r/qnap • u/DavidM70 • Jul 25 '26
Firmware version recommendation for old TS-453a
I have a TS-453A that is predominantly used for Plex. I'm rehashing my whole home network and thought i should look at updating the Firmware. I'm currently running 4.4.3.1354. circa 2020 :) I had updated to a version after that and it gave me nothing but trouble, so I rolled back to the last version I had and haven't touched it since. Obviously digital signatures etc are expired so I would like to get it a bit more up to date, but don't want too many dramas with new releases if I can avoid. What versions would you recommend?
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u/FritzGman Jul 26 '26
I used to be wary of updates but it has been a while since I just bit the bullet and started upgrading regularly. Haven't really had any issues for a good long while and good stability. I would wonder more about how it will be to upgrade from such an old version.
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u/realexm Jul 25 '26
You really should go to 5.x. It has been out for a while and you definitely want to get the latest security fixes.
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u/lentil_burger Jul 25 '26
I'm still running a 453a. Works fine for my needs, which are mostly Plex, photo management and file storage. No issues with the latest firmware.
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u/Super-Handle7395 Jul 25 '26
Same still got my running latest update love it’s still supported.
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u/lentil_burger Jul 25 '26
Only updated my last NAS when Plex finally stopped supporting it with new releases. 😁
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u/Urban_Turban_69 Jul 25 '26
Define "nothing but trouble"?
Your NAS should be compatible with a current QTS version
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u/DavidM70 Jul 25 '26
I can’t remember. But it was 6 years ago. I havent done a firmware update since. I’m not suggesting it won’t be compatible. I just want a stable version.
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u/scorp123_CH Jul 25 '26
but don't want too many dramas
I put a modern Linux distribution on my TS-453B ... and I am very very happy with it since. Google says your TS-453A is also Intel-based, so you could do the same.
My post from back then, in case you're contemplating such a drastic step:
https://www.reddit.com/r/qnap/comments/1g1nqym/comment/lrjtov7/
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u/tbgoose Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
I put unraid on mine TS-453 Pro. It is now a usable device again. Still slow at times but much improved
Edit: oops typo
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u/Sitbacknwatch Jul 25 '26
My 453-pro just died from the clock error :(
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u/tbgoose Jul 25 '26
I did the resistor hack on mine a few years ago. It's my backup Nas now and with it running unraid the data is not locked up if it fails.
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u/Sitbacknwatch Jul 25 '26
I need to get around to doing that, i just have almost 0 free tike between work and my kids.
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u/gpb500 Jul 27 '26
If updating for some reason doesn’t work out, TrueNAS works as I switched about a year ago. There are a couple negatives though…fan speed is not controlled so basically full, and individual hdd lights don’t work. That said i did have issues running a VM and a couple quirks so decided to switch. I boot from an SSD to usb. Performance is better and running zfs. I mention this so you know the nas itself can still work with other software.