8GB RAM vs 16GB RAM NAS Devices: Which Should You Buy?
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You are comparing 8GB RAM vs 16GB RAM network attached storage options for your data needs. Both devices offer robust performance with powerful processors and multiple drive bays. The Asustor model provides eight drive slots with 8GB of DDR4 memory. The Synology unit supports twelve bays and comes with 16GB of RAM. This difference in memory capacity affects how many applications and virtual machines you can run simultaneously. You must decide which hardware configuration fits your workflow.
Key differences
| Aspect | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 16GB RAM |
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 Quad Core | 6-core Intel Xeon |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | 10/25GbE networking |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS if
- You need a compact 8-bay enclosure with dedicated 10GbE ports.
- You prefer the Intel Atom processor for efficient home or small office tasks.
- You want a device that includes 8GB of fast DDR4 memory out of the box.
Choose Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure if
- You require higher memory capacity for virtual machines or heavy multitasking.
- You need to house more drives in a single chassis.
- You plan to scale up with expansion units for larger storage pools.
Verdict: The Asustor suits users who need a balanced, compact solution with ample networking ports. The Synology is better for those requiring more drive space and higher RAM for demanding workloads. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize memory and capacity or compact efficiency.
8GB vs 16GB NAS RAM Comparison
RAM capacity
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 includes 8GB of DDR4-2133 memory. This capacity supports standard multitasking for most home or small office environments. The Synology DS3622xs+ comes with 16GB of RAM included. This doubled amount allows for more simultaneous virtual machines and database applications. The Synology unit also notes that you can leverage up to 48GB of memory later. If you plan to run heavy workloads, the larger base memory on the Synology provides more headroom from the start.
drive bays
Storage expansion is a key factor for many users. The Asustor model features eight drive bays for 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. This setup is ideal for users who need a balance between capacity and physical footprint. The Synology unit offers twelve drive bays. This additional space allows you to store significantly more data without adding external expansion units. If you need maximum local storage density, the Synology provides five more slots for your drives.
processor cores
Both devices use powerful processors to handle data tasks. The Asustor Lockerstor 8 is equipped with a Quad Core Intel Atom C3538 processor running at 2.1GHz. This chip is efficient for general file serving and media streaming. The Synology DS3622xs+ uses a 6-core Intel Xeon processor. The higher core count and Xeon architecture are designed for more intensive tasks like virtualization and video management. The Synology processor offers more raw computational power for complex operations.
network connectivity
Network speed affects how quickly you can access your files. The Asustor provides two 10GbE interfaces and two 2.5GbE interfaces. This combination allows for flexible link aggregation and high-speed transfers. The Synology unit supports up to 10/25GbE networking options. While the specific ports are not listed in the base specs, the capability for 25GbE suggests higher potential throughput. If you have a 25GbE network, the Synology is better prepared for future upgrades.
hardware interface
Cache and expansion interfaces impact performance. The Asustor Lockerstor 8 includes M.2 NVMe hardware interface support. This allows you to install NVMe SSDs for caching or dedicated storage pools directly. The Synology DS3622xs+ also supports NVMe SSD cache to boost read and write speeds. Both devices offer similar flexibility for adding fast storage layers. The Asustor explicitly lists the M.2 interface in its features, while the Synology mentions NVMe cache capability. This is a functional tie for most users.
Choose the right NAS for your needs
Users needing 8 drive bays and dual 10GbE ports
The Asustor AS6508T provides eight drive slots and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It features an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and dual 10GbE interfaces. This setup supports link aggregation for up to 20Gbps throughput. It suits users who prioritize network speed and moderate RAM for standard multitasking tasks.
Users requiring 12 drive bays and higher RAM capacity
The Synology DS3622xs+ offers twelve drive bays and 16GB of included RAM. It uses a six-core Intel Xeon processor for heavy workloads. This model supports expansion up to 36 bays and handles virtual machines or video management systems. The doubled RAM capacity allows for more simultaneous operations compared to lower-tier models.
Users needing scalable storage with 6-core processing power
This Synology unit scales to 36 bays with expansion enclosures. It includes 16GB of RAM and a six-core Xeon processor. These specs support demanding applications like virtualization and backup hosting. The higher memory count ensures smoother performance when running multiple services concurrently, making it ideal for growing business environments.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Users needing 10GbE and 8GB RAM | Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS on Amazon |
| 2 | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure | virtualization and large storage needs | Check price of Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure on Amazon |
The products compared
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: Users needing 10GbE and 8GB RAM
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB RAM (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS Affiliate link
This Asustor NAS features an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes two 10GbE and two 2.5GbE ports for flexible connectivity. The unit holds eight 3.5-inch SATA drives. It suits users who need moderate RAM for standard tasks and require high-speed network options. The 8GB capacity is sufficient for basic virtualization or container services.
Pros
- 8GB DDR4 RAM for improved multitasking
- Two 10GbE interfaces for high-speed transfer
- Two 2.5GbE interfaces for flexible connectivity
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
Cons
- 8GB RAM is lower than the 16GB option
- Intel Atom processor is less powerful than Ryzen
- No mention of included hard drives
Good fit if
- You need 10GbE connectivity for fast backups
- You want 8 drive bays for large storage
- You prefer DDR4 RAM over DDR3
Skip if
- You require 16GB RAM for heavy workloads
- You need a high-end Ryzen processor
- You want pre-installed hard drives
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 8 8-Bay NAS provides solid 10GbE networking and 8GB RAM for users who do not need the highest tier of processing power or memory capacity.
Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure
Best for: virtualization and large storage needs
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB RAM (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Processor
- 6-core Intel Xeon
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches
- Weight
- 21.6 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure Affiliate link
The Synology 12 Bay DiskStation DS3622xs+ offers 16GB of RAM, allowing you to handle virtual machines and video management systems efficiently. Its 6-core Intel Xeon processor delivers high performance for demanding tasks. This diskless unit supports up to 48GB of memory expansion. It is designed for users who need robust storage and processing power in a single chassis.
Pros
- 16GB RAM capacity for multitasking
- 6-core Intel Xeon processor
- 12 drive bays for large storage
- Supports up to 48GB memory expansion
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- Heavy at 21.6 pounds
- Large footprint at 18.3 inches wide
Good fit if
- You need high RAM for virtualization
- You require 12 drive bays
- You want expandable memory up to 48GB
Skip if
- You prefer a diskless unit without drives
- You have limited space for large devices
- You need a lighter, more portable NAS
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay NAS with 16GB RAM suits users needing heavy virtualization and large storage capacity. Its 16GB RAM and Xeon processor handle complex tasks well.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | not stated |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | 6-core Intel Xeon |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | not stated |
| Included Storage | not stated | Diskless |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | not stated |
| Dimensions | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds | 21.6 pounds |
| Size | 8 Bay | DS3622xs+ |
| Color | Lockerstor | Black |
| Model | AS6508T | DS3622xs+ |
Frequently asked questions
Can 8GB RAM handle virtualization tasks?
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 with 8GB RAM is not ideal for heavy virtualization. Its quad-core processor and memory capacity suit standard multitasking for home or small office use. For complex virtualization workloads, the doubled memory in 16GB models provides the necessary headroom for simultaneous operations without bottlenecking performance.
Does the Synology 12-bay model include RAM?
Yes, the Synology DS3622xs+ includes 16GB of RAM as part of its standard configuration. This higher memory capacity supports large storage needs and intensive tasks like virtualization. The included memory ensures the device can manage multiple concurrent services effectively without requiring immediate upgrades.
Which NAS is better for dual 10GbE networking?
The Asustor AS6508T is the better choice for dual 10GbE networking needs. It features two 10GbE interfaces, allowing for high-speed data transfer and link aggregation. This setup is ideal for users who prioritize fast network throughput alongside their eight drive bays and 8GB of RAM.
How many drive bays does the 16GB NAS have?
The Synology DS3622xs+ with 16GB RAM offers twelve drive bays. This higher bay count supports significantly larger storage capacities compared to the eight-bay Asustor model. The combination of twelve slots and ample memory makes it suitable for environments requiring extensive data storage and robust processing power.
Is the Asustor model suitable for small offices?
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 with 8GB RAM is well-suited for small office environments. Its quad-core processor and eight drive bays provide solid performance for standard file sharing and backup tasks. The 8GB memory handles typical multitasking loads efficiently without the overhead of higher-end specifications.
What processor does the Synology 16GB NAS use?
The Synology DS3622xs+ uses a Xeon processor. This component, paired with 16GB of RAM, handles complex tasks and heavy virtualization workloads effectively. The Xeon architecture provides the stability and processing power required for enterprise-level applications and demanding data management scenarios.
Can I upgrade RAM on these devices?
Product specifications do not confirm upgradability for these specific models. The Asustor AS6508T comes with 8GB RAM, while the Synology DS3622xs+ includes 16GB. You should verify motherboard compatibility and warranty terms before attempting any memory upgrades, as this data does not explicitly state expansion options.