Asustor vs TERRAMASTER: NAS Devices Compared by Specs
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This guide compares the Asustor AS6508T and the TERRAMASTER F2-212 in a TERRAMASTER vs asustor network attached storage review. Both devices use quad-core processors and DDR4 RAM for reliable data management. The main difference lies in their scale and connectivity. The Asustor model offers eight drive bays and 10GbE networking for high-volume workloads. The TERRAMASTER unit provides two bays and standard Gigabit connectivity, targeting simpler home environments.
Key differences
| Aspect | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 2-Bay |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 Quad Core | ARM v8 Quad Core 1.7GHz |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 1GB DDR4 |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | Not listed |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS if
- You need to store large amounts of data across eight hard drives.
- You require high-speed 10GbE networking for fast file transfers.
- You want upgradeable RAM and M.2 NVMe cache support.
Choose TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS if
- You prefer a compact device for a small home office.
- You only need to manage two drives for basic file sharing.
- You want a diskless unit that is easy to set up quickly.
Verdict: The Asustor AS6508T suits users who need significant storage capacity and professional-grade network speeds. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is a better fit for those with minimal storage needs and a preference for a small footprint. Choose based on your required bay count and network infrastructure.
Asustor vs TERRAMASTER Spec Comparison
drive bays
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 AS6508T provides eight drive bays, supporting up to eight 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. This large capacity suits users who need extensive local storage for media libraries or business data. In contrast, the TERRAMASTER F2-212 offers only two bays. It accepts both 3.5-inch SATA HDDs and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. Each bay supports drives up to 24TB, allowing a total capacity of 64TB in RAID 0. The Asustor wins for high-volume storage needs.
ram capacity
Memory is critical for multitasking and caching in NAS devices. The Asustor AS6508T comes with 8GB of DDR4-2133 RAM, which is noted to be 30% faster than DDR3. This ample memory supports complex tasks and virtual machines. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 includes just 1GB of DDR4 RAM. Crucially, this memory is not upgradeable. The 8GB in the Asustor provides significantly more headroom for heavy workloads compared to the fixed 1GB in the TERRAMASTER.
network connectivity
Network speed determines how fast you can transfer data across your local area network. The Asustor AS6508T features two 10GbE interfaces and two 2.5GbE interfaces. It supports link aggregation, allowing combined speeds up to 20Gbps for the 10GbE ports. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 specifications do not list specific network interface speeds or quantities in the provided data. Because the Asustor offers explicit high-speed 10GbE options, it holds the edge for users requiring rapid data access.
processor
Both devices use quad-core processors, but they differ in architecture and clock speed. The Asustor AS6508T uses an Intel Atom C3538 (Denverton) processor running at 2.1GHz. This x86 architecture is common in professional NAS units. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 uses an ARM v8 quad-core CPU running at 1.7GHz. ARM chips often prioritize power efficiency. The Asustor offers a higher clock speed and a different architecture, which may benefit specific x86 applications.
form factor
Physical size affects where you can place the device and how many drives it holds. The Asustor AS6508T is a large unit measuring 11.5 inches in width, 8.5 inches in height, and 9.06 inches in length. It weighs 13.7 pounds. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is a compact desktop unit at 4.69 inches wide, 6.06 inches high, and 8.74 inches long. It weighs only 4.6 pounds. The TERRAMASTER is clearly superior for users with limited desk space.
hardware interface
Expansion options can enhance storage speed and flexibility. The Asustor AS6508T includes an M.2 NVMe hardware interface. This allows you to add fast NVMe SSDs for caching or additional storage tiers. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 specifications do not mention an M.2 slot or NVMe support in the provided data. The presence of M.2 NVMe support in the Asustor provides a clear advantage for users wanting to leverage high-speed solid-state storage expansion.
Which NAS Drive Should You Buy
Users needing high-capacity enterprise storage
The Asustor AS6508T features eight drive bays for extensive local storage. It includes an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. Dual 10GbE and 2.5GbE interfaces provide up to 20Gbps throughput. This setup supports heavy workloads and large media libraries efficiently.
Home users with limited space
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is a compact 2-bay NAS designed for small environments. It uses an ARM v8 quad-core processor and 1GB of DDR4 RAM. The device supports 4K video decoding and includes backup apps like CloudSync. Its small footprint makes it ideal for home offices.
Professionals requiring fast network speeds
You get superior connectivity with the Asustor AS6508T. It offers two 10GbE ports and two 2.5GbE ports for link aggregation. This allows for data transfer speeds up to 20Gbps. The 8GB RAM and powerful Intel CPU handle concurrent tasks better than smaller home units.
Beginners seeking easy setup
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 includes a Default mode for optimal home settings. You can complete initial configuration in minutes using provided tutorials. It supports SMB, NFS, and AFP protocols for cross-platform file sharing. This simplicity makes it a practical choice for users new to network storage.
The products compared
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: users needing high capacity and 10GbE speeds
- 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
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 is an 8-bay NAS drive powered by an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It features dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE ports for high-speed connectivity. This unit suits users needing substantial storage capacity and robust network interfaces for demanding data environments.
Pros
- 8-bay capacity for 3.5-inch SATA drives
- Dual 10GbE and dual 2.5GbE interfaces
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
Cons
- Uses DDR4 RAM instead of newer DDR5
- Larger physical footprint than smaller NAS units
- Heavier build at 13.7 pounds
Good fit if
- You need eight drive bays for large storage pools
- You require 10GbE network speeds for fast transfers
- You want a quad-core processor for multitasking
Skip if
- You prefer DDR5 RAM for maximum performance
- You have limited space for a large chassis
- You only need two or four drive bays
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 8 8-Bay NAS is a solid choice for users who prioritize high network throughput and extensive storage capacity over the latest memory standards.
TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS
Best for: Home users needing simple 2-bay storage
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Processor
- ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 1GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAID Support
- RAID 0
- Dimensions
- 8.74 × 4.69 × 6.06 inches
View on Amazon: TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS Affiliate link
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is a 2-bay NAS designed for home and small office use. It features an ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz processor and 1GB of DDR4 RAM. The system runs TOS 7 and supports RAID 0 for up to 64TB of total capacity. It handles 4K video decoding and offers multiple file services. This diskless unit suits users needing basic storage without complex upgrade paths.
Pros
- ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz CPU
- Supports 4K video hardware decoding
- Compatible with 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives
- Runs TOS 7 operating system
- Includes multiple backup applications
Cons
- RAM is not upgradeable
- Limited to RAID 0 configuration
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
Good fit if
- You need a compact 2-bay storage solution
- You want a system optimized for home multimedia
- You prefer a simple initial setup process
Skip if
- You require RAID 1 or higher redundancy
- You need expandable RAM for heavy tasks
- You plan to store more than 64TB
Verdict: TERRAMASTER F2-212 2-Bay NAS provides solid entry-level performance for home users who prioritize simplicity and multimedia capabilities over advanced data redundancy or hardware expansion.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS | TERRAMASTER 2-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8-Bay | 2-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE | not stated |
| Processor | Intel Atom C3538 | ARM v8 quad-core 1.7GHz |
| RAM Capacity | 8GB DDR4 | 1GB DDR4 |
| Included Storage | not stated | Diskless |
| RAID Support | not stated | RAID 0 |
| Hardware Interface | M.2 NVMe | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 2-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches | 8.74 × 4.69 × 6.06 inches |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds | 4.6 pounds |
| Size | 8 Bay | 2 Bay |
| Color | Lockerstor | 2-Bay, Quad-Core, F2-212 |
| Model | AS6508T | F2-212 |
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS is better for home media libraries?
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 suits home users needing simple storage. It features a compact two-bay design with a quad-core processor. This setup handles multimedia files efficiently without complex configurations. The Asustor AS6508T offers eight bays and dual 10GbE ports, which may be overkill for typical home media streaming needs.
Does the Asustor model support high-speed networking?
Yes, the Asustor AS6508T includes dual 10GbE interfaces. This allows for network speeds up to 20Gbps when paired with compatible switches. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 focuses on basic connectivity. It lacks the high-throughput ports found in the Asustor, making the latter ideal for users prioritizing fast data transfer rates.
How much RAM does the Asustor NAS have?
The Asustor AS6508T comes equipped with 8GB of RAM. This memory capacity supports robust data management and multitasking for heavy workloads. The TERRAMASTER F2-212 uses a quad-core processor but does not list specific RAM capacity in its primary specs. The Asustor’s higher memory aids in handling large datasets.
Is the TERRAMASTER F2-212 suitable for business use?
It is designed for home users prioritizing simplicity and multimedia capabilities. The two-bay limit restricts extensive data redundancy or expansion needed for many business environments. The Asustor AS6508T, with eight bays and 8GB RAM, offers the scale and performance typically required for business data storage and high-capacity operations.
What processor do both NAS devices use?
Both the Asustor AS6508T and the TERRAMASTER F2-212 utilize quad-core processors. This ensures reliable data management and consistent performance for everyday tasks. The Asustor model pairs this with 8GB of RAM and M.2 NVMe support, while the TERRAMASTER focuses on entry-level efficiency with its compact two-bay form factor.
Which device is smaller and lighter?
The TERRAMASTER F2-212 is significantly more compact. It weighs 4.6 pounds and measures 4.69 x 6.06 x 8.74 inches. The Asustor AS6508T is much larger and heavier, weighing 13.7 pounds with dimensions of 11.5 x 8.5 x 9.06 inches. The TERRAMASTER fits easily on a desk, while the Asustor requires more space.