In today’s hyper-connected world, the sheer volume of digital data we accumulate can quickly become overwhelming. I vividly recall the frustration of constantly running out of storage space on my devices, juggling external hard drives, and worrying about losing precious memories or critical work files due to a single drive failure. The chaos of scattered data, slow access, and the ever-present threat of hardware malfunction created a significant bottleneck in my daily digital life. This wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a looming disaster that threatened productivity and peace of mind, making a robust and centralized storage solution not just a luxury, but an absolute necessity. Finding a reliable system that could offer both ample capacity and data security, like the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T, would have been a game-changer back then.
Key Considerations Before Investing in a Network Attached Storage (NAS) System
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) system is essentially a dedicated file storage server connected to your home or office network, allowing multiple users and devices to access data from a central location. People typically seek a NAS to solve problems like insufficient storage on individual devices, the need for data redundancy and backup, or the desire to host personal cloud services, media servers, or development environments. For anyone dealing with large media libraries, professional creative files, or simply a growing collection of digital memories, a NAS offers centralized, secure, and accessible storage.
The ideal customer for a NAS is someone who values data security, requires significant storage capacity, and desires the flexibility of remote access or local network sharing. This includes photographers, videographers, small business owners, tech-savvy families, and home lab enthusiasts. Conversely, individuals who only store a few documents and photos, primarily use cloud services for everything, or are not comfortable with basic network configurations might find a NAS overkill. For them, a simple external hard drive or an expanded cloud subscription might be a more cost-effective and simpler solution.
Before committing to a NAS, consider:
* Storage Capacity: How much space do you need now, and how much might you need in the future? Look at the number of bays and the maximum drive size supported.
* Performance: What processor and RAM does it have? This affects transfer speeds, transcoding for media, and the responsiveness of applications.
* Network Connectivity: Are 1GbE, 2.5GbE, or even 10GbE ports available? Faster networks mean quicker file transfers.
* M.2 NVMe Slots: Can you add SSDs for caching or high-speed storage? This can significantly boost performance.
* Software & Ecosystem: What operating system does it run (e.g., ASUSTOR ADM, Synology DSM)? Look at the available apps, ease of use, and security features.
* Expandability: Can RAM be upgraded? Are there PCIe slots for future network card or M.2 expansion?
* Backup Solutions: What built-in backup features are offered, including cloud synchronization and local snapshots?
* Power Consumption & Noise: A NAS runs 24/7, so efficiency and quiet operation are important.
* Budget: NAS units range widely in price, so determine your budget for both the enclosure and the drives.
Unveiling the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T
The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T is a robust 4-bay Network Attached Storage device designed to be the central hub for your digital life, offering powerful performance and extensive expandability. It promises a secure, high-speed, and versatile storage solution capable of handling everything from media streaming to intensive data backups and virtualization. When you purchase this Asustor NAS, you get the main unit, power adapter, and necessary Ethernet cables, ready for you to install your own hard drives. Compared to market leaders like certain Synology or QNAP models, the Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T often stands out with its more aggressive hardware specifications for the price, particularly its inclusion of four M.2 NVMe slots and dual 2.5GbE ports as standard, offering a compelling blend of speed and flexibility that many previous generations lacked. This specific product is ideal for prosumers, small businesses, and media creators who need significant storage, high-speed data access, and advanced functionalities like virtualization or a powerful Plex server. It might be an overinvestment for casual users who only need basic file sharing.
Here’s a quick look at its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Powerful Intel Celeron N5105 CPU: Delivers excellent performance for multitasking and demanding applications.
* Quad M.2 NVMe Slots: Unparalleled flexibility for caching or dedicated high-speed storage volumes.
* Dual 2.5GbE Ports with SMB Multichannel: Significantly faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet, with potential for 5Gbps.
* Expandable DDR4 RAM (up to 16GB): Allows for future-proofing and smoother operation of multiple services.
* Robust ASUSTOR ADM OS: Feature-rich with comprehensive backup, security, and multimedia options.
Cons:
* M.2 NVMe Clips: Some users have reported brittle plastic clips, which can be frustrating during installation.
* Mobile Apps: While functional, ASUSTOR’s mobile app ecosystem is considered less polished compared to competitors by some users.
* No Drive Decoupling: Lack of rubber buffers for hard drives might lead to increased vibration noise for sensitive users.
* Initial 4GB RAM can be limiting: While expandable, the base RAM might require an immediate upgrade for power users.
Deep Dive into Features & Their Advantages
Powerful Intel Celeron N5105 Quad-Core Processor
At the heart of the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T is the Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor, clocked at 2.0GHz with a burst frequency up to 2.90 GHz. This 10nm Jasper Lake chip represents a significant leap forward, offering up to a 31% performance increase over previous generations like Gemini Lake SoCs. From my experience, this translates directly into a more responsive and capable NAS. Whether I’m running multiple Docker containers, streaming 4K media with on-the-fly transcoding via Plex, or handling large file transfers, the CPU barely breaks a sweat. This powerful processing capability is crucial because it ensures your NAS can keep up with demanding tasks, prevent bottlenecks, and provide a smooth user experience across various applications without lag or stutter. It moves the NAS beyond simple file storage to a true mini-server.
Expandable DDR4-2933 SO-DIMM RAM
The Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T comes with 4GB of DDR4-2933 SO-DIMM RAM, which is a decent starting point. However, one of the most significant advantages is its expandability, supporting up to a maximum of 16GB. Having used it extensively, I can attest that upgrading the RAM is highly recommended, especially if you plan on running multiple services, virtual machines, or heavy applications. The added memory significantly improves overall system responsiveness, allows for larger file caching, and ensures that the operating system (ADM) and any installed apps run fluidly. This flexibility ensures the NAS can grow with your needs, accommodating more demanding workloads in the future, thereby extending its lifespan and value.
Four M.2 NVMe Slots (PCIe 3.0) for Ultimate Flexibility
This is arguably one of the standout features of the AS6704T. With four dedicated M.2 NVMe slots (PCIe 3.0), the possibilities for accelerating your storage are immense. You can configure them for ultra-fast read/write caching, dedicating a portion of your M.2 SSDs to speed up access to frequently used data on your slower HDDs. Alternatively, you can create entirely separate M.2 NVMe storage volumes for applications or files that demand maximum I/O performance, like video editing projects or virtual machine disks. The ability to use all slots for one purpose or mix and match for different scenarios provides an unparalleled level of customization. This feature drastically reduces load times and improves overall performance for intensive tasks, making the traditional HDD bottleneck a thing of the past for critical operations.
Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Ports and 10GbE Expandability
Connectivity is key, and the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 doesn’t disappoint. It features two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which, when combined using SMB Multichannel, can offer speeds significantly exceeding standard Gigabit Ethernet. In practical terms, this means much faster file transfers between your NAS and compatible devices on your network. For those who demand even more, the unit is expandable to 10GbE, allowing you to future-proof your network infrastructure. Fast networking is critical for tasks like backing up large datasets, streaming high-bitrate 4K content, or allowing multiple users to access files simultaneously without slowdowns. It ensures that the speed of your network doesn’t become a bottleneck for your powerful storage solution.
Wake on LAN (WOL) and Wake on WAN (WOW) for Energy Efficiency and Security
The inclusion of Wake on LAN and Wake on WAN technologies provides a perfect balance between accessibility, energy saving, and security. With Wake on LAN, you can remotely power on your NAS from within your local network, and with Wake on WAN, you can do so from anywhere in the world using ASUSTOR’s mobile apps like AiMaster. This is incredibly useful for saving electricity by keeping the NAS powered off when not in use. Beyond energy savings, it adds a layer of security by minimizing the window for potential external attacks when the system is offline. For me, the convenience of being able to access my data on demand, without having the NAS running 24/7, has been a significant benefit.
Btrfs and Snapshot Center for Robust Data Protection
Data integrity and recovery are paramount, and the AS6704T, with its support for Btrfs file system and Snapshot Center, offers enterprise-grade protection. Snapshot Center allows you to take up to 256 snapshots of a volume, as frequently as every five minutes. This creates an incredibly detailed history of your data, enabling easy restoration in case of accidental deletion, corruption, or a ransomware attack. Btrfs also offers self-healing capabilities and ensures data consistency. This feature provides immense peace of mind, knowing that your valuable data is protected against unforeseen incidents and that you can always revert to a previous, clean state. It’s an indispensable tool for anyone who cannot afford data loss.
Tool-Free M.2 SSD Installation
While a minor detail, the tool-free M.2 SSD installation is a welcome convenience. Instead of fiddling with tiny screws, the Lockerstor Gen2 uses simple latches to secure the M.2 drives. This thoughtful design simplifies the setup process, making it quicker and less prone to frustration, especially for users who might not be accustomed to assembling computer components. It reflects a commitment to user-friendliness in the hardware design.
PC-less Software Installation with AiMaster
Setting up a NAS can sometimes be intimidating, but ASUSTOR makes it straightforward with its PC-less software installation via the AiMaster mobile app. You can find your NAS, perform system initialization, install the operating system (ADM), manage power, update firmware, and view system information all from your smartphone or tablet. This streamlines the initial setup process, removing the need for a separate computer and making the Asustor NAS accessible even for those with limited technical expertise.
Comprehensive Ransomware Protection and Security Features
In an age of increasing cyber threats, the Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T is equipped with robust security features to protect your data. Running the latest version of ADM, it leverages Snapshot Center and Btrfs for ransomware recovery, as mentioned. Additionally, ASUSTOR provides tools to create multiple administrator accounts, a powerful firewall with blacklists and whitelists via ADM Defender, the ability to change default ports, and options to disable SSH and Terminal to prevent remote attacks. MyArchive cold storage hard drives can also be secured with AES 256-bit encryption. These comprehensive measures ensure that your data is guarded against malicious attacks and unauthorized access, reinforcing the NAS as a safe haven for your digital assets.
Removing Storage Constraints: Direct Editing and Adobe Integration
For creative professionals, the AS6704T offers game-changing capabilities. You can directly edit videos on your NAS using applications like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro. This means your laptop’s SSD capacity is no longer a limiting factor; all your large project files can reside on the NAS, accessible at high speeds. Furthermore, local Adobe Creative Cloud folders can be synchronized and backed up to and from your NAS, utilizing snapshots for added data protection. This transforms the NAS into an integral part of a professional workflow, providing a centralized, high-performance storage solution for demanding creative tasks.
Diverse and Comprehensive Backup Solutions
ASUSTOR’s approach to backup is truly comprehensive, offering more than twelve backup options. This includes integration with popular cloud services like Amazon S3, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. For desktop and laptop users, ASUSTOR Backup Plan for Windows and Time Machine for macOS provide seamless backup solutions. MyArchive removable hard drives offer a convenient option for long-term cold storage. With Btrfs and Snapshot Center, you can easily restore previous versions of files in case of accidental modification. This multi-layered backup strategy ensures that your data is protected against various scenarios, from hardware failure to human error, offering unparalleled data resilience.
Effective Cooling System
With up to four SSDs in addition to traditional hard drives, the Lockerstor Gen2 can generate considerable heat. ASUSTOR has addressed this with extra ventilation, ensuring that all components within the NAS receive adequate cooling. This is vital for maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of your drives and internal hardware, preventing thermal throttling and potential component degradation over time.
User Experiences and Testimonials
Having delved into the experiences of other users across various platforms, it’s clear the sentiment for the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T is overwhelmingly positive. Many praised its straightforward setup and seamless integration into home networks, highlighting the convenience of remote access for uploading and managing files. Users frequently lauded its capabilities as a Plex server, providing robust storage and data redundancy for extensive digital libraries. The intuitive web interface, resembling a tablet’s home screen with app bubbles, was a common point of appreciation, making it user-friendly even for those with moderate technical skills. While some noted the initial 4GB RAM might be a tad restrictive for intensive use, most found the upgrade process to 8GB or 16GB memory and adding M.2 SSDs for caching to be straightforward and immensely beneficial for performance. The responsive customer support and solid build quality were also highlighted as significant advantages, cementing its reputation as a reliable and powerful NAS.
Concluding Thoughts and Recommendation
The problem of scattered, insecure, and insufficient digital storage is a pervasive one, leading to lost data, wasted time, and constant anxiety. Without a reliable central repository, the complications range from inefficient workflows to the devastating loss of irreplaceable memories. The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T stands out as an exceptional solution for these challenges. Its powerful Intel Celeron N5105 CPU and expandable DDR4 RAM ensure smooth operation for demanding tasks. The quad M.2 NVMe slots provide unparalleled speed and flexibility, while dual 2.5GbE ports guarantee rapid data transfers. Furthermore, its robust ADM operating system, coupled with Btrfs snapshots and comprehensive security features, offers peace of mind against data loss and cyber threats. If you’re ready to centralize your data, secure your digital future, and unlock advanced media and professional capabilities, this is a phenomenal device. To explore more about this impressive unit and make it the cornerstone of your digital infrastructure, Click here to check the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 – AS6704T out.