8-Bay or 6-Bay NAS Devices? Compared by Specs
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You are comparing 8-Bay vs 6-Bay network attached storage units from Asustor. Both devices feature quad-core Intel processors and 8GB of DDR4 RAM for solid multitasking. The main difference lies in expansion and connectivity. The 8-Bay model offers eight SATA bays and dual 10GbE ports for high-speed throughput. The 6-Bay model provides six SATA bays, four M.2 NVMe slots, and dual 2.5GbE ports for flexible hybrid storage setups.
Key differences
| Aspect | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8 SATA bays | 6 SATA bays |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | Not listed | 4 slots |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | Intel Celeron N5105 |
| RAM Expansion | 8GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 (expandable to 16GB) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS if
- You need maximum raw SATA drive capacity for large file archives.
- You require built-in 10GbE ports for high-speed network transfers without extra cards.
- You prioritize link aggregation across four Ethernet interfaces for bandwidth scaling.
Choose Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots if
- You want to use NVMe SSDs for caching or all-flash acceleration.
- You plan to expand RAM beyond 8GB for heavier virtualization or Docker workloads.
- You need hardware transcoding for 4K media streaming directly from the device.
Verdict: Choose the 8-Bay model if your priority is maximizing SATA drive count and you have a network that supports 10GbE speeds. Select the 6-Bay model if you need hybrid storage with NVMe caching or plan to upgrade the RAM later. Both units provide quad-core performance, but their connectivity and expansion options differ significantly.
8-Bay vs 6-Bay NAS Specs
Number of Bays
The Asustor AS6508T provides eight 3.5-inch SATA drive bays, offering maximum raw storage capacity for large media libraries or enterprise archives. The AS6706T features six SATA bays, which is sufficient for most small business or creator workflows. If you need to store terabytes of data without external arrays, the eight-bay model gives you two extra slots for expansion. This directly impacts your total available disk space and redundancy options in RAID configurations.
Network Connectivity
Connectivity speeds differ significantly between these two units. The AS6508T includes dual 10GbE interfaces and dual 2.5GbE ports, allowing for high-speed link aggregation up to 20Gbps. This is ideal for professional environments requiring rapid data transfer. The AS6706T comes with dual 2.5GbE ports, which are faster than standard Gigabit but lack the 10GbE option natively. However, the 6-bay model does include a PCIe slot for future 10GbE upgrades if needed.
M.2 NVMe Support
Storage flexibility varies in how each unit handles SSDs. The AS6706T stands out with four dedicated M.2 NVMe slots, supporting hybrid storage configurations with caching or all-flash acceleration. This is excellent for virtualization and heavy workloads. The AS6508T mentions M.2 NVMe support in its features but does not specify the number of slots in the provided data. If you prioritize NVMe caching or fast scratch disks, the six-bay model offers clear structural advantages.
RAM Capacity
Both devices start with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking for Docker containers, virtualization, and media streaming. The AS6508T lists 8GB RAM as a fixed attribute. The AS6706T also ships with 8GB but explicitly supports expansion up to 16GB. This upgradability gives the six-bay model an edge if you plan to run multiple heavy services later. Both use DDR4-2133 for improved speed over older standards.
Processor Performance
Processing power is comparable, as both units utilize quad-core Intel processors. The AS6508T uses the Intel Atom C3538 (Denverton) running at 2.1GHz, designed for network storage efficiency. The AS6706T employs the Intel Celeron N5105, which is optimized for 4K media transcoding and virtualization. While the specific clock speeds differ, both are capable of handling 24/7 workloads. The choice here depends more on your specific workload type than raw speed differences.
Which NAS Drive Fits Your Storage Needs
Large archive managers needing max capacity
You need raw storage volume for extensive media libraries or enterprise archives. The Asustor AS6508T provides eight 3.5-inch SATA bays, offering maximum physical drive capacity. Its dual 10GbE interfaces support up to 20Gbps with link aggregation, ensuring fast data retrieval for large file sets. The quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor handles these heavy workloads efficiently.
Creators wanting fast hybrid storage
You require flexible storage for active projects and media streaming. The Asustor AS6706T includes four M.2 NVMe slots alongside six SATA bays, enabling hybrid configurations for caching or all-flash acceleration. This setup delivers high performance for 4K transcoding and virtualization. The Intel Celeron N5105 processor supports these intensive tasks while the dual 2.5GbE ports provide reliable connectivity.
Users planning future network upgrades
You want the ability to upgrade network speeds later without replacing the entire unit. The Asustor AS6706T features a PCIe expansion slot, allowing you to add a 10GbE network card as your needs grow. This scalability ensures the device remains relevant for professional environments. The included dual 2.5GbE ports offer a solid starting point for current data transfer requirements.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | high-capacity storage with fast networking | Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS on Amazon |
| 2 | Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots | Creators needing NVMe caching and fast networking | Check price of Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots on Amazon |
The products compared
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: high-capacity storage with fast networking
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS Affiliate link
This 8-bay NAS features an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes two 10GbE and two 2.5GbE ports for high-speed connectivity. The unit supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives. It suits users needing bulk storage and fast network transfer speeds for large files.
Pros
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM for improved performance
- Dual 10GbE network interfaces
- Supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives
Cons
- Large physical footprint at 11.5 inches wide
- Heavy build weighing 13.7 pounds
- No mention of M.2 NVMe cache slots in specs
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity storage for many drives
- You require 10GbE network speeds
- You prioritize raw processing power over compact size
Skip if
- You have limited desk or rack space
- You need a lightweight portable unit
- You only require standard Gigabit Ethernet speeds
Verdict: Asustor 8-Bay NAS with 10GbE fits users who need substantial storage capacity and fast network throughput. It is ideal for those with the space to accommodate its large dimensions and weight.
Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots
Best for: Creators needing NVMe caching and fast networking
- Number of Bays
- 6-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 6-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 slots
View on Amazon: Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor Gen2 AS6706T is a 6-bay NAS powered by an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor. It features dual 2.5GbE ports and four M.2 NVMe slots for hybrid storage. With 8GB of expandable DDR4 RAM, it handles virtualization and media streaming. This unit suits content creators needing fast network speeds and flexible storage options for their data workflows.
Pros
- Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor for strong performance
- Four M.2 NVMe slots for caching or all-flash acceleration
- Dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports for high-speed transfers
- Expandable RAM up to 16GB for heavy workloads
Cons
- Six-bay capacity is smaller than the eight-bay alternative
- Sold diskless with no included hard drives
- Standard 2.5GbE speeds are slower than 10GbE options
Good fit if
- You need four NVMe slots for fast caching
- You want dual 2.5GbE network connectivity
- You require hardware transcoding for 4K media
Skip if
- You need eight drive bays for maximum capacity
- You require 10GbE network speeds without extra cards
- You want pre-installed hard drives for immediate use
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor Gen2 6-Bay NAS fits creators who prioritize NVMe flexibility and dual 2.5GbE speeds over raw drive count. It delivers strong processing power for virtualization and media tasks in a compact six-bay form factor.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 6-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | Intel Celeron N5105 |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 4 slots |
| Included Storage | not stated | Diskless |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe, HDMI |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 6-Bay |
| Target Audience | not stated | Content Creators |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 2.76 × 3.61 × 3.57 inches |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds | 10.8 pounds |
| Size | 8 Bay | 6 Bay |
| Color | Lockerstor | black / black |
| Model | AS6508T | AS6706T |
Frequently asked questions
Is the 8-Bay NAS too large for my desk?
The 8-Bay Asustor AS6508T measures 11.5 by 9.06 by 8.5 inches and weighs 13.7 pounds. Its substantial footprint and weight make it better suited for a dedicated server rack or shelf rather than a compact desk. You need ample physical space to accommodate its large dimensions comfortably.
Does the 6-Bay model support high-speed networking?
Yes, the Asustor AS6706T includes dual 2.5GbE ports for strong network connectivity. It also features five gigabit Ethernet options depending on configuration. This setup provides fast throughput for content creators who need rapid data transfer speeds without requiring the more expensive 10GbE infrastructure found in the 8-Bay version.
Can I use NVMe drives for caching in both models?
Both units support M.2 NVMe interfaces for caching or additional storage. The 8-Bay AS6508T includes M.2 NVMe slots alongside its eight SATA bays. The 6-Bay AS6706T also features M.2 NVMe support, offering flexibility for creators who prioritize fast caching performance alongside their standard hard drive capacity.
Which NAS is better for virtualization tasks?
The 6-Bay Asustor AS6706T is well-suited for virtualization. It combines a quad-core processor with 8GB of RAM in a compact form factor. This configuration delivers strong processing power for running virtual machines and media tasks efficiently, making it a practical choice for creators who need robust multitasking capabilities.
Does the 8-Bay NAS have HDMI output?
The provided data does not list HDMI connectivity for the Asustor AS6508T. However, the 6-Bay AS6706T explicitly includes HDMI output. If you need direct video connection capabilities for local media playback or display management, the 6-Bay model offers this specific hardware interface feature.
How much RAM do these NAS drives include?
Both the Asustor AS6508T and AS6706T come equipped with 8GB of RAM. This memory capacity supports solid multitasking and handles multiple user connections simultaneously. The shared RAM specification ensures that both devices can manage demanding workloads and file operations with similar levels of system responsiveness and stability.