At Computex 2025 in Taipei, Minisforum introduced the MS-R1 — a new class of mini PC that marks a distinct departure from its usual reliance on x86 architecture. This compact system is built around the ARM-based CIX P1 processor, an emerging 12-core chip aimed at redefining performance standards for ARM in desktop computing. The MS-R1 combines this processor with dual 10GbE networking, PCIe Gen 4 expansion, and up to 64GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory — all within a chassis under 5 cm thick. Unlike traditional Minisforum models that have leaned on AMD Ryzen or Intel Core platforms, this system positions itself as a versatile option for edge computing, AI acceleration, and lightweight server tasks.
The MS-R1 is clearly still in development, but its early prototype already suggests Minisforum is exploring wider horizons beyond conventional desktop replacement PCs. It leverages many of the strengths typically associated with ARM — such as power efficiency and thermally lightweight design — while mitigating common limitations through generous I/O and expansion capabilities. Whether this signals a broader shift in the company’s product direction remains to be seen, but the MS-R1 offers an intriguing glimpse into how ARM-based platforms might coexist with, or even challenge, traditional x86 solutions in the years ahead.
Minisforum MS-R1 PC Hardware Specifications
The Minisforum MS-R1 is equipped with the newly announced CIX P1 (CP8180) processor, a 12-core, 12-thread ARM-based SoC built on the ARMv9.2-A architecture. Manufactured using a 6nm process, the CPU combines eight performance cores and four efficiency cores, operating at up to 2.6 GHz. It is complemented by a 10-core Arm Immortalis GPU, likely the G720 series, which supports advanced graphical output and light AI rendering. Additionally, the chip includes a 30 TOPS-capable neural processing unit (NPU), bringing the total onboard AI compute power to 45 TOPS. This SoC runs Linux systems with kernel 6.6 or later and offers a UEFI-compatible BIOS with ACPI support — a rare but increasingly essential feature for ARM-based systems targeting general desktop or server use.
Component
Details
CPU
CIX P1 (CP8180) – 12-core (8P + 4E), ARMv9.2-A, up to 2.6 GHz
The MS-R1 includes 64GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory configured in a 128-bit arrangement. The memory is soldered and therefore non-user-upgradable, though the capacity and bandwidth are positioned to meet the needs of multitasking and light-to-midweight computational tasks, including AI inference. For primary storage, the system features a PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot compatible with both 2280 and 22110-length NVMe SSDs, supporting drives up to 4TB. In addition to internal storage, a separate M.2 2230 slot provides wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 modules. On the video output side, the device supports HDMI 2.0 (4K at 60Hz) and two USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 alternate mode — one of which is capable of up to 8K at 60Hz, enabling high-resolution display setups in professional or creative environments.
Where the MS-R1 notably differentiates itself is in its high-speed I/O and expandability. Dual 10GbE copper LAN ports deliver enterprise-grade networking capability, especially valuable for file servers, edge compute nodes, or hybrid NAS use cases. A full-length PCIe x16 slot (operating at PCIe 4.0 x8 bandwidth) offers GPU or accelerator card support, effectively bridging the gap between ARM architecture and discrete compute expansion — something still rare in this space. USB connectivity is ample: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type-A on the rear, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) Type-A on the front, and four USB 2.0 ports split across the front and rear. Audio is handled via HDMI, the DisplayPort-enabled Type-C ports, and a 3.5mm combo jack. Power is supplied via a 19V barrel-type DC-IN jack rated at 9.47A, and the device is controlled by a front-facing LED-lit power button. Despite its compact 195.6 × 189 × 48mm footprint, the MS-R1 integrates a surprising breadth of features for ARM-based edge computing in a mini PC form factor.
Why the Minsforum MS-R1 is a Big Deal?
The MS-R1 stands out primarily because it brings ARM architecture into a domain traditionally dominated by x86 processors — compact desktop systems with high-speed networking, PCIe expansion, and broad OS compatibility. ARM chips have long been associated with mobile, embedded, and power-efficient use cases, but they have rarely offered the kind of performance, I/O, and system flexibility seen in x86-based mini PCs. With the CIX P1 SoC, the MS-R1 challenges that assumption. It pairs a 12-core CPU (based on the ARMv9.2-A standard) with a 10-core GPU and an NPU capable of 30 TOPS, totaling 45 TOPS of AI compute. This puts it within reach of edge AI tasks, containerized application hosting, or lightweight virtualization. It’s also rare to see an ARM system with UEFI BIOS support, which enables compatibility with a wide range of Linux distributions and other OS environments — removing a common barrier for general users or developers.
Another reason the MS-R1 matters is its hardware-level ambition. While many ARM-based devices are limited in I/O and expansion, this system includes two 10GbE ports and a PCIe Gen 4 x8 slot — enabling add-in graphics cards or accelerators, typically absent in ARM ecosystems. Combined with onboard LPDDR5 RAM and NVMe Gen 4 storage, the MS-R1 begins to resemble a standard workstation or edge server in capability. Minisforum’s decision to use the CIX P1 processor, which is likely based on licensable Arm Cortex designs and built for a Chinese market increasingly focused on domestic alternatives, reflects both a strategic and technical shift. It also comes at a time when ARM is being seriously considered for broader computing roles, particularly in energy-efficient high-performance setups. The MS-R1 doesn’t just experiment with ARM—it places it in a form factor, price tier, and feature set that could realistically serve prosumers, developers, and small enterprise users.
When will the Minisforum MS-R1 Be Released and Price?
The Minisforum MS-R1 is not just another compact system — it’s a deliberate move into new territory for the brand. By integrating an ARMv9 SoC with high-speed networking, PCIe expansion, and a mature BIOS environment, the MS-R1 challenges preconceptions about what ARM-based mini PCs can deliver. While still in early development, it already positions itself as a potential edge server, AI inference node, or Linux-based workstation. Its soldered LPDDR5 memory, limited to 64GB, and single NVMe slot may limit flexibility in some use cases, but the inclusion of dual 10GbE and PCIe Gen 4 support compensate with substantial throughput potential. It is not yet clear how the market will respond to such a hybrid product — one that crosses lines between embedded computing and traditional desktops — but it’s an important experiment in bringing ARM computing to mainstream deployment environments.
Minisforum’s broader product roadmap at Computex 2025 suggests that the MS-R1 is just one piece of a larger diversification strategy. Alongside it, the company showcased the upcoming N5 Pro — a Ryzen 9-based NAS/PC hybrid with ECC memory support — and the G1 Pro, a small form factor system housing up to RTX 5060-class graphics and 120W CPUs. These products collectively show the company’s intent to cover multiple tiers of performance and deployment, from ARM-powered edge systems to x86-based content creation rigs.
Likely DDR5 SODIMM (config/details not yet confirmed)
Likely DDR5 SODIMM (config/details not yet confirmed)
Storage Expansion
2 × M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen 4)
2 × M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen 4)
Wireless
Wi-Fi (generation not specified), Bluetooth supported
Wi-Fi (generation not specified), Bluetooth supported
Power Supply
550W Built-in PSU
550W Built-in PSU
Chassis Volume
Approx. 3.9L (small form factor enclosure)
Approx. 3.9L (small form factor enclosure)
Cooling
Likely air cooling with dual-fan or vapor chamber (TBD)
Likely air cooling with dual-fan or vapor chamber (TBD)
Software
Minisforum Control Center app support
Minisforum Control Center app support
Lighting
Adjustable RGB Lighting
Adjustable RGB Lighting
Use Case
Compact gaming / creator PC
Higher-tier gaming / GPU compute mini system
Whether or not the MS-R1 reaches widespread adoption, it represents a notable shift toward ARM’s growing viability outside mobile and embedded contexts. It’s a signal that the boundary between ARM and x86 in high-performance personal computing may continue to blur in the years ahead.
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QNAP Tech Summit 2025 – All New Hardware and Software Solutions Unveiled
During Computex 2025 in Taipei, QNAP hosted its annual Tech Summit to unveil a broad array of new hardware and software solutions aimed at addressing evolving demands across creative, enterprise, and edge environments. The event marked a continued shift in QNAP’s product direction—placing greater focus on hybrid cloud integration, high-speed connectivity, and on-premises AI deployment. With an emphasis on real-time collaboration, secure multi-site operations, and scalable infrastructure, the brand introduced several next-generation NAS systems, networking components, and AI-ready platforms.
Among the standout themes were high-availability architecture with modular redundancy, scale-out storage clusters for petabyte-class expansion, Thunderbolt 5 and USB4-enabled creative workflows, and new AI capabilities integrated directly within NAS environments. Surveillance, backup automation, and cloud services also featured prominently in QNAP’s roadmap for 2025. This article provides a structured breakdown of each individual hardware product and software solution announced or demonstrated during the summit, using verified details from the live showcase and official press releases.
TVS-AIh1688ATX – Thunderbolt, AI Workloads, and Hybrid SSD/HDD Architecture
The TVS-AIh1688ATX is QNAP’s latest high-performance desktop NAS solution designed for creative professionals, AI developers, and hybrid storage environments. Powered by Intel’s 15th-generation Core Ultra processors, this system offers up to 24 cores with an integrated 13 TOPS NPU, making it one of the most compute-capable QNAP NAS systems available to date. Designed for high-throughput workloads such as video editing, AI model inference, and multi-user virtualization, the unit blends storage flexibility with modern I/O and connectivity. The TVS-AIh1688ATX features 12 x 3.5-inch SATA HDD bays and 4 x 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe SSD bays, providing tiered storage suitable for media caching, fast data ingestion, and archival. Although the M.2 slot configuration has not been officially confirmed, the design suggests focus has been placed on high-speed U.2 storage instead. Memory is expandable up to 192GB DDR5 ECC, supporting both VM-intensive and AI-enhanced environments.
On the connectivity side, the system offers dual Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) ports built-in, with optional expansion for Thunderbolt 5 using the QXP-T52P PCIe upgrade card, which utilizes Intel’s JHL9580 controller. It includes 2 x 10GBASE-T Ethernet ports and supports 25GbE/100GbE expansion via available PCIe Gen 4 x4 slots. This makes it viable for multi-user 4K/8K content workflows, fast data offloads, and scalable network integration.
This NAS runs either QTS (EXT4) or QuTS hero (ZFS), depending on user preference, with support for ZFS features like inline compression, deduplication, and near-limitless snapshots. It is also fully compatible with FileTiers, Qsirch with AI-enhanced RAG search, myQNAPcloud One, and VM Station with GPU pass-through for AI workloads. These attributes enable it to serve both as a media production hub and localized AI platform.
Feature
Details
CPU
Intel Core Ultra (up to 24 cores, with 13 TOPS NPU)
Memory
1 x DDR5 ECC (expandable up to 192GB)
Drive Bays
12 x 3.5″ SATA HDD + 4 x 2.5″ U.2 NVMe SSD
Thunderbolt Ports
2 x USB4/Thunderbolt 4 (built-in), 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (optional via PCIe)
PCIe Expansion
Up to 3 slots (2 usable for TB5, 100GbE, or GPU options)
Network Ports
2 x 10GBASE-T, optional 25GbE / 100GbE via PCIe
AI Acceleration
Integrated NPU, supports GPU pass-through via Virtualization Station
Storage Features
RAID 0/1/5/6/10, ZFS/EXT4, SnapSync, FileTiers
Software
QTS / QuTS hero, Qsirch AI Search, myQNAPcloud One
Use Cases
4K/8K editing, local AI inference, VM hosting, media archiving
TS-h974TX – Compact 9-Bay NAS with Thunderbolt 4 and Hybrid SSD Support
The QNAP TS-h974TX is a compact 9-bay NAS aimed at professionals requiring a balance between high-speed external connectivity, internal storage flexibility, and moderate compute performance. It features an Intel Core i3-1215U processor with 6 cores (2P + 4E) and 8 threads, capable of boosting up to 4.4GHz, making it suitable for multimedia workflows, virtualization, and SMB-level AI services.
This NAS includes 5 x 3.5-inch SATA HDD bays and 4 x 2.5-inch U.2 PCIe Gen 3 x2 slots, giving users the ability to combine traditional hard drive storage with fast SSD caching or performance-tier pools. QNAP’s support for E1.S or NVMe M.2 modules in these U.2 slots also enables forward-looking upgrade paths. The TS-h974TX ships with 8GB of DDR5 memory, upgradeable to 64GB, with support for ECC where required.
Key to the system’s appeal is its inclusion of 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports, which allow for high-speed DAS-style access from editing workstations or integration into content creation environments. Networking options include 1 x 10GBASE-T and 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45 port, supporting link aggregation and flexible deployment scenarios.
The system runs QuTS hero, taking advantage of ZFS features such as inline deduplication, compression, and SnapSync. Its form factor, combined with its I/O options and high-speed storage lanes, makes it well-suited for use in hybrid video production pipelines, post-production setups, and edge AI inference when combined with GPU-accelerated containers or VMs.
Feature
Details
CPU
Intel Core i3-1215U (6C/8T, up to 4.4GHz)
Memory
8GB DDR5 SODIMM (2 slots, up to 64GB)
Drive Bays
5 x 3.5″ SATA HDD + 4 x 2.5″ U.2 PCIe Gen 3 x2 SSD
Thunderbolt Ports
2 x Thunderbolt 4
Network Ports
1 x 10GBASE-T, 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
PCIe Expansion
Not specified (non-expandable unit)
AI/VM Support
Container Station, Virtualization Station, Qsirch AI
File System Support
ZFS via QuTS hero
Use Cases
4K editing, SSD caching, SMB NAS, AI inference with external GPU
ES1686dc R2 – Dual-Controller, High Availability ZFS NAS for Enterprise
The QNAP ES1686dc R2 is a 16-bay enterprise-grade NAS built for continuous uptime and operational resilience through a dual active-active controller architecture. Each controller operates independently but in parallel, handling I/O workloads simultaneously to ensure that services remain online even if one controller fails or undergoes maintenance. This makes it well-suited for deployment in industries such as finance, healthcare, and high-throughput virtualization environments where data availability is critical.
Each controller includes 4 x 10GbE SFP+ ports, allowing for high-speed link aggregation and redundant connectivity. The system also includes 2 x PCIe slots per controller, which can be used to expand the unit with additional 10GbE, 25GbE, or SAS expansion cards. Write cache integrity is protected via NVRAM modules, reducing the risk of data loss during unexpected power failures.
The ES1686dc R2 runs QuTS hero, utilizing the ZFS file system for inline deduplication, compression, and end-to-end data integrity. It supports SnapSync for real-time remote replication and near-limitless snapshots, allowing organizations to maintain strong data protection policies and disaster recovery protocols. The system is also designed to be compatible with QNAP’s L3 Lite switch series and AMIZcloud monitoring tools, enabling integration into larger scale-out architectures and hybrid network environments.
This NAS platform also benefits from a modular design—with field-replaceable PSU and controller modules, administrators can quickly restore service in the event of hardware failure without downtime or full system shutdown.
Guardian (health monitoring), AMIZcloud, QuLog, Qsirch AI
Use Cases
Mission-critical apps, HA clusters, virtualization, regulated sectors
USB4 Network Adapters and JBOD Expansion – High-Speed I/O for Creative and Enterprise Workflows
At the QNAP Tech Summit 2025, several USB4-based hardware accessories were unveiled, aimed at enhancing the connectivity of both NAS and client systems. These include network adapters for 10GbE and 25GbE access, as well as a new 8-bay USB4 JBOD expansion enclosure for extending direct-attached storage capacity.
QNA-UC10G2SF – USB4 to Dual-Port 10GbE SFP+ Adapter
This fanless adapter allows any USB4-enabled host system to connect directly to high-speed SFP+ networks. It features 2 x 10GbE SFP+ ports, includes two transceivers, and connects via a USB4 Type-C cable (included). Designed for creative users and workstation environments, it enables direct 10GbE access from laptops or desktops without PCIe upgrades.
QNA-UC25G2SF – USB4 to Dual-Port 25GbE SFP28 Adapter
This higher-bandwidth model offers dual 25GbE SFP28 ports via a single USB4 connection. Due to increased power requirements, it includes a second USB-C port for PD (Power Delivery). Two 25GbE transceivers are included. This device targets studios and enterprise setups needing ultra-fast file transfer or VM-to-host access from portable systems.
TL-D810TC4 – 8-Bay USB4 JBOD Enclosure
This hot-swappable SATA enclosure provides 8 x 3.5-inch drive bays over a single USB4 40Gbps connection, supporting high-capacity HDDs or SSDs. Designed as an expansion solution for Thunderbolt/USB4-compatible NAS or PCs, it includes smart/manual fan control, and is positioned as a scalable media storage device for video editors, content creators, and backup environments.
All these devices are plug-and-play and designed for cross-platform use (Mac/Windows/Linux where supported), and help bridge the performance gap between traditional NAS systems and direct-attached workflows in hybrid production setups.
USB4 Expansion Solutions – Overview
Model
Description
Ports
Notable Features
QNA-UC10G2SF
USB4 to 2 x 10GbE SFP+ Adapter
2 x SFP+
Fanless, includes 2 transceivers, low power
QNA-UC25G2SF
USB4 to 2 x 25GbE SFP28 Adapter
2 x SFP28
PD support, includes 2 transceivers
TL-D810TC4
8-Bay USB4 JBOD Expansion Enclosure
8 x SATA bays
40Gbps USB4, smart/manual cooling, hot-swap
TS-h1077AFU – 1U All-Flash Rackmount NAS with Ryzen 7 and PCIe Gen 4
The QNAP TS-h1077AFU is a 1U rackmount NAS designed for high-performance, latency-sensitive workloads requiring SSD-only configurations. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745/7700 processor, offering up to 8 cores and a maximum boost clock of 5.3GHz. This CPU choice allows for substantial multi-threaded throughput, making the unit suitable for containerized environments, virtualization, and enterprise-grade data services. The system features 10 x 2.5-inch SATA SSD bays, optimized for full flash arrays (AFA), which support consistently high IOPS and bandwidth for applications like VDI, database hosting, or video post-production. For expansion, it includes 2 x PCIe Gen 4 x8 slots, enabling the addition of 25GbE NICs, SAS expansion cards, or even GPU accelerators depending on thermal and power constraints.
Networking is built-in with 2 x 10GBASE-T and 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, providing flexible connectivity options for core and edge deployments. With DDR5 ECC memory support, the TS-h1077AFU can be expanded up to 192GB, ensuring system reliability in mission-critical operations. This system runs on QuTS hero, leveraging the ZFS file system with support for deduplication, compression, inline snapshots, and real-time synchronization. It integrates easily into hybrid storage environments through FileTiers, Hybrid Backup Center, and QuTScloud support.
Feature
Details
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745/7700 (8-core, up to 5.3GHz)
Memory
DDR5 ECC UDIMM, up to 192GB
Drive Bays
10 x 2.5″ SATA SSD (hot-swappable)
Network Ports
2 x 10GBASE-T + 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45
PCIe Expansion
2 x PCIe Gen 4 x8
Form Factor
1U Rackmount
File System
ZFS (QuTS hero)
Key Features
All-flash performance, ECC memory, Gen 4 expansion, HA-ready
TS-262A and TS-462A – Entry-Level Intel NAS for Home and Small Office Users
The TS-262A and TS-462A are updated tower NAS models designed to serve the needs of entry-level users, home offices, and small businesses. Both systems are built around the Intel Celeron N5095, a quad-core processor running at 2.0GHz (burst up to 2.9GHz), providing modest compute resources for basic file sharing, backups, multimedia streaming, and light virtualization.
The TS-262A features 2 x 3.5-inch SATA bays, while the TS-462A expands this to 4 x 3.5-inch SATA bays, offering greater capacity for RAID configurations and future scalability. Both models support 2 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 x1 NVMe SSDs, allowing users to create SSD cache or performance volumes for improved access speeds on frequently used files.
Each system includes 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10Gbps), and 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45 port, offering a notable upgrade from traditional 1GbE-only units. However, unlike the 64-series QNAP NAS models, neither of these units includes a PCIe expansion slot, meaning network or port upgrades are not supported beyond what is pre-installed.
These units run QTS, offering features like Snapshot Backup, Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS3), multimedia streaming applications, and Container Station for lightweight container use. Both systems are capable of running Plex Media Server and basic Docker workloads, although limitations in CPU/GPU mean users should not expect real-time 4K transcoding.
Feature
TS-262A
TS-462A
CPU
Intel Celeron N5095 (4C/4T, up to 2.9GHz)
Intel Celeron N5095 (4C/4T, up to 2.9GHz)
Memory
2 x DDR4 SODIMM (up to 16GB)
2 x DDR4 SODIMM (up to 16GB)
Drive Bays
2 x 3.5″ SATA HDD
4 x 3.5″ SATA HDD
M.2 Slots
2 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 x1
2 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 x1
Network
1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
USB Ports
2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2
2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2
PCIe Slot
Not included
Not included
Software
QTS
QTS
Use Cases
Backup, file server, media playback, Plex (basic)
Backup, file server, media playback, Plex (basic)
QuTS Mega and 60 Bay Scale Out Enclsoure – Scale-Out NAS and Petabyte-Level Expansion
At Computex 2025, QNAP showcased QuTS Mega, its scale-out NAS operating system designed for high-capacity, high-performance deployments. Unlike traditional NAS setups, QuTS Mega enables multiple NAS nodes to operate in a single clustered environment, supporting linear scaling of both capacity and performance. This architecture is ideal for organizations dealing with large datasets over long retention periods—such as media archives, surveillance storage, or AI training sets.
To demonstrate this, QNAP introduced the a 60-bay JBOD enclosure compatible with SAS or SATA drives. Each unit connects via HD Mini-SAS and can be configured using dual-port or quad-port SAS expansion cards, offering 12Gbps throughput per link. In QuTS Mega environments, these enclosures are used to form part of a multi-node cluster—QNAP stated support for up to 96 nodes, scaling total usable capacity up to 45 petabytes with redundancy features like triple parity RAID options.
QuTS Mega is distinct from QTS and QuTS hero in that it is purpose-built for clustered data storage. It supports intelligent data distribution across nodes, node redundancy, and non-disruptive expansion. This eliminates the need for forklift upgrades or data migrations when scaling infrastructure. All nodes in a QuTS Mega cluster operate under a single namespace, simplifying storage management for administrators.
QNAP’s live demo at the Tech Summit included MC-LAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation) between switches, showing seamless failover and uninterrupted iSCSI/SMB connectivity even during network outages—further reinforcing QuTS Mega’s design for high-availability storage backbones.
Feature
Details
OS Platform
QuTS Mega (scale-out NAS OS)
Cluster Size
Up to 96 nodes
Total Capacity
Up to 45PB (with 60-bay JBODs)
JBOD Drive Bays
60 x 3.5″ SAS/SATA
Expansion Cards
2-port and 4-port 12Gb SAS cards available
RAID Support
Includes triple-parity configurations
Networking
Supports MC-LAG and seamless failover between clustered nodes
Use Cases
Petabyte-scale backup, media archiving, AI training, tiered cloud sync
TS-h1655XeU-RP – Short-Depth 3U Rackmount NAS with Hybrid SSD Support
The QNAP TS-h1655XeU-RP is a 3U short-depth rackmount NAS designed for environments requiring high-density storage in shallow enclosures, such as edge data centers or space-constrained AV deployments. It combines large-capacity HDD storage with high-speed SSD caching capabilities, making it suitable for virtualized infrastructure, surveillance archiving, or tiered storage environments. The system is powered by an Intel Atom C5125, an 8-core processor operating at 2.8GHz, which balances efficiency with adequate performance for file services, surveillance management, and backup workloads. It supports ECC RAM and offers two DDR4 SODIMM slots, with expansion support for up to 64GB depending on configuration.
The chassis includes 12 x 3.5-inch SATA drive bays, supporting high-capacity HDDs, and 4 x E1.S or M.2 2280 PCIe SSD slots, ideal for deploying SSD caches or high-IOPS VM storage volumes. This hybrid layout enables intelligent data placement and supports FileTiers for tiered storage strategies.
Networking consists of 1 x 10GBASE-T and 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, with optional PCIe 3.0 expansion via 2 available slots for additional NICs or storage interface cards. This unit runs QuTS hero, leveraging ZFS features such as inline deduplication, compression, SnapSync, and nearly unlimited snapshots. With its short-depth 12-inch chassis and redundant PSU (RP) support, the TS-h1655XeU-RP is targeted at deployments where rack depth, service uptime, and flexible media configurations are primary considerations.
Hybrid Backup Center and myQNAPcloud One – Unified Backup, Immutability, and Multi-Site Control
QNAP used the Tech Summit 2025 to unveil an upgraded version of its data protection ecosystem, anchored by the new Hybrid Backup Center and the expanding capabilities of myQNAPcloud One. Together, these tools aim to provide a unified, policy-driven backup infrastructure for NAS-to-NAS, NAS-to-cloud, and multi-site environments.
The Hybrid Backup Center builds upon the earlier HBS3 platform, providing a centralized dashboard for managing backup tasks across all connected devices. It includes a real-time topology view, allowing administrators to visualize active jobs, destination targets, and data flow between NAS units and cloud services. The system supports local snapshots, remote replication, and cloud synchronization, all of which can be monitored and managed from a single interface.
One of the most significant upgrades is support for immutable backups, which can be enforced on both local NAS volumes and cloud targets. This ensures that backup data cannot be modified or deleted for a user-defined retention period, protecting against ransomware, accidental deletion, or tampering. Integration with QuLog Center also enables alerting and auditing, helping IT administrators track backup success/failure and user interaction with backup sets.
myQNAPcloud One, originally introduced in earlier product cycles, now operates as a full-featured object and file storage platform. It’s available under a subscription model with transparent pricing tiers that avoid bandwidth or API call surcharges. Designed for enterprise users, it supports tiered archiving from FileTiers, cloud snapshots, and off-site replication of backup tasks. When paired with QTS or QuTS hero NAS systems, it enables hybrid backup strategies with automatic data tiering between local SSD, HDD, and cloud storage.
These platforms are also tightly integrated with AMIZcloud, QNAP’s centralized fleet and lifecycle management portal, which provides global monitoring, health checks, and backup verification reports across large deployments.
Feature
Details
Hybrid Backup Center
Central dashboard for managing multi-site NAS backups
Backup Types
Local snapshot, remote replication, NAS-to-cloud sync
Immutability Support
Enforced on local volumes and cloud backups
Topology View
Real-time mapping of jobs and targets
Cloud Platform
myQNAPcloud One (subscription-based, no API/bandwidth penalties)
Use Cases
Ransomware protection, long-term archiving, distributed site backups
Integration
FileTiers, QuLog Center, AMIZcloud, Qsirch AI indexing support
QBoat Industrial NAS – Fanless M.2-Based System for Harsh Environments
The QNAP QET Industrial NAS is a rugged, compact network-attached storage solution designed specifically for deployment in industrial and factory environments, where environmental conditions may exceed the tolerance of traditional IT hardware. Engineered for wide temperature operation, the unit is rated for -40°C to +70°C, making it suitable for remote monitoring stations, production lines, and embedded data logging systems.
The system is built in a fanless chassis with enhanced thermal design, allowing passive cooling even under load. Internally, it supports 3 x M.2 NVMe SSDs, delivering full solid-state storage performance without the moving parts or vibration concerns associated with HDDs. These M.2 drives are ideal for applications requiring high-speed writes and reliability, such as sensor data capture or control system logging.
Connectivity is handled via 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are sufficient for industrial deployment scenarios where redundancy or dual-network operations are required. The device is powered via a robust industrial-grade power input, supporting wider voltage ranges and enhanced electrical protection.
The QET Industrial NAS is managed using QTS or QuTS hero, depending on the specific configuration, and supports standard QNAP services such as Hybrid Backup, QVR surveillance integration, and remote management via AMIZcloud. It provides a low-maintenance solution with on-prem AI inference support, allowing local deployment of lightweight AI models using hardware such as Google Coral TPUs or M.2 AI accelerators.
QET Industrial NAS – Specifications
Feature
Details
CPU
Not explicitly detailed (low-power embedded class)
Memory
Not specified (likely soldered or small SO-DIMM)
Storage
3 x M.2 NVMe SSDs
Network Ports
2 x Gigabit Ethernet
Power Input
Industrial-grade (wide voltage range, ruggedized)
Cooling
Fanless passive cooling
Operating Temp Range
-40°C to +70°C
Software
QTS or QuTS hero
Use Cases
MES systems, remote industrial sites, embedded AI, harsh environments
QAI-H1290FX – Edge AI NAS with RTX GPU Acceleration and On-Prem RAG Search
The QNAP QAI-H1290FX is a purpose-built edge AI storage server designed to enable on-premises deployment of large language models (LLMs) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) workflows without relying on cloud infrastructure. Positioned as an appliance for enterprises seeking data privacy, lower latency, and full control over their AI infrastructure, the QAI-H1290FX includes pre-installed GPU hardware and integrated AI software capabilities.
Internally, the unit can be configured with either two NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada GPUs or a single RTX 6000 Ada, providing the CUDA cores and VRAM necessary to host and serve advanced AI models such as DeepSeek, Qwen, Mistral, and LLaMA. These models are deployed using either Virtualization Station or Container Station, and are tightly integrated with QNAP’s AI-enhanced Qsirch engine. The device supports RAG-based natural language search, allowing users to query locally stored documents using plain language and receive contextual, reference-backed answers.
The system includes standard QNAP management utilities as well as GPU monitoring, model download management, and resource orchestration tools accessible via a centralized interface. For businesses with compliance obligations or sensitive data workloads, this appliance offers a CapEx-friendly AI solution that avoids data residency concerns and ongoing cloud inference costs.
The QAI-H1290FX also supports FileTiers, QuTS hero for ZFS storage management, and can offload archived or low-priority data to myQNAPcloud One or external NAS systems, maintaining high-speed access to AI-critical datasets on SSD or NVMe storage pools.
Feature
Details
GPU Options
2 x NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada or 1 x RTX 6000 Ada
AI Model Support
DeepSeek, Qwen, Mistral, LLaMA, Gemma (via container or VM)
CPU / Memory
Not officially specified (high-performance platform)
AI Capabilities
RAG search integration, LLM inference, local AI pipeline
On-prem AI inference, enterprise document search, private LLM hosting
QNAP SSD 700 Series – Enterprise E1.S NVMe SSDs for NAS and Flash Expansion
The QNAP SSD 700 Series introduces enterprise-grade E1.S NVMe SSDs aimed at delivering consistent performance, endurance, and reliability for QNAP NAS and expansion enclosures, particularly those supporting U.2, E1.S, or hybrid SSD configurations. These drives are designed for deployment in all-flash NAS environments, as well as tiered storage setups requiring high IOPS for AI, virtualization, or database workloads.
Built on PCIe Gen 4 x4 architecture, the SSD 700 drives deliver random read performance up to 900K IOPS, with write performance up to 60K IOPS. These metrics are tuned for mixed-use environments with a DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) rating of 1, balancing endurance and cost-effectiveness for sustained 24/7 operations.
Drives are available in 1.92TB and 3.84TB capacities, with a 9.5mm E1.S form factor, making them compatible with newer QNAP NAS platforms such as the TS-h1655XeU-RP and TS-h974TX. They include Power Loss Protection (PLP) to protect in-flight data during unexpected shutdowns, and support TCG Opal 2.0 for hardware-level encryption and secure data sanitization.
These drives are warrantied for 5 years, aligning with typical enterprise storage lifecycles, and are designed to operate reliably under sustained load and elevated ambient temperatures often found in densely populated NAS enclosures.
Feature
Details
Interface
PCIe Gen 4 x4
Form Factor
E1.S, 9.5mm height
Capacities
1.92TB, 3.84TB
Performance
Up to 900K IOPS (read), 60K IOPS (write)
Endurance
1 DWPD
Data Protection
Power Loss Protection, TCG Opal 2.0
Use Cases
All-flash NAS, tiered storage, AI caching, VMs, database acceleration
Warranty
5 Years
QXP-T52P – Dual-Port Thunderbolt 5 Expansion Card for High-Speed NAS Connectivity
The QXP-T52P is QNAP’s new Thunderbolt 5 expansion card, designed to bring next-generation 80Gbps connectivity to compatible QNAP NAS systems with available PCIe Gen 4 x4 slots. This card allows NAS units to directly interface with high-bandwidth creative workflows, fast data ingest setups, or multi-user collaborative environments that rely on low-latency throughput.
The card is built around the Intel JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 controller, and provides 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, each capable of handling up to 80Gbps bi-directional bandwidth. It is backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 hosts or accessories, ensuring broad interoperability with editing suites, external RAID enclosures, and high-speed JBODs.
Installation is supported in QNAP NAS units equipped with PCIe Gen 4 support and appropriate cooling and power headroom. Once installed, the card enables DAS-style access to the NAS at ultra-high speeds, which is particularly beneficial for large file editing (4K/8K video), VFX production, and real-time content review.
The QXP-T52P is intended to complement QNAP systems such as the TVS-AIh1688ATX, which includes native Thunderbolt 4 ports but can expand further using this card, creating up to four Thunderbolt connections for simultaneous editing stations.
Feature
Details
Interface
PCIe Gen 4 x4
Thunderbolt Ports
2 x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C)
Controller
Intel JHL9580
Max Bandwidth
80Gbps (bi-directional per port)
Compatibility
Thunderbolt 5/4/3, USB4, USB-C
Use Cases
NAS-to-workstation DAS, video editing, real-time data ingestion
System Requirements
QNAP NAS with PCIe Gen 4 slot and adequate cooling
QVR Surveillance and TVR-AI200 – Unified VMS and Edge AI for Security Deployment
In the surveillance segment of the Tech Summit 2025, QNAP presented an expanded role for its video monitoring ecosystem, centered on the TVR-AI200 NVR appliance and an updated QVR Surveillance platform. These solutions aim to simplify system deployment, enhance video intelligence at the edge, and consolidate multi-site management under a single interface. The TVR-AI200 is a compact, standalone NVR that supports up to 16 IP cameras via built-in PoE+ ports. With a setup time of under 10 minutes and support for offline initialization, it is positioned as a rapid-deployment solution for retail chains, branch offices, and remote sites. Unlike standard NAS-based surveillance, this unit is dedicated solely to VMS tasks, running QVR Pro/Elite natively and optimized for AI-enhanced video analytics such as facial recognition, motion detection, and object tracking.
On the software side, the QVR Surveillance suite has received architectural and interface updates. Key enhancements include multi-channel event playback, real-time timeline navigation, and customizable recording profiles. New AI event triggers—such as virtual boundaries, unattended object detection, and license plate recognition—can be configured to trigger alerts or backups through myQNAPcloud One or secondary NAS units. Additionally, QNAP highlighted its ongoing partnership with Network Optix, enabling full support for Nx Witness VMS across QNAP NAS models. This integration allows QNAP devices to host both the video management software and the recorded footage, reducing the need for external VMS servers and helping small-to-medium deployments consolidate hardware. Storage management is enhanced with FileTiers, ensuring high-frequency footage stays on SSD or U.2/NVMe volumes, while archival video is moved automatically to slower disks or cloud targets. This helps reduce costs while maintaining fast access to recent recordings.
The QNAP Tech Summit at Computex 2025 presented a broad and structured update to QNAP’s product lineup, with a clear focus on high-speed connectivity, AI integration, and scalable infrastructure. Standout hardware included the TVS-AIh1688ATX, which combines U.2 SSD support and Thunderbolt 4/5 expansion for creative workflows, and the QAI-H1290FX, positioned as a turnkey edge AI platform for private LLM deployment. In the enterprise space, the ES1686dc R2 demonstrated QNAP’s continued investment in dual-controller, high-availability storage for critical workloads.
On the software side, the introduction of QUTS Mega signals a shift toward large-scale, clustered storage, while the enhanced Hybrid Backup Center and myQNAPcloud One provide unified data protection with support for immutability and real-time monitoring. Surveillance applications were also refined with the launch of the TVR-AI200 and expanded support for AI-based event detection and third-party VMS integration. Overall, QNAP’s announcements reflect a strategy focused on modularity, multi-tier storage, and integration across local and cloud environments—delivering solutions for both general-purpose NAS users and specialized professional deployments.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
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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 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 checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
How to Upgrade Your Synology to 10GbE Cheaper with the Xikestor SKN-A113-Mini
The XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is a third-party 10GbE network adapter designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the official Synology E10G22-T1-MINI adapter for select NAS models, including the DS923+, DS723+, DS1522+, and RS422+. While both adapters provide similar networking capabilities, the XikeStor comes at a significantly lower cost. The Synology E10G22-T1-MINI typically retails between $130 and $180, whereas the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is available for $55 to $70, making it at least 50% cheaper. However, this price difference comes with trade-offs, including manual installation, potential compatibility issues, and the risk of voiding Synology’s warranty. Unlike the Synology adapter, which offers plug-and-play functionality, the XikeStor requires manual driver installation via SSH, meaning users must be comfortable with command-line tools and network configuration.
IMPORTANT – Do This At Your Own RISK!
Beyond installation challenges, long-term compatibility is a major concern. Because Synology does not officially support third-party network adapters, DSM updates could break functionality, requiring users to reinstall drivers or rollback updates. The adapter will not work until these steps are taken, making it less convenient for those who prefer a hassle-free setup. Additionally, Synology may deny support for any network-related issues if an unsupported adapter is detected in the system, meaning troubleshooting problems like unstable connections or speed drops would be left entirely to the user. For users who prioritize long-term reliability, this lack of official support can be a deal-breaker.
The build quality of the XikeStor adapter is another factor to consider. While the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI is constructed with higher-quality materials for better heat dissipation and durability, the XikeStor is lighter and may be more prone to wear over time. While many users report good performance, there is no guarantee of long-term reliability, particularly if used in a demanding 24/7 NAS environment. In summary, the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is best suited for users who are comfortable with manual setup, willing to risk DSM update conflicts, and do not need Synology’s official support. For those who prioritize stability, seamless updates, and manufacturer-backed troubleshooting, the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI remains the safer—though more expensive—choice.
Bottom line though, This adapter is not officially supported by Synology. While compatibility with DSM 7.2.2 has been confirmed in testing, future DSM updates may break support. Users must be prepared to troubleshoot driver issues and revert DSM updates if necessary.
Compatibility & Specifications
Compatible DSM Versions: Tested on DSM 7.2.2-72803 (March 2025)
Supported NAS Models: DS923+, DS723+, DS1522+, RS422+
Interface: PCIe 3.0 x2
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F)
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% RH
Warranty: 1 year
Where to Buy?
XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini Adapter $58 on AliExpress – HERE
XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini Adapter $66 on AliExpress – HERE
XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini Adapter £81 on Amazon – HERE
OFFICIAL Synology E10G22-T1-Mini Adapter $109 on Amazon – HERE
Installation Guide
Step 0! Ensure system is powered off and install the adapter in the rear of the system.
When installing the adapter first time, make sure the Synology data is BACKED UP, and that the system is powered down. Ensure that you have an additional RJ45 cable connected to the Synology NAS via the 1GbE network port (i.e have a reliable and live network connection to the NAS aside from the 10GbE adapter) as you will need to still access the GUI and NAS via this other connection until the new 10GbE adapter is functioning in your NAS.
Step 1: Check if the Adapter is visible in DSM (will not work immediately)
Log into DSM and navigate to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface.
If the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is not listed, proceed with driver installation. IMPORTANT make sure the adapter slot at least shows as ‘occupied’ – as this at least shows the card is visible.
Step 2: Enable SSH on the Synology NAS
Open Control Panel > Terminal & SNMP.
Enable SSH and take note of the port number.
Click Apply.
Step 3: Download Required Software
Go to the Putty website to download the terminal software:
Click Download Centre > Network Card > SKN-A113-MINI
Download modules.sh (driver installation script).
Step 4: Upload the Driver Script to the NAS
Log into DSM and open File Station.
Create a new folder (e.g., test).
Upload modules.sh to this folder.
Step 5: Access NAS via SSH and Install the Driver
There are several commands that you are going to need to use to have sufficient authorization via SSH. IMPORTANT!!! Using Terminal software and SSH commands can seriously damage your Synology NAS system. DO NOT PERSUE THIS WITHOUT A SYSTEM BACKUP IN PLACE, OR IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE RISKS!
The commands you need to use are detailed below and are based around if you uploaded the files you downloaded from the Xikestor site to the NAS in the directory volume1/test/ . Change as appropriate to where you uploaded:
Open Putty.
Connect to the NAS using its IP address and the SSH port.
Log in using the administrator username and password.
Gain root privileges by entering:
sudo -i
Navigate to the folder where modules.sh is stored:
cd /volume1/test
Verify the presence of modules.sh by listing the files:
ls
Run the installation script:
./modules.sh
Enter atlantic as the driver name when prompted.
Copy the installed driver to the correct directory:
cp mi-d/modules/atlantic.ko /usr/lib/modules
Restart the NAS:
reboot
Step 6: Verify Installation
Log back into DSM.
Navigate to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface.
The XikeStor adapter should now be visible and configurable.
Performance Testing & Comparison
Test Environment:
NAS Model: DS923+
Storage Configuration: RAID 5 SSDs
Test Tools: AJA, CrystalDiskMark, ATTO Disk Benchmark
Connection Type: Direct 10GbE connection
Results:
The XikeStor adapter performed comparably to the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI in sequential read/write tests.
Some minor inconsistencies in sustained performance were observed, possibly due to driver optimizations.
The Synology adapter exhibited better build quality and felt more robust.
Risks & Considerations – SERIOUSLY, READ THIS!
Potential Issues with DSM Updates
Synology DSM updates may remove or disable third-party drivers.
Users may need to reinstall drivers or rollback DSM versions.
Installing third-party hardware may void Synology’s support coverage.
Synology’s official adapter is guaranteed to work without additional setup.
The Synology E10G22-T1-MINI uses higher-quality materials and has a more durable construction.
The XikeStor adapter is lighter and may be less robust.
The XikeStor adapter is not validated by Synology, which may raise concerns about long-term security and stability.
No suspicious network activity was detected during testing, but users should monitor their network traffic.
Should You Buy the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini or the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI?
Pros: Lower cost (typically 50% cheaper than Synology’s official adapter) Comparable performance in most scenarios Works with DSM 7.1.1-7.2.2 (as of now)
Cons: Requires manual driver installation and SSH access May become incompatible with future DSM updates Build quality is not as premium as Synology’s official adapter Potential warranty implications
Final Recommendation
If you want hassle-free compatibility and support, the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI is the safer choice.
If you are tech-savvy, comfortable with SSH, and willing to troubleshoot, the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is a cost-effective alternative.
Where to Buy?
XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini Adapter $58 on AliExpress – HERE
XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini Adapter $66 on AliExpress – HERE
XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini Adapter £81 on Amazon – HERE
OFFICIAL Synology E10G22-T1-Mini Adapter $109 on Amazon – HERE
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
[contact-form-7]
TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
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 checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
Upgrading to 10GbE networking should, in theory, allow you to achieve 1GB/s (1000MB/s) network speeds, unlocking ultra-fast data transfers for large files, backups, and high-performance applications. However, many users find that real-world performance falls far short of these expectations. Instead of the seamless, high-speed experience they anticipated, they encounter slower-than-expected speeds, inconsistent performance, and unexplained bottlenecks that limit throughput.
Whether you’re using a NAS, a 10GbE switch, or a direct PC-to-NAS connection, numerous factors can influence network performance. These can range from hardware limitations (such as underpowered CPUs, slow storage, or limited PCIe lanes) to misconfigured network settings (like incorrect MTU sizes, VLAN issues, or outdated drivers). Even the quality of your network cables and transceivers can play a crucial role in determining whether you’re getting the full 10GbE bandwidth or suffering from hidden bottlenecks.
In this guide, we’ll explore TWENTY common reasons why your 10GbE network might not be delivering full speeds, along with detailed fixes and optimizations for each issue. Each point is carefully explained, ensuring that you can identify, diagnose, and resolve the specific problems affecting your network performance. Whether you’re dealing with a NAS that isn’t reaching expected speeds, a 10GbE adapter that’s underperforming, or a switch that isn’t behaving as expected, this guide will help you troubleshoot step by step, so you can fully unlock the potential of your 10GbE network.
1. (Obvious one) Your Storage is Too Slow to Keep Up with 10GbE Speeds
The Problem:
One of the biggest misconceptions about 10GbE networking is that simply having a 10GbE network adapter means you will automatically get 1GB/s speeds. However, your actual storage performance is often the bottleneck. Most traditional hard drives (HDDs) have a sequential read/write speed of only 160-280MB/s, meaning that a single drive cannot fully saturate a 10GbE connection. Even with multiple HDDs in a RAID array, performance may still fall short of 1GB/s due to RAID overhead and the limitations of mechanical disks.
For example, if you have a 4-bay NAS with standard 7200RPM hard drives in RAID 5, you may only reach 500-600MB/s, which is half the potential of your 10GbE network. The situation gets worse if you are using RAID 6, as the additional parity calculations introduce a write performance penalty.
The Fix:
Switch to SSDs: If you need consistent 10GbE performance, you will need SSDs instead of HDDs. Even four SATA SSDs in RAID 5 can saturate a 10GbE connection (~1GB/s read/write).
Use NVMe Storage for Maximum Speeds: If your NAS supports NVMe SSDs, using them will provide 3-5GB/s speeds, which far exceeds 10GbE bandwidth.
Optimize RAID Configuration:
RAID 0 offers maximum speed, but no redundancy.
RAID 5 or RAID 10 is the best balance for speed and data protection.
RAID 6 is great for redundancy but can severely impact write performance.
How to Check Disk Speeds:
Run a disk speed test to verify if storage is the issue:
Windows (CrystalDiskMark)
Download and install CrystalDiskMark.
Select your storage volume (NAS drive, local SSD, etc.).
Run a sequential read/write test.
If speeds are below 1GB/s, your storage is the bottleneck.
This writes 5GB of data to test sequential write speeds.
Check the MB/s value after the test completes—if it’s below 1000MB/s, your storage is too slow.
2. Your SSDs or NVMe Drives Are Running at Lower PCIe Speeds
The Problem:
Even if your NAS or PC is using SSDs, you might not be getting full speeds due to PCIe lane limitations. Some NAS devices throttle M.2 NVMe SSDs to PCIe 3.0 x1 or x2, which caps speeds at 800-1600MB/s—not enough to fully saturate a 10GbE connection.
This issue is particularly common in budget-friendly NAS systems and motherboards where multiple M.2 slots share bandwidth with SATA ports or other PCIe devices. Even high-speed SSDs like the Samsung 980 Pro (7000MB/s rated speed) will be bottlenecked if placed in an underpowered slot.
The Fix:
Check PCIe Lane Assignments:
Some motherboards share PCIe lanes between M.2 slots and other components (e.g., GPU, SATA ports).
Move your NVMe SSD to a full x4 slot for maximum speed.
Linux/macOS (Check PCIe Speeds)
lspci -vvv | grep -i nvme
Look for PCIe x1 or PCIe x2—this means your SSDs are not running at full bandwidth.
Windows (Check with CrystalDiskInfo)
Download CrystalDiskInfo.
Look for the PCIe link speed in the SSD details.
If speeds are lower than expected, try moving the SSD to a different M.2 slot or checking BIOS settings to enable full PCIe bandwidth.
3. You’re Using DRAM-less SSDs (HMB-Only SSDs Can Throttle Speeds)
The Problem:
Not all SSDs are created equal. Some budget SSDs lack DRAM cache and instead rely on Host Memory Buffer (HMB), which offloads caching duties to system RAM. While this design helps reduce costs, it also means significantly lower sustained write performance.
For a single SSD, this might not be an issue, but in a RAID configuration, the problem worsens as multiple drives compete for system memory. DRAM-less SSDs also tend to overheat faster, leading to thermal throttling, further reducing performance.
The Fix:
Use SSDs with DRAM cache: High-performance SSDs like the Samsung 970 EVO, WD Black SN850, and Crucial P5 Plus have dedicated DRAM to prevent slowdowns.
Monitor SSD temperatures:
If SSDs are overheating (above 70°C), use heatsinks or active cooling.
Check SSD type in Windows:
Open Device Manager → Expand Disk Drives.
Search your SSD model online—if it lacks DRAM, it could be a performance bottleneck.
4. Your Switch is Not Actually 10GbE (Misleading Switch Descriptions)
The Problem:
Many users unknowingly purchase “10GbE” switches that only have limited 10GbE ports. Some switches advertise 10GbE speeds, but only one or two ports support it, while the rest run at 1GbE.
It’s also possible that your NAS or PC is plugged into a non-10GbE port, creating an invisible bottleneck.
The Fix:
Check the switch model’s specifications to confirm the number of true 10GbE ports.
Log into your switch’s admin panel and confirm the port speeds:
If using Netgear, Ubiquiti, or Cisco, log in and check the port status.
If using a managed switch, run the following command via SSH:
show interfaces status
Look for 10G/10000M to confirm that the port is running at full speed.
Windows (Check Network Speed)
Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
Click on your 10GbE adapter → Check Speed (should show 10.0Gbps).
If your switch only has 1-2 ports at 10GbE, you may need to reconfigure your network layout or upgrade to a full 10GbE switch.
5. You’re Using the Wrong Ethernet Cables (Cat5e vs. Cat6/Cat7)
The Problem:
Not all Ethernet cables can handle 10GbE speeds over long distances. If you’re using Cat5e, performance drops significantly after 10 meters.
The Fix:
Use at least Cat6 for short runs (up to 30 meters).
Use Cat6a or Cat7 for long runs (30m+).
Inspect cables—cheap or old cables may not be rated for 10GbE.
How to Check Your Cable Type
Look at the cable jacket—it should say Cat6, Cat6a, or Cat7.
If the cable does not specify, assume it’s Cat5e and replace it.
If using fiber, make sure your SFP+ transceivers are rated for 10GbE—many cheap adapters are 1GbE only.
6. Your Network Adapter is Using the Wrong Driver or Firmware
The Problem:
Even if you have a 10GbE network adapter installed, outdated or incorrect drivers can limit speeds or cause inconsistent performance. Many network cards rely on manufacturer-specific drivers for optimal performance, but some operating systems may install generic drivers that lack key optimizations.
This issue is common with Intel, Mellanox, Broadcom, and Aquantia/AQC NICs—especially if they were installed manually or came pre-installed with a NAS or prebuilt server.
The Fix:
Check your network adapter model:
Windows: Open Device Manager > Network Adapters and find your 10GbE NIC name.
Linux/macOS: Run the following command to list your installed NICs:
lspci | grep Ethernet
Update the driver manually:
Windows: Go to the manufacturer’s website (Intel, Broadcom, Mellanox, etc.) and download the latest driver.
Linux: Update using ethtool:
sudo ethtool -i ethX # Replace ethX with your network interface
Check and update NIC firmware: Some network cards require a firmware update for full 10GbE support. Many Aquantia NICs, for example, need firmware updates to fix link speed negotiation issues.
Ensure your OS isn’t using a generic driver:
In Windows, open Device Manager, right-click the NIC, and select Properties > Driver. If it says Microsoft Generic Adapter, update it manually.
In Linux, check driver details with:
ethtool -i ethX
If the driver is a generic kernel driver, install the manufacturer’s official driver.
7. MTU (Jumbo Frames) is Not Set Correctly
The Problem:
By default, most network devices use a 1500-byte MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit). However, 10GbE networks can benefit from larger packet sizes (9000 bytes, known as Jumbo Frames). If one device has Jumbo Frames enabled but another doesn’t, packets get fragmented, leading to lower speeds, higher latency, and increased CPU usage.
The Fix:
Enable Jumbo Frames (MTU 9000) on All Devices:
Windows:
Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings.
Right-click your 10GbE adapter, select Properties > Configure > Advanced.
Set Jumbo Frame / MTU to 9000.
Linux/macOS:
sudo ifconfig ethX mtu 9000
NAS:
Synology: Go to Control Panel > Network > Interfaces > Edit and set MTU to 9000.
QNAP: Go to Network & Virtual Switch > Interfaces > Jumbo Frames.
Check MTU Settings on Your Switch:
If your switch does not support MTU 9000, disable Jumbo Frames or upgrade the switch.
Verify MTU Configuration:
Run a ping test with large packets:
ping -f -l 8972 NAS_IP
If the packets fragment, MTU isn’t properly configured.
8. Your NAS or PC CPU is Too Weak to Handle 10GbE Traffic
The Problem:
Even if you have fast storage and a 10GbE adapter, a low-power CPU can bottleneck network performance. Many NAS devices use ARM-based or low-end Intel CPUs (e.g., Celeron, Atom, or N-series processors) that struggle to handle high-speed transfers, encryption, or multi-user traffic.
For example, some budget NAS units advertise 10GbE connectivity, but their CPU is too weak to push consistent 1GB/s speeds—especially if multiple users are accessing data simultaneously.
The Fix:
Check NAS CPU specs:
If your NAS has a quad-core ARM or low-end Intel CPU, it may not be capable of full 10GbE speeds.
Monitor CPU Usage:
Windows: Open Task Manager > Performance and check if the CPU is maxed out during transfers.
Linux/macOS: Use:
top
Disable resource-heavy background tasks:
Stop or schedule RAID scrubbing, snapshots, virus scans, and indexing during off-hours.
Use an x86 NAS with a high-performance CPU:
Intel Core i3/i5, Ryzen, or Xeon-based NAS units handle 10GbE much better than Celeron/ARM-based models.
9. VLAN, QoS, or Network Prioritization is Throttling Your 10GbE Traffic
The Problem:
If you’re using a managed switch or router, incorrect VLAN (Virtual LAN) or QoS (Quality of Service) settings may be limiting your 10GbE speeds. Some switches automatically assign lower priority to high-bandwidth devices, throttling performance.
The Fix:
Check VLAN settings:
If your 10GbE NAS or PC is in a VLAN with limited bandwidth, remove it from that VLAN or adjust the priority settings.
Disable or Adjust QoS Settings:
Log into your switch’s admin panel and look for QoS (Quality of Service) settings.
If enabled, check if bandwidth limits are applied to your 10GbE ports.
In some switches (e.g., Ubiquiti, Netgear, Cisco), set QoS priority for 10GbE devices to “High”.
Run a Speed Test Without VLAN or QoS:
Temporarily disable VLAN/QoS, then test file transfer speeds again.
If speeds improve, your VLAN/QoS settings were throttling your network.
10. Background Processes or Other Network Devices Are Consuming Bandwidth
The Problem:
If you’re not getting full 10GbE speeds, it’s possible that another device is using the NAS at the same time. Even if your PC or NAS seems idle, background tasks like cloud syncing, automated backups, Plex transcoding, or surveillance camera recording can consume CPU, storage I/O, and network bandwidth.
The Fix:
Check if other devices are using the NAS:
Windows: Open Task Manager > Network and check if any background processes are consuming bandwidth.
Linux/macOS: Use:
iftop -i ethX
On your NAS, check if:
Plex or media servers are streaming.
Security cameras are recording to the NAS.
Backups/snapshots are running in the background.
Pause Background Tasks:
Temporarily disable cloud syncing, RAID scrubbing, and backups, then retest network speeds.
Run an IPerf Network Speed Test:
Windows/Linux:
On NAS:
iperf3 -s
On PC:
iperf3 -c NAS_IP -P 4
If IPerf shows 1GB/s speeds but file transfers don’t, then background processes or storage limitations are the issue.
11. Your SFP+ Transceiver or Media Converter is Bottlenecking Performance
The Problem:
If you’re using SFP+ transceivers or fiber-to-RJ45 media converters, they might not be running at full 10GbE speeds. Many budget-friendly SFP+ modules are actually 1GbE-only or have compatibility issues with certain switches and NICs. Additionally, some fiber-to-copper converters (e.g., cheap third-party models) overheat quickly, leading to throttling and slow speeds.
The Fix:
Check Your SFP+ Transceiver Rating:
Run the following command on a Linux-based NAS or switch:
ethtool ethX
If the output shows 1000Mbps instead of 10000Mbps, your SFP+ module is not running at full speed.
Use Verified SFP+ Modules:
Stick to brand-certified transceivers (e.g., Intel, Mellanox, Cisco, Ubiquiti, MikroTik).
Generic eBay/Amazon SFP+ transceivers may not properly negotiate at 10GbE.
Check for Overheating:
Touch the transceiver—if it’s too hot to hold, it may be thermal throttling.
Consider active cooling (small heatsinks or airflow near the module).
Verify Media Converters:
Some cheap SFP-to-RJ45 converters cap speeds at 5GbE or lower.
Try swapping the converter for a direct 10GbE-capable SFP+ transceiver.
12. Your PCIe Slot is Throttling Your 10GbE NIC
The Problem:
Your 10GbE network card (NIC) might be plugged into a PCIe slot that doesn’t provide full bandwidth. Some motherboards limit secondary PCIe slots to x1 or x2 speeds, which reduces network performance significantly.
For example:
A PCIe 2.0 x1 slot only supports 500MB/s, far below 10GbE speeds.
A PCIe 3.0 x4 slot is required for full 10GbE performance.
The Fix:
Check PCIe Slot Assignment:
Windows: Use HWiNFO64 or Device Manager to check PCIe link speed.
Linux/macOS: Run:
lspci -vvv | grep -i ethernet
If it says PCIe x1, your NIC is bottlenecked.
Move the 10GbE NIC to a Better Slot:
Use a PCIe 3.0/4.0 x4 or x8 slot for full bandwidth.
Avoid chipset-controlled PCIe slots, as they share bandwidth with SATA, USB, and other devices.
Enable Full PCIe Speed in BIOS:
Go to BIOS > Advanced Settings > PCIe Configuration.
Set the slot to “Gen 3” or “Gen 4” (depending on your motherboard).
13. SMB or NFS Protocol Overhead is Slowing Transfers
The Problem:
If you’re transferring files over a mapped network drive (SMB/NFS), protocol overhead can reduce real-world speeds. Windows SMB, in particular, can limit large file transfers due to encryption, signing, or buffer settings.
The Fix:
Enable SMB Multichannel for Faster Transfers (Windows):
Linux:
Add the following line to /etc/fstab when mounting an SMB share:
ini
vers=3.0,seal=no
Try NFS Instead of SMB (If Using Linux/macOS):
SMB can be slow for large sequential transfers.
NFS performs better for 10GbE direct-attached storage (NAS to PC).
Use iSCSI for Direct Storage Access:
If your NAS supports iSCSI, mount an iSCSI target for block-level access, which can be much faster than SMB/NFS.
14. Your Router or Network Switch is Blocking Full Speeds
The Problem:
Many consumer-grade routers and switches have built-in traffic management features that can throttle high-speed connections. Even some high-end managed switches may have bandwidth limits, VLAN misconfigurations, or QoS settings that restrict speeds.
The Fix:
Disable Traffic Shaping or QoS:
On a managed switch, log in and disable bandwidth limits on your 10GbE ports.
On a router, look for:
Smart QoS / Traffic Prioritization (disable it).
Bandwidth Limiting (set to unlimited).
Check VLAN Configuration:
If your NAS and PC are in different VLANs, traffic might be routed through the main router, slowing speeds.
Move both devices into the same VLAN for direct 10GbE connectivity.
Ensure Your Switch Supports Full 10GbE Throughput:
Some low-end 10GbE switches have an internal bandwidth cap.
Example: A switch with five 10GbE ports but only a 20Gbps internal backplane will throttle performance under heavy load.
15. Windows Power Management is Throttling Your 10GbE Card
The Problem:
Windows Power Management settings may be automatically throttling your 10GbE network adapter to save energy. This can cause inconsistent speeds and unexpected slowdowns.
The Fix:
Disable Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE):
Open Device Manager → Expand Network Adapters → Right-click your 10GbE adapter → Properties.
Under the Advanced tab, find “Energy-Efficient Ethernet” and set it to Disabled.
Set Windows Power Plan to High Performance:
Open Control Panel > Power Options.
Select High Performance (or Ultimate Performance if available).
Disable CPU Power Throttling:
Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
powershell
powercfg -setactive SCHEME_MIN
This forces Windows to prioritize performance over power saving.
Check for Interrupt Moderation & Adaptive Inter-Frame Spacing:
In Device Manager, under the Advanced tab of your 10GbE adapter, disable:
Interrupt Moderation
Adaptive Inter-Frame Spacing
16. Your NAS or PC is Routing Traffic Through the Wrong Network (Subnet Mismatch)
The Problem:
Even if you have a direct 10GbE connection between your NAS and PC, your operating system might still route traffic through a slower network interface (e.g., a 1GbE connection or even Wi-Fi). This can happen if your system prioritizes the wrong network adapter, or if your NAS and PC are on different subnets, causing traffic to be routed through a slower router or switch instead of using the direct 10GbE link.
For example:
Your NAS has two network interfaces:
10GbE:192.168.2.10
1GbE:192.168.1.10
Your PC has two interfaces:
10GbE:192.168.2.20
Wi-Fi:192.168.1.50
If your PC is trying to reach the NAS using the 1GbE or Wi-Fi address, it may bypass the 10GbE connection entirely, leading to slow speeds.
The Fix:
Ensure Both Devices Are on the Same Subnet
Assign both 10GbE interfaces an IP in the same range (e.g., 192.168.2.x).
Set the 1GbE and Wi-Fi interfaces to a different subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x).
Manually Set the 10GbE Network as the Preferred Route
Windows (CMD – Run as Administrator):
powershell
netsh interface ipv4 set interface "10GbE Adapter Name" metric=1
Linux/macOS:
sudo ip route add 192.168.2.0/24 dev ethX metric 10
A lower metric prioritizes the 10GbE connection over slower networks.
Check Active Routes to Ensure 10GbE is Being Used
Windows:
powershell
route print
Linux/macOS:
ip route show
Look for 192.168.2.xgoing through the 10GbE adapter. If another network is being used, adjust the routing table.
17. Your SATA Controller is Bottlenecking Multiple Drives
The Problem:
Even if you have fast SSDs or multiple hard drives in RAID, the SATA controller inside your NAS or PC might be the bottleneck. Some budget NAS units and lower-end PC motherboards use cheap SATA controllers (e.g., JMicron, ASMedia, Marvel) that bottleneck total disk throughput.
For example:
Your NAS or PC has six SATA ports, but they are all routed through a single PCIe 2.0 x1 controller (which has a max bandwidth of 500MB/s).
Even though each SSD is capable of 500MB/s, the total throughput is capped by the controller’s bandwidth.
The Fix:
Check the SATA Controller in Use:
Windows (Device Manager): Expand Storage Controllers and check the SATA controller manufacturer.
Linux/macOS:
lspci | grep SATA
If you see JMicron, ASMedia, or Marvel, you might have a bandwidth-limited controller.
Use an HBA (Host Bus Adapter) Instead
If your motherboard or NAS has limited SATA bandwidth, install a dedicated LSI/Broadcom HBA card (e.g., LSI 9211-8i, LSI 9300-8i) to get full-speed SATA connectivity.
Check the SATA Backplane in NAS Enclosures
Some NAS enclosures have a shared SATA controller for all drives, limiting total speed.
If possible, upgrade to a NAS with multiple SATA controllers or use NVMe SSDs instead.
18. Your System’s TCP/IP Stack is Not Optimized for High-Speed Transfers
The Problem:
By default, most operating systems have conservative TCP settings that are optimized for 1GbE networks, but not for high-speed 10GbE connections. Without proper tuning, TCP window size, congestion control, and buffer settings can limit data transfer rates over high-bandwidth connections.
The Fix:
Windows: Optimize TCP Settings via PowerShell
Enable TCP Window Auto-Tuning:
powershell
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=normal
Enable Receive Side Scaling (RSS) to Use Multiple CPU Cores:
19. Antivirus or Firewall Software is Interfering with Network Speeds
The Problem:
Many antivirus and firewall programs scan all incoming and outgoing network traffic, which can significantly slow down 10GbE speeds. Some intrusion prevention systems (IPS), such as those in Sophos, Norton, Bitdefender, and Windows Defender, can introduce latency and CPU overhead when processing large file transfers.
The Fix:
Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus/Firewall and Run a File Transfer Test
If speeds improve, your security software is causing the slowdown.
Whitelist Your NAS or 10GbE Connection in Security Software
Add your NAS IP address as an exclusion in your antivirus or firewall settings.
Disable Real-Time Scanning for Large File Transfers
In Windows Defender:
Open Windows Security → Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
Under Exclusions, add your NAS drive or network adapter.
Check for Router-Level Security Features
Some routers have Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) or Intrusion Prevention (IPS) enabled, which can slow down traffic.
Log into your router’s admin panel and disable unnecessary security features for local transfers.
20. Your Network is Experiencing Microburst Congestion (Overloaded Buffers)
The Problem:
Some 10GbE switches have limited packet buffers, causing microburst congestion when multiple devices transfer data simultaneously. This results in random slowdowns, packet loss, and jitter, even if total traffic is well below 10GbE capacity.
The Fix:
Enable Flow Control on Your Switch
Log into the switch’s admin panel.
Enable 802.3x Flow Control on your 10GbE ports.
Use a Higher-Quality Switch with Larger Buffers
Some cheap 10GbE switches have small packet buffers, leading to congestion.
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The Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3 NAS series, which includes models ranging from the 4-Bay AS6804T, 6-Bay AS6806T, 8-Bay AS6808T, to the 10-Bay AS68010T, is designed to offer impressive performance, flexibility, and scalability for both home and business users. It packs several advanced features, including dual 10GbE ports, dual 5GbE ports, and USB 4.0, making it an attractive choice for those who need a powerhouse NAS solution. With the AMD Ryzen V3000 embedded processor, ECC memory support, and up to four M.2 NVMe slots, this series promises to deliver robust performance for demanding tasks. However, with prices starting at $1,299 for the 4-bay model, some may find the cost a bit steep compared to previous iterations or other NAS competitors. In this review, we’ll discuss five pros and five cons of the Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3 series to help you decide if it’s the right NAS solution for you.
The Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3 series is packed with powerful features that make it a great option for those needing high-performance storage. Let’s dive into the top five reasons to consider this NAS.
1. High-Speed Network Connectivity
The Lockerstor Gen 3 series excels in providing excellent network bandwidth options, making it ideal for users with demanding network requirements. All models in this series come equipped with dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE network ports. The 10GbE ports offer 1GB per second of data transmission speed each, while the dual 5GbE ports offer around 500-550MB per second. This impressive configuration allows users to have multiple high-speed connections simultaneously, greatly enhancing performance for tasks like large data transfers and streaming.
The potential network throughput of up to 30Gbps makes this NAS series stand out from most competitors. Whether you’re setting up point-to-point connections with other devices, connecting through a managed switch, or utilizing SMB multichannel, the Lockerstor Gen 3 can handle heavy data loads effortlessly. This connectivity makes the series suitable for businesses and power users who need reliable, high-speed access to their data.
Furthermore, the inclusion of USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4 adds another layer of flexibility. Users can connect directly to the NAS via Thunderbolt 4-enabled devices, taking advantage of up to 20Gbps per port. This allows for fast data transfers between the NAS and connected devices, bypassing traditional network bottlenecks. Video editors and professionals dealing with large file sizes will particularly appreciate the fast, point-to-point connections provided by the USB 4.0 ports.
2. Compact Design with Low Power Consumption
Despite its impressive hardware and performance capabilities, the Lockerstor Gen 3 series maintains a relatively compact footprint. This makes it ideal for home or small office environments where space may be limited, yet high-performance storage is essential. The chassis, which is built from metal with a plastic front, ensures durability while keeping the overall size manageable. Its design includes sufficient ventilation, allowing the system to remain cool even during heavy operation.
The power consumption of the Lockerstor Gen 3 series is another noteworthy feature. During testing, the NAS consumed between 30-50 watts depending on the level of utilization, which is impressive for a system that packs so much power. Even with 4 to 10 hard drives installed and multiple NVMe SSDs operating simultaneously, the power draw remained relatively low. This efficiency makes the series a cost-effective option for users looking for powerful hardware that doesn’t come with excessive energy costs.
Noise levels are also impressively low. The Lockerstor Gen 3 series is designed with a 120mm rear fan, copper heat pipes, and extensive internal ventilation, which help manage temperatures without producing excessive noise. Even during heavy workloads, the system remains quiet, making it suitable for environments where noise could be an issue. This balance of power, cooling, and quiet operation is one of the major advantages of the series.
3. Impressive Storage Options and Expansion
Storage scalability is another strong suit of the Lockerstor Gen 3 series. The NAS models come with 4, 6, 8, or 10 SATA bays, depending on the model, allowing for plenty of hard drive storage. Each bay can accommodate up to 24TB of storage, meaning even the smallest model, the 4-bay AS6804T, can hold up to 96TB of raw storage. For users needing more, the 10-bay AS68010T can store up to 240TB. This is ideal for data-heavy environments like video production, archival work, or large-scale backups.
The addition of four M.2 NVMe slots across the entire series further enhances the flexibility of the Lockerstor Gen 3 models. These slots can be used for SSD caching, RAID storage pools, or tiered storage solutions, providing users with faster data access.
The fact that these are Gen 4 NVMe slots also ensures high-speed performance, with each slot capable of up to 2GB per second throughput. Whether for fast-access storage or as a dedicated scratch disk for demanding applications, the inclusion of NVMe slots gives the series a significant advantage.
Users can configure their storage in various ways to meet specific needs, including combining HDDs for large-capacity storage while using NVMe SSDs for performance-intensive tasks. The ability to mix and match different storage types makes this NAS series particularly versatile for users with evolving storage requirements.
Additionally, with support for advanced RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, users have numerous options for optimizing performance and data redundancy.
4. Advanced ADM 5 Software Features
Asustor’s ADM 5 operating system plays a crucial role in making the Lockerstor Gen 3 series a competitive choice. ADM 5 is not just a basic NAS management interface; it offers a broad array of features tailored to both home users and enterprises. With support for a wide variety of network protocols, such as SMB, NFS, and iSCSI, it provides the flexibility required to integrate the NAS into various environments. Moreover, ADM 5 includes advanced tools for managing backups, virtual machines, and even Docker containers.
ADM 5 also introduces new features that make it easier to manage and secure data. For instance, the system offers extensive support for data backup, with the ability to sync files to cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. Local backups to other NAS units or external drives are also supported, ensuring that users can safeguard their data no matter what. Additionally, the system includes various security features like two-step authentication, port blocking, and IP blacklists, which are essential for protecting data in today’s increasingly connected world.
One area where ADM 5 shines is in its ability to run third-party applications, such as AI tools and multimedia apps, alongside the standard NAS functionality. Users can deploy virtual machines, run containerized applications, and manage multimedia libraries with ease. While some users may find the interface a bit overwhelming initially, the overall functionality is robust and meets the needs of power users and businesses alike. ADM 5 continues to improve with regular updates, adding more features and fine-tuning the user experience.
5. Powerful CPU and ECC Memory
At the core of the Lockerstor Gen 3 series is the AMD Ryzen V3C14 processor, a quad-core, eight-thread CPU based on AMD’s Rembrandt architecture. With a base clock of 2.3GHz and a turbo speed of up to 3.8GHz, this processor is designed to handle demanding tasks with ease. Whether running multiple virtual machines, performing large-scale data backups, or streaming media to several devices at once, the V3C14 can keep up with the workload without significant slowdowns. Its 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes also ensure that data moves swiftly between the NAS’s various components.
One of the standout features of the Lockerstor Gen 3 series is its support for ECC memory. The system comes with 16GB of DDR5 ECC memory, which can be expanded up to 64GB. ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory provides an extra layer of data integrity by detecting and correcting memory errors that can occur during data transfer. This is particularly important for NAS devices that are expected to run continuously, as it helps prevent data corruption over time. The combination of ECC memory and the powerful Ryzen processor makes the Lockerstor Gen 3 series a reliable option for business-critical applications.
Component
Specification
CPU Model
AMD Ryzen V3000 (Embedded)
CPU Architecture
Zen 3+ (Rembrandt), 6 nm, Socket FP7
Cores / Threads
4 cores / 8 threads
Base Frequency
2.3 GHz
Turbo Frequency
Up to 3.8 GHz
TDP
Configurable 10-25W (Default 15W)
L1 Cache
64 KB per core
L2 Cache
512 KB per core
L3 Cache
8 MB (shared)
Memory Type
DDR5 ECC
Memory Speed
4800 MT/s
Memory Capacity
16GB (expandable up to 64GB, 2 slots)
Memory Channels
Dual-channel
ECC Support
Yes (Error-Correcting Code memory)
The memory and CPU combination ensures that the Lockerstor Gen 3 series can handle even the most resource-intensive tasks, including real-time data processing, virtualization, and large-scale data storage. The system’s design is optimized for high throughput, and the ECC memory further ensures data accuracy and consistency. Users who require high reliability, such as those in the creative industry or enterprise IT environments, will find that the Lockerstor Gen 3 series delivers the performance and stability they need.
Reasons to Be Cautious About the Lockerstor Gen 3 Series
While the Lockerstor Gen 3 series boasts many strengths, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Here are four aspects that might make you hesitate before purchasing this NAS.
1. High Price Point
One of the most significant factors to consider when evaluating the Lockerstor Gen 3 series is its price. With the 4-bay AS6804T starting at $1,299, this NAS series is notably more expensive than its predecessors or other competing models in the market. The 6-bay AS6806T is priced at $1,499, and the 8-bay and 10-bay models are expected to cost upwards of $1,699 and $1,899, respectively. For many users, especially those transitioning from the Gen 2 series, this price increase may come as a shock, making it harder to justify the upgrade.
It’s important to note that while the price is high, the hardware improvements over previous generations are substantial. The inclusion of dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports, USB 4.0, M.2 NVMe slots, and ECC memory support all contribute to the higher cost. However, for users who only require basic storage functionality or have lower network demands, the Lockerstor Gen 3’s price may be overkill. It’s essential to weigh the performance needs against the price before making a purchase.
Moreover, Asustor is still considered a smaller player in the NAS market compared to giants like Synology or QNAP. This may lead some users to hesitate when faced with a high price tag from a brand that does not yet have the same market dominance. While the Lockerstor Gen 3 series offers an impressive set of features, its premium price point may limit its appeal to a niche audience of power users and businesses with larger budgets.
2. Lack of Integrated Graphics
Another drawback of the Lockerstor Gen 3 series is the absence of integrated graphics. While the AMD Ryzen V3C14 processor is powerful, it lacks the integrated GPU that many users rely on for media transcoding or graphical workloads. This could be a significant limitation for users who use their NAS for streaming media via Plex or other similar applications, where on-the-fly video transcoding is required to adjust for different devices or network conditions.
Without integrated graphics, the Lockerstor Gen 3 series struggles to perform efficient real-time transcoding, especially for 4K or 8K media files. Users who plan to use their NAS for media streaming to various devices may find that the system becomes overworked when handling high-resolution media formats. This limitation makes the NAS less suitable for those who prioritize multimedia use, particularly if their library includes high-definition content that needs to be transcoded frequently.
For users who don’t need media transcoding or graphics processing, the absence of integrated graphics may not be a significant issue. However, for those looking to build a media server or run GPU-dependent applications, the lack of an iGPU could limit the system’s potential. It’s an important factor to consider, especially if you’re comparing the Lockerstor Gen 3 series to other NAS models that come with integrated graphics processors (IGP).
3. ADM Software Still Needs Refinement
Although Asustor’s ADM 5 software has made significant improvements over previous versions, it still has some rough edges that need polishing. One of the main complaints is that certain features and services are scattered across multiple apps, making it more difficult for users to find what they need. For example, backup and synchronization tools are split between different apps, creating confusion for users who may expect these functions to be consolidated in a single portal.
The overall user interface of ADM 5, while functional, can feel clunky, especially for newcomers to the NAS ecosystem. Some tasks, such as setting up backup routines or managing security protocols, require users to navigate through several different apps, which can be frustrating. Asustor could improve the user experience by centralizing these functions and streamlining the interface, similar to what competitors like Synology have done with their DiskStation Manager (DSM) software.
Despite these minor issues, ADM 5 is still a solid platform, particularly for users familiar with Asustor’s ecosystem. The software includes a wide range of features, such as support for AI-powered tools, cloud backups, and virtual machine deployment. However, for those new to Asustor or users expecting a more polished software experience, the learning curve may be steeper than with other NAS brands.
4. Limited Surveillance Features
The Surveillance Center app that comes bundled with the Lockerstor Gen 3 series is functional but somewhat lackluster compared to the offerings from other NAS brands. While it supports basic IP camera setups and can handle real-time streaming, it falls short in terms of advanced surveillance features. Competitors like Synology’s Surveillance Station or QNAP’s QVR Pro offer more robust options, such as advanced AI analytics, better camera compatibility, and a more user-friendly interface.
One of the issues with Asustor’s Surveillance Center is its dated interface, which feels out of sync with the more modern features available in ADM 5. The app supports a range of IP cameras and allows for KVM output, where users can attach a monitor for standalone operation. However, its overall performance and feature set don’t live up to the expectations set by its competitors. This may be disappointing for users who plan to use their NAS for surveillance in addition to regular storage tasks.
While Asustor does offer a beta version of an updated Surveillance Center app, it is not included with ADM 5 by default. The beta version brings improvements in browser support and a more responsive user interface, but it’s still in development and not officially part of the software package. As a result, users seeking a NAS primarily for surveillance purposes might want to consider alternative options from brands with stronger surveillance app ecosystems.
Lockerstor Gen 3 NAS Series. Are they Any Good? – Conclusion and Verdict
The Asustor Lockerstor Gen 3 series is undoubtedly one of the most feature-packed and powerful NAS systems available today. Its high-speed network connectivity, flexible storage options, and robust processing power make it an excellent choice for power users, businesses, and anyone needing high-performance data storage and management. The inclusion of ECC memory, multiple M.2 NVMe slots, and extensive ADM 5 software features further enhance its appeal, especially for those who require advanced data protection and cloud integration. However, the high price point and a few software shortcomings may be off-putting for some potential buyers. Additionally, the lack of integrated graphics could limit its appeal for multimedia-heavy tasks. That said, if you are looking for a versatile, future-proof NAS system with exceptional performance, the Lockerstor Gen 3 series is hard to beat.
SOFTWARE - 7/10
HARDWARE - 10/10
PERFORMANCE - 10/10
PRICE - 7/10
VALUE - 7/10
8.2
PROS
High-Performance CPU: Equipped with the AMD Ryzen V3000 Embedded processor, delivering efficient, server-grade performance for demanding tasks. ECC DDR5 Memory: Includes 16GB of ECC DDR5 memory (expandable to 64GB), ensuring data integrity and reliability. Comprehensive Connectivity: Dual 10GbE and dual 5GbE ports, along with two USB4 ports, provide a combined bandwidth of up to 30 Gbps for versatile network setups. Advanced Data Protection: Offers RAID 5 and RAID 6 options for HDDs and NVMe drives, with hot-swappable capabilities and Btrfs support for snapshots. USB4/Thunderbolt 4 Over IP: Supports direct connection to Mac and Windows systems via USB4 for fast data transfers and point-to-point editing. Robust Build Quality: Sturdy metal chassis with minimal noise, even during heavy operations, and excellent heat dissipation with a copper heat pipe. ADM 5 Software: Reliable, secure OS with essential features like snapshots, remote access, and simplified setup; supports third-party OS installations. Efficient Power Consumption: Peaks at around 50W under heavy load, efficient for the system’s performance class. Front LCD Display: The configurable LCD panel allows direct monitoring and setup, a handy feature for easy system management. Excellent for Multi-User Environments: Multi-channel network support and high bandwidth make it ideal for collaborative, multi-client setups.
CONS
High Price Point: At around $1,299, it’s a premium option, potentially limiting appeal for home users and hobbyists. No Integrated Graphics: Lacks GPU support, limiting multimedia transcoding and high-end streaming capabilities. Software Limitations: ADM 5 is solid but doesn’t match the multimedia and AI features found in competitors like Synology and QNAP. M.2 NVMe Slots Limited to PCIe x1: Each NVMe slot is limited to x1 speed, slightly capping potential performance for SSDs.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
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