Asustor 6-Bay NAS Quad M.2 vs Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS: Spec Comparison
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The asustor lockerstor 6 gen2 as6706t vs flashstor 12 pro fs6712x comparison highlights two distinct approaches to high-performance storage. Both units feature the Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor and dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network connectivity. They target content creators seeking reliable hardware. The main difference lies in storage architecture. The AS6706T offers hybrid 6-bay SATA and 4 M.2 NVMe slots. The FS6712X provides a pure all-flash 12-bay NVMe configuration.
Key differences
| Aspect | Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots | Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Bays | 6-Bay | 12-Bay |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 4 slots | 12 x M.2 NVMe slots |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4-2933 |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe, HDMI | not listed |
| PCIe Expansion | Supports 10GbE upgrade | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots if
- You need flexible hybrid storage with both SATA and NVMe drives.
- You require more RAM for heavy virtualization or Docker workloads.
- You want the option to upgrade to 10GbE networking via PCIe.
Choose Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS if
- You want maximum drive density with 12 NVMe slots.
- You prefer an all-flash storage setup for consistent performance.
- You need a compact chassis that is lighter and shorter.
Verdict: The AS6706T suits users who need hybrid flexibility and higher RAM for complex multitasking. The FS6712X is better for those prioritizing maximum NVMe capacity in a compact form factor. Choose based on whether you value drive type diversity or raw flash density.
Specs: 6-Bay Hybrid vs 12-Bay NVMe
Drive Capacity
The Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots offers a hybrid approach with six SATA drive bays and four M.2 NVMe slots. This configuration allows you to mix traditional hard drives with fast SSDs for caching or acceleration. In contrast, the Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS is an all-flash solution. It provides twelve dedicated M.2 NVMe slots, eliminating the need for SATA drives entirely. If you require massive capacity at lower cost per terabyte, the hybrid model is superior. For pure speed and density, the twelve-bay unit wins.
RAM Capacity
Memory specifications differ significantly between these two units. The Asustor 6-Bay NAS comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is expandable up to 16GB. This higher baseline memory supports heavier multitasking, virtualization, and Docker containers more effectively. The Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS includes 4GB of DDR4-2933 RAM. While the Flashstor uses slightly faster DDR4-2933 modules, the total capacity is half that of the six-bay model. For workloads that demand significant system memory, the six-bay unit provides a clear advantage.
Expandability
Future-proofing options vary between the two chassis. The Asustor 6-Bay NAS features a PCIe slot, allowing you to install a 10GbE network card or additional SSD expansion cards later. This flexibility supports professional environments needing specialized hardware upgrades. The Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS includes two USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 ports for peripheral connections but does not list internal PCIe expansion slots in the provided data. If you plan to upgrade network speeds internally, the six-bay model is the better choice.
Physical Footprint
The physical dimensions and weight highlight different design priorities. The Asustor 6-Bay NAS measures 3.61 inches wide and weighs 10.8 pounds, reflecting its metal chassis and hybrid drive support. The Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS is much lighter at 3.02 pounds and has a height of 1.89 inches. The Flashstor is designed to be compact for its density, while the six-bay unit is more substantial. You should consider your available rack space or desk area when choosing between the heavier hybrid chassis and the lighter all-flash unit.
Media Features
Both units target content creators, but feature lists differ. The Asustor 6-Bay NAS explicitly mentions hardware transcoding for 4K media playback via its HDMI port and optimized media server capabilities. This makes it suitable for direct connection to displays or media servers like Plex. The Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS description lists CPU, slots, network, RAM, and USB ports, but does not mention HDMI or hardware transcoding capabilities in the provided data. If you need direct video output, the six-bay model is the only option confirmed by the specs.
Choose Your NAS Based on Storage Needs
Users needing hybrid HDD and SSD storage
This model offers six SATA bays alongside four M.2 NVMe slots. You can mix traditional hard drives with fast SSDs for caching. It includes expandable RAM up to 16GB. This setup supports heavy multitasking and virtualization workloads effectively. The dual 2.5GbE ports ensure fast network transfers for your files.
Creators requiring maximum NVMe capacity
This unit provides twelve M.2 NVMe slots for an all-flash storage solution. It uses DDR4-2933 RAM for efficient performance. The design is compact and lightweight at just over three pounds. Dual 2.5GbE ports handle high-speed data movement. It is ideal if you need extensive NVMe space without SATA bays.
Those wanting future network upgrade options
This NAS features a PCIe slot for expansion. You can add a 10GbE network card later for faster connectivity. It also supports additional SSD expansion via the PCIe interface. The Intel Celeron N5105 processor handles 4K transcoding well. This flexibility makes it suitable for evolving professional environments.
The products compared
Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots
Best for: Hybrid storage with SATA and NVMe
- 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 AS6706T is a 6-bay NAS designed for hybrid storage, combining six SATA bays with four M.2 NVMe slots. It uses an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor and includes 8GB of expandable RAM. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide fast network connectivity. This setup suits users who need flexible storage options and hardware transcoding for media workflows without committing to an all-flash array.
Pros
- Six SATA bays for high capacity
- Four M.2 NVMe slots for speed
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Intel Celeron N5105 processor
- Hardware transcoding support
Cons
- Smaller total capacity than 12-bay all-flash models
- Slower network speeds than 10GbE options
- Requires PCIe expansion card for 10GbE upgrade
Good fit if
- You need a mix of SATA and NVMe storage
- You want dual 2.5GbE connectivity
- You require hardware transcoding for media
Skip if
- You prefer a pure all-flash NVMe array
- You need 12 or more drive bays
- You require built-in 10GbE networking
Verdict: Asustor 6-Bay Hybrid NAS with NVMe offers a balanced hybrid approach for users who value storage flexibility over raw all-flash density. It fits creators who need SATA capacity alongside NVMe speed for caching or acceleration.
Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS
Best for: Content creators needing high-density NVMe storage
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 10GbE, 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4-2933
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 12 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS Affiliate link
This is a 12-bay NAS designed for content creators who need high-speed storage. It uses a Quad-Core Intel Celeron N5105 processor and includes 4GB of DDR4-2933 RAM. The unit features 12 M.2 NVMe slots for all-flash performance. It connects via 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and offers two USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 ports. You get a compact chassis that fits into your workflow.
Pros
- 12 M.2 NVMe slots for all-flash storage
- Quad-Core Intel Celeron N5105 processor
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
- 4GB DDR4-2933 RAM
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM limits heavy multitasking
- No 10GbE or higher speed network ports
- Heavier build at 3.02 pounds
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated all-flash storage array
- You are a content creator with high throughput needs
- You want a compact 12-bay solution
Skip if
- You require 10GbE network speeds
- You need expandable RAM beyond 4GB
- You prefer spinning disk HDD storage
Verdict: Asustor 12-Bay All-Flash NAS provides a dense, all-flash storage solution for creators. It suits those prioritizing NVMe speed over network bandwidth or RAM capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots | Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 6-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | Dual 2.5GbE | 10GbE, 2.5GbE |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N5105 | Intel Celeron N5105 |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4-2933 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 4 slots | 12 slots |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe, HDMI | M.2 NVMe, HDMI |
| Number of Bays | 6-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Target Audience | Content Creators | Content Creators |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 2.76 × 3.61 × 3.57 inches | 7.6 × 12.1 × 1.89 inches |
| Weight | 10.8 pounds | 3.02 pounds |
| Size | 6 Bay | 12 Bay |
| Color | black / black | neutral |
| Model | AS6706T | 110565 |
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS is better for pure NVMe speed?
The Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS is the superior choice for all-flash performance. It provides twelve dedicated NVMe slots, maximizing density and throughput for content creators who prioritize raw speed over mixed storage flexibility. This model focuses entirely on high-density NVMe capabilities.
Does the 6-Bay model support traditional hard drives?
Yes, the Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots supports a hybrid approach. It features six SATA drive bays, allowing you to install traditional hard drives alongside four M.2 NVMe slots. This setup lets you mix capacity with speed for caching or acceleration.
How much RAM does the 6-Bay NAS have?
The Asustor 6-Bay NAS comes with 8GB of RAM capacity. This hardware specification supports its role as a balanced hybrid solution for users who need storage flexibility. The RAM helps manage data flow between the SATA drives and the NVMe slots effectively.
What network ports are included on both units?
Both NAS models feature dual 2.5GbE network connectivity ports. This specification ensures fast network connectivity for transferring large files. The shared network interface allows both units to handle high-bandwidth tasks typical for content creators without bottlenecking data flow over the local network.
Which device is smaller and lighter?
The Asustor Flashstor 12-Bay NVMe NAS is significantly more compact. It weighs 3.02 pounds and measures 12.1 inches wide. In contrast, the 6-Bay model weighs 10.8 pounds. The smaller form factor of the Flashstor makes it easier to fit into tight workspaces.
Can I use the 6-Bay NAS for video editing?
Yes, the Asustor 6-Bay NAS is well-suited for video editing. It targets content creators by offering a hybrid approach with SATA capacity and NVMe speed. You can use the NVMe slots for active project files while storing archives on SATA drives, balancing performance and storage needs.