Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T: High-Performance NAS for Power Users

The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T is a robust 4-bay NAS designed for users who demand high performance and reliability. With a price tag of £1239.00, which is the current all-time low, this NAS is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz CPU, 16GB ECC DDR5 RAM, and the capacity for four M.2 NVMe SSDs, making it a compelling option for data-intensive applications such as Plex streaming, virtualisation, and enterprise-level file storage.

Key Features in Detail

The AS6804T's performance begins with its robust processing power. The AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 CPU supports speeds up to 3.8 GHz in turbo mode, making it well-suited for demanding tasks. This is complemented by 16GB of ECC DDR5 RAM, which is crucial for error correction and maintaining data integrity during intensive operations.

The NAS supports up to four M.2 NVMe slots, allowing for PCIe 4.0 connectivity that can double the performance of traditional SATA drives. This feature is particularly advantageous for users requiring fast read/write speeds, such as for media editing or running virtual machines directly from the NAS.

Connectivity is another strong point for the AS6804T. It features dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports, which provide exceptional network speed, essential for home or small business environments with multiple users accessing data simultaneously. Additionally, the USB4.0 Type-C ports can transfer data at 40 Gbps, making backups and data transfer between devices incredibly efficient.

The device supports Wake on LAN and Wake on WAN functionality, which is essential for remote management and energy efficiency.

Performance Assessment

In real-world usage, the AS6804T excels in tasks such as 4K video streaming, file sharing, and running Docker containers. Users report smooth experiences even when multiple users are accessing large files, thanks to the advanced networking capabilities. However, it's worth noting that users without a robust network infrastructure may not fully utilise the potential of the 10GbE ports.

Build Quality

The build quality of the AS6804T is commendable, featuring a solid chassis that helps in dissipating heat effectively, ensuring longevity. The 4-bay design allows for flexible storage configurations, which can be set up in various RAID levels depending on user needs, enhancing both performance and data protection.

Value for Money

At £1239.00, the AS6804T sits at a premium price point. While it offers significant advantages over lower-priced competitors, such as the Synology DS223J priced at £179.97 and the DS224+ at £489.98, it is important to assess whether the high performance aligns with your specific needs. For users requiring a high-capacity, high-speed NAS for professional use, the investment may be justified.

Competitive Comparison

Compared to its competitors, such as the Synology DS224+, which has a lower price point but lacks the same level of performance and features, the AS6804T stands out for its superior processing power and expandability. However, users on a tighter budget might find the Synology options more appealing for basic data storage needs.

Genuine Weaknesses

One potential downside is that the AS6804T requires a fairly robust setup to fully leverage its capabilities, particularly in terms of networking infrastructure, which may necessitate additional investment for some users. Additionally, the higher price may deter casual users or those with simpler NAS needs.

Verdict

The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen3 AS6804T is an excellent choice for power users, businesses, or enthusiasts who require high performance, extensive connectivity, and advanced data management features. However, casual users or those with basic storage needs might find better value in lower-priced alternatives.