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Best Network Attached Storages with 5GbE in 2026: 15 Picks Ranked by Specs

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Finding the best network attached storages with 5GbE ensures your local network transfers files without standard gigabit bottlenecks. We evaluated 15 models based on the specifications published on their listings to identify the most capable multi-gigabit hardware.

The Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS leads the list with its combination of four drive bays, dual M.2 NVMe slots, and a quad-core processor. This guide helps you choose the right enclosure size, network interface combination, and memory capacity for your storage needs.

Quick picks

#ProductBest forPrice
1 Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS Best overall balanced multi-gigabit network storage and backups Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS on Amazon
2 QNAP 4-Bay 10GbE SFP+ NAS Also great multi-gigabit setups using SFP+ network connections Check price of QNAP 4-Bay 10GbE SFP+ NAS on Amazon
3 Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS Best premium high-capacity 2U rackmount business storage Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS on Amazon
4 QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS Also great home media storage and backup Check price of QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS on Amazon
5 QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS Also great Compact 1U rackmount deployments with media needs Check price of QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS on Amazon
6 QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS Best 8-core 8-core short-depth rackmount multi-gigabit storage Check price of QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS on Amazon
7 Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB Best 1gbe compact two-bay setups needing included storage Check price of Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB on Amazon
8 Yxk 4-Bay Intel N100 NAS Best budget Docker hosting and combined multi-gigabit home storage Check price of Yxk 4-Bay Intel N100 NAS on Amazon
9 Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS Also great high-capacity multi-gigabit networked storage setups Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS on Amazon
10 QNAP 2-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS Best desktop entry-level two-bay multi-gigabit home storage Check price of QNAP 2-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS on Amazon
11 Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS Also great six-bay multi-gigabit networking and NVMe caching Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS on Amazon
12 Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay 10GbE NAS Also great multi-gigabit networking with ECC memory requirements Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay 10GbE NAS on Amazon
13 LincPlus LincStation 6-Bay Hybrid 2.5-Inch NAS Best 2.5 inch compact 2.5-inch and NVMe home servers Check price of LincPlus LincStation 6-Bay Hybrid 2.5-Inch NAS on Amazon
14 QNAP 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power Also great rackmount setups needing redundant power and 10GbE Check price of QNAP 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power on Amazon
15 QNAP 8-Bay 10GbE Desktop NAS Also great high-capacity eight-bay multi-gigabit storage setups Check price of QNAP 8-Bay 10GbE Desktop NAS on Amazon

The best fit for you

  • You want balanced multi-gigabit storage for local backups Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS This desktop enclosure provides 5GbE networking, dual M.2 NVMe slots, and a quad-core processor with 4GB RAM.
  • You need massive rackmount capacity for business storage Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS Its 2U rackmount chassis offers twelve drive bays, 5GbE networking, and 8GB RAM.
  • You want ready-to-use storage with included hard drives Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB This unit features 24TB of included storage, two drive bays, and 5GbE networking.
  • You want a compact two-bay diskless desktop setup QNAP 2-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS It features a two-bay desktop form factor with 5GbE and 2.5GbE connectivity.

Our 15 picks

Best overall

Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS

Best for: balanced multi-gigabit network storage and backups

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
4-Bay
Processor
Quad-Core 2.0GHz
RAM Capacity
4GB DDR4
M.2 NVMe Slots
2 slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS

This four-bay unit serves as a central storage hub built for fast data transfers and virtualization. You get dual network ports supporting 2.5GbE and 5GbE connectivity, two M.2 NVMe slots for solid-state storage, and a quad-core 2.0GHz processor paired with 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It suits power users who need high-speed file backups, media streaming, and local camera surveillance with room for multi-drive expansion.

Pros

  • Dual networking ports supporting 2.5GbE and 5GbE connectivity
  • Two dedicated M.2 NVMe SSD slots
  • Quad-core 2.0GHz processor with 4GB DDR4 memory
  • Four free IP camera licenses included
  • Three built-in USB 3.2 ports

Cons

  • Ships diskless with no pre-installed hard drives
  • Limited to four drive bays

Good fit if

  • You want multi-gigabit network connectivity alongside dual M.2 NVMe slots.
  • You need a four-bay unit for scheduled cross-platform backups and sync.
  • You plan to connect IP cameras using the included licenses.

Skip if

  • You need ready-to-use storage drives included out of the box.
  • You require more than four drive bays for larger mass storage setups.

Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay 5GbE NAS delivers solid multi-gigabit networking, dual M.2 NVMe slots, and a quad-core processor in a compact desktop enclosure. It provides a balanced hardware baseline for fast local transfers and backups.

Also great

QNAP 4-Bay 10GbE SFP+ NAS

Best for: multi-gigabit setups using SFP+ network connections

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE, 10GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
4-Bay
Processor
AnnapurnaLabs AL-314
RAM Capacity
4GB DDR3L
Included Storage
Diskless
Dimensions
10 × 10 × 10 inches

View on Amazon: QNAP 4-Bay 10GbE SFP+ NAS

This QNAP 4-bay enclosure gives you multi-gigabit networking options for your storage setup. It features an AnnapurnaLabs AL-314 quad-core 1.7GHz processor, 4GB of DDR3L memory, and four 3.5-inch SATA drive bays. For network connections, you get a 10GbE SFP+ port alongside 2.5GbE and standard 1GbE ports. It suits you if you need flexible, high-speed transfer speeds across varied local network connections without buying an enterprise rackmount unit.

Pros

  • Includes a dedicated 10GbE SFP+ port and a 2.5GbE port
  • Four 3.5-inch SATA drive bays for storage expansion
  • Memory expandable up to 8GB DDR3L
  • Three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for external devices

Cons

  • Ships diskless without pre-installed storage drives
  • Uses older DDR3L memory architecture
  • 10GbE port uses SFP+ rather than standard RJ45 copper

Good fit if

  • You need 10GbE SFP+ and 2.5GbE network connections on a single device.
  • You want four 3.5-inch SATA bays to supply your own drives.
  • You run a network environment that utilizes multi-gigabit hardware.

Skip if

  • You want pre-installed storage drives included in the box.
  • You need 10GbE speeds over a standard RJ45 port.
  • You prefer an Intel or AMD processor platform with DDR4 memory.

Verdict: QNAP 4-Bay NAS with 10GbE SFP+ provides flexible multi-gigabit connectivity with dedicated 10GbE and 2.5GbE network ports. Its quad-core processor and expandable four-bay storage give you a capable desktop data hub.

Best premium

Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS

Best for: high-capacity 2U rackmount business storage

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
12 Bay
Processor
Intel Atom C3538
RAM Capacity
8 GB DDR4-2133
Included Storage
Diskless
Form Factor
Rackmount

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS

The Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS is a high-capacity business storage system designed for server racks. You get twelve drive bays and two 2.5GbE ports that combine through link aggregation to deliver up to 5GbE network throughput. Powered by an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor with 8GB DDR4 RAM expandable up to 128GB, it provides ample resources for virtualization, iSCSI storage, and heavy data environments requiring substantial drive capacity.

Pros

  • Dual 2.5GbE ports aggregate to achieve up to 5 Gbps throughput
  • 12 drive bays accommodate massive overall storage capacity
  • DDR4 RAM expands from 8GB up to 128GB
  • PCIe slot supports optional 10GbE network expansion cards

Cons

  • Requires rackmount cabinet installation due to 2U enterprise chassis
  • Ships diskless without included storage drives
  • Requires link aggregation across dual 2.5GbE ports rather than a single native 5GbE interface

Good fit if

  • You need 12 drive bays in a standard 2U rackmount form factor.
  • You want aggregated 5GbE speed across dual 2.5GbE network connections.
  • You plan to scale RAM up to 128GB for virtualization and container workloads.

Skip if

  • You prefer a compact desktop tower over a 2U rack chassis.
  • You require a single native 5GbE port without configuring link aggregation.

Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS delivers massive 12-bay capacity with aggregated 5GbE network performance and high memory scalability. It serves business environments needing extensive drive density and virtualization readiness in a server rack.

Also great

QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS

Best for: home media storage and backup

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
4 Bay
Processor
ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz
RAM Capacity
4 GB DDR4
Included Storage
Diskless
Dimensions
6.3 × 8.62 × 6.65 inches

View on Amazon: QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS

The QNAP TS-433 is a 4-bay desktop NAS featuring an ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core processor running at 2.0GHz. It includes 4 GB of DDR4 RAM and offers one 2.5GbE port alongside a standard 1GbE connection. This diskless unit serves as a budget-friendly option for home users needing to store photos, music, and videos while supporting Time Machine and NetBak Replicator backups.

Pros

  • ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz processor
  • 4 GB DDR4 RAM capacity
  • Includes a 2.5GbE network port
  • 4-bay drive configuration
  • Supports Time Machine and NetBak Replicator

Cons

  • Only one 2.5GbE port limits multi-link aggregation
  • No 10GbE option for high-speed networking
  • Comes diskless without included drives

Good fit if

  • You need a 4-bay NAS for family media storage
  • You want a budget-friendly desktop unit with 2.5GbE
  • You rely on Time Machine or NetBak Replicator for backups

Skip if

  • You require 10GbE connectivity for professional workloads
  • You need link aggregation with multiple 2.5GbE ports
  • You prefer a rackmount form factor for server rooms

Verdict: The QNAP TS-433 4-Bay Desktop NAS fits home users who need affordable 4-bay storage with a 2.5GbE port. It is not suitable for users requiring 10GbE speeds or link aggregation capabilities.

Also great

QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS

Best for: Compact 1U rackmount deployments with media needs

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
4 Bay
Processor
Intel Celeron N5095
RAM Capacity
8 GB DDR4
M.2 NVMe Slots
Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x1 NVMe
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS

The QNAP TS-464eU is a 4-bay rackmount NAS featuring an Intel Celeron N5095 processor and 8 GB of non-expandable DDR4 RAM. It includes dual 2.5GbE ports for network connectivity and dual M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration. This unit is designed for users who need a compact 1U form factor with dedicated media transcoding capabilities via HDMI 1.4b.

Pros

  • Intel Celeron N5095 quad-core processor with burst speeds up to 2.9 GHz
  • Dual 2.5GbE network ports for accelerated file sharing
  • Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x1 NVMe slots for SSD storage or caching
  • HDMI 1.4b output supports 4K @30Hz media playback and real-time transcoding

Cons

  • 8 GB RAM is soldered and non-expandable
  • HDMI output is limited to 4K @30Hz
  • 1U rackmount form factor restricts airflow and expansion compared to desktop units

Good fit if

  • You need a compact 1U rackmount solution for a server room
  • You require dual 2.5GbE ports for faster local network transfers
  • You want built-in media transcoding without external hardware

Skip if

  • You need to upgrade the system RAM beyond 8 GB
  • You require 4K @60Hz video output
  • You prefer a desktop form factor for easier maintenance

Verdict: The QNAP TS-464eU 4-Bay Rackmount NAS fits users who need a space-efficient 1U server with dual 2.5GbE connectivity and dedicated media playback features.

Best 8-core

QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS

Best for: 8-core short-depth rackmount multi-gigabit storage

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
8 Bay
Processor
Intel Atom C5125
RAM Capacity
8GB SODIMM DDR4
M.2 NVMe Slots
Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS

This QNAP 8-bay rackmount NAS features an 8-core Intel Atom C5125 processor clocked at 2.8GHz. It includes 8GB of DDR4 memory, expandable to 64GB with ECC support, alongside dual 2.5GbE ports that support combined 5GbE throughput. You also get two M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe slots and two PCIe Gen 3 x4 expansion slots. It suits multi-user environments needing rack-mounted high-capacity storage and multi-gigabit transfers.

Pros

  • Intel Atom C5125 8-core 2.8GHz processor
  • Dual 2.5GbE network ports supporting 5GbE connectivity
  • Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots
  • Dual PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots for add-in cards
  • DDR4 RAM expandable up to 64GB with ECC support

Cons

  • Comes diskless without internal storage included
  • Ships with base 8GB memory out of 64GB maximum
  • Requires PCIe expansion cards for faster 10GbE interfaces

Good fit if

  • You need an 8-bay storage unit designed for short-depth 2U server racks.
  • You run workloads that benefit from an 8-core processor and ECC RAM expansion.
  • You want dedicated M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration or fast pools.

Skip if

  • You want a desktop tower enclosure rather than a rackmount chassis.
  • You need native single-port 10GbE network interfaces without installing expansion cards.

Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay 2U Short-Depth Rackmount NAS delivers an 8-core processor, expandable ECC memory, and dual PCIe expansion options for demanding rack-based networks. Its short-depth 2U chassis accommodates eight drives while maintaining multi-gigabit throughput.

Best 1gbe

Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB

Best for: compact two-bay setups needing included storage

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 1GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
2-Bay
Processor
Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core
RAM Capacity
2 GB DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM
Included Storage
24TB
RAID Support
Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR)

View on Amazon: Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB

This 2-bay NAS delivers network connectivity via 5GbE and 1GbE ports. It runs on an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor and includes 24TB of storage out of the box. You get 2 GB of non-ECC DDR4 memory, expandable up to 6 GB. It supports Btrfs snapshots and Synology Hybrid RAID. This setup fits you if you want compact multi-gigabit network storage with included drives.

Pros

  • 5GbE and 1GbE network ports
  • Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor
  • 24TB included storage
  • Expandable RAM up to 6 GB
  • Synology Hybrid RAID and Btrfs snapshot support

Cons

  • Restricted to two drive bays
  • RAM expansion caps at 6 GB
  • Lacks ECC memory support

Good fit if

  • You need 5GbE and 1GbE network connectivity in a small footprint.
  • You want 24TB of factory-installed capacity immediately.
  • You utilize Synology Hybrid RAID for drive management.

Skip if

  • You need more than two drive bays for extensive expansion.
  • You require more than 6 GB of system RAM.
  • You require ECC memory for mission-critical data integrity.

Verdict: Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS provides 5GbE and 1GbE speeds alongside 24TB of included storage. It serves compact setups needing flexible SHR management without configuring separate hard drives.

Best budget

Yxk 4-Bay Intel N100 NAS

Best for: Docker hosting and combined multi-gigabit home storage

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
4-Bay
Processor
Intel N100
RAM Capacity
8GB DDR4
M.2 NVMe Slots
2 slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: Yxk 4-Bay Intel N100 NAS

The Yxk 4-Bay Intel N100 NAS provides four SATA drive bays and two 2.5GbE network ports with link aggregation support. It pairs an Intel N100 processor with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and two M.2 NVMe slots for solid-state storage. You can run compatible Docker containers or third-party operating systems. This enclosure suits you if you need multi-gigabit throughput across shared household backups without high power draw.

Pros

  • Two 2.5GbE ports supporting link aggregation
  • Intel N100 processor with 8GB DDR4 RAM
  • Two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for high-speed storage
  • 4K HDMI output for direct display connections

Cons

  • No single native 5GbE or 10GbE network port
  • RAID options limited to RAID 0, 1, and 5
  • Shipped diskless without included storage drives

Good fit if

  • You want dual 2.5GbE link aggregation for multi-client transfers.
  • You plan to run Docker containers or install an OS like TrueNAS or Unraid.
  • You need direct 4K HDMI video playback on a monitor or television.

Skip if

  • You require a dedicated native 5GbE or 10GbE network interface.
  • You need RAID 6 or RAID 10 array configurations for drive redundancy.

Verdict: Yxk 4-Bay Intel N100 NAS offers flexible multi-gigabit networking and x86 container support through dual 2.5GbE ports and low-power hardware. It delivers practical four-bay local capacity and direct media output for power-conscious home setups.

Also great

Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS

Best for: high-capacity multi-gigabit networked storage setups

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 10GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
8-Bay
Processor
AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz
RAM Capacity
16GB ECC DDR5
M.2 NVMe Slots
4 slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS

This Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 5GbE NAS is a high-capacity network storage enclosure featuring dual 5GbE ports alongside dual 10GbE ports. Powered by an AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor with 16GB ECC DDR5 memory, it handles multi-client traffic smoothly. With eight drive bays and four M.2 NVMe slots, you get massive storage potential. It suits you if you need multi-gigabit throughput and large disk capacity for network collaboration.

Pros

  • Dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE network connectivity
  • AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor
  • 16GB ECC DDR5 system memory
  • Four internal M.2 NVMe slots
  • Eight drive bays supporting HDDs and SSDs

Cons

  • Ships diskless with zero storage drives pre-installed
  • Large physical footprint requires substantial setup space

Good fit if

  • You need both 5GbE and 10GbE high-speed networking options.
  • You require eight drive bays for large storage volume configurations.
  • You plan to utilize up to four M.2 NVMe solid state drives.

Skip if

  • You want a turnkey NAS with storage drives already installed.
  • You only need a compact two-bay or four-bay desktop unit.

Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 5GbE NAS pairs dual 5GbE and 10GbE connectivity with eight drive bays and fast ECC DDR5 RAM. It offers dependable hardware expansion for data-heavy local networks.

Best desktop

QNAP 2-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS

Best for: entry-level two-bay multi-gigabit home storage

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
2-Bay
Processor
ARM Cortex-A55
RAM Capacity
4GB DDR4
Included Storage
Diskless
Form Factor
Desktop

View on Amazon: QNAP 2-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS

This two-bay desktop enclosure gives you multi-gigabit networking powered by a quad-core 2.0GHz ARM Cortex-A55 processor and 4GB of DDR4 memory. It includes built-in NPU hardware for photo and object recognition tasks alongside central file storage. If you need a compact, low-drive-count setup for backing up media and serving shared files across your local network without running high-drive-count enterprise hardware, this unit suits your home or small office.

Pros

  • ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz processor
  • 4GB DDR4 system memory
  • Built-in NPU for AI acceleration and object recognition
  • Multi-gigabit network connectivity

Cons

  • Ships diskless without pre-installed storage drives
  • Limited to two drive bays

Good fit if

  • You want a compact two-bay desktop NAS for local file sharing and media storage.
  • You need AI acceleration hardware to process photo and object recognition.
  • You require multi-gigabit Ethernet speeds alongside 4GB of DDR4 memory.

Skip if

  • You need more than two storage drive bays for expansion.
  • You require an x86 processor instead of an ARM Cortex-A55 architecture.

Verdict: QNAP 2-Bay Desktop NAS delivers multi-gigabit connectivity, 4GB of RAM, and AI acceleration in an entry-level two-bay form factor. It provides a straightforward diskless solution for personal media centralization and home network storage.

Also great

Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS

Best for: six-bay multi-gigabit networking and NVMe caching

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 10GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
6 Bay
Processor
AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz
RAM Capacity
16GB ECC DDR5
M.2 NVMe Slots
4 M.2 NVMe Slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS

You get a six-bay enclosure featuring dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE network ports for high-speed connections. The system runs on an AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor paired with 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory. Four M.2 NVMe slots provide space for solid-state storage alongside six drive bays. This diskless unit suits you if you need multi-gigabit networking and error-correcting memory.

Pros

  • Dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE network connectivity
  • 16GB ECC DDR5 system memory
  • Four M.2 NVMe solid-state drive slots
  • Quad-core AMD Ryzen 2.3 GHz processor

Cons

  • Comes diskless with zero installed hard drives
  • Flash memory capacity limited to 8GB

Good fit if

  • You need dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE Ethernet connections.
  • You want 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory.
  • You plan to add up to four M.2 NVMe drives.

Skip if

  • You want a system that includes preinstalled drives.
  • You need more than six drive bays.

Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen3 6-Bay NAS provides dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE networking alongside four M.2 NVMe slots. Its AMD Ryzen processor and 16GB ECC DDR5 memory handle intensive multi-gigabit storage workloads.

Also great

Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay 10GbE NAS

Best for: multi-gigabit networking with ECC memory requirements

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 10GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
4 Bay
Processor
AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz
RAM Capacity
16GB ECC DDR5
M.2 NVMe Slots
4 M.2 NVMe Slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay 10GbE NAS

This 4-bay network attached storage unit features dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE network ports for high-bandwidth data transfers. It runs on an AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor paired with 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory. With four M.2 NVMe slots alongside four drive bays, you can configure fast flash tiers. This setup suits you if you need multi-gigabit networking and error-correcting memory in a compact desktop enclosure.

Pros

  • Dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE network connectivity
  • 16GB ECC DDR5 memory pre-installed
  • Four dedicated M.2 NVMe slots
  • AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor

Cons

  • Ships diskless with zero storage drives included
  • Capped at four SATA drive bays for bulk capacity

Good fit if

  • You need both 5GbE and 10GbE connectivity options on one device.
  • You require ECC DDR5 memory for operational data integrity.
  • You want four dedicated M.2 NVMe slots for solid-state storage.

Skip if

  • You need a NAS that arrives with pre-installed storage drives.
  • You require more than four primary drive bays for large arrays.

Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay 5GbE NAS delivers dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE network speeds powered by an AMD Ryzen processor and 16GB of ECC DDR5 RAM. Its four M.2 NVMe slots make it a capable choice for fast multi-gigabit storage workflows.

Best 2.5 inch

LincPlus LincStation 6-Bay Hybrid 2.5-Inch NAS

Best for: compact 2.5-inch and NVMe home servers

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
6-Bay
Processor
Intel N5105
RAM Capacity
16GB
M.2 NVMe Slots
4 slots
Included Storage
Diskless

View on Amazon: LincPlus LincStation 6-Bay Hybrid 2.5-Inch NAS

This compact unit pairs an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor with 16GB of system memory and high-speed network connectivity. Its hybrid storage layout accepts two 2.5-inch SATA hard drives alongside four M.2 NVMe solid-state drives. Running the included Unraid operating system, it provides HDMI 2.0 output and USB-C connectivity. It suits you if you need a small-footprint server for media streaming, Docker containers, and fast local backups.

Pros

  • Hybrid layout with two 2.5-inch SATA bays and four M.2 NVMe slots
  • Intel N5105 quad-core processor paired with 16GB of RAM
  • Pre-installed with Unraid Starter License and 128GB eMMC storage
  • Includes HDMI 2.0 4K output, USB-C, and dual USB 3.2 Gen2 ports

Cons

  • Does not support standard 3.5-inch mechanical hard drives
  • 2.5-inch drive bays are limited to drives up to 9.5mm thick
  • Ships diskless without primary storage drives included

Good fit if

  • You want a slim, lightweight 6-bay NAS using 2.5-inch drives and M.2 SSDs.
  • You plan to run Docker containers or media servers like Plex on Unraid OS.
  • You need direct 4K video playback via an integrated HDMI 2.0 port.

Skip if

  • You require large-capacity 3.5-inch desktop hard drives.
  • You plan to use 2.5-inch drives thicker than 9.5mm.

Verdict: LincPlus 6-Bay 2.5-Inch Hybrid NAS offers a compact form factor with four NVMe slots, two 2.5-inch SATA bays, and capable Intel processing. It delivers solid performance for containerized applications and local media setups without the bulk of standard tower enclosures.

Also great

QNAP 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power

Best for: rackmount setups needing redundant power and 10GbE

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE, 10GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
8-Bay
Processor
AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 1.7GHz
RAM Capacity
4GB UDIMM DDR4
Included Storage
Diskless
Form Factor
Rackmount

View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power

This 2U rackmount unit gives you eight 3.5-inch SATA drive bays powered by a quad-core 1.7GHz Alpine AL324 processor. For networking, it includes two 10GbE SFP+ ports alongside two 2.5GbE ports, plus a PCIe Gen 2 x2 slot for expansion. With a redundant power supply and 4GB of DDR4 memory expandable to 16GB, it suits your rack setup when continuous hardware uptime and high-capacity network storage are critical requirements.

Pros

  • Dual 10GbE SFP+ and dual 2.5GbE network ports
  • Eight 3.5-inch SATA drive bays
  • Redundant power supply configuration
  • PCIe Gen 2 x2 expansion slot

Cons

  • Ships with 4GB RAM installed
  • ARM Cortex-A57 processor clocked at 1.7GHz
  • Diskless chassis requires separate drive purchases

Good fit if

  • You need an 8-bay 2U rackmount chassis with redundant power supplies.
  • You utilize 10GbE SFP+ or 2.5GbE connections on your local network.
  • You want PCIe expandability for extra add-in cards.

Skip if

  • You require a desktop tower form factor rather than a 2U rackmount.
  • You need more than 16GB of maximum system RAM.
  • You prefer an x86 processor over a 1.7GHz ARM CPU.

Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power delivers high storage capacity and dual 10GbE connectivity in a 2U server chassis. It is built for server racks that demand dual power supplies and high-speed network interfaces.

Also great

QNAP 8-Bay 10GbE Desktop NAS

Best for: high-capacity eight-bay multi-gigabit storage setups

Network Connectivity
5GbE, 2.5GbE, 10GbE (what this guide is about)
Drive Bays
8 Bay
Processor
AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324
RAM Capacity
4 GB SODIMM DDR4
Included Storage
Diskless
Dimensions
7.4 × 13 × 11.1 inches

View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay 10GbE Desktop NAS

This 8-bay network attached storage unit gives you substantial drive capacity alongside high-speed connectivity. It features two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and an AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 quad-core 1.7GHz processor. Out of the box, you get 4 GB of DDR4 memory, expandable up to 16 GB. It suits you if you manage massive backup archives or multi-user networks requiring multi-gigabit throughput across several workstations.

Pros

  • Eight 3.5-inch SATA drive bays for high-density storage
  • Two 10GbE and two 2.5GbE network ports
  • Memory expandable up to 16 GB DDR4
  • AnnapurnaLabs quad-core 1.7GHz processor

Cons

  • Base configuration includes 4 GB of RAM
  • Supplied diskless without storage drives included

Good fit if

  • You need eight 3.5-inch drive bays for high storage volume.
  • You run 2.5GbE or 10GbE multi-gigabit network hardware.
  • You want the option to expand system memory up to 16 GB.

Skip if

  • You require pre-installed hard drives out of the box.
  • You need a NAS that supports more than 16 GB of RAM.

Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay NAS with 10GbE and 2.5GbE pairs eight drive bays with multiple high-speed network interfaces for data-intensive setups. Its quad-core processor and 16 GB maximum memory ceiling accommodate demanding multi-workstation file transfers.

Specifications side by side

Spec Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS QNAP 4-Bay 10GbE SFP+ NAS Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS QNAP 4-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS QNAP 4-Bay 1U Short Depth Rackmount NAS QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB Yxk 4-Bay Intel N100 NAS Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS QNAP 2-Bay 2.5GbE Desktop NAS Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay 10GbE NAS LincPlus LincStation 6-Bay Hybrid 2.5-Inch NAS QNAP 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power QNAP 8-Bay 10GbE Desktop NAS
Drive Bays 4-Bay 4-Bay 12 Bay 4 Bay 4 Bay 8 Bay 2-Bay 4-Bay 8-Bay 2-Bay 6 Bay 4 Bay 6-Bay 8-Bay 8 Bay
Network Connectivity 2x 2.5GbE 1x 10GbE, 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE not specified 1 x 2.5GbE, 1 x 1GbE Dual 2.5GbE Dual 2.5GbE not specified 2 x 2.5GbE Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE 2.5GbE Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE 2.5GbE 2 x 2.5GbE, 2 x 10GbE SFP+ 2 x 2.5GbE, 2 x 10GbE
Processor Quad-Core 2.0GHz AnnapurnaLabs AL-314 Intel Atom C3538 ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz Intel Celeron N5095 Intel Atom C5125 Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core Intel N100 AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz ARM Cortex-A55 AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz Intel N5105 AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 1.7GHz AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324
RAM Capacity 4GB DDR4 4GB DDR3L 8 GB DDR4-2133 4 GB DDR4 8 GB DDR4 8GB SODIMM DDR4 2 GB DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM 8GB DDR4 16GB ECC DDR5 4GB DDR4 16GB ECC DDR5 16GB ECC DDR5 16GB 4GB UDIMM DDR4 4 GB SODIMM DDR4
M.2 NVMe Slots 2 slots not specified not specified not specified Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x1 NVMe Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots not specified 2 slots 4 slots not specified 4 M.2 NVMe Slots 4 M.2 NVMe Slots 4 slots not specified not specified
Included Storage Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless 24TB Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless Diskless
RAID Support not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) RAID 0, 1, 5 not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified
Form Factor not specified not specified Rackmount not specified Rackmount Rackmount not specified not specified not specified Desktop not specified not specified 2.5 Inch Rackmount not specified
Hardware Interface M.2 NVMe not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified not specified HDMI M.2 NVMe not specified M.2 NVMe M.2 NVMe SATA, HDMI not specified not specified
Number of Bays 4-Bay 4-Bay 12-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay 8-Bay 2-Bay 4-Bay 8-Bay 2-Bay 6-Bay 4-Bay 6-Bay 8-Bay 8-Bay
Processor Cores Quad-Core not specified Quad-Core Quad-Core not specified 8-Core Quad-Core not specified Quad-Core not specified Quad-Core Quad-Core not specified not specified not specified
Dimensions 9.06 × 6.69 × 7.3 inches 10 × 10 × 10 inches 21.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches 6.3 × 8.62 × 6.65 inches 12 × 12 × 12 inches 23 × 21 × 8 inches not specified 9.2 × 7.9 × 6.3 inches not specified not specified 13 × 12 × 13 inches 13 × 12 × 10 inches 5.9 × 8.2 × 1.5 inches 23 × 20 × 5 inches 7.4 × 13 × 11.1 inches
Weight 6.53 pounds 5.1 pounds 25.8 pounds 4.56 pounds 9.7 pounds 9 pounds 4.41 pounds 7.84 pounds not specified not specified not specified not specified 1.8 pounds 4.41 pounds 14.1 pounds
Size 4 Bay 2.5GbE and 10GbE Ports 5.5"(W) x 7.5"(H) x 9.1"(D) 4 Bay 4 bay (Unav.) Short Rackmount-RP (Unav.) 24TB 4-Bay 42U x 19" x 24" (106.68cm x 48.26cm x 60.96cm) 2 Bay (Diskless) not specified not specified not specified 8 Bay (Unav.) 8-bay (Unav.)
Color AS6604T black AS6512RD black Black Black or Gray black Black Black White not specified not specified not specified black Black
Model AS6604T TS-431X3 AS6512RD TS-433-4G-US BAQN-TS-464EU-8G TS-855EU-RP-8G-US DS225+/24TB-IW not specified not specified TS-216G-US AS6806T AS6804T LincStation N1 TS-832PXU-RP-4G-US TS-832PX-4G-US

How to Choose a 5GbE NAS Enclosure

  1. Check RAM Capacity and ECC

    Evaluate the installed memory capacity and architecture to handle your planned background services. Basic file sharing functions on 4GB of RAM, but running multiple applications or containers benefits from larger memory pools. When data integrity during heavy multi-gigabit transfers is critical, look for error-correcting memory. The Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay 10GbE NAS includes 16GB of ECC DDR5 RAM out of the box, which actively detects and corrects data errors during intensive storage operations. Compare the base RAM and whether expansion slots exist.

  2. Verify Secondary Network Interfaces

    While 5GbE connectivity handles high-throughput local network transfers, look closely at the supplementary physical interfaces on the chassis. Some environments benefit from dedicated multi-gigabit combinations, such as pairing 5GbE or 2.5GbE copper ports with optical interfaces. The QNAP 4-Bay 10GbE SFP+ NAS provides both 2.5GbE Ethernet and high-speed 10GbE SFP+ networking options. If you plan to uplink your NAS directly into an existing SFP+ switch or need extra Ethernet ports for isolated network segments, verify these additional port specifications before selecting an enclosure.

  3. Assess Processor Core Count

    Check the central processor specifications if you plan to run workloads beyond basic file storage. Quad-core processors manage file synchronizations and standard backup tasks effectively. However, intensive virtualization and simultaneous multi-user transfers benefit from higher thread counts and more processing cores. The QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS features an 8-core processor, giving it substantial compute headroom for heavier multitasking. Compare the core count and processor family, such as AMD Ryzen or Intel Celeron, to ensure the unit matches your software demands without bottlenecks.

  4. Review Direct Display Outputs

    Determine whether your setup requires a local video connection. Most network storage systems are managed exclusively over an IP network via a web browser. However, models equipped with dedicated display ports permit direct video output and local terminal management without needing network access. The Yxk 4-Bay Intel N100 NAS includes an HDMI interface alongside its network connectivity. If you want direct monitor output for standalone media playback or container administration, verify that an HDMI hardware interface is listed on the device specifications.

  5. Choose Diskless or Pre-Populated

    Examine whether an enclosure ships diskless or comes factory-equipped with storage media. Diskless enclosures let you select your own drive capacities and brands, giving you full control over drive speeds and storage configurations. Conversely, bundled options arrive ready for deployment with pre-tested capacities. The Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS 24TB includes 24TB of storage directly in the box, removing the need to source separate drives. Confirm whether the listed unit specifies diskless or includes dedicated storage capacity before planning your setup schedule.

  6. Evaluate Power Supply Redundancy

    When deploying hardware in server cabinets or enterprise settings, review the power supply configuration on the specification sheet. Single power supply units are standard for home or small office use, but mission-critical networks require protection against power module failures. The QNAP 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power integrates dual redundant power supplies into its chassis. This ensures the NAS continues operating on backup line power if a supply fails. Look for redundant power designations if continuous network uptime is a priority.

Frequently asked questions

What network speed advantages does a 5GbE NAS offer over standard gigabit?

A 5GbE NAS provides up to five times the theoretical transmission bandwidth of a standard 1GbE network connection. This higher throughput allows you to move large media archives and multi-gigabyte backup images much faster across local multi-gigabit switches. Systems on this list, like the Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay, leverage multi-gigabit ports to eliminate the networking bottlenecks typical of single-gigabit office or home setups.

Can you connect a 5GbE NAS to slower 2.5GbE or 1GbE networks?

Yes, 5GbE ports feature multi-gigabit auto-negotiation that automatically steps down to lower speeds when connected to slower gear. If your router or switch only supports 2.5GbE or 1GbE, the NAS operates at that connected interface speed. Several models, such as the Synology 2-Bay and QNAP TS-431X3, explicitly list multiple interface speeds across 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 5GbE, or 10GbE for broad network compatibility.

Do any 5GbE NAS models come with pre-installed hard drives?

Yes, select models arrive with pre-installed mechanical storage rather than shipping strictly as diskless enclosures. For instance, the Synology 2-Bay Quad-Core NAS (DS225+/24TB-IW) provides 24TB of included storage straight out of the box alongside its 5GbE and 1GbE connectivity. In contrast, many alternatives, such as the QNAP TS-216G-US or Asustor desktop towers, are supplied as diskless units that require you to supply drives.

Which 5GbE NAS models support NVMe solid-state drives?

Several high-performance units include dedicated M.2 NVMe slots alongside traditional SATA bays. The Asustor Lockerstor line, including the 4-Bay AS6604T, 6-Bay AS6806T, and 8-Bay model, features M.2 NVMe interfaces for high-speed storage caching or fast tiering. Similarly, the LincPlus LincStation N1 hybrid unit integrates four NVMe slots with two 2.5-inch SATA drive bays in an ultra-compact chassis.

Are rackmount form factors available with 5GbE network connectivity?

Yes, multiple rackmount units combine high bay counts with native 5GbE networking for server cabinet deployment. The Asustor Lockerstor AS6512RD offers a 2U 12-bay configuration with 8GB of RAM and quad-core processing. For shallower cabinets, the QNAP TS-855EU-RP provides an 8-bay short-depth 2U rackmount build powered by an 8-core processor, while the TS-832PXU-RP integrates redundant power supplies for continuous uptime.

Can a 5GbE NAS also connect directly to 10GbE network equipment?

Yes, several models feature dedicated 10GbE ports alongside their multi-gigabit 5GbE capabilities. The QNAP TS-431X3 integrates 10GbE SFP+ connectivity along with 5GbE and 2.5GbE support. Additionally, options like the Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay, Lockerstor 6-Bay AS6806T, and QNAP 9-Bay TS-h973AX list simultaneous 10GbE and 5GbE specifications, letting you bridge high-speed 10GbE infrastructure directly to your multi-gigabit storage array.

What processors are used in 5GbE NAS enclosures?

Models in this class feature processors ranging from Intel Celeron and N100 chips to multi-core AMD Ryzen hardware. For instance, the Synology DS225+ uses a quad-core Intel Celeron CPU, while the Yxk 4-Bay NAS runs on an Intel N100 chip. If you require higher compute power, the QNAP TS-855EU-RP incorporates an 8-core processor, and Asustor Lockerstor Gen3 models utilize AMD Ryzen quad-core processors.

See also