QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The QNAP TS-1655-8G-US Storage NAS is a 12-bay tower unit built around an 8-core Atom C5125 processor and 128GB of RAM. If you are searching for qnap ts 1655 8g us storage NAS alternatives, you may need a different form factor or network speed. This guide compares 6 similar picks based on their published specifications. You can find options that match its high capacity or offer better rackmount efficiency.
The original model excels in raw drive count and memory capacity for tower setups. However, you might prefer a rackmount chassis to save desktop space or reduce vibration noise. Some alternatives provide faster 10GbE connectivity or redundant power supplies for critical infrastructure. These selections were chosen because their specs overlap with the original in areas like core count, bay density, or brand ecosystem. Review the data below to see which hardware configuration fits your specific deployment needs.
Our top pick: QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS.
How each alternative compares
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
The QNAP TS-855EU-RP-8G-US shifts from a tower to a short-depth rackmount chassis. You get the same 8-core processor but with only 8GB of RAM instead of 128GB. This model supports both 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports, offering higher network flexibility than the original’s dual 2.5GbE setup. It holds eight drives rather than twelve, which reduces total capacity. The weight is similar at nine pounds. You should pick this if you need rack mounting and faster network options, but can accept less RAM and fewer drive slots. It is a compact alternative for users who prioritize form factor over maximum storage density.
TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS
The TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS matches the original’s twelve-bay capacity but moves to a 2U rack chassis. It features a 10-core Intel Core processor and 16GB of RAM, which is significantly less memory than the QNAP’s 128GB. However, it includes dual 10GbE connectivity, providing much higher bandwidth than the original’s 2.5GbE ports. The dimensions are different, fitting a standard rack rather than sitting on a desk. You should choose this if you need high-speed networking and rack integration, but must sacrifice the large RAM buffer. It is better for environments where network throughput is the primary constraint.
Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit
The Synology RX1217RP is not a standalone NAS but a redundant power expansion unit. It adds storage capacity to compatible Synology rack systems rather than functioning as an independent server. This 2U unit weighs 29.5 pounds and includes built-in power redundancy for high availability. It does not have its own processor or RAM. You cannot compare it directly to the QNAP TS-1655-8G-US as a primary storage solution. Pick this only if you already own a Synology rackmount NAS and need to expand capacity with power failover. It is an add-on component, not an alternative to the tower-based QNAP unit.
Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS
The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS reduces the drive count to ten bays while focusing on CPU power and network speed. It is designed for virtualization and high-speed caching tasks. The chassis is smaller and lighter than the QNAP tower, weighing only 2.2 pounds. It does not specify the processor cores or RAM capacity in the provided data, but emphasizes performance over density. You should pick this if you need fewer drives but faster processing for virtual machines or caching. It is a solid choice for users who prioritize network speed and CPU efficiency over the twelve-bay capacity and 128GB RAM of the original QNAP model.
Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation
The Synology RS1221RP+ is an 8-bay rackmount NAS with 4GB of RAM and a focus on high-availability clustering. It offers PCIe expandability and fast throughput in a compact 399 mm chassis. The drive count is lower than the original, and the RAM is significantly less. It is designed for users who need redundant power and clustering capabilities in limited rack space. You should choose this if you require high-availability failover and can accept fewer bays and less memory. It is better suited for clustered environments rather than standalone high-capacity storage like the QNAP TS-1655-8G-US.
Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS
The Asustor AS6512RD is a 12-bay rackmount NAS with a quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM. It matches the original’s drive capacity but uses a rack chassis instead of a tower. It includes 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports, offering more network flexibility than the QNAP’s dual 2.5GbE setup. The RAM is much lower at 8GB compared to 128GB. It is designed for virtualization support and dense storage in a rack. You should pick this if you need rack mounting and faster network options, but can compromise on RAM and core count. It is a suitable alternative for users who prioritize network speed and rack integration over high memory capacity.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS
Best for: high-capacity 12-bay tower storage deployments
- Drive Bays
- 12BAYS
- Network Connectivity
- 2X 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Processor
- Atom C5125 8-core 2.8GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 128GB (4×32GB)
- Included Storage
- No HDD
- Number of Bays
- 12-Bay
View on Amazon: QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS Affiliate link
This unit is a 12-bay tower storage enclosure built around an 8-core Atom C5125 processor running at 2.8GHz. It features 128GB of system memory across four 32GB modules and dual 2.5GbE network ports for local connectivity. If you need substantial disk capacity alongside multi-core compute power in an upright chassis rather than a server rack, this configuration delivers direct drive density for your workspace.
Pros
- 8-core Atom C5125 processor at 2.8GHz
- 128GB RAM pre-installed across four 32GB modules
- 12 drive bays in a tower chassis
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
Cons
- Ships diskless with no pre-installed storage drives
- Substantial desk footprint at 19.7 by 19.7 inches
Good fit if
- You need 12 drive bays in a standalone tower form factor.
- You require 128GB of memory and an 8-core processor.
- You utilize 2.5GbE network connections.
Skip if
- You want hard drives included in the box.
- You need a rackmount chassis instead of a tower enclosure.
Verdict: QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS delivers heavy multi-drive storage capacity paired with 128GB of RAM and dual 2.5GbE connectivity. It is a solid choice when you need 12 bays in a tower format without rack hardware.
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: Users needing 8 cores in a short rackmount chassis
- 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 QNAP model is an 8-bay rackmount NAS with a short depth design. It uses an Intel Atom C5125 8-core processor and includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM. The unit features dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching. It is diskless and weighs 9 pounds. This setup suits users needing high core counts in a compact rack form factor.
Pros
- Intel Atom C5125 8-core 2.8GHz processor
- 8GB SODIMM DDR4 RAM expandable to 64GB
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe slots
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
Cons
- Only 8 drive bays compared to 12-bay competitors
- Diskless configuration requires separate drive purchase
- Rackmount form factor limits desktop placement options
Good fit if
- You need an 8-core processor for heavy multitasking
- You require a short-depth rackmount chassis
- You want dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching
Skip if
- You need more than 8 drive bays
- You prefer a desktop tower over rackmount
- You want included storage drives
Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS delivers strong processing power in a short-depth chassis. It fits users who need 8 cores and NVMe caching in a rackmount form factor.
TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS
Best for: high-bandwidth 2U rackmount business storage
- Drive Bays
- 12Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel Core i7 1255U
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
This 12-bay 2U rackmount enclosure gives you an Intel Core i7-1255U 10-core processor, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and dual 10GbE network interfaces. It accepts both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives, up to 288TB of raw storage, alongside two M.2 NVMe slots for caching. It suits your business if you need rack-mounted centralized backups, multi-client network throughput, and fast local recovery.
Pros
- Dual 10GbE ports supporting up to 20Gbps bandwidth via SMB multichannel
- 10-core Intel Core i7-1255U processor with 16GB DDR5 memory
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD cache acceleration
- Supports Btrfs and ext4 file systems alongside TRAID configurations
Cons
- 2U rackmount form factor requires dedicated server rack depth instead of desk placement
- Ships diskless without pre-installed storage drives
Good fit if
- You require dual 10GbE networking for high multi-user bandwidth.
- You have a server rack with space for a 2U chassis.
- You want 12 SATA bays driven by a 10-core Intel processor and DDR5 RAM.
Skip if
- You need a compact tower enclosure that sits on an office desk.
- You want a fully populated system with pre-installed drives.
Verdict: TerraMaster 12-Bay 10-Core Rackmount NAS provides 12 SATA bays, 10-core processing, and dual 10GbE connectivity in a 2U rack chassis. It delivers capable rack-level backup infrastructure and multi-client throughput for expanding environments.
Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit
Best for: rackmount storage expansion with power redundancy
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 27.4 × 17 × 3.46 inches
- Weight
- 29.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit Affiliate link
This 2U rackmount expansion unit adds storage capacity to compatible Synology systems. It features redundant power supplies to maintain service uptime and supports on-the-fly online volume expansion through Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM). Measuring 17 inches wide, 3.46 inches high, and 27.4 inches deep, the chassis weighs 29.5 pounds. If you already run a rackmount setup and need redundant power with direct storage scaling, this unit fits your infrastructure.
Pros
- Redundant power supplies ensure continuous service uptime
- Supports online volume expansion on the fly
- Plug-n-use design managed directly via Synology DSM
- Standard 2U rack-mounted enclosure dimensions
Cons
- Requires a separate compatible Synology host to function
- Deep 27.4-inch chassis requires substantial rack space
- Weighs 29.5 pounds before installing any hard drives
Good fit if
- You already manage a compatible Synology system and need seamless drive expansion.
- You require power supply redundancy to guard against power-related downtime.
- You have a server rack deep enough to hold a 27.4-inch unit.
Skip if
- You need a standalone primary NAS unit with built-in compute power.
- You use a desktop environment without server rack mounting hardware.
Verdict: Synology 2U Redundant Power Expansion Unit delivers reliable capacity expansion with built-in power redundancy for compatible rack infrastructures. It functions strictly as an add-on expansion enclosure rather than an independent NAS server.
Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS
Best for: virtualization and high-speed caching
- Drive Bays
- 10 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1x 10GbE, 3x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Xeon E-2224
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro is a 10-bay enterprise NAS designed for heavy workloads. It features an Intel Xeon E-2224 quad-core processor and 8GB of expandable DDR4 RAM. You get two M.2 NVMe slots for caching and 10GbE connectivity. This diskless unit supports virtualization and Docker apps. It suits users needing high throughput and scalable memory for business environments.
Pros
- Intel Xeon E-2224 quad-core CPU up to 4.6GHz
- 8GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 64GB
- Dual M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen2 SSD ports
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet and three 2.5GbE ports
Cons
- Only 10 drive bays compared to 12-bay competitors
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchases
- Uses PCIe Gen2 NVMe slots instead of Gen4
Good fit if
- You need expandable RAM for virtualization
- You require 10GbE network connectivity
- You want NVMe caching support
Skip if
- You need more than 10 drive bays
- You want included storage drives
- You prefer PCIe Gen4 NVMe speeds
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS fits users who prioritize CPU power and network speed over maximum drive count. It is a solid choice for virtualization and caching needs.
Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation
Best for: compact rack deployments needing high-availability failover
- Drive Bays
- 8 bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 22.5 × 20.8 × 8.5 inches
View on Amazon: Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation Affiliate link
This rackmount enclosure gives you 8 drive bays in a 399 mm short-depth chassis. It comes equipped with 4GB of RAM and delivers speeds up to 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write. A PCIe slot lets you install SFP+ or RJ-45 network cards for faster throughput. You can also pair two units for high-availability clustering. It suits deployments needing compact rack storage with failover support.
Pros
- Short chassis depth of 399 mm fits compact racks
- Read speeds up to 2,315 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,147 MB/s
- PCIe slot accepts compatible SFP+ or RJ-45 network cards
- Supports Synology High Availability clustering for minute-level failover
Cons
- Includes 4GB of base RAM
- Provides 8 drive bays rather than 12 bays
- Ships diskless without pre-installed storage drives
Good fit if
- You need an 8-bay rackmount enclosure with a compact 399 mm depth.
- You plan to add high-speed SFP+ or RJ-45 networking via PCIe.
- You require Synology High Availability clustering for service uptime.
Skip if
- You require 12 or more drive bays out of the box.
- You need more than 4GB of base memory pre-installed.
Verdict: Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS delivers fast throughput and high-availability clustering in a compact 399 mm rack chassis. It is a solid choice when you need 8 bays and PCIe expandability in limited rack space.
Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: 12-bay rackmount storage with 2.5GbE
- 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-density storage. It uses a quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor running at 2.1GHz. You get 8GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 128GB. Network connectivity includes two 2.5GbE ports and two Gigabit ports. This unit supports virtualization and iSCSI targets, making it suitable for enterprise environments requiring robust data management.
Pros
- 12-bay capacity for large storage arrays
- Quad-core Intel Atom C3538 processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 128GB
- Dual 2.5GbE and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports VMware, Citrix, and Hyper-V
Cons
- Only quad-core CPU compared to 8-core rivals
- Heavier at 25.8 pounds
- No included hard drives
Good fit if
- You need 12 drive bays in a rackmount form
- You require 2.5GbE network speeds
- You run virtual machines or iSCSI targets
Skip if
- You prefer a tower chassis over rackmount
- You need more than 12 drive bays
- You want an 8-core processor
Verdict: Asustor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS offers a solid quad-core foundation with expandable RAM and 2.5GbE ports. It fits users who need dense storage in a rackmount chassis with virtualization support.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS | QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS | TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS | Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit | Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS | Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation | Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 12BAYS | 8 Bay | 12Bay | not stated | 10 Bay | 8 bay | 12 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2X 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Port | Dual 2.5GbE | Dual 10GbE | not stated | 1x 10GbE, 3x 2.5GbE | not stated | not stated |
| Processor | Atom C5125 8-core 2.8GHz | Intel Atom C5125 | Intel Core i7 1255U | not stated | Intel Xeon E-2224 | not stated | Intel Atom C3538 |
| RAM Capacity | 128GB (4×32GB) | 8GB SODIMM DDR4 | 16GB DDR5 | not stated | 8GB DDR4 | not stated | 8 GB DDR4-2133 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots | 2 slots | not stated | 2 | not stated | not stated |
| Included Storage | No HDD | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless |
| RAID Support | not stated | not stated | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, TRAID, TRAID+ | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | Rackmount | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Rackmount |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | M.2 NVMe | not stated | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 12-Bay | 8-Bay | 12-Bay | not stated | not stated | 8-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Processor Cores | 8-Core | 8-Core | not stated | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 19.7 × 19.7 × 11 inches | 23 × 21 × 8 inches | 21.7 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches | 27.4 × 17 × 3.46 inches | 15.7 × 14.6 × 13.8 inches | 22.5 × 20.8 × 8.5 inches | 21.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches |
| Weight | 9.92 pounds | 9 pounds | not stated | 29.5 pounds | 2.2 pounds | not stated | 25.8 pounds |
| Model | TS-1655-8G | TS-855EU-RP-8G-US | not stated | RX1217RP | 90-AS7110T00-MD30 | RS1221RP+ | AS6512RD |
| Size | not stated | Short Rackmount-RP (Unav.) | 12Bay, 2U, 10Core CPU, 16GB RAM | 2U x 24" x 36" | 10 Bay | RS1221RP+ | 5.5"(W) x 7.5"(H) x 9.1"(D) |
| Color | not stated | Black or Gray | Black | Black | Lockerstor Pro | Black | AS6512RD |
If you also need physical equipment space, you can compare lifetime storage sheds alternatives by their published dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS offers the most RAM for virtualization?
The TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS provides 16GB of RAM, the highest capacity in this list. It pairs this memory with a 10-core processor and dual 10GbE ports. This configuration supports high-bandwidth business storage and multi-client throughput. You get dense storage in a 2U rack chassis suitable for expanding environments.
Are there 12-bay options that fit in a rack?
Yes, the TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS and the Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS both offer 12 bays in a rackmount form factor. The TerraMaster unit includes a 10-core CPU and 16GB RAM. The Asustor model features a quad-core processor, 8GB RAM, and 2.5GbE connectivity for virtualization support.
What is the best choice for high-availability clustering?
The Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation is designed for high-availability failover. It delivers fast throughput and clustering capabilities in a compact 399 mm chassis. While it has 4GB of RAM, it supports PCIe expandability. This makes it a solid choice for compact rack deployments needing reliability.
Can I expand my Synology NAS with more drives?
The Synology 2U Redundant Power Expansion Unit allows for capacity expansion. It provides built-in power redundancy for compatible rack infrastructures. Note that this unit functions strictly as an add-on expansion enclosure. It is not an independent NAS server, so it must be paired with a primary Synology unit.
Which NAS is best for virtualization and caching?
The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS fits users prioritizing CPU power and network speed. It is a solid choice for virtualization and high-speed caching needs. This model offers 10 bays and focuses on processing performance over maximum drive count. It suits environments where network speed is critical.
Is there a budget-friendly 8-core rackmount option?
The QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS is labeled as the best budget option. It delivers strong processing power with an 8-core processor in a short-depth chassis. It supports NVMe caching and includes both 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports. This model fits users who need 8 cores in a rackmount format.