CONCLUSION

   When we first tested the TS-453mini we liked its design, low noise levels and power consumption but most of all we liked its performance levels. Sure in some cases it couldn’t exactly match the performance of more powerful models but for the most part it had nothing to be jealous of them. Well thanks to the new quad-core Intel Celeron processor and the faster RAM the brand new TS-453Bmini takes things to new levels and although it seems that QNAP did ignore our temperature remarks last time (they used the same exact fan which doesn’t cool the drives inside as much as we’d like) we think it’s a good upgrade overall. The new QVR Pro Client Beta with its extra features and better layout is also a good addition to the growing family of QNAP apps but until we see with which models it will be made free (if it ends up being free for some) we really can’t say much about it. The lack of official KODI support has left countless users asking for it but it seems that it may take some time (if it ever happens) for QNAP to get back on that. Regardless however we do hope they come up with a comparable solution since their HD Player offers nowhere near what KODI does especially in terms of supported formats.

   Just like its predecessor the TS-453Bmini by QNAP is currently available in two versions, one with 4GB of RAM and the one we tested today which comes with 8GB of RAM (the 4GB version has availability issues in the EU currently). The 4GB version currently retails for USD613 inside the USA (Amazon.com) while the 8GB version retails for USD698.90 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 673Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). Again just like its predecessor the price difference between the 4GB and 8GB versions makes the second far more appealing especially after taking into account that QNAP tests every single unit they ship to ensure 100% compatibility between modules. At the end of the day QNAP has once again released a very capable NAS server with the TS-453Bmini and although it may not be just as impressive as its predecessor when it was released it’s still well worth of our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core CPU
- Excellent Performance
- Features
- 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz RAM (Our Sample)
- Design/Size
- Power Consumption / Noise Levels
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- 3 USB 3.0 Ports & 2 USB 2.0 Ports
- HDMI v1.4a 4k Output
- RAID 0/1/5/6/10/5 + Hot Spare
- QTS 4.3.3 OS

CONS

- Temperatures Could Be Better
- KODI Still Not Supported By QNAP