Thecus N5200XXX 5-Bay NAS Server Review

Introduction

Intel's Atom processor has been a game changing introduction to the NAS server market. This small, efficient chip is capable of delivering amazing performance at a price point far better than found with older Core2 Duo based products. The D525 Atom is now used on most mid ship NAS products and many of these are performing as well as, if not better than last year's flagship products.

This year Thecus introduced the new Triple X designation. XXX doesn't have anything to do with those movies being made in California, but stands for Xtreme Power, Xtreme Value and Xtreme Function. The N5200 namesake has been with us for several years, but when paired with the new XXX features takes on a whole new form. To start things off, the exterior of the N5200XXX was first used on last year's award winning N5500. This new chassis is much smaller than the old N5200, so it has a smaller footprint. The new Atom processor and updated memory system make up the bulk of the Xtreme Power and Xtreme Value, but let's talk about the new Xtreme Functions.

Rolled out with the XXX design was the new Version 5 software which is responsible for the new Xtreme Function portion of Triple X. V5 adds more functionality to the Thecus line, but at the same time streamlines the processes involved with working with the software layer. In many cases formally complex functions have been reduced to one touch automated tasks. In the PC world we have plug and play, but in Thecus' world it's select, sit back and relax.

Today we're going to take a look at the new Thecus N5200XXX NAS, one of Thecus' best selling products designed for serious users. Let's have a look at the specifications.