Asustor Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 AS3302T v2 2-Bay NAS Review: A Compact and Versatile Solution

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance Evaluation
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Asustor Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 AS3302T v2 is a compact 2-bay NAS enclosure that aims to provide a balance between affordability and performance. With its Realtek RTD1619B processor and 2GB DDR4 memory, it promises reliable storage and data management for home and small office users. After spending several weeks testing this NAS, here’s my comprehensive review of the Asustor AS3302T v2, covering its strengths and weaknesses.

Key Features

The Asustor AS3302T v2 boasts a range of features that cater to a variety of needs:

• Compact Design: The AS3302T v2’s small footprint makes it an ideal choice for tight spaces, fitting comfortably on a desk or shelf.
• 2-Bay Capacity: The dual drive bays offer ample storage space for personal files, backups, and media libraries.
• Versatile Drive Support: The AS3302T v2 supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA HDDs and SSDs, allowing for flexible storage configurations.
• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet: The single 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port provides high-speed data transfer rates for demanding applications.
• Multiple USB Ports: Three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports enable easy file transfers and external drive connections.
• Asustor ADM Operating System: The AS3302T v2 runs on Asustor’s user-friendly ADM operating system, offering a wide range of applications and customization options.

Performance Evaluation

The AS3302T v2 delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and media streaming. Here’s a breakdown of its performance in various scenarios:

• File Transfer Speeds: The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port consistently delivered fast file transfer rates, both over the network and to connected USB devices.
• Media Streaming: I experienced smooth 4K video playback without any buffering or lag, even with multiple devices accessing the NAS simultaneously.
• Backup and Synchronization: The AS3302T v2 performed well during data backups and file synchronization tasks, providing reliable and efficient data management.
• Multitasking: While the AS3302T v2 is not intended for demanding server applications, it handled multiple tasks concurrently without significant performance degradation.

Pros & Cons

As with any product, the AS3302T v2 has its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

• Compact and aesthetically pleasing design.
• Reliable performance for everyday tasks, media streaming, and backups.
• Flexible storage options with support for HDDs and SSDs.
• User-friendly ADM operating system with numerous apps and customization options.
• Affordable compared to other NAS devices in its class.

Cons:

• Limited RAM capacity (2GB) that may hinder performance with demanding workloads.
• Only one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, which might be limiting for users requiring multiple network connections.
• Lack of expandability for memory and drive bays.
• The fan noise can be noticeable at times, especially under heavy load.

Final Verdict

The Asustor Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2 AS3302T v2 is a solid NAS enclosure that offers a compelling blend of features and performance at an attractive price point. It’s a great option for home users or small businesses needing a reliable and affordable storage solution for personal files, backups, and media streaming. However, its limited RAM and single 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port may be limiting for demanding users.

If you’re looking for a compact and versatile NAS with good performance for everyday tasks and media streaming, the Asustor AS3302T v2 is a worthy contender. However, if you require high-performance storage for heavy workloads or need expandable storage capacity, you might want to consider other options.

Specifications: