Introduction

We would like to thank Thecus for supplying the review sample.



Thecus entered the low- and mid-level market segments with such NAS units as the N2310 and N5550 we reviewed in the past, but the company is also closely involved in the high-end and business-oriented markets, releasing high-end products like the one we will evaluate in this review.

Thecus's new N7710-G NAS server mostly targets SMB (small- and medium-sized business) environments because it packs strong components for a NAS, including an Intel Dual Core CPU (G850), 4 GB of DDR3 ECC RAM, and a 10GbE Ethernet card, which provides for up to ten times the speeds of a common Gigabit Ethernet port. All the above comes in a large high-quality case that is rather heavy, and the unit is supported by a custom-tailored operating system (ThecusOS), which allows even inexperienced users to fully exploit the hardware's capabilities.

The N7710-G clearly isn't for use at home, not only because of its price and size, but because it doesn’t operate quietly, which is usually a highly desirable feature in a home environment. Its noise output will most likely, on the other hand, pass by completely unnoticed in a large office where multiple systems and servers are constantly operating. It is also highly unlikeable for a common user to buy an expensive 10GbE switch to exploit this NAS’s 10GbE Ethernet port, so the N7710-G will probably be used by professional users that are looking for a high price/performance product with strong hardware to support demanding applications and multi-user environments. While this is our first NAS that supports RAID 50, which, in a snap, operates by striping data across RAID 5 sets for high performance and increased reliability, the N7710-G is also the first unit on our test bench to feature a 10GbE Ethernet port. Our test sessions will include a full set of tests with RAID 50 configured, which will allow us to compare those results to more common RAID levels.

Specifications

The unit is equipped with a pretty strong dual-core Intel CPU and 4 GB of ECC DDR 3 RAM you can be upgrade. You will find the official memory compatibility list here. These components are considered high-end for a NAS server and are clearly indicative of the N7710-G's strictly business-orientated nature, which its 10GbE Ethernet card substantiates. The latter is pretty expensive, which affects this product's final price significantly, but use the right equipment and it will boost network transfer speeds by a bunch.

The N7710-G can take up to seven HDDs that are installed into high-quality trays. The trays feature locks, which is essential in an office environment because NAS servers in such environments typically contain sensitive information. Another interesting feature is that this NAS supports all normal Raid levels and Raid 50, an array of RAID 5 sets in a RAID 0 configuration (stripping). The NAS supports the latest 6 TB HDDs, so you can buy seven of those for a total of 42 TB in JBOD.

While the unit has a 10GbE port, it also comes with two Gigabit ports you can team up for higher speeds. However, if you want to fully exploit the provided hardware, you should combine the 10GbE port with an appropriate switch. The problem is that 10GbE-compatible equipment is very expensive, but cost isn't necessarily the first priority in a business environment as speed and reliability are considerably more important factors in most cases.

The NAS comes with eight USB ports, two with support for the faster USB 3.0 protocol, and HDMI and VGA outputs. This is an amazing number of I/O ports; however, we have some complaints since neither of the two USB ports in the front are USB 3.0 compatible, and there isn't even a single eSATA port. We find it pretty strange that Thecus didn't include eSATA connectivity, an inexpensive option to add.

The unit is large and heavy. It weighs in at 10.5 kilos without HDDs installed. You would be hard pressed to move it around once all its trays are filled. Thecus doesn't clue us in on its power consumption, but we will provide detailed power consumption measurements for different conditions and configurations in this review. The N7710-G's PSU is very strong, so we are pretty sure it will easily handle the needs of the NAS.

This NAS is very costly, but you should take into account that the cost of the 10GbE card alone significantly raises the price as similar cards for NAS servers usually go for over $200. We also expected such an expensive product to come with a longer warranty, but Thecus unfortunately provides no more than two years, which is in line with the warranty most of the competition provides. We think three years should be the minimum for a business-centric NAS server.

Packaging

The N7710-G comes in a large white box that features some interesting graphics and schemes. A graph at the front nicely illustrates the N7710-G's four basic but to a business environment crucial features and functions.


The box comes with a plastic carrying handle, which will help you move it around.


On this side are the NAS's hardware and software specifications, a list of all supported languages, and one of the contents. In the bottom-left corner is a QR tag and the addresses of Thecus headquarters and their offices around the world.


A simple scheme on this side shows the NAS with its trays exposed.

Contents & Bundle

This sturdy box protects the NAS well to ensure the unit reaches its owner completely unscathed.


Besides the usual fixing bolts for mounting the HDDs, the bundle includes keys for the lockable trays, an AC power cord, an Ethernet cable, and two software discs. The first disc includes Acronis True Image, a great application for back-up procedures, and the second contains all relevant drivers and Thecus software.


Thecus includes a HDD compatibility notification and a piece of paper with some useful notes and tips relevant to the server's usage.


The warranty card is best kept in a safe place.


You should take a look at the provided quick-installation guide before setting the NAS up.

Exterior

The NAS sits inside a tower case with a nice black finish, a brushed silver element at the front enhancing its looks. At the bottom are a small LCD screen and several buttons for some basic administrative tasks (the default password is "0000"; you should change it immediately). We think that the LCD screen and buttons should be at the top for easy accessibility, but Thecus apparently begs to differ; however, which placement is best depends on where you place the NAS. Place it above the floor and their current location is fine, but place it on the floor and you will find their placement annoyingly difficult. A series of LED indicators also reside on the left of the front, and a little lower are the two USB 2.0 ports and the on/off switch.


A brief description of the LED indicator and the screen buttons' functions.


You can access the lockable trays by opening the metallic front door.


A small sticker asks you to take look at the product's cheat sheet before using it. With its silver frame, the other side definitely looks prettier.


At the rear are two fans. With the PSU installed into the very bottom, their grills occupy most of the space. The two USB 3.0 ports and the HDMI and VGA ports are on the right. There are also two Ethernet Gigabit ports, and the 10GbEport at the top.


At the bottom, four plastic stands are used.


Featuring anti-vibration material to absorb HDD noise, the trays are also out of metal.


The trays with HDDs installed. These support 3.5'' or 2.5" disks and SSDs.

A Look Inside

It's time now to strip the NAS down to discover what components it hides inside.


Although we expected it to be easy, dismantling the N7710-G wasn't because of the numerous hidden screws we had to remove, but we managed to take it apart eventually.


Under one of the two available PCIe slot is the mainboard's revision number.


Only the backplate of the cooling system is on the solder side of the mainboard.


The Intel Pentium G850 CPU is cooled by a low-profile cooler.


The CPU's voltage regulation circuit uses four phases.


The mainboard's chipset is a passively cooled Intel C206. This chipset supports 14 USB 2.0 ports and six SATA ports. Two of its SATA ports are compatible with the SATA III protocol, which results in support for 6 Gb/s speeds.


There are three empty RAM slots should you want to upgrade the server's memory. However, doing so won't be easy because you will have to completely remove the mainboard. As you can see, the installed DIMM is by ADATA.


The server comes with 2 GB of Afaya flash memory.


The hardware monitor controller is a Fintek F71889ED. We also found another hardware monitoring IC on the mainboard, a Winbond W83795G IC.


Both provided USB 3.0 ports are controlled by a NEC D720202 IC.


The Gigabit Ethernet ports are handled by two Intel WG82574L controllers.


The LED indicators and both USB 2.0 ports are located at the front.


A Pericom P13VDP IC, the video output controller.


The driver responsible for all LED indicators, an NXP PCA9532 IC.


Above the system buzzer and the mainboard's battery is a Texas Instruments TPS54326PWP buck converter.


Right next to a 34APXLKG4 is an URL="http://www.atmel.com/devices/atmega168pa.aspx"]Atmel ATmega168PA[/URL] 8-bit AVR RISC-based microcontroller. We have no idea what the 34APXLKG4 is used for.


The PCIe expansion card that holds all seven HDDs the N7710-G supports.


On the aforementioned card are three Silicon Image SiI3132 (PCI Express to 2-Port Serial ATA II Host) controllers, an NXP PCA9532PW 16-bit I²C-bus and SMBus I/O expander, and an IDT 9DB403DGLF clock buffer.


The pre-installed 10GbE Ethernet card. It uses a Marvell Alaska 88X3110 controller.


The PSU is provided by Enhance, a good OEM, and can deliver up to 300 W (250 W on the +12V rails), so it will easily handle the needs of this NAS server. Its model number is FLEX-0130D and its 80 Plus certified.


Both 92mm fans are provided by Sunon, and their model number is EE92251B3-0000-G99. They run at up to 2400 RPM and use double ball-bearings, which will have them last for a long time.

Software

After you unpack the NAS, you had better load the bundled software disc into a client PC to take a look at the user's manual, or, if you are in a hurry, the quick-installation guide. You should also install the Thecus Setup Wizard because it will help you configure and find the NAS on your network.


The Thecus Backup Utility is included on the aforementioned software disc. With it, you can create backup tasks that will automate the whole procedure.