My iMac 27" 2009 has Firewire 800 and USB 2 ports. Can't afford a new iMac with Thunderbolt/USB 3, but need additional storage for files/video/back-up etc.
Will get a new Mac in near future and want any HD to accommodate the better speeds. I'm thinking 4 bay NAS with USB 3/ethernet now.
Can I simply attach the NAS via ethernet to my iMac and use it as a stand alone drive or does it need to go via the router?
Keith
iMac (27-inch Late 2009), OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)
Keith,
NAS technology is NOT supported by OS X so you are on your own if the thing does not work. I used Firewire 800 based EHDs on iMac and daisy chain them together. That has worked fine for years.
Keith,
NAS technology is NOT supported by OS X so you are on your own if the thing does not work. I used Firewire 800 based EHDs on iMac and daisy chain them together. That has worked fine for years.
You can not just directly attach a NAS to a computer because it would not have an Ip address, subnet, etc..
What you can do is connect the NAS to a Ethernet port on your router and then you would be able to access it across your network.
Once hooked up to the router I suggest statically assigning the IP address to the drive and then mapping it on your Imac.
with your predicament id buy a NAS and access it via your network, not as fast as you'd like but at least it can be accessed by most and will be ready for when you buy the new 27Inch iMac...
Hard Drives - ethernet or USB?
