Introduction

Snap Servers have been around for a long time. When I first reviewed a Snap Server many years ago, it was a simple NAS device with a single drive. A lot of time has passed, and today’s Snap Servers from Snap Servers by Adaptec, a division of Adaptec, Inc., are designed to be an integral part of an enterprise storage solution. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, cost-effective NAS for your home network, this review isn’t for you. Check out some of the other reviews of products like the LinkStation Live or the LinkStation Pro. Our entry level Snap Server 110 with a single 250 GB drive sells for $825 in Adaptec’s online store and from other e-tailers for up to $200 less.

Product Tour

The Snap Server 110 is the least expensive model in the Snap Server line. Available in four models, with storage capacities of 160GB, 250GB, 500GB, and 750 GB, the 110 measures 10.1" X 6.1" X 3.1" and weighs 6.5 lbs. It’s powered by a 12VDC @ 5A external inline "brick" power supply, so there’s less heat to dissipate inside the case. The power supply is auto switching and has a range of 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz.

The front panel has a power switch, a reset "hole," and LEDs for power, status, network, and disk. The status LED blinks green to show normal system operation, and blinks yellow to show a thermal problem or other system problem. The disk LED is also a dual function indicator. Blinking green indicates drive activity, and solid amber—something you don’t want to see—indicates a drive error.

Figure 1: Snap Server 110 Rear View

The rear panel (Figure 1) of the 110 has a slot for a Kensington-style security cable, a power connector, the vent for the fan, an auto-sensing Gigabit Ethernet port, four USB ports, and a DB-9 connector that the instruction manual identifies as a service port for "Snap Appliance technical support use only." The USB ports are for connecting an APC UPS, USB printers, and for "future expansion." They don’t currently support external USB hard drives.

Tags: Adaptec, NAS, Snap Server,

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