Asustor Drivestor 4 Pro AS3304T in the NAS test: Inexpensive multimedia server
Whether it’s automated backups, a home cloud or an ambitious media server with Plex – all of this can be realized with an efficient small NAS server that looks more like a hard drive enclosure than an almost full-fledged computer. The Drivestor 4 Pro uses a quad-core Realtek CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz and supported by 2 GB of DDR4 RAM. 2GB of memory isn’t much and the RTD1296 CPU isn’t particularly strong, but given that NAS servers are running 24/7, it’s all about offering moderate performance while being so light on power to consume as possible. In other words, it’s more about efficiency than computing power. In addition, since this is a home-oriented NAS, it is not suitable for professional applications, for which performance could run out a bit quickly. Plex support and 4K transcoding is good news for users who need a NAS for their multimedia content. However, in this review we will also check if it can actually do that.
ASUSTOR DRIVESTOR 4 PRO (AS3304T) (6) [Quelle: Asustor]
ASUSTOR DRIVESTOR 4 PRO (AS3304T) (7) [Quelle: Asustor]
Equipment: Four drive bays, but sparse connections
The server’s CPU lacks an onboard GPU, so there’s no HDMI port, which is a major drawback for a multimedia-oriented NAS. A direct connection to a TV means you can enjoy very high bitrate files without straining your home network. Plex support is an advantage, but it only applies to up to 1080p without any hardware transcoding, so the weak CPU will have a hard time. Media mode will help as it reserves 512GB of memory for multimedia tasks, but ADM is more memory hungry than DSM.
| ASUSTOR DRIVESTOR 4 PRO AS3304T | |
|---|---|
| processor | Realtek RTD1296 1.4GHz quad core |
| random access memory | 2GB DDR4 |
| capacity | Four drive bays |
| Compatible drive types | 3.5″ SATA Hard Drive, 2.5″ SATA Hard Drive, 2.5″ SATA SSD |
| Hot swappable | Yes |
| External Ports | One RJ-45 2.5GbE port, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (front), Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (rear) |
| power supply | 90W power adapter |
| Consumption: Operation/Hard Disk Hibernation/Sleep (S3) | 23.1 W / 10.1 W / No sleep mode |
| Dimensions | 170mm x 174mm x 230mm |
| warranty | 3 years |
Numerous status LEDs light up on the front, just as you would expect from a NAS. It is not about the operation of the individual hard disks that is reported here, the LAN or CPU activity also lights up here. The sides of the case are completely closed, as is the top. The rear of the NAS houses the 120mm fan, two more USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, the 2.5Gb LAN port, and the DC power input of the external power adapter. There are no dust filters, so like other cases, you’ll have to open the trays and remove the drives for a quick clean inside.
The entire case is also easy to disassemble, just removing a few screws on the back. However, this is not necessary as there are no M.2 slots for SSD cache and the RAM cannot be upgraded either. The NAS is well thought out and easy to populate with drives. Setting up an Asustor NAS is a simple process anyway. All you need is the IP address of the case on your local network to enter it in the browser line. If you don’t find it in the network right away, the manufacturer’s own Windows app can help.
Reference-www.pcgameshardware.de