Last Updated on by ICT BYTE
When it comes to building a robust home media server or a reliable backup solution for a small business, Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices are the backbone of your digital infrastructure. The Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ (AS6702T v2) has arrived as the latest iteration in a popular line, promising high-speed connectivity and flexible storage options. However, in a market saturated with competitive alternatives, it is essential to look past the spec sheet and determine if this device truly delivers value for money.
High-Speed Connectivity and Storage Potential
The standout feature of the Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ is undoubtedly its commitment to speed. Equipped with dual 5GbE ports, it offers a significant bandwidth advantage over standard gigabit connections. For users who frequently transfer large files, such as 4K video projects or massive photo libraries, this throughput is a game-changer. It ensures that your NAS doesn’t become a bottleneck during high-intensity data transfers, allowing for smoother workflows across your local network.
Furthermore, the inclusion of four M.2 slots is an impressive engineering feat for a compact two-bay unit. These slots allow users to implement NVMe SSD caching, which drastically improves read and write speeds for frequently accessed files. By leveraging these slots, the system remains snappy even when multiple users are accessing the device simultaneously. It is a feature-rich approach that caters specifically to power users and enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance from their storage arrays.
The Burden of Aging Hardware
Despite the impressive network and storage configuration, the Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ hits a significant hurdle: its processor. Relying on an aging Intel chip, the device struggles to justify its premium price point compared to newer, more efficient hardware hitting the market. While the CPU is certainly functional for standard file storage and basic media streaming, it feels outdated when compared to the latest generation of ARM-based or newer x86 processors found in competing NAS units.
This hardware limitation manifests most clearly when running complex applications or virtual machines directly on the NAS. If you plan on using your unit as a heavy-duty container host or for intensive media transcoding, you may find the processor reaching its limits faster than expected. In an era where efficiency and power-per-watt are becoming just as important as raw speed, this internal architecture feels like a missed opportunity for a refresh.
Pricing and Market Positioning
When analyzing the cost of the Lockerstor 2 Gen2+, it is impossible to ignore the premium price tag. For a two-bay unit, the entry cost is quite steep, especially when factoring in the additional investment required for M.2 drives to actually utilize the available slots. For many home users, this creates a difficult value proposition. If you are a casual user simply looking to back up photos or documents, there are far more affordable options that offer similar reliability without the bells and whistles you might never use.
However, for the target audience—prosumers and small creative teams—the value lies in the specific feature set. The combination of dual 5GbE and M.2 storage is a niche requirement that few other manufacturers satisfy in this form factor. If your workflow is specifically hampered by network latency, the investment might be justified, provided you are aware of the processor’s limitations.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ is a device of contrasts. On one hand, it offers professional-grade networking and versatile storage configurations that are hard to find elsewhere in a small, two-bay footprint. On the other hand, the aging processor and high retail price make it a tough sell for the average consumer. If you prioritize speed above all else and have a specific use case for M.2 caching, it is a capable machine. Otherwise, it is worth comparing this unit against newer competitors that may offer better long-term efficiency and software support.
