Specifications

This AS7004T uses a strong Intel i3-4330 dual-core CPU that has been clocked to run at 3.5 GHz, which provides it with a huge advantage over equivalently priced NAS servers since those usually exploit significantly weaker Celeron or Bay Trail CPUs. 2 GB of DDR3 RAM with the ability to upgrade to 16 GB have also been included, and while it is nice to have the ability to expand the RAM total, 2 GB will suffice in most scenarios since Asustor's ADM operating system is pretty resource efficient.

As is the norm for all high-end NAS units, all popular RAID levels are supported, along with the iSCSI protocol. The two Ethernet ports can also be teamed (port trunking) to provide more bandwidth over the router that connects the NAS to the rest of the world. The other I/O connectors are comprised of three USB 3.0 ports of which one is at the face of the server, two USB 2.0 ports, and two eSATA ports, which are always a nice feature to have. The AS7004T also comes with HDMI and S/PDIF ports that, respectively, support 4k resolution and HD-audio. We would like to see an option for 10GbE expandability since it would make this rather expensive NAS more future proof.

The unit is as large as a four-bay NAS should be; however, it weighs more because of its internal PSU. The latter is pretty strong for even the AS7004T, and it is by a top OEM, Delta Electronics, so we expect its build quality to be top notch. A single, powerful 120 mm fan deals with the heat this unit produces. Its fan profile can easily be adjusted through the ADM OS; however, I would advice you to leave it as is because it is very quiet under normal operating conditions.

Asustor is one of the few companies in this field to offer a three-year warranty as others usually only offer a two-year warranty. We have asked for longer warranties many times before, but such key companies as QNAP and Synology insist on only providing two years. Asustor's decision to provide three is very welcome, and we now expect the competition to follow suit.