexpensive.

Nosotros believe the N3200XXX is designed to be a premium product and its aesthetics simply don't reflect its toll. This is unfortunate considering how frequently people purchase things based on their appearance and it's not similar the N3200XXX is without competition. At $360, the Synology DS411J looks considerably more impressive and is backed by the powerful Disk Station Manager three.1 software -- though it'southward not quite as fast equally the N3200XXX.

The same holds true for the rest of the N3200XXX's direct contest. It'll be hard to find a NAS device for the same price that delivers the same level of performance while supporting more than ii difficult drives. If the aesthetics are a deal breaker for you, information technology's probably worth considering the smaller N2200XXX. The device costs a tad more just it boasts a more than powerful Intel Atom D525 processor and more professional looking design.

We've noticed something unusual about Thecus' products over the years: there doesn't appear to whatsoever kind of unified blueprint. Almost every product the company creates features a completely fresh design -- some amend than others. In our opinion, information technology would be much easier for consumers to recognize their brand with a signature blueprint.

To wrap this up, we remember the Thecus N3200XXX provides an excellent level of operation for its price. The device is easy to configure and it'southward quite powerful when you consider the number of optional modules at your disposal. Despite those facts, nosotros besides believe its cheesy-looking exterior volition discourage some shoppers from taking the plunge.