A New Proposal for the Cloud Era: How UGREEN NAS is changing the future of personal data storage
A 2-month review of the excellent cost-performance UGREEN NASync DXP2800. This popular NAS offers outstanding specs for its price range. From tool-free easy setup and SSD cache acceleration to UGOS practicality, we explain in detail why we recommend it to NAS beginners and how to use it effectively. We provide an honest evaluation including concerns about Chinese manufacturers.
By Toshiyuki Yoshida
Why I Chose UGREEN NAS
Among numerous NAS products, I selected the UGREEN NASync DXP2800 for its outstanding cost-performance ratio. Despite being significantly cheaper than equivalent products like the Synology DS224+, it comes standard with an Intel N100 processor, 8GB DDR5 memory, 2.5GbE port, and dual M.2 slots. The 2.5GbE port is particularly rare in this price range and offers future-proofing.
The tool-free removable drive tray system for easy HDD replacement was also appealing. Setup Experience Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the build quality of the aluminum alloy chassis. The included dual CAT 7 LAN cables were also high-quality. I installed 2×WD Red Plus 4TB HDDs (RAID 1 configuration) and 2×Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB SSDs. HDDs simply clicked into the trays, and SSDs were easily installed with the included screwdriver. Initial setup through the dedicated "UGREEN NAS" app took just minutes. The RAID configuration suggested optimal settings based on installed drives, making it beginner-friendly without confusion.
Real-World Usage
The Samsung SSD cache implementation showed dramatic results, with near-instantaneous photo browsing and previews. It's a completely different experience from external HDDs. Power management features allow scheduled automatic shutdown at night and startup in the morning, extending HDD lifespan. UGOS (UGREEN's OS) exceeded expectations with robust file management, automatic photo organization, remote access, and other essential daily functions.
Final Verdict: Worth Buying?
Conclusion: Absolutely a "buy."
The price-to-hardware spec ratio is unmatched by competitors. It combines beginner-friendly usability with future expandability. Considerations:
- Security concerns about Chinese manufacturers (may not suit corporate secrets)
- Software is still developing compared to Synology DSM
However, it's sufficient for home use and continuously improving through frequent updates. Compared to monthly cloud service fees, the long-term benefits of building a private cloud are immeasurable. I recommend this noteworthy product that's bringing fresh innovation to the NAS market.