Review: WD My Cloud DL4100

Conclusion

WD's two-pronged expansion of its My Cloud product range gives consumers the choice of ARM-based models carrying EX Series branding and Intel-based alternatives launched under the DL Series umbrella.

Marketed toward prosumer and small business audiences, respectively, the two professional My Cloud series target unique areas of the higher-end NAS market, yet with judicious examination you may find the new additions to be closer matched than originally anticipated.

Employing the same operating system and, for the most part, a parity in terms of features, the Intel-based DL4100 is hard to tell apart from its ARM-based EX4100 sibling, with expandable memory serving as the one key differentiator. And, as useful as up to 6GB of RAM may be in a business environment, it doesn't do enough to justify a 40 per cent premium for the Intel hardware.

As capable as it is, the DL4100's appeal is stifled by a £522 price tag putting it firmly in the firing line of competing NAS solutions that have an edge in terms of features and software maturity. Those who find the My Cloud feature set to be a perfect match for their needs will lean toward the cheaper yet almost as capable EX4100, and we're intrigued to see how WD will enhance the DL Series' appeal as, right now, the ARM-based alternative is the star attraction.

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The WD My Cloud DL4100 is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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