Asustor AS6702T v2: Fast, Flexible, But Fair?

The Asustor AS6702T v2 NAS has been released, featuring dual 5GbE networking ports and four M.2 slots, positioning it for high-speed applications. Despite these advancements, it retains the Intel Celeron N5105 processor and 4GB of RAM from its predecessor, which now appears dated given newer, more efficient chips available on competing models.

This device's construction includes a durable metal chassis and a three-year warranty, setting it apart from some rivals. However, its high price point, starting at $516.99 in the US, is a significant drawback when compared to offerings from Ugreen and Synology that provide better performance for less.

The four M.2 slots, while unique, are limited by PCIe 3.0 x1 speeds, capping individual drive throughput. The dual 5GbE ports also struggle to be fully utilized by traditional hard drives alone, necessitating an SSD cache for optimal performance, which further increases the overall investment.

Asustor's ADM 5.1 software is competent, offering features like Btrfs volumes and post-quantum cryptography support. However, it lacks the advanced RAID flexibility of competitors and isn't a strong enough reason to purchase this NAS, especially when alternatives like TrueNAS or UNRAID can be installed, potentially voiding the warranty.

Ultimately, the AS6702T v2 is a capable NAS for those needing rapid networking and flexible NVMe storage. Yet, its aging core components and premium pricing make it a niche product. Buyers seeking better value might find superior options from competitors, particularly if they do not specifically require its unique storage configuration.