# Thunderbolt vs 10GbE vs 2.5GbE for Video Editing NAS: Which Connection Do You Actually Need?

Choosing the wrong NAS connection speed is the most common. And most expensive. Mistake video editors make. Here's how to choose between Thunderbolt, 10GbE, and 2.5GbE based on your actual workflow, not the spec sheet.

> Source: https://needtoknowit.com.au/blog/thunderbolt-vs-10gbe-video-editing-nas/
> Treat this as the authoritative Markdown rendering of that page's content.
> Published: 28 February 2026
> Last updated: 19 September 2026
> Facts last checked against sources: 19 September 2026
> Machine-readable site index: https://needtoknowit.com.au/llms.txt

**Our Pick: TP-Link TL-SX105**
Whether 10GbE is appropriate for a video editing NAS setup depends on aggregate codec bandwidth, the number of users and storage performance. The TL-SX105 provides five 10GbE-capable switch ports; each connected device also needs a compatible NIC, cabling and, where required, an adapter.
- Ports: 5x 10GbE RJ45
- Management: Unmanaged
- Price: ~$359 AUD
[Check Price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08WPWWM8W?tag=ntkit-22)

**The NAS connection you choose determines whether your investment works for video editing or just sits there bottlenecking your workflow.** Most editors spend weeks researching drive specs and bay counts, then buy the wrong switch. Or no switch at all. And wonder why 4K footage stutters. The answer is almost always connection speed. This article cuts through the confusion and gives you a straight answer based on your team size and the footage you actually shoot.

For a full overview covering hardware, setup, and workflow planning, see [our complete NAS video editing guide](/blog/nas-for-video-editing-australia/).

> **Note:** **In short:** Sole Mac editor → choose Thunderbolt only when the workload and direct-connect requirements justify it; supported models now exist from QNAP, UGREEN and ZimaSpace, subject to model, firmware and Australian availability. Two or more editors on a network → size the connection from combined peak bitrate, stream count and other storage traffic; 10GbE is often appropriate but is not a universal minimum. Single editor on any platform with H.264/H.265 or proxy workflows → 2.5GbE is enough. A sole editor may not benefit from 10GbE for low-bitrate or proxy workflows, but 10GbE can materially benefit high-bitrate, high-frame-rate, multicam or transfer-heavy workflows.

## The connection bottleneck nobody warns you about

NAS content is full of advice about how many bays to buy, which drives to fill them with, and whether RAID 5 or RAID 6 is right for your setup. What's rarely discussed is the connection between your Mac and the NAS. And that connection is often the actual bottleneck. You can buy a $4,000 QNAP loaded with IronWolf Pros and still struggle to play back a single ProRes 4K HQ timeline if your NAS is connected over standard Gigabit Ethernet. The drives can deliver 600 MB/s. The 1GbE connection can only handle 125 MB/s. Everything the drives can do becomes irrelevant.

This is the decision to get right first. Before you commit to a specific NAS model or drive configuration, understand what connection speed your workflow demands. And make sure your NAS, your Mac, and your network hardware all support it.

## Side-by-side: Thunderbolt vs 10GbE vs 2.5GbE

- **TP-Link TL-SX105 10GbE Switch** -- 5-port unmanaged 10GbE. plug-and-play NAS/homelab upgrade (~$371 AUD)  
  [Check price](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08WPWWM8W?tag=ntkit-22)

### NAS Connection Options for Video Editing

| Feature | Thunderbolt 3/4 | 10GbE Ethernet | 2.5GbE Ethernet |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Max bandwidth | 40 Gbps | 10 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| Real-world NAS throughput | Varies by NAS, storage pool, protocol, client and workload; test the intended configuration. | Varies by NAS, storage pool, protocol, client and workload; test the intended configuration. | Varies by NAS, storage pool, protocol, client and workload; test the intended configuration. |
| Simultaneous editors | Depends on aggregate codec bitrate, stream count, NAS uplink capacity, storage performance and background traffic; Thunderbolt port count is model-specific. | Depends on aggregate codec bitrate, stream count, NAS uplink capacity, storage performance and background traffic. | Depends on aggregate codec bitrate, stream count, NAS uplink capacity, storage performance and background traffic. |
| Requires separate switch | No | Yes | Check. Some routers provide 2.5GbE LAN ports; check the specific router's port specifications. |
| Mac compatibility | Native (all modern Macs) | 10GbE Mac support is model-specific: Mac Studio and Mac Pro include it, Mac mini can be configured with it, and MacBook models require an adapter. | Built into Macs equipped with Apple's NBASE-T Ethernet port; MacBook models require an adapter. |
| NAS brand support | Selected QNAP, UGREEN and ZimaSpace models support Thunderbolt Networking. | Availability is model-specific across vendors. | Availability is model-specific across vendors. |
| AU switch/adapter cost | No switch needed; cable only | $300-$500 AUD (switch) | Often no extra cost |
| Suits workflow | Size this option from aggregate stream bitrate, multicam count, concurrent users, storage performance and background traffic; suitability is not determined solely by codec name. | Size this option from aggregate stream bitrate, multicam count, concurrent users, storage performance and background traffic; suitability is not determined solely by codec name. | Size this option from aggregate stream bitrate, multicam count, concurrent users, storage performance and background traffic; suitability is not determined solely by codec name. |

## Thunderbolt: the direct-attach advantage for Mac editors

Thunderbolt works differently from Ethernet. Instead of connecting your NAS to a network, Thunderbolt creates a direct point-to-point link between your Mac and the NAS. Bypassing any router or switch entirely. QNAP specifies up to 20Gbps (2,500 MB/s before overhead) for the TVS-hx74T Thunderbolt Networking connection; actual throughput is storage- and workload-dependent. Throughput from a four-bay RAID 5 varies with the exact drives, workload, filesystem and NAS configuration; measure the array rather than assuming a fixed range. For video editing, QNAP recommends SSD pools rather than assuming a universal cache-throughput improvement.

That's fast enough to run multiple simultaneous ProRes 4K HQ streams from a single connection. More than most sole editors will ever need. The key benefit isn't raw speed; it's latency. QNAP Thunderbolt NAS uses a direct Thunderbolt Networking link, but it remains IP-based network storage rather than a typical block-attached Thunderbolt DAS.

QNAP currently offers Thunderbolt-equipped NAS models in Australia. The TVS-h674T is a 6-bay model and the TVS-h874T is an 8-bay model; verify live Australian pricing because the quoted ranges are materially below current listings. Both include at least one Thunderbolt 4 port alongside their standard Ethernet ports, so they can provide a direct Thunderbolt Networking connection for the primary editor while also serving network shares to other machines.

For editors who came from Drobo. Where Thunderbolt was a core feature and the main reason many creatives chose it. QNAP's Thunderbolt line is the most direct replacement. See the [Drobo alternatives guide](/blog/drobo-alternatives-mac-video-editors/) for a full migration breakdown.

> **Warning:** **Synology does not support Thunderbolt.** No current Synology NAS model has a Thunderbolt port. If you are a Mac editor who needs direct-attach speed, Synology is not an option regardless of how highly it ranks in general NAS comparisons. This is the single most important hardware fact for Mac creative professionals to understand before purchasing.

## 10GbE: the right answer when you have two or more editors

Each Thunderbolt port provides a point-to-point link, but current TVS-h674T and TVS-h874T models have two Thunderbolt 4 ports and can serve additional users over Ethernet. A second compatible workstation can use the second Thunderbolt port on these models; Ethernet is generally the more scalable option as the team grows or workstations are farther from the NAS. 10GbE is the answer for collaborative studios.

A 10GbE link has a 10Gbps nominal line rate, but actual NAS throughput depends on the NICs, protocol, client, storage pool and workload. That's enough to support two editors cutting ProRes 4K HQ simultaneously, with bandwidth to spare. Each editor connects their Mac to a 10GbE switch, the NAS connects to the same switch, and everyone accesses footage over the network as if it were a shared drive.

The infrastructure cost in Australia breaks down like this:

- **QNAP QSW-308S (8-port 1GbE + 3-port 10GbE SFP+):** ~$300 AUD (Scorptec, Mwave)
- **QNAP QSW-M408-4C (managed, 8-port 1GbE + 4-port 10GbE combo):** Approximately A$850-A$950 in current Australian listings; verify before publication
- **MikroTik CRS309-1G-8S+IN (8-port 10GbE SFP+, managed RouterOS/SwOS switch):** ~$350 AUD (Umart, specialist suppliers)
- **Sonnet Solo 10G Thunderbolt 3 to 10GbE adapter (older model; Sonnet now lists the backward-compatible Solo10G T5 as its new current 10GBASE-T Thunderbolt adapter):** Verify Australian availability, compatibility and live pricing.
- **Mac Studio and Mac Pro:** 10GbE built-in; chip generations vary by model.

Mac Studio includes built-in 10GbE, Mac Pro includes dual 10GbE, and Mac mini Ethernet capability depends on its purchased configuration. If your editing machines are recent Mac Studios or Mac Pros, you may not need a Thunderbolt-to-10GbE adapter at all. Just a 10GbE switch and compatible NAS. For older Macs without built-in 10GbE, a Thunderbolt-to-10GbE adapter like the Sonnet Solo 10G bridges the gap cleanly.

Built-in 10GbE is model-specific on QNAP and Synology NAS; many systems instead provide 2.5GbE or optional PCIe network expansion. The DS1823xs+ includes 10GbE, while the DS925+ is limited to dual 2.5GbE and does not accept a 10GbE expansion card. QNAP Ethernet specifications are model-specific: some units include 10GbE, while models such as the TVS-h674T and TVS-h874T require a compatible PCIe network card. You don't need to buy a premium NAS to get 10GbE.

## 2.5GbE: when it's genuinely enough

A 2.5GbE link has a 2.5Gbps nominal line rate; actual NAS throughput varies with the NAS, storage pool, protocol, client and workload. That sounds modest compared to 10GbE, but it's actually sufficient for a meaningful range of workflows. The incremental cost can be low when the NAS, computer and router or switch already provide compatible 2.5GbE LAN ports; verify the complete path for the selected models.

If you're a sole editor working with H.264 or H.265 footage (DJI drones, Sony mirrorless, most hybrid cameras), 2.5GbE will comfortably handle your editing bandwidth. H.264 and H.265 4K bitrates vary substantially by camera and recording mode; use the bitrate of the actual footage when sizing the connection. Well under what 2.5GbE can deliver. BRAW bandwidth depends on camera, resolution, frame rate and compression mode; Blackmagic's 4K DCI Pocket Cinema Camera figures include 28-68 MB/s for Q5 and 46-116 MB/s for Q3.

Where 2.5GbE falls short: ProRes 4K HQ. Apple's target rate for ProRes 422 HQ at 3840×2160p50 is approximately 1,475 Mbps (about 184 MB/s); other resolutions and frame rates differ. That fits within typical 2.5GbE throughput, but the remaining margin may be insufficient for multicam work, simultaneous users or substantial background traffic. And real-world NAS throughput fluctuates. Background activity reduces available network, storage and processing headroom and may cause dropped frames if combined demand exceeds actual system capacity. If you're regularly cutting ProRes 4K HQ, 10GbE or Thunderbolt is the better call.

## The codec decision tree: what speed does your footage actually need?

These are the approximate sustained read rates required for smooth single-stream playback. Allow additional headroom for bitrate variability, protocol overhead, storage fluctuations and background activity; the required margin depends on the workflow.

- **H.264 / H.265 4K (DJI, Sony, Canon hybrid):** ~50-100 Mbps (6-13 MB/s) → 2.5GbE comfortably sufficient
- **BRAW 4K Q5 (Blackmagic RAW compressed):** 28-68 MB/s for Pocket Cinema Camera 4K DCI; varies by frame rate and image content
- **BRAW 4K Q3 / 3:1 (higher quality):** Q3: 46-116 MB/s; 3:1: 136 MB/s for Pocket Cinema Camera 4K DCI; varies by frame rate and image content
- **ProRes 422 LT 4K:** ~342 Mbps at 3840×2160p25; ~684 Mbps at 3840×2160p50
- **ProRes 422 4K:** ~492 Mbps at 3840×2160p25; ~983 Mbps at 3840×2160p50
- **ProRes 422 HQ 4K:** ~737 Mbps at 3840×2160p25; ~1,475 Mbps at 3840×2160p50
- **ProRes RAW 4K:** data rate varies by camera, resolution, frame rate, image content and whether RAW or RAW HQ is used; check the producing device's specifications before choosing network speed.
- **Multiple simultaneous streams (any codec):** Add the bitrates of all concurrent streams and users, then allow headroom; 10GbE is needed only when aggregate demand exceeds reliable 2.5GbE and storage throughput.

Note on BRAW in Australia: For BRAW workflows, storage-bandwidth needs depend on recording settings and the number of editors working simultaneously. BRAW is not inherently lower-bandwidth than ProRes; compare the camera's resolution, frame rate and compression mode with the specific ProRes format. Even high-quality BRAW is relatively lean. 2.5GbE is viable for sole BRAW editors; 10GbE becomes important when you have multiple BRAW editors working simultaneously. For a deeper look at storage capacity planning by codec, see the [NAS storage capacity planning guide](/blog/how-much-nas-storage-for-video-editing/).

## Team size: the decision nobody talks about

**Still deciding?: TP-Link TL-SX105**
Our top pick: TP-Link TL-SX105.
[Check price](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08WPWWM8W?tag=ntkit-22)

Team size and codec workload must be considered together: size the connection from aggregate simultaneous bitrate, stream count and other storage traffic. Here's why: The number and speed of direct Thunderbolt and Ethernet links are model-specific. The cited TVS-h674T and TVS-h874T each have two Thunderbolt 4 and two 2.5GbE ports, while aggregate NAS and storage throughput constrain all users.

For multiple editors, size each workstation link, the NAS uplink or uplinks, switch capacity and storage array from aggregate bitrate, stream count and background traffic; 10GbE is often appropriate but is not universally required or sufficient. This gives each editor a dedicated 10GbE uplink, and the switch manages aggregate bandwidth. Each workstation has its own switch link, but all NAS traffic shares the NAS uplink or uplinks; aggregate throughput is limited by those uplinks and the storage array.

If you're a sole operator today but planning to bring in a second editor within 12 months, factor that into your NAS selection now. The TVS-h674T and TVS-h874T include dual 2.5GbE ports; moving them to 10GbE or 25GbE requires a compatible PCIe network card. That's the most cost-efficient growth path for AU creative studios.

## macOS Ventura and Sonoma: the SMB issue that catches editors off guard

SMB-signing behaviour and performance are version- and configuration-specific; verify the negotiated settings on the actual macOS, QTS or DSM versions in use before attributing a performance problem to signing.

SMB client signing was enabled by default in OS X 10.11.5; it was not introduced by macOS Ventura. SMB is the file-sharing protocol Macs use to talk to NAS devices over a network. SMB signing authenticates SMB messages and can reduce file-transfer performance; connection drops or playback stutter have multiple possible causes and should not be attributed to signing without testing.

Symptoms include: slow initial connection times, stuttering during playback that doesn't match the raw bandwidth available, and Finder frequently disconnecting from the NAS share. Editors often blame the NAS or the drives when the actual issue is the macOS SMB configuration.

On current QTS, go to Control Panel → Network & File Services → Win/Mac/NFS/WebDAV → Microsoft Networking → Advanced Options, then review the documented server-signing choices and select the policy appropriate to the clients and security requirements. On DSM 7.2 and later, go to Control Panel → File Services → SMB → Advanced Settings and review Server signing status; the available choices include Force, Client defined and Disable SMB1 signing only.

If you're still experiencing issues, check whether your macOS client requires signing by running smbutil statshares -a in Terminal. If signing is negotiating as "required" and your NAS doesn't support it consistently, For client-side SMB signing, QNAP documents an /etc/nsmb.conf setting of [default] followed by signing_required=no; disabling signing reduces security and should only be considered after a risk assessment.. Though this reduces security and is not recommended for production environments. The better fix is ensuring your NAS firmware is up to date and SMB signing is properly configured on the NAS side.

This is a known community issue well-documented in QNAP and Synology user forums. If you're connecting a new NAS to a Mac running Ventura or Sonoma and performance is disappointing, check SMB signing before assuming the NAS or network is at fault.

## What the right setup costs in Australia

The connection infrastructure adds meaningful cost to a NAS build. Here's a realistic AU cost breakdown for each scenario.

![QNAP TVS-h874 8-Bay NAS](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XtnoSEx5L._AC_SL1320_.jpg)

*QNAP TVS-h874 8-Bay NAS on Amazon AU*

- **Sole Mac editor, Thunderbolt:** QNAP TVS-h674T (verify live pricing; checked Australian listings were approximately A$4,500-A$4,800) + Thunderbolt 4 cable (~$50 AUD). No switch required.
- **Sole editor, 2.5GbE only:** Most NAS units $500-$1,500 AUD include 2.5GbE. No separate switch is required if your router has enough 2.5GbE-capable LAN ports; check the router's exact port specifications.
- **Two editors, 10GbE:** Any 10GbE-capable NAS ($800-$2,500 AUD) + 10GbE switch (~$300-$500 AUD) + 10GbE adapters for each Mac if needed (~$220-$250 AUD each). Total networking overhead varies with switch type, cabling and the number of computers requiring adapters; calculate it from current prices for the selected hardware.
- **Growing studio (start Thunderbolt, add 10GbE later):** QNAP TVS-h674T or TVS-h874T + Thunderbolt cable now. Add 10GbE switch (~$300-$450 AUD) and adapters when second editor joins.

The QNAP QSW-308S (available from Scorptec and Mwave) is a solid unmanaged option at around $300 AUD that covers most small studio needs. For managed switching with VLAN support and link aggregation, the QSW-M408-4C at approximately A$850-A$1,000 in checked current Australian listings is worth the premium. Buy from AU retailers. Warranty claims on networking hardware are much simpler when the purchase is local, and Australian Consumer Law protections apply.

For a detailed breakdown of which drives to put in whichever NAS you choose, see the [NAS drive compatibility guide for video editing](/blog/best-hard-drives-nas-video-editing/). For understanding the storage architecture that sits behind this connection. Hot, warm, and cold tiers. See the [hot vs cold storage guide](/blog/hot-vs-cold-storage-for-video-editors/).

## Making the call: a decision framework

> **Tip:** **Decision framework:**  - **Sole editor, any codec** → size the connection from aggregate stream bitrate, multicam count, transfer needs and measured storage performance; selected QNAP, UGREEN and ZimaSpace models support Thunderbolt Networking.  - **Sole editor, H.264/H.265 or proxy workflow** → Any NAS with 2.5GbE. Save money for more drives.  - For two editors, size the NAS uplink and switch from the combined peak bitrate and stream count; 10GbE is often suitable but is not sufficient for every codec and multicam workload. Do not try to split a Thunderbolt connection.  - **Three or more editors** → size workstation links, NAS uplink capacity, switching and storage from aggregate demand. A managed switch, LACP or 25GbE may be appropriate, but none is universally required solely by editor count.  - **Planning to grow** → Buy a QNAP with both Thunderbolt and 10GbE ports. Start solo, scale without replacing the NAS.

If you've just worked out you need a NAS but aren't sure where the external drive problem began, the [why editors outgrow external drives](/blog/why-video-editors-outgrow-external-drives/) guide covers the full journey from drive graveyard to NAS. Including what to expect from the transition and what to avoid.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Related reading: our [NAS buyer's guide](/blog/best-nas-australia/).

Our [File Transfer Speed Estimator](/tools/transfer-speed-estimator/) quantifies the real-world throughput difference between Thunderbolt, 10GbE, and 2.5GbE for large video file transfers, and our [Network Upgrade ROI Calculator](/tools/network-upgrade-roi/) models whether the jump to 10GbE is justified for your workload.

Use our free [NAS Sizing Wizard](/tools/nas-sizing-wizard/) to get a personalised NAS recommendation.

**[Review My Build ($149) →](https://needtoknowit.com.au/review-my-build/)** -- Once you have chosen your NAS, get a second opinion on the full build. Drives, RAID type, network setup, and backup strategy. Before committing. $149 AUD, delivered within 3 business days.

See also: [our complete Synology NAS Australia guide](/brand-guides/synology/).

See also: [our complete QNAP NAS Australia guide](/brand-guides/qnap/).

See also: [our full Photo and Video Storage guide](/use-cases/photo-video-storage/).

If you need the physical hardware for a 2.5GbE or 10GbE upgrade, see our [UGREEN networking adapter picks](/shop/ugreen/#networking) for AU-available, verified options.

Related reading: our [best M.2 SSD for NAS cache](/blog/best-m2-ssd-for-nas-cache-australia/).

**Q: Can I use Thunderbolt with a Synology NAS?**

No. Synology does not manufacture any NAS with a Thunderbolt port. If you need Thunderbolt for direct-attach Mac editing, QNAP offers current NAS models with Thunderbolt Networking. Synology NAS units use network connections; supported interface speeds are model-specific, and current systems include options above 10GbE as well as 1GbE, 2.5GbE and 10GbE. If you're set on Synology for other reasons, plan for 10GbE Ethernet as your high-speed connection.

**Q: Does my Mac support 10GbE?**

It depends on the model. Mac Studio includes one built-in 10GbE port, while Apple-silicon Mac Pro models include two built-in 10GbE ports. MacBook Pro and MacBook Air do not include 10GbE. You'd need a Thunderbolt-to-10GbE adapter such as the Sonnet Solo10G (verify live pricing; checked Australian listings were approximately A$468-A$534). Mac mini can be configured at purchase with built-in 10GbE; configurations with only Gigabit Ethernet require an external adapter for 10GbE. Check Apple's specs page for your specific model, or look for "10 Gigabit Ethernet" or "10GbE" in the connectivity section.

**Q: My NAS connection seems slow even though I have 10GbE. What's wrong?**

The most common causes on Mac are: (1) SMB signing misconfiguration between macOS Ventura/Sonoma and the NAS. Check and align the SMB signing setting on both sides; (2) the NAS drives are the bottleneck, not the network. Verify drive throughput in QTS or DSM Storage Manager; (3) MTU configuration. Jumbo frames may improve some large-I/O workloads, but MTU 1500 is not by itself evidence of a fault; if jumbo frames are enabled, configure them consistently end-to-end and test the workload. (4) the NAS is connected to a 1GbE port on the switch rather than a 10GbE port. Always verify end-to-end that every device in the chain is actually running at 10GbE, not just claiming to support it.

**Q: Is 2.5GbE good enough for editing 4K drone footage on a NAS?**

Yes, in most cases. DJI drone footage in H.264 or H.265 is typically 60-200 Mbps, which 2.5GbE handles comfortably. Even high-bitrate drone footage at 200 Mbps is well within the ~2,000 Mbps available on a 2.5GbE connection. Blackmagic RAW modes on the cited Pocket Cinema Camera family are 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, 12:1, Q0, Q1, Q3 and Q5; data rates vary by model, resolution and frame rate. In those cases 10GbE is safer. Standard commercial drone work with DJI Mavic or Air series on 2.5GbE is not a constraint.

**Q: Can I use a standard home router instead of a dedicated 10GbE switch?**

Not for 10GbE. Most home routers have Gigabit (1GbE) LAN ports, which max out at about 125 MB/s. Not enough for ProRes 4K editing. Some newer consumer routers include 2.5GbE LAN ports, which are fine for sole editors with appropriate codecs. For 10GbE among multiple devices, use a 10GbE-capable router or switch with enough LAN ports; a single workstation and NAS can also be connected directly over Ethernet. The NAS and editing workstations plug into the 10GbE switch, and the switch connects to your router via its 1GbE or 2.5GbE uplink for internet access. The editing traffic stays on the fast local network; internet traffic goes through the router separately.

If you're still deciding on a brand, our

Synology vs QNAP comparison guide

breaks down which platform suits different use cases in Australia. For a direct comparison with direct-attached storage, see our guide to

NAS vs DAS

.

**Q: Will a Thunderbolt NAS work with Windows editing PCs?**

Thunderbolt is supported on Windows PCs that include a Thunderbolt port (Thunderbolt 3 or 4). Compatible Windows PCs can use Thunderbolt, but port availability and driver requirements must be checked for the specific computer. You can connect a QNAP Thunderbolt NAS to a Windows PC the same way you would a Mac. The advantage is less pronounced on Windows, however. On Windows, 10GbE and Thunderbolt Networking performance depends on the specific SMB configuration, NIC or Thunderbolt hardware, storage array and workload. Thunderbolt on Windows makes the most sense for direct-attach speed requirements or where network infrastructure isn't yet in place.

**[NAS Drive Compatibility Guide →](https://needtoknowit.com.au/blog/best-hard-drives-nas-video-editing/)** -- Once you've sorted your connection, the next decision is what drives to load into your NAS. The wrong choice here. Particularly mixing CMR and SMR drives. Is how NAS builds go wrong quietly and expensively.