Key Takeaways

  • NAS drives are specialized hard drives designed for network storage systems. They are engineered for continuous, 24/7 operation with multiple users accessing data simultaneously.
  • When buying a NAS drive, consider the drive type (specifically designed for NAS systems), capacity (based on current and future storage needs), and speed/performance (measured in RPM and cache size).
  • Reliability, durability, compatibility, noise/power consumption, price per terabyte, and RAID support should also be considered when choosing a NAS drive. Regular desktop drives may not have the necessary firmware and tuning for NAS use.