Asustor vs LincPlus NAS Devices: Which Brand Fits You?
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Choosing between an asustor vs LincPlus NAS device depends on your storage architecture and performance needs. Both units offer 10GbE networking and modern Intel processors for fast data handling. The Asustor AS6508T is an 8-bay enclosure for traditional SATA drives, prioritizing bulk capacity. The LincPlus N2 is a 6-bay hybrid system mixing SATA and NVMe slots, focusing on speed and flexibility. Your choice hinges on whether you need maximum drive space or high-speed SSD caching.
Key differences
| Aspect | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | LincPlus 6-Bay 10GbE Hybrid NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 Quad Core | Intel N100 Quad Core |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Drive Bays | 8 x 3.5-inch SATA | 2 x SATA, 4 x M.2 NVMe |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | 1x 10GbE |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 8.5 x 9.06 inches | 5.9 x 8.2 x 1.5 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS if
- You need to store large volumes of data using standard 3.5-inch hard drives.
- You require dual 10GbE ports for link aggregation or redundant network connections.
- You prefer a traditional rack-mountable or desktop form factor for bulk storage.
Choose LincPlus 6-Bay 10GbE Hybrid NAS if
- You want faster read/write speeds by utilizing M.2 NVMe SSDs alongside HDDs.
- You need more RAM (16GB) to run multiple virtual machines or Docker containers.
- You prefer a compact, low-profile device that fits easily in small spaces.
Verdict: The Asustor AS6508T is the better choice if you prioritize raw storage capacity and redundant high-speed networking for a data center or server room. The LincPlus N2 suits users who need a compact, high-performance hybrid system with ample RAM for virtualization and media serving. Select the model that aligns with your specific balance of capacity, speed, and physical space.
Asustor vs LincPlus Key Differences
Number of Bays
The Asustor AS6508T offers eight drive bays, designed specifically for 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. This configuration prioritizes high-capacity bulk storage, making it suitable for users who need to house many large mechanical drives. In contrast, the LincPlus LincStation N2 provides six total bays. It features a hybrid layout with two dedicated bays for 2.5-inch SATA drives and four slots for M.2 NVMe SSDs. You must choose between maximizing raw capacity with the Asustor or mixing fast SSDs with standard drives using the LincPlus.
RAM Capacity
Memory plays a crucial role in handling multitasking and caching operations. The LincPlus LincStation N2 includes 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. LPDDR5 is a newer, more power-efficient standard that offers higher bandwidth than previous generations. The Asustor AS6508T comes with 8GB of DDR4-2133 RAM. While DDR4 is reliable and widely supported, the LincPlus provides double the memory capacity and uses a faster, modern memory type. For heavy virtualization or container workloads, the LincPlus has a clear advantage in available system memory.
Network Connectivity
Both devices support 10GbE networking for fast file transfers. The Asustor AS6508T is more versatile in its connectivity options. It includes two 10GbE ports and two additional 2.5GbE ports. This allows you to aggregate connections for up to 20Gbps throughput or connect multiple devices simultaneously. The LincPlus LincStation N2 features a single 10GbE port. While sufficient for most single-user or small office needs, it lacks the redundant ports and multi-gigabit flexibility found in the Asustor model. If you need link aggregation or multiple network interfaces, the Asustor is the better choice.
Form Factor
Physical size and weight differ significantly between these two units. The Asustor AS6508T is a traditional rack-ready or desktop tower design. It measures 11.5 inches in width, 8.5 inches in height, and 9.06 inches in length, weighing 13.7 pounds. It requires substantial desk or rack space. The LincPlus LincStation N2 is a compact, low-profile device. It measures just 5.91 inches in length, 8.27 inches in width, and 1.38 inches in height, weighing only 1.76 pounds. Its small metal shell makes it easy to place in tight spaces or mount discreetly.
Hardware Interface
The types of storage interfaces supported define how you build your storage array. The Asustor AS6508T focuses on traditional storage, supporting eight 3.5-inch SATA drives. It also includes M.2 NVMe slots for caching or fast volume creation, but the primary storage is SATA. The LincPlus LincStation N2 offers a more diverse hardware interface mix. It supports both SATA connections for its two 2.5-inch bays and four M.2 NVMe slots for 2280 SSDs. This hybrid approach allows you to balance high-capacity HDD storage with ultra-fast NVMe performance in a single chassis.
Which NAS device fits your needs
Users needing high-capacity SATA drive storage
The Asustor AS6508T provides eight 3.5-inch SATA bays for bulk mechanical drive storage. Its quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM handle sustained throughput for large file archives. The dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE ports offer flexible network aggregation options for robust data management across multiple connections.
Creators requiring fast NVMe caching and media streaming
The LincPlus N2 features four M.2 NVMe slots and two SATA bays for a hybrid storage setup. Its Intel N100 processor and 16GB LPDDR5 RAM ensure smooth 4K streaming and rapid data access. The included Unraid OS license allows mixing drive sizes, maximizing capacity while delivering high-speed performance for creative workflows.
Small offices seeking compact and versatile hardware
The LincPlus N2 measures just 1.38 inches tall, fitting easily into tight spaces. It includes HDMI 2.0 for direct 4K display output and a 3.5mm audio port, adding multimedia versatility. The 2-year warranty and dedicated support provide peace of mind for small business environments requiring reliable, space-efficient network storage solutions.
The products compared
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: High-speed 10GbE storage needs
- 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
This Asustor Lockerstor 8 is an 8-bay NAS built for high throughput. It uses an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM. The network setup includes two 10GbE ports and two 2.5GbE ports. You get link aggregation for up to 20Gbps. It holds eight 3.5-inch SATA drives. This model suits users needing fast data transfer speeds for large files.
Pros
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
- Two 10GbE network interfaces
- 8GB DDR4 RAM for faster performance
- Supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives
Cons
- Heavier build at 13.7 pounds
- Larger footprint than 2-bay models
- No M.2 NVMe slots mentioned in key specs
Good fit if
- You need 10GbE connectivity
- You store large media libraries
- You require link aggregation
Skip if
- You need a compact desktop unit
- You only have 1GbE networks
- You want more than 8 drive bays
Verdict: Asustor AS6508T 8-Bay NAS delivers strong networking speeds for users who prioritize bandwidth over compact size. It fits professionals managing large datasets who need reliable 10GbE connections.
LincPlus 6-Bay 10GbE Hybrid NAS
Best for: Mixed SATA and NVMe storage setups
- Drive Bays
- 6-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1x 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel N100
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB LPDDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: LincPlus 6-Bay 10GbE Hybrid NAS Affiliate link
The LincPlus LincStation N2 is a 6-bay NAS server built for speed and flexibility. It uses an Intel N100 processor with 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and includes a 10GbE port for fast transfers. The drive configuration offers two SATA bays and four M.2 NVMe slots. It runs Unraid OS, allowing mixed drive sizes. This compact unit suits users needing high performance for media or virtualization.
Pros
- Intel N100 processor with 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
- 10GbE network connectivity for fast transfers
- 6-bay layout with 2 SATA and 4 M.2 NVMe slots
- Includes Unraid OS starter license
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchases
- Only one 10GbE port available
- No mention of hardware RAID support
Good fit if
- You need fast 10GbE network speeds
- You want to mix SATA and NVMe drives
- You prefer the flexibility of Unraid OS
Skip if
- You need pre-installed storage drives
- You require multiple 10GbE ports
- You prefer traditional hardware RAID setups
Verdict: The LincPlus LincStation N2 6-Bay NAS fits users who need high-speed NVMe storage and 10GbE networking in a compact form. It is ideal for those who want to customize their drive mix using Unraid OS.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | LincPlus 6-Bay 10GbE Hybrid NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 6-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | 1x 10GbE |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | Intel N100 |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 4 slots |
| Included Storage | not stated | Diskless |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | SATA, M.2 NVMe |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 6-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | not stated |
| Dimensions | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 5.91 × 8.27 × 1.38 inches |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds | 1.76 pounds |
| Size | 8 Bay | 5.9 x 8.2 x 1.5 inches |
| Color | Lockerstor | Neutral |
| Model | AS6508T | N2 |
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS is better for high-speed 10GbE networking?
The Asustor AS6508T is designed for high-speed 10GbE storage needs. It delivers strong networking speeds for users who prioritize bandwidth over compact size. This makes it ideal for professionals managing large datasets who need reliable 10GbE connections for their workflows.
Can I use both SATA and NVMe drives in the LincPlus?
Yes, the LincPlus N2 supports a hybrid setup. It features both SATA and M.2 NVMe hardware interfaces. This allows you to customize your drive mix, making it suitable for users who want high-speed NVMe storage alongside traditional SATA drives in one unit.
Which device has more drive bays?
The Asustor AS6508T has eight bays, while the LincPlus N2 has six. The Asustor model prioritizes bulk capacity for many large mechanical drives. The LincPlus offers a slightly smaller footprint but still provides ample space for a mixed storage configuration.
Is the LincPlus NAS compact and portable?
The LincPlus N2 is notably compact. It measures 5.91 by 8.27 by 1.38 inches and weighs just 1.76 pounds. This small form factor fits users who need high-speed storage without taking up much desk space, unlike the larger Asustor enclosure.
Does the Asustor NAS support M.2 NVMe drives?
Yes, the Asustor AS6508T includes M.2 NVMe support. Along with its eight SATA bays, this feature allows for fast cache or additional storage. The quad-core processor and 8GB RAM further enhance performance for handling large datasets and demanding network tasks.
Which NAS is better for Unraid OS users?
The LincPlus N2 is ideal for Unraid OS users. It allows you to customize your drive mix using this operating system. The Intel N100 processor provides efficient performance for mixed SATA and NVMe setups, offering flexibility for custom storage architectures.