Asustor Introduction
ASUSTOR Flashstor 12 Pro FS6712X NAS (10 GigE/ 12x M.2. NVMe) review
Unleashing Outlandish performance with the Flashtor 12 Pro
There are two trends regarding NAS units: multi-gigabit Ethernet and, of course, a shift toward NAND-based flash storage. The Flashtor lineup currently includes two exceptional models: the Flashtor 6 (FS6706T) and the Flashtor 12 Pro (FS6712X). The Flashtor series's core is the ability to accommodate up to 12 PCIe 3.0 M.2 slots, exclusively dedicated to NVMe SSDs. This remarkable storage capacity allows lightning-fast data access and transfer speeds, ensuring seamless multitasking and superior performance. Whether you're working on graphic-intensive projects or handling vast amounts of data, the Flashtor series has you covered.
Additionally, the FS6712X model that we test boasts lightning-quick 10GbE connectivity, providing unmatched network speeds for rapid file sharing and loading. With this advanced feature, you can effortlessly stream, edit, and share your content in real-time, without any compromise on quality or speed. To further enhance your multimedia experience, the Flashtor series includes an HDMI 2.0b port that supports crystal-clear 4K displays at a smooth 60 Hz refresh rate. Immerse yourself in stunning visuals and enjoy a true cinematic experience as you showcase your creative masterpieces.Asustor has broken new ground with the Flashtor series by offering an all-M.2 NVMe SSD storage solution for the first time in their NAS lineup. This pioneering technology brings unprecedented efficiency, reliability, and speed to your data storage, setting a new standard for NAS performance. The Flashtor series from Asustor is a game-changer, empowering content creators and enthusiasts with an unrivaled level of performance and functionality. Don't miss out on this revolutionary NAS experience. Asustor gave this NAS series a fitting processor; it is a 10W TDP Intel Celeron N5105 (Jasper Lake; 10nm). The four CPU cores of the Tremont-based processor architecture operate between 2 and 2.9 GHz (single-core Burst) but lack HyperThreading (SMT). The N5105 has 1.5 MB of L2 cache and 4 MB of L3 cache. Intel manufactures the chip at 10nm. Tremont is a redesigned CPU architecture compared to the Golmont Plus cores of its predecessor. It has a 4K enabled iGPU with embedded graphics support (mostly used as a transcoding engine for NAS). That means that both the native media applications from Asustor and Plex Media Server will support transcoding (Plex does require a premium subscription to activate that, though). So that offers plenty of performance while remaining energy efficient as well. A NAS is, in fact, a server, so it'll need some system memory as well. Included is 4GB of DDR4 (SO-DIMM) memory; however, you can drop in another 4GB through the extension port to reach a total of 8GB. The OS that manages it all is ADM. And I have seen this software grow to something particularly impressive, stable, and secure over the years. ADM is coupled with an intuitive desktop GUI (graphics interface). A recent addition is support for the btrfs file system, which enables snapshots of storage volumes for simplified backups, as well as a docker application, Plex, and room server for multimedia apps. You will also note that the unit supports on-device video streaming so you may view high-quality videos from YouTube and Twitch as soon as the NAS device's HDMI 2.0b output is activated. The software included with your purchase of an Asustor NAS includes many first-party media management, file management, backup, and system utilities. There is also support for the more recent docker/container program for operating smaller virtual environments; VirtualBox is supported for larger VMs and features ClamAV Protection for protection against intrusion, malware, viruses, and more.
When it comes to NAS devices and their reviews, one of the main challenges is their abundance of features, making it difficult to convey their capabilities in a single review adequately. However, rest assured that ASUSTOR stands out by offering the most comprehensive services in the market. Before delving into the review, it is important to highlight the energy-efficient design of the NAS, powered by the Jasper Lake refresh technology. With a single M.2 NVMe SSD over 10 GigE, the active system consumes approximately 20 Watts, maximizing efficiency. Take a closer look at this product, as we will delve further into its evaluation.
