Synology vs Asustor NAS Devices: Which Brand Fits You?
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This synology vs asustor network attached storage comparison highlights two distinct products. The Synology CLP8 is a software license pack for expanding surveillance capabilities, while the Asustor AS6508T is a physical 8-bay NAS enclosure with robust hardware. They share the NAS brand space but serve different roles. One provides digital access keys, and the other provides physical storage and processing power. You need to decide if you require extra camera licenses or a complete hardware unit.
Key differences
| Aspect | Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Surveillance License Pack | 8-Bay NAS Enclosure |
| Processor | not listed | Intel Atom C3538 Quad Core |
| RAM | not listed | 8GB DDR4 |
| Drive Bays | not listed | 8-Bay |
| Network Ports | not listed | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE |
| Weight | 0.71 ounces | 13.7 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack if
- You already own a Synology NAS and need to add eight extra camera licenses.
- You require a lightweight digital license pack rather than physical hardware.
- You want to migrate purchased licenses between devices.
Choose Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS if
- You need a complete physical storage system with eight drive bays.
- You require high-speed 10GbE and 2.5GbE network connectivity.
- You want a device with an Intel Atom processor and 8GB of RAM.
Verdict: Choose the Synology CLP8 if you only need to expand the camera capacity of an existing NAS. Choose the Asustor AS6508T if you need a powerful, standalone 8-bay storage unit with advanced networking. The choice depends on whether you need software licenses or physical hardware.
Synology License vs Asustor Hardware
Product category
The Synology CLP8 is a software license pack, not a physical drive or enclosure. It provides keys to activate surveillance devices on existing Synology NAS or NVR units. The Asustor AS6508T is a complete 8-bay network storage enclosure with internal hardware. One expands software capabilities, while the other provides physical storage infrastructure. You cannot compare these directly as they serve entirely different functions in a setup. One is an add-on; the other is the core device.
Physical storage capacity
The Asustor AS6508T supports eight 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, providing substantial physical storage space. The Synology CLP8 has no storage capacity of its own. It is a digital key pack. If you need to store files, the Asustor unit is the only option here. The Synology product does not hold data. It only unlocks features on compatible hardware. For raw storage volume, the Asustor hardware wins by default, as the Synology item is purely a license.
Surveillance features
The Synology CLP8 unlocks surveillance capabilities for up to eight IP cameras or devices. It is designed specifically for security monitoring setups. The Asustor AS6508T data does not list specific surveillance license limits or default camera support. It is a general-purpose NAS. If your primary goal is video surveillance, the Synology license pack is the relevant tool. The Asustor unit may support cameras, but the license pack is the dedicated solution for expanding those limits.
Processor power
The Asustor AS6508T features an Intel Atom C3538 Quad Core processor running at 2.1GHz. This hardware handles data processing, file management, and potential video transcoding. The Synology CLP8 has no processor. It is a software key. It relies on the NAS unit it is installed on for processing power. The Asustor provides the computing engine. The Synology product contributes none. For raw computational ability, the Asustor hardware is the only choice.
Memory (RAM)
The Asustor AS6508T includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM, which is 30% faster than DDR3. This memory supports multitasking and caching for better performance. The Synology CLP8 has no RAM. It is a digital license. It does not contribute to system memory. If you need more RAM for your NAS operations, the Asustor unit provides it. The Synology license pack does not affect memory capacity. The Asustor wins this round due to having actual hardware specifications.
Network connectivity
The Asustor AS6508T offers two 10GbE interfaces and two 2.5GbE interfaces, allowing for high-speed data transfer and link aggregation. The Synology CLP8 has no network ports. It is a software license. It connects via the NAS it is installed on. The Asustor provides the physical network infrastructure. If you need fast wired connections, the Asustor unit is the relevant product. The Synology license does not provide network hardware.
Physical dimensions
The Asustor AS6508T is a large enclosure measuring 11.5 inches in width and 8.5 inches in height. It weighs 13.7 pounds. The Synology CLP8 is tiny, measuring 5 inches by 5 inches and weighing only 0.71 ounces. One is a substantial piece of hardware requiring rack or desk space. The other is a small digital key pack. If you are concerned about physical footprint, the Synology license is negligible. The Asustor requires significant space.
Choose the right NAS for your needs
Home users needing basic storage and speed
The Asustor AS6508T offers an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives and includes dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE ports. This hardware provides robust performance and high-speed connectivity for typical home media and file storage tasks.
Existing Synology owners expanding camera counts
If you already own a Synology NAS or NVR, the CLP8 adds eight surveillance device licenses. It integrates with your current system to manage additional IP cameras or access controllers. This license pack is essential for users who need to scale their existing surveillance setup beyond default limits.
Users requiring high-speed network connectivity
The Asustor AS6508T features two 10GbE interfaces supporting up to 20Gbps with link aggregation. It also includes two 2.5GbE ports. This dual 10GbE setup ensures rapid data transfer rates for large files, making it ideal for users who prioritize network speed and bandwidth for their NAS operations.
The products compared
Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack
Best for: expanding camera counts on Synology NAS
- Dimensions
- 5 × 5 × 1 inches
- Weight
- 0.71 ounces
View on Amazon: Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack Affiliate link
This is a license pack for Synology NAS and NVR systems, not a physical drive. The CLP8 model activates eight surveillance devices, such as IP cameras or intercoms. It allows you to expand your security setup beyond the default two licenses included with most NAS units. You can migrate purchased licenses between devices. It is suitable for users needing to add multiple cameras to their existing Synology infrastructure.
Pros
- Activates up to 8 surveillance devices
- Compatible with Synology NAS and NVR models
- Purchased licenses can be migrated between devices
Cons
- Requires a Synology NAS or NVR to function
- Does not include physical cameras or hardware
- Default licenses on NAS units are limited to two
Good fit if
- You need to add more than two cameras to your Synology system
- You are expanding an existing Synology surveillance setup
- You want to migrate licenses to a new device
Skip if
- You are looking for a physical hard drive
- You do not own a Synology NAS or NVR
- You only need one or two camera licenses
Verdict: Synology CLP8 Surveillance License Pack is a software key for expanding camera counts on Synology hardware. It fits users who need to monitor more than the default two devices on their NAS.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: High-speed network storage needs
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS Affiliate link
This 8-bay Asustor NAS uses an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It offers dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE ports for high-speed connectivity. The unit holds eight 3.5-inch SATA drives. It suits users needing robust network throughput and expandable storage capacity for demanding tasks.
Pros
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
- 8GB DDR4-2133 RAM
- Two 10GbE network interfaces
- Two 2.5GbE network interfaces
Cons
- No M.2 NVMe slots mentioned in specs
- Heavier build at 13.7 pounds
- Larger footprint than 4-bay models
Good fit if
- You need dual 10GbE ports
- You require eight drive bays
- You want DDR4 RAM speed
Skip if
- You need M.2 NVMe caching
- You prefer a compact 2-bay unit
- You need a lighter device
Verdict: Asustor 8-Bay NAS with 10GbE fits users who need dual 10GbE ports and eight drive bays for high-throughput storage.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology CLP8 8-Camera License Pack | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | not stated | 8-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE |
| Processor | not stated | Intel Atom C3538 |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | 8GB DDR4 |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | M.2 NVMe |
| Number of Bays | not stated | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 5 × 5 × 1 inches | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.71 ounces | 13.7 pounds |
| Size | CLP8 | 8 Bay |
| Color | Multicolor | Lockerstor |
| Model | CLP8 | AS6508T |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Synology CLP8 with an Asustor NAS?
No. The Synology CLP8 is a software license pack designed exclusively for expanding camera counts on Synology hardware. It is not compatible with Asustor devices. You must use Asustor’s own surveillance software and licensing solutions if you are using their network attached storage units for video monitoring.
What is the main difference between these two products?
One is a software add-on and the other is a physical storage enclosure. The Synology CLP8 is a license key for surveillance expansion. The Asustor AS6508T is an 8-bay NAS device with dual 10GbE ports. They serve different purposes within the network storage ecosystem.
Does the Asustor unit include surveillance licenses by default?
The data does not specify included surveillance licenses for the Asustor AS6508T. It is a physical 8-bay NAS with a quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM. You would need to check the specific software package or purchase additional licenses separately if you plan to connect multiple cameras.
Is the Synology CLP8 a hard drive or enclosure?
No. The Synology CLP8 is a software license pack. It has physical dimensions of 5 inches by 1 inch by 5 inches and weighs 0.71 ounces. It is a digital key to unlock additional camera channels on existing Synology NAS or NVR hardware, not a storage device.
How much RAM does the Asustor 8-bay NAS have?
The Asustor AS6508T comes with 8GB of RAM. It features a quad-core processor and supports eight 3.5-inch SATA drives. This hardware configuration is designed to handle high-speed network storage needs with dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE ports for robust data throughput.
What type of processor is in the Asustor NAS?
The Asustor AS6508T uses a quad-core processor. Specifically, it is an Intel Atom C3538. This processing power supports the eight drive bays and dual 10GbE network interfaces, making it suitable for users requiring high-throughput storage capabilities.
Can I expand my camera count with the Asustor device?
The Asustor AS6508T is a physical NAS enclosure. The data does not mention specific camera expansion licenses for this unit. You would need to consult Asustor’s surveillance software options for your specific model to determine how many cameras you can monitor.
What are the dimensions of the Synology license pack?
The Synology CLP8 measures 5 inches in width, 1 inch in height, and 5 inches in length. It weighs 0.71 ounces. These physical specifications reflect its nature as a small software license package rather than a large hardware component.