QNAP
QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with hardware RAID (Diskless)
Bottom line: The QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage ($219.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 12:20 UTC): Hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, or single disks without host software; main trade-off: drive interface is SATA 3Gb/s, not 6Gb/s.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, or single disks without host software
- ✓ Four 3.5-inch SATA bays for large multi-drive volumes
- ✓ Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux over USB Type-C
- ✓ Adds capacity or a backup target to compatible QNAP NAS units
- ✓ Lockable drive bays and a 100-240V power supply for travel
Cons
- ✗ Drive interface is SATA 3Gb/s, not 6Gb/s
- ✗ On a NAS it can't join the existing storage pool
- ✗ Drives migrate only to another TR-004, not to a NAS
- ✗ Not supported on TS-128, TS-228, TS-131, TS-231, TS-431, TS-431U
Manufacturer description
The QNAP TR-004 is a 4-bay direct-attached storage (DAS) enclosure that connects over USB Type-C and handles RAID in its own hardware, so your computer doesn't have to. It holds four 3.5-inch SATA drives and supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, JBOD, or individual disks. You can choose speed, mirroring, parity protection, or one large pooled volume depending on what you need to protect. Plug it into a Windows, macOS, or Linux machine for local storage, or attach it to a compatible QNAP NAS to add capacity or keep a dedicated backup target. When it's connected to a NAS, the TR-004 shows up as its…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. QNAP's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RAID levels does the QNAP TR-004 support?
The TR-004 has hardware RAID with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, JBOD, and individual-disk modes. The RAID runs on the enclosure itself, so the host computer doesn't need RAID software.
Does the TR-004 come with hard drives?
No. The TR-004 ships diskless. You supply up to four 3.5-inch SATA drives, and the bays connect at SATA 3Gb/s.
Will the TR-004 work with my Mac or Linux computer?
Yes. QNAP lists it as direct-attached storage over USB Type-C for Windows, macOS, and Linux. A USB Type-C to Type-A cable is included.
Can I use the TR-004 to expand my QNAP NAS storage pool?
It adds capacity to a QNAP NAS, but only as a separate storage pool or volume. It cannot be combined into the NAS's existing pool, and NAS apps cannot be installed on it. The NAS needs QTS 4.3.6 or later, and the TS-128, TS-228, TS-131, TS-231, TS-431, and TS-431U are not supported.
Can I move drives from the TR-004 into a NAS and keep my data?
No. Drives can only be migrated from one TR-004 to another TR-004. If you move drives between the TR-004 and a NAS or another device, the files on them will not be recognized, so back up first.
Key Features
- Direct-attached storage device via USB Type-C for Windows, macOS and Linux
- Use the TR-004 as external storage for NAS backup
- Expand the capacity of your QNAP NAS
- 4 x 3.5-inch SATA 3Gb/s (Diskless)
- Hardware RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 5, JBOD, and individual disks
- Includes a USB Type-C to Type-A connector cable
Full Specifications
| Brand | QNAP |
|---|---|
| Color | Diskless |
| Model Name | TR-004 |
| Read Speed | 6 gigabytes_per_second |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| Media Speed | 375 MB/s |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | TR-004-US |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Built-In Media | Drive tray keys x 2, Power Adapter, Power Cord x 1, Quick Start Guide, Screws for 2.5-inch drives x 12, Screws for 3.5-inch drives x 16, TR-004 external RAID enclosure, USB Cable, USB cable clip x 1 |
| Item Type Name | QNAP TR-004 4-Bay USB Type-C Hardware RAID Enclosure/ DAS |
| Mfr Part Number | TR-004 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Compact, fast speed |
| Hardware Platform | Mac |
| Installation Type | Not Specified |
| Compatible Devices | Computers |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 gigabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Metal |
| Full listing title | QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with hardware RAID (Diskless) | Hardware RAID, Diskless |
Ready to buy?
QNAP TR-004 4 Bay USB Type-C Direct Attached Storage (DAS) with hardware RAID (Diskless) | Hardware RAID, Diskless is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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