Finding the right 6-bay NAS under $1800 for content creation demands balancing performance, expandability, and ease of use. The Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ AS6706T v2 shines with its dual 5GbE ports and robust media transcoding, making it perfect for demanding workflows. Meanwhile, the Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 AS6706T offers flexible hybrid storage with NVMe support and expandable RAM, suited for multitasking and media streaming. Both excel in performance but differ in complexity and connectivity options—here’s how they compare to help you choose.
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Key Takeaways
- The Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ is best for users needing ultra-fast network connectivity and media transcoding.
- The Lockerstor 6 Gen2 offers greater storage flexibility with NVMe support and expandable memory.
- Both options are diskless, requiring buyers to add their drives, which impacts initial setup cost.
- The Gen2+ has a premium price but includes dual 5GbE ports and HDMI, ideal for high-end workflows.
- The Gen2 model is slightly more affordable and better suited to users comfortable with a little more technical setup.
| Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ AS6706T v2 6-Bay NAS with Intel Quad-Core, Dual 5GbE, 8GB DDR4, 4 M.2 Slots, HDMI, Plex Media Server |  | Best for High-End Media Transcoding and Fast Networking | Processor: Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core | Memory: 8GB DDR4 | Storage Bays: 6 (hybrid HDD/SSD) | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 AS6706T – 6 Bay NAS with Intel Quad-Core CPU and M.2 NVMe Slots |  | Best for Flexible Storage and Multitasking | Processor: Intel Celeron N5105, 2 GHz quad-core | Memory: 8GB DDR4, expandable to 16GB | Storage Bays: 6 SATA + 4 M.2 NVMe | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| bay nas for content creators under 1800 | Processor | Memory | Storage Bays | Video Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ AS6 | Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core | 8GB DDR4 | 6 (hybrid HDD/SSD) | HDMI |
| Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 AS67 | Intel Celeron N5105, 2 GHz quad-core | 8GB DDR4, expandable to 16GB | 6 SATA + 4 M.2 NVMe | HDMI |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ AS6706T v2 6-Bay NAS with Intel Quad-Core, Dual 5GbE, 8GB DDR4, 4 M.2 Slots, HDMI, Plex Media Server
The Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ stands out for its dual 5GbE ports, enabling rapid file transfers essential for professional workflows. Its quad-core Intel processor ensures smooth 4K media transcoding, making it ideal for content creators who handle large video files or live streaming. Compared with the Gen2 model, it offers better network speed and media capabilities, but this comes with a higher price tag and increased complexity in setup. Its HDMI output is a bonus for direct media playback, yet the need for additional drives and initial configuration can be daunting for newcomers.
Pros:- Dual 5GbE ports for ultra-fast network speeds
- Supports 4K media transcoding for smooth playback
- Multiple M.2 slots for caching and acceleration
- HDMI output for direct media connection
Cons:- Premium price point
- Requires additional drives for diskless setup
- Complex initial configuration
Best for: Professional content creators demanding high-speed networking and media processing.
Not ideal for: Beginners or those with tight budgets who prefer plug-and-play simplicity.
- Processor:Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core
- Memory:8GB DDR4
- Storage Bays:6 (hybrid HDD/SSD)
- Network Ports:Dual 5GbE
- Video Output:HDMI
- Warranty:3 Years
Our verdict“This NAS is best suited for professionals who need top-tier media performance and network speed, accepting the higher cost and setup complexity.”
Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 AS6706T – 6 Bay NAS with Intel Quad-Core CPU and M.2 NVMe Slots
The Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 provides a balanced mix of performance and flexibility with support for both HDD and NVMe SSDs, making it a compelling choice for content creators who want expandable storage and multitasking capabilities. Its dual 2.5GbE ports ensure fast network connectivity suitable for media streaming and file sharing. While it lacks the ultra-fast 5GbE of the Gen2+ and doesn’t include HDMI output, its expandable RAM up to 16GB and support for PCIe upgrades make it more adaptable for future needs. However, being diskless, it demands additional setup effort, and its weight and size may be less ideal for small spaces.
Pros:- Supports hybrid storage with HDD and NVMe SSDs
- Expandable RAM up to 16GB for multitasking
- Dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network connectivity
- Supports PCIe upgrades for additional network cards
Cons:- Diskless, requiring buyers to supply drives
- Setup can be complex for non-technical users
- Heavy at nearly 5 kg, less portable
Best for: Content creators seeking flexible storage options and future-proofing with expandability.
Not ideal for: Users prioritizing maximum network speed or HDMI media output without additional modifications.
- Processor:Intel Celeron N5105, 2 GHz quad-core
- Memory:8GB DDR4, expandable to 16GB
- Storage Bays:6 SATA + 4 M.2 NVMe
- Network:Dual 2.5GbE, PCIe slot
- Video Output:HDMI
- Dimensions:2.76 x 3.61 x 3.57 inches
Our verdict“This NAS offers excellent flexibility and future-proofing for users willing to handle a more involved setup, especially suited for expanding workflows.”
How We Picked
Our selection focused on performance, expandability, connectivity, and value within the under-$1800 price range. We prioritized NAS models with powerful processors, multiple drive bays, and features tailored for content creators—such as media transcoding, fast networking, and flexible storage options. We compared their specifications, user reviews, and suitability for demanding workflows, ensuring each picks serves a different type of content creator—from high-end professionals to those seeking versatile, future-proof setups.
| bay nas for content creators under 1800 | Processor |
|---|---|
| Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2+ AS6 | Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core |
| Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 AS67 | Intel Celeron N5105, 2 GHz quad-core |
Factors to Consider When Choosing 6 Bay Nas For Content Creators Under 1800
Choosing the right 6-bay NAS under $1800 for content creation involves understanding your workflow needs, storage flexibility, network requirements, and ease of setup. Whether you prioritize raw media processing power, future-proof expandability, or a balance of both, this guide walks you through key aspects to consider, helping you select a device that best aligns with your creative demands.Performance and Media Capabilities
For content creators dealing with large video files, 4K transcoding, or live streaming, a NAS with a powerful processor and media support is essential. Look for models with Intel or AMD chips and features like hardware transcoding or HDMI output. While the Gen2+ offers superior media processing, the Gen2 still provides ample power for most workflows, especially when paired with fast network connections.
Storage Flexibility and Expandability
Hybrid storage options, such as support for HDDs and NVMe SSDs, enable faster caching and greater flexibility. If your workload benefits from SSD caching or future expansion, prioritize models with multiple M.2 slots and RAM upgrade options. Keep in mind, diskless units require you to add drives, which can increase initial costs and complexity.
Networking and Connectivity
Fast network access is critical for media workflows. Dual 5GbE ports provide maximum throughput but come at a higher price. Dual 2.5GbE ports are more affordable and still offer significant speed improvements over Gigabit Ethernet. Consider your existing network infrastructure and whether you might benefit from PCIe upgrade slots for future speed upgrades.
Ease of Use and Setup
While high-end features matter, ease of setup can save time and frustration. The Gen2+ might require more technical knowledge due to its advanced features, whereas the Gen2 offers a more straightforward, if still involved, setup process. Assess your comfort with configuring network settings, RAID, and storage options before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the two NAS models?
The primary distinction lies in network connectivity and media features. The Gen2+ offers dual 5GbE ports and HDMI output, making it better suited for high-speed data transfer and media playback directly from the NAS. The Gen2 model supports dual 2.5GbE ports and PCIe upgrades, providing more flexible storage options but lacking HDMI, which is better for users focused on expandable storage and multitasking.
Are these NAS devices suitable for beginners?
Both models are designed with advanced features that may pose a learning curve for beginners. The Gen2+ has a more complex setup due to its high-performance networking and media features, while the Gen2 offers more flexibility but still requires some technical knowledge to configure optimal storage and network settings. Beginners comfortable with some technical work could find them manageable, but absolute novices might prefer simpler, more user-friendly options.
Can I use these NAS units for media streaming?
Yes, both units are capable of media streaming, with the Gen2+ excelling thanks to its hardware transcoding and HDMI output. This makes it ideal for directly connecting to a monitor or TV for high-quality playback. The Gen2 supports media streaming through its dual 2.5GbE ports and can handle multiple streams, but it may require additional setup for optimal performance.
Do I need to buy drives separately?
Indeed, both NAS options are diskless, meaning you will need to purchase compatible hard drives or SSDs separately. This allows for customization based on your storage needs and budget, but it also adds to the initial setup effort and cost. Consider your storage requirements carefully to select drives that match your creative workload.
How future-proof are these NAS devices?
The Gen2+ offers high-speed networking and media features that cater to intensive workflows today, but its price and complexity may limit future upgrades. The Gen2, with its support for NVMe SSDs, expandable RAM, and PCIe slots, provides more room to grow as your needs evolve. Both models are solid choices, but the Gen2 offers a slight edge in adaptability for long-term use.
Conclusion
Choosing between these NAS devices depends on your specific needs and technical comfort. High-end professionals who require maximum network speed and media capabilities will benefit most from the Gen2+. Those who prioritize flexible storage, future expandability, and a more straightforward setup should lean toward the Gen2. For content creators starting out or with moderate demands, both units offer robust features within a competitive price point, but understanding your workflow will help select the best fit.
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