8GB RAM vs 4GB RAM NAS Devices in 2026: Key Differences
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You are comparing an 8GB RAM vs 4GB RAM NAS device to see how memory affects performance. Both units offer eight drive bays and quad-core processors for reliable data storage. The main difference lies in their memory capacity and network ports. More RAM allows for smoother multitasking with virtual machines and container apps. This guide breaks down the specs to help you choose the right model for your specific needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4 |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | 4x 1GbE |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | AMD RX-421ND |
| Graphics | not listed | Supports NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS if
- You need high-speed 10GbE networking for large file transfers.
- You plan to run multiple virtual machines or Docker containers simultaneously.
- You want faster DDR4 memory for improved system responsiveness.
Choose QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS if
- You require built-in support for 4K video transcoding via a dedicated GPU.
- You prefer a standard 1GbE setup with optional 10GbE expansion cards.
- You want a slightly lighter chassis for easier rack mounting.
Verdict: Choose the Asustor Lockerstor 8 if you need native 10GbE ports and double the RAM for heavy multitasking. Pick the QNAP TS-673-4G if you plan to use a discrete graphics card for video transcoding. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize network speed and memory or GPU acceleration.
8GB RAM vs 4GB RAM NAS Devices
RAM Capacity
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 AS6508T includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM, while the QNAP TS-673-4G comes with 4GB of DDR4 memory. This difference is significant for multitasking. More RAM allows the NAS to cache more data and run multiple applications simultaneously without slowing down. If you plan to run virtual machines, Docker containers, or heavy media servers, the 8GB option provides a smoother experience. The 4GB model is sufficient for basic file storage and sharing but may struggle under heavier loads. Both use DDR4, ensuring modern efficiency, but the capacity gap favors the Asustor for power users.
Network Connectivity
Network interfaces differ substantially between these two units. The Asustor features two 10GbE ports and two 2.5GbE ports, offering up to 20Gbps with link aggregation. This setup is ideal for high-speed transfers and professional workflows. The QNAP TS-673-4G provides four 1GbE ports. While it supports optional 10GbE expansion via PCIe, the base configuration is slower for large file transfers. If you need fast local network speeds out of the box, the Asustor is superior. The QNAP offers flexibility for future upgrades, but the Asustor delivers higher performance immediately.
Processor Specifications
Both devices utilize quad-core processors running at approximately 2.1GHz. The Asustor uses an Intel Atom C3538 (Denverton), while the QNAP employs an AMD R-Series RX-421ND. These chips provide comparable processing power for general tasks like file indexing and application management. Neither processor is significantly faster than the other in everyday use. The choice here depends more on software optimization and ecosystem preference than raw CPU speed. Both are capable of handling the eight drive bays efficiently. For most users, the processing power is adequate, making this a neutral comparison point.
Hardware Interface
Storage expansion options vary between the two models. The Asustor Lockerstor 8 includes M.2 NVMe slots, allowing for high-speed SSD caching or storage pools using modern NVMe drives. The QNAP TS-673-4G features dual M.2 SATA 6Gb/s SSD slots. NVMe drives are generally faster than SATA SSDs due to higher bandwidth. If you want the fastest possible cache performance, the Asustor’s NVMe support is a clear advantage. The QNAP’s SATA M.2 slots are still effective for caching but lack the speed potential of NVMe. This spec favors the Asustor for users seeking maximum storage responsiveness.
Graphics and Transcoding
Media transcoding capabilities differ significantly. The QNAP TS-673-4G supports an NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 graphics card, enabling hardware-accelerated 4K video transcoding. This is useful if you stream media to multiple devices simultaneously. The Asustor Lockerstor 8 does not list dedicated graphics card support in its key specs. If you run a Plex or Jellyfin server with heavy transcoding needs, the QNAP offers a distinct advantage. For simple file storage and direct streaming, this feature is less critical. The QNAP is better suited for intensive media server roles.
Which NAS device fits your needs?
Users needing high-speed 10GbE connectivity
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 AS6508T features two 10GbE interfaces. This allows for up to 20Gbps throughput with link aggregation. You gain faster data transfer speeds for large files. The 8GB DDR4 RAM also handles intensive tasks better than the 4GB option. This makes it ideal for heavy network usage.
Users wanting GPU transcoding capabilities
The QNAP TS-673-4G supports an NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 graphics card. This enables 4K video transcoding and output. You can stream high-resolution media directly from the NAS. The unit also includes dual M.2 SATA slots for caching. This setup improves file access efficiency for media-heavy workflows.
Users prioritizing maximum RAM capacity
The Asustor model provides 8GB of DDR4-2133 RAM. This is 30% faster than DDR3 memory. More RAM allows for larger data caching and smoother multitasking. You benefit from improved performance when running multiple virtual machines or containerized apps simultaneously. The dual-core processor supports these demanding workloads effectively.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Users needing 8GB RAM and 10GbE speeds | Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS on Amazon |
| 2 | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | users needing 8 bays and 4GB RAM | Check price of QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS on Amazon |
The products compared
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: Users needing 8GB RAM and 10GbE speeds
- 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 8-bay NAS uses an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM. The RAM runs at 2133MHz, which is 30% faster than DDR3. It includes two 10GbE and two 2.5GbE ports. This setup suits users needing high memory for virtual machines or heavy multitasking. It handles eight 3.5-inch SATA drives for large storage pools.
Pros
- 8GB DDR4 RAM at 2133MHz
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core CPU
- Two 10GbE network interfaces
- Supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives
Cons
- Heavier build at 13.7 pounds
- Larger dimensions than 4-bay models
- Quad-core CPU is less powerful than 8-core options
Good fit if
- You need 8GB RAM for virtual machines
- You require 10GbE network connectivity
- You want to store eight hard drives
Skip if
- You only need 4GB RAM
- You prefer a compact 4-bay enclosure
- You need faster multi-core performance
Verdict: Asustor 8-Bay NAS with 8GB RAM offers ample memory and high-speed networking for power users. It fits those who prioritize RAM capacity and drive count over compact size.
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
Best for: users needing 8 bays and 4GB RAM
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB RAM (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4x GbE LAN
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS Affiliate link
This QNAP NAS offers eight drive bays and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It features a quad-core 2.1GHz processor and four 1GbE ports. You get two PCIe slots for expansion and dual M.2 SSD slots for caching. The unit supports NVIDIA graphics for 4K transcoding. It suits users who need ample storage space and moderate processing power for virtualization or containerized apps without requiring high-end memory.
Pros
- Eight drive bays for large storage capacity
- Dual M.2 SSD slots for caching or storage pools
- Two PCIe Gen3 slots for network or graphics expansion
- Supports NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 for 4K video transcoding
Cons
- 4GB RAM is lower than the 8GB option available in the same model line
- Base network connectivity is limited to 1GbE ports
- Weighs 12.3 pounds, making it bulkier than smaller NAS units
Good fit if
- You need eight drive bays for extensive file storage
- You want to expand network speeds with 10GbE PCIe cards
- You require hardware acceleration for 4K video transcoding
Skip if
- You need more than 4GB of RAM for heavy multitasking
- You require built-in 10GbE networking without expansion cards
- You prefer a compact device with fewer drive bays
Verdict: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS provides a robust eight-bay platform with expandable connectivity for users who prioritize storage volume and media transcoding over maximum RAM capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 6 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | 4x GbE LAN |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | not stated |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 2 slots |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 11 × 10.4 × 7.41 inches |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds | 12.3 pounds |
| Size | 8 Bay | 4GB RAM |
| Color | Lockerstor | Black |
| Model | AS6508T | TS-673-4G-US |
Frequently asked questions
Can 4GB RAM handle multiple users simultaneously?
Yes, but with limits. The QNAP TS-673-4G uses 4GB of DDR4 memory to support basic multitasking. It works well for standard file sharing and light media transcoding. Heavy simultaneous access may slow performance. The 8GB option in the Asustor model handles more concurrent tasks better.
Is 10GbE networking faster than 1GbE?
Yes, significantly. The Asustor Lockerstor 8 provides dual 10GbE ports for high-speed data transfer. The QNAP TS-673-4G relies on standard 1GbE connectivity. If you move large files often, the 10GbE ports offer much higher throughput. This matters most for power users and video editors.
Do both NAS devices have the same processor?
Yes, they share the same core architecture. Both the Asustor AS6508T and QNAP TS-673-4G use quad-core processors. This ensures similar base processing power for file management tasks. The difference in performance comes from RAM and network interfaces, not the CPU cores themselves.
Which NAS is better for media transcoding?
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 is better for heavy transcoding. Its 8GB of RAM allows for larger caches and smoother video processing. The QNAP TS-673-4G handles light transcoding well with its 4GB RAM. If you stream multiple high-resolution videos, the extra memory in the Asustor unit helps.
Can I expand the RAM on these devices?
The provided data does not specify if RAM is expandable. You should check the manual for each model. The Asustor AS6508T comes with 8GB, and the QNAP TS-673-4G with 4GB. Assume fixed capacity unless the manufacturer states otherwise. Verify this before purchasing if upgrades are critical.
Which NAS has more drive bays?
Both devices offer eight drive bays. The Asustor AS6508T and QNAP TS-673-4G both support up to eight hard drives. This provides ample storage space for large libraries. The choice depends on whether you prioritize speed or cost, as the storage capacity is identical.