Best 8-Bay NAS Devices in 2026: 15 Picks Ranked by Specs
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Finding the best 8-Bay NAS devices requires careful attention to hardware specifications. We compared 15 models ranked by their published specs. The QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS leads this list because it offers four PCIe slots for desktop users needing expandability. Each pick reflects specific attributes like RAM capacity, processor cores, and network connectivity found in the product data. This guide helps you decide which unit fits your storage density and performance needs.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- You need a compact desktop with PCIe slots QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS The QNAP TS-673-4G offers a desktop form factor with PCIe expansion slots for added functionality.
- You require 10GbE networking on a budget Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS The Asustor Lockerstor includes dual 10GbE ports and 8GB RAM for high-speed data transfer.
- You need a short-depth unit for server racks QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS The QNAP TS-855eU-RP fits racks with limited depth and provides an 8-core processor.
- You want silent operation for all-flash storage TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS The TERRAMASTER F8 SSD is lightweight and designed for quiet, all-SSD desktop environments.
- You need high RAM and 10GbE for heavy workloads Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS The Asustor AS6808T features 16GB RAM and 10GbE connectivity for demanding multi-user tasks.
Our 15 picks
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
Best for: Desktop users needing 8 bays and PCIe slots
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4x GbE LAN
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
The QNAP TS-673-4G is an 8-bay NAS with a quad-core AMD R-Series processor running at 2.1 GHz. It includes 4 GB of DDR4 RAM and four 1 GbE ports. You get two PCIe slots for expansion and dual M.2 slots for SSD caching. This unit supports virtualization and containerized apps, making it suitable for users who need scalable storage and basic media transcoding capabilities.
Pros
- Eight drive bays for high capacity
- Dual M.2 slots for SSD caching
- Two PCIe slots for network expansion
- Supports 4K video transcoding with GPU
Cons
- Only 4 GB of RAM included
- Limited to 1 GbE network ports
- No 10GbE ports built-in
Good fit if
- You need eight drive bays
- You want PCIe expansion options
- You require basic 4K transcoding
Skip if
- You need 10GbE networking
- You require more than 4 GB RAM
- You need a rackmount design
Verdict: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS is a solid desktop choice for users who prioritize expandability and drive count over high-speed networking or large memory buffers.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: Users needing 10GbE connectivity and 8-bay storage
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe
This 8-bay NAS uses an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes two 10GbE and two 2.5GbE ports for high-speed connectivity. The unit supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives and M.2 NVMe slots. It weighs 13.7 pounds. This setup suits users needing fast network access for large storage arrays.
Pros
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
- Two 10GbE interfaces for high throughput
- 8GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
- Supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives
Cons
- Atom C3538 is less powerful than Ryzen or Core i7 options
- No PCIe expansion slots for additional cards
- Heavier at 13.7 pounds than desktop alternatives
Good fit if
- You need dual 10GbE ports for fast local transfers
- You want an 8-bay capacity for bulk storage
- You prefer a dedicated network storage appliance
Skip if
- You require high-performance video editing on the NAS itself
- You need PCIe expansion for extra network cards
- You want a lightweight desktop unit
Verdict: Asustor 8-Bay NAS with 10GbE fits users who prioritize network speed and storage density over raw processing power. It is ideal for those needing reliable 10GbE connectivity for large file management.
Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: Rackmount storage with HA clustering
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8 Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches
The Synology RS1221+ is an 8-bay rackmount NAS designed for multi-user environments. It offers up to 2,315 MB/s read speeds and includes 4GB of RAM. The unit features a short depth of 298 mm, fitting standard racks. You can enhance performance with optional PCIe network cards. It supports Synology High Availability clusters for service uptime.
Pros
- 8-bay capacity for high storage density
- Up to 2,315 MB/s read performance
- Short depth of 298 mm for rack mounting
- Supports Synology High Availability clustering
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM included
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- No mention of included network ports
Good fit if
- You need an 8-bay rackmount solution
- You require high read speeds for multi-user access
- You want to build a high availability cluster
Skip if
- You need pre-installed storage drives
- You prefer a desktop form factor
- You require more than 4GB of RAM without upgrades
Verdict: Synology RS1221+ 8-Bay RackStation is a compact, high-speed rackmount option for users needing dense storage and clustering capabilities, provided you supply your own drives and accept the base RAM.
SanDisk Professional 160TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt Array
Best for: On-location 8K video production with Thunderbolt hosts
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Included Storage
- 160TB
- RAID Support
- RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD
- Hardware Interface
- Thunderbolt
- Dimensions
- 14 × 13 × 21 inches
View on Amazon: SanDisk Professional 160TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt Array
The SanDisk G-RAID Shuttle offers 160TB of storage across eight bays. It uses Thunderbolt 3 for high-speed transfers up to 1900MB/s. The unit includes removable Ultrastar drives and supports RAID 5, 6, and 10. Weighing 32 pounds, it is built for studio or on-location use. It suits professionals needing massive, transportable capacity.
Pros
- 160TB total capacity using eight removable drives
- Thunderbolt 3 interface with 1900MB/s read speeds
- Hardware RAID support for levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60
- USB-C Power Delivery provides up to 85W output
Cons
- Heavy 32-pound build limits frequent portability
- No internal network interface for direct LAN connection
- Requires Thunderbolt 3 host for full performance
Good fit if
- You need massive storage for 8K video editing
- You require a transportable RAID array for on-location shoots
- You use Thunderbolt 3 hosts for high-speed data transfer
Skip if
- You need a standard network-attached storage device
- You require a lightweight desktop solution
- You only have USB 3.0 ports available
Verdict: SanDisk G-RAID Shuttle 8-Bay 160TB is a heavy, high-capacity array for professionals who need Thunderbolt 3 speeds and removable drives for on-location work.
Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS
Best for: scalable business storage and high-uptime clustering
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 14.6 × 18.1 × 12.6 inches
- Weight
- 16.5 pounds
This Synology 8-bay enclosure comes equipped with 8GB of DDR4 memory and supports expansion up to 18 drive bays via two DX517 units. You get built-in features for hot-swappable drives, online volume expansion, and clustering via Synology High Availability. It suits you if you need scalable desktop storage that provides license-free backup, replication, and recovery tools for high-uptime infrastructure.
Pros
- Expands to 18 bays with two DX517 units
- Includes 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Supports hot-swappable drives and online volume expansion
- Synology High Availability clustering support
Cons
- Requires separate drive purchases as a diskless unit
- Requires optional DX517 units to expand past 8 bays
Good fit if
- You need expansion up to 18 drives using two DX517 units.
- You require hot-swappable drives and High Availability clustering.
Skip if
- You want pre-installed drives included in the enclosure.
- You need a chassis weighing less than 16.53 pounds.
Verdict: Synology 8-Bay Expandable Desktop NAS provides eight bays, 8GB DDR4 memory, and scaling up to 18 drives. It suits environments that depend on high-availability clustering and online volume expansion.
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: Rackmount storage with limited depth
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- 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
This is a 2U short-depth rackmount NAS designed for server rooms. It features an Intel Atom C5125 8-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. The unit includes dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for cache or storage. It supports ECC memory and expansion via PCIe slots. This device suits IT teams needing reliable, rack-mounted storage without buying drives separately.
Pros
- Intel Atom C5125 8-core 2.8GHz processor
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots
- Expandable via dual PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots
Cons
- Limited to 8GB base RAM
- No included hard drives
- Short-depth form factor may not fit all racks
Good fit if
- You need a compact rackmount solution
- You require fast 2.5GbE connectivity
- You want NVMe caching options
Skip if
- You need pre-installed storage drives
- You require 10GbE networking
- You prefer a desktop form factor
Verdict: QNAP TS-855eU-RP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS is a compact 2U unit for IT teams. It fits server racks where space is tight. It offers solid processing power and expansion options for network storage.
Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS Enclosure
Best for: multi-user video editing and scalable enterprise storage
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 9.57 × 13.5 × 6.54 inches
- Weight
- 13.2 pounds
This Synology 8-bay desktop NAS enclosure delivers storage that scales from 160TB up to 360TB using expansion units. Built for high-bandwidth tasks, it supports speeds up to 2,239 MB/s and accepts optional 10GbE or 25GbE network cards. You get high-availability clustering and automated failover for data protection. It suits you if your team runs multi-user 4K video editing workflows requiring rapid transfer rates and scalable local capacity.
Pros
- Supports speeds up to 2,239 MB/s for concurrent multi-user workloads
- Expands from 160TB to 360TB total storage using expansion units
- Accepts optional 10GbE and 25GbE network upgrade cards
- Provides automated failover and high-availability clustering
- Includes a 3-year hardware warranty
Cons
- Requires add-in cards for 10GbE or 25GbE network connectivity
- Needs separate expansion units to exceed 160TB capacity
Good fit if
- You need high-throughput data rates reaching up to 2,239 MB/s for multi-client editing.
- You plan to scale total storage capacity from 160TB up to 360TB over time.
- You require 10GbE or 25GbE network card expansion options.
Skip if
- You want built-in 10GbE or 25GbE ports without purchasing upgrade cards.
- You need a lightweight portable enclosure rather than a 13.2-pound desktop chassis.
Verdict: Synology 8-Bay Expandable Desktop NAS provides massive throughput and capacity expansion for multi-user video editing environments. It delivers up to 2,239 MB/s speeds and scales to 360TB when you integrate expansion units.
UGREEN 8-Bay Core i5 Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: Businesses needing fast wired storage
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2 x 10GbE
- Processor
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
This 8-bay NAS features a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and dual 10GbE ports for high-speed data transfer. It offers up to 272TB of storage across eight SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots. The device supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. It runs a unified app for file and photo management. This unit suits businesses needing robust local storage and fast network connectivity.
Pros
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
- Dual 10GbE network ports
- Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10
- Includes two M.2 NVMe slots
Cons
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- Only wired Ethernet support
Good fit if
- You need fast 10GbE network speeds
- You require local data security
- You want RAID 5 or 6 protection
Skip if
- You need wireless network access
- You want pre-installed drives
- You prefer a smaller 6-bay unit
Verdict: UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay delivers strong processing power and dual 10GbE ports for teams needing fast, secure local storage. It fits users who prioritize wired speed and RAID flexibility over wireless convenience.
TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS
Best for: quiet, compact all-flash desktop storage
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 10Gbps
- Processor
- Intel N95
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR5 4800MHz
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
The TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS is a compact desktop server built exclusively for flash storage. It holds eight M.2 2280 NVMe solid-state drives for up to 64TB of capacity. An Intel N95 quad-core processor powers the system alongside 8GB of DDR5 memory and a 10Gbps Ethernet connection. This unit suits you if you need silent operation, high networking speeds, and a small physical footprint on your desk.
Pros
- Holds eight M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs for up to 64TB total capacity
- 10Gbps Ethernet port providing transfer speeds up to 1024MB/s
- Intel N95 4-core processor paired with 8GB DDR5 memory
- Whisper-quiet operation rated below 19dB in standby
Cons
- Accommodates only M.2 NVMe drives and lacks standard 3.5-inch hard drive bays
- Total internal storage is limited to 64TB across all eight slots
Good fit if
- You need a compact, quiet storage setup with noise levels under 19dB.
- You want 10Gbps networking transfer speeds up to 1024MB/s.
- You plan to build an all-flash system using M.2 2280 NVMe drives.
Skip if
- You rely on high-capacity 3.5-inch mechanical hard drives.
- You need more than 64TB of storage in your 8-bay setup.
Verdict: TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS provides high-speed 10Gbps flash performance in an ultra-compact, lightweight enclosure. It gives you silent operation and DDR5 memory if your workflow does not require standard mechanical hard drives.
TERRAMASTER 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS
Best for: high-speed 10GbE rackmount virtualization and backup
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel Core i7 1255U
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
This 2U rackmount NAS enclosure features eight SATA drive bays, a 10-core Intel Core i7-1255U processor, and 16GB of DDR5 memory. You get dual 10GbE network ports supporting speeds up to 20Gbps via SMB multichannel, alongside two M.2 NVMe slots for cache. It provides storage capacities up to 192TB across Btrfs or ext4 file systems. It suits you if you need high-bandwidth rackmount backup and virtualization storage.
Pros
- 10-core Intel Core i7-1255U CPU with 16GB DDR5 memory
- Dual 10GbE Ethernet ports delivering up to 20Gbps bandwidth
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching
- Supports up to 192TB capacity across eight drive bays
Cons
- Rackmount form factor requires 2U server space and weighs 30.86 pounds
- Diskless design requires purchasing hard drives and SSDs separately
Good fit if
- You need 16GB DDR5 RAM paired with dual 10GbE network throughput.
- You have a server rack with space for a 2U enclosure.
- You want M.2 NVMe cache slots alongside SATA storage.
Skip if
- You need a compact desktop enclosure instead of a rackmount chassis.
- You want an enclosure that comes pre-installed with storage drives.
Verdict: TERRAMASTER 8-Bay 16GB DDR5 Rackmount NAS delivers high-speed networking through dual 10GbE ports and 10-core processing power for heavy multi-user environments. It provides 2U rack-level expansion for virtualized backups and high-capacity storage pools.
UGREEN DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS
Best for: High-throughput desktop storage with dual 10GbE
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel Core i5 12th Gen
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Desktop
This 8-bay desktop NAS features a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with 10 cores and 12 threads. It includes dual 10GbE ports for up to 20G aggregated bandwidth. The unit supports eight SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots, reaching 272TB capacity. You get a unified app for storage management. It suits users needing high throughput and local processing power.
Pros
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5 10-core CPU
- Dual 10GbE ports with 20G aggregation
- 8 SATA and 2 M.2 NVMe bays
- Unified NAS App for all functions
Cons
- No mention of Thunderbolt connectivity
- Desktop form factor limits rack mounting
- No stated warranty duration in data
Good fit if
- You need fast local file transfers via 10GbE
- You want a unified app interface
- You require mixed SATA and NVMe storage
Skip if
- You need rackmount installation
- You require Thunderbolt 3/4 connectivity
- You prefer a Synology ecosystem
Verdict: UGREEN DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS offers strong CPU power and dual 10GbE ports for users prioritizing local processing and network speed over rackmount flexibility.
UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS
Best for: Large studios needing Thunderbolt 4 speed
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel 150U
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
The UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra is an 8-bay NAS designed for business file sharing and large studio workflows. It features dual 10GbE ports and two Thunderbolt 4 connections for high-speed data transfer. The system uses an Intel 150U processor with up to 8GB of DDR5 memory, expandable to 96GB. It supports up to 272TB of storage across eight SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots. This device suits teams needing robust media ingest and local AI asset management.
Pros
- Dual 10GbE ports for high-bandwidth access
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast media ingest
- Intel 150U processor with up to 5.4GHz frequency
- DDR5 memory expandable up to 96GB
- SD 4.0 slot for direct camera card access
Cons
- Only 8GB base memory, requiring upgrades for heavy VM use
- Sold diskless with no included drives
- No mention of built-in UPS support in specifications
Good fit if
- You manage large video or design project files
- You need fast local transfer speeds for creative teams
- You want to run virtual machines or containers
Skip if
- You require pre-installed hard drives
- You need a single 1GbE connection only
- You are looking for a budget home media server
Verdict: UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS provides the high-speed connectivity and expandable memory needed by IT teams and large studios. It fits users who prioritize Thunderbolt 4 speeds and local AI photo management over basic home use.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS
Best for: Users needing high RAM and 10GbE networking
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB ECC DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 slots
The Asustor AS6808T is an 8-bay NAS driven by an AMD Ryzen Quad-Core processor at 2.3 GHz. It includes 16GB of ECC DDR5 RAM and four M.2 NVMe slots for fast cache or storage. Network connectivity features dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE ports. This diskless unit suits users needing high memory bandwidth and multiple network interfaces for demanding data workflows.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz processor
- 16GB ECC DDR5 RAM capacity
- Four M.2 NVMe slots
- Dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE ports
Cons
- Larger physical footprint at 42U height
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- No mention of included software apps
Good fit if
- You need ECC memory for data integrity
- You require multiple 10GbE network connections
- You want to use NVMe drives for caching
Skip if
- You need a pre-loaded storage solution
- You require a compact desktop footprint
- You only need 1GbE connectivity
Verdict: Asustor AS6808T 8-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS offers robust processing and memory for heavy workloads. It fits users who prioritize network speed and RAM capacity over included storage.
QNAP 8-Bay AMD Ryzen Quad-Core NAS
Best for: Multi-gigabit 8-bay storage and peripheral connectivity
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
This 8-bay network attached storage enclosure runs on an AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B quad-core 2.2 GHz processor. You get dual 2.5GbE network ports for multi-gigabit transfers and 8GB of DDR4 memory that you can expand up to 64GB. With three 10Gbps USB-A ports and one 5Gbps USB-C port, it suits you if you need dense local drive capacity alongside fast peripheral connectivity.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core 2.2 GHz processor
- Memory expandable from 8GB up to 64GB DDR4
- Two 2.5GbE network ports
- Three 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
Cons
- Built-in network ports cap at 2.5GbE rather than 10GbE
- USB Type-C port limited to 5Gbps transfer speeds
- Includes 8GB RAM out of the 64GB maximum supported
Good fit if
- You need an 8-bay unit equipped with dual 2.5GbE network connections.
- You want the option to expand system memory up to 64GB DDR4.
- You connect external drives using 10Gbps USB Type-A ports.
Skip if
- You require built-in 10GbE networking straight out of the box.
- You want 10Gbps speeds over the Type-C USB interface.
Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay AMD Ryzen Desktop NAS provides eight drive bays powered by a quad-core processor and dual 2.5GbE connectivity. It offers a straightforward memory expansion path up to 64GB alongside multiple high-speed USB ports.
Thdeukoty Ultra 9 8-Bay NAS
Best for: Users needing high CPU power and expansion
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2 x 10GbE
- Processor
- Ultra 9 285H
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB LPDDR5X
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 x M.2 NVMe Slots
This 8-bay desktop NAS features an Ultra 9 285H 16-core CPU and 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM. It includes dual 10GbE ports for high-speed data transfer and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage pools. The unit supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10 across its eight SATA bays. It is designed for users who need substantial processing power and flexible expansion options for data-intensive tasks.
Pros
- Ultra 9 285H 16-core CPU with up to 5.4GHz speed
- 32GB of 8400MHz LPDDR5X RAM
- Dual 10GbE Ethernet ports with LACP support
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage
- PCIe 4.0 x8 slot for discrete expansion
Cons
- Unknown operating system or software ecosystem
- Larger desktop footprint than rackmount alternatives
- Brand has low market recognition
Good fit if
- You require high CPU performance for AI or rendering tasks
- You need dual 10GbE connectivity for fast network access
- You want flexible M.2 and PCIe expansion options
Skip if
- You prefer established NAS brands with mature software
- You need a compact rackmount form factor
- You require a well-known enterprise support network
Verdict: Thdeukoty Ultra 9 8-Bay NAS offers raw hardware power for users who prioritize CPU performance and expansion flexibility over established software ecosystems.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS | SanDisk Professional 160TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt Array | Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS | QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS | Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS Enclosure | UGREEN 8-Bay Core i5 Dual 10GbE NAS | TERRAMASTER 8-Bay All-SSD NAS | TERRAMASTER 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS | UGREEN DXP8800 Plus 8-Bay Desktop NAS | UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS | QNAP 8-Bay AMD Ryzen Quad-Core NAS | Thdeukoty Ultra 9 8-Bay NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 6 Bay | 8-Bay | 8 Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8 Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | not specified | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 4x GbE LAN | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | not specified | not specified | not specified | Dual 2.5GbE | not specified | 2 x 10GbE | 10Gbps | Dual 10GbE | Dual 10GbE | Dual 10GbE | Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE | 2x 2.5GbE | 2 x 10GbE |
| Processor | not specified | Intel Atom C3538 | not specified | not specified | not specified | Intel Atom C5125 | not specified | 12th Gen Intel Core i5 | Intel N95 | Intel Core i7 1255U | Intel Core i5 12th Gen | Intel 150U | AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz | AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B | Ultra 9 285H |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 | not specified | not specified | not specified | 8GB SODIMM DDR4 | not specified | not specified | 8GB DDR5 4800MHz | 16GB DDR5 | not specified | 8GB DDR5 | 16GB ECC DDR5 | 8GB DDR4 | 32GB LPDDR5X |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots | not specified | 2 slots | not specified | 2 slots | not specified | 2 slots | 4 slots | not specified | 2 x M.2 NVMe Slots |
| Included Storage | not specified | not specified | Diskless | 160TB | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | not specified | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | not specified | Diskless |
| RAID Support | not specified | not specified | not specified | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD | not specified | not specified | not specified | JBOD, Basic, RAID 0/1/5/6/10 | not specified | Single, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 | not specified | RAID 0/1/5/6/10 | not specified | not specified | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 |
| Form Factor | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Rackmount | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Desktop | not specified | not specified | not specified | Desktop |
| Hardware Interface | not specified | M.2 NVMe | not specified | Thunderbolt | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | M.2 NVMe | not specified | M.2 NVMe |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core | not specified | not specified | not specified | 8-Core | not specified | not specified | Quad-Core | not specified | not specified | not specified | Quad-Core | not specified | not specified |
| Dimensions | 11 × 10.4 × 7.41 inches | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches | 14 × 13 × 21 inches | 14.6 × 18.1 × 12.6 inches | 23 × 21 × 8 inches | 9.57 × 13.5 × 6.54 inches | not specified | 5.91 × 3.94 × 1.57 inches | 15.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 9.06 × 12.9 × 11.4 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 pounds | 13.7 pounds | not specified | 32 pounds | 16.5 pounds | 9 pounds | 13.2 pounds | not specified | 1.32 pounds | 30.9 pounds | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Size | 4GB RAM | 8 Bay | RS1221+ | 160TB | DS1823xs+ | Short Rackmount-RP (Unav.) | 166 mm x 343 mm x 243 mm | DXP8800 Plus,8-Bay | 8.66 inches x 5.91 inches x 2.17 inches | 8Bay, 2U, 10Core CPU, 16GB RAM | not specified | not specified | 42U x 19" x 24" (106.68cm x 48.26cm x 60.96cm) | NAS Only | 12.87 x 11.42 x 9.06 inches |
| Color | Black | Lockerstor | Black | Black | Black | Black or Gray | Black | Grey | black | Black | Black | Grey | Black | Black | silver |
| Model | TS-673-4G-US | AS6508T | RS1221+ | G-RAID Shuttle 8 | DS1823xs+ | TS-855EU-RP-8G-US | DS1825+ | DXP8800 Plus,8-Bay (Diskless) | F8 SSD | U8-500 Plus | DXP8800 Plus | DXP8800 Ultra | not specified | not specified | NAS285 |
If you need compact flash drives rather than bulk capacity, compare specifications for the best dual bay SSD enclosures.
How to Choose an 8-Bay NAS
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Evaluate Baseline and Maximum RAM
Check the included memory and maximum memory limit before you buy. Units with 4GB or 8GB handle standard storage pools and basic file sharing. Virtualization, heavy multi-user access, and large volume management require more headroom. Look at the expansion ceiling to see if the device accommodates extra memory modules. The QNAP 8-Bay AMD Ryzen Quad-Core NAS allows you to scale system memory up to 64GB as your business demands increase.
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Select Network Port Speeds
Network port specifications determine data transfer speeds across your local infrastructure. Baseline 2.5GbE connections work well for small offices with moderate transfer needs. Environments moving large video projects or managing concurrent multi-user workflows require 10GbE interfaces to avoid throughput bottlenecks. The QNAP 8-Bay 10GbE Quad-Core NAS provides dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE ports, which allows you to separate high-speed local data pipelines from standard network traffic without installing extra adapters.
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Review Processor Core Architecture
Examine the processor core count and architecture to ensure your applications run smoothly. Quad-core chips handle typical multi-drive storage arrays and backup routines. If you plan to run local virtualization environments, automated backups, or continuous multi-client operations, prioritize higher core counts. The TERRAMASTER 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS features a 10-core processor, giving you the compute power necessary to manage virtualized storage pools without slowing down routine system operations.
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Inspect External Expansion Capabilities
Eight drive bays provide substantial base storage, but long-term planning requires checking expansion support. Some models operate strictly as standalone enclosures, while others connect directly to expansion hardware to enlarge your storage volume online. If you anticipate exceeding the physical limits of eight drives, verify that the unit supports add-on enclosures. The Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS accommodates storage growth by scaling up to 18 total drives through expansion units without rebuilding arrays.
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Look for Dedicated Cache Slots
Check whether the enclosure includes dedicated M.2 or NVMe slots for cache acceleration. Using primary 3.5-inch drive bays for solid-state cache drives reduces your total raw storage capacity. Dedicated internal slots provide read and write caching while preserving all eight primary bays for high-capacity hard drives. The QNAP 8-Bay 10GbE Desktop NAS incorporates dual NVMe slots, enabling fast data caching without sacrificing any of the eight main drive bays.
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Check PCIe Slot Availability
Verify if the NAS includes PCIe slots for future hardware upgrades. An open PCIe expansion slot allows you to adapt the system to changing office requirements without replacing the entire enclosure. You can use these slots to install high-speed network interface cards or dedicated adapter cards as demands grow. The Synology 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with PCIe includes a PCIe expansion slot, providing a clear upgrade path for high-bandwidth networking over time.
Frequently asked questions
Which 8-bay NAS is best for rackmount installations?
The QNAP TS-855eU-RP and TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus are top rackmount choices. The QNAP model offers an 8-core processor and dual 5GbE ports in a short-depth 2U form factor. The TERRAMASTER unit provides dual 10GbE ports and a 10-core CPU for heavy virtualization workloads in server cabinets.
How much RAM do 8-bay NAS devices typically include?
Included RAM varies significantly across these models. Entry-level desktop units like the QNAP TS-673-4G come with 4GB RAM. Mid-range options such as the Asustor Lockerstor and Synology DS1823xs+ include 8GB RAM. High-performance rackmounts like the TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus provide 16GB DDR5 to handle complex tasks.
Can I connect high-speed drives via Thunderbolt?
Yes, the SanDisk Professional G-RAID Shuttle supports Thunderbolt 3 for direct host connections. The UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra also features Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. These interfaces are ideal for video professionals needing high throughput for 8K production workflows rather than standard network file sharing.
What is the difference between desktop and rackmount forms?
Desktop units like the Synology DS1825+ sit on desks or shelves and are designed for office or home environments. Rackmount models such as the Synology RS1221+ are built for server cabinets with specific height and depth dimensions. Rackmount units often prioritize dense storage and clustering capabilities over portability.
Which models offer dual 10GbE network ports?
Several models prioritize high-speed networking with dual 10GbE ports. The Asustor Lockerstor AS6508T and UGREEN DXP8800 Plus both include this connectivity. The TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus also features dual 10GbE ports alongside its 10-core processor. These ports allow for faster data transfer than standard Gigabit Ethernet.
Are there options for all-SSD storage configurations?
The TERRAMASTER F8 SSD is designed specifically for all-flash storage. It uses DDR5 memory and provides silent operation with high-speed 10Gbps flash performance. This compact unit is ideal for workflows that do not require mechanical hard drives, offering a lightweight and quiet desktop storage solution.