QNAP TR-004 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID DAS (Diskless)

Name: QNAP TR-004 4-Bay USB-C Hardware RAID DAS (Diskless)
Brand: QNAP
SKU: TR-004

Overview

The QNAP TR-004 is a 4-bay Direct Attached Storage enclosure built around a dedicated hardware RAID controller, meaning RAID calculations are handled on-device rather than burdening your computer's processor. It connects via a single USB Type-C cable and supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD, and individual disk modes, giving you the flexibility to prioritize speed, data redundancy, or maximum capacity depending on your workflow. The unit accepts standard 3.5-inch SATA drives and features a tool-less tray design for quick installation.

What sets the TR-004 apart from a simple multi-bay enclosure is its versatility. It functions as a conventional DAS for any USB-equipped computer, but it can also be connected to a compatible QNAP NAS as a storage expansion unit, making it a practical choice for users who may want to scale their NAS capacity down the road. The hardware RAID controller operates independently of the host system, so your chosen RAID configuration remains intact even when moving the unit between devices. For home offices, content creators, or small businesses looking for an affordable way to add protected storage, the TR-004 offers a well-rounded combination of features in a compact desktop form factor.

Specifications

Brand

QNAP

Model

TR-004

Drive Bays

4 x 3.5-inch SATA

Interface

USB Type-C

RAID Controller

Hardware RAID

Supported RAID Modes

RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD, Individual

Included Drives

None (Diskless)

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Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Hardware RAID controller handles RAID processing without taxing the host computer's CPU
Supports six RAID configurations, offering flexibility between speed, redundancy, and capacity
USB-C interface provides broad compatibility with modern PCs, Macs, and QNAP NAS units
Four drive bays in a compact desktop enclosure allow for significant storage expansion
Tool-less drive tray design simplifies drive installation and swaps

👎 Cons

Sold diskless, so the cost of four hard drives must be factored into the total investment
USB-C bandwidth may bottleneck performance compared to Thunderbolt or network-attached alternatives
RAID mode is set via a physical switch, requiring drive reformatting to change configurations
Fan noise under load may be noticeable in quiet desktop environments

Frequently Asked Questions

What RAID modes does the TR-004 support?

The TR-004 supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, JBOD, and individual disk mode, all managed by its built-in hardware RAID controller.

Can I use the TR-004 as both a standalone DAS and a NAS expansion unit?

Yes. It can connect directly to a PC or Mac via USB-C as a Direct Attached Storage device, or it can serve as an expansion unit for a compatible QNAP NAS.

Does the TR-004 come with hard drives included?

No, the TR-004 is sold diskless. You need to purchase compatible 3.5-inch SATA hard drives separately.

Does the hardware RAID controller require software or drivers to manage?

The RAID configuration is handled via a physical switch on the unit itself, so no special software is needed to set the RAID mode. QNAP also provides a management utility for monitoring drive health.