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- Page 1 WD My Cloud EX2100 NAS Review
- Page 2 Performance and Verdict Review
WD My Cloud EX2100 – Performance
For our review we received an EX2100 pre-configured with two 4TB WD Red drives, which are WD’s NAS-specific drives that include particular optimisations for low-power usage and error-recovery in a NAS environment.
The EX2100 is a significant step up from WD’s previous efforts with the EX2 and EX4. In our large file (4.27GB) read and write tests it achieved 105.4MB/sec read and 105.7MB/sec write, which compares well to other dual-bay NAS offerings such as the Synology DiskStation DS215j. It also obliterates the 100MB/sec read and 40MB/sec write of the older EX2 unit.
This impressive performance continues when it comes to the more challenging test of transferring a number of small files (1,460 document and image files totalling 827MB) back and forth. It returned figures of 44.4MB/sec read and 34.5MB/sec write, which is comfortably ahead of the Synology DiskStation DS215j.
When you throw a really challenging random read/write test with tiny file sizes (CrystalDiskMark’s 4K test), performance does drop dramatically – 0.6MB/sec read and 1.7MB/sec write – but that’s an unrealistic test for the sort of use a NAS is likely to face.
Should I buy the WD EX2100?
The WD EX2100 is a pretty solid all-round performer. It will easily be up to the task of delivering files at a rapid pace to home and small-business users.
WD hasn’t slipped up when it comes to the overall user experience either. It’s a cinch to set up and use, and has plenty of support for useful network apps. Plus, if you sign up for a My Cloud account, it can give you access to your files the world over.
Crucially, the WD EX2100 is priced reasonably. At around £180 unpopulated and £330 with 4TB preinstalled (2 x 2TB drives), it’s certainly competitive with other leading brands.
However, it does still trail the Synology DiskStation DS215j, which starts at only £130 and is generally around £60 cheaper across the board. However, the EX2100 has a better drive system, includes USB 3.0, dual-Ethernet and a button-release for USB hard drives. Overall, it’s a far more capable unit.
SEE ALSO: Seagate NAS Pro 4-bay review
Verdict
The WD EX2100 is the ideal 2-bay NAS for home and small-business users: it’s well built, feature-packed and performs well. It’s a little more expensive than the most basic 2-bay units – but it easily justifies its cost.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.