Unlike other models that struggle to handle multiple virtual machines smoothly, this one shines with its 4-core Intel Celeron N5105 processor, which I’ve personally tested in real-world scenarios. It bursts up to 2.9 GHz, providing enough power to run several VMs without lag. Plus, the 8GB DDR4 RAM helps keep things responsive during heavy multitasking. This combo makes it a reliable choice for home labs or small offices, where performance really matters. I’ve found it handles KVM and VMware environments with ease, offering stable performance and quick data access.
And the best part? The dual M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slots really boost speed for caching or storage pools, so your virtual machines load faster and run more smoothly. Compared to other options with weaker processors or fewer upgrade features, this NAS makes a noticeable difference in everyday virtual machine tasks. From my experience, it’s a solid, cost-effective solution that balances power, expandability, and value. Trust me, if you want a dependable platform for your virtual environments, the QNAP TS-364-8G-US is a smart pick. After extensive testing, I found the QNAP TS-364-8G-US 3-Bay NAS with 2.5GbE & M.2 SSD Caching to be the standout choice.
Top Recommendation: QNAP TS-364-8G-US 3-Bay NAS with 2.5GbE & M.2 SSD Caching
Why We Recommend It: This product’s 4-core Intel Celeron N5105 processor with a boost up to 2.9 GHz offers a strong balance of raw power and energy efficiency, better than many competitors with weaker CPUs. The 8GB DDR4 RAM provides enough headroom for multitasking, while dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 NVMe slots enable faster cache speeds and rapid VM access. Its upgrade options, like faster SSD caching and 2.5GbE network port, make it highly versatile. Overall, it delivers excellent performance and expandability for running multiple virtual machines comfortably.
QNAP TS-364-8G-US 3-Bay NAS with 2.5GbE & M.2 SSD Caching
- ✓ Excellent VM performance
- ✓ Fast SSD caching
- ✓ Robust network speeds
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited RAM upgrade options
| Processor | Intel Celeron N5105/N5095, 4-Core, 4-Thread, up to 2.9 GHz |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage Expansion | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 NVMe SSD slots for caching or storage pools |
| Network Connectivity | 2.5GbE port (supports 2.5G/1G/100M speeds) |
| USB Ports | Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with up to 10Gb/s transfer speeds |
| Multimedia Hardware Acceleration | 4K H.264 hardware decoding and real-time transcoding |
This QNAP TS-364-8G-US has been high on my wishlist, especially because of its promise as a solid machine for running virtual machines. When I finally got my hands on it, I immediately noticed the sturdy build and compact three-bay design, perfect for saving space while still offering plenty of storage options.
The real standout for me was the Intel Celeron N5105 processor. It’s a 4-core, 4-thread beast that can burst up to 2.9 GHz, handling multiple VMs without breaking a sweat.
I tested running Linux, Windows, and even some lightweight Docker containers, and everything ran smoothly. The 8GB DDR4 RAM provided enough headroom for multitasking, and upgrading to more RAM seems straightforward if needed.
The dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 NVMe slots are a game-changer, providing fast cache acceleration or additional SSD storage pools. Setting up the cache was simple, and I immediately noticed faster response times during file transfers and VM operations.
The 2.5GbE port made network transfers feel snappy, ideal for team collaboration or heavy data access.
Transcoding and multimedia playback also impressed me—hardware decoding keeps 4K videos smooth on big screens. USB 3.2 ports made connecting external drives quick and hassle-free.
Overall, this NAS feels like a versatile, powerful hub, especially for users juggling multiple virtual environments or demanding storage needs.