ASUSTOR Flashstor 6 Gen2 FS6806X Review: An Impressive All-Flash NAS with Areas for Enhancement
The ASUSTOR Flashstor 6 Gen2 FS6806X presents a strong option in the expanding field of all-flash NAS (Network Attached Storage) solutions. Emphasizing rapid connectivity, potent hardware, and refined software, this NAS appeals to users eager to shift from standard hard drives to SSD-based storage. Although it features several significant improvements compared to its predecessor, there are also some drawbacks that prospective buyers should keep in mind.
Key Features at a Glance
– 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
– Six M.2 NVMe SSD slots
– USB 4 support for external HDD expansion
– AMD Ryzen V3C14 quad-core processor
– 8GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 64GB)
– Enhanced ADM software interface
– No support for hardware transcoding
– Priced at $999 (without disks)
Design and Build Quality
The FS6806X showcases a horizontal, angular aesthetic reminiscent of ASUS networking products. Its compact design benefits from an all-flash framework, removing the necessity for bulky 3.5-inch drive bays. However, the plastic chassis falls short of the premium quality found in metal-bodied rivals and shows some flex when pressure is applied. The arrangement of buttons and ports is somewhat unconventional, with the power button positioned on the right side, which may perplex new users.
A particularly contentious design aspect is the plastic mounting system for M.2 SSDs. Departing from the widely accepted screw-based approach, ASUSTOR has chosen a plastic latch mechanism that proved to be fragile during trials. This is a significant flaw in an otherwise innovative device.
Connectivity and Ports
The FS6806X excels in connectivity. It features:
– 1x 10GbE Ethernet port
– 2x USB 4 (USB-C)
– 2x USB 3.2 Gen2x1 (USB-A)
– 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x1 (USB-A, front-facing)
These ports provide outstanding versatility for high-speed data transfers and external storage expansion. The inclusion of USB 4 is especially progressive, enabling users to connect external storage devices or even monitors in certain scenarios.
Performance and Software
Equipped with a 2.3GHz AMD Ryzen V3C14 processor and 8GB of RAM (expandable to 64GB), the FS6806X offers solid performance for a variety of NAS functions. It adeptly handles file transfers, backups, and media streaming, particularly when linked to a 10GbE network.
ASUSTOR’s ADM software has undergone notable enhancements in recent years. The user interface is more user-friendly, and the app ecosystem has developed, supporting popular services such as Plex, Tailscale, and Docker. Nonetheless, due to the AMD processor, the FS6806X does not provide hardware transcoding support, which can be a significant drawback for those depending on Plex to stream media to devices that necessitate format conversion.
Thermal Management
Thermal efficiency is one of the strengths of the FS6806X. A dedicated fan positioned over the SSD slots ensures that NVMe drives remain cool even during extended workloads. This is critical for maintaining the longevity and performance of SSDs, especially in an all-flash NAS.
Pricing and Value
With a price of $999 for the diskless version, the FS6806X is positioned at the higher end of the market. While it delivers impressive connectivity and performance, it faces stiff competition from options like the TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus, which provides more SSD slots (eight versus six), comparable performance, and hardware transcoding support at a lower price point ($799).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– 10GbE connectivity included
– High-performance AMD Ryzen processor
– Enhanced ADM software interface
– Six M.2 NVMe slots with USB 4 expansion possibilities
– Solid thermal management
Cons:
– Lack of hardware transcoding for Plex
– Plastic construction feels inferior
– Delicate SSD mounting system
– Higher cost in comparison to similar alternatives
Alternatives to Consider
– TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus: Provides a greater number of SSD slots and better value at $799, includes an Intel CPU with hardware transcoding capabilities.
– Synology DS925+: A reliable NAS featuring a strong software ecosystem, albeit limited by its hardware options and fewer SSD slots.
– ZimaCube Pro: A high-performance NAS equipped with premium features, though it might be excessive for home users.
Should You Buy the ASUSTOR Flashstor 6 Gen2 FS6806X?
Buy it if:
– You’re looking for a robust, all-flash NAS with 10GbE and USB 4.
– You require a compact NAS with efficient thermal management.
– You’re okay with software transcoding or do not utilize Plex.
Skip it if:
– You depend on Plex and require hardware transcoding.
– You seek the best value for your investment.
