Best NAS Devices with M.2 Nvme in 2026: 15 Picks Ranked by Specs
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Finding the best network attached storages with m 2 nvme requires looking at how these drives integrate with your network and processing power. We compared 15 models based strictly on the specifications published on the listings. The Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS leads this list because it combines eight drive bays with dual 10GbE ports and 8GB of DDR4 RAM for high-throughput environments. This guide helps you decide which hardware interface and connectivity options match your specific data management needs.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- You need high-capacity multi-gigabit network storage Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS It features eight 3.5-inch drive bays and dual 10GbE ports for heavy data demands.
- You want silent, high-speed NVMe storage in small spaces Aiffro K100 4-Bay All-SSD NAS This compact 4-bay all-SSD unit uses an Intel N100 processor and weighs just 14.1 ounces.
- You require virtualization workloads needing high RAM Synology DS723+ 2-Bay Ryzen NAS It offers 32GB of RAM for its class, though it is limited to 1GbE connections.
- You need fast M.2 NVMe storage on 10GbE networks LincPlus 6-Bay 10GbE Hybrid NAS This 6-bay hybrid NAS provides four M.2 NVMe slots and 10GbE connectivity with an Intel N100 processor.
Our 15 picks
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: high-capacity multi-gigabit network storage
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
This 8-bay network storage enclosure integrates M.2 NVMe hardware connectivity with an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core 2.1GHz processor. You get 8GB of DDR4-2133 memory, two 10GbE network interfaces, and two 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation support. It holds up to eight 3.5-inch SATA hard drives in an 8.5-inch tall chassis. This setup suits you if you need dense local storage alongside multi-gigabit networking and fast M.2 NVMe SSD capability.
Pros
- Dual 10GbE ports delivering up to 20Gbps via link aggregation
- Dual 2.5GbE ports delivering up to 5Gbps via link aggregation
- Eight 3.5-inch SATA hard drive bays
- M.2 NVMe hardware interface
Cons
- Heavy empty chassis weight of 13.67 pounds
- Specifications only state support for 3.5-inch SATA hard drives
Good fit if
- You need eight 3.5-inch SATA drive bays paired with M.2 NVMe support.
- You run a network that can use dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE link aggregation.
- You want an Intel Atom quad-core processor with 8GB of DDR4 memory.
Skip if
- You want a lightweight enclosure rather than an 8-bay unit weighing over 13 pounds.
- You do not need multi-gigabit 10GbE or 2.5GbE networking.
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay NVMe NAS combines eight 3.5-inch drive bays with dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE networking for high-throughput M.2 NVMe environments. It delivers robust quad-core processing and 8GB of DDR4 memory for heavy data demands.
Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS
Best for: multi-gigabit office backups and IP surveillance
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Quad-Core 2.0GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
The Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Dual M.2 NAS provides four drive bays and two M.2 NVMe slots for your network storage. It features a 2.0GHz quad-core processor, 4GB of DDR4 memory, and two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports for network connections. With three USB 3.2 ports and four included IP camera licenses, it suits you if you need compact multi-gigabit backup, synchronization, and local surveillance management.
Pros
- Two M.2 NVMe SSD slots
- Two 2.5GbE network ports
- Three USB 3.2 ports
- Four included IP camera licenses
Cons
- Base configuration limited to 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Maximum of four primary drive bays
Good fit if
- You need dual 2.5GbE network connections alongside M.2 NVMe slots.
- You plan to run network video surveillance using up to four IP cameras.
- You want automated backup and file synchronization across personal computers.
Skip if
- You require more than four main drive bays for storage capacity.
- You need more than 4GB of memory out of the box.
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Dual M.2 NAS combines a 2.0GHz quad-core processor with two 2.5GbE ports and dual M.2 NVMe slots. It gives you reliable multi-gigabit transfer speeds and solid-state expansion in a four-bay desktop enclosure.
QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS
Best for: Users needing NVMe cache and dual 2.5GbE ports
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 2 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105/N5095
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x1
The QNAP TS-264 is a 2-bay desktop NAS powered by a quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 processor with 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It features dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x1 NVMe slots for cache acceleration or SSD storage pools. Dual 2.5GbE ports accelerate file sharing and large transfers. This unit suits users needing expandable storage with dedicated NVMe support.
Pros
- Quad-core Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 CPU with 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x1 NVMe slots for cache or storage
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports for faster file transfers
- One PCIe Gen3 x2 expansion slot for add-on cards
Cons
- Only two drive bays limit total storage capacity
- M.2 slots are PCIe Gen3x1, not Gen4 or x4
- No 10GbE network connectivity included
Good fit if
- You need dedicated M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration
- You want dual 2.5GbE ports for faster local transfers
- You prefer a desktop form factor with expansion options
Skip if
- You require more than two drive bays
- You need 10GbE network connectivity
- You want PCIe Gen4 M.2 slots
Verdict: QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS offers solid NVMe support and dual 2.5GbE ports for users who prioritize expandability and moderate performance over high drive counts.
Aiffro K100 4-Bay All-SSD NAS
Best for: Silent, high-speed NVMe storage in small spaces
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4 Bays
- Network Connectivity
- 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel N100
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB LPDDR5 4800MHz
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 slots
The Aiffro K100 is a compact 4-bay NAS designed for M.2 NVMe SSDs. It uses an Intel N100 processor with 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM for efficient data management. The unit includes a 2.5GbE port and supports various operating systems like Ubuntu and TrueNAS. Its small aluminum chassis fits well in tight spaces. This drive suits users who need high-speed flash storage without the noise or heat of mechanical drives.
Pros
- Four bays for M.2 NVMe SSDs up to 16TB total capacity
- Intel N100 processor with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM for responsive performance
- Low 6W TDP keeps power consumption and heat low
- Supports multiple OS options including Ubuntu, CentOS, and TrueNAS
- Compact aluminum design measuring 4.41 x 1.34 x 4.61 inches
Cons
- Only one 2.5GbE port limits network throughput compared to 10GbE models
- No mention of built-in eSATA or USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for fast external backups
- Proprietary OS support is not listed, limiting pre-configured software features
Good fit if
- You want a silent, fan-less or low-noise storage solution for small spaces
- You prefer using open-source NAS operating systems like TrueNAS or Ubuntu
- You need high read/write speeds from SSDs without mechanical drive latency
Skip if
- You require 10GbE or higher network connectivity for large file transfers
- You need a pre-configured user-friendly interface with a dedicated mobile app
- You plan to store large amounts of data using traditional 3.5-inch HDDs
Verdict: The Aiffro K100 4-Bay All-SSD NAS fits users who prioritize speed and silence over raw network bandwidth. It is a solid choice for small teams or enthusiasts who want to build their own storage environment using NVMe drives and custom operating systems.
LincPlus 6-Bay 10GbE Hybrid NAS
Best for: fast M.2 NVMe storage on 10GbE networks
- Hardware Interface
- SATA, M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 6-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1x 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel N100
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB LPDDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 slots
The LincPlus 6-Bay NVMe and SATA NAS combines four M.2 NVMe 2280 slots with two 2.5-inch SATA bays in a compact metal chassis. It features an Intel N100 quad-core processor, 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, and a built-in 10GbE networking port for high-speed data transfers. This setup suits you if you need fast flash storage alongside secondary drives for backups, container hosting, or media streaming via HDMI 2.0.
Pros
- Four dedicated M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots for fast solid-state storage
- Built-in 10GbE Ethernet port for high-speed local data transfers
- Intel N100 4-core processor with 16GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory
- Includes an Unraid OS Starter license out of the box
- Direct video output support via an integrated HDMI 2.0 port
Cons
- SATA drive bays only support 2.5-inch drives, not 3.5-inch drives
- Onboard LPDDR5 memory cannot be expanded or upgraded
- Single network port does not allow hardware link aggregation
Good fit if
- You want four high-speed M.2 NVMe slots paired with a 10GbE network connection.
- You plan to run Docker containers or stream 4K media using Unraid OS.
- You prefer a compact desktop system that uses 2.5-inch SATA and M.2 SSDs.
Skip if
- You need 3.5-inch drive bays for standard large-capacity mechanical hard drives.
- You require multiple Ethernet ports for network redundancy or failover.
Verdict: LincPlus 6-Bay NVMe and SATA NAS delivers four high-speed M.2 NVMe slots and 10GbE connectivity in a compact footprint. It provides a capable, flash-forward storage platform powered by an efficient Intel N100 processor.
MINISFORUM N5 Pro 5-Bay Desktop NAS
Best for: High-performance AI and media NAS tasks
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe, HDMI (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 5-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1 x 10GbE, 1 x 5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 3 slots
- Included Storage
- 128GB SSD
The MINISFORUM N5 Pro is a desktop NAS built around the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 processor. It features five drive bays, combining three M.2 NVMe slots and two U.2 interfaces for high-speed storage. Network connectivity includes a 10GbE port and a 5GbE port. This unit supports link aggregation and includes an HDMI output for direct display. It is designed for users who need strong processing power and flexible storage configurations.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 processor with 12 cores and 24 threads
- 5-drive capacity using 3 M.2 NVMe slots and 2 U.2 interfaces
- 10GbE and 5GbE network ports with link aggregation support
- HDMI 8K output and USB4 interface for direct display connections
- Slide-out motherboard design for easy RAM and SSD upgrades
Cons
- The 128GB system drive occupies one M.2 NVMe slot
- Proprietary MinisCloud OS limits third-party application support
- No mechanical hard drive bays included in the chassis
Good fit if
- You need high CPU performance for AI photo analysis and video transcoding
- You want to use fast NVMe and U.2 drives for your storage pool
- You require 10GbE networking for high-throughput data transfers
Skip if
- You prefer traditional mechanical hard drives for bulk storage
- You want to use Synology or QNAP operating systems
- You need a simple 2-bay setup without complex expansion options
Verdict: The MINISFORUM N5 Pro 5-Bay NAS fits users who prioritize raw processing power and fast NVMe storage over traditional HDD capacity. Its Ryzen AI processor and 10GbE connectivity make it ideal for media transcoding and heavy data management tasks.
MINISFORUM N5 Pro Desktop NAS
Best for: High-performance AI and large storage needs
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe, HDMI (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 5-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1 x 10GbE, 1 x 5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370
- RAM Capacity
- Expandable up to 96GB DDR5 ECC
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 3 slots
The MINISFORUM N5 Pro is a 5-bay desktop NAS powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 processor. It supports up to 188TB of storage across five SATA bays and includes M.2 NVMe slots. You get 10GbE and 5GbE network ports for fast transfers. The system features expandable DDR5 ECC memory and OCuLink for external GPU connections. It suits users needing high AI performance and large capacity.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with up to 5.1GHz
- 5-bay design supporting up to 188TB total capacity
- 10GbE and 5GbE dual network ports with link aggregation
- Expandable DDR5 ECC memory up to 96GB
- OCuLink port for external PCIe 4.0 devices
Cons
- OCuLink port does not support hot-swapping
- No mention of USB-C connectivity
- No mention of built-in UPS support
Good fit if
- You need high-performance AI processing for media tasks
- You require 10GbE networking for large file transfers
- You want expandable ECC memory for system stability
Skip if
- You need hot-swappable external GPU connections
- You prefer a compact 2-bay form factor
- You require USB-C connectivity
Verdict: The MINISFORUM N5 Pro AI NAS offers powerful Ryzen AI processing and massive storage for users who need high-speed networking and expandable memory. It is ideal for content creators and professionals requiring robust AI capabilities and large data capacity.
Sabrent 3-Bay NVMe 10GbE PCIe Card
Best for: expanding storage and network speed
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Network Connectivity
- 10GbE
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 3 slots
- Dimensions
- 8.27 × 4.92 × 0.79 inches
- Weight
- 1.24 pounds
This PCIe expansion card adds three M.2 NVMe slots and a 10GbE port to your NAS or server. It fits any PCIe x4 or larger slot without needing UEFI bifurcation. The card supports various drive lengths and includes a tool-free aluminum heatsink. You get shared bandwidth across the drives. It is a practical add-on for expanding storage and network speed in compatible systems.
Pros
- Adds three M.2 NVMe slots and one 10GbE port
- Fits PCIe x4 or larger slots without bifurcation
- Supports 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 drive lengths
- Includes pre-installed aluminum heatsink for cooling
Cons
- Drives share a single x4 PCIe 3.0 link
- Requires significant case clearance for installation
- SSDs are sold separately
Good fit if
- You need extra NVMe slots in a standard PCIe slot
- You want to add 10GbE networking to an existing system
- You have space for a full-length expansion card
Skip if
- You use a compact or sealed NAS enclosure
- You need dedicated bandwidth per drive
- You only have small-form-factor cases
Verdict: Sabrent 3-Bay 10GbE NVMe Expansion Card is a solid upgrade for desktop NAS builds where you have open PCIe slots and room for a large card. It suits users who prioritize capacity and network speed over individual drive performance.
MINISFORUM N5 Pro AI NAS
Best for: AI processing and high-capacity hybrid storage
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 5-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 5GbE+10GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
- RAM Capacity
- 2x SODIMM DDR5-5600MHz
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 3 M.2 + 2 U.2 slots
The MINISFORUM N5 Pro AI NAS uses an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 370 processor with 12 cores. It supports up to 144TB of storage across five HDD slots and three M.2 NVMe ports. Dual 10GbE and one 5GbE port provide high-speed connectivity. ECC DDR5 memory ensures data integrity. This unit suits users needing heavy AI processing and large storage capacity.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 370 with 12 cores and 5.1GHz boost
- Supports up to 144TB storage across five 3.5-inch and three M.2 slots
- Dual 10GbE and single 5GbE network ports with link aggregation
- ECC DDR5-5600MHz memory support for data reliability
Cons
- Includes only a 128GB SSD for the OS, requiring additional drives for data
- Larger physical footprint than standard 2-bay or 4-bay desktop NAS units
- Uses MinisCloud OS instead of the more common Synology or Asustor interfaces
Good fit if
- You need high-performance AI processing capabilities for local tasks
- You require dual 10GbE ports for fast network transfers
- You want to expand storage up to 144TB with multiple drive types
Skip if
- You prefer a simple, plug-and-play experience with a familiar interface
- You are looking for a compact unit that fits in tight spaces
- You want a NAS with included data drives for immediate use
Verdict: The MINISFORUM N5 Pro AI NAS fits users who prioritize raw processing power and extensive storage expansion over a traditional, simplified NAS interface.
Synology DS723+ 2-Bay Ryzen NAS
Best for: Virtualization workloads requiring high RAM
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2 x 1GbE
- Processor
- Ryzen R1600 2.6GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB DDR4 ECC
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
The Synology DS723+ is a two-bay NAS featuring an AMD Ryzen 2.6GHz processor and 32GB of DDR4 ECC memory. It includes 20TB of SATA storage and 1TB of M.2 NVMe SSD cache. The unit supports 1GbE networking with link aggregation. This configuration suits users needing high memory for virtualization or heavy multitasking within a compact desktop form factor.
Pros
- 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM memory capacity
- AMD Ryzen 2.6GHz CPU with 3.1GHz turbo
- 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD cache included
- 20TB SATA HDD storage included
- Link aggregation and failover support
Cons
- Limited to 1GbE network ports
- Requires manual installation of drives and memory
- Only two drive bays available
Good fit if
- You need 32GB of RAM for virtual machines
- You want Synology DSM software reliability
- You require NVMe caching for performance
Skip if
- You need 10GbE or 2.5GbE networking
- You want a pre-assembled unit
- You need more than two drive bays
Verdict: Synology DS723+ 32GB RAM NAS offers exceptional memory for its class but restricts you to slower 1GbE connections and manual assembly.
Synology 2-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS
Best for: home offices needing NVMe flexibility
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE
- Processor
- Ryzen R1600
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
The Synology DS725+ is a compact 2-bay NAS designed for home and small-office use. It features an AMD Ryzen R1600 quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM for responsive multitasking. Two M.2 NVMe slots allow you to add fast SSD storage alongside the two drive bays. Network connectivity includes one 2.5GbE and one 1GbE port. It supports expansion via the DX525 unit for up to 140 TB total capacity.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen R1600 quad-core processor
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching or storage
- 1x 2.5GbE and 1x 1GbE network ports
- Expandable to 140 TB with DX525 unit
Cons
- Only two drive bays for bulk storage
- 4GB RAM is lower than 8GB or 16GB options in this guide
- No 10GbE network port
Good fit if
- You need a compact NAS for a home office
- You want to use NVMe drives for caching or fast access
- You prefer Synology's software ecosystem
Skip if
- You require more than two drive bays
- You need 10GbE networking speeds
- You want a system with 8GB or more RAM
Verdict: Synology DS725+ 2-Bay NAS is a capable entry for users who prioritize NVMe flexibility and brand reliability over raw capacity or multi-gigabit speeds.
Oaknode Mini PC NAS 5 Bay N100
Best for: compact NVMe NAS with multi-gigabit networking
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Network Connectivity
- 4x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel N100
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 5 slots
- Included Storage
- 256GB
The Oaknode N150 is a compact desktop NAS built around the Intel N100 processor. It supports four M.2 NVMe drives via an adapter board, offering high-speed PCIe 3.0 x4 storage. You get 4x 2.5GbE LAN ports and 1x SODIMM DDR5 slot. Its 6W TDP keeps power use low. This small form factor suits users needing fast NVMe storage and multiple network interfaces in a tiny footprint.
Pros
- Supports four M.2 NVMe SSDs for high-speed storage
- Includes four 2.5GbE LAN ports for flexible networking
- Low 6W TDP Intel N100 processor reduces power costs
- Compact 18.5x16x8cm size saves desktop space
Cons
- Only one SODIMM DDR5 memory slot limits RAM expansion
- No included RAM or storage in base configuration
- Limited to PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe speeds
Good fit if
- You need multiple 2.5GbE ports for network flexibility
- You want to use high-speed M.2 NVMe drives
- You prefer a low-power, compact desktop form factor
Skip if
- You require dual memory slots for maximum RAM capacity
- You need PCIe 4.0 or higher NVMe bandwidth
- You want a NAS with pre-installed RAM and drives
Verdict: Oaknode Mini PC NAS 5 Bay N100 fits users who prioritize multiple 2.5GbE ports and NVMe storage speed in a tiny, low-power desktop package.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS
Best for: eight-bay storage with quad NVMe slots
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (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
This 8-bay network attached storage unit gives you an AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor paired with 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory. It includes four M.2 NVMe slots alongside both 10GbE and 5GbE network connectivity options. With room for up to eight drives and built-in flash memory of 8 GB, this enclosure suits you if you need dense local capacity alongside fast solid-state caching or tiering for intensive multi-user network storage workloads.
Pros
- Four M.2 NVMe slots
- 10GbE and 5GbE network connectivity
- 16GB ECC DDR5 RAM
- AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor
Cons
- Ships with zero hard drives or SSDs pre-installed
- Internal flash memory capacity limited to 8 GB
Good fit if
- You need four M.2 NVMe slots for solid-state caching or high-speed pools.
- You want 10GbE and 5GbE networking right out of the box.
- You require eight storage bays powered by an AMD Ryzen processor and ECC DDR5 RAM.
Skip if
- You need a NAS that arrives with pre-installed storage drives.
- You do not require 10GbE or 5GbE high-bandwidth network connections.
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay NVMe NAS delivers quad-core AMD Ryzen processing, 16GB ECC DDR5 RAM, and four M.2 NVMe bays. It gives you 10GbE and 5GbE connectivity across an eight-bay setup.
MINISFORUM N5 Air Desktop NAS
Best for: Users needing high CPU power and expansion
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 5-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1x 10GbE, 1x 5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 7 255
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 3 slots
- Included Storage
- 64GB SSD
The MINISFORUM N5 Air is a 5-bay desktop NAS featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 255 processor with 8 cores and 16 threads. It includes M.2 NVMe slots and supports up to 174 TB of total storage. The unit offers 10GbE and 5GbE network ports for high-speed data transfer. It is designed for users needing workstation-level performance for video transcoding and virtual machines.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen 7 255 CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads
- Supports up to 174 TB total storage capacity
- Dual LAN ports with 10GbE and 5GbE connectivity
- Includes native OCuLink port for external GPU expansion
Cons
- Sold without installed RAM or HDDs
- Limited to 64 GB system SSD storage
- No mention of built-in display or remote control
Good fit if
- You need high CPU performance for virtual machines
- You require fast network speeds for large files
- You want to expand storage with U.2 SSDs
Skip if
- You prefer a pre-configured ready-to-use system
- You need more than 174 TB of storage
- You want a compact 2-bay desktop solution
Verdict: The MINISFORUM N5 Air Desktop NAS delivers workstation-grade processing power and extensive expansion options for demanding users. It is the right choice for those who need to handle complex tasks like 4K transcoding and virtualization.
Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS
Best for: high-speed multi-gigabit networks needing quad NVMe caching
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 6 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 M.2 NVMe Slots
This 6-bay desktop enclosure pairs an AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor with 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory. You get four dedicated M.2 NVMe slots alongside six drive bays for storage. High-speed networking includes built-in 5GbE and 10GbE connectivity, preventing interface bottlenecks during heavy transfers. It suits you if you need fast solid-state caching, high-bandwidth multi-gigabit networking, and expandable drive capacity.
Pros
- Four M.2 NVMe slots for solid-state storage or caching
- High-speed 5GbE and 10GbE network connectivity
- 16GB ECC DDR5 memory for reliable data integrity
- AMD Ryzen quad-core 2.3 GHz processor
Cons
- Ships without any pre-installed hard drives or SSDs
- Large physical footprint measuring 12 by 13 by 13 inches
Good fit if
- You need 10GbE or 5GbE network speeds for high-bandwidth local transfers.
- You want four dedicated M.2 NVMe slots to build fast caching or flash storage.
- You require ECC DDR5 memory for workloads requiring strict data error protection.
Skip if
- You prefer a turnkey NAS that arrives with storage drives pre-installed.
- You have limited space and need a more compact enclosure.
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with M.2 NVMe delivers quad-core processing, 10GbE connectivity, and four M.2 slots for demanding local network storage. It provides substantial expandability across six drive bays backed by high-capacity ECC DDR5 memory.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS | QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Desktop NAS | Aiffro K100 4-Bay All-SSD NAS | LincPlus 6-Bay 10GbE Hybrid NAS | MINISFORUM N5 Pro 5-Bay Desktop NAS | MINISFORUM N5 Pro Desktop NAS | Sabrent 3-Bay NVMe 10GbE PCIe Card | MINISFORUM N5 Pro AI NAS | Synology DS723+ 2-Bay Ryzen NAS | Synology 2-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS | Oaknode Mini PC NAS 5 Bay N100 | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS | MINISFORUM N5 Air Desktop NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 4-Bay | 2 Bay | 4 Bays | 6-Bay | 5-Bay | 5-Bay | not specified | 5-Bay | 2-Bay | 2-Bay | not specified | 8-Bay | 5-Bay | 6 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | 2x 2.5GbE | Dual 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE | 1x 10GbE | 1 x 10GbE, 1 x 5GbE | 1 x 10GbE, 1 x 5GbE | 10GbE | 5GbE+10GbE | 2 x 1GbE | 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE | 4x 2.5GbE | Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE | 1x 10GbE, 1x 5GbE | Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | Quad-Core 2.0GHz | Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 | Intel N100 | Intel N100 | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 | not specified | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Ryzen R1600 2.6GHz | Ryzen R1600 | Intel N100 | AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz | AMD Ryzen 7 255 | AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 | 8GB LPDDR5 4800MHz | 16GB LPDDR5 | not specified | Expandable up to 96GB DDR5 ECC | not specified | 2x SODIMM DDR5-5600MHz | 32GB DDR4 ECC | 4GB | 8GB DDR5 | 16GB ECC DDR5 | not specified | 16GB ECC DDR5 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not specified | 2 slots | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x1 | 4 slots | 4 slots | 3 slots | 3 slots | 3 slots | 3 M.2 + 2 U.2 slots | 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD | 2 slots | 5 slots | 4 slots | 3 slots | 4 M.2 NVMe Slots |
| Included Storage | not specified | Diskless | Diskless | not specified | Diskless | 128GB SSD | 128GB SSD | not specified | 128GB SSD | 20TB HDD + 1TB SSD | 8TB | 256GB | Diskless | 64GB SSD | Diskless |
| RAID Support | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 0, 1, 5, 6 | not specified | RAID 0/1/5/6/10 | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | RAID 0/1/5/6 | not specified |
| Form Factor | not specified | not specified | Desktop | not specified | not specified | Desktop | Desktop | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Desktop | not specified | Desktop | not specified |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe | SATA, M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe, HDMI | M.2 NVMe, HDMI | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe | M.2 NVMe |
| Compatibility | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | PC | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 4-Bay | 2-Bay | 4-Bay | 6-Bay | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 2-Bay | not specified | 8-Bay | not specified | 6-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core | Quad-Core | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Quad-Core | not specified | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 9.06 × 6.69 × 7.3 inches | 13 × 9 × 11 inches | 4.61 × 4.41 × 1.34 inches | 5.91 × 8.27 × 1.38 inches | not specified | 7.95 × 7.83 × 9.92 inches | 8.27 × 4.92 × 0.79 inches | 7.95 × 7.83 × 9.92 inches | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 13 × 12 × 13 inches |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds | 6.53 pounds | 5.11 pounds | 14.1 ounces | 1.76 pounds | not specified | not specified | 1.24 pounds | not specified | not specified | 6.61 pounds | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Size | 8 Bay | 4 Bay | 2 Bay (Unav.) | 256G | 5.9 x 8.2 x 1.5 inches | N5 Pro(0+128G) | N5 Pro(0+128G) | 3-Bay + 10GbE | 7.95 x 7.83 x 9.92 inches | not specified | not specified | not specified | 42U x 19" x 24" (106.68cm x 48.26cm x 60.96cm) | N5A-H255(0+0+64) | not specified |
| Color | Lockerstor | AS6604T | Clear | white | Neutral | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black | gray | N150-8G+256G | Black | Blue | not specified |
| Model | AS6508T | AS6604T | TS-264-8G-US | K100 | N2 | N5-Pro-P370(0+128) | N5-PRO-P370 | EC-PM2L | DeskMini | not specified | DS725+/8TB-IW | N150 | not specified | N5 Air | AS6806T |
To populate these slots, you can compare the best m 2 nvme SSDs by bus speed and endurance ratings.
How to choose the right one
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Check network connectivity
Look at the Ethernet ports first. Multi-gigabit speeds like 2.5GbE or 10GbE matter more than the drive count for performance. The Asustor AS6508T offers dual 10GbE ports for high throughput. In contrast, the Synology DS723+ has 32GB of RAM but only supports 1GbE. If you transfer large files, prioritize the network speed. Slower ports will bottleneck even the fastest NVMe drives. Ensure your router or switch matches the NAS ports to realize the full benefit of the hardware interface.
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Evaluate RAM capacity
RAM size determines how well the NAS handles virtualization and caching. The Synology DS723+ includes 32GB of RAM, which is exceptional for running multiple virtual machines. The Asustor AS6508T provides 8GB, which is sufficient for general file storage and moderate multitasking. If you plan to run Docker containers or virtual servers, aim for higher RAM. Lower capacities like 4GB in the Asustor AS6604T are fine for basic backups and media streaming tasks.
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Consider processor type
The CPU handles transcoding and encryption tasks. AMD Ryzen processors, found in the MINISFORUM N5 Pro, offer strong performance for AI tasks and media transcoding. Intel Celeron chips, like those in the QNAP TS-264, provide solid reliability for standard storage duties. The Intel N100 in the Oaknode Mini PC NAS balances power and efficiency. Match the processor to your workload. Heavy media libraries benefit from stronger CPUs, while simple file servers need less power.
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Assess drive bays
The number of bays dictates your total storage capacity. Eight-bay models like the Asustor AS6508T suit users needing massive local storage. Four-bay units, such as the Aiffro K100, offer a balance of speed and space. Two-bay devices are ideal for small offices or home users. Consider whether you need all-SSD speed or hybrid setups. The LincPlus N2 combines six bays with NVMe slots. Plan your future growth by selecting a chassis that allows for expansion.
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Review form factor
Physical size affects placement and noise levels. Desktop units like the QNAP TS-264 are compact and quiet. Rack-mount or large tower models, such as the Asustor AS6806T, require more space and may produce more fan noise. The Aiffro K100 is exceptionally small and silent. Check the dimensions in the specs sheet. Ensure your desk or rack has enough room. Smaller form factors are better for bedrooms, while larger units fit server rooms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an all-SSD NAS and a hybrid model?
An all-SSD NAS, like the Aiffro K100, uses only M.2 NVMe drives for maximum speed and silence. A hybrid model, such as the LincPlus 6-Bay, combines M.2 NVMe slots with traditional SATA bays. This allows you to use fast flash storage for caching or active files while keeping larger HDDs for bulk capacity.
How does RAM capacity affect NAS performance?
Higher RAM supports more complex tasks like virtualization and heavy data management. The Synology DS723+ includes 32GB RAM for robust virtualization workloads. In contrast, the Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay has 4GB RAM, which suits standard office backups. More memory helps the system handle multiple users and applications simultaneously without slowing down.
Which NAS models support 10GbE networking?
Several models feature 10GbE ports for high-throughput transfers. The Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS offers dual 10GbE connectivity. The LincPlus 6-Bay and MINISFORUM N5 Pro also include 10GbE ports. These ports allow you to move large files faster than standard 1GbE or 2.5GbE connections, which is ideal for media editing.
Can I use a PCIe expansion card as a NAS?
Yes, the Sabrent 3-Bay NVMe 10GbE PCIe Card acts as a storage expansion for desktop builds. It provides three M.2 NVMe slots and 10GbE networking. This option suits users who have open PCIe slots and want to build a custom NAS environment rather than buying a pre-assembled unit. It focuses on capacity and network speed.
What processor options are available in these NAS devices?
You can choose between Intel and AMD processors depending on your needs. The Oaknode Mini PC NAS uses an Intel N100 for low-power efficiency. The MINISFORUM N5 Pro series features AMD Ryzen processors for high-performance AI and media tasks. The Asustor AS6806T also uses a quad-core AMD Ryzen processor for demanding local network storage.
Are there compact NAS options for small spaces?
Yes, several models are designed for small footprints. The Aiffro K100 weighs only 14.1 ounces and fits in tight spaces. The MINISFORUM N5 Pro is a compact desktop unit with high processing power. The Sabrent expansion card is also small but requires a desktop PC. These options prioritize speed and silence over large drive counts.
How many M.2 NVMe slots do these NAS units have?
The number of slots varies by model. The Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS includes dual M.2 slots. The Asustor AS6806T offers four M.2 slots for extensive caching. The LincPlus 6-Bay also provides four high-speed M.2 slots. More slots allow for greater cache capacity or faster storage tiers within the same device.