The AS5104T NAS from ASUSTOR is built upon the proven chassis solution we have found on their previous generations, with an easy readable LCD display and additional buttons for performing the initial configuration without the need of a PC or extra software. The Celeron J1900 quad-core processor at its core delivers very good transfer rates when moving data; this is paired with a 2GB SODIMM module but the memory can be upgraded up to 8GB if needed, when we are running multiple services at once. The trays can be locked easily with a screwdriver but we would have preferred the more classic solution with keys which is usually found with SMB/enterprise NASes. During operation, the back fan remains very silent and the operating speed is adjustable via the software interface. Also, we could remind of the multiple connectivity options in the back of the device, which also includes two eSATA ports (which are not as used as before and people mostly prefer USB 3.0).

Speaking of the ADM software, this is quite robust and we haven’t encountered issues while operating or installing software; all modules can be installed in a snap after logging with our ASUSTOR account and from here we can also adjust the Portal area, which dictates the GUI which we are finding when driving the NAS via the HDMI port. Modules can be installed from 3rd party vendors which cover social networking, web hosting services, ticketing system, project management, office productivity, cloud mirror backups, databases and many, many more. ASUSTOR went ahead with the modules it seems and now we have available PPSSPP emulator for it but also the highly-used Popcorn Time torrent-streaming application for our favorite movies and TV shows.

Speaking of the HDMI interface, ASUSTOR leaves us to operate the unit without the need of using any other hardware (well, besides an IR remote or mouse/keyboard combo and a Full-HD TV). If we are not in the right mood to play a game via the PSP emulator, we can always use KODI for playback of our local multimedia content; to raise the bar, we can launch Popcorn Time and look at the latest TV shows, movies, including subtitles or browse the web via Chrome browser.

ASUSTOR AS5104T is in the same price range as offerings from QNAP with the same processor, at 530 Euros.

ASUSTOR AS5104T 4-bay NAS is Recommended For:

We would like to thank again to ASUSTOR for making this review possible!