Stock code | IB-D5N2 |
Quick code | 61423 |
design | If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This must be the motto of the designers at Drobo. Because the chassis design on the Drobo 5N2 has not changed for almost 10 years across the entire Drobo Range. Not that it is a bad thing, it is a sleek and modern chassis. Compact, but not to the point where heat is an issue, thanks to the large fully controlled fan on the rear and ventilation throughout. Additionally the lack of trays in favour of a removable front plate (no screw driver required) and slot loaded HDD Bays, makes this a very self contained and hassle free device Only available in one colour, it may stick out like a sore thumb in a white and silver mac environment. Additionally, although you can dim the LED lights, you cannot fully disable them and given the device is designed to be very discreet, this is an odd facility not to have. Thought I imagine it will be introduced in a further firmware updated, so check first! |
features | Like the previous unit, the Drobo 5N, this new unit supports a number of popular Mac and Windows based applications. In some cases providing a valuable network element to local based software. Likewise for those looking for a sold background device to perform all your network and internet sharing based tasks in a way that requires the least amount of live input from yourself, will find the Drobo 5N2 a very competent device. |
performance | With an improved CPU over the previous Drobo NAS, as well as twice the memory at 2GB of DDR3 RAM, the Drobo performs it's tasks well. Liekwise the Drobo Dashboard software has seen a number of improvements sine I last played with it on the Drobo 5N and has a number of new apps including surveillance applications and plex. Definitely an improvement over it's older brother and worthy of a look. Lastly this unit alongside the mSATA SSD bay in the base (where other NAS devices force you to lose a HDD bay for SSD Cache upgrades), the unit also arrives with dual LAN ports on the rear. This opens up the possibility of using Link Aggregation (port trunking) and offers upto double the previous read/write, upload/download speeds of the older Drobo 5N. |
value | Definitely a step up from the old Drobo NAS. The unit has a bigger spec across CPU and memory, as well as improved network access speeds. These investments in innovation alongside big jumps in application support and the Drobo 5N2 operating system itself, means that if you are in a head to head choice between this device and it;s predecessor - You should buy the Drobo 5N2. |
design | Only available in one colour, it may stick out like a sore thumb in a white and silver mac environment. Additionally, although you can dim the LED lights, you cannot fully disable them and given the device is designed to be very discreet, this is an odd facility not to have. Thought I imagine it will be introduced in a further firmware updated, so check first! |
features | Sadly the ARM Based quad core CPU, though of a relatively good frequency/power, is still not ideal for a large number of graphically led applications. Additionally those who are used to the premium and pro-sumer features of the likes of QNAP and Synology will find the Drobo 5N2 a little sparse in it's applications and abilities. |
performance | Once again, the CPU is a sore point. Lacking the ability to transcode is a killer for applications like Plex and the lack of NAS-Basic connections (yes there is dual LAN ports, but this is something the rest of the NAS industry has supported for almost 5 years) is a little disappointing. Ports like USB 3.0, HDMI and even simple Audio in/out are not available and in the age of network media being so popular, a NAS that lacks this connectivity and even 4K will bother some. Once again though, remember, this is a NAS to live in the background of your live, not the foreground! |
value | Those familiar with the late 2016 release of the Drobo 5Dt , or Drobo 5C will see an unfortunate pattern from Drobo. Whether it is coordinated or not, Drobo are in danger of getting a reputation of turning up to the party late! Releasing a TB2 device just as TB3 was available for Mac. Releasing a USB-C device, but in the old USB 3.0, not 3.1 Gen 2. and now releasing a NAS that features 2 LAN ports, singing it's praises, but on something that is old tech. For those that need a device that can do it's job, unseen, unheard and most importantly uninterrupted - Buy the Drobo 5N2 NAS! For those that want to build, to change, to upgrade and to expand their Network Attached storage experience - Perhaps for the Synology DS216+II or the QNAP TS-253B NAS. |
The Drobo Drobo 5N2 DRDS5A31 5-Bay RAID Enclosure for SATA HD; Dual Gigabit Ethernet 20TBis Network Attached NAS Storage device. It features a Marvell Armada XP Quad Core 1.6 GHz CPU and with 2GB RAM providing outstanding performance for those looking for a cost effective Network Storage option. This Drobo Drobo 5N2 DRDS5A31 is backed with Drobo’s 2yr limited warranty.
Out of the box this NAS can handle 5 x 3.5" hard drives / SSDs, giving it a maximum capacity of 80TB via 16TB drives.
This Drobo NAS includes the best Seagate hard drives to work with this box. The perfect foundation for building maximum density server to be run 24/7.
Seagate NAS drives have been rigorously tested in high read and write Network Attached Storage Environments. This results in increased performance and efficiency within your DRDS5A31 NAS server device.
Combining Drobo Drobo 5N2 DRDS5A31 and 5 Seagate hard disks will provide you with a solid, long term Network-Attached Storage solution ranging from simply media file access, Apple Time Machine, complex Surveillance and Synchronisation abilities, as well as the utilization of VMware and ISCSI.
Plex Server on Drobo Drobo 5N2 DRDS5A31
gives you centralized home media playback system streaming its media to your Smart phone, tablet or TV over the internet or local network.
Plex on Drobo Drobo 5N2 provides free services:
Stock code | IB-D5N2 |
Brand | Drobo |
Series | Drobo 5N2 |
Model | DRDS5A31 |
Type | 5-Bay RAID Enclosure for SATA HD; Dual Gigabit Ethernet |
ROHS | Y |
Date added | 21/03/2017 |
Form Factor / Drive Height | 150 x 185 x 262 mm |
Platter size | 3.5" |
RAM/Cache | 2GB |
Guarantee | 2yr |
Processor | Marvell Armada XP Quad Core 1.6 GHz |
Total Drives | 5 |
RAID | 5:6: |
RAID Levels | Drobo BeyondRAID |
sub- connection | I/E | Quantity | |
---|---|---|---|
SATA | SATA 7-pin Discrete with Power | Internal | 5 |
LAN | LAN | External | 2 |
SATA | mSATA (mini SATA) | Internal | 1 |
Speed/RPM | SATA 6Gb/s to Gigabit Ethernet |
Colour | Black |
Weight (kg) | 6.4kg |
Weight (bare) | 3.9kg |
If you change your mind, you can return all or part of your order.
Order before 4pm*, and in-stock products will be with you the next day. (Or Saturday. Or even Same Day).
Wherever you are in the world, we can get your order to you at high speed.
Our free service helps you choose the right NAS and Drives, then makes sure it is built & ready to use as soon as you get it.
We are here to assist you - before, during and after your purchase, by phone, email or live chat.
Stock code | IB-D5N2 |
Quick code | 61423 + 58888 |