WD My Cloud PRO PR2100 without HDD

Humble, like a true professional

The word Pro in the name of the WD My Cloud PRO PR2100 was added for a reason. The fact is that this device is based on a combination of 4 GB of RAM and an Intel Pentium N3710 processor, the most powerful in the Intel Braswell line. The chip has 4 cores (usually dual cores are used in NAS) with the ability to overclock to 2.56 GHz, 2 MB of cache and a very low heat dissipation rate of 6 watts. Also, a duplicated power connector hints at professional use — just like very expensive models designed for continuous operation in a large office.

Double reinforced housing and duplicated power connector

Unlike the vast majority of both expensive and not very network drives on the market today, the novelty is made not in a plastic, but in a metal case. Moreover, inside the case there is actually another case with solid metal panels. We'll have to try to damage or break such a structure. Another interesting engineering solution is the absence of a disc sled. This deprives it of the ability to install 2.5-inch hard drives and SSDs, but it greatly simplifies the installation and dismantling of conventional 3.5 HDDs.

Simple and clear software

Unlike earlier models of WD network drives, the WD My Cloud Pro PR2100 interface has become similar in structure and capabilities to similar products from Synology and QNAP. It works smartly and is not overloaded with unnecessary details, it will be difficult to get confused here. Plus, by default, everything is set up so that a not too demanding user can set everything up in a few clicks, without delving into the settings and without accessing the settings section. If we talk about interesting features, then it is worth noting the services for self-diagnosis, SMS/email mailing in case of a malfunction, and the competent implementation of the MyCloud internal cloud.

Stability and reliability instead of extra features

Against the background of the above, a certain functional limitation can be introduced into the disadvantages of the device. If competitors of the QNAP TS-253B caliber can be used in a dozen different scenarios (mail server, video surveillance server, etc.), then the WD My Cloud PRO PR2100 can only work as a cloud storage, backup server and multimedia centre. And it has only 2 USB outputs (but 2 LAN ports). However, this is not so much a minus, but his feature — he is not a jack of all trades, but a pro who is fluent in several skills and works stably. For many buyers, stability is a deciding factor when choosing a NAS.