The quad-core CPU offers a nice performance boost over the dual-core CPU of the AS3102T. While the boost in speeds is not readily apparent during normal data-transfers, it becomes obvious in multimedia applications or when the NAS performs various operations at once. The AS3202T also consumes very little power, so you can easily have it operate around the clock without having to worry about high electricity bills. Thanks to its bundled HDMI port, this NAS can even play a central role in a multimedia system, which is something many of you will appreciate. Its HDMI port can also prove useful for local administration purposes if you don't want (or cannot) access the NAS remotely. An HDMI port is a huge asset to a NAS in our opinion. Even smaller NAS servers would benefit, and given its implementation cost is insignificant, we have to wonder why some NAS manufacturers still insist on not providing one (e.g. Synology). The combination of the AS3202T's hardware and Asustor Portal proved to be great, and using Kodi, I was able to reproduce every multimedia file I tried, including some demanding 4K videos. With a proper operating system even a Celeron CPU and 2GB of RAM can provide decent performance. I would, however, prefer the RAM total to at least be upgradable to 4 GB, which wouldn't affect this product's price given how cheap RAM is nowadays.

There are far fewer downsides to the AS3202T than there are upsides, but like every product, this NAS also has its cons, which include the lack of a hot-swappable HDD design, really awkward position of its power switch, and increased CPU and HDD temperatures under taxing conditions. For starters, I believe that the unit's chassis needs some ventilation holes in order to allow for lower internal temperatures, which includes CPU and HDD temperatures. With the low-capactiy 500 GB HDDs I used for my tests, temperatures went up to 43°C, and I strongly believe that 4 TB or higher capacity HDDs will make temperatures skyrocket. In addition, Asustor should find a way to install the power switch at the face of the NAS, where it would be much more conveniently placed. As for not being able to easily swap HDDs out and in, Asustor probably thought that most users will never bother removing them, which led to the cost-cutting measure of excluding removable trays. The price difference to the AS3102T is very small, which creates many problems for the smaller model. Less than 40 bucks, I believe you should take the AS3202T over the AS3102T since the two additional CPU cores of the former offer better response times in tough scenarios. I am also looking forward to the next major revision of the ADM OS since it will at the very least add widget support and re-sizable windows. The lack of those two basic features made me complain in every Asustor review so far, including this one.