Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen 2 AS6704T: High-Performance NAS for Enthusiasts

The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen 2 AS6704T is a compelling choice for users seeking a robust NAS solution. Priced at £619.00, this diskless 4-bay NAS features a Quad-Core Intel Celeron N5105 CPU, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and multiple M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD slots, catering to both storage and performance needs. With a rating of 4.3/5 from 252 reviews, it shows a solid reputation among users, though it ranks #24310 in its category, indicating a competitive market.

First Impressions

The design of the Lockerstor 4 Gen 2 is sleek and modern, making it a visually appealing addition to any home or office setup. The device incorporates increased ventilation for SSDs, which is crucial for maintaining optimal performance during extended use. The dual 2.5GbE ports facilitate faster data transfers, which is particularly beneficial for users who require high-speed access to large files.

Key Features in Detail

One standout feature is the Quad-Core 10 nm Intel Celeron N5105 CPU, offering a 31% performance boost over its predecessor, the Gemini Lake. This enhancement means smoother performance for multitasking and demanding applications. The inclusion of 4 M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD slots allows for significant speed improvements, with potential read and write speeds up to twice that of PCIe 2.0, ideal for users looking to implement caching solutions.

Additionally, the NAS supports 4K transcoding, making it an excellent option for Plex server setups, allowing seamless streaming of high-definition content across devices. The use of DDR4-2933 RAM ensures that memory-intensive tasks run efficiently, providing 40% more performance compared to older DDR3 standards. USB 3.2 Gen2 ports enable data transfers at speeds of up to 10Gbps, further enhancing connectivity options.

Performance Assessment

In practical terms, the Lockerstor 4 Gen 2 excels in various applications, from media streaming to file storage and backups. Users have reported smooth playback and efficient file management, thanks to the powerful hardware. The device's ability to handle multiple streams simultaneously without lag is a significant plus for households with various multimedia needs.

Build Quality

The build quality is robust, with a durable chassis designed to handle the heat generated during operation. The increased ventilation system is a thoughtful design choice, helping to prolong the life of the internal components. However, users should still pay attention to cooling solutions if they plan on populating all four drive bays with high-performance drives.

Value for Money

At £619.00, the Lockerstor 4 Gen 2 is at its all-time low, making it a prime time to invest. While there are cheaper alternatives like the Synology DS223J, priced at £179.97, those options typically offer fewer features and lower performance. For users who need a powerful NAS capable of handling extensive data operations, the price is justified.

How It Compares to Alternatives

When compared to the Synology DS224+ priced at £466.64, the Asustor offers more drive bays and higher performance capabilities, making it more suitable for users who require extensive storage and speed. However, for those who need a simpler, less expensive solution, the Synology alternatives may suffice. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210, although cheaper at £237.22, lacks the advanced features and performance of the Lockerstor 4 Gen 2, making it less ideal for power users.

Genuine Negatives

One potential downside is that the initial setup may be daunting for users unfamiliar with NAS configurations. Additionally, while the device supports Wake on LAN and Wake on WAN, some users have noted inconsistencies with these features, which could be a drawback for those looking for remote access capabilities.

Verdict

The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen 2 AS6704T is an excellent choice for those needing a powerful, feature-rich NAS solution. It is particularly suited for tech enthusiasts, media professionals, or businesses handling large volumes of data. However, casual users or those on a tighter budget may find alternatives more suitable for their needs.