QNAP Turbo NAS TS-264-8G SAN/NAS Storage System

The QNAP Turbo NAS TS-264-8G SAN/NAS Storage System is a compact, high-performance storage solution designed to simplify data management for small offices, home labs, and demanding multimedia setups. Powered by an Intel Celeron N5095 quad-core processor, this SAN/NAS unit delivers fast file access, reliable virtualization support, and flexible storage protection in a space-saving form factor. Whether you need a robust shared storage pool, a staging ground for virtual machines, or a dependable backup hub, the TS-264-8G is engineered to handle modern workloads with ease.

• Powerful quad-core processing for multitasking - At the heart of the TS-264-8G is the Intel Celeron N5095 quad-core processor, engineered to handle virtualization, media streaming, backups, and multiple user requests simultaneously. With solid efficiency and burst performance, you can run virtual machines, containers, and demanding apps side by side without noticeable slowdowns.
• Generous memory for smooth performance - The device comes equipped with 8GB of DDR4 memory, enabling fast multitasking, responsive file sharing, and improved caching to accelerate frequently accessed data. The ample RAM helps maintain snappy performance even when dozens of users or applications interact with the NAS at once.
• Flexible SAN/NAS storage with robust data protection - The TS-264-8G blends SAN and NAS capabilities to support traditional shared folders along with iSCSI block storage for virtualization workloads. This hybrid approach lets you deploy file-based storage for collaboration while also provisioning fast, block-level storage for VMs and databases, all with RAID protection to guard your data against drive failure.
• Cross‑platform access and comprehensive data services - Designed for mixed environments, the TS-264-8G provides SMB, NFS, and AFP compatibility for Windows, macOS, and Linux clients. It also supports snapshots, scheduled backups, and cloud-connected backup options, giving you flexible data protection and recovery plans that fit your business or personal needs.
• Expandable connectivity and cache acceleration - The system includes an accessible PCIe slot for expanding capabilities, such as adding a NIC upgrade or installing an NVMe SSD for caching. With optional NVMe caching and multi‑gig network options, you can boost IOPS, reduce latency, and accelerate hot data access for high-demand workloads.

Technical Details of QNAP Turbo NAS TS-264-8G SAN/NAS Storage System

• Model: TS-264-8G
• Processor: Intel Celeron N5095 quad-core
• Memory: 8GB DDR4
• Drive Bays: 2 x SATA drive bays (2.5"/3.5" supported)
• Cache Slot: 1 x M.2 NVMe SSD caching option
• Networking: Multi‑gig capable connectivity with options for NIC expansion
• Storage Protocols: SAN (iSCSI) and NAS (SMB, NFS, AFP) with snapshot and backup features
• Operating System: QTS for streamlined management and app ecosystem
• Form Factor: Desktop 2‑bay NAS with expansion capabilities

How to install QNAP TS-264-8G SAN/NAS Storage System

• Prepare and organize drives - Ensure you have compatible 2.5" or 3.5" SATA drives ready. Decide on your storage layout (RAID level) based on your redundancy and capacity needs before installing drives.
• Install drives into the NAS - Power down the unit, remove the chassis cover if required, and slide the drives into the two bays. Secure each drive with the appropriate hardware and ensure a firm connection.
• Connect and power up - Attach the NAS to your network via a suitable Ethernet port, then connect the power supply. Power on the device and wait for the status indicators to show a healthy boot.
• Access the QTS setup wizard - From a computer on the same network, open a web browser and navigate to the NAS discovery utility or the default IP address to launch the QTS setup wizard. Follow on-screen prompts to initialize the system.
• Create storage and configure volumes - Use the Storage & Snapshots app to create a storage pool and volume. Choose a RAID configuration that balances redundancy and capacity, then format the volume for use by the NAS or SAN services.
• Enable SAN/NAS services and permissions - Turn on iSCSI (for block storage) and file-sharing services (SMB/NFS/AFP). Create user accounts, define shared folders, set access rights, and implement security measures such as session limits and encryption where appropriate.
• Optimize performance with caching and networking - If you installed an NVMe caching drive, enable caching in the Storage & Snapshots app and allocate the cache to frequently accessed volumes. If multi‑home networking is required, consider adding a PCIe network adapter for link aggregation or higher throughput.
• Install applications for productivity and virtualization - Access the QTS App Center to install Virtualization Station for running VMs, Container Station for Docker containers, and other productivity apps like backup utilities and media servers. Configure these apps to suit your workload and backup strategy.
• Establish backups and data protection - Create scheduled backups to external devices or cloud storage, implement snapshots for point-in-time protection, and set up disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime in case of drive failures or data corruption.

Frequently asked questions

• What workloads is the TS-264-8G best suited for? - It’s ideal for small offices and advanced home users who need fast, reliable shared storage, virtualization readiness, and scalable data protection in a compact NAS solution.
• Can I run virtual machines on this NAS? - Yes. With Virtualization Station, you can create and manage virtual machines directly on the TS-264-8G, enabling a flexible test lab, virtualization experiments, or VM-based services without separate hardware.
• Does it support NVMe caching? - The TS-264-8G includes an M.2 NVMe slot to enable caching, which can significantly improve IOPS and reduce latency for frequently accessed data and workloads.
• What type of backups does it support? - The NAS supports scheduled backups to local volumes, external drives, or cloud services, along with snapshots that capture point-in-time states of volumes for quick data recovery.
• Do I need to be a network expert to use it? - The TS-264-8G is designed for both enthusiasts and professionals. While basic networking knowledge helps, QTS provides guided setup wizards, and there are extensive tools to help configure shares, users, and protections without deep technical expertise.