Looking Beyond the Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The Asustor Lockerstor 12RD AS6512RD provides high-density storage in a 2U rackmount chassis. It supports up to 128GB of RAM and features quad-core processing for virtualized workloads. If you are searching for asustor lockerstor 12rd as6512rd alternatives, you may need a different form factor or capacity. Some users prefer desktop units for smaller offices. Others might want more network ports or faster SSD caching options.
This guide lists 6 options that share key specifications with the original drive. All selected products offer multi-gigabit Ethernet connectivity and expandable RAM. They range from compact desktop models to other rackmount solutions. You can compare their processor cores, bay counts, and interface types. The goal is to help you find a device that matches your specific infrastructure needs. Whether you require eight bays for compact racks or four bays for home use, these alternatives provide comparable performance metrics.
Our top pick: Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS.
Comparing NAS Alternatives
Asustor 6-Bay NAS with 16TB SSD Bundle
The Asustor AS6706T offers a bundled 16TB SSD solution with six bays, contrasting with the 12-bay HDD-focused Lockerstor. It includes 10GbE connectivity, exceeding the Lockerstor’s 2.5GbE ports for faster local transfers. While it retains quad-core processing and 8GB RAM, it sacrifices rackmount form factor for desktop use. This model suits users who prioritize SSD speed and bundled storage over high-density HDD capacity. It lacks the physical expansion slots for 10GbE cards found in the 12-bay unit but provides immediate high-performance storage out of the box.
Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots
The Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 provides six bays with quad M.2 NVMe slots, differing from the 12-bay HDD model. It targets content creators needing NVMe caching for media workflows rather than pure storage density. Like the Lockerstor, it features quad-core processing and 8GB RAM, but it omits rackmount capabilities. The inclusion of HDMI output allows direct display connection, a feature absent in the server-grade 12-bay unit. This choice benefits desktop users who value hybrid storage flexibility and multimedia output over maximum drive count and enterprise virtualization support.
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
The QNAP TS-855EU-RP delivers eight bays in a short-depth 2U rackmount chassis, matching the Lockerstor’s form factor but with fewer drive slots. It features an 8-core processor, offering more computational power than the Lockerstor’s quad-core CPU. Both units support 8GB RAM and 2.5GbE networking, but the QNAP model emphasizes PCIe expansion for versatility. This alternative suits users needing rackmount mounting with higher processing power for virtualization, accepting reduced drive capacity for enhanced computational performance and compact rack footprint optimization.
ZimaBoard 2 832 2-Bay NAS
The ZimaBoard 2 832 is a 2-bay x86 server, drastically differing from the 12-bay Lockerstor in capacity. It prioritizes expandability and raw performance over drive density, featuring quad-core processing and 8GB RAM. Unlike the Lockerstor, it is not a rackmount unit and focuses on modular expansion via PCIe. This model suits homelab enthusiasts who need flexible networking and expansion options rather than high-density storage. It trades the Lockerstor’s massive 12-bay capacity for a compact, highly customizable platform ideal for specialized virtualization tasks and media server workflows.
Asustor AS3304T 4-Bay NAS
The Asustor AS3304T provides four bays in a compact desktop form factor, contrasting with the 12-bay rackmount Lockerstor. It features quad-core processing but only 2GB RAM, significantly less than the Lockerstor’s 8GB. Both support 2.5GbE networking, but the 4-bay unit lacks the network redundancy and expansion options of the 12-bay model. This NAS suits home media libraries requiring fewer drives and a smaller footprint. It sacrifices the high-density storage and virtualization capabilities of the Lockerstor for a more affordable, space-efficient desktop solution for personal media management.
QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS
The QNAP TS-264 is a 2-bay desktop NAS with quad-core Intel Celeron processing and 8GB RAM. It differs from the Lockerstor by offering NVMe caching slots and a compact desktop design instead of rackmount mounting. Both units support 2.5GbE networking, but the TS-264 prioritizes speed and flexibility over raw capacity. This model suits users who need fast local transfers and NVMe performance without the bulk of a 12-bay server. It trades the Lockerstor’s high-density storage for a smaller, faster desktop unit ideal for users prioritizing processing speed and caching over maximum drive count.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: large-scale rackmount virtualization and business storage
- Drive Bays
- 12 Bay
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8 GB DDR4-2133
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Network Connectivity
- 5GbE, 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
This 2U rackmount storage enclosure gives you 12 drive bays powered by a quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor running at 2.1GHz. It ships diskless with 8GB of DDR4 memory that expands up to 128GB across four slots. Network connectivity includes two 2.5-Gigabit and two Gigabit ports, along with a PCIe slot for adding 10-Gigabit Ethernet. It suits you if you run virtualization platforms, Docker containers, or large network backups in server racks.
Pros
- 12 drive bays housed in a standard 2U rackmount chassis
- Four network ports consisting of two 2.5GbE and two 1GbE interfaces
- Memory expands up to 128GB DDR4 across four slots
- PCIe slot supports an optional 10-Gigabit Ethernet expansion card
Cons
- Ships diskless with no pre-installed hard drives
- Requires an add-on PCIe card to achieve 10GbE connectivity
- Comes with only 8GB of RAM out of the 128GB maximum capacity
Good fit if
- You need 12 drive bays inside a dedicated 2U rack enclosure.
- You deploy virtualization workflows using VMware, Citrix, Hyper-V, or Docker.
- You plan to scale memory up to 128GB for demanding business services.
Skip if
- You need hard drives included directly in the box.
- You want built-in 10GbE ports without adding a separate expansion card.
- You prefer a desktop tower NAS instead of rack-mounted hardware.
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS provides high-density business capacity paired with quad-core processing and up to 128GB RAM support. It establishes an adaptable foundation for virtualized workloads and multi-gigabit office networks.
Asustor 6-Bay NAS with 16TB SSD Bundle
Best for: Users needing a bundled SSD NAS with upgrade options
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4-2933
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4X M.2 NVMe Slots
- Included Storage
- 4 x 4TB SSD
View on Amazon: Asustor 6-Bay NAS with 16TB SSD Bundle Affiliate link
The Asustor AS6706T is a 6-bay NAS bundle including four 4TB SSDs. It uses a quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 processor and 8GB of DDR4-2933 RAM. You get dual 2.5GbE ports and a flexible PCIe slot for upgrades. This setup suits users needing fast storage performance and expandability without rackmount complexity.
Pros
- Includes four 4TB SSDs for immediate high-speed storage
- Quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 CPU with 8GB DDR4-2933 RAM
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports for fast connectivity
- Flexible PCIe slot supports 10GbE NICs or M.2 SSDs
Cons
- Only 6 drive bays compared to 12-bay alternatives
- Standard desktop form factor rather than rackmount design
- Base RAM is 8GB, lower than some 5-bay competitors
Good fit if
- You want a pre-bundled NAS with fast SSDs included
- You need a compact 6-bay solution for home or small office
- You plan to upgrade network speed via the PCIe slot
Skip if
- You require a rackmount chassis for server room installation
- You need more than 6 drive bays for large capacity
- You prefer a Synology ecosystem over Asustor
Verdict: Asustor AS6706T 6-Bay NAS with 16TB SSDs fits users who need a ready-to-use, high-performance NAS with SSD storage and upgrade paths, but it is not suitable for those requiring rackmount mounting or higher bay counts.
Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots
Best for: desktop media servers with NVMe caching
- Drive Bays
- 6-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 AS6706T is a 6-bay NAS featuring an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor and 8GB of expandable DDR4 RAM. It includes four M.2 NVMe slots for caching and dual 2.5GbE ports for faster transfers. This unit suits creators needing hybrid storage and hardware transcoding for 4K media. It lacks rackmount brackets, making it a desktop option rather than a server replacement.
Pros
- Six SATA bays plus four M.2 NVMe slots
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core CPU
- Hardware transcoding for 4K media
Cons
- Not a rackmount chassis
- No 10GbE ports included
- Diskless configuration
Good fit if
- You need fast local storage for video projects
- You want NVMe caching for performance
- You prefer desktop placement over rack mounting
Skip if
- You require rackmount installation
- You need built-in 10GbE networking
- You want pre-installed drives
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 6-Bay NAS offers strong hybrid storage and network speeds for desktop-based media workflows. It fits creators who value NVMe flexibility over server-grade rackmount form factors.
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: compact rack deployments needing PCIe expansion
- Drive Bays
- 8 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C5125
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB SODIMM DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
This 2U short-depth rackmount NAS provides eight drive bays powered by an 8-core 2.8GHz Intel Atom C5125 processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes dual 2.5GbE network ports, two M.2 PCIe Gen 3 NVMe SSD slots, and two PCIe expansion slots. You get flexible caching and networking expansion in a compact rack chassis, making it a fit if you need multi-core processing and cloud backup.
Pros
- 8-core Intel Atom C5125 2.8GHz processor
- Dual 2.5GbE network connectivity ports
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots for caching or storage pools
- Two PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots for expansion cards
- Supports up to 64GB DDR4 memory with ECC support
Cons
- Ships diskless without pre-installed storage drives
- Lacks native 10GbE network ports out of the box
- Base configuration includes 8GB of memory
Good fit if
- You need an 8-core rackmount NAS with ECC memory upgrade capability.
- You want short-depth 2U hardware featuring dual PCIe expansion slots.
- You plan to utilize M.2 NVMe SSDs for caching or storage pools.
Skip if
- You require factory-installed 10GbE ports without adding an expansion card.
- You need more than eight drive bays in a single chassis.
Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay 2U Short-Depth Rackmount NAS delivers capable 8-core processing and versatile PCIe expansion for compact server racks. It gives you flexible SSD caching and ECC memory support in an 8-bay footprint.
ZimaBoard 2 832 2-Bay NAS
Best for: Home labs and media servers needing expansion
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Quad-Core N150
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR5
- Hardware Interface
- SATA
View on Amazon: ZimaBoard 2 832 2-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The ZimaBoard 2 832 is a compact x86 NAS built for home labs and media servers. It features a quad-core N150 processor, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and dual SATA 3.0 ports for direct HDD or SSD connection. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide fast network access. ZimaOS comes preinstalled, offering a clean interface for file management and backups. It supports extensive PCIe expansion for added storage or network cards.
Pros
- Dual SATA 3.0 ports for direct drive connection
- 8GB DDR5 RAM for smooth multitasking
- Dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports for fast transfers
- PCIe 3.0 x4 slot for high-speed expansion
Cons
- Only two drive bays limit total storage capacity
- 32GB eMMC storage is insufficient for large media libraries
- Requires manual OS configuration for advanced features
Good fit if
- You need a compact server for a home lab
- You want to expand storage via PCIe cards
- You prefer x86 architecture for compatibility
Skip if
- You require more than two drive bays
- You want a plug-and-play desktop NAS
- You need built-in 10GbE networking
Verdict: ZimaBoard 2 832 2-Bay NAS is a flexible x86 server for users who value expandability and raw performance over high drive counts. It suits homelab enthusiasts who need PCIe expansion and fast networking.
Asustor AS3304T 4-Bay NAS
Best for: home media servers needing 4 bays
- Drive Bays
- 4 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1 x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Realtek RTD 1296
- RAM Capacity
- 2GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: Asustor AS3304T 4-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro offers four bays for SATA drives, supporting up to 72TB total capacity. It uses a 1.4GHz quad-core CPU and 2GB of DDR4 RAM. The unit includes a 2.5GbE port for faster network speeds. You can use it for Plex media servers with hardware-accelerated 4K H.265 decoding. This desktop NAS suits home or small office users who need reliable storage expansion.
Pros
- Four drive bays support up to 72TB total capacity
- 1.4GHz Realtek quad-core CPU with 2GB DDR4 RAM
- 2.5GbE network port for increased throughput
- Hardware decoding for 10-bit 4K H.265 video playback
Cons
- Single 2.5GbE port limits network redundancy
- 2GB RAM is lower than higher-end models
- No mention of dual Ethernet ports for failover
Good fit if
- You need four drive bays for home storage
- You want 2.5GbE network speeds without rackmount bulk
- You plan to use Plex with 4K media
Skip if
- You require rackmount installation for server rooms
- You need dual 10GbE or 25GbE ports
- You want more than 4 drive bays
Verdict: Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro 4-Bay NAS fits users needing four bays and 2.5GbE speeds in a compact desktop form factor. It is ideal for home media libraries but lacks the network redundancy of rackmount alternatives.
QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS
Best for: fast local transfers and NVMe caching
- Drive Bays
- 2 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105/N5095
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x1
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TS-264 is a 2-bay desktop NAS built for high-speed local transfers. It uses an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 quad-core processor that bursts up to 2.9 GHz. You get 8GB of DDR4 RAM and dual 2.5GbE network ports for faster file sharing. The unit also includes dual M.2 NVMe slots for cache or storage pools. It is a compact desktop unit suitable for users who need strong performance in a small footprint.
Pros
- Intel Celeron quad-core processor with 2.9 GHz burst speed
- 8GB DDR4 RAM for improved multitasking
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports for faster LAN transfers
- Dual M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration or SSD storage
Cons
- Only two drive bays limit total storage capacity
- No 1GbE ports included, requiring compatible network hardware
- Physical dimensions are larger than typical compact desktop drives
Good fit if
- You need fast local network speeds with 2.5GbE connectivity
- You want to use NVMe SSDs for caching or storage
- You prefer a desktop form factor over rackmount options
Skip if
- You require more than two drive bays for large libraries
- You need standard 1GbE Ethernet ports for legacy compatibility
- You are looking for a rackmount chassis for server rooms
Verdict: QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS delivers strong processing power and fast networking in a compact desktop chassis, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed over raw capacity. It fits buyers who want NVMe flexibility and 2.5GbE speeds without needing a rackmount enclosure.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS | Asustor 6-Bay NAS with 16TB SSD Bundle | Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots | QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS | ZimaBoard 2 832 2-Bay NAS | Asustor AS3304T 4-Bay NAS | QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 12 Bay | 6 Bay | 6-Bay | 8 Bay | not stated | 4 Bay | 2 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | Dual 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE | 1 x 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | Intel Celeron N5105 | Intel Celeron N5105 | Intel Atom C5125 | Quad-Core N150 | Realtek RTD 1296 | Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 |
| RAM Capacity | 8 GB DDR4-2133 | 8GB DDR4-2933 | 8GB DDR4 | 8GB SODIMM DDR4 | 8GB DDR5 | 2GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 4X M.2 NVMe Slots | 4 slots | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots | not stated | not stated | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x1 |
| Included Storage | Diskless | 4 x 4TB SSD | Diskless | Diskless | not stated | Diskless | Diskless |
| Form Factor | Rackmount | not stated | not stated | Rackmount | not stated | not stated | Desktop |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe, HDMI | not stated | SATA | not stated | M.2 NVMe |
| Number of Bays | 12-Bay | 6-Bay | 6-Bay | 8-Bay | not stated | 4-Bay | 2-Bay |
| Target Audience | not stated | not stated | Content Creators | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core | Quad-Core | 8-Core | Quad-Core | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 21.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches | 13 × 12 × 13 inches | 2.76 × 3.61 × 3.57 inches | 23 × 21 × 8 inches | not stated | 9.06 × 6.85 × 6.69 inches | 13 × 9 × 11 inches |
| Weight | 25.8 pounds | 15.2 pounds | 10.8 pounds | 9 pounds | not stated | 4.85 pounds | 5.11 pounds |
| Size | 5.5"(W) x 7.5"(H) x 9.1"(D) | 4X4TB | 6 Bay | Short Rackmount-RP (Unav.) | not stated | 4 Bay | 2 Bay (Unav.) |
| Color | AS6512RD | not stated | black / black | Black or Gray | not stated | Drivestor Pro | Clear |
| Model | AS6512RD | not stated | AS6706T | TS-855EU-RP-8G-US | zimaboard 2 832 | AS3304T | TS-264-8G-US |
If you also manage workspace maintenance equipment, you can review published specifications for nacecare het200 alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a 6-bay NAS instead of the 12-bay Lockerstor?
Yes, you can choose a 6-bay model if you do not need maximum density. The Asustor AS6706T offers six bays with 16TB SSDs and 10GbE networking. It suits users who prioritize speed and bundled storage over high capacity. The Asustor AS6706T also includes quad-core processing and 8GB of RAM for solid performance.
Which alternative offers better network speeds than the AS6512RD?
The Asustor AS6706T provides 10GbE connectivity, which is faster than the Lockerstor’s 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports. This allows for quicker local file transfers and improved virtualization performance. Other options like the ZimaBoard 2 832 and QNAP TS-264 also include 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports for robust network flexibility.
Is there a rackmount option with more processing power?
The QNAP TS-855EU-RP-8G-US is a compact 8-bay rackmount NAS with an 8-core processor. This offers more processing cores than the Lockerstor’s quad-core chip. It supports ECC memory and PCIe expansion, making it suitable for demanding virtualization tasks in a shorter depth chassis.
What is the best choice for a desktop media server?
The Asustor AS6706T is ideal for desktop media workflows with its quad-core processor and NVMe support. The Asustor AS3304T is another strong option with four bays and 2.5GbE speeds. It fits users needing compact storage for home media libraries without requiring rackmount installation.
Do any alternatives support NVMe caching?
Several models include M.2 NVMe slots for caching or high-speed storage. The Asustor AS6706T and QNAP TS-264 both support NVMe drives. The Asustor AS6706T also features four M.2 slots, offering significant flexibility for hybrid storage setups and accelerated performance for active workloads.
Which NAS is best for home lab expansion?
The ZimaBoard 2 832 is a flexible x86 server designed for home labs. It offers raw performance and PCIe expansion rather than high drive counts. It includes 8GB of RAM and quad-core processing, making it suitable for enthusiasts who need expandability and fast networking options.