QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How each alternative compares

Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS

The Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS increases your drive capacity from eight to twelve bays, offering more storage density in a similar rack form factor. It retains 8GB of RAM and dual 2.5GbE ports, matching the original’s networking foundation. However, it uses a quad-core processor instead of an eight-core chip, which may limit heavy multi-tasking performance. This unit is ideal if you need more raw drive slots but can accept slightly lower processing power. It lacks the dual M.2 NVMe slots found in the original, so you will need to rely on HDD performance or add expansion cards later for caching.

QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power

This QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS keeps the eight-bay density and rackmount form factor but upgrades the networking to include 10GbE connectivity alongside 2.5GbE ports. This allows for significantly faster data transfers compared to the original’s dual 2.5GbE setup. It is designed for users who prioritize high-speed network throughput over internal processing power. The original offers an eight-core processor and dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching, which this model does not specify in its attributes. If you need to move large files quickly across a local network and do not require NVMe acceleration, this unit provides a more robust networking solution for professional environments.

Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 12TB SSD

The Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS reduces your drive count from eight to six bays but includes pre-installed 12TB SSDs for immediate use. It features dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching, similar to the original, and supports 10GbE networking, which exceeds the original’s 2.5GbE limit. This unit is best for users who want fast SSD caching and higher network speeds without configuring drives themselves. You give up four drive bays and the original’s eight-core processor for this configuration. It is a practical choice if you prioritize SSD performance and network bandwidth over maximum raw storage capacity in a rackmount chassis.

Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots

The Asustor AS6706T 6-Bay NAS drops the rackmount form factor for a desktop design and reduces capacity to six bays. It includes HDMI output, which the original lacks, making it suitable for direct media playback. Like the original, it offers dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching and 2.5GbE networking. However, it uses a quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, providing less multi-core performance than the original’s eight-core chip. This unit is ideal for content creators who need local media streaming capabilities and do not require a rackmount setup. You trade rack density and processing power for direct video output and desktop convenience.

QNAP 16-Bay Hybrid NAS with Atom 8-Core

The QNAP 16-Bay Hybrid NAS doubles your drive capacity from eight to sixteen bays while retaining an eight-core processor. It maintains 2.5GbE networking but increases physical size significantly compared to the original’s short-depth rackmount design. This unit is designed for users who need maximum storage density and processing power without upgrading network speeds. It does not specify M.2 NVMe slots in the provided attributes, so you may need to rely on other caching methods. If you prioritize raw storage capacity and multi-core performance over compact size or faster networking, this model offers substantial scalability for large-scale data storage needs.

Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS

The Synology DS1823xs+ maintains the eight-bay capacity and rackmount form factor but expands the physical footprint with a height of 12.6 inches compared to the original’s 8 inches. It includes 8GB of RAM but does not specify the processor type or M.2 NVMe slots in the provided data. This unit is a scalable, diskless solution for users who want to build their own storage array. It lacks the original’s dual M.2 NVMe slots and eight-core processor specification, which may affect caching performance and multi-tasking capabilities. Choose this model if you prefer Synology’s ecosystem and need a larger chassis for expansion, accepting potential trade-offs in specified processing and caching features.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS

Best for: Rack-mounted 8-bay storage with NVMe support

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 2U short-depth rackmount NAS offers eight drive bays for high-capacity storage. It uses an Intel Atom C5125 8-core processor and includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide reliable network connectivity. The unit supports dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots for cache acceleration. Its compact 21-inch width fits standard racks without requiring deep clearance space.

Pros

• Intel Atom C5125 8-core 2.8GHz processor
• 8GB SODIMM DDR4 RAM expandable to 64GB
• Dual 2.5GbE network ports
• Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe slots
• Short-depth 2U rackmount form factor

Cons

• Limited to 2.5GbE speeds instead of 10GbE
• No included hard drives
• Heavier build at 9 pounds

Good fit if

• You need an 8-bay solution in a standard rack
• You want expandable RAM for heavy workloads
• You require fast local storage via NVMe caching

Skip if

• You need 10GbE network connectivity
• You prefer a desktop form factor
• You want pre-installed drives

Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS suits users needing high density in a compact rack space. It delivers strong multi-core performance and flexible storage options for professional environments.

2 Best premium

Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS

Best for: High-density 12-bay storage and 2.5GbE 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 an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and comes with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes two Gigabit and two 2.5GbE ports, supporting up to 5 Gbps when aggregated. You can expand connectivity with a PCIe slot for 10GbE. The system supports virtualization and Docker, making it suitable for users needing high storage density and network flexibility in a 2U form factor.

Pros

• 12-bay capacity for extensive storage needs
• Intel Atom C3538 quad-core CPU
• 8 GB DDR4-2133 RAM, expandable to 128 GB
• Two 2.5GbE and two Gigabit Ethernet ports
• PCIe slot available for 10GbE expansion

Cons

• Only includes 8 GB RAM at base
• No 10GbE card included in the box
• Heavier build at 25.8 pounds

Good fit if

• You need more than 8 drive bays
• You want 2.5GbE network speeds
• You plan to run virtual machines

Skip if

• You require 10GbE connectivity out of the box
• You need more than 12 drive bays
• You prefer a compact desktop design

Verdict: Asustor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS fits users who need high drive density and 2.5GbE speeds. It is ideal for those willing to add a 10GbE card later for faster networking.

3 Also great

QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power

Best for: Users needing 10GbE connectivity in an 8-bay rackmount chassis

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

This QNAP TS-832PXU-RP-4G is an 8-bay rackmount NAS designed for high-speed data access. It features an AnnapurnaLabs Alpine AL324 quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. You get two 10GbE SFP+ ports and two 2.5GbE ports for flexible networking. The unit is diskless, allowing you to choose your own drives. It fits well for users needing robust connectivity in a short-depth chassis.

Pros

• 8 x 3.5-inch SATA drive bays
• 2 x 10GbE SFP+ ports
• 2 x 2.5GbE ports
• Upgradable to 16GB RAM

Cons

• Sold diskless with no included storage
• Base RAM is only 4GB
• Single power supply option available

Good fit if

• You need 10GbE connectivity for fast transfers
• You want an 8-bay capacity in a rackmount form
• You prefer to supply your own hard drives

Skip if

• You require pre-installed storage drives
• You need more than 8 drive bays
• You are looking for a desktop tower design

Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS provides essential high-speed networking and expandable storage for users who prioritize 10GbE connectivity and rackmount flexibility over included drives.

4 Also great

Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 12TB SSD

Best for: Users needing SSD caching in a 6-bay unit

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

3 x 4TB SSD

View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 6-Bay NAS with 12TB SSD Affiliate link

This 6-bay NAS from Asustor includes three 4TB SSDs. It uses an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4-2933 RAM. You get four M.2 NVMe slots for fast caching. Network options include dual 2.5GbE ports and a PCIe slot for 10GbE expansion. It is a solid option for users needing SSD speed in a compact 6-bay form factor.

Pros

• Includes three 4TB SSDs for immediate storage
• Four M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed caching
• 8GB DDR4-2933 RAM for better multitasking
• Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core CPU
• PCIe slot for 10GbE network expansion

Cons

• Only 6 drive bays compared to 8-bay alternatives
• Base network is limited to dual 2.5GbE
• No 10GbE ports included in the base unit

Good fit if

• You need SSD performance in a 6-bay chassis
• You want four M.2 NVMe slots for caching
• You plan to add 10GbE via PCIe

Skip if

• You require 8 or more drive bays
• You need built-in 10GbE ports
• You prefer a rackmount form factor

Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 6-Bay NAS fits users who prioritize SSD caching and 6-bay capacity over higher drive counts or built-in 10GbE.

5 Best budget

Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots

Best for: 4K media streaming and NVMe caching

Drive Bays

6-Bay

Network Connectivity

Dual 2.5GbE

Processor

Intel Celeron N5105

RAM Capacity

8GB DDR4

M.2 NVMe Slots

4 slots

Included Storage

Diskless

View on Amazon: Asustor 6-Bay NAS with Quad M.2 NVMe Slots Affiliate link

The Asustor AS6706T is a 6-bay NAS built for creators who need speed. It uses an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor and comes with 8GB of expandable RAM. You get dual 2.5GbE ports for fast transfers and four M.2 NVMe slots for caching. It also features an HDMI port for direct 4K media output. This unit suits small teams needing flexible storage and hardware transcoding.

Pros

• Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor
• Dual 2.5GbE network ports
• Four M.2 NVMe SSD slots
• HDMI output for 4K playback
• Expandable RAM up to 16GB

Cons

• Only 6 drive bays
• No included storage drives
• Limited to 2.5GbE base networking

Good fit if

• You need HDMI output for media streaming
• You want NVMe caching for performance
• You require dual 2.5GbE connectivity

Skip if

• You need more than 6 drive bays
• You require 10GbE networking out of the box
• You prefer a rackmount form factor

Verdict: The Asustor AS6706T 6-Bay NAS is a practical choice for content creators who need HDMI output and NVMe caching. It fits users who value fast local transfers and direct media playback over high-capacity bulk storage.

6 Also great

QNAP 16-Bay Hybrid NAS with Atom 8-Core

Best for: High-capacity storage with NVMe caching

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

The QNAP TS-1655-8G-US is a 16-bay hybrid NAS designed for high-capacity storage and performance. It features an Intel Atom 8-core processor and dual 2.5GbE ports for fast data transfer. You get 8GB of upgradable RAM and support for NVMe SSD caching. This unit suits users needing extensive drive bays in a rackmount form factor for intensive file access or virtualization tasks.

Pros

• 16 drive bays for 3.5 and 2.5-inch SATA drives
• Intel Atom 8-core processor with 2.8GHz burst speed
• Dual 2.5GbE network ports for faster local transfers
• Dual M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching or storage pools

Cons

• Large physical dimensions at 19 inches tall and 20 inches deep
• Only includes 8GB of RAM despite supporting up to 128GB
• Lacks 10GbE connectivity found in some comparable rackmount alternatives

Good fit if

• You need maximum drive capacity in a single unit
• You require NVMe SSD caching for performance
• You have space for a large 16-bay chassis

Skip if

• You need 10GbE network speeds for large transfers
• You have limited rack space or depth constraints
• You prefer a smaller 8-bay form factor

Verdict: QNAP 16-Bay Rackmount NAS offers significant storage density and processing power for users who prioritize capacity and NVMe acceleration over compact size or higher network speeds.

7

Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS

Best for: Users needing scalable, diskless 8-bay storage

Drive Bays

8-Bay

Included Storage

Diskless

RAM Capacity

8GB RAM

Dimensions

14.6 × 18.1 × 12.6 inches

Weight

16.5 pounds

View on Amazon: Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS Affiliate link

The Synology DS1823xs+ is an 8-bay, diskless rackmount NAS designed for high-availability environments. It includes 8GB of RAM and supports hot-swappable drives for continuous uptime. You can expand capacity by attaching up to two Synology DX517 units, reaching 18 bays total. This unit is ideal for users who need scalable storage without pre-installed drives.

Pros

• 8 drive bays for centralized storage
• 8GB RAM for improved performance
• Supports up to 18 bays with expansion units
• Hot-swappable drive design for easy maintenance
• Diskless configuration for flexible storage setup

Cons

• Sold without internal drives included
• Large physical footprint at 18.1 inches wide
• Requires separate purchase of expansion units for scaling

Good fit if

• You need an 8-bay chassis for bulk storage
• You plan to expand beyond 8 bays later
• You prefer to select your own drives

Skip if

• You want a NAS with pre-installed storage
• You need a compact desktop unit
• You require built-in 10GbE networking

Verdict: Synology 8-Bay Rackmount NAS is a scalable, diskless solution for users who want to build their own storage array. It suits those who need room for expansion and do not mind buying drives separately.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• pexmor 36lbs thrust 8 speed alternatives
• singer patchwork plus high speed alternatives