As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure

6 Best Alternatives to the BUFFALO TeraStation 71210RH 12-Bay Enterprise (2026)

Latest update:

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.

You are looking for buffalo terastation 71210rh 12 bay enterprise alternatives because this specific model may not match your exact infrastructure needs. The BUFFALO TeraStation 71210RH offers 10GbE connectivity and 12 bays in a rackmount chassis, but its fixed 80TB configuration and Intel Xeon processor might be too expensive or rigid for your workflow. You might prefer a different network speed, a different form factor, or simply a different brand that aligns better with your existing hardware ecosystem. Some users need more RAM for virtualization, while others require smaller footprints or additional drive bays.

We selected these options because their specifications overlap with the core requirements of the original device. The list includes other 12-bay rackmount units, such as the Asustor Lockerstor, which provides expandable RAM and 2.5GbE networking. We also included smaller 8-bay and 4-bay models from QNAP for teams that prioritize network speed over maximum drive capacity. These alternatives cover a range of storage densities and connectivity options, ensuring you find a device that fits your specific technical constraints without compromising on essential enterprise features.

Our top pick: BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS.

How each alternative compares

Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS

The Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay uses a quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, offering expandable memory instead of the BUFFALO’s fixed Intel Xeon setup. It provides 2.5GbE and 5GbE ports rather than the 10GbE native to the BUFFALO. You get a lighter chassis at 25.8 pounds compared to the BUFFALO’s 54.2 pounds. This unit suits users who need virtualization support and lower network speeds but want easier RAM upgrades. It sacrifices raw CPU power and 10GbE speed for flexibility and a smaller footprint.

BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB

This BUFFALO model shares the same rackmount form factor and 12-bay design but delivers 240TB of storage using twelve 20TB drives. It retains the enterprise security features and high-speed networking of the original. You gain three times the capacity without changing your chassis size. The weight increases slightly to 55.4 pounds. This option is for businesses that need maximum density and data protection in a single unit. It keeps the same brand ecosystem and reliability but scales capacity significantly higher than the 80TB baseline.

Asustor Lockerstor 16 Pro 16-Bay Rackmount NAS

The Asustor Lockerstor 16 Pro expands to 16 bays and includes 16GB of RAM with an 8-core AMD Ryzen processor. It offers dual 10GbE ports alongside 1GbE connectivity. This unit targets heavy virtualization workloads with ECC RAM support. You gain four extra drive slots and more processing power than the BUFFALO. The weight is 33.7 pounds. It is ideal for users who need more bays and stronger multi-tasking capabilities. It gives up the BUFFALO’s specific enterprise encryption features for higher computational performance and memory capacity.

QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power

The QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS reduces the drive count to eight but maintains 10GbE connectivity alongside 2.5GbE and 5GbE ports. It features expandable memory for flexible networking speeds. You lose four drive slots compared to the BUFFALO but gain a more compact chassis. This unit suits users who prioritize network versatility over maximum storage density. It offers robust 10GbE performance in a smaller footprint. It is a good fit for environments where network speed is critical but high capacity is less important than in the 12-bay BUFFALO.

QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS

The QNAP TR-004U is a 4-bay expansion unit designed to add capacity to existing QNAP systems. It has a much smaller form factor and weighs only 4.41 pounds. You cannot use it as a standalone NAS like the BUFFALO. It is for users who need to expand their current QNAP infrastructure with physical security and RAID configuration. It lacks the standalone networking features and high capacity of the BUFFALO. This unit is a specialized add-on rather than a primary storage solution for new deployments.

QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD

The QNAP TL-R400S is a 4-bay SATA JBOD expansion unit for adding storage to QNAP NAS or server systems. It uses a SATA interface and rackmount design. You gain direct PCIe connectivity and rack efficiency but lose standalone NAS features. It is for users who need to expand existing storage arrays rather than buy a new NAS. It does not offer the networking, processing power, or integrated backup features of the BUFFALO. This unit is a specialized tool for capacity expansion within an existing ecosystem.

Quick picks

#ProductBest forPrice
1 BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS Best overall Enterprise environments needing 10GbE and security Check price of BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS on Amazon
2 Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS Also great 12-bay storage with expandable RAM Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS on Amazon
3 BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB Also great Businesses needing high-capacity secure rack storage Check price of BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB on Amazon
4 Asustor Lockerstor 16 Pro 16-Bay Rackmount NAS Best premium Virtualization and heavy workloads Check price of Asustor Lockerstor 16 Pro 16-Bay Rackmount NAS on Amazon
5 QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power Best 8-bay 10GbE networking in 8-bay rackmount setups Check price of QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power on Amazon
6 QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS Best budget expanding QNAP NAS storage in a rack Check price of QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS on Amazon
7 QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD Best sata expanding QNAP NAS or server storage Check price of QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD on Amazon

Our 7 picks

Best overall

BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS

Best for: Enterprise environments needing 10GbE and security

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

This 12-bay rackmount NAS delivers 80TB of storage using four 20TB drives. It features an Intel Xeon processor and four native 10GbE ports for high-speed data transfer. The system supports PCIe Gen 4x8 slots for SSD caching and includes Btrfs snapshots for rapid recovery. You get 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication for security. This setup suits businesses needing scalable, enterprise-grade performance.

Pros

  • 12-bay capacity with 80TB total storage
  • Four native 10GbE network ports
  • Intel Xeon processor for high performance
  • Btrfs snapshots for instant data recovery
  • 256-bit drive encryption and 2FA

Cons

  • Heavy build at 54.2 pounds
  • Large rackmount dimensions require space
  • No mention of included RAM capacity

Good fit if

  • You need high-speed 10GbE connectivity
  • You require enterprise-grade data protection
  • You have rackmount space available

Skip if

  • You need a compact desktop unit
  • You prefer 1GbE network speeds
  • You want a lightweight portable drive

Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 71210RH 12-Bay 80TB NAS is a robust choice for IT environments prioritizing speed and security. It fits teams needing scalable storage with 10GbE connectivity and strong encryption.

Also great

Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS

Best for: 12-bay storage with expandable RAM

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

The Asustor Lockerstor 12RD is a 12-bay rackmount NAS built for business environments. It uses an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and includes 8 GB of DDR4 RAM. The unit offers two Gigabit and two 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports, supporting up to 5 Gbps when aggregated. You can expand the RAM up to 128 GB. It supports virtual machines, Docker, and standard business protocols like iSCSI and NFS.

Pros

  • 12 drive bays for high capacity
  • Expandable RAM up to 128 GB
  • Dual 2.5GbE and dual Gigabit ports
  • Supports Docker and virtual machines

Cons

  • Base RAM is only 8 GB
  • No 10GbE ports included by default
  • CPU is less powerful than Ryzen options

Good fit if

  • You need 12 drive bays in a 2U chassis
  • You want to expand RAM later
  • You require 2.5GbE network connectivity

Skip if

  • You need 10GbE ports pre-installed
  • You require high-performance Ryzen processing
  • You prefer a 1U rackmount form factor

Verdict: Asustor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS with 8GB RAM provides a solid mid-range option for users who need expandable memory and 2.5GbE networking in a 12-bay chassis. It suits businesses that prioritize storage density and virtualization support over raw CPU power.

Also great

BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB

Best for: Businesses needing high-capacity secure rack storage

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 12-bay rackmount NAS ships with 240TB of capacity using twelve 20TB enterprise drives. It features native 10GbE connectivity for fast transfers and supports RAID 6 for data redundancy. The system includes 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication for security. You get a five-year warranty with optional drive coverage and US-based support. It is designed for businesses needing high-capacity, secure storage with hybrid cloud integration options.

Pros

  • 240TB total capacity with twelve 20TB drives included
  • Native 10GbE port for high-speed file transfers
  • 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
  • Five-year warranty with optional hard drive coverage

Cons

  • Heavier at 55.4 pounds compared to lighter models
  • Larger physical dimensions than 4-bay expansion units
  • Closed system limits custom firmware flexibility

Good fit if

  • You need 240TB of storage in a single rackmount unit
  • You require native 10GbE connectivity without extra cables
  • You want enterprise-grade security with drive encryption

Skip if

  • You need a compact 4-bay expansion enclosure
  • You prefer open-source software platforms
  • You have limited rack space for a 12-bay chassis

Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 240TB 12-Bay NAS delivers massive storage and security for businesses that prioritize data protection and high-speed networking over compact form factors.

Best premium

Asustor Lockerstor 16 Pro 16-Bay Rackmount NAS

Best for: Virtualization and heavy workloads

Drive Bays
16-Bay
Network Connectivity
Dual 10GbE, Dual 1GbE
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745
RAM Capacity
16GB ECC DDR5
Included Storage
Diskless
Form Factor
Rackmount

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 16 Pro 16-Bay Rackmount NAS Affiliate link

This 16-bay rackmount NAS uses an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745 8-core processor. It includes 16 GB of ECC DDR5 RAM, which expands to 192 GB. You get dual 10GbE and dual Gigabit ports. Dual redundant Platinum power supplies add reliability. It suits users needing high memory and fast networking for heavy workloads.

Pros

  • 16 GB ECC DDR5 RAM
  • AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745 8-Core CPU
  • Dual 10GbE and Dual Gigabit Ethernet
  • Dual redundant 80 PLUS Platinum power supplies

Cons

  • Only includes dual Gigabit ports, not 25GbE
  • Diskless design requires separate drive purchases
  • 33.7 pounds weight adds rack load

Good fit if

  • You need 16 GB of ECC RAM for virtualization
  • You require dual 10GbE connectivity
  • You want redundant power supplies

Skip if

  • You need more than 16 drive bays
  • You prefer a pre-loaded storage system
  • You need 25GbE network ports

Verdict: Asustor 16-Bay Rackmount NAS offers strong memory and networking specs for virtualization. It fits users who need dual 10GbE and ECC RAM.

Best 8-bay

QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power

Best for: 10GbE networking in 8-bay rackmount setups

Drive Bays
8 Bay
Network Connectivity
2 x 10GbE SFP+, 2 x 2.5GbE
Processor
AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324
RAM Capacity
4GB UDIMM DDR4
Included Storage
Diskless
Form Factor
Rackmount

View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power Affiliate link

The QNAP TS-832PXU-RP-4G is an 8-bay rackmount NAS built for high-speed connectivity. It features a quad-core 1.7GHz processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable to 16GB. You get two 2.5GbE ports and two 10GbE SFP+ ports for fast network transfers. This unit is diskless, so you must supply your own drives. It suits users who need dedicated 10GbE uplinks in a compact 8-bay form factor.

Pros

  • Dual 10GbE SFP+ ports for high-speed networking
  • Two 2.5GbE ports for flexible connectivity
  • Expandable RAM up to 16GB
  • Rackmount form factor for server rooms

Cons

  • Smaller 8-bay capacity compared to 12-bay alternatives
  • Sold diskless with no included storage
  • Limited to 4GB base RAM

Good fit if

  • You need 10GbE connectivity for fast file transfers
  • You require an 8-bay solution for a rack
  • You already own compatible hard drives

Skip if

  • You need more than 8 drive bays
  • You want a NAS with pre-installed drives
  • You require 2.5GbE as your only network option

Verdict: The QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS delivers robust 10GbE connectivity and expandable memory for users who prioritize network speed over maximum drive capacity in a rackmount chassis.

Best budget

QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS

Best for: expanding QNAP NAS storage in a rack

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 systems. It supports up to four SATA drives and includes a USB 3.0 Type-C port for faster data transfer. The unit features lockable drive trays for security and dip switches for RAID configuration. It is a practical solution for users needing extra capacity in a rack environment.

Pros

  • Supports up to four SATA drives for expanded storage
  • Includes USB 3.0 Type-C port for faster data transfer
  • Features lockable hard drive trays for physical security
  • Allows configuration of RAID groups via dip switches

Cons

  • Limited to four drive bays compared to 12-bay alternatives
  • Requires a host QNAP NAS for full software management features
  • No mention of built-in network ports for standalone operation

Good fit if

  • You need to add storage to an existing QNAP NAS system
  • You require a compact 4-bay expansion unit for a rack
  • You want lockable drive trays for physical security

Skip if

  • You need a standalone NAS with built-in network connectivity
  • You require more than four drive bays for your setup
  • You are looking for a primary server rather than an expansion unit

Verdict: The QNAP TR-004U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS Expansion is a specialized storage add-on for users who need to increase capacity within a QNAP ecosystem. It fits users who prioritize physical security and easy RAID configuration over standalone network features.

Best sata

QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD

Best for: expanding QNAP NAS or server storage

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

This QNAP TL-R400S is a 4-bay rackmount enclosure designed to expand storage via SATA 6Gb/s connections. It includes a PCIe SATA card and SFF-8088 cable for direct attachment to compatible systems. The unit measures 16.3 by 21.3 inches and stands 7.05 inches high. You can use it with QNAP NAS devices or Windows and Linux servers. It supports 3.5-inch drives but does not include the drives themselves.

Pros

  • SATA 6Gb/s interface for high-speed data transfer
  • Includes QXP-400eS-A1164 PCIe SATA card
  • Compact 1U rackmount form factor
  • Compatible with QNAP NAS, Windows, and Linux

Cons

  • Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
  • Limited to 4 drive bays
  • Requires compatible PCIe slot or host system

Good fit if

  • You need to add SATA storage to a QNAP NAS
  • You are building a Linux or Windows server
  • You require a 1U rackmount expansion unit

Skip if

  • You need a standalone NAS with built-in drives
  • You require more than 4 drive bays
  • You prefer a tower form factor over rackmount

Verdict: QNAP TL-R400S 4 Bay Rackmount JBOD is a specialized expansion unit for users who need to add SATA storage to existing QNAP NAS or server systems. It fits users who value direct PCIe connectivity and rackmount efficiency.

Specifications side by side

Spec BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB Asustor Lockerstor 16 Pro 16-Bay Rackmount NAS QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power QNAP TR-004U 4 Bay Rackmount NAS QNAP 4 Bay 1U Rackmount SATA JBOD
Drive Bays 12-Bay 12 Bay 12-Bay 16-Bay 8 Bay 4 Bay 4-Bay
Network Connectivity 4x 10GbE not stated 10GbE Dual 10GbE, Dual 1GbE 2 x 10GbE SFP+, 2 x 2.5GbE USB 3.0 Type-C not stated
Processor Intel Xeon Intel Atom C3538 not stated AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745 AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 not stated not stated
RAM Capacity not stated 8 GB DDR4-2133 not stated 16GB ECC DDR5 4GB UDIMM DDR4 not stated not stated
Included Storage 80TB (4x20TB) Diskless 240TB (12x20TB) Diskless Diskless not stated Diskless
RAID Support not stated not stated RAID 0, 6 not stated not stated not stated not stated
Form Factor Rackmount Rackmount Rackmount Rackmount Rackmount Rackmount Rackmount
Hardware Interface not stated not stated not stated not stated not stated not stated SATA
Number of Bays 12-Bay 12-Bay 12-Bay not stated 8-Bay 4-Bay 4-Bay
Processor Cores not stated Quad-Core not stated 8-Core not stated not stated not stated
Dimensions 29 × 3.5 × 18.9 inches 21.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches 29 × 3.4 × 18.9 inches 22.7 × 17.3 × 4.57 inches not stated 21.3 × 16.5 × 7.87 inches 21.3 × 16.3 × 7.05 inches
Weight 54.2 pounds 25.8 pounds 55.4 pounds 33.7 pounds not stated 4.41 pounds not stated
Size 80TB (4x20TB) 5.5"(W) x 7.5"(H) x 9.1"(D) 240TB (12x20TB) not stated 8 Bay 4 Bay 4 Bay
Color Black AS6512RD Black Black Black Black black
Model TS71210RH8004 AS6512RD TS51220RH24012 AS7216RDX TS-832PXU-RP-4G-AM-US TR-004U TL-R400S

Frequently asked questions

Which 12-bay NAS offers the highest total storage capacity?

The BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH provides the maximum capacity in this group. It ships with 12 drives pre-installed, totaling 240TB of storage. This configuration suits businesses needing massive data retention without buying individual drives separately. The unit weighs 55.4 pounds and measures 29 inches in length.

Are there 12-bay options with expandable RAM for virtualization?

Yes, the Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS includes 8GB of RAM that can be expanded. This model uses a quad-core processor and supports 2.5GbE and 5GbE networking. It is designed for users who prioritize memory flexibility and storage density over raw CPU power or fixed configurations.

Can I find a 16-bay rackmount NAS with high memory?

The Asustor Lockerstor 16 Pro offers 16 bays and 16GB of RAM. It features an 8-core AMD Ryzen processor and dual 10GbE ports. This setup is ideal for heavy virtualization workloads. The chassis is black and weighs 33.7 pounds, fitting standard rackmount environments.

What are the best alternatives for 10GbE connectivity in smaller bays?

The QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS provides 10GbE connectivity in an 8-bay chassis. It also includes 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports. This option suits users who need high network speeds but prefer fewer drive slots. It supports expandable memory for improved performance in rackmount setups.

Is there a JBOD expansion unit for adding SATA storage?

The QNAP TL-R400S is a 4-bay Rackmount SATA JBOD unit. It allows you to add direct SATA storage to existing QNAP NAS or server systems. The black unit measures 21.3 inches in length and 16.3 inches in width. It is designed for users valuing rackmount efficiency and direct connectivity.

Which NAS is best for expanding an existing QNAP ecosystem?

The QNAP TR-004U is a 4-bay Rackmount NAS Expansion unit. It is specialized for increasing capacity within a QNAP ecosystem. The black chassis weighs 4.41 pounds and offers physical security with easy RAID configuration. It is not a standalone network device but an add-on for existing setups.

See also