Asustor vs BUFFALO: NAS Devices Compared by Specs
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This asustor vs BUFFALO NAS device comparison highlights two distinct approaches to network storage. Both units provide centralized data management and backup capabilities for your files. The primary difference lies in scale and performance. The Asustor model is a high-capacity, multi-bay enclosure designed for heavy workloads and fast network speeds. The BUFFALO unit is a compact, single-bay drive aimed at basic home storage needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 1-Bay |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | not listed |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | not listed |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 Quad Core | not listed |
| Included Storage | not listed | 2TB |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS if
- You need to store large volumes of data across multiple drives.
- You require high-speed network connections for professional or heavy use.
- You want expandable storage with NVMe caching support.
Choose BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS if
- You want a simple, plug-and-play solution for basic file backups.
- You only need a small amount of pre-installed storage space.
- You prefer a compact device that fits easily in small spaces.
Verdict: The Asustor Lockerstor 8 is built for users who need significant storage capacity and high-speed networking. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 serves individuals seeking a straightforward, entry-level storage device for basic home use.
Asustor vs BUFFALO Spec Comparison
Number of bays
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 AS6508T features an 8-bay chassis, allowing you to install eight 3.5-inch SATA hard drives for massive capacity expansion. This design supports heavy workloads and complex RAID configurations. In contrast, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a 1-bay unit. It comes with 2TB of pre-installed storage but offers no room for additional drives. If you need to store large media libraries or run multiple virtual machines, the Asustor provides the necessary physical space. The BUFFALO unit is limited to a single drive slot.
RAM capacity
Memory speed and volume impact how smoothly your NAS handles concurrent requests. The Asustor model includes 8GB of DDR4-2133 RAM. This specification is noted as being 30% faster than DDR3, which helps with caching and application performance. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 does not list any RAM specifications in its provided data. Without clear memory details, it is difficult to compare performance under load. The Asustor’s 8GB capacity is substantial for a NAS, supporting more simultaneous users and services.
Network connectivity
Network interfaces determine how fast you can transfer data across your local area network. The Asustor AS6508T is equipped with two 10GbE ports and two 2.5GbE ports. You can use link aggregation to combine these for up to 20Gbps throughput. This is ideal for high-speed backups and media streaming. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 does not specify its network ports in the provided data. Assuming standard Gigabit Ethernet, the Asustor offers significantly higher potential bandwidth for professional or power-user environments.
Processor performance
The CPU drives file management, encryption, and application tasks. The Asustor uses an Intel Atom C3538 (Denverton) Quad Core processor running at 2.1GHz. This is a robust chip designed for enterprise and prosumer NAS devices. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 does not list its processor model or speed in the data. For simple file sharing and backup, the BUFFALO is sufficient, but the Asustor’s quad-core architecture provides more headroom for transcoding, virtualization, and heavy multitasking.
Portability and size
Physical dimensions affect where you can place your storage device. The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is compact, measuring 3.31 inches wide and weighing only 2.43 pounds. It fits easily on a desk or in a small cabinet. The Asustor AS6508T is a large 8-bay unit, measuring 11.5 inches wide and weighing 13.7 pounds. It requires a sturdy shelf or rack space. If you need a small footprint for a home office, the BUFFALO is the clear choice for portability.
Choose Your NAS Based on Specs
Users needing massive multi-bay storage
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 AS6508T offers eight 3.5-inch SATA bays. This allows you to install multiple hard drives for significant capacity expansion. The quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM handle heavy workloads efficiently. You benefit from dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE ports for high-speed data transfers across your network.
Home users wanting plug-and-play simplicity
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a single-bay unit with 2TB of included storage. It is designed for home users who want a simple, centralized backup solution. The device connects directly to your router for shared network access. You get automated backups and secure file sharing without needing to manage complex hardware configurations or additional drive purchases.
Buyers prioritizing network speed and throughput
If you require fast data movement, the Asustor model provides two 10GbE interfaces. These ports support up to 20Gbps with link aggregation. It also includes two 2.5GbE interfaces for up to 5Gbps. This network connectivity ensures you can transfer large files quickly between devices, outperforming standard gigabit connections found in simpler NAS devices.
The products compared
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: Users needing 8 bays 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 AS6508T is an 8-bay NAS with an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM. It features two 10GbE and two 2.5GbE ports for high-speed connectivity. This unit suits users needing substantial storage for multiple drives and fast network transfer rates. It is a robust option for serious data management.
Pros
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Two 10GbE network interfaces
- Supports 8 x 3.5-inch SATA drives
Cons
- Large physical footprint at 11.5 x 9.06 x 8.5 inches
- Heavy at 13.7 pounds
- No mention of M.2 NVMe slot availability despite title
Good fit if
- You need storage for eight hard drives
- You require 10GbE network speeds
- You have space for a large chassis
Skip if
- You have limited desk or rack space
- You prefer a compact 1-bay solution
- You do not need high-end networking
Verdict: Asustor AS6508T 8-Bay NAS is a heavy, spacious unit for users who need eight drive bays and 10GbE connectivity. It fits those with ample space and high data throughput needs.
BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS
Best for: simple home storage and media backup
- Drive Bays
- 1-Bay
- Included Storage
- 2TB
- Intended Use
- Home Users
- Dimensions
- 9.45 × 3.31 × 8.67 inches
- Weight
- 2.43 pounds
View on Amazon: BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is a 1-bay NAS with 2TB of included storage. It offers a closed system for security and SSL encryption. You get subscription-free personal cloud access for photos and videos. It supports automated backups via NAS Navigator 2. This unit fits home users needing simple, centralized data storage without complex setup.
Pros
- Includes 2TB HDD in a 1-bay enclosure
- Closed system reduces third-party app vulnerabilities
- SSL encryption for secure file transfers
- Subscription-free personal cloud access
- Automated backup support via NAS Navigator 2
Cons
- Single drive bay offers no RAID redundancy
- Limited to macOS 15 and earlier versions
- No mention of multi-bay expansion options
Good fit if
- You need a simple, single-drive storage solution
- You want subscription-free cloud access for media
- You prefer a closed system for data security
Skip if
- You require RAID 1 data redundancy
- You use macOS 26 (Sequoia) or newer
- You need multiple drive bays for expansion
Verdict: BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS suits home users who want simple, secure storage without monthly fees. It is ideal for single-drive setups but lacks redundancy for critical data.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | BUFFALO LinkStation 210 2TB 1-Bay NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 1-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | not stated |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | not stated |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | not stated |
| Included Storage | not stated | 2TB |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | not stated |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | not stated |
| Intended Use | not stated | Home Users |
| Dimensions | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 9.45 × 3.31 × 8.67 inches |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds | 2.43 pounds |
| Size | 8 Bay | 2TB (1x2TB) |
| Color | Lockerstor | Black |
| Model | AS6508T | LS210D0201 |
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS is better for heavy workloads and 10GbE connectivity?
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 AS6508T is the better choice for heavy workloads. It features eight drive bays and 10GbE connectivity for high data throughput. The quad-core processor and 8GB RAM support complex tasks. This unit is designed for users with ample space and high performance needs.
Is the BUFFALO LinkStation suitable for critical data redundancy?
No, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is not ideal for critical data redundancy. It is a single-bay device with only one 2TB drive. Without multiple drives, you cannot set up RAID configurations for data protection. It is better suited for simple home storage and media backup rather than essential data safety.
What are the physical dimensions of the Asustor 8-bay NAS?
The Asustor AS6508T measures 11.5 inches in width, 8.5 inches in height, and 9.06 inches in length. It weighs 13.7 pounds. This large footprint requires significant desk or rack space. You should ensure your location can accommodate this heavy, spacious unit before installation.
Does the BUFFALO LinkStation support multiple hard drives?
No, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 supports only one hard drive. It comes with a pre-installed 2TB drive in a single-bay chassis. This limits your total capacity to 2TB. You cannot expand storage by adding more drives inside the unit. It is designed for simple, single-drive setups.
How much RAM does the Asustor NAS have?
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 AS6508T includes 8GB of RAM. This memory capacity helps manage multiple users and complex applications efficiently. It works alongside the quad-core processor to handle intensive data tasks. This setup ensures smoother performance when accessing files or running services simultaneously.
Is the BUFFALO NAS good for beginners?
Yes, the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 is suitable for beginners. It is designed for home users who want simple, secure storage without monthly fees. The single-bay design makes it easy to set up and use. You can use it for basic file backup and media access without managing complex configurations.