Storage NAS Networking: D-Link DNS-323, Linksys NAS200, or Iron Cow Zero 1 for Your 2-Bay NAS?

Compare four 2-bay NAS enclosures from $30 to $99.91, including a for-parts Linksys, to decide which storage NAS networking setup matches your drives and network speed.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Choosing a network storage enclosure can feel like a puzzle. You need a box that holds your drives, connects to your network, and fits your budget, but listings often look similar. For anyone building a storage NAS networking setup, the core decision is whether to buy new or used, and how much network speed you really need. The four 2-bay enclosures here span a wide price range, including a for-parts unit that could be a tinkerer's project. The D-Link and the for-parts Linksys are explicitly sold without drives, so you'll need to bring your own HDDs. The new Linksys is sealed, while the Iron Cow is also a new unit, so both give you a fresh start.

If you want a sealed, ready-to-run enclosure and can stretch the budget, the new LINKSYS NAS200 at $99.91 is the straightforward pick. The Iron Cow Zero 1 at $79.95 brings a 2.5GbE LAN port for faster network transfers, and its description highlights a quad-core processor. For a lower-cost used option, the D-Link DNS-323 at $49.99 still makes sense if you have drives ready. And the $30 for-parts Linksys is a gamble: it powers on and includes cables, but it rattles and is sold as-is. Match the enclosure to your drives, network speed, and how much risk you can accept.

Product	Price	Bar
for Parts* Linksys NAS200	$30.00
D-Link DNS-323	$49.99
Iron Cow Zero 1	$79.95
LINKSYS NAS200	$99.91

Below is a decision matrix to help you narrow the options.

Product	Best for	Not ideal for
D-Link DNS-323	Budget buyers with HDDs ready	Anyone wanting a new sealed unit
LINKSYS NAS200	Shoppers who want new and sealed	Tight budgets
Iron Cow Zero 1	2.5GbE network owners	Buyers who only need basic Ethernet
For-Parts Linksys	Tinkerers and parts donors	Anyone needing reliable daily use

D-Link DNS-323

This used 2-bay enclosure is the least expensive working option in the group. It has an Ethernet interface, so it will slide into most wired networks, and the black desktop design is straightforward. The listing is clear that no HDDs are included, so you'll need to budget for drives. It's also listed as used, so you're relying on the seller's description that it still works. If you're comfortable with used gear and already own HDDs, this is a low-cost way to get a NAS running without paying for a new unit. The used nature means the condition is exactly what the seller described, so treat it as a functional used device.

LINKSYS NAS200

The new LINKSYS NAS200 is the most expensive listing, but it's also the only one that arrives new and sealed. The product title and description emphasize the 2-bay enclosure and the included power adapter cable, with a black finish. If you want a clean start without the unknown history of a used unit, this is the one to consider. The higher price is the main tradeoff, but you're paying for new, sealed condition. For someone who prioritizes a fresh, unopened enclosure, this is the route to take.

Iron Cow Zero 1

The Iron Cow Zero 1 is the most network-focused option here. It stands out with a 2.5GbE LAN port, a meaningful upgrade over typical Ethernet for moving larger files. The description also mentions a quad-core RK3568 processor, a 2-bay layout, and a dedicated cooling fan. Since it's new, you get a factory-fresh start. The price is higher than the used D-Link, so the extra spend is for newer networking hardware. If your router or switch supports 2.5GbE, this enclosure is built to make use of it.

For-Parts Linksys NAS200

This unit is the wild card. It's a 2-bay Linksys NAS200 enclosure that comes with the power adapter and an ethernet cable, and the seller says it powers on. However, it rattles and is listed "for parts," with normal wear and some dirt. The description notes it was connected to a PC long ago and had work files, but it's sold as-is. Choose this only if you're comfortable troubleshooting, cleaning, or using it as a donor for parts. It's a low-cost way to test a NAS enclosure without a big commitment, but don't expect a turnkey device.

Final Recommendation by Use Case

If you want a sealed new enclosure and don't mind spending the most, the LINKSYS NAS200 is the most straightforward choice. If your network already has 2.5GbE or you plan to upgrade, the Iron Cow Zero 1 gives you faster transfers at a lower price than the sealed Linksys. For a low-cost start with drives you already own, the D-Link DNS-323 is the sensible used pick. And the for-parts Linksys is only for hobbyists who don't mind a possible repair project.

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