Computing on Demand PC News & Reviews
The 5big NAS Pro takes a minimalistic approach to its design. Instead of a bunch of blinking lights, USB ports, LCD screens, and fancy buttons up front, Neil Poulton delivers just one big glowing blue orb to look at; reminiscent of something featured in TRON. After all, who needs all the gadgets and doohickeys up front… I personally don’t look at my NAS, I use it instead.
The top and sides of the 5big are void of any elements. There are no cooling vents, buttons, or stickers.
Around back, the 5big NAS Pro homes your 5 hard drive trays, 2 USB 2.0 Ports, 2 USB 3.0 Ports, both Gigabit Ethernet Ports, a VGA Port, your power connection for your power brick, and the Kensington lock. Each of the hard drive caddies can be locked in place with a LaCie branded plastic key; nothing overly secure, but it keeps the probability of an accidental drive removal to a minimum.
Cooling is handled by a zero vibration, low noise Noctua fan. Air is brought in through the bottom, circulated through the enclosure, and exhausted from the top back. If your NAS is running in an small enclosed area, things could heat up a bit. Instead of bringing in fresh air from the front, the NAS will simply just cycle continually warming air. If your LaCie NAS is out in the open, you will enjoy some cool runnings.
