Why are NAS Systems not 10GbE as Standard Right Now?

It is 2025, yet the majority of NAS systems on the market continue to ship with 1GbE or, at best, 2.5GbE networking, leaving many users questioning why 10GbE has not become a standard feature. Over the past decade, the cost of 10GbE networking equipment, including switches, NICs, and adapters, has steadily declined, and the technology has long since moved from being an enterprise-only option into mainstream availability. Home labs, creative professionals, and small businesses are increasingly working with 4K and 8K media, large VM environments, and multi-terabyte datasets, all of which can easily saturate a 1GbE or even 2.5GbE connection. Despite this shift, when browsing the portfolios of Synology, QNAP, Asustor, TerraMaster, or even newer DIY-friendly NAS brands, the entry-level and mid-tier systems remain locked at bandwidth speeds that are already dwarfed by modern SSD arrays and multi-bay RAID configurations.

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This gap between user expectations and manufacturer offerings has become more striking as affordable consumer motherboards and even some mini-PCs now integrate 5GbE or 10GbE as standard. By contrast, NAS vendors still tend to position 10GbE as a high-end add-on or restrict it to flagship models, often requiring costly proprietary NIC upgrades. For the average buyer, this creates the perception that NAS devices are lagging behind broader networking trends and are artificially constrained to maintain price tiers. The reality is more complex. The question of why 10GbE has not become universal in NAS hardware cannot be answered solely by pointing to falling market prices of controllers and switches. Instead, the explanation lies in a mix of economics, hardware design limitations, CPU lane allocations, and the fact that networking itself is evolving beyond 10GbE into alternatives like 25GbE and USB4. All of these factors together show why the integration of 10GbE into NAS devices remains more complicated than it may first appear.

Discussing the Issue / Barriers to Manufacturers

One of the most persistent barriers to universal 10GbE adoption in NAS systems is the economic reality of how these devices are positioned. Vendors like Synology, QNAP, and Asustor operate in a layered product ecosystem, where each tier is designed to push customers toward more expensive models. Entry-level devices often compete on affordability rather than raw performance, meaning that features like 10GbE are deliberately held back to differentiate mid-range and enterprise systems. The actual bill of materials (BOM) cost for including 10GbE hardware is lower than it was five years ago, but manufacturers still view it as a premium feature that justifies higher price points. By holding 10GbE in reserve for upper tiers, vendors protect their margins, avoid cannibalising sales of more profitable models, and keep upgrade paths clear for customers as their needs grow. This is not simply technical gatekeeping but a conscious market segmentation strategy.

A second, more technical challenge comes from CPU and chipset design. The processors used in affordable NAS devices are almost always low-power embedded models—Intel Celeron, Atom, or entry-level AMD Ryzen Embedded chips—which provide only a limited number of PCIe lanes. These lanes must be distributed across storage controllers, NVMe slots, expansion slots, and network interfaces. Introducing 10GbE requires not only dedicating at least two, and often four, PCIe lanes, but also ensuring that the CPU can handle the higher throughput without becoming the bottleneck. If a vendor reallocates lanes to add 10GbE, they may have to reduce the number of NVMe slots, cut down on SATA ports, or compromise expansion card bandwidth. For many manufacturers, it is simpler to leave 10GbE out of the base design than to risk producing a system that looks good on paper but struggles to deliver in practice.

Beyond lane allocation, there is also the issue of power, thermals, and board layout. 10GbE controllers typically draw more power and generate more heat than 1GbE or 2.5GbE chips. In compact NAS enclosures designed for low-noise operation, this can force more aggressive cooling solutions or tighter thermal management. For brands already working within strict acoustic and energy efficiency limits, especially in home or small office NAS devices, the integration of 10GbE becomes a balancing act between speed and stability. Higher thermal load can also reduce the overall lifespan of components or require larger enclosures, both of which erode the appeal of entry-level systems where buyers expect compact and efficient designs.

Another factor that discourages widespread 10GbE adoption is ecosystem alignment. NAS vendors are keenly aware that a large percentage of their target audience does not yet operate in 10GbE-ready environments. Even though 10GbE switches and NICs are more affordable in 2025, many households and small offices still rely on routers and switches with 1GbE or 2.5GbE uplinks. For these users, the inclusion of 10GbE would have little practical benefit, since the rest of the network infrastructure cannot support it. From the manufacturer’s perspective, bundling 10GbE into a device that will simply be throttled by the customer’s network backbone risks making the feature look pointless, or worse, “non-functional.” As such, 10GbE tends to be reserved for prosumer and enterprise segments, where it is more likely that users already have or are willing to invest in compatible infrastructure.

Finally, there is a subtle but important business factor at play: vendor ecosystems and upsell opportunities. Many NAS brands sell proprietary 10GbE upgrade cards or branded NICs, which can only be used with their systems. By omitting onboard 10GbE but providing expansion slots, vendors create an additional revenue stream while giving customers flexibility to upgrade later. This model also ensures that users who truly require 10GbE end up spending more within the brand’s ecosystem, while casual buyers stick to lower-cost systems that do not overdeliver. In this sense, the absence of 10GbE on affordable NAS units is not only about technical limitations, but also about preserving a staged upgrade model that aligns with each brand’s long-term revenue strategy.

The Solution – How Can 10GbE Be More Accessible?

The landscape for 10GbE networking hardware has improved significantly in the last few years, with controllers becoming cheaper, more efficient, and easier to integrate into consumer systems. Early 10GbE relied heavily on costly Intel or Mellanox chipsets designed primarily for enterprise servers, often priced in the hundreds of dollars per card. Today, vendors such as Realtek, Aquantia (now under Marvell), and Broadcom produce consumer-focused 10GbE controllers that are smaller, run cooler, and consume less power. These newer chipsets are also designed to integrate more smoothly with mainstream CPUs and motherboards, reducing the need for complex PCB layouts. The result has been a marked reduction in the cost of standalone NICs and USB-to-10GbE adapters, which now frequently sell for under $100, making them accessible even for home users experimenting with faster networking.

Even with this progress, manufacturers remain hesitant to make 10GbE a baseline feature across all NAS devices. Part of the reason lies in how modern NAS systems must juggle limited resources. As CPUs have shifted to PCIe Gen 4 and Gen 5, the available bandwidth has increased, but vendors are also using these lanes to expand NVMe storage pools, enable GPU acceleration, or add AI-focused co-processors for surveillance, indexing, or media analysis. In many cases, vendors see greater value in offering more M.2 slots, dual PCIe expansion options, or flexible NIC bays than in permanently dedicating space to 10GbE. This explains why hybrid designs are now common: devices shipping with 2.5GbE or 5GbE onboard, with a dedicated slot for an optional 10GbE card. Such configurations give users a faster-than-gigabit baseline, but also keep upgrade paths open for power users who truly need multi-gigabit networking.

The state of 10GbE is also being influenced by the rapid adoption of adjacent technologies. 2.5GbE has become the de facto standard in new consumer motherboards and mid-tier switches, offering a cheap and widely compatible upgrade path for everyday users who want more than 1GbE without changing their cabling. At the other end of the spectrum, higher-speed networking such as 25GbE or 40GbE is filtering down from data centres to advanced prosumer setups, while direct-connect solutions like Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 offer bandwidth well beyond 10GbE with less CPU overhead and simpler plug-and-play deployment. Software optimisation is also playing a role: modern NAS operating systems increasingly support IP over Thunderbolt or USB4, which provides a parallel path to multi-gigabit performance without the traditional reliance on Ethernet standards. As a result, 10GbE finds itself squeezed in the middle—too expensive to be a no-brainer at the entry level, but increasingly overshadowed by faster alternatives at the top end. It remains a critical sweet spot for small businesses and creative professionals, but its window of dominance is being challenged by the pace of networking innovation.

Verdict and Conclusion – Buy a 10GbE NAS Now or Wait?

The question of why 10GbE has not become a standard feature across NAS devices in 2025 does not have a single answer, but rather a convergence of factors. Manufacturers face technical challenges in CPU lane allocation, thermal management, and system design, while also making deliberate market choices to protect product segmentation and encourage upsell opportunities. At the same time, 10GbE sits in an awkward position within the networking landscape: cheaper and more efficient than ever, yet increasingly bypassed by the widespread adoption of 2.5GbE on the low end and the emergence of 25GbE, Thunderbolt, and USB4 on the high end. For now, this means that 10GbE remains reserved for higher-tier NAS systems where the hardware can genuinely sustain its throughput and where the user base is prepared to invest in compatible infrastructure. While prices will continue to fall and adoption will grow, it is unlikely that every NAS will adopt 10GbE as standard before other technologies begin to replace it as the next performance baseline.

5 affordable Turnkey 10GbE NAS Solutions (Between $499 and $699)

For years, 10GbE networking has been seen as a premium feature reserved for high-end or enterprise-grade NAS devices, often pushing total system costs well beyond the reach of home users and small businesses. However, as controller prices have dropped and demand for faster data transfers has grown, a new wave of affordable NAS solutions has started to appear with built-in 10GbE. These systems no longer require expensive proprietary upgrade cards or third-party NICs, and many sit comfortably below the $699 / £599 price point. They cover a range of use cases, from compact SSD-based NAS devices to rackmount storage appliances and versatile desktop units. Below is a selection of some of the most notable options currently available, each offering a balance of performance, connectivity, and affordability for users who want to move beyond 1GbE or 2.5GbE without breaking the bank.

UniFi UNAS Pro (7-Bay, Rackmount)

I keep coming back to two words for the UniFi UNAS Pro—fundamentals and consistency. UniFi has clearly focused on making this system a strong addition to their ecosystem, prioritizing the essential storage needs of a NAS. They’ve succeeded in this, but comparisons with long-established competitors are inevitable. While solid, reliable, and stable, the UniFi UNAS Pro will take time to be competitive on the software front. If you’re deeply invested in the UniFi ecosystem, you’ll appreciate its ease of use and integration. However, outside of a UniFi network, it may feel feature-light compared to alternatives. The pricing is competitive for a launch product at $499, and while it’s not the best NAS on the market, it’s the most user-friendly and UniFi-ready. It will likely satisfy many users’ needs. I can certainly see this being integrated into existing UniFi networks as a 2nd stage backup alongside their already existing 3rd party NAS solution, with the potential to graduating to their primary storage as Ubiquiti continue to evolve this platform above and beyond the fundamentals their have nailed down in the UNAS Pro system.

• Approx. Price: $499 / £400

• Specs: ARM Cortex-A57 quad-core CPU, 8 GB RAM, seven 2.5″/3.5″ SATA bays, 1×10GbE SFP+ and 1×1GbE.

• Why It Stands Out: Exceptional price-to-performance for pure storage needs. Lacks advanced multimedia or container apps but ideal for high-speed backups in a rackmount setup.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

Nails down the fundamentals of NAS Storage very well
Easy to use GUI and well suited in the UniFi Ecosystem/UX
Complete Offline Use is supported
Use of a UI account is NOT compulsory
Excellently deployed Snapshot Features
10GbE out-the-box
Open HDD Compatibility, but also 1st party options too
Backup and Restoration Options Nailed down perfectly
Very power efficient and CPU/, Memory utilization rarely high
Compact, Quite and well designed chassis
The LCD controls are completely \'different level\' compared to other brands in the market
Promised competitive pricing
FAST deployment (3-5mins tops)
Reactive Storage expandability and easy-to-understand storage failover options
Mobile app deployment is intuitive/fast
Feels stable, secure and reliable at all times
Performance is respectable (considering SATA Bay count and CPU) but also sustained performance is very good
Single screen dashboard is clear and intuitive
Ditto for the native file explorer

CONS

7 Bays is a bit unusual, plus feels like the existing UNVR with different firmware
Additional App installation (eg. \'Protect\') not currently supported. So no container support for 3rd party apps
Network Controls are limited
Works at it\'s best in an existing UniFi managed network, feels a little limited in \'standalone\'
Multiple storage pools not supported (nor is RAID 0)
Lack of Scheduled On/Off
Lack of redundant PSU
Only 1 10Gb port and 1x 1GbE, no USBs for expanded storage or an expansion

Asustor Flashstor 12 Gen 1 (Compact NVMe NAS)

The Asustor Flashstor Gen 2 12-Bay NAS is a robust and versatile solution for users with demanding storage needs. Its combination of high-performance hardware, extensive connectivity options, and compact design makes it a standout choice for content creators, small businesses, and enthusiasts. With dual 10GbE ports, USB 4.0 connectivity, and support for up to 12 M.2 NVMe drives, it offers exceptional speed and scalability. While the device has a few quirks, such as its mixed PCIe slot speeds and lack of M.2 heat sinks, these are manageable with proper planning and aftermarket solutions. The Flashstor Gen 2 excels in raw performance, handling intensive workflows with ease and maintaining low noise levels even under load. Its power efficiency and robust thermal management further enhance its appeal for 24/7 operation. For users prioritizing hardware capabilities and performance, the Flashstor Gen 2 delivers on its promises. While its complexity may deter less experienced users, those with the technical expertise to configure and optimize the system will find it a valuable addition to their workflow.

• Approx. Price: $750 / £600

• Specs: Intel Celeron N5105, 12×M.2 NVMe slots, single 10GbE port, compact form factor.

• Notable Traits: High-density SSD storage in a small desktop chassis. Excellent value for SSD-heavy builds.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 10/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.0

PROS

Exceptional Performance: Dual 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB 4.0 connectivity deliver fast and reliable data transfer speeds, ideal for 4K editing and collaborative environments.
Extensive Storage Options: Supports up to 12 M.2 NVMe SSDs, allowing for large-scale, high-speed storage arrays.
ECC Memory Support: Includes 16GB of DDR5-4800 ECC memory (expandable to 64GB), ensuring data integrity for critical applications.
Compact Design: Small footprint makes it perfect for workspaces with limited room.
Quiet Operation: Dual-fan system keeps noise levels low, even under heavy loads.
Flexible Connectivity: Features two USB 4.0 Type-C ports and three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for direct storage access and peripheral integration.
Power Efficiency: Low power consumption (32.2W idle, 56W under load) makes it economical to run, even for 24/7 operation.
Thermal Management Enhancements: Dual fans and copper heat pipes efficiently dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance.
Support for Third-Party Operating Systems: Compatible with platforms like TrueNAS and Unraid for advanced customization.

CONS

Mixed PCIe Slot Speeds: Inconsistent PCIe bandwidth across M.2 slots complicates unified RAID configurations.
Lack of M.2 Heat Sinks: NVMe slots do not include heat sinks, requiring aftermarket cooling solutions for intensive workloads.
No Integrated Graphics: The AMD Ryzen V3C14 processor lacks integrated graphics, limiting hardware transcoding and multimedia capabilities.
Steep Price: The 12-bay model’s cost ($1,300–$1,400) and the six-bay version’s lack of ECC memory make them expensive compared to alternatives.

UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus

BOTTOM LINE – The UGREEN NASYnc DXP4800 Plus does not feel ‘finished’ yet and still needs more time in the over, but UGREEN have been very clear with me that this product is not intended for release and fulfilment till summer 2024 and improvements, optimization and product completion is still in progress. Judging the UGREEN NAS systems, when what we have is a pre-release and pre-crowdfunding sample, was always going to be tough. The DXP4800 PLUS is a very well put-together NAS solution, arriving with a fantastic launching price point (arguably even at its RRP for the hardware on offer). UGREEN has clearly made efforts here to carve out their own style, adding their own aesthetic to the traditional 4-bay server box design that plagues NAS boxes at this scale. Equally, although they are not the first brand to consider Kickstarter/Crowdfunding for launching a new product in the NAS/personal-cloud sector, this is easily one of the most confident entries I have seen yet. The fact that this system arrives on the market primarily as a crowdfunded solution (though almost certainly, if successful, will roll out at traditional retail) is definitely going to give users some pause for thought. Equally, the UGREEN NAS software, still in beta at the time of writing, although very responsive and nailing down the basics, still feels like it needs more work to compete with the bigger boys at Synology and QNAP. Hardware architecture, scalability, and performance are all pretty impressive, though the performance of the Gen 4×4 M.2 NVMe slots didn’t seem to hit the numbers I was expecting. Perhaps a question of PCIe bottlenecking internally, or a need for further tweaking and optimization as the system continues development. Bottom line, with expected software updates to roll out closer to launch and fulfillment, such as an expanded App center and mobile client, the UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is definitely a device worth keeping an eye on in the growing Turnkey and semi-DIY NAS market. As an alternative to public cloud services, this is a no-brainer and worth the entry price point. As an alternative to established Turnkey NAS Solutions, we will hold off judgment till it is publicly released.

• Approx. Price: $595 / £475

• Specs: Intel Pentium Gold 8505 (6-thread), 8 GB DDR5, 4×SATA + 2×M.2 slots, 1×10GbE and 1×2.5GbE, plus HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, and SD reader.

• Why It’s Attractive: Well-rounded design with rich connectivity and media support, undercuts most rivals on price and features.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 6/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

7.6

PROS

Exceptional Hardware for the Price
4 HDDs + 2x Gen 4x4 M.2 in 1 box under $400
Good Balanced CPU choice in the Pentium Gold 8505
10GbE and 2.5GbE as standard
An SD Card Slot (wielrd rare!)
10/10 Build Quality
Great Scalability
Fantastic Mobile Application (even vs Synology and QNAP etc)
Desktop/Browser GUI shows promise
Established Brand entering the NAS Market
Not too noisy (comparatively)
Very Appealing retail package+accessories

CONS

10GbE Performance was underwhelming
Crowdfunding choice is confusing
Software (still in Beta) is still far from ready 22/3/24
non-UGREEN PSU is unexpected

TerraMaster F4-424 Max / F6-424 Max

The TerraMaster F4-424 Max is a robust 4-bay NAS system that offers a powerful mix of features and flexibility for a wide range of tasks. Powered by the Intel i5-1235U CPU with 10 cores and 12 threads, the F4-424 Max excels at resource-intensive applications such as Plex media streaming, 4K hardware transcoding, and virtual machine hosting. Its dual M.2 NVMe slots running at PCIe Gen 4 speeds significantly improve storage performance, especially when used for caching, while the two 10GbE ports offer high-speed networking environments, allowing for 20Gbps throughput via link aggregation.

In terms of software, TOS 6 brings notable improvements, although it still lags behind the more polished ecosystems of Synology DSM and QNAP QTS. That said, TerraMaster’s continuous software evolution with each new version of TOS ensures that users have access to more robust tools and security features. For its price point of $899.99, the F4-424 Max is a compelling option for those seeking high-performance NAS solutions with scalability in mind. While the Pro model offers competitive performance, the Max takes it a step further with advanced networking, making it ideal for environments where speed is a priority.

• Approx. Price: $675 / £550 (F4-424 Max, during sale) – $899 / £700 (F6-424 Max, regular)

• Specs: Intel Core i5-1235U (10-core), 8 GB RAM, dual 10GbE ports, dual M.2, with 4 or 6 SATA bays depending on model.

• Why It Helps: The F4-424 Max frequently drops below the $800 mark in promotions, offering unusually strong CPU performance and dual 10GbE at a mid-range price point.

SOFTWARE - 6/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

Powerful Hardware: Intel i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads for resource-heavy tasks.
Dual 10GbE Ports: High-speed networking capabilities with link aggregation for up to 20Gbps, ideal for large file transfers.
PCIe Gen 4 NVMe Support: Two M.2 NVMe slots offering exceptional performance for caching or additional high-speed storage.
Efficient Cooling: The large 120mm fan ensures quiet and effective cooling, making it suitable for home and office environments.
Improved TOS 6 Software: Enhancements in GUI, backup tools, and overall security bring TOS closer to its competitors.

CONS

Higher Price Tag: At $899.99, it’s more expensive than TerraMaster’s other models, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
No PCIe Expansion: Lack of a PCIe slot limits potential for future upgrades, such as adding 10GbE cards or more M.2 drives.
Presentation: The software has improved a lot, but still feels inconsistent in places compared with alternatives from brands such as Synology and QNAP.

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Does this Budget $140 AliExpress 10GbE Switch Deserve Your Data?

The landscape of 10 Gigabit Ethernet networking has seen a significant shift over the past few years, with hardware that was once considered enterprise-only gradually trickling down to the consumer and prosumer market. Affordable multi-gig switches, particularly those with 2.5G or SFP-only configurations, are now commonplace. However, the search becomes much more complicated when you’re looking for a compact, budget-friendly 10GbE switch that combines both RJ45 copper and SFP+ fiber ports — and adds basic managed features to the mix. This is precisely where the Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE Managed Switch positions itself, offering four 10GBase-T ports, two SFP+ ports, and a claimed 120Gbps backplane bandwidth, all for around $140 on AliExpress.

At this price point, it’s important to approach products like this with realistic expectations. The Goodtop switch is not aiming to compete with the likes of Cisco, Aruba, or even MikroTik in terms of long-term support or security posture. Like many white-label or lesser-known brands shipping out of China, concerns around firmware transparency, update frequency, and potential vulnerabilities are valid. This is particularly relevant for users planning to expose management interfaces to external networks or integrate these switches into larger, more sensitive environments. Still, for isolated use in lab setups, home networks, or behind firewall-protected infrastructure, devices like this can offer compelling value — if they deliver on core functionality. This review takes a closer look at the Goodtop switch’s physical design, port configuration, internal hardware, software interface, and performance characteristics. Rather than focusing on theoretical specs alone, this analysis is based on hands-on testing to determine where the unit succeeds, where it cuts corners, and what kind of buyer it’s realistically suited for.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Quick Conclusion

The Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE Managed Switch delivers impressive value by combining four 10GBase-T and two 10G SFP+ ports in a compact, low-cost form factor, making it one of the most affordable mixed-media 10GbE switches on the market. It performs reliably under load, supports a full set of essential Layer 2 features like VLANs, link aggregation, and QoS, and provides a practical way for home lab users or small setups to adopt 10G networking without overspending. However, the switch’s low price is reflected in its build quality, fixed-speed noisy fan, and a barebones, unintuitive web interface that may challenge less experienced users. Security features are minimal, with no HTTPS, 2FA, or multi-user support, making it best suited for isolated, firewall-protected environments rather than critical infrastructure. For technically confident users seeking affordable, high-speed connectivity in a controlled setting, the Goodtop switch is a capable and cost-effective option—as long as its limitations are clearly understood.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Design

The Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE switch adopts a compact footprint and minimalist industrial design that aligns with many of the budget-friendly networking products emerging from OEMs in the Chinese market. Its chassis measures 200mm x 118mm x 44mm and is constructed from a thin, painted sheet metal. At just under 700 grams, the device is easy to handle and unobtrusive on a desk or shelf. It supports both desktop placement and wall mounting, the latter made possible by a pair of hook points integrated into the casing. While the construction is adequate for light to moderate use, it doesn’t offer the heft or rigidity seen in more enterprise-leaning gear.

There are no rubber feet to reduce surface vibration, nor any rack-mounting ears included by default. The paint finish is clean but basic, and minor flexing of the panels is possible under moderate pressure. These design choices reflect an emphasis on affordability rather than robustness, and users intending to deploy this switch in harsher physical environments may want to consider added enclosure or structural reinforcement. Still, for indoor use where vibration and temperature control are consistent, the physical form is entirely serviceable.

Thermal management is handled by a single small-diameter fan mounted laterally inside the chassis, supported by perforated ventilation cutouts on the opposing side. This active cooling setup is necessary given the heat output of the internal 10GbE components, particularly when all ports are under load.

During testing, the fan proved effective in maintaining safe thermal levels across typical workloads, with internal temperature readings ranging between 31°C and 36°C depending on ambient conditions and port usage. However, the fan’s acoustic characteristics are worth noting: it operates at a fixed RPM, regardless of system temperature or network activity.

This results in a constant hum that registers between 38 and 41 dBA — not excessive, but certainly noticeable in quiet environments. There are no accessible fan speed controls in the management interface, and the unit lacks thermal sensors or thresholds that would allow for adaptive fan curves.

For users operating this switch in a studio, home office, or any acoustically sensitive environment, the persistent fan noise could be a drawback. Modifications, such as third-party silent fan replacements, may be feasible but would require disassembly and some DIY effort. Overall, the cooling solution works, but its implementation is clearly a compromise between function and cost.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Hardware & Connections

The Goodtop switch is equipped with a total of six 10-Gigabit-capable ports, split between four RJ45 (10GBase-T) and two SFP+ slots. This particular configuration is uncommon at this price tier, especially among switches that offer web-based management. The inclusion of both copper and fiber interfaces in one device provides flexibility for mixed network environments — ideal for users bridging legacy copper infrastructure with newer fiber deployments or integrating NAS devices and uplinks with varying interface standards. All six ports are located on the front panel, clearly labeled and spaced far enough apart to accommodate bulkier cables and transceivers without interference.

The RJ45 ports support standard multi-gig Ethernet protocols, with backward compatibility for 100Mb, 1G, 2.5G, and 5GBase-T connections, depending on cabling. According to the manufacturer’s specs, Cat6 or better is recommended for full 10GBase-T performance up to 100 meters.

The SFP+ ports accept a wide range of 10G transceivers, including DACs (Direct Attach Copper), SR/LR fiber modules, and media converters, offering strong compatibility with third-party optics and hardware.

Despite its low cost, the switch claims a 120Gbps backplane switching capacity and a non-blocking architecture capable of 89.28 million packets per second. While exact benchmarking under full simultaneous port saturation wasn’t possible due to hardware limitations during testing, four concurrent 10GBase-T connections were tested successfully with sustained bidirectional transfers.

Under load, the unit handled transmission reliably without packet loss or obvious performance degradation. Power consumption scales with usage: idle draw sits at approximately 7.5 watts with no connected clients, while active use with four 10G copper links under sustained read/write activity peaked around 19.8 watts.

These values are in line with expectations for a full-10G switch operating with active cooling, and while not low, they are acceptable for most desktop or lab environments. It’s worth noting that due to heat generation and airflow limitations, users may experience rising internal temperatures if all six ports are driven continuously, especially in poorly ventilated setups. However, the flexibility to use either media type and the stable throughput on tested ports suggest that the internal switching logic and port handling are effectively implemented, given the device’s pricing and market position.

Internally, the Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE switch is built around a Realtek chipset configuration comprising the RTL9303 switch controller and RTL8264B PHYs, a pairing commonly found in recent budget and white-label 10G networking products. These components are designed to deliver basic Layer 2 managed functionality with support for VLAN tagging, link aggregation, and other expected switching features. Two medium-sized aluminum heatsinks cover the main chips, with thermal paste applied to ensure contact and heat dissipation, albeit passively reliant on the unit’s single fan for airflow. There is no internal battery backup, surge suppression beyond nominal protection, or modular power regulation — design choices consistent with its low cost.

The unit includes a modest 12Mbit of packet buffer memory and supports a MAC address table size of up to 16K entries, which should be sufficient for most small-to-medium environments. There are no removable components or visible debugging headers, and the board layout is straightforward with no major thermal bottlenecks observed during operation. Overall, the hardware design is minimal but appropriate for the target use case: non-critical environments requiring inexpensive multi-gig connectivity without expectations of advanced redundancy or hardware resilience. While it doesn’t compete with enterprise-class internals in terms of engineering quality or extensibility, it does reflect a competent implementation of entry-level switching silicon with functional thermal management.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Software

The Goodtop switch ships with a built-in web-based management interface that allows users to configure a range of Layer 2 features typical of entry-level managed switches. The interface is accessible via a browser once an IP address is assigned, and no additional software is required. However, the overall presentation and usability of the software are quite basic. The UI lacks visual polish, contextual help, or guided configuration tools. Navigation is functional but unintuitive, with much of the terminology and layout appearing generic and unbranded — a likely result of the firmware being repurposed from a reference design or OEM platform.

There are no wizards or safety prompts to prevent misconfiguration, which could make the switch challenging for less experienced users to manage safely. Additionally, there is no mobile optimization or official companion app, and the interface does not support HTTPS out of the box. Firmware updates are possible via the web console, though update channels or changelogs are not provided, and documentation is sparse.

Despite its limited interface design, the switch includes a solid range of features that are normally found in more expensive units. These include core Layer 2 controls and essential traffic management capabilities, offering flexibility for VLAN segmentation, link aggregation, and network troubleshooting. While these features are mostly geared toward technical users, they cover a surprisingly broad spectrum of functionality for a switch in this price bracket. However, it’s worth noting that the interface offers no access controls beyond a single user account, no two-factor authentication, and no role-based access — all of which may concern users deploying this switch in sensitive or multi-user environments. Fan speed control, system logs, or SNMP monitoring are also absent, limiting the unit’s viability for more advanced administrative needs. Key supported features include:

• VLAN support (802.1Q, VLAN IDs 1–4094)

• Port-based VLAN assignment

• Link Aggregation (LACP)

• Loop detection

• Jumbo frame support (up to 9K bytes)

• MAC address filtering

• Port mirroring

• Broadcast storm control

• QoS / Port-based priority settings

• Traffic statistics monitoring

• Basic firmware upgrade support

These tools are adequate for static network environments or those with fixed segmentation needs, but administrators seeking dynamic configuration, remote logging, or integration with monitoring platforms will find the software lacking in depth.

Goodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE Switch Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The Goodtop 6-Port 10GbE Managed Switch offers an appealing combination of features that are rarely found together in a product at this price point. With four 10GBase-T copper ports and two 10G SFP+ fiber slots, it caters to users who need to bridge different media types without investing in multiple specialized devices. The unit delivers consistent throughput, a practical management interface, and baseline Layer 2 capabilities suitable for most small-scale, static deployments. For those building or expanding home labs, adding high-speed links between servers and NAS devices, or testing 10GbE equipment without committing to enterprise-level budgets, this switch is a very practical and accessible option. The price tag — typically hovering between $130 and $140 — is particularly compelling when compared with similar switches from established brands, which often cost two to three times as much while offering fewer ports or omitting management functionality.

However, it’s important to understand what trade-offs make that low cost possible. Physically, the unit is built with budget-grade materials, and although the compact design is functional, the thin metal chassis lacks the rigidity and passive cooling features seen in more expensive models. The inclusion of active cooling is necessary given the switch’s full 10GbE capability, but the fixed-speed fan results in a persistent acoustic presence that may not be acceptable in quiet workspaces. In terms of power usage and thermal output, the switch performs within expectations, though it naturally draws more power than multi-gig or 1G devices — something to consider if operating in environments sensitive to power efficiency or heat buildup.

On the software side, the web-based management interface includes a reasonably full feature set for configuring VLANs, link aggregation, QoS, and port monitoring, but the UI is visually dated, lacking intuitive navigation, helpful prompts, or contextual explanations. For seasoned users comfortable with networking terminology and manual configuration, this isn’t a major obstacle. However, newcomers may find the software overwhelming or difficult to use without external guidance. Security is another area where the switch shows its limitations. The absence of HTTPS access, multi-user management, or basic features like two-factor authentication limits its suitability for exposed or multi-tenant environments. Firmware updates are possible, but no public update path or official support channels are offered, making long-term update viability uncertain.

Ultimately, this is a product built around value — and that value is real, as long as buyers know what they’re getting into. The Goodtop switch does not pretend to be a polished enterprise-grade solution, nor does it offer the ecosystem integration or long-term support found in more expensive alternatives. Instead, it provides raw functionality: six full-speed 10GbE ports, a working management layer, and compatibility with a wide range of copper and optical transceivers. For environments that are self-contained, technically managed, and not security-critical, this device offers performance that aligns well with its low cost. For those willing to make small compromises on build quality and user experience, it’s an excellent option for extending 10G connectivity without overspending.

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Asustor Rolling Out Gen5 Rackmount NAS – The AS7212RDX and AS7216RDX Lockerstor Pro Gen2

At Computex 2025, Asustor unveils its latest additions to the Lockerstor rackmount family—the Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series, comprising the 12-bay AS7212RDX and 16-bay AS7216RDX NAS systems. Positioned as high-performance, scalable solutions for small to medium businesses and enterprise deployments, these new models mark a notable hardware shift for the brand. Powered by AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 Pro processors and featuring support for PCIe Gen 5, 10GbE networking, and DDR5 ECC memory, this generation is clearly engineered for intensive multitasking, virtualized environments, and high-throughput applications. In addition to core hardware improvements, the systems ship with the ADM 5 software platform, which brings expanded storage and network configuration options, enhanced snapshot tools, and a wide ecosystem of applications. Combined with support for the new Xpanstor 12R expansion chassis and backed by a 5-year warranty, the Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series is clearly being positioned to compete in the same space as rackmount solutions from QNAP, Synology, and TrueNAS, but with a focus on open upgrade paths and hardware flexibility. In this article, we break down the hardware, software, and overall direction of this release based on what we’ve seen firsthand on the Computex show floor.

Lockerstor R Pro Gen 2 Hardware Specifications

The Asustor Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series, comprising the 12-bay AS7212RDX and the 16-bay AS7216RDX, represents a significant upgrade in rackmount NAS architecture, engineered specifically for small to medium-sized businesses and enterprise-grade environments. At the heart of both systems is the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro processor, based on a 5nm process with 8 physical cores. This processor line, typically used in high-efficiency workstations, delivers balanced compute performance and thermal control, making it suitable for multi-threaded tasks such as virtualization, container deployment, and high-volume file services. The systems ship with 16 GB of ECC DDR5 memory as standard, offering improved memory bandwidth and error correction capabilities vital to maintaining consistent data integrity under sustained load.

Category	AS7212RDX (12-Bay)	AS7216RDX (16-Bay)
Form Factor	2U Rackmount	2U Rackmount
Drive Bays	12 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA/SAS	16 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA/SAS
Expansion Support	Xpanstor 12R SAS Expansion Unit	Xpanstor 12R SAS Expansion Unit
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 Pro (8-Core, 5nm)	AMD Ryzen 7 Pro (8-Core, 5nm)
Memory (Standard)	16 GB DDR5 ECC	16 GB DDR5 ECC
Memory (Max)	TBC (likely >96-128 GB, ECC supported)	TBC (likely >96-128 GB, ECC supported)
M.2 Slot	1 x M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen 5.0 x4)	1 x M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen 5.0 x4)
PCIe Expansion	1 x PCIe Gen 5.0 x8	1 x PCIe Gen 5.0 x8
Network Ports	2 x 10GbE + 2 x 1GbE RJ-45	2 x 10GbE + 2 x 1GbE RJ-45
Power Supply	Dual Redundant 80 PLUS Platinum	Dual Redundant 80 PLUS Platinum
Hot-Swappable Drives	Yes	Yes
Cooling	Redundant Hot-Swappable Fans	Redundant Hot-Swappable Fans
Chassis Dimensions	TBC	TBC
Weight (Approx.)	TBC	TBC
Warranty	5 Years	5 Years

In terms of storage acceleration and flexibility, both units are equipped with a single M.2 NVMe slot supporting PCIe 5.0, offering a notable increase in throughput compared to earlier PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 implementations. This slot is intended for either SSD caching or as a standalone high-speed storage tier, useful for workflows involving small file I/O, databases, or active archive datasets. Both systems also feature dual 10-Gigabit Ethernet and dual 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling high-speed networking with support for link aggregation, load balancing, and network redundancy. For those requiring more, a PCIe Gen5 x8 expansion slot is available, compatible with a wide range of enterprise accessories including SAS expansion controllers or additional 25/40/100GbE NICs, offering clear upgrade paths for future network scaling.

Operational resilience is enhanced by redundant 80 PLUS Platinum-certified power supplies, designed to minimize energy waste while providing reliable failover in the event of a PSU failure. The hot-swappable nature of these components, combined with tool-less access to the drive bays and internal fan modules, supports minimal disruption during maintenance or component replacement. Both models use a standard 2U rackmount form factor and support a variety of enterprise-class SATA or SAS drives. Additionally, they are fully compatible with Asustor’s Xpanstor 12R SAS JBOD expansion unit, allowing businesses to scale storage capacity with minimal downtime. Asustor includes a 5-year hardware warranty with these units, placing them firmly in the enterprise support tier and aligning with long-term deployment cycles common in business environments.

Lockerstor R Pro Gen 2 ADM Software

ADM 5, the latest iteration of Asustor’s NAS operating system, is pre-installed on the Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series and delivers a broad set of administrative, storage, and security features geared toward SMB and enterprise users. The interface is browser-based, with a modular design that separates key configuration areas—such as access control, storage, network, and service management—into distinct application windows. While this layout may require some initial familiarization, it provides logical compartmentalization that benefits ongoing maintenance and delegation of user privileges. On the storage side, ADM supports both Btrfs and EXT4 file systems. Storage pools—representing RAID arrays—must be mapped directly to volumes, meaning that each volume corresponds to a single RAID pool, and the OS does not currently support multiple volumes on a single pool. Snapshot functionality is implemented at the volume level rather than on a per-folder basis, which could be limiting for users seeking granular rollback capabilities. Nevertheless, snapshots can be scheduled at hourly intervals, locked to prevent automatic deletion, and restored manually or automatically, including optional pre-restore snapshot creation. The system also includes scrubbing and defragmentation tools for Btrfs volumes.

ADM 5 includes a wide range of file-sharing services, including SMB (with multichannel support), AFP, NFS, FTP, WebDAV, Rsync, and iSCSI. Each of these services can be configured through a dedicated “Services” panel, with advanced tuning options such as SMB encryption levels, access control lists, and port customization. iSCSI support includes LUN and target creation, authentication, and snapshot scheduling. The built-in File Manager allows users to open multiple file browser windows simultaneously within the same tab, streamlining operations like drag-and-drop transfers or cross-volume comparisons. Shared folders can be configured with granular access control, write-once-read-many (WORM) settings, and optional encryption. Users can also specify upload/download-only folder behavior for shared workspaces. Drive monitoring tools include support for SMART diagnostics, IronWolf Health Management (on supported Seagate drives), and drive lifespan tracking. However, NVMe SSD management features are currently limited, with no built-in benchmarking or thermal analysis tools. On the system security side, ADM Defender provides firewall configuration, IP blacklisting, and brute-force protection policies. Two-step verification, user session management, and auto-lock policies are configurable for each user account. Remote access can be managed through integrated VPN settings, EasyConnect tunneling, and port forwarding, although some tasks require navigating across multiple panels rather than a unified dashboard.

Asustor Lockerstor R Pro Gen 2 Thoughts and Verdict

Seeing the Asustor Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series up close at Computex 2025, it’s clear that Asustor is starting to target the upper end of the SMB and mid-enterprise market with a platform that prioritizes performance, scalability, and resilience. The use of AMD’s Ryzen 7 Pro processor, DDR5 ECC memory, and support for PCIe Gen5 across both storage and expansion puts this NAS series in a position to compete directly with more established rackmount offerings. With the added flexibility of the Xpanstor 12R SAS expansion unit and redundant 80 PLUS Platinum power supplies, the platform clearly anticipates long-term deployment cycles and high-availability expectations. ADM 5, preloaded on both the 12-bay and 16-bay models, offers a wide range of file services and storage management tools. It’s not the most streamlined interface I’ve seen at the show, but its modularity does provide powerful customization if you’re willing to invest time into setup. Snapshot support, folder-level access controls, and multi-gigabit networking options all contribute to a solid enterprise feature set. While there’s still room for refinement in areas like NVMe SSD analytics and centralized configuration workflows, the ADM ecosystem is evidently maturing in pace with the hardware.

As it stands today at Computex, the Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 looks to be one of the most forward-looking rackmount solutions Asustor has released to date, and one of the most competitive solution at the show! The combination of PCIe Gen5 infrastructure, robust software support, and a competitive warranty makes this system a serious contender for IT environments seeking reliability without stepping into proprietary lock-in or over-complex licensing. Final availability and region-specific configurations are still to be confirmed, but what I’m seeing here suggests Asustor is closing the gap with its more dominant competitors in the rackmount NAS space.

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Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Asustor Gen5 Lockerstor R Pro Week 18 Tech Roundup – WD & The Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3 NThe Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3 NAsustor Lockerstor 4 Gen 3 NASAsustor Lockerstor 4 Gen 3 NASAsustor NAS Prime Big Deal Day10 Historic NAS Ransomware andThe Asustor Flashstor Gen2 - PAsustor Lockerstor Gen3 NAS Re Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

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We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you. Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which is used to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H. You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks! To find out more about how to support this advice service check HERE   If you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver   Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

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Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US