Comprehensive review of Asustor AS5404T 4 Bay NAS with Intel Quad-Core CPU

Description

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about the Asustor AS5404T is its sleek and compact design, which somehow manages to feel both modern and functional. Its dimensions of 9.06 x 6.85 x 6.69 inches make it surprisingly easy to place on a desk or shelf, and at just under 5 pounds, it’s not cumbersome to move around if needed. The thermal vents for M.2 SSD heat dissipation are a standout feature, not just for their practicality but also because they give the device a polished look. Honestly, having something this stylish in my workspace is a win, especially when most other NAS enclosures look like clunky tech relics.

Performance and Speed

This thing is fast—blazing fast, actually. The quad-core Intel Celeron N5105 processor delivers smooth performance, even when juggling multiple tasks like file transfers, media streaming, and running apps simultaneously. I tested the dual 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports, and the speeds were jaw-dropping compared to my previous single-GbE NAS. Transferring large files felt seamless, and the 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports at 10 Gbps added even more flexibility for external drives or peripherals. Pair that with the 4 GB DDR4 RAM, and you’ve got a system that can easily handle demanding workloads. It’s a beast.

Storage Expansion and Features

The 4x M.2 NVMe SSD slots are one of the most exciting aspects of this NAS. Installing SSDs was straightforward, and the performance boost they provide is noticeable. Whether you’re using this for media editing, backups, or even a Plex server, the storage options here deliver unmatched speed and efficiency. I also appreciated that it supports Wake on LAN and Wake on WAN, which was a game-changer for accessing my files remotely without keeping the device running 24/7. It’s small features like these that really set this NAS apart.

User Experience and Interface

I’m no tech wizard, but setting up this NAS was a breeze. From unboxing to configuring the storage options, the process was intuitive. The software interface is clean, making it simple to access files, tweak settings, or even manage backups. I especially loved the smooth integration with cloud services. It felt like a perfect balance of user-friendliness and advanced features, so whether you’re a casual user or a professional, this NAS won’t leave you scratching your head.

Key Benefits

• Blazing-fast speeds thanks to dual 2.5-GbE ports and M.2 NVMe SSDs.
• Compact and stylish design that doesn’t scream “tech gadget.”
• Wake on LAN/WAN support for effortless remote file access.
• Intuitive software interface for smooth setup and daily use.

Areas of Concern

• The device runs slightly warm, especially under heavy loads, even with the thermal vents.
• It’s diskless, so you’ll have to invest in SSDs or HDDs separately, adding to the initial cost.
• While the software is intuitive, advanced features might still feel overwhelming for total beginners.

Market Rivals

When comparing this NAS to others like the Synology DS920+ or the QNAP TS-464, the Asustor AS5404T holds its ground in terms of performance and value. The quad-core Intel CPU and dual 2.5-GbE ports give it a clear edge for speed-focused users. However, Synology’s software ecosystem is often regarded as slightly more polished, and QNAP offers slightly better customization options. Still, the M.2 SSD slots and 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports make this product a standout in its category, especially for users prioritizing performance and future-proofing.

Price to Quality Ratio

Given its robust feature set, the Asustor AS5404T offers tremendous value. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the performance, design, and expandability justify the cost. If you’re serious about data storage, media streaming, or even running virtual servers, this NAS feels like a sound investment. The fact that it includes dual Ethernet ports and NVMe slots makes it feel like you’re getting features typically reserved for pricier models.

Additional information