Looking Beyond the BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay Business? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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If you are exploring buffalo terastation 51220rh 12 bay business alternatives, you might want to compare other rackmount options. The BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH offers 240TB of capacity with 10GbE ports and enterprise-grade security. It ships with drives included and supports snapshots for rapid data recovery. This setup suits teams that need a closed, secure system with high storage density.
However, you may prefer different specifications. Some users need more RAM for virtualization or flexible network upgrades. Others might want a smaller footprint or a different brand ecosystem. The 6 alternatives listed here share key traits like 12-bay capacity or rackmount form factors. Each option brings distinct specs, such as varying processor cores, RAM sizes, or connectivity options. You can choose based on whether you prioritize raw capacity, memory, or expandability. These choices cover various business needs while maintaining professional storage standards.
Our top pick: BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB.
How each alternative compares
Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS
The Asustor Lockerstor 12RD distinguishes itself with 8GB of RAM, which is double the typical baseline for this class. It supports upgradeable 5GbE and 2.5GbE connectivity, offering more flexibility than the BUFFALO’s fixed 10GbE port. While it shares the 12-bay rackmount form factor, it is significantly lighter at 25.8 pounds compared to the BUFFALO’s 55.4 pounds. It lacks included hard drives, requiring you to source them separately. This unit suits users who prioritize memory for virtualization tasks and want to customize their network speeds rather than relying on pre-configured enterprise security features.
BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS
The BUFFALO TeraStation 71210RH offers a more compact storage option with 80TB capacity using four 20TB drives, whereas the original includes twelve 20TB drives for 240TB. It retains the 10GbE networking and rackmount design, ensuring high-speed transfers remain consistent. However, it weighs slightly less at 54.2 pounds and has a narrower width of 3.5 inches. This model is ideal if you need enterprise-grade security and Xeon processing but do not require the maximum 240TB capacity. It provides a middle ground for teams that want BUFFALO’s closed-system security with less raw storage volume.
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
The QNAP TR-004U is a 4-bay expansion unit, not a standalone NAS like the BUFFALO. It is designed specifically to add storage to existing QNAP systems rather than operating independently. It is much smaller and lighter, weighing only 4.41 pounds, and lacks built-in networking ports for standalone use. This device is only relevant if you already own a QNAP NAS and need to scale capacity without replacing your primary unit. It does not offer the security features, snapshots, or 10GbE speeds of the BUFFALO TeraStation. It is a niche solution for QNAP users expanding their array.
QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD
The QNAP TL-R400S is a 4-bay SATA JBOD expansion unit, providing dedicated slots for additional drives. Like the TR-004U, it requires an existing QNAP NAS to function and cannot operate as a standalone storage server. It is compact, weighing just a few pounds, and lacks the processing power and security protocols of the BUFFALO. This unit is suitable for users who need to add SATA storage to a QNAP setup via PCIe expansion. It does not include hard drives or offer the 240TB capacity of the BUFFALO. It is strictly an expansion tool for existing QNAP ecosystems.
Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit
The Synology DX1215II is a 12-bay expansion unit designed to increase the capacity of existing Synology NAS devices. It does not include hard drives or independent processing capabilities. It weighs 19.9 pounds and is smaller than the BUFFALO, measuring 16.5 inches in height. This unit is only useful if you already own a Synology NAS and need to add bays for more storage. It lacks the 10GbE ports, enterprise security, and snapshot features of the BUFFALO TeraStation. It is a practical add-on for Synology users who need to scale storage without purchasing a new primary server.
Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS
The Synology DS2422+ is a 12-bay NAS with 4GB of RAM and quad-core processing, offering more computational power than a basic expansion unit. It weighs 20.9 pounds and is significantly lighter than the BUFFALO. It does not include hard drives, requiring you to purchase them separately. This model is designed to expand storage arrays up to 24 bays when paired with other Synology units. It lacks the included drives and 10GbE ports of the BUFFALO. It suits users who need expandable RAM and processing for virtualization but are willing to manage their own drive inventory and network configuration.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB
Best for: businesses needing high capacity and security
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 10GbE
- Included Storage
- 240TB (12x20TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 0, 6
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 29 × 3.4 × 18.9 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB Affiliate link
This is a 12-bay rackmount NAS with 240 TB of storage. It includes 12 enterprise hard drives and ships in RAID 6. You get a native 10GbE port for fast transfers. The system uses 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication. Snapshots help recover data quickly. It syncs with Dropbox, Amazon S3, and Microsoft Azure. This unit suits businesses needing high capacity and security.
Pros
- 240 TB capacity with 12 included hard drives
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed transfers
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Snapshots for instant data recovery
Cons
- Heavier at 55.4 pounds
- Larger dimensions at 29 inches long
- Closed system limits customization
Good fit if
- You need 240 TB of pre-installed storage
- You require 10GbE connectivity
- You want enterprise-grade security features
Skip if
- You prefer a diskless expansion unit
- You need a compact desktop form factor
- You want open-source software flexibility
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 240TB 12-Bay NAS provides substantial storage and security for businesses. It fits teams that value included drives and 10GbE speeds over open customization.
Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: Businesses needing high RAM and upgradeable networking
- Drive Bays
- 12 Bay
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8 GB DDR4-2133
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Network Connectivity
- 5GbE, 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
This 12-bay rackmount NAS uses a Quad-Core 2.1GHz Intel Atom C3538 CPU and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes two 1GbE and two 2.5GbE ports, supporting up to 5 Gbps when aggregated. The unit supports virtualization and Docker. It suits businesses needing high memory capacity and flexible network speeds for data-intensive tasks.
Pros
- 8GB DDR4-2133 RAM, expandable to 128GB
- Two 2.5GbE ports for faster local transfers
- PCIe slot allows adding a 10GbE card
- Supports VMware, Citrix, and Hyper-V virtualization
Cons
- Base RAM is lower than some competitors
- No 10GbE port included in the base unit
- Heavier build at 25.8 pounds
Good fit if
- You need 8GB of RAM for virtualization
- You want to upgrade to 10GbE later
- You run Docker or iSCSI workloads
Skip if
- You require a 10GbE port out of the box
- You prefer a smaller 4-bay form factor
- You want a pre-loaded storage solution
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 12RD 12-Bay NAS fits users who prioritize memory capacity and upgradeable network speeds for virtualization. It is a solid choice for businesses that need expandable RAM and flexible connectivity options.
BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS
Best for: Enterprise rackmount storage with 10GbE
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4x 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel Xeon
- Included Storage
- 80TB (4x20TB)
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 29 × 3.5 × 18.9 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
The BUFFALO TeraStation 71210RH is a 12-bay enterprise rackmount NAS with 80TB of storage. It features an Intel Xeon processor and four native 10GbE ports for high-speed data transfer. The system includes two PCIe Gen 4x8 slots for expansion and supports Btrfs snapshots for rapid recovery. This unit suits businesses needing robust data protection and scalable performance for high-workload environments.
Pros
- Intel Xeon processor for enterprise-grade performance
- Four native 10GbE network ports
- Two PCIe Gen 4x8 expansion slots
- Btrfs file system with snapshot support
- 256-bit drive encryption included
Cons
- Heavier at 54.2 pounds than typical desktop NAS units
- Larger physical footprint with 29-inch length
- Limited to 10GbE connectivity without additional cards
Good fit if
- You require high-speed 10GbE network connectivity
- You need expandable PCIe slots for SSD caching
- You want enterprise-grade data protection features
Skip if
- You need a compact desktop storage solution
- You prefer standard Gigabit Ethernet speeds
- You want a lightweight portable drive
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 71210RH 12-Bay 80TB NAS delivers enterprise performance with 10GbE ports and Xeon processing. It fits IT teams needing scalable, secure storage for high-workload business environments.
QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: expanding QNAP NAS storage capacity
- Drive Bays
- 4 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- USB 3.0 Type-C
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 21.3 × 16.5 × 7.87 inches
- Weight
- 4.41 pounds
View on Amazon: QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TR-004U is a 4-bay rackmount expansion unit designed to add storage to existing QNAP NAS systems. It supports up to four SATA drives and includes a USB 3.0 Type-C port for faster data transfers. The unit features lockable drive trays for security and dip switches to configure RAID groups. It serves as direct-attached storage or a hardware RAID enclosure for cross-platform file sharing.
Pros
- Supports up to four SATA drives for expanded capacity
- Includes USB 3.0 Type-C port for faster data transfer
- Features lockable hard drive trays to prevent accidental removal
- Allows RAID configuration via dip switches for hardware control
Cons
- Limited to only four drive bays compared to 12-bay alternatives
- Requires an existing QNAP NAS for full software management features
- No built-in CPU or memory for standalone operation
Good fit if
- You need to expand storage for an existing QNAP NAS system
- You want a compact 4-bay rackmount solution for specific data needs
- You prefer hardware-based RAID control via dip switches
Skip if
- You require a standalone NAS with its own operating system
- You need more than four drive bays for large capacity
- You are looking for a budget-friendly 12-bay enterprise solution
Verdict: The QNAP TR-004U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS Expansion is a specialized tool for QNAP users who need to scale storage without buying a new primary unit. It fits users who value simple hardware RAID configuration and secure drive access over standalone processing power.
QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD
Best for: expanding QNAP NAS storage capacity
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Hardware Interface
- SATA
- Dimensions
- 21.3 × 16.3 × 7.05 inches
View on Amazon: QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD Affiliate link
The QNAP TL-R400S is a 4-bay rackmount SATA enclosure designed for storage expansion. It supports 3.5-inch drives and includes a PCIe SATA card and SFF-8088 cable. This diskless unit connects to QNAP NAS systems, Windows, or Linux servers. It fits standard 1U rack spaces. You should use this if you need extra SATA storage capacity for an existing QNAP setup or server.
Pros
- Includes QXP-400eS-A1164 PCIe SATA card
- Supports 4 x 3.5-inch SATA drives
- Standard 1U rackmount form factor
- Compatible with QNAP, Windows, and Linux
Cons
- Sold diskless with no drives included
- Requires separate PCIe slot for connection
- Limited to 4 drive bays
Good fit if
- You own a QNAP NAS needing expansion
- You have available PCIe slots in your server
- You need 1U rackmount storage space
Skip if
- You need a complete NAS with drives
- You lack PCIe expansion slots
- You prefer tower form factors
Verdict: QNAP TL-R400S 4-Bay Rackmount SATA JBOD is a practical expansion unit for QNAP NAS owners. It provides dedicated SATA storage slots for users with available PCIe slots and rack space.
Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding existing Synology NAS storage
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 18.5 × 17.1 × 16.5 inches
- Weight
- 19.9 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit Affiliate link
The Synology DX1215II adds 12 drive bays to your existing Synology DiskStation. It is a diskless unit, meaning you supply your own hard drives. This plug-and-play expansion helps you increase storage capacity without buying a new NAS. It measures 270 by 300 by 340 mm and weighs 19.9 pounds. It is designed for users who need more space but already own a compatible Synology server.
Pros
- Provides 12 additional drive bays
- Plug-and-play design for easy upgrades
- Compatible with Synology HAT5300 SATA HDDs
- Includes a 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchases
- Cannot operate as a standalone NAS
- Lacks rackmount hardware for 1U installation
Good fit if
- You own a compatible Synology DiskStation
- You need to expand storage capacity
- You prefer plug-and-play setup
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS
- You want pre-installed drives
- You require rackmount form factor
Verdict: Synology DX1215II 12-Bay Expansion Unit is a practical storage add-on for existing Synology owners who need more bays. It fits users who already have a NAS and want to scale capacity easily.
Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS
Best for: expanding storage to 24 bays
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Processor
- Quad Core
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 18.5 × 17 × 16.5 inches
- Weight
- 20.9 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS Affiliate link
This is a 12-bay diskless expansion unit with a quad-core CPU and 4GB DDR4 RAM. It delivers up to 2,201 MB/s read speeds. You can expand storage to 24 bays using one DX1222 unit. The black chassis weighs 20.9 pounds. It suits users needing high capacity and memory for heavy workloads. You must purchase drives separately to use this enclosure.
Pros
- 4GB DDR4 RAM capacity
- Quad-core CPU processor
- Up to 2,201 MB/s read speed
- Expandable to 24 drive bays
Cons
- Sold diskless with no included storage
- Requires separate drive purchases
- Heavier at 20.9 pounds
Good fit if
- You need extra 12-bay capacity
- You want to expand to 24 bays
- You require 4GB of RAM
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS
- You want included hard drives
- You prefer lighter equipment
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay DiskStation DS2422+ 4GB RAM provides 4GB RAM and quad-core processing for users expanding their storage array. It fits those needing 24-bay scalability without buying drives upfront.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB | Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS | BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS | QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS | QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD | Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit | Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 12-Bay | 12 Bay | 12-Bay | 4 Bay | 4-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 10GbE | not stated | 4x 10GbE | USB 3.0 Type-C | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Processor | not stated | Intel Atom C3538 | Intel Xeon | not stated | not stated | not stated | Quad Core |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | 8 GB DDR4-2133 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 4GB DDR4 |
| Included Storage | 240TB (12x20TB) | Diskless | 80TB (4x20TB) | not stated | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, 6 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Form Factor | Rackmount | Rackmount | Rackmount | Rackmount | Rackmount | not stated | not stated |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | SATA | not stated | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 29 × 3.4 × 18.9 inches | 21.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches | 29 × 3.5 × 18.9 inches | 21.3 × 16.5 × 7.87 inches | 21.3 × 16.3 × 7.05 inches | 18.5 × 17.1 × 16.5 inches | 18.5 × 17 × 16.5 inches |
| Weight | 55.4 pounds | 25.8 pounds | 54.2 pounds | 4.41 pounds | not stated | 19.9 pounds | 20.9 pounds |
| Size | 240TB (12x20TB) | 5.5"(W) x 7.5"(H) x 9.1"(D) | 80TB (4x20TB) | 4 Bay | 4 Bay | 270 mm x 300 mm x 340 mm | 12-bay; 4GB DDR4 |
| Color | Black | AS6512RD | Black | Black | black | Black | Black |
| Model | TS51220RH24012 | AS6512RD | TS71210RH8004 | TR-004U | TL-R400S | DX1215II | DS2422+ |
Frequently asked questions
Which alternative offers the most RAM for virtualization tasks?
The Asustor Lockerstor 12RD provides 8GB of RAM, the highest capacity in this list. This memory supports virtualization and heavy multitasking better than the Synology DS2422+, which includes only 4GB. The Asustor also features a quad-core processor to handle these demanding workloads efficiently.
Can I expand an existing Synology NAS with a 12-bay unit?
Yes, the Synology DX1215II serves as a dedicated expansion unit for existing Synology systems. It adds 12 bays to your current setup, allowing you to scale capacity without purchasing a new primary NAS. This is ideal for users who need more storage slots quickly.
What is the best option for adding storage to a QNAP system?
The QNAP TR-004U is designed specifically to expand QNAP NAS storage. It is a 4-bay rackmount unit that integrates with your existing hardware. Alternatively, the TL-R400S offers 4 SATA bays for users who need simple hardware RAID configuration and secure drive access.
Which NAS includes enterprise-grade Xeon processing power?
The BUFFALO TeraStation 71210RH 12-Bay 80TB NAS features Xeon processing. This makes it suitable for high-workload business environments requiring scalable and secure storage. It also includes 10GbE ports for fast network connectivity, fitting the needs of IT teams managing large data sets.
Is there a 12-bay option that ships with drives pre-installed?
The BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB NAS comes with 12x20TB drives included. This provides substantial storage right out of the box. It is a strong choice for businesses that value included drives and 10GbE speeds over open customization or separate drive purchases.
Which model supports upgradeable network connectivity?
The Asustor Lockerstor 12RD supports upgradeable 5GbE and 2.5GbE connectivity. This offers more flexibility than the fixed 10GbE ports found in other models. It allows you to adjust network speeds as your business needs change, making it a solid choice for growing teams.
How much does the Synology DX1215II weigh?
The Synology DX1215II weighs 19.9 pounds. Its dimensions are 17.1 inches in width, 16.5 inches in height, and 18.5 inches in length. This compact form factor makes it easy to integrate into existing rack setups without taking up excessive space.
Which NAS is best for teams needing snapshots for data recovery?
The BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH supports snapshots for rapid data recovery. This feature helps teams protect their data against accidental deletion or corruption. Combined with its 240TB capacity, it provides a robust solution for businesses prioritizing security and high storage volume.