Asustor XPANSTOR 4 NAS Storage Capacity Expander AS5004U Review
Asustor XPANSTOR 4 AS5004U Review: Expanding Your NAS Storage
The Asustor XPANSTOR 4 AS5004U is a powerful NAS storage capacity expander designed to increase the storage capacity of compatible Asustor NAS devices. This comprehensive review explores its features, performance, pros and cons, and whether it’s the right solution for your storage needs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The XPANSTOR 4 AS5004U is a compelling option for Asustor NAS owners seeking to expand their storage capabilities. With four 3.5″/2.5″ SATA III drive bays, it offers the flexibility to house a combination of HDDs and SSDs. Its 10 Gb/s USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port allows for blazing-fast data transfer speeds, making it ideal for handling large file transfers and demanding workloads.
Key Features
The XPANSTOR 4 AS5004U boasts a range of features designed to enhance your storage experience.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flash Memory | 32MB Flash |
| Expansion | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type C |
| HDD | 4 x SATA3 6Gb/s; 3.5″/2.5″ HDD/SSD |
| Maximum Internal Raw Capacity | 88 TB (22 TB HDD x 4, Capacity may vary by RAID types) |
| Supports Hot Swappable Drives | Yes |
| System Fan | 120mm x1 |
| Power Supply Unit / Adapter | 90W x1 |
| Input Power Voltage | 100V to 240V AC |
| Certification | FCC, CE, VCCI, BSMI, C-TICK, BIS, KCC, EAC |
| Applied Models | AS31, 32, 40, 61, 62, 63, 64, Nimbustor, Nimbustor Gen2, Drivestor, Drivestor Pro, Drivestor Lite, Drivestor Pro Gen2, Lockerstor, Lockerstor Gen2, Lockerstor Pro, Flashstor |
Performance and Benchmarks
I tested the XPANSTOR 4 AS5004U with a variety of storage configurations and workloads. The 10 Gb/s USB-C connection consistently delivered impressive transfer speeds, significantly exceeding traditional USB 3.0 connections. When transferring large video files (4K resolution) to the XPANSTOR 4, I experienced read and write speeds that were noticeably faster compared to my previous NAS expansion unit.
While the performance was excellent, I did observe some minor fluctuations in speed during peak workload periods. This is likely due to the limitations of the USB interface and the number of drives connected. However, these fluctuations were minimal and did not significantly impact my workflow.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast 10 Gb/s USB-C connection for high-speed data transfers
- Supports hot-swappable drives for easy drive replacement
- Four drive bays offer ample storage capacity
- Compatibility with a wide range of Asustor NAS models
- Quiet operation thanks to the single 120mm fan
Cons:
- Slight performance fluctuations under heavy workloads
- Relatively expensive compared to some other NAS expansion units
Final Verdict
The Asustor XPANSTOR 4 AS5004U is a fantastic NAS storage expansion solution for users who need high-speed performance, ample storage space, and compatibility with a wide range of Asustor NAS models. Its fast data transfer speeds, hot-swappable drive bays, and quiet operation make it an excellent choice for users who demand reliable and efficient storage expansion. However, its price point may be a concern for budget-conscious users.
Overall, I highly recommend the Asustor XPANSTOR 4 AS5004U to Asustor NAS owners looking to increase their storage capacity while maintaining high performance. If you value fast transfer speeds, flexibility, and reliability, this expander is a worthy investment.
