The Ugreen NASync DXP480T Plus stands out as a premium M.2 NAS device, delivering high performance in a sleek, compact form. Designed for enthusiasts seeking robust NVMe storage solutions, it competes directly with offerings from Asustor, QNAP, and TerraMaster. While its price may deter budget-conscious buyers, the advanced specifications and features make it a strong contender in its category.
Price and Availability
- Price: $999.99 (USA), €849.99 (Germany, promotional price)
- Availability: Limited to the USA and Germany via Ugreen or Amazon.
- Comparison: More expensive than the Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T but boasts superior specifications and Thunderbolt ports.
While pricier than competitors like TerraMaster’s F8 SSD Plus, the DXP480T’s powerful Intel Core i5 processor and high-end features justify its premium price tag.
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1235U (10 cores, 12 threads) |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB DDR5 (expandable to 64GB) |
| Storage | 4x M.2 NVMe SSD (max 32TB) |
| Networking | 1x 10GbE LAN, Wi-Fi |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Dimensions | 178 x 142 x 52 mm |
| OS | UGOS Pro 1.0 |
Design and Build
The DXP480T’s minimalist design resembles a premium Mini PC. Its aluminum body ensures durability, while well-placed vents optimize cooling. Key highlights include:
- Compact Size: At 178 x 142 x 52 mm, it’s smaller than most conventional NAS devices.
- Drive Installation: Easy access to four M.2 slots and two DDR5 SODIMM locations.
- Cooling: Independent fans for M.2 slots enhance thermal performance.
One drawback is the lack of support for NVMe drives with pre-installed heatsinks, requiring users to utilize thermal pads instead.
Features
- Advanced Hardware:
- Processor: Powered by Intel’s 12th Gen Core i5, it delivers exceptional performance for multitasking.
- PCIe Lanes: Allocates bandwidth efficiently, with two PCIe Gen 4 slots and two PCIe Gen 3 slots.
- Connectivity:
- 10GbE Port: High-speed network transfers capped at around 850MB/s.
- Thunderbolt Ports: Supports external drives but only in host mode.
- Storage Flexibility:
- RAID 5 support enhances resilience but results in mixed performance due to varying PCIe slot speeds.
Software: UGOS Pro
Ugreen’s UGOS Pro OS is user-friendly but less feature-rich compared to Synology or QNAP systems. Notable software capabilities include:
- Pre-installed Apps: DLNA server, file sync, video, music, and photo management.
- Custom Add-ons: Supports Docker containers and Virtual Machines for enhanced functionality.
- Customization: Advanced users can install TrueNAS or UnRAID for greater flexibility without voiding the warranty.
Future updates are expected to introduce WORM (Write Once Read Many) capabilities for added data protection.
Performance
Equipped with the Intel Core i5-1235U processor and 8GB DDR5 RAM, the DXP480T excels in:
- SSD Speed: Sequential read/write speeds reach up to 5,840MB/s and 3,771MB/s, respectively.
- Docker Support: Runs multiple containers smoothly, making it ideal for developers.
- Network Throughput: Limited by the single 10GbE LAN port but sufficient for most use cases.
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Price | CPU | LAN Ports | Max Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ugreen DXP480T | $999.99 | Intel Core i5-1235U | 1x 10GbE | 32TB |
| Asustor Flashstor 6 | $550 | Intel Celeron N5105 | 2x 2.5GbE | 48TB |
| TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus | $600 | Intel Core i3 | 2x 2.5GbE | 64TB |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and silent design.
- High-speed 10GbE LAN and Thunderbolt connectivity.
- Expandable RAM up to 64GB.
Cons:
- Single LAN port limits failover options.
- UGOS Pro lacks branded apps like Plex.
- Limited availability outside the USA and Germany.
Verdict
The Ugreen NASync DXP480T Plus is a niche product tailored for power users seeking high-performance NVMe storage in a compact form factor. While its high price and limited LAN options may deter some, its robust hardware and customization potential make it a compelling choice for specific use cases.
Rating: 4 / 5
Should You Buy It?
The Ugreen DXP480T is ideal for professionals and tech enthusiasts who value performance over cost. If you need extensive app ecosystems or global availability, other brands may better suit your needs.
FAQs
- Can I use heatsink-equipped NVMe drives?
No, the device’s design requires thermal pad-only drives. - Does it support non-UGOS OS installation?
Yes, TrueNAS or UnRAID can be installed without voiding the warranty. - What’s the warranty coverage?
Ugreen offers a standard warranty with support for software customization.
