NETGEAR ReadyNAS NVX Reviewed

Introduction

NETGEAR's ReadyNAS NV+ has had a long run, dating back to when Infrant was just a gleam in NETGEAR's acquisition eye. But its custom Infrant SPARC-based processor hasn't been able to match the performance of more recently designed products, so NETGEAR had to do something.

That something is the Intel-based NVX, NETGEAR's new four-bay ReadyNAS that will eventually replace the NV+. The NVX is, for all intents and purposes, a faster (and much more expensive) NV+. So since the ReadyNAS is no stranger to these pages, this review will focus on its performance after a brief feature summary and look at the innards.

The NVX has two versions currently in distribution, the top-of-line RNDX4410 (4 x 1 TB - the review unit) and RNDX4210 (2 x 1 TB). An entry-level RNDX4250 (2 x 500 GB) is listed on NETGEAR's website, but doesn't appear to be shipping yet.

The NVX is exactly the same size as the NV+, measuring a compact 7.9" H x 5.2" W x 8.7 D". But its all-black styling makes it look like a smaller version of NETGEAR's six-drive Pro. Figure 1 calls out the front panel indicators and controls, which are a copy of those found on the NV+.

Figure 1: ReadyNAS NVX front

A metal-mesh door swings open to reveal the four drive bays, which hold redesigned trays that substitute a slide switch for the paper-clip lock release (Figure 2).

Figure 2: New drive tray lock

Figure 3 shows the NVX's rear panel, with a single variable-speed case fan. Noise level is about on par with the NV+, which is not whisper quiet. It was louder than my desktop PC and became somewhat louder when under load during testing.

Figure 3: NVX rear

The other two of three total USB 2.0 ports support additional storage, USB printers and USB-enabled UPSes (such as APC). Two 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN ports support jumbo frames (auto-adjustable up to 9K) and can be configured in a variety of teaming / failover options explained here.

Like the ReadyNAS PRO, the NVX has the serious omission of an eSATA port to support fast backups or storage expansion. But iSCSI target support has been added to the NVX and all ReadyNASes with the most recent RAIDiator 4.2.5 release.