How much your NAS consumes if it is kept connected

Today, we will examine the power consumption of NAS (Network Attached Storage) servers and its impact on our electricity bill. Unlike other devices, NAS servers are designed to remain connected to the network at all times, unless we specifically choose to disconnect them for our usage requirements.

Consequently, they continuously consume energy, which raises the question of how much electricity they typically consume and its associated cost.

NAS

How much does a NAS consume?

It is indeed a common concern when purchasing a NAS server, as it is a device that, like a router, remains constantly plugged in and consumes power. However, it is important to note that a NAS server offers greater functionality and power compared to a typical router, resulting in higher energy consumption.

While there may be some variations in power consumption between different NAS models, the overall energy usage is generally similar across most devices. Therefore, it is not necessary to analyze each model separately when considering their power consumption.

nas consumption at rest and in use

Thank you for providing specific examples of power consumption for different NAS models. The Synology DS118 consumes 9.4 W during access and 4.22 W in hibernation, while the DS220+ consumes 14.69 W during access and 4.41 W in hibernation. The more powerful DS723 consumes 21.07 W during access and 8.62 W in hibernation.

It is clear that as the NAS models become more powerful, their power consumption increases. However, it is important to note that the hibernation power consumption remains relatively similar across different models. This is particularly relevant if you only need the NAS to be accessible occasionally and leave it connected for remote access purposes.

Overall, understanding the power consumption of a NAS server and considering the hibernation mode can help you manage its energy usage and make informed decisions based on your specific needs and usage patterns.

synology

If we establish a basic rule to estimate the monthly cost of a NAS server at rest, we can multiply an average power consumption of 4.5 W (common for user-level equipment) by 24 hours and 30 days. This calculation amounts to approximately 3.2 kWh. Assuming a cost of 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, the monthly expense would be around 50 cents. This is a fairly affordable amount, considering that NAS servers often have multiple LEDs running continuously.

However, if you have a server like Plex that remains connected all day with multiple users accessing it, the cost can increase by three or four times. Even in such cases, the expense should not exceed a couple of euros. Therefore, whether you use a NAS server extensively or not, the energy cost remains relatively low, especially at the domestic level.

For more professional-grade servers like the previously mentioned DS723, the cost would be approximately double. Nevertheless, it would still be a modest amount in terms of euros. If you have invested in a server of that caliber, the primary concern should be its initial cost, rather than the monthly energy consumption. Therefore, enjoy the benefits of your server and rest assured that the energy expenses will not be excessively burdensome.