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QNAP TVS-H1277AX vs QNAP TVS-H1688X
The quick verdict
- Leads on more specsQNAP TVS-H1277AX6 of 10 differing specs (boost clock 5.1 GHz, max RAM 192 GB)
- Best forTVS-H1688X for creators moving large video files fast
Rankings and scores come from the specs alone and are not affected by affiliate commissions.
Spec ruler
In short
Bottom line. Of the 10 specs that differ, the QNAP TVS-H1277AX leads on 6 (boost clock, max RAM, weight, and 3 more) and the QNAP TVS-H1688X on 4 (drive bays, base RAM, LAN ports, and 1 more). On our home media server index, the TVS-H1688X scores 33/100 against 29/100.
Using the 12 specs published on QNAP's official hardware specification pages, here is how the QNAP TVS-H1277AX and QNAP TVS-H1688X compare. Drive bays: the TVS-H1688X at 16 bays versus 12 bays for the TVS-H1277AX, 4 bays more (1.3x). Among 219 QNAP models, the TVS-H1688X ranks in the top 7% and the TVS-H1277AX in the top 15%. The TVS-H1277AX leads on boost clock, 5.1 GHz to 4.7 GHz. Among 201 QNAP models, the TVS-H1277AX ranks in the top 4% and the TVS-H1688X in the top 8%. On base RAM, the TVS-H1688X posts 32 GB and the TVS-H1277AX 16 GB, a gap of 16 GB. Among 219 QNAP models, the TVS-H1688X ranks in the top 7% and the TVS-H1277AX in the top 14%. Max RAM: the TVS-H1277AX at 192 GB versus 128 GB for the TVS-H1688X, 64 GB higher (1.5x). Among 219 QNAP models, the TVS-H1277AX ranks in the top 1% and the TVS-H1688X in the top 6%.
Key differences 3
Base RAMTVS-H1688X leads
- TVS-H1688X 32 GB vs the TVS-H1277AX at 16 GB
- the TVS-H1688X has 2.0x the base RAM
- among 219 QNAP models: TVS-H1688X in the top 7%, TVS-H1277AX in the top 14%
32 GB out of the box for several apps
WarrantyTVS-H1277AX leads
- TVS-H1277AX 5 years vs the TVS-H1688X at 3 years
- the TVS-H1277AX is 1.7x longer
- among 214 QNAP models: TVS-H1277AX in the top 1%, TVS-H1688X in the top 7%
2 more year(s) of free repairs
Max RAMTVS-H1277AX leads
- TVS-H1277AX 192 GB vs the TVS-H1688X at 128 GB
- the TVS-H1277AX has 1.5x the max RAM
- among 219 QNAP models: TVS-H1277AX in the top 1%, TVS-H1688X in the top 6%
Upgradable to 192 GB later
Key specs at a glance
| Spec | TVS-H1277AX | TVS-H1688X |
|---|---|---|
| Base RAM | 16 GBtop 14% | 32 GBWINtop 7% |
| Warranty | 5 yrWINtop 1% | 3 yrtop 7% |
| Max RAM | 192 GBWINtop 1% | 128 GBtop 6% |
| LAN ports | 4top 18% | 6WINtop 1% |
| USB ports | 4top 35% | 6WINtop 4% |
| Drive bays | 12top 15% | 16WINtop 7% |
Show every spec
| Spec | TVS-H1277AX | TVS-H1688X |
|---|---|---|
| Drive bays | 12top 15% | 16WINtop 7% |
| CPU cores | 6top 13% | 6top 13% |
| Boost clock | 5.1 GHzWINtop 4% | 4.7 GHztop 8% |
| Base RAM | 16 GBtop 14% | 32 GBWINtop 7% |
| Max RAM | 192 GBWINtop 1% | 128 GBtop 6% |
| Max LAN speed | 10 Gbpstop 2% | 10 Gbpstop 2% |
| LAN ports | 4top 18% | 6WINtop 1% |
| M.2 slots | – | 2top 4% |
| USB ports | 4top 35% | 6WINtop 4% |
| Weight | 11 kgWINbottom 30% | 14.5 kgbottom 11% |
| Volume | 26.6 LWINbottom 15% | 34.8 Lbottom 9% |
| Operating power | 106.4 WWINbottom 22% | 108.7 Wbottom 19% |
| Warranty | 5 yrWINtop 1% | 3 yrtop 7% |
| Metric (0–100) | TVS-H1277AX | TVS-H1688X |
|---|---|---|
| Performance percentile | 91.1WIN | 89.8 |
| Lightness percentile | 29.1WIN | 10.4 |
| Compactness percentile | 14.1WIN | 7.6 |
| Home media server fit | 29 | 33WIN |
| Small office fit | 100 | 100 |
| 10GbE video editing fit | 63 | 79WIN |
| Low-power compact 24/7 fit | 0 | 0 |
The details
How to choose
- Warranty matters most → the TVS-H1277AX (5 years vs 3 years)
- Base RAM matters most → the TVS-H1688X (32 GB vs 16 GB)
More TVS-H1277AX leads (performance and memory)
- Boost clock: 5.1 GHz vs 4.7 GHz
More TVS-H1277AX leads (size, power and warranty)
- Weight: 11 kg vs 14.5 kg
- Volume: 26.6 L vs 34.8 L
- Operating power: 106.4 W vs 108.7 W
More TVS-H1688X leads
- LAN ports: 6 ports vs 4 ports
- USB ports: 6 ports vs 4 ports
- Drive bays: 16 bays vs 12 bays
Combined metrics
- Total built-in LAN bandwidth (sum of port speeds): TVS-H1688X 30 Gbps vs 25 Gbps
- Operating power per bay: TVS-H1688X 6.79 W vs 8.87 W
Combined metrics
- Weight per bay: TVS-H1688X 0.91 kg vs 0.92 kg
- Memory headroom (max minus base): TVS-H1277AX 176 GB vs 96 GB
Same on both
- CPU cores 6, max LAN speed 10 Gbps
Use-case scores
- Home media server: TVS-H1688X 33 vs 29
- 10GbE video editing: TVS-H1688X 79 vs 63
Use-case scores are Specotomy's own index, computed by fixed rules from official manufacturer specs; they are not manufacturer scores.
FAQ
- Which takes more RAM, the QNAP TVS-H1277AX or the QNAP TVS-H1688X?
- The TVS-H1277AX, with 192 GB against 128 GB for the TVS-H1688X.
- Which has more drive bays, the QNAP TVS-H1277AX or the QNAP TVS-H1688X?
- The TVS-H1688X, with 16 bays against 12 bays for the TVS-H1277AX.
- Which draws less power, the QNAP TVS-H1277AX or the QNAP TVS-H1688X?
- The TVS-H1277AX, with 106.4 W against 108.7 W for the TVS-H1688X.
- Which is lighter, the QNAP TVS-H1277AX or the QNAP TVS-H1688X?
- The TVS-H1277AX, with 11 kg against 14.5 kg for the TVS-H1688X.
- Which use cases suit the QNAP TVS-H1277AX and the QNAP TVS-H1688X?
- 10GbE video editing: the TVS-H1688X. (based on our own use-case index)