Looking Beyond the Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure delivers strong processing power for virtualization and high IOPS. If you are exploring synology 12 bay diskstation ds3622xs alternatives, you may need different specifications for your setup. This model features a 6-core Intel Xeon processor and supports up to 48 GB of RAM. It also offers 10/25GbE networking and Fibre Channel support for enterprise-grade performance.
Some buyers prefer other brands or form factors. You might need a rackmount chassis for your server room or a desktop unit for an office. Other options might include different processors or connectivity types. We selected these 6 alternatives because their specs overlap with the original. Each option provides distinct hardware interfaces or expansion capabilities. You can compare the drive bays, RAM capacity, and networking ports to find the best fit for your data needs.
How each alternative compares
TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro 12-Bay NAS
The TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro also offers 12 drive bays and 16GB of RAM, matching the Synology in capacity. It differs by using an Intel Core i7 processor instead of a Xeon chip. This unit is slightly more compact, measuring 11.6 inches in height compared to the Synology’s 17-inch profile. It targets users who want strong virtualization performance without the bulk of the Synology enclosure. You get similar storage expansion potential but with a different processor architecture that may suit specific workload requirements better.
TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS
This TerraMaster model is a 2U rackmount solution with 12 bays and 16GB of RAM, matching the Synology’s capacity. It uses an Intel Core processor rather than a Xeon. The physical dimensions differ significantly, with a height of just 3.46 inches, making it suitable for rack installations rather than desktop placement. You trade the Synology’s desktop form factor for a space-saving rack design. It is ideal if you need to integrate storage into a server rack while maintaining high processing power for business backups and virtualization tasks.
Asustor Lockerstor 10 Gen3 10-Bay NAS
The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Gen3 has 10 drive bays, which is two fewer than the Synology 12-bay model. It also includes 16GB of RAM. The key difference is its use of AMD Ryzen quad-core processing and support for ECC memory and NVMe caching. It offers 5GbE and 10GbE networking options. You give up two drive slots for enhanced memory reliability and faster caching speeds. This unit suits users who prioritize data integrity through ECC RAM and rapid access speeds over maximum raw drive count.
QNAP 12-Bay Hybrid Desktop NAS
The QNAP TVS-h1277AX is a 12-bay desktop NAS, matching the Synology in drive capacity. It is designed for hybrid storage needs, appealing to video editors and developers. The physical size is larger, with a height of 12 inches and a depth of 22 inches. It lacks the specific Xeon processor found in the Synology model but offers robust desktop power for virtualization. You choose this if you need a versatile desktop unit that handles both high-capacity storage and intensive creative workflows without requiring rackmount infrastructure.
G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle
The G-Technology Shuttle is a 4-bay external drive, offering far fewer slots than the Synology 12-bay enclosure. It connects via Thunderbolt 3 rather than network interfaces. It is designed for portability and hardware RAID, targeting video professionals who need to move large files quickly. You sacrifice network connectivity and high drive count for direct, high-speed attachment to a single computer. This is not a network-attached storage server but a specialized external solution for users who prioritize immediate access and transportability over centralized network storage.
Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS
The Asustor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS matches the Synology in drive capacity but includes only 8GB of RAM, half the Synology’s 16GB. It features a quad-core processor and 5GbE/2.5GbE networking. The form factor is rackmount, with a height of 3.46 inches, differing from the Synology’s desktop design. You gain a rack-mounted solution suitable for virtualization and Docker workloads but accept lower RAM capacity and different networking speeds. This unit is best for users who need to fit the storage into a server rack environment.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure
Best for: High-performance virtualization and large-scale storage
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Processor
- 6-core Intel Xeon
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches
- Weight
- 21.6 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure Affiliate link
This 12-bay Synology enclosure features a 6-core Intel Xeon processor and 16GB of RAM. It delivers over 260,000 4K random read IOPS with 4,700 MB/s sequential read speeds. You can scale to 36 bays using expansion units. The unit supports 10/25GbE networking and NVMe SSD caching. It is built for heavy virtualization and backup workloads.
Pros
- 6-core Intel Xeon processor for demanding tasks
- Over 260,000 4K random read IOPS
- 4,700 MB/s sequential read performance
- Supports up to 48 GB of RAM
- Scales to 36 drive bays
Cons
- Diskless chassis requires separate CPU and memory installation
- No internal hard drives included
- Heavy 21.6-pound build requires sturdy mounting
Good fit if
- You need high IOPS for virtual machines
- You want to expand storage to 36 bays
- You require 10/25GbE networking options
Skip if
- You want a pre-configured unit with drives
- You need a compact desktop footprint
- You prefer a lighter weight enclosure
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop NAS offers robust processing power and scalability for enterprise-grade virtualization. It suits users who need high IOPS and room to grow their storage array significantly.
TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro 12-Bay NAS
Best for: High-performance backup and virtualization
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2 x 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel Core i7-1255U
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro 12-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro is a 12-bay NAS driven by an Intel Core i7-1255U processor and 16GB of DDR5 memory. It includes dual 10GbE ports for high throughput and supports up to 288TB of storage. This diskless unit targets small to medium businesses needing fast backup and virtualization capabilities. You get enterprise-grade features like RAID 10 and hardware encryption in a compact desktop form factor.
Pros
- Intel Core i7-1255U processor with 10 cores
- 16GB DDR5 RAM for high performance
- Dual 10GbE Ethernet ports
- Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10
- Up to 288TB maximum storage capacity
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- No mention of Thunderbolt connectivity
- Heavier build at 21.2 pounds
Good fit if
- You need high sequential write speeds for video editing
- You require dual 10GbE network connectivity
- You want a 12-bay solution with DDR5 memory
Skip if
- You prefer a pre-loaded NAS with drives included
- You need Thunderbolt 3 external connectivity
- You are looking for a lightweight portable unit
Verdict: The TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro 12-Bay NAS fits small to medium businesses that need fast data transfer and robust backup strategies without the cost of pre-installed drives. Its i7 processor and DDR5 RAM make it suitable for virtualized environments.
TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS
Best for: business backup and high-speed file transfer
- 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
The TerraMaster U12-500 Plus is a 12-bay, 2U rack-mount NAS powered by an Intel Core i7-1255U processor with 16GB of DDR5 memory. It features dual 10GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed caching. This diskless unit suits users needing strong backup performance, RAID flexibility, and enterprise-grade data protection tools for small to medium businesses.
Pros
- Intel Core i7-1255U 10-core processor with 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Dual 10GbE Ethernet ports for up to 20Gbps throughput
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for Hyper Cache acceleration
- Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10 configurations
Cons
- Sold diskless without included hard drives
- 2U rack-mount form factor requires specific mounting space
- Limited to SATA drives despite NVMe cache slots
Good fit if
- You need high-speed 10GbE connectivity for large files
- You require robust backup and snapshot features for business data
- You have space for a 2U rack-mount enclosure
Skip if
- You prefer a compact desktop tower over a 2U rack unit
- You want a NAS with pre-installed drives ready to use
- You only need standard 1GbE network speeds
Verdict: TerraMaster U12-500 Plus 12-Bay i7 NAS delivers strong processing power and fast networking for users who need a scalable, diskless storage solution for business backups and virtualization.
Asustor Lockerstor 10 Gen3 10-Bay NAS
Best for: Users needing ECC memory and NVMe caching
- Drive Bays
- 10 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 10-Gigabit, 2x 5-Gigabit Ethernet
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB DDR5-4800 ECC
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 M.2 NVMe Slots
- Included Storage
- 4 x 4TB SSD
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 10 Gen3 10-Bay NAS Affiliate link
This 10-bay NAS uses a quad-core AMD Ryzen V3C14 CPU and 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory. It includes four M.2 NVMe slots for fast cache. You get dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports. The unit ships with four 4TB SSDs. It suits users needing high memory bandwidth and fast local storage expansion.
Pros
- 16GB ECC DDR5 RAM
- Quad-core AMD Ryzen V3C14
- Dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports
- 4x M.2 NVMe slots
Cons
- Only 10 drive bays
- No USB4 expansion port mentioned
- Heavier than competitors at 21.2 pounds
Good fit if
- You need ECC memory for data integrity
- You want fast NVMe caching
- You require 10GbE connectivity
Skip if
- You need 12 drive bays
- You prefer Intel processors
- You want a diskless unit
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 10 Gen3 10-Bay NAS offers strong memory specs and fast networking. It fits users prioritizing ECC RAM and NVMe speed over maximum drive count.
QNAP 12-Bay Hybrid Desktop NAS
Best for: Video editors and developers needing hybrid storage
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE + 2.5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 7000-series
- Form Factor
- Desktop
- Dimensions
- 15 × 13 × 9 inches
- Weight
- 14.3 pounds
View on Amazon: QNAP 12-Bay Hybrid Desktop NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TVS-h1277AX is a 12-bay desktop hybrid NAS built for heavy workloads. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 7000-series CPU with DDR5 memory and dual 10GbE ports. The chassis holds eight 3.5-inch SATA drives and four 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe slots. This mix supports large archives and fast access for video editing. It suits teams needing virtualization and high-speed data transfer.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen 5 7000-series 6-core CPU
- Dual 10GbE network connectivity
- Four U.2 NVMe Gen4 flash bays
- Supports up to 192 GB DDR5 memory
Cons
- Large physical footprint at 21 inches wide
- Heavy build weighing 14.3 pounds
- No mention of built-in Wi-Fi
Good fit if
- You need fast NVMe access for video editing
- You require virtualization with GPU pass-through
- You want a desktop chassis with high expandability
Skip if
- You need a compact or portable NAS
- You only require basic home storage
- You prefer a diskless system without pre-installed drives
Verdict: QNAP TVS-h1277AX 12-Bay Desktop NAS offers serious power for video editors and developers who need hybrid storage and virtualization capabilities in a desktop form factor.
G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle
Best for: portable high-capacity video storage
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- 32TB
- RAID Support
- 0, 1, 5, 10
- Hardware Interface
- Thunderbolt
- Dimensions
- 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches
- Weight
- 16 pounds
View on Amazon: G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Affiliate link
This is a 4-bay Thunderbolt 3 storage drive with 32TB of capacity. It features built-in hardware RAID for data protection and supports multi-stream 4K and 8K workflows. The transportable design weighs 16 pounds and measures 6.85 by 9.75 by 10.5 inches. It suits professionals needing high-speed external storage for video production rather than a traditional network-attached storage system.
Pros
- 32TB total storage capacity
- Built-in hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support
- Thunderbolt 3 interface for high speed
- Transportable design for field use
- Optimized for 4K and 8K workflows
Cons
- Only 4 drive bays compared to 12-bay alternatives
- Uses Thunderbolt 3 instead of Ethernet for network connectivity
- Heavier at 16 pounds due to transportable build
Good fit if
- You need portable, high-capacity storage for video editing
- You require hardware RAID without a full NAS server
- You work with 4K or 8K media streams
Skip if
- You need a 12-bay desktop NAS for home server use
- You require standard Ethernet networking for file sharing
- You want a diskless system to install your own drives
Verdict: G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle Thunderbolt 3 is a specialized external drive for video professionals who need portability and hardware RAID, rather than a network-attached storage server for general home use.
Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: rackmount virtualization and Docker workloads
- 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 2U rackmount NAS designed for dense storage needs. It features a quad-core 2.1GHz Intel Atom C3538 processor and 8GB of expandable DDR4 RAM. You get dual 2.5GbE ports and dual Gigabit Ethernet for flexible networking. This unit is diskless, allowing you to choose your own drives. It supports virtualization and Docker, making it suitable for mixed workloads in a server room.
Pros
- 2U rackmount form factor for server racks
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core 2.1GHz CPU
- 8GB DDR4 RAM expandable up to 128GB
- Dual 2.5GbE and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Supports VMware, Citrix, and Docker applications
Cons
- Sold diskless with no included storage
- Quad-core CPU is less powerful than i7 options
- 25.8 pounds weight makes it heavy to move
Good fit if
- You need a 2U rackmount chassis for your server room
- You want to expand RAM up to 128GB for heavy virtualization
- You require 2.5GbE network speeds for faster local transfers
Skip if
- You prefer a pre-loaded unit with drives included
- You need a desktop tower instead of a rackmount unit
- You require a high-performance i7 processor for heavy compute tasks
Verdict: Asustor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS offers solid expandability and networking for rack-mounted setups. It fits users who need to virtualize multiple environments or run Docker containers with ample RAM headroom.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure | TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro 12-Bay NAS | TerraMaster 12-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 10 Gen3 10-Bay NAS | QNAP 12-Bay Hybrid Desktop NAS | G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle | Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12Bay | 10 Bay | 12-Bay | 4-Bay | 12 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | 2 x 10GbE | Dual 10GbE | 2x 10-Gigabit, 2x 5-Gigabit Ethernet | Dual 10GbE + 2.5GbE | not stated | not stated |
| Processor | 6-core Intel Xeon | Intel Core i7-1255U | Intel Core i7 1255U | AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 | AMD Ryzen 5 7000-series | not stated | Intel Atom C3538 |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | 16GB DDR5 | 16GB DDR5 | 16GB DDR5-4800 ECC | not stated | not stated | 8 GB DDR4-2133 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 2 slots | 2 slots | 4 M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | 4 x 4TB SSD | not stated | 32TB | Diskless |
| RAID Support | not stated | Single, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 | RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, TRAID, TRAID+ | not stated | not stated | 0, 1, 5, 10 | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Desktop | not stated | Rackmount |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | not stated | not stated | M.2 NVMe | not stated | Thunderbolt | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | not stated | 12-Bay | 4-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | not stated | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | not stated | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches | 13.2 × 6.42 × 11.6 inches | 21.7 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches | 14 × 15 × 13 inches | 15 × 13 × 9 inches | 9.75 × 6.85 × 10.5 inches | 21.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches |
| Weight | 21.6 pounds | 21.2 pounds | not stated | 21.2 pounds | 14.3 pounds | 16 pounds | 25.8 pounds |
| Size | DS3622xs+ | 10-Core, 16GB RAM, 12Bay, T12-500 Pro | 12Bay, 2U, 10Core CPU, 16GB RAM | 4X4TB | 12 Bay | 32TB | 5.5"(W) x 7.5"(H) x 9.1"(D) |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | not stated | Black | Black | AS6512RD |
| Model | DS3622xs+ | T12-500 Pro | not stated | not stated | TVS-h1277AX-R5-16G-US | 0G10077 | AS6512RD |
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS offers the best balance of performance and value?
The TERRAMASTER T12-500 Pro stands out as the best budget option. It features an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM. This combination supports fast data transfer and robust backup strategies. It is ideal for small to medium businesses that need virtualization capabilities without pre-installed drives.
Is there a rackmount alternative for server rooms?
Yes, the Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS is designed for this setup. It includes a Quad-Core processor and 8GB of RAM. The unit supports 5GbE and 2.5GbE connectivity. It is suitable for virtualizing multiple environments or running Docker containers in a rack-mounted configuration.
What is the best option for video editors?
The QNAP TVS-h1277AX 12-Bay Desktop NAS is the best desktop choice. It provides hybrid storage capabilities and strong processing power. This model supports virtualization and is built for video editors and developers. It fits in a desktop form factor while handling demanding creative workflows.
Does any model support ECC memory for data integrity?
The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Gen3 10-Bay NAS is the best premium pick for this need. It offers strong memory specs including ECC RAM. It also features M.2 NVMe slots for caching. This unit prioritizes memory reliability and NVMe speed over maximum drive count.
Can I find a Thunderbolt connected external drive?
The G-Technology 32TB G-Speed Shuttle uses a Thunderbolt interface. It is a 4-Bay external drive designed for portability. This model includes hardware RAID for video professionals. It is not a network-attached storage server but a specialized external drive for high-capacity video storage.
Which 12-bay NAS is best for business backups?
The TerraMaster U12-500 Plus 12-Bay i7 NAS is an excellent choice. It is a 2U rackmount unit with a 10-Core CPU and 16GB of RAM. It delivers strong processing power and fast networking. This diskless storage solution is scalable and ideal for business backup tasks.