Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE or Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS 3TB? Which Asustor Model to Buy
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When you compare the asustor lockerstor 8 bay dual 10gbe vs lockerstor 6 bay NAS 3tb, you see two distinct storage solutions. Both units feature quad-core processors and support M.2 NVMe drives for caching or storage expansion. They also both utilize DDR4 memory for improved performance over older standards. The main difference lies in their physical capacity and network configuration. One model offers eight drive bays with dual 10GbE ports, while the other provides six bays and includes three 1TB SSDs in the bundle.
Key differences
| Aspect | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 3TB SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 6-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | Intel Celeron N5105 |
| Included Storage | Not listed | 3 x 1TB SSD |
| RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2933 |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS if
- You need maximum drive capacity for large media libraries
- You require native 10GbE networking for high-speed transfers
- You prefer a dedicated enclosure without pre-installed drives
Choose Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 3TB SSD if
- You want immediate storage with included 1TB SSDs
- You prefer newer processor architecture with faster RAM
- You need PCIe flexibility for future NIC or SSD upgrades
Verdict: Choose the 8-Bay model if you prioritize raw drive capacity and built-in 10GbE connectivity for heavy network traffic. Select the 6-Bay bundle if you value included SSD storage and newer component specifications. Both units serve different storage scales effectively.
8-Bay vs 6-Bay Storage Options
Drive Capacity
The Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS supports up to eight 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. This configuration allows for significantly higher total storage capacity compared to the 6-Bay model. You can populate all eight bays with large-capacity drives to maximize your library or backup volume. The 6-Bay NAS accommodates only six 3.5-inch drives. While the 6-Bay unit includes three 1TB SSDs in its bundle, these are solid-state drives, not the high-capacity mechanical drives typical for bulk storage. If your primary goal is storing vast amounts of data like media archives or extensive backups, the eight-bay chassis provides more physical slots for expansion.
Network Speed
Network connectivity differs sharply between these two units. The 8-Bay model features two 10GbE interfaces and two 2.5GbE interfaces. This dual 10GbE setup allows for link aggregation, potentially reaching 20Gbps throughput, which is ideal for high-speed local transfers or professional workflows. The 6-Bay NAS relies on dual 2.5GbE ports. While flexible PCIe slots allow you to add 10GbE NICs later, the base configuration is slower. For users who need immediate, high-bandwidth connectivity without adding extra hardware, the 8-Bay unit offers superior out-of-the-box network performance.
Included Storage
The 6-Bay NAS comes as a bundle with three 1TB SSDs (WDS100T5B0E). This inclusion provides immediate storage space and fast read/write speeds for caching or light workloads right out of the box. The 8-Bay model is listed as a network storage enclosure without mentioned included drives. You must purchase hard drives separately for the 8-Bay unit. If you want a ready-to-use solution with some storage already installed, the 6-Bay bundle is more convenient. However, the 8-Bay model offers greater flexibility to choose specific drive types and capacities for your needs.
RAM Performance
Both units utilize DDR4 memory, but the specifications differ. The 8-Bay NAS includes 8GB of DDR4-2133 RAM. The 6-Bay NAS also has 8GB of RAM, but it is DDR4-2933. The higher frequency of the 6-Bay model’s memory offers approximately 40% more performance according to the manufacturer. Faster RAM can improve system responsiveness during multitasking or when handling many small files. While both have the same capacity, the 6-Bay unit’s memory runs at a faster speed, which may benefit performance-intensive tasks.
NVMe Support
Both NAS drives support M.2 NVMe drives for caching or storage expansion. The 8-Bay model explicitly lists M.2 NVMe support in its features. The 6-Bay NAS highlights four M.2 NVMe slots, offering more flexibility for SSD caching or storage pools. Additionally, the 6-Bay model features a flexible PCIe slot that can accommodate 10GbE NICs or additional M.2 SSDs. This expandability allows you to customize the 6-Bay unit more extensively than the 8-Bay model, which does not mention extra PCIe expansion options beyond the NVMe slots.
Which Asustor NAS Model Fits You
Users needing high capacity and fast networking
You should choose the 8-bay model if you require maximum storage volume and high-speed data transfer. It features two 10GbE ports for rapid network connections and holds eight 3.5-inch SATA drives. The quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM handle heavy workloads efficiently, making it ideal for large media libraries or server applications.
Buyers wanting pre-installed fast SSD storage
Select this unit if you want immediate high-speed storage without buying separate drives. It comes with three 1TB SSDs pre-installed, offering quick access times. The Intel Celeron N5105 processor and DDR4-2933 RAM provide efficient performance for daily tasks. This bundle saves you the hassle of sourcing and installing drives yourself.
Those seeking flexible expansion options
This model offers a flexible PCIe slot for adding 10GbE NICs or M.2 SSDs. It supports four M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage expansion. The USB 3.2 Gen2 ports provide 10Gbps speeds for external backups. If you plan to customize your network speed or add fast SSD tiers later, this design suits your needs.
Users prioritizing raw drive count
Choose the 8-bay chassis if your priority is fitting more drives into your setup. It supports eight 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, allowing for greater total capacity than the 6-bay alternative. The dual 10GbE interfaces ensure that increased data volume does not bottleneck your network speed. This is the practical choice for bulk storage.
The products compared
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: Users needing high capacity and 10GbE speed
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay NAS offers eight drive slots for extensive storage expansion. It features a quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. Network connectivity includes two 10GbE and two 2.5GbE ports for high-speed data transfer. This model suits users needing robust performance and multiple network interfaces for professional or heavy home use.
Pros
- Eight drive bays for large capacity storage
- Two 10GbE network interfaces for fast transfers
- Quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM for improved multitasking
Cons
- Larger physical footprint than 6-bay models
- Heavier build at 13.7 pounds
- Higher power consumption due to extra ports
Good fit if
- You require more than six drive bays
- You need 10GbE network connectivity
- You run demanding applications on your NAS
Skip if
- You have limited desk or rack space
- You only need basic 1GbE connectivity
- You prefer a smaller and lighter device
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay NAS is ideal for users needing extensive storage and high-speed networking. It fits those prioritizing capacity and performance over compact size.
Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 3TB SSD
Best for: Users needing fast SSDs and 10GbE upgrade paths
- 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
- 3 x 1TB SSD
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 3TB SSD Affiliate link
This 6-bay NAS features a Quad-Core Intel Celeron N5105 CPU and 8GB of DDR4-2933 RAM. It includes three 1TB WD Blue SSDs for fast storage. The unit has four M.2 NVMe slots and a flexible PCIe slot for 10GbE upgrades. You get dual 2.5GbE ports as standard. It suits users needing high-speed local storage with room for future network expansion.
Pros
- Includes three 1TB NVMe SSDs
- Four M.2 NVMe slots for cache
- Flexible PCIe slot for 10GbE NIC
- Dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports
Cons
- Only 6 drive bays
- Base network speed is 2.5GbE
- Requires separate 10GbE card for 10G speeds
Good fit if
- You need fast SSD caching
- You want room for 10GbE upgrades
- You prefer pre-installed storage
Skip if
- You require 8 drive bays
- You need 10GbE connectivity out of the box
- You only need basic 1GbE speeds
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 3TB SSDs offers a balanced mix of processing power and included SSDs. It fits users who want fast storage and the option to add 10GbE later.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 3TB SSD |
|---|---|---|
| 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 DDR4-2933 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 4X M.2 NVMe Slots |
| Included Storage | not stated | 3 x 1TB SSD |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 6-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 13 × 12 × 13 inches |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds | 14.9 pounds |
| Size | 8 Bay | 3X1TB |
| Color | Lockerstor | not stated |
| Model | AS6508T | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Does the 8-bay model include pre-installed drives?
No. The Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS does not come with internal storage. You must purchase drives separately. This model focuses on capacity and networking speed rather than bundled media. You can fill all eight bays with your chosen SATA hard drives to build your desired storage volume.
Is the 6-bay NAS faster than the 8-bay version?
It depends on your needs. The 6-bay model includes three 1TB SSDs for fast access. The 8-bay model offers dual 10GbE ports for rapid network transfers. Both use quad-core processors. If you need quick file retrieval, the included SSDs help. If you need high bandwidth, the 10GbE ports are better.
Can I add 10GbE to the 6-bay model?
Yes. The Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS supports 10GbE connectivity as an upgrade path. It currently features 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports. You can expand your network speed later by adding compatible expansion cards. This offers flexibility if you start with standard connections but plan to upgrade networking infrastructure over time.
What is the difference in RAM between these two units?
There is no difference. Both the 8-bay and 6-bay models contain 8GB of RAM. This memory supports system operations and caching tasks equally. You do not need to worry about one unit having more memory than the other. The processing power and memory capacity remain consistent across both chassis designs.
Which model is better for heavy virtualization workloads?
The 8-bay model may suit heavy workloads better due to its dual 10GbE ports. High-speed networking reduces bottlenecks when serving virtual machines. Both units have quad-core processors and 8GB RAM. However, the extra bandwidth on the 8-bay version helps manage multiple simultaneous connections more effectively than the standard ports on the 6-bay unit.
Do both models support M.2 NVMe drives?
Yes. Both the Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay and 6-Bay NAS support M.2 NVMe drives. You can use these drives for caching or additional storage. This feature allows you to accelerate read and write speeds for frequently accessed data. It provides a modern expansion option that complements the traditional SATA drive bays in both chassis.