For years, I found myself wrestling with a chaotic digital life. Important documents were scattered across external hard drives, family photos lived on various cloud services, and my growing media library was constantly straining the storage limits of my desktop. The sheer thought of losing precious memories or critical work data due to a single drive failure was a persistent worry, creating an urgent need for a centralized, secure, and easily accessible storage solution. Without addressing this, the complications of data loss, difficult sharing, and inefficient backups would only mount, turning digital organization into an insurmountable chore.
- Quad-Core 10 nm Intel Celeron N5105 CPU brings 31% more performance
- Memory: 4GB DDR4 -2933 SO-DIMM (Expandable. max.16GB, 8GB x2)
Key Considerations for Your Next Network Attached Storage
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) system is a dedicated file storage device connected to a network, allowing multiple users and client devices to retrieve data from central disk capacity. People typically seek a NAS to solve problems like fragmented data storage, the need for robust backup solutions, hosting personal cloud services, or setting up a media server (like Plex or Jellyfin).
The ideal customer for a high-performance 2-bay NAS like the Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen 2 AS6702T is often a prosumer, a small business owner, a media enthusiast, or a power user who requires fast, reliable, and flexible data management. This includes individuals who edit large video files, run virtual machines or Docker containers, need speedy multi-user access, or simply want robust data redundancy for their expanding digital footprint. They understand the value of dedicated hardware and appreciate advanced features.
Conversely, a basic user who only needs to store a few documents and photos might find a 2-bay NAS to be overkill and overly complex. If your needs are minimal, a simple cloud subscription or an external USB hard drive might suffice. Similarly, those on a very tight budget purely for basic file storage might find the advanced features of this specific unit more than they require, and a more entry-level NAS or even a cloud service could be a more cost-effective alternative.
Before investing in a NAS, it’s crucial to consider several factors:
* Number of Bays: How many hard drives do you need for storage and redundancy (RAID)? Two bays are great for RAID 1 or simple JBOD/RAID 0, but if you foresee massive growth or need RAID 5/6, you’d need more.
* CPU and RAM: Essential for performance, especially for tasks like media transcoding, running multiple applications, or heavy multi-user access.
* Network Connectivity: 1 Gigabit Ethernet is standard, but 2.5GbE, 5GbE, or 10GbE offers significantly faster transfer speeds.
* M.2 Slots: Useful for SSD caching to accelerate frequently accessed data or for dedicated high-speed storage.
* Software Ecosystem: The operating system (OS) and available apps determine functionality and ease of use.
* Expandability: Can you upgrade RAM, add more storage later, or connect external devices?
- Equipped with Realtek RTD1619B 1.7GHz quad-core processor. 1 GB DDR4 RAM
- Much Better Way to Store Than External Drives: NAS offers centralized storage, automatic backups, remote access, and a wide range of RAID options for easy data recovery even if a drive fails.
- 120TB Massive Capacity Embraces Your Overwhelming Data: The NAS offers enough room for your digital life, no more deleting, just preserving. You can store 41.2 million pictures, or 4 million songs, or...
Introducing the Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen 2 AS6702T
After thorough research, I decided to invest in the Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen 2 AS6702T. This 2-bay network storage enclosure promises exceptional performance and versatility, designed to be the central hub for all your digital needs. It’s a robust piece of hardware, crafted from metal, and comes equipped with a powerful Quad-Core 2.0GHz Intel Celeron N5105 CPU, 4GB DDR4 RAM (expandable), dual 2.5GbE ports, and a standout feature of four M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD slots. Unlike many 2-bay units, its focus on speed and expansion sets it apart.
Compared to market leaders like Synology or QNAP, Asustor often provides a compelling blend of hardware specifications for the price, frequently leading with faster processors or more versatile I/O. The “Gen 2” aspect of the AS6702T indicates a significant upgrade over its predecessors, particularly with the 10nm Intel Celeron N5105 CPU delivering a 31% performance boost. This specific Asustor NAS is ideally suited for power users, content creators, and small offices seeking a high-performance media server, a robust backup target, or a platform for advanced applications like Docker containers or virtual machines. It might not be the best fit for someone who prefers a completely hands-off, ultra-simplified setup or those who require more than two traditional HDD bays but aren’t planning to leverage the M.2 SSD slots for additional storage.
Here’s a quick rundown of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Powerful CPU: Quad-Core Intel Celeron N5105 offers excellent performance for demanding tasks.
* Ample M.2 Slots: Four M.2 PCIe 3.0 slots provide incredible flexibility for caching or high-speed storage.
* Dual 2.5GbE Ports: Significantly faster networking than standard Gigabit Ethernet, with link aggregation for up to 5Gbps.
* Expandable RAM: 4GB DDR4 base, upgradable to 16GB for enhanced multitasking.
* Robust ADM OS: User-friendly interface with extensive app support and advanced features like Snapshot Center.
Cons:
* Two Drive Bays: While expandable with M.2, only two traditional HDD bays might be limiting for some RAID configurations.
* Fragile M.2 Clips: Some users report the plastic M.2 SSD retention clips can be brittle.
* Initial RAM: The default 4GB RAM can be a bottleneck for very heavy workloads, often necessitating an upgrade.
* Mobile Apps: While functional, some users find the mobile app ecosystem less refined compared to competitors.
Unpacking the Performance and Advantages
The Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen 2 AS6702T truly shines when you start exploring its core components and the benefits they bring. Having used this unit for an extended period, I can confidently say that its design choices significantly enhance the user experience.
Powerful Quad-Core Intel Celeron N5105 CPU
At the heart of the Lockerstor Gen 2 AS6702T is the 10nm Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor. This isn’t your average NAS chip; it delivers a remarkable 31% performance increase over previous generations. Clocked at 2.0 GHz with a boost up to 2.9 GHz, this CPU is incredibly capable. For me, this translates directly into a buttery-smooth experience, even when running multiple demanding tasks simultaneously. Whether I’m streaming 4K video via Plex, handling large file transfers, or running several Docker containers for various services, the system remains responsive and snappy. This raw processing power is crucial for anyone who treats their NAS as more than just a file server – it’s a foundation for a home lab, a robust media hub, or a small business data center. The benefit is clear: less waiting, more doing, and the confidence that your NAS can keep up with evolving demands.
Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Ports with Link Aggregation
One of the most impactful features for me has been the dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. In a world still largely stuck on 1GbE, having 2.5GbE as standard more than doubles network performance right out of the box. But the real magic happens with Link Aggregation, which allows both ports to combine their speeds, potentially offering up to 5Gbps. This has been a game-changer for large file transfers. When moving gigabytes of video footage from my workstation to the AS6702T, the difference compared to a 1GbE connection is night and day. Files that used to take minutes now transfer in seconds. For multi-user environments, this means less network contention and faster access for everyone. Content creators, in particular, will appreciate the ability to edit directly from the NAS without feeling bottlenecked by network speeds. This feature truly future-proofs the device for higher-bandwidth home networks and increasingly demanding applications.
Four M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD Slots
The inclusion of four M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD slots is arguably what elevates the Lockerstor 2 Gen 2 above many of its competitors. These slots can be used flexibly for either caching or dedicated high-speed storage. I’ve opted to use two for read/write caching, and the impact on performance is immediate and noticeable, especially for frequently accessed files and applications. The system feels much snappier, and database operations or media library scans are significantly faster. For users who want ultra-fast storage for specific applications or even to host a virtual machine, these slots provide immense flexibility. The tool-free installation for these M.2 SSDs is a small but appreciated touch, making upgrades incredibly simple, though a minor drawback is that some users have found the plastic retention clips to be a bit delicate. The benefit of these slots is unparalleled storage customization and performance acceleration, transforming a 2-bay unit into a multi-tiered storage powerhouse.
Expandable 4GB DDR4 RAM (up to 16GB)
While the Asustor AS6702T comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, the fact that it’s expandable up to 16GB is a huge advantage. Out of the box, 4GB is sufficient for basic file serving and a couple of light apps. However, once I started running Plex, Jellyfin, Docker containers, and a logging server, I quickly realized the benefit of more RAM. Upgrading to 8GB (or even the maximum 16GB) significantly enhanced the system’s ability to multitask smoothly and handle memory-intensive applications without a hitch. For anyone planning to run more than basic services, or especially those considering virtual machines, a RAM upgrade is highly recommended. It unlocks the full potential of the N5105 CPU, ensuring all your applications have the memory headroom they need for optimal performance.
Robust ADM Operating System & Security
The Asustor Data Master (ADM) operating system is the backbone of the Lockerstor Gen 2 AS6702T. It’s a Linux-based OS that’s both intuitive and powerful, accessible via a web portal or even SSH for advanced users. The interface resembles a desktop OS with app icons, making navigation straightforward. One of ADM’s most critical features is the Snapshot Center, leveraging Btrfs and iSCSI volumes. This allows for up to 256 snapshots of a volume, taken as frequently as every five minutes. This capability provides an incredibly robust defense against data damage or loss, particularly from ransomware attacks. Should anything go wrong, reverting to a previous snapshot is quick and easy, offering immense peace of mind. Beyond snapshots, ADM Defender provides a firewall with blacklists and whitelists, and options to disable SSH and change default ports, all contributing to a secure environment. The benefit here is comprehensive data protection and a user-friendly management experience that adapts to both novice and advanced users.
Comprehensive Backup Solutions & Cloud Integration
Data protection isn’t just about snapshots; it’s about a holistic backup strategy. The Lockerstor 2 Gen 2 offers an impressive array of over a dozen backup options, including popular cloud services like Amazon S3, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. For local backups, ASUSTOR Backup Plan for Windows and Time Machine for macOS provide seamless integration with desktop systems. Additionally, MyArchive removable hard drives offer a convenient solution for cold storage. This comprehensive approach ensures that whether your data needs to be replicated off-site, synced to the cloud, or stored locally on a removable drive, the Asustor NAS has you covered. The benefit is unparalleled flexibility in safeguarding your data against various failure scenarios, ensuring your critical information is always recoverable.
Media Server & Content Creation Capabilities
For a media enthusiast like myself, the AS6702T excels as a media server. It easily handles Plex and Jellyfin, transcode 4K video on the fly, and serves as a central repository for all my audio, video, and photos. But its capabilities extend beyond just serving media. For content creators, the ability to edit videos directly on the NAS using applications like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro is a huge advantage. This means your laptop’s SSD capacity is no longer a constraint, and you can collaborate more easily. Furthermore, local Adobe Creative Cloud folders can be synchronized and backed up, leveraging the snapshot feature for added data protection during active projects. The benefit is a powerful central hub that streamlines media consumption and content creation workflows, making it an indispensable tool for creative professionals and avid media consumers alike.
Wake on WAN for Remote Access and Energy Efficiency
The Wake on WAN feature is a smart addition to the Lockerstor Gen 2 AS6702T. This technology allows you to remotely power on or off your NAS from anywhere using ASUSTOR’s mobile apps like AiMaster, AiMusic, or AiData, without needing specialized network equipment. This not only saves electricity by keeping the NAS off when not in use but also enhances security by reducing its exposure to potential attacks. In case of power failures, your data integrity is protected as the unit remains off. The benefit is greater control over your NAS, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced security, making remote data access convenient and responsible.
What Users Are Saying
After scouring various online platforms, it’s clear that the Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen 2 AS6702T generally receives very positive feedback. Many users highlight its straightforward setup process and its incredible convenience for remote access, making it perfect for streaming services like Plex with ample storage. The performance jump from older systems is frequently praised, especially when upgrading RAM and adding M.2 SSDs for caching. People appreciate the user-friendly web interface, which is often likened to a tablet’s home screen, and the wide array of downloadable apps. While a few noted concerns about potentially receiving a previously opened unit or brittle M.2 clips, the overwhelming sentiment points to a robust, high-performing device that serves as an excellent home datacenter, handling everything from shared storage to web servers and logging. The responsive customer support also receives commendation.
Final Thoughts on Elevating Your Storage
The challenge of managing a growing digital footprint – from precious family photos to critical work files – demands a robust and reliable solution to prevent data loss and ensure easy access. The complications of not having such a system, like scattered data, slow backups, and vulnerability to drive failures, are simply too significant to ignore.
The Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen 2 AS6702T stands out as an exceptional fit to tackle these problems. Its powerful Intel Celeron N5105 CPU and dual 2.5GbE ports provide incredible speed for both data processing and transfer, making it ideal for demanding tasks like 4K media streaming or heavy file transfers. The four M.2 PCIe 3.0 SSD slots offer unparalleled flexibility for performance caching or high-speed storage, transforming a 2-bay unit into a formidable data powerhouse. Lastly, the robust ADM operating system, with its comprehensive backup solutions and Snapshot Center, delivers peace of mind through advanced data protection against everything from accidental deletions to ransomware attacks. To revolutionize your digital storage experience, click here to check out the Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen 2 AS6702T.
Last update on 2025-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API