Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 AS3304T v2 4-Bay NAS Review – Tech Blog
Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 AS3304T v2 4-Bay NAS Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 AS3304T v2 is a 4-bay NAS enclosure designed for home and small office users. It packs a Realtek RTD1619B quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 memory, promising a balance of performance and efficiency. I’ve been using the AS3304T v2 for several weeks now, putting it through a variety of tests to assess its capabilities and real-world usability. This review will delve into the key features, performance, pros and cons, and ultimately help you decide if this NAS is the right fit for your needs.
Key Features
The AS3304T v2 boasts several features that cater to both beginners and more experienced users. Let’s dive into some highlights:
* **4-Bay Design:** The AS3304T v2 provides ample storage space for your growing data needs. It supports 3.5″ SATA HDDs, 2.5″ SATA HDDs, and 2.5″ SATA SSDs, giving you flexibility in choosing the right storage drives for your budget and performance requirements.
* **Realtek RTD1619B Processor:** This quad-core ARM processor, clocked at 1.7GHz, delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks like file sharing, multimedia streaming, and backup.
* **2GB DDR4 Memory:** The generous memory capacity ensures smooth multitasking and efficient data processing.
* **2.5 Gigabit Ethernet:** The AS3304T v2 features a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing for faster network speeds compared to traditional Gigabit Ethernet.
* **3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Ports:** These ports enable you to connect external drives, printers, or other peripherals for added convenience.
Performance
In my tests, the AS3304T v2 demonstrated solid performance, especially considering its price point.
* **File Transfer Speeds:** I observed consistent file transfer speeds over the 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connection. It easily handled large file transfers and multiple simultaneous streams without any noticeable lag.
* **Multimedia Streaming:** The AS3304T v2 performed flawlessly when streaming 4K videos to multiple devices simultaneously. I found no stuttering or buffering issues, even during demanding workloads.
* **Backup & Synchronization:** The AS3304T v2 proved to be a reliable backup solution. Its automated backup features and fast transfer speeds make it an excellent choice for protecting your important data.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the AS3304T v2’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Excellent value for money considering its features and performance.
- Fast file transfer speeds thanks to the 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port.
- Smooth multimedia streaming performance, suitable for 4K content.
- User-friendly interface and intuitive management tools.
- Solid build quality and reliable operation.
Cons:
- The memory is not expandable, which might limit its capabilities for very demanding applications.
- The lack of a dedicated HDMI port limits its direct multimedia playback options.
Final Verdict
The Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 AS3304T v2 is an excellent NAS solution for home and small office users seeking a balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. Its fast file transfer speeds, smooth multimedia streaming, and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for various tasks, from file sharing and backups to media storage and streaming. While the non-expandable memory and lack of HDMI output might be a drawback for some users, its overall performance and value for money are hard to beat. I highly recommend the AS3304T v2 to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile NAS.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| CPU | Realtek RTD1619B |
| CPU Architecture | ARM64 64-bit |
| CPU Frequency | Quad-Core 1.7GHz |
| Memory | 2GB DDR4 |
| Memory Expandable up to | Not expandable |
| Flash Memory | 8GB eMMC |
| Drive Bays | 4 |
| Compatible Drive Type | 3.5″ SATA HDD, 2.5″ SATA HDD, 2.5″ SATA SSD |
| Maximum Drive Bays with Expansion Unit | 16 |
| Supports Hot Swappable Drives | Yes |
| Expansion | 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Network | 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (2.5G/1G/100M) |
| Multimedia Output | N/A |
| System Fan | 1x 120mm |
| Power Supply Unit / Adapter | 90W x1 |
| Input Power Voltage | 100V to 240V AC |
| Certification | FCC, CE, VCCI, BSMI, C-TICK, KCC, BIS, CCC |
| Power Consumption | 25.1W (Operation), 8.4W (Disk Hibernation) |
| Noise Level | 19.7dB (HDD idle) |
| Operation Temperature | 0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C~70°C (-4°F~158°F) |
| Humidity | 5% to 95% RH |
| Size | 170(H) x 174(W) x 230(D) mm |
| Weight | 2.2 kg / 4.85 lbs |
