More storage - NAS or enclosure via USB

Hi there

I'm needing more HDD storage.

Can't decide whether dedicated NAS storage -- expensive -- even 2 bay (empty no HDD supplied) costs around 150 - 200 USD or use a much cheaper external storage box with SATA/ USB3 connectors.

I have 2 X spare USB3 connectors on each of my 2 current NAS server boxes which I rarely use so I'm leaning towards the USB3 box idea. The transfer speed is perfectly fast enough for what I need - in an case this extra storage will be merely for backups / archives while the multi-media files are on the internal HDD's on the servers.

I'm Interested in any thoughts people might have on this one.

My gut feel is to buy this box (USB 3 speed up to 480 mib/s) -- around 40 EUR (excluding HDD's). Will move 2 X 2 TB from one NAS server to this box and install 2 X 4 TB or 2 X 5TB into the server. Once connected I'll rarely have to remove them and the servers are hidden out of the way so I won't even see the extra box. My RAID device will also allow the two external HDD's to be configured into RAID 0 / 1 -- I'll probably use RAID 0 and create 1 logical device as I don't need to worry here about data integrity on this box. It's only recoverable archives that will be stored here.

HornetTek X2-U3 JBOD USB 3.0 (HT-3210U3) - DUAL BAY - JBOD - HDD ENCLOSURES

50 EUR where I am seems a better way for me than a dedicated NAS storage which I don't really need.

Cheers
jimbo

I was going to suggest the NAS until I read that you have two already. I use multiple computers, even in my own home, so a NAS is my only option. I like the idea of moving the 2 TB drives to the external and replacing them with larger drives in the NAS. I have a 4-bay WD EX4 and I love it.