UGREEN NAS Power, Performance, and Seamless Data Management
buy from amazonI’m a big fan of Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. Back in 2009, I experienced a major data loss when my WD 1TB MyBook failed, wiping out family photos, projects, and countless documents. Determined not to let that happen again, I explored various options to safeguard my digital files. That’s when I discovered NAS options, which involves a group of hard drives set up in a RAID configuration to store files across multiple drives at the same time. This means that even if one drive fails, your data is still safe.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to test several brands, and initially, Drobo was my NAS of choice. I had the pleasure of meeting the Drobo team and really liked the simple setup of their systems. Unfortunately, StorCentric, the owner of Drobo, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy and as of January 2023, Drobo support and new product availability officially ended. Because Drobo’s hardware and software were tied so closely together, I didn’t like the uncertainty of operating a Drobo in a self-service situation. So, I looked into other options and ended up turning to Synology.
Synology has a great product, but it’s very challenging to set-up and manage, especially remotely. It was more of a headache than I wanted to deal with and I felt pigeonholed into using it as a storage solution until UGREEN started releasing their NASync series systems. I had the privilege of testing out the NASync DXP480T Plus earlier this year and now, I am thrilled to add the NASync DXP6800 Pro to my setup.
About UGREEN
Founded in 2012, UGREEN is a global tech brand known for creating reliable, user-focused electronics and accessories. With over 200 million users worldwide, the company blends innovation and practicality across its product lineup – including the NASync series, which powers devices like the DXP6800 Pro NAS.
The UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro is a high-performance network storage solution designed for creators, professionals, and tech enthusiasts who demand fast, reliable data management. Powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and equipped with dual 10 GbE network ports, it delivers the speed and flexibility needed for intensive workflows like video editing, file sharing, and multi-user backups.
With six SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots, the DXP6800 Pro supports up to 196 TB of total storage capacity. Its expandable DDR5 memory, PCIe 4.0 slot, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity give users the freedom to customize and scale their setup. Running on UGREEN’s UGOS Pro operating system, the NAS offers built-in AI photo management, seamless remote access, and comprehensive data protection through multiple RAID configurations.
Built for performance and versatility, the DXP6800 Pro combines enterprise-grade hardware with user-friendly features, making it a strong choice for both home and professional environments.
Specs
Operating System: UGOS Pro CPU Brand & Architecture: Intel X86 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 10 Cores 12 Threads ODECC: Supported Flash Memory (System Disk): SSD 128GB M.2 SSD Drive Slots: 2 Maximum Storage: 196TB (6x 30TB + 2x 8TB) PCle Expansion: 1x PCIe x4 High-Speed USB Ports (Front Panel): 2x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s) USB 2.0 (Rear Panel): 2x USB-A (480Mb/s) HDMI: 8K Product Dimensions: L11.54×W10.16×H7.87 inches Drive Bays: 6-Bay (SATA) CPU Model: 1235u Memory (RAM): 8GB DDR5 Expandable RAM (Max): 64GB SATA Drive Bays: 6 RAID: JBOD/Basic/0/1/5/6/10 LAN Ports (RJ45): 2x 10GbE Thunderbolt™ 4 Ports: 2 High-Speed USB Ports (Rear Panel): 2x USB-A 2.0; 1x USB-A 3.2 SD Card Reader: SD 4.0Pricing & Availability
The UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro has a list price of $1,199.99 on nas.ugreen.com and Amazon, but it’s currently being offered (at the time of publishing) at a discount for $1,079.99. It is sold diskless, which means you’ll have to purchase HDDs separately.
User Experience
One of the main reasons I wanted to upgrade my NAS experience at this point in time was because of my photography workflow. I have been working on my desk setup the past few months and after getting the right desk and main computer set, I realized that the direct attached storage (OWC Thunderbay 4) I was using was going to be substandard for my needs due to bottlenecking I was experiencing. My hope was to run my Lightroom library/catalogue off the NAS, but Lightroom prevents that. After a lot of research, I came to the conclusion that a NAS with 10Gbe network connection would be a much more stable, high-speed network-based solution than DAS.
The Plan
I use Adobe Lightroom as my main photo editing software, and my goal was to create a setup where all my RAW image files and the Lightroom Catalog were stored in one place. I was concerned about overloading my Mac Studio because of the limited storage space I have on its hard drive. Using a high-capacity DAS or NAS with this setup would simplify file management, ensure consistent access across devices, and provide reliable backup options for my photography work.
When I first set up the OWC ThunderBay, I configured it as my primary media drive. However, that’s where I started running into performance issues. Lightroom creates thousands of small files as part of its catalog and preview system, and these constant small read and write operations quickly exposed the ThunderBay’s limits. Since the ThunderBay relies on traditional hard drives and software-based RAID management, its sustained random I/O performance and RAID overhead became a bottleneck. It simply couldn’t handle the rapid, repeated access Lightroom demands for editing and preview generation.
This led me to explore the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro as a more capable alternative. It not only includes a 10GbE network connection for high-speed data transfers across my network but also supports NVMe SSD caching to accelerate access to frequently used files. This caching layer helps improve responsiveness during catalog operations and large imports by reducing latency from mechanical drives. In addition, the ability to expand system RAM enhances overall NAS performance by improving file indexing, caching efficiency, and multitasking when running apps or background processes.
With the new hardware selected, my plan was to integrate the DXP6800 Pro with my Mac Studio (2024, M4 Max) using the 10Gbe connection over our network. I figured that would be the fastest possible connection I could use while still having the NAS connected to the rest of our network.
Unboxing & Setup
So, I set out to add the DXP6800 Pro to my setup. It arrived in a UGREEN-branded black box with some images of the product and detail highlights printed on the sides. It was securely packaged with foam on the top and bottom, and inside the foam on the side, there was a small box containing the power adapter, manuals, and other accessories. When you take the NAS out of the box, it’s wrapped in a plastic bag that needs to be torn or cut open. This plastic is there to protect the device from condensation while it’s waiting to be installed.
After taking the device out of its packaging, I checked it out and was very impressed with the quality of the hardware. I quickly located the various ports so that I could map out the best way to insert it into my setup.
2 x 10Gbe Network ports 1 x HDMI port 1 x USB 3.2 2 x USB 2.0 Power
1 x SD 4.0 card reader 2 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x USB 3.2
The drive bays are located on the front of the unit, and UGREEN allows users to install either HDDs or SSDs in those bays. While HDDs have their limitations, they remain a reliable and cost-effective storage option, especially for larger NAS setups that require multiple matching drives. Although HDDs are slower than SSDs, performance can be improved by adding an SSD cache, which is exactly what I did. I installed two Crucial M.2 NVMe SSDs (CT1000P2SSD8, 1TB each, 931.5GB usable) for caching and upgraded the memory to 32GB (2 x 16GB Crucial CT16G56C46S5.M8D1) to ensure the system could handle the workflow demands I planned for it.
To upgrade the RAM or add SSDs for the cache, you remove a plate on the bottom of the NAS unit and place the cards into their respective slots. UGREEN did include silicone pads for the SSDs to assist with heat dissipation. You simply place those pads on top of the SSDs before closing the trap door.
Installing the HDDs is very simple, too. You simply remove the drive bay and pull the clamp arm outward. Then, you place the drive onto the tray and secure it by pushing the clamp back into place. With SSDs, you have to use a screwdriver, but it’s just as easy of a process. The drive bay is secured back in the NAS housing when you lock it in place with the key.
After all the hardware was in place, I turned the NAS on and began the software side of the setup. UGREEN makes it very easy. The first thing you do is go to find.ugnas.com. This web utility will scan your network for any UGREEN connected devices. We have two UGREEN NASs on our network: the DXP480T Plus and the DXP6800 Pro, which we eventually renamed “Sith.” Once you see your device, you select ‘connect’ and walk through the setup of the NAS on your network.
You will need to name your device (or leave it with the model number), name an account administrator, and select a password. Then, you will need to register and bind the device with a UGREEN Cloud account in order to enable remote access. While you are given the option to do this during the start up process, you can skip it and do it later. Once you get through those steps, the system will initialize, which means it will clear all the drives in NAS unit and configure UGOS Pro on the device.
This process takes a few minutes, but once it’s done, you will see the admin interface of the NAS, which looks a lot like a Windows desktop. UGOS, UGREEN’s NAS operating system, is actually built on a Linux foundation, but anyone familiar with Windows, will recognize the interface, too. The next step in the setup process is to create your storage pool and decide what RAID to use. We opted for RAID 10 since it offers the best balance between performance and protection for a photo editing workflow.
Again, Lightroom relies heavily on quick access to thousands of small files, and RAID 10’s combination of striping and mirroring helps speed up read and write operations while keeping data redundancy intact. This setup ensures faster file transfers, smoother catalog navigation, and added peace of mind in case of a drive failure. It’s an ideal configuration for anyone managing large photo libraries or working with RAW files directly from a NAS.
Now, the important thing to remember here is that the different types of RAIDs might give you less overall space, but better protection. For example, you can use RAID 0, which will give you the most possible storage space (21.7TB useable / 21.7TB total), but there will be no redundancy. If a drive fails, you lose data. With RAID 10, the storage pool is cut in half (10.8TB useable / 21.8TB total), but it offers the best data protection in case of drive failure.
After you select your RAID type, you will decide your File System type. The options are ext4 or Btrfs. For our workflow, I chose Btrfs over ext4 because it offers better data protection and flexibility for photo editing and media storage. Btrfs includes built-in checksums that automatically detect and correct data corruption, which is especially important when working with large RAW files and Lightroom catalogs.
It also supports snapshots, allowing quick rollbacks if something goes wrong during imports or edits. When paired with RAID 10, Btrfs can even self-heal from corrupted data blocks by using mirrored copies, keeping files safe and accessible. Overall, Btrfs provides stronger integrity, easier recovery, and a more adaptable storage environment than ext4, making it ideal for creative workflows.
Once you commit your decisions, UGOS Pro gives you a preview of your setup before you hit ‘create.’ The storage pool doesn’t take long to create and then you can move on to the SSD Cache management (if you chose to include it). Once the storage pool and cache are create/allocated, you can start using your NAS. Because my use case is for basic storage and not as a dedicated server for entertainment or as a virtual machine, my setup was complete (minus a few network configurations, which I’ll walk through) at this point.
I did test out the Photos app and it works very smoothly. There is an AI feature that gives you the option to test out different modules (i.e. people recognition, text recognition, etc.) that you download locally to the device. That way all the processing is done locally on your device. There is a note that reads: The operation of the intelligent engine and data processing are local-based. This will consume a large amount of system resources. It seems to work well as a personal centralized photo cloud. Transfers are easy and sharing a link for download is seamless.
If you did want to explore other uses for your own NAS, here is the complete list of the apps (currently available) that UGOS Pro includes for you to install on your system.
App NameDescriptionDockerA lightweight virtualization app that lets you install, run, and manage containerized applications such as web servers or databases.VaultEncrypts and isolates data so each administrator has a private, secure storage space that others cannot access.SecurityUses the ClamAV engine to scan and remove viruses, with options for scheduled or real-time protection.SnapshotCreates point-in-time backups that allow quick restoration of files in case of deletion, corruption, or system issues.TheaterA multimedia app for organizing and streaming movies or shows, complete with poster walls and multi-device playback.Virtual MachineEnables the creation and management of virtual environments for running operating systems like Windows or Linux.NVIDIA ToolkitInstalls CUDA and cuDNN libraries to accelerate AI computing tasks when using supported NVIDIA GPUs.Sync & BackupSyncs or backs up data between your NAS, PCs, mobile devices, and remote servers for redundancy and protection.TextEditA text editor supporting multiple encodings and syntax highlighting for code and configuration files.DLNAAllows the NAS to act as a DLNA server so compatible devices can stream stored media content.Cloud DrivesConnects to and synchronizes with online storage services, providing seamless file access and backup.SAN ManagerManages iSCSI storage to provide block-level access, letting connected clients use volumes like local drives.PhotosCentralizes photo storage, organization, and sharing for easy access to images across devices.Online OfficeProvides secure document editing, collaboration, and sharing directly from your NAS without relying on cloud storage.File Version ExplorerTracks and manages file version history so every edit can be reviewed or reverted when needed.MusicOrganizes and plays music stored on your NAS, allowing you to create and share playlists.NVIDIA Driver 570.181Installs the official NVIDIA GPU driver required for hardware acceleration and AI workloads.DownloadsHandles HTTP, FTP, BitTorrent, and private tracker downloads using the qBittorrent 4.6.5 engine.Networking
To ensure I had the fastest most stable connection between my Mac Studio and the DXP6800 Pro, I connected the two using NFS (Network File System). macOS natively supports NFS connections, and once the NFS service was enabled on the NAS, I mounted the shared folder directly through Finder. This setup provided a seamless connection that allowed Lightroom to access my photo library stored on the NAS as if it were a local drive.
I chose NFS over SMB because it delivers faster and more consistent performance when handling large numbers of small files, which is common in Lightroom workflows. NFS has lower protocol overhead and communicates more efficiently with Unix-based systems like macOS. This results in smoother catalog browsing, quicker file previews, and fewer slowdowns during large imports or exports. SMB tends to introduce slight delays and heavier CPU usage on macOS, especially when working with thousands of small read and write operations, which can impact responsiveness during editing.
There are some additional steps that must be taken in order to complete this connection type. Here is a quick connect version of the instructions that will point you in the right direction although it may be different based on your version of UGOS or macOS (or other operating system).
Enable NFS on the NAS: In UGOS, go to Control Panel → File Services, turn on NFS, then open Shared Folders → Edit → NFS Permissions. Add your Mac Studio’s IP, grant read/write access, and save. Copy the NFS Path: Note the shared folder path, such as: nfs://192.168.1.50/LightroomShare Connect on macOS: In Finder, select Go → Connect to Server, enter the NFS path, and click Connect. Confirm the Mount: In Terminal, type mount to verify the share appears as type nfs. Use in Lightroom: Set the mounted folder as your Lightroom Catalog or Library location to take advantage of faster, more reliable file access.Testing & Results
When it came to testing, I decided to focus on the main elements of the NAS that made the most impact on my setup: networking speed and overall performance. With that in mind, I began with creating a profile of the system and then was able to test based on the specs.
System Profile
NAS Model: UGREEN DXP6800 Pro CPU: 12th Gen Intel (R) Core i5-1235U | 4400 | 10 cores |12 threads RAM: 32 GB (2 x 16GB) CT16G56C46S5.M8D1 | 5600MHz Drive Model/Sizes: 4 x Western Digital WDC WD40EFPX-68C6CN0 4TB (3.6TB useable) | SATA | HDD | 5400RPM Cache SSD Model/Sizes: 2 x Crucial M.2 NVMe SSD CT1000P2SSD8 1TB (931.5GB useable) RAID Type: RAID 10 | Total storage: 10.8TB | Btfrs Operating System: UGOS Pro Firmware: 1.9.0.0075 NIC Speeds: 10 Gbps (verified through terminal)There are a variety of tests that can be run to verify how well a NAS is running, but some of them can be harmful to a system. I chose to only run nondestructive tests so I didn’t risk losing any data that was already migrated into my system. These tests verify speed, reliability, network performance, and overall stability.
Performance Tests
To evaluate the real-world performance of the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro, two key tests were performed: a file transfer speed test to measure actual data movement between the Mac Studio and the NAS, and an AJA System Test Lite benchmark to analyze sustained read and write speeds under heavier workloads.
File Transfer Speed Test (3.47 GB file)
A single large file was copied from the Mac Studio to the NAS using NFS. The transfer completed in 7.65 seconds, averaging about 464 MB/s, which closely matches the NAS’s read speed measured by AJA. The result shows that the system delivers strong real-world performance with no major slowdowns or instability.
AJA System Test Lite Benchmark
Using a 16 GB ProRes (HQ) 4K test file, the results showed 409 MB/s read and 62 MB/s write speeds. Read performance was excellent, providing smooth playback and fast file access for 4K media. Write performance was slower, which is typical for NAS setups due to parity and protocol overhead.
Overall Interpretation
Read performance: Excellent, suitable for editing and streaming large 4K files directly from the NAS. Write performance: Moderate but adequate for daily photo and media work. Consistency: Results were stable across tests, indicating reliable sustained throughput.Conclusion
The NAS delivered strong real-world performance, particularly for read-intensive tasks like media playback and Lightroom catalog access. Write speeds were lower but remained acceptable for most creative workflows.
Thunderbolt Connection Test
One of the features that was most surprising to me was the fact that there are two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the front of the NAS for direct connection to an external device. To evaluate direct connectivity performance, a 2024 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) was connected directly to the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro using a Thunderbolt cable. This setup bypassed the network entirely, allowing a look at the NAS’s raw transfer performance over Thunderbolt. I turned the WiFi off on the laptop so that it was forced to read the connection over Thunderbolt. The connection was successful using the Thunderbolt Bridge feature.
Test Details
Tool: AJA System Test Lite Resolution: 4096 × 3112 (4K-Full) Test File Size: 16 GB Codec: ProRes (HQ)Results
Write Speed: 396 MB/s Read Speed: 369 MB/sInterpretation
Performance over Thunderbolt was excellent and consistent with what would be expected from a high-speed direct connection. The speeds are well-suited for editing or transferring large 4K files directly between the NAS and MacBook Pro without network interference. While the read speed was slightly lower than what was seen over NFS in the 10GbE tests, the write performance was higher, showing the flexibility of the NASync DXP6800 Pro for both network and direct workflows.
This direct-connect option is ideal for creators who want to offload footage quickly in the field or edit directly from the NAS without relying on network infrastructure.
Network and Connectivity Tests
Three tests were conducted to measure the reliability and performance of the NAS connection: network throughput, ping and jitter, and a long-duration transfer test. These evaluated link speed, connection stability, and sustained transfer integrity between the Mac Studio and the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro.
Network Throughput Test (iPerf3)
This test measured the actual bandwidth between the Mac Studio and the NAS. The connection achieved 9.41 Gbit/s (≈1.17 GB/s), which is nearly the theoretical maximum for 10 GbE networking. Speeds remained consistent across all intervals, confirming optimal cabling, switch performance, and full-duplex communication.
Ping and Jitter Test
Using the macOS terminal, the NAS was pinged to evaluate latency and packet reliability. The results showed 0% packet loss and an average latency of 0.83 ms, with minimal jitter (0.4 ms). This indicates an exceptionally stable and responsive network connection suitable for demanding workloads like live file editing or 4K streaming.
Long-Duration Transfer Test (rsync)
To test sustained transfer reliability, a 33 GB folder containing over 31,000 files was synced via rsync. The operation completed smoothly at ~5 MB/s metadata transfer speed with no disconnects or file errors. The high speedup value confirmed that rsync efficiently skipped unchanged files, demonstrating both data integrity and connection stability over an extended period.
Overall Verdict
The results confirm that the network environment is performing at near-ideal 10 GbE levels, with no latency, packet loss, or transfer interruptions. These findings establish a solid foundation for consistent high-speed access and backup operations.
System Stability and Reliability
Three tests were performed to confirm the long-term dependability and overall health of the NAS under normal operating conditions. These included temperature monitoring, a SMART drive status check, and a log review to ensure stable, error-free performance.
Temperature Monitoring
This test measured the NAS’s internal thermal zones during active use. Reported values of 27.8°C and 44.0°C indicate that both system and CPU temperatures are well within safe limits. These readings confirm that cooling and ventilation are functioning effectively, even during moderate workloads.
SMART Drive Status Check
Using the NAS’s built-in storage management tool, a short SMART test verified the health of all installed drives. Each drive was listed as Normal, with no signs of reallocated sectors or pending issues. This confirms that the drives are performing reliably with no indicators of early failure.
Log Review
A review of system, drive, and network logs after testing showed no warnings, disconnects, or temperature alerts. The absence of errors suggests a stable and well-maintained configuration that can handle extended uptime without reliability concerns.
Overall Verdict
The system demonstrated excellent thermal performance, healthy drive status, and clean logs across all categories. These results confirm that the NAS is operating efficiently and is well-suited for continuous professional use.
Conclusion
The UGREEN NAS is a well-made piece of hardware. I’m really enjoying my experience with the device so far. I appreciate the easy-to-use OS, the ease of installing the drives, and the various connectivity options.
The UGREEN NAS is an excellent machine. While it’s not as plug-and-play as Drobo, the setup process is straightforward and easy to understand. The external network connection worked perfectly, and the internal network transfer speeds were impressive. I can smoothly work in Lightroom or even edit videos directly from the NAS without any lag.
I’m really impressed with what UGREEN has accomplished with this NAS. It offers everything needed to protect files or even connect and work using a VM. Is it at a professional-level NAS system yet? It’s very close. Consumers and prosumers will be thrilled with this NAS. UGREEN’s work on this system is inspiring, and I can only see it improving from here.
The UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro stands out as a robust, high-performance NAS that blends professional-grade hardware with user-friendly software. From setup to daily use, it delivers reliable speed, stable performance, and excellent expandability.
The system’s efficiency and stable 10GbE connectivity make it ideal for photographers, editors, and media professionals who value consistency and performance. UGREEN has crafted a NAS that feels solid, flexible, and future-ready. It’s a powerful step forward for creators looking to streamline and safeguard their digital workspace.
For more information, visit nas.ugreen.com
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