Asustor AS5404T Review Australia

The Asustor AS5404T (Nimbustor 4 Gen2) is one of the strongest value propositions in the Australian 4-bay NAS market, combining an Intel N5105 processor, dual 2.5GbE networking, and four M.2 NVMe SSD slots for $799-$879 depending on the retailer. It sits in a competitive sweet spot between budget Realtek-based NAS units and the premium Synology Plus series, offering hardware that punches above its price point. If you want a NAS that can handle Plex transcoding, Docker containers, and fast file transfers without paying over $1,000, the AS5404T deserves serious consideration.

AS5404T Specifications and Australian Pricing

The AS5404T is the 4-bay model in Asustor's Nimbustor Gen2 lineup. Its defining feature is the combination of an x86 Intel processor with four M.2 NVMe SSD slots alongside four standard 3.5-inch drive bays, giving you both bulk HDD storage and high-speed SSD caching or tiered storage in a single unit. Here are the full specifications alongside current Australian pricing.

Pricing across Australian retailers is fairly consistent. Scorptec lists the AS5404T at $799 with confirmed stock, while Mwave has it at $879. PLE Computers shows a price between $799 and $849. This uniformity is typical of the Australian NAS market, where most resellers operate on 3-5% margins, leaving little room for price variation. The meaningful differences between retailers come down to stock availability, pre-sales advice, and after-sales support rather than price.

Hardware Deep Dive: What Makes the AS5404T Stand Out

Intel N5105 Processor

The Intel Celeron N5105 is a Jasper Lake quad-core processor that has become the workhorse of mid-range NAS devices. At 2.0 GHz base with burst speeds up to 2.9 GHz, it delivers meaningful performance advantages over the Realtek RTD1619B chips found in budget Asustor models like the Drivestor series. The N5105 supports hardware AES-NI encryption, which means encrypted volumes and network transfers don't tank your throughput the way they do on ARM-based NAS units.

For Plex users, the N5105's Intel UHD Graphics supports hardware transcoding of H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) content, including 4K to 1080p transcode. This matters if you stream media to devices outside your local network, where the NAS needs to convert video on the fly to match the remote device's capability and your NBN upload bandwidth. On a typical NBN 100 plan with around 20-40 Mbps upload, the AS5404T handles a single 4K transcode stream comfortably. Two simultaneous transcodes are achievable but will push the CPU hard.

Four M.2 NVMe Slots: The Differentiator

Four M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots is genuinely unusual at this price point. Most competing 4-bay NAS units in the sub-$1,000 bracket offer two M.2 slots at most. The Synology DS423 (not yet available in Australia) and QNAP TS-464 both max out at two M.2 slots. Asustor gives you four, which opens up several practical configurations.

You can use the M.2 slots for SSD caching to accelerate reads and writes on your HDD-based storage pools. Alternatively, you can create a dedicated all-SSD volume on the M.2 slots for high-performance workloads like virtual machines or databases while keeping bulk storage on the HDD bays. For users interested in SSD caching and all-flash NAS configurations, the AS5404T's four M.2 slots provide flexibility that competitors at this price simply do not match.

Dual 2.5GbE Networking

Both Ethernet ports are 2.5 Gigabit, and they support link aggregation (802.3ad LACP) for combined throughput. In practice, a single 2.5GbE connection delivers around 280 MB/s of real-world file transfer speed, which is roughly 2.5 times faster than standard gigabit Ethernet. With link aggregation enabled and a compatible managed switch, two clients can each achieve full 2.5GbE speeds simultaneously. For a detailed look at NAS networking options, see our NAS networking guide.

The caveat: you need 2.5GbE on the client side too. If your PC or Mac only has a 1GbE port, you will still be limited to roughly 112 MB/s regardless of the NAS capabilities. USB-to-2.5GbE adapters are available from around $30-50 and work well as an interim solution before upgrading your switch and router.

RAM and Expandability

The AS5404T ships with 4GB of DDR4 3200 MHz RAM, which is sufficient for standard file serving, media streaming, and light Docker use. If you plan to run multiple Docker containers, virtual machines, or Plex with heavy transcoding, upgrading to 8GB or the full 16GB maximum is worthwhile. Asustor uses standard SO-DIMM slots, so compatible third-party RAM modules work fine, unlike some vendors that insist on proprietary or "approved" memory. Budget around $40-60 for an 8GB SO-DIMM from a local retailer.

HDMI 2.0b Output

The HDMI 2.0b port supports 4K output at 60Hz, which enables the AS5404T to function as a direct media playback device when connected to a TV or monitor. Asustor's Portal app turns the NAS into a media centre with access to Plex, Kodi, and other streaming apps directly from the NAS. This is a feature Synology dropped from its consumer lineup years ago and QNAP offers only on select models. If direct HDMI playback matters to your setup, Asustor has a clear advantage here.

Software: ADM 4.3 in Practice

Asustor Data Master (ADM) is the operating system running on the AS5404T. Version 4.3 is competent and covers all the essentials: file management, user permissions, backup scheduling, app installation, Docker support via Portainer, and surveillance via Asustor's Surveillance Center (with four free camera licences included). The interface is responsive and logically organised.

Where ADM falls short compared to Synology DSM is in the depth and polish of first-party applications. Synology Photos, Synology Drive, and Active Backup for Business are genuinely excellent apps with no real equivalents in the Asustor ecosystem. Asustor compensates with broader third-party app support and a more open approach to Docker and community packages, but if you want a tightly integrated software experience out of the box, Synology still leads. For a detailed brand comparison, see our Synology vs Asustor analysis.

For Docker and containerised apps, the AS5404T is a strong performer. The x86 N5105 CPU means full compatibility with the vast majority of Docker images (unlike ARM-based NAS units that are limited to ARM-compatible containers). Asustor ships Portainer as the default Docker management interface, which is industry-standard and familiar to anyone who has used Docker on a Linux server. If you are interested in running Docker and virtualisation on a NAS, the AS5404T's hardware handles it comfortably.

Security Considerations

Asustor had a significant security incident in February 2022 when the Deadbolt ransomware campaign targeted ADM devices. It was a wake-up call for the brand and its users. Since then, Asustor has invested in strengthening ADM's security posture, including improved default firewall rules, automatic security advisories, and two-factor authentication. However, the incident left a mark on the brand's reputation, and it is fair to say that Synology and QNAP have longer track records of responding to security threats at scale.

For any NAS exposed to the internet, standard security practices apply regardless of brand: disable default admin accounts, enable 2FA, keep ADM updated, use a VPN for remote access rather than exposing the NAS directly, and disable UPnP. If your NBN connection uses CGNAT (common on some RSPs), remote access requires a VPN tunnel or a relay service like Asustor's EZ-Connect, since CGNAT blocks incoming connections. See our NAS remote access and VPN guide for the full setup walkthrough.

Performance: Real-World Expectations

With a RAID 5 array of four NAS-grade HDDs (such as Seagate IronWolf or WD Red Plus drives), the AS5404T delivers sequential read speeds of approximately 250-280 MB/s over a single 2.5GbE connection, which is close to the theoretical maximum of the network link. Sequential write speeds sit around 200-240 MB/s depending on drive configuration and workload.

Where the four M.2 NVMe slots make a real difference is random I/O performance. Using SSD caching with two NVMe drives in a read-write cache configuration dramatically improves performance for small random reads and writes, which are the dominant access patterns for applications like databases, virtual machines, and Docker containers. If you populate all four M.2 slots with a dedicated SSD volume, you can achieve sequential read speeds well above 1,000 MB/s from the NAS itself, though the 2.5GbE network will bottleneck transfers to around 280 MB/s per client unless you use SMB Multichannel across both ports.

Plex transcoding performance is solid. The N5105 handles a single 4K HEVC to 1080p transcode without breaking a sweat, and two simultaneous 1080p transcodes are manageable. Direct play of 4K content (no transcoding) works perfectly, which is the preferred approach for local streaming anyway. For remote Plex streaming, your NBN upload speed is typically the bottleneck, not the NAS hardware.

Who Should Buy the AS5404T

The AS5404T suits several specific use cases particularly well.

Home power users and media enthusiasts: If you run Plex, store a large media library, and want room to grow into Docker-based applications, the AS5404T gives you the hardware headroom to do all of that without spending over $1,000 on the NAS enclosure. The HDMI output is a bonus if you want to connect the NAS directly to a TV.

Content creators and photographers: Four drive bays in RAID 5 give you redundancy with usable capacity. The four M.2 slots mean you can set up an SSD cache to accelerate access to your working files while bulk storage sits on HDDs. For photographers managing large Lightroom catalogues or video editors working with proxy files, this configuration works well. See our guide on choosing a NAS for photography for more detail.

Small offices and home offices: At this price point, the AS5404T provides enough CPU and RAM for 5-10 concurrent users accessing shared files, running basic collaboration tools, and backing up workstations. For small business deployments, see our best NAS for small business guide.

Docker and home automation enthusiasts: The x86 architecture and expandable RAM make it a capable platform for running multiple containers. Home Assistant, Pi-hole, Nextcloud, and similar self-hosted applications run well on the N5105. For more on this use case, check our NAS for Docker and home automation guide.

Who Should Not Buy the AS5404T

Don't buy the AS5404T if you prioritise software ecosystem above all else. If Synology Photos, Synology Drive, or Active Backup for Business are essential to your workflow, the AS5404T cannot replicate those experiences. Asustor's first-party apps are functional but not at the same level. You would be better served by a Synology DS925+ or similar Plus series model, even though the hardware specs per dollar are lower.

Don't buy it if you are a complete NAS beginner with no interest in learning. Synology's guided setup and polished app ecosystem make the initial experience smoother for first-time users. Asustor's ADM is not difficult, but it assumes a slightly higher baseline of technical comfort. For beginners, our best NAS for beginners guide covers the options better suited to a hands-off experience.

Don't buy it for mission-critical business deployments where vendor support responsiveness is paramount. Asustor is distributed in Australia exclusively through Dicker Data, and while stock availability has been improving, the support chain is not as deep or as tested as Synology's dual-distributor (BlueChip and MMT) setup. For business-critical environments, the extra cost of a Synology or QNAP unit often buys you a more predictable warranty experience.

Pros and Cons

How the AS5404T Compares to Competitors

The AS5404T sits in a competitive segment of the Australian 4-bay NAS market. Here is how it stacks up against the most commonly cross-shopped alternatives available from Australian retailers.

Prices last verified: 10 March 2026. Always check retailer before purchasing.

Against the QNAP TS-464, the AS5404T trades QTS's more mature app ecosystem and default 8GB RAM for double the M.2 slots and HDMI output. Both use very similar Intel processors and 2.5GbE networking. The choice between them often comes down to whether you value QNAP's broader app library or Asustor's additional M.2 expansion. For a full brand comparison, see our QNAP vs Asustor guide.

Against Synology's 4-bay offerings, the AS5404T wins on raw hardware: more M.2 slots, faster default networking, HDMI output, and more USB ports. Synology wins on software quality, ecosystem depth, and brand trust. There is no objectively "better" choice here; it depends on whether hardware flexibility or software polish matters more to your use case.

The Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 (AS6804T) at~$1698 on Scorptec is worth considering if you want similar hardware but prefer the Lockerstor's more professional chassis design and slightly different port layout. Both use the same N5105 CPU and four M.2 slots, though the Lockerstor drops the HDMI port in favour of a more compact form factor.

Total Cost of Ownership: What to Budget

The NAS enclosure is only part of the total cost. Here is a realistic budget breakdown for an AS5404T deployment in Australia, using current pricing from local retailers.

NAS-grade drive prices have risen significantly from early 2025 levels. Budget accordingly and shop around, as pricing varies between retailers. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is strongly recommended for any NAS deployment, as unexpected power loss can cause data corruption and drive damage. Factor this into your budget from the start rather than treating it as an optional extra.

Buying the AS5404T in Australia

The AS5404T is available from the following Australian retailers as of February 2026:

Scorptec. $799, confirmed in stock. Scorptec is a full-range NAS specialist with stores in Melbourne and Sydney and a strong online presence. They carry the complete Asustor lineup and offer genuine pre-sales advice.

Mwave. $879. Mwave is a well-established Sydney-based retailer with solid stock levels across the Asustor range. Their slightly higher price reflects their standard margin; it is worth checking for bundle deals or promotions.

PLE Computers. $799-$849, in stock. PLE operates from Perth with national shipping and is another full-range specialist that carries most Asustor models.

Asustor is distributed in Australia exclusively through Dicker Data, which means stock flows through a single distribution channel. When Dicker has stock, retailers have stock. When Dicker runs dry, the entire AU market runs dry. This is less resilient than Synology's dual-distributor arrangement through BlueChip and MMT. If you are set on the AS5404T, don't wait too long if your preferred retailer shows it in stock.

For a broader look at where to buy NAS equipment in Australia, see our where to buy NAS in Australia guide, which covers retailer strengths, weaknesses, and after-sales support quality.

Setup Tips and Recommendations

If you decide to go with the AS5404T, here are practical setup recommendations based on common Australian deployment scenarios.

RAID configuration: For four drives, RAID 5 provides a good balance of capacity and redundancy (one drive can fail without data loss). If data protection is your priority over capacity, RAID 6 sacrifices one additional drive's worth of capacity but tolerates two simultaneous drive failures. For more on RAID options, see our RAID explained guide.

M.2 SSD caching: Start with two NVMe drives in a read-write cache configuration. This accelerates frequently accessed files without requiring you to manage separate storage pools. Asustor's ADM makes SSD cache setup straightforward through the Storage Manager interface.

Backup strategy: A NAS is not a backup. Set up a 3-2-1 backup strategy: three copies of your data, on two different media types, with one copy offsite. Use Asustor's DataSync Center or a third-party tool like Hyper Backup (via Docker) to replicate critical data to a cloud provider or secondary NAS. Plan for hardware failure as a matter of when, not if, and accept that the warranty replacement process takes 2-3 weeks minimum.

Network setup: If your switch supports 2.5GbE, connect both NAS ports and enable link aggregation. If you are on standard gigabit networking, the NAS will still work perfectly, and you can upgrade your network infrastructure over time. A USB-to-2.5GbE adapter on your primary workstation is a cost-effective interim step.

The Verdict

The Asustor AS5404T is the best value hardware package in the Australian 4-bay NAS market at its price point. Four M.2 NVMe slots, dual 2.5GbE, HDMI output, an Intel N5105 processor, and expandable RAM for $799-$879 is a combination no other brand matches at this price. The trade-off is ADM's less mature software ecosystem compared to Synology DSM, and a thinner Australian distribution and support chain.

The AS5404T suits buyers who prioritise hardware capability and are comfortable with a slightly more hands-on NAS experience. If you want the most storage, networking, and expansion potential per dollar spent, this is it. If you want the smoothest software experience and the deepest ecosystem of first-party apps, a Synology Plus series model is the safer choice at a higher effective price.

Four out of five. Excellent hardware value and genuine differentiation through the M.2 slots and HDMI output. One point deducted for ADM's relative software immaturity and the lingering security reputation concerns. For buyers who know what they want and are comfortable with Asustor's ecosystem, this is a strong buy at Australian pricing.

Related reading: our NAS buyer's guide.

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