Looking Beyond the QNAP TS-1655-8G-US 16 Bay high? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

Comparing NAS Drive Alternatives

QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS

This QNAP rackmount model offers the same eight-core processor and dual 2.5GbE ports as the original, but with only eight bays instead of sixteen. It sacrifices raw capacity for a shorter depth, making it easier to fit into standard server racks without protruding excessively. You get dedicated NVMe caching slots and similar memory configurations, which supports fast data access. If you need high performance in a constrained rack space rather than maximum drive count, this chassis provides a more streamlined footprint while retaining the core processing power and network speed of the larger unit.

Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 8GB RAM

The Asustor Lockerstor reduces the bay count to six but includes SSDs in the package, which the QNAP does not. It features a quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, offering less raw multitasking power than the eight-core Intel Atom. However, it adds 10GbE connectivity alongside 2.5GbE ports, providing higher network throughput for specific high-speed transfer needs. This unit is smaller and lighter, fitting well in home offices or small studios. You trade the massive storage expansion of the 16-bay model for included flash storage and faster Ethernet options, making it suitable for users who prioritize speed and included media over sheer volume.

Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS

This Asustor model drops to four bays and uses a quad-core processor with only 4GB of RAM, significantly reducing its multitasking capability compared to the eight-core, 8GB original. It retains the dual 2.5GbE network ports and includes M.2 NVMe slots for caching. The physical size is much smaller, weighing just over six pounds, which makes it ideal for compact desks or small offices. You give up the high capacity and virtualization strength of the QNAP for a budget-friendly, space-saving solution. If your workload involves moderate personal cloud tasks rather than heavy enterprise virtualization, this compact unit provides essential modern networking features in a smaller form factor.

QNAP 4-Bay 10GbE SFP+ NAS

The QNAP TS-431X3 focuses on network speed rather than storage density, offering only four bays compared to the sixteen in the original. It includes 10GbE SFP+ ports alongside 2.5GbE connectivity, providing superior network bandwidth for users who need rapid data transfer rates. The quad-core processor and limited RAM are sufficient for basic file serving but lack the power for the virtualization tasks the 16-bay model handles. Its cubic design is compact and space-efficient. You sacrifice significant storage capacity and processing power for enhanced network infrastructure capabilities. This model suits environments where 10GbE performance is critical and physical drive count is less important than network throughput.

Asustor AS3304T 4-Bay NAS

This Asustor unit provides four bays with a quad-core processor and only 2GB of RAM, which is substantially less than the eight-core, 8GB configuration of the original QNAP. It includes dual 2.5GbE ports and M.2 NVMe support, maintaining modern networking standards despite the lower-tier hardware. The chassis is compact and lightweight, making it easy to place in home environments. You trade high-end processing power and large storage capacity for a more affordable, entry-level option. This NAS is best for users who need basic media streaming and file sharing with fast network access, rather than demanding virtualization or heavy data management tasks that require more memory and cores.

Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS

The Asustor 12-bay rackmount model offers a middle ground in capacity, providing twelve bays instead of sixteen or eight. It uses a quad-core processor with 8GB of RAM, which matches the memory of the original but offers fewer CPU cores for intensive multitasking. It supports dual 2.5GbE ports and includes M.2 NVMe slots for caching, similar to the QNAP options. The rackmount form factor allows for dense storage in server environments. You lose some processing power and two drive bays compared to the original, but gain a dedicated rack solution with comparable memory. This unit is ideal for users who need high density and RAM for virtualization but prefer a slightly smaller footprint than the 16-bay chassis.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

QNAP 16-Bay Hybrid NAS with Atom 8-Core

Best for: High-capacity storage and virtualization workloads

Drive Bays

16 Bay

Network Connectivity

Dual 2.5GbE

Processor

Intel Atom C-5125

RAM Capacity

8GB DDR4

M.2 NVMe Slots

Dual M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3

Processor Cores

8-Core

View on Amazon: QNAP 16-Bay Hybrid NAS with Atom 8-Core Affiliate link

This 16-bay NAS combines 12 3.5-inch and 4 2.5-inch drive slots for high capacity. It uses an Intel Atom C-5125 8-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. Dual 2.5GbE ports help with file transfers. Two M.2 NVMe slots allow for SSD caching or storage pools. It suits users needing large storage and processing power.

Pros

• Intel Atom C-5125 8-core processor
• 16 total drive bays (12x 3.5" + 4x 2.5")
• 8GB DDR4 RAM upgradable to 128GB
• Dual 2.5GbE network ports
• Dual M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3 slots

Cons

• Large physical dimensions (18 x 19 x 20 inches)
• Limited to SATA drive interfaces
• No mention of Thunderbolt or USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports

Good fit if

• You need extensive storage for many files
• You require strong CPU performance for virtualization
• You want to use SSD caching for speed

Skip if

• You have limited rack or desk space
• You need 10GbE connectivity
• You prefer a compact desktop form factor

Verdict: QNAP 16-Bay Hybrid NAS with 8-Core CPU offers significant capacity and processing power for demanding storage tasks. It fits users who prioritize drive count and CPU cores over compact size.

2 Best 8-bay

QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS

Best for: Rack-mounted storage with NVMe caching

Drive Bays

8 Bay

Network Connectivity

Dual 2.5GbE

Processor

Intel Atom C5125

RAM Capacity

8GB SODIMM DDR4

M.2 NVMe Slots

Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots

Included Storage

Diskless

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

This 8-bay rackmount NAS features an Intel Atom C5125 8-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for cache acceleration. The short-depth design fits standard server racks. You get expandability via dual PCIe slots for network or storage cards. This unit is diskless and built for high-speed file sharing in professional environments.

Pros

• Intel Atom C5125 8-core 2.8GHz processor
• Dual 2.5GbE network ports
• Two M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe slots
• Dual PCIe slots for expansion cards
• Supports up to 64GB RAM with ECC

Cons

• Rackmount form factor requires specific mounting hardware
• No internal drives included in the package
• Limited to 2.5GbE speeds without add-on cards

Good fit if

• You need an 8-bay solution for a server rack
• You want NVMe cache acceleration for performance
• You require dual network ports for redundancy

Skip if

• You prefer a desktop form factor for home use
• You need 10GbE connectivity without expansion cards
• You want a pre-loaded drive configuration

Verdict: QNAP TS-855eU-RP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS offers strong processing power and expansion options for rack-mounted deployments. It suits users who need dedicated NVMe caching and dual 2.5GbE connectivity in a short-depth chassis.

3 Also great

Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 8GB RAM

Best for: Users needing 6 bays with included SSDs

Drive Bays

6 Bay

Network Connectivity

Dual 2.5GbE

Processor

Intel Celeron N5105

RAM Capacity

8GB DDR4-2933

M.2 NVMe Slots

4X M.2 NVMe Slots

Included Storage

2 x 4TB SSD

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 8GB RAM Affiliate link

The Asustor AS6706T is a 6-bay NAS featuring a quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 CPU and 8GB of DDR4-2933 RAM. It includes dual 2.5GbE ports and four M.2 NVMe slots for flexible storage expansion. The bundle comes with two 4TB SSDs. This setup suits users needing high-speed local storage and scalable performance for media or backup tasks.

Pros

• Quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 processor
• Four M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage
• Includes two 4TB SSDs in the bundle
• Dual 2.5GbE network connectivity

Cons

• Only two 2.5GbE ports without built-in 10GbE
• Heavier build at 14.6 pounds
• Larger footprint than 4-bay alternatives

Good fit if

• You need a mid-range NAS with included SSDs
• You want expandable storage via M.2 slots
• You prefer a 6-bay configuration for redundancy

Skip if

• You require built-in 10GbE networking
• You need a compact 4-bay form factor
• You are looking for a budget-only solution

Verdict: Asustor AS6706T 6-Bay NAS with SSDs offers a balanced mix of processing power and storage flexibility for users who value included SSDs and M.2 expansion options.

4 Also great

Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS

Best for: small offices needing 2.5GbE and M.2 slots

Drive Bays

4-Bay

Network Connectivity

2x 2.5GbE

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 Affiliate link

This 4-bay NAS from Asustor features a Quad-Core 2.0GHz processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes two 2.5GbE ports for network connectivity and two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD expansion. The unit weighs 6.53 pounds and measures 9.06 inches in length. It is designed for users needing reliable storage with multimedia capabilities and remote access features.

Pros

• Quad-Core 2.0GHz processor handles virtual storage tasks
• Two built-in 2.5GbE ports for fast network transfers
• Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching or storage
• Includes 4GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking

Cons

• Only four drive bays limit total capacity
• No 10GbE ports for high-speed enterprise networking
• Diskless design requires separate drive purchases

Good fit if

• You need a compact 4-bay solution for home or small office
• You want 2.5GbE connectivity without the cost of 10GbE
• You plan to use M.2 NVMe SSDs for performance

Skip if

• You require more than four drive bays for large libraries
• You need 10GbE networking for heavy enterprise workloads
• You want a pre-loaded system with drives included

Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 4 AS6604T 4-Bay NAS is a capable entry for users who prioritize 2.5GbE speed and M.2 expansion in a small form factor. It suits those building a personal cloud with moderate storage needs.

5 Also great

QNAP 4-Bay 10GbE SFP+ NAS

Best for: Small spaces requiring 10GbE speed

Drive Bays

4-Bay

Network Connectivity

1x 10GbE, 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE

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 Affiliate link

This QNAP TS-431X3 is a compact 4-bay NAS designed for users who need fast network connectivity without a large footprint. It features an AnnapurnaLabs AL-314 quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR3L RAM. You get a 10GbE SFP+ port, a 2.5GbE port, and a standard 1GbE port. It is diskless, allowing you to install your own drives. This setup suits those needing high-speed data transfer in a small space.

Pros

• Includes a 10GbE SFP+ port for high-speed networking
• Features a 2.5GbE port for modern network upgrades
• Powered by an AnnapurnaLabs AL-314 quad-core processor
• Compact 10x10x10 inch design fits tight spaces

Cons

• Only 4 drive bays limit total storage capacity
• Base RAM is 4GB, which may bottleneck heavy multitasking
• Sold diskless, requiring separate purchase of hard drives

Good fit if

• You require 10GbE connectivity for large file transfers
• You have limited desk or rack space available
• You want to use your own preferred hard drives

Skip if

• You need more than 4 drive bays for your data
• You prefer a NAS with pre-installed storage drives
• You do not have 10GbE networking equipment

Verdict: QNAP TS-431X3 4-Bay NAS with 10GbE is a space-saving solution for users who prioritize network speed over raw capacity. It fits perfectly into setups where 10GbE performance is critical but physical space is constrained.

6 Best budget

Asustor AS3304T 4-Bay NAS

Best for: Home media storage and small offices

Drive Bays

4 Bay

Network Connectivity

1 x 2.5GbE

Processor

Realtek RTD 1296

RAM Capacity

2GB DDR4

Included Storage

Diskless

Processor Cores

Quad-Core

View on Amazon: Asustor AS3304T 4-Bay NAS Affiliate link

The Asustor AS3304T is a 4-bay NAS built for home and small office use. It features a quad-core 1.4GHz CPU and 2GB of DDR4 RAM. You get one 2.5GbE port for faster network transfers. The unit supports 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, allowing up to 72TB of total storage. It includes hardware decoding for 4K H.265 video playback. This model suits users who need reliable storage without the bulk of larger rackmount systems.

Pros

• 2GB DDR4 RAM for stable performance
• 2.5GbE port for improved network speed
• Hardware decoding for 4K H.265 media
• Supports 2.5 and 3.5 inch drives

Cons

• Only 2GB of RAM limits heavy multitasking
• Single 2.5GbE port restricts network redundancy
• Quad-core CPU runs at a modest 1.4GHz

Good fit if

• You need a compact 4-bay NAS
• You want hardware video transcoding
• You prefer 2.5GbE connectivity

Skip if

• You require more than 4 drive bays
• You need 10GbE network speeds
• You plan to run many concurrent apps

Verdict: The Asustor AS3304T 4-Bay NAS offers solid media handling and expandable storage for home users. It fits those who value compact size and 2.5GbE speeds over high-end multitasking power.

7 Best premium

Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS

Best for: 12-bay rackmount storage needs

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 AS6512RD is a 12-bay rackmount NAS built for high capacity. It uses an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core CPU and comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM. You get two Gigabit and two 2.5GbE ports for flexible networking. The unit supports virtualization and Docker. It is a practical solution for users needing significant storage space in a compact 2U form factor.

Pros

• 12 drive bays for large storage arrays
• Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
• 8GB expandable DDR4 RAM
• Dual 2.5GbE and dual Gigabit ports

Cons

• Heavier at 25.8 pounds
• Requires rackmount installation
• Base RAM may limit heavy virtualization

Good fit if

• You need 12 drive bays
• You use a rackmount chassis
• You want 2.5GbE connectivity

Skip if

• You prefer desktop form factors
• You need 10GbE built-in
• You want pre-installed drives

Verdict: Asustor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS fits users who need dense storage in a rack. It suits those who value 2.5GbE ports and expandable RAM for virtualization tasks.

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See also

• qnap qsw 3216r 8s8t us 16 port half width rackmount alternatives
• costway 16 high velocity metal pedestal alternatives