QNAP TS-464 vs TS-453D: Should You Upgrade to the New 4-Bay NAS?

The QNAP TS-464 replaced the popular TS-453D as QNAP’s mainstream 4-bay Intel NAS. Both feature Intel Celeron processors with hardware transcoding, but the TS-464 brings meaningful upgrades: a faster Jasper Lake CPU, double the default RAM, improved 2.5GbE networking, and better M.2 performance. This comparison helps current TS-453D owners evaluate upgrading and shows new buyers why the TS-464 is the better investment.

Quick Verdict

For new buyers: Choose the TS-464. It’s the current-generation model with better specs at similar pricing. The TS-453D is discontinued and shouldn’t be purchased new unless heavily discounted.

For TS-453D owners: The TS-464 is a worthwhile upgrade if you need more RAM capacity, better multi-threaded performance, faster M.2 NVMe, or QuTS hero support. If your TS-453D handles your workload comfortably, it remains a very capable NAS with years of useful life ahead.

Specifications Comparison

Key Differences Explained

CPU: N5105 vs J4125

Both have 4-core processors, but the TS-464’s N5105 is a generation newer with better architecture:

Performance Benchmarks

The N5105 is approximately 30-35% faster across most workloads. The 10nm process and higher boost clock contribute to better performance per watt. Most significantly, the N5105 has double the GPU execution units (24 vs 12), meaning significantly better transcoding capacity under heavy load.

Memory: Double the Capacity

The TS-464 ships with double the RAM and supports double the maximum capacity. This matters significantly for Docker containers, virtual machines, and multi-user scenarios.

M.2 NVMe: PCIe Gen3 vs Gen2

Both have two M.2 slots, but the TS-464’s Gen3 slots offer double the bandwidth:

For SSD caching and Qtier, the TS-464’s faster M.2 slots provide better random I/O performance and more responsive cache behavior.

USB Ports: Gen 2 vs Gen 1

The TS-464 upgrades USB ports from 5Gbps to 10Gbps:

• TS-464: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) — faster external drive backups
• TS-453D: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) — standard speed

This doubles external backup speeds when using compatible USB SSDs or enclosures.

Plex Transcoding Comparison

Both handle Plex transcoding via Intel Quick Sync, but the TS-464’s doubled GPU execution units provide more headroom:

For 1-2 simultaneous transcodes, both work excellently. The TS-464’s advantage appears with 3+ streams or when running other demanding tasks alongside Plex. The doubled GPU execution units mean more simultaneous encode/decode operations without quality degradation.

Docker and Container Performance

The TS-464’s faster CPU and more RAM provide better Docker performance. If you upgrade your TS-453D to 8GB RAM, it approaches TS-464 container capacity, but the faster N5105 CPU still provides better responsiveness and faster container operations.

QuTS hero (ZFS) Support

A significant difference: the TS-464 supports QuTS hero (QNAP’s ZFS-based operating system), while the TS-453D does not.

QuTS hero benefits:

• Inline data deduplication: Save storage space
• Inline compression: More efficient storage use
• Self-healing: Automatic corruption repair with checksums
• Near-instant snapshots: Better backup capabilities
• Enterprise-grade reliability: ZFS is battle-tested

If ZFS features matter to you, only the TS-464 offers this option. The TS-453D is limited to standard QTS with ext4 or Btrfs file systems.

Real-World Performance Scenarios

Scenario 1: File Server + Plex (Light Use)

TS-453D: Excellent. Handles single-stream Plex and file serving with ease.

TS-464: Overkill but provides headroom for future expansion.

Scenario 2: Multi-User Household + Heavy Plex

TS-453D: Adequate for 2 simultaneous transcodes. 3+ streams causes noticeable strain.

TS-464: Handles 4+ transcodes while running other services smoothly.

Scenario 3: Docker-Heavy with 10+ Containers

TS-453D (4GB): Struggles. RAM becomes the bottleneck quickly.

TS-453D (8GB upgraded): Manageable but CPU is the next bottleneck.

TS-464 (8GB): Comfortable. Faster CPU handles container workloads better.

Scenario 4: Surveillance with 6+ Cameras

TS-453D: Handles 6 cameras at 1080p, CPU usage ~60%.

TS-464: Handles 8+ cameras at 1080p with lower CPU usage (~45%).

Feature Comparison

Network Performance

Both units feature dual 2.5GbE, so network speeds are identical:

The TS-464’s faster AES encryption hardware provides slightly better encrypted transfer performance. Otherwise, networking is equivalent.

Power Consumption

The TS-464 uses approximately 10% more power due to the faster CPU. The difference is minimal — about $2/year in electricity costs.

Should TS-453D Owners Upgrade?

Upgrade if:

• Need more than 8GB RAM: TS-464 supports 16GB vs 8GB max
• Running 10+ Docker containers: Faster CPU handles workload better
• Heavy Plex use (3+ transcodes): Double GPU EUs provide more headroom
• Want QuTS hero (ZFS): Only available on TS-464
• Need faster M.2 caching: Gen3 vs Gen2 is 2x faster
• Fast USB backups matter: 10Gbps vs 5Gbps USB
• Planning virtualization: 16GB max enables meaningful VMs

Keep your TS-453D if:

• Current workload works fine: No need to fix what isn’t broken
• 1-2 Plex streams sufficient: TS-453D handles this well
• Light Docker use: Under 8 containers runs fine
• 8GB RAM is enough: Upgraded TS-453D is still capable
• Budget constraints: TS-453D has years of life remaining

Upgrade Cost Analysis

Drives and storage pools migrate directly. Most settings can be backed up and restored. The $200-300 net cost buys 30% faster CPU, double GPU EUs, double max RAM, Gen3 M.2, and QuTS hero support.

Alternative: Upgrade TS-453D RAM

If your TS-453D’s CPU is adequate but RAM is limiting, consider upgrading to 8GB first:

• Cost: ~$35-50 for 8GB SO-DIMM
• Benefit: Double container capacity, better multi-tasking
• Limitation: CPU and M.2 speed remain unchanged

This extends the TS-453D’s useful life for $35-50 rather than $550. If RAM is your only bottleneck, this makes sense.

Photo Management with QuMagie

QuMagie (QNAP’s AI photo management) performance comparison:

The performance gap is smaller than with 2-bay models since both have quad-core CPUs. The TS-464’s faster N5105 provides roughly 30% quicker indexing.

Backup and Sync Capabilities

Both support identical HBS 3 (Hybrid Backup Sync) features:

• Local backup: External USB drives, another QNAP NAS
• Cloud backup: AWS S3, Azure, Google Cloud, Backblaze B2, Wasabi
• QuDedup: Server-side deduplication
• Encryption: AES-256 at rest and in transit
• Qsync: Dropbox-like file sync across devices

The TS-464’s faster CPU and 10Gbps USB ports enable quicker local and external backups. Cloud backup speeds depend on internet connection, making the CPU advantage less relevant for offsite backup.

QuTS hero (ZFS) — TS-464 Exclusive

A significant differentiator: the TS-464 supports QuTS hero (ZFS-based OS), while the TS-453D does not.

QuTS hero advantages:

• Inline deduplication: Eliminate redundant data automatically
• Inline compression: Reduce storage usage transparently
• Self-healing storage: Automatic corruption detection and repair via checksums
• Copy-on-write snapshots: Near-instant, space-efficient snapshots
• Enterprise reliability: ZFS is battle-tested in demanding environments

If you work with VMs, databases, or require maximum data integrity, QuTS hero provides enterprise-grade features. The TS-453D is limited to standard QTS with ext4 or Btrfs.

HD Station (HDMI) Capabilities

Both units feature HDMI 2.0 with HD Station support:

Both work well as HTPC replacements. The TS-464’s additional GPU execution units provide smoother performance when running multiple HD Station apps simultaneously.

Long-Term Support Considerations

Support lifecycle factors:

• TS-464 (2022): Likely supported through 2028-2030
• TS-453D (2020): Likely supported through 2025-2027

The TS-464 offers approximately 3 additional years of expected software updates and security patches. For a device running 24/7 with network access, ongoing security updates matter.

SSD Caching Deep Dive

Both units support M.2 NVMe SSD caching, but with different performance levels:

The TS-464’s Gen3 M.2 slots provide approximately double the cache bandwidth. This benefits random I/O workloads like Plex library browsing, Docker container operations, and database queries.

Recommended Cache SSDs

Noise and Thermal Comparison

The TS-464 runs slightly warmer due to the faster CPU with more execution units. Both units remain quiet enough for home office or living room placement. Hard drive noise is typically the dominant sound source in either case.

Migration Process from TS-453D to TS-464

If you decide to upgrade, here’s the migration process:

What Transfers Automatically

• Storage pools and volume configurations
• All data on drives
• RAID configurations (RAID 5, RAID 6, etc.)
• Shared folder structures and permissions

What May Need Reconfiguration

• Network settings (IP address, hostname)
• Docker containers and compose files
• Surveillance Station camera assignments
• Some app-specific settings

Migration Steps

1. Back up QTS configuration on TS-453D
2. Export Docker container configurations
3. Power down TS-453D and remove all drives
4. Install drives in TS-464 in same slot order
5. Power on and follow migration wizard
6. Restore configuration backup
7. Verify apps, containers, and settings

The process typically takes 45-90 minutes depending on configuration complexity and number of apps installed.

What Happens to Your Old TS-453D?

Options for your TS-453D after upgrading:

• Sell it: Used TS-453D units fetch $250-350 on eBay/Craigslist
• Backup NAS: Use as an offsite or secondary backup target
• Cold storage: Archive NAS for infrequently accessed data
• Test/development: Sandbox for testing new configurations
• Gift/donate: Still a capable NAS for family member or charity

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

For new buyers: The QNAP TS-464 is the clear choice. For $50 more than the TS-453D’s original price, you get a meaningfully faster CPU, double the GPU transcoding capacity, double the RAM, faster M.2 slots, faster USB, and QuTS hero support. The TS-453D is discontinued and only worth buying used at significant discount.

For TS-453D owners: The TS-464 is a worthwhile upgrade if you’re hitting limits — needing more than 8GB RAM, running 3+ Plex transcodes, wanting QuTS hero (ZFS), or running many Docker containers. If your TS-453D handles your workload fine, it remains a capable NAS. Consider a RAM upgrade first if that’s your only bottleneck.

Bottom line: The TS-464 is a meaningful generational improvement. The doubled GPU execution units and RAM capacity address the TS-453D’s main limitations while maintaining the same excellent dual 2.5GbE networking. For anyone buying new, it’s the logical choice.

Where to Buy

Related Comparisons

• QNAP TS-464 Review — Full review
• TS-464 vs TS-433 — Intel vs ARM comparison
• TS-464 vs Synology DS423+ — Cross-brand comparison
• TS-264 vs TS-262 — 2-bay generational comparison
• Best QNAP NAS 2026
• QNAP Compatible Hard Drives

Last Updated: February 2026