Asustor NAS Australia — Complete Brand Guide

Asustor is an ASUS subsidiary that builds NAS devices ranging from $299 budget units to $7,900+ rackmount servers. All available through Australian retailers including Mwave, Scorptec, and PLE Computers. Asustor has carved out a niche in Australia as the value-oriented alternative to Synology and QNAP, with competitive hardware specifications at lower price points, a strong gaming and media focus through its ADM operating system, and standout products like the all-flash Flashstor line that have no direct equivalent from competitors at the same price. This guide covers every current Asustor model available in Australia, explains the product lines, highlights what Asustor does well (and where it falls short), and provides practical buying advice for Australian consumers and businesses.

Who Is Asustor?

Asustor (a portmanteau of "AS" from ASUS and "stor" from storage) was founded in 2011 as a direct subsidiary of ASUS. Unlike QNAP and Synology which are independent Taiwanese companies, Asustor benefits from ASUS's hardware engineering resources and supply chain. Which partly explains why their NAS units tend to pack more powerful hardware at lower price points than the competition.

Their operating system, ADM (Asustor Data Master), runs on a Linux foundation and provides a web-based interface similar in concept to Synology's DSM and QNAP's QTS. ADM includes a built-in app ecosystem called App Central, plus native support for Docker containers, Plex Media Server, and. Notably. First-party game portal apps that allow retro gaming directly on the NAS via HDMI output. This gaming and media angle is unique to Asustor and has built them a loyal following among home users and content creators.

In the Australian market, Asustor is the third-largest NAS brand behind Synology and QNAP. Their market share is smaller, but their product line has expanded significantly through 2024-2026, with the Lockerstor Gen3 series (featuring AMD Ryzen V3C14 processors) and the Flashstor all-M.2 NAS units positioning them as a serious option for performance-focused buyers.

Asustor Distribution and Availability in Australia

Asustor's exclusive Australian distributor is Dicker Data, one of the country's largest IT distributors. This is a relatively new signing. Dicker Data has been ramping Asustor stock levels through 2025-2026 and now holds a reasonable range of models. However, stock depth is not yet on par with what BlueChip holds for Synology or QNAP. In practical terms, this means:

• Consumer models (2-4 bay Drivestor, Nimbustor, Lockerstor Gen2): Generally in stock at major retailers
• Higher-end models (Lockerstor Gen3, Flashstor Gen2, rackmount): Often listed but may require ordering through Dicker Data, adding 2-5 business days
• Rackmount units: Almost always ordered on demand. Expect distributor processing time even when shown as "in stock"

The main Australian retailers stocking Asustor NAS are Scorptec (widest range with 30 listings), Mwave (28 listings), and PLE Computers (14 listings). Pricing is relatively uniform across these three. NAS margins in Australia sit at 3-5%, leaving little room for dramatic price differences between retailers. The meaningful difference is stock availability and after-sales support, not price.

Asustor Product Lines Explained

Asustor organises its NAS lineup into distinct product families, each targeting a specific user and budget. Understanding which line suits your needs is the first step to choosing the right model.

Drivestor. Budget and Entry-Level

The Drivestor series is Asustor's entry-level range, competing directly with the Synology DS124/DS223J and QNAP TS-133/TS-233. These are ARM-based NAS units with modest RAM, designed for basic file storage, personal backup, and light media streaming. They are not suitable for virtualisation, heavy Docker workloads, or Plex transcoding.

Prices last verified: 26 March 2026. Always check retailer before purchasing.

The Drivestor Pro Gen2 models are the standout picks in this range. At $379 (2-bay) and $569 (4-bay), they include 2.5GbE networking. Something Synology doesn't offer until the $585 DS225+. This makes the Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 (AS3304T V2) one of the best-value 4-bay NAS units in Australia, provided the buyer is comfortable with ADM rather than Synology's DSM.

The standard Drivestor (non-Pro) models with 1GB RAM and 1GbE networking are functional but limiting. The Drivestor 2 Lite (AS1102TL) at $299 is the cheapest NAS from any brand currently available in Australia, but 1GB RAM restricts what it can do beyond basic file sharing. Don't buy these expecting to run Docker containers or Plex.

Nimbustor. Mid-Range with Gaming Aesthetic

The Nimbustor is Asustor's mid-range line, recognisable by its aggressive gamer-style chassis with diamond-plate texturing. Don't let the aesthetics put you off. Underneath the exterior is a capable NAS with an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core CPU, 4GB DDR4 RAM, and dual 2.5GbE ports. These are the same internals found in the Lockerstor Gen2 series at a slightly lower price, using a different chassis design.

The Nimbustor suits buyers who want Intel x86 performance for Docker and Plex transcoding at a lower entry price than the Lockerstor. The 4-bay AS5404T at $799 competes well against the QNAP TS-464 ($989 at Scorptec) and the Synology DS425+ (~$989 at Scorptec), though the Synology runs DSM 7 which many buyers prefer for its simplicity and reliability.

Lockerstor. Performance Desktop NAS

The Lockerstor line is Asustor's flagship desktop range, currently spanning three generations. This can be confusing for buyers, so here is a breakdown of what is currently available in Australian retail:

Lockerstor Gen2 (Celeron N5105)

The Lockerstor Gen2 models use the Intel Celeron N5105. The same CPU as the Nimbustor Gen2. But in a more professional chassis with tool-less drive bays and (on larger models) more RAM. These are workhorses for home servers, Plex media, Docker containers, and light business use.

Lockerstor Gen3 (AMD Ryzen V3C14)

The Gen3 Lockerstor models are a significant step up, using the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C14 quad-core processor with 16GB ECC RAM and dual 5GbE networking. These compete with Synology's Plus and XS lines and QNAP's Ryzen-based models. The V3C14 is a powerful embedded processor. Comfortably handles multiple 4K Plex transcodes, Docker stacks, virtual machines, and surveillance workloads simultaneously.

The Lockerstor Gen3 range represents exceptional hardware value. The 4-bay AS6804T at $1,799 comes with 16GB ECC RAM and dual 5GbE. For comparison, the Synology DS925+ at~$1698 has 4GB non-ECC RAM and a single 2.5GbE port. You get significantly more hardware with the Asustor, but Synology's DSM software is more polished and the Synology ecosystem (Active Backup, Hyper Backup, Surveillance Station) is more mature. The choice depends on whether you prioritise hardware or software.

Flashstor. All-Flash M.2 NAS

The Flashstor line is arguably Asustor's most innovative product. A compact, fanless (or near-silent) NAS that accepts only M.2 NVMe SSDs. No spinning disks, no vibration, no noise, and blistering fast performance. These have no direct competitor at the same price from Synology or QNAP (QNAP's TBS-464 at $1,466 is the closest, with only 4 M.2 slots).

The Flashstor 6 (FS6706T) at $575 is remarkable value. Six M.2 NVMe slots, an Intel N5105 CPU, and dual 2.5GbE for less than the price of a Synology DS225+ (2-bay, $585). It suits content creators who need fast NVMe-speed shared storage, home lab users who want a silent NAS, and anyone with M.2 SSDs to repurpose. The 12-bay Flashstor 12 Pro (FS6712X) at $999 adds 10GbE and is an excellent choice for video editors who need a compact, high-speed NAS to sit on the desk.

The Gen2 Flashstor models with AMD Ryzen V3C14 processors and 10GbE networking push into prosumer/business territory. The FS6812X at $2,408 with dual 10GbE and 16GB ECC RAM is a serious piece of kit for small studios, post-production workflows, or anyone needing an all-flash NAS with no compromises.

Lockerstor Rackmount and Pro Series

Asustor also offers rackmount NAS units for business and enterprise deployments:

• Lockerstor 4RS (AS6504RS): 1U rackmount, 4-bay, Atom C3538, 8GB RAM. $1,685 (Mwave/Scorptec)
• Lockerstor 4RD (AS6504RD): 1U rackmount, 4-bay, Atom C3538, 8GB RAM, redundant power. $2,273 (Mwave/Scorptec)
• Lockerstor 12R Pro (AS7112RDX): 2U rackmount, 12-bay, Xeon E-2224, 8GB RAM. $4,195-$5,339
• Lockerstor 16R Pro (AS7116RDX): 3U rackmount, 16-bay, Xeon E-2224, 8GB RAM. $6,199-$7,907
• Lockerstor 12R Pro Gen2 (AS7212RDX): 12-bay rackmount. $5,299 (Scorptec)
• Lockerstor 16R Pro Gen2 (AS7216RDX): 16-bay rackmount. $6,579 (Scorptec)

Business models and rackmount NAS units are rarely held in retailer stock. Even when listed as "in stock," expect 2-3 days for the retailer to process through Dicker Data's dropship process. For business purchases, always request a formal quote. Resellers can request pricing support from Dicker Data and Asustor that never appears on the website.

Expansion Units

Asustor offers two expansion options for growing storage beyond the main NAS chassis:

• Xpanstor 4 (AS5004U): 4-bay USB-C 3.2 expansion unit. $499 (Mwave/Scorptec)
• Xpanstor 12R (AX7012R): 12-bay rackmount SAS/SATA expansion. $4,288 (Mwave)

The AS5004U is affordable but uses USB-C rather than the eSATA/SAS connections found on Synology and QNAP expansion units. This limits performance for large sequential transfers but is perfectly adequate for archival storage.

ADM Operating System. Strengths and Weaknesses

Asustor Data Master (ADM) is the software that runs on every Asustor NAS. It is a competent, modern NAS operating system. But it is not DSM, and it is not QTS. Understanding where ADM excels and where it falls short is critical for making an informed purchase decision.

The 2022 Deadbolt ransomware incident is worth addressing directly. Asustor NAS units were targeted by Deadbolt, which encrypted user data and demanded ransom. Asustor responded with ADM patches and improved default security settings (disabled SSH by default, improved firewall configuration). Since then, there have been no equivalent incidents. However, the event highlighted the importance of keeping ADM updated, disabling unnecessary services, using strong passwords, and. Critically. Maintaining offsite backups. This advice applies equally to all NAS brands, but Asustor's track record on this specific issue is relevant context for buyers.

Remote Access and NBN Considerations

Accessing an Asustor NAS remotely from outside your home or office is a common requirement. But on Australian NBN connections, it can be complicated by two factors: upload speed and CGNAT.

Upload speed: A typical NBN 100 plan delivers only about 20-40 Mbps upload (the theoretical maximum is 40 Mbps on many plans, with real-world speeds often lower). This means remote file access is bottlenecked by your home upload speed, not the NAS hardware. Streaming a 1080p video file remotely is generally fine; transferring large project files or running multiple simultaneous remote connections will hit the upload ceiling quickly.

CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT): Some Australian ISPs, particularly those using NBN Fixed Wireless or Satellite, place customers behind CGNAT. Which means the NAS has no direct public IP address and cannot accept incoming connections. Asustor's EZ-Connect service handles this by routing traffic through Asustor's relay servers, similar to Synology's QuickConnect. EZ-Connect works reliably for bypassing CGNAT, but performance is limited by the relay hop. For buyers on CGNAT connections who need reliable remote access, EZ-Connect is a viable solution. No port forwarding or DDNS required.

If you have a static IP or can request one from your ISP, direct DDNS access with port forwarding will provide better remote performance than any relay service. Asustor supports this through ADM's built-in DDNS configuration and Let's Encrypt SSL certificates.

Asustor vs Synology vs QNAP. How Does Asustor Compare?

The most common question from Australian NAS buyers is how Asustor stacks up against the two dominant brands. Here is a direct comparison at the key price points.

Budget 4-Bay (~$500-$700)

At this price point, the Asustor AS3304T V2 wins on value. 2.5GbE networking at $569 where the Synology DS423 is stuck on 1GbE at $635. But the Synology runs DSM, which offers a more polished experience for file management, mobile apps, and automated backup. The QNAP TS-433 splits the difference with 4GB RAM and M.2 cache slots but runs QTS, which has a steeper learning curve.

Mid-Range 4-Bay (~$800-$1,100)

The Asustor AS5404T (Nimbustor 4 Gen2) at $799 offers the best hardware value with 4GB RAM, dual 2.5GbE, and HDMI for $799. Undercutting the QNAP TS-464 by $190-$300. The Synology DS425+ at $819 has only 2GB RAM and a single 2.5GbE port, but runs DSM 7. The most user-friendly NAS operating system available. For media-focused users who want HDMI output, either the Asustor or QNAP works; Synology does not offer HDMI.

Performance 4-Bay (~$1,000-$2,200)

At the $1,000+ range, the Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 (AS6704T) at $849-$1,013 and the Lockerstor 4 Gen3 (AS6804T) at $1,799-$2,175 compete with the Synology DS925+ (~$1698) and QNAP TS-473A ($1,369-$1,489). The Lockerstor 4 Gen3 is in a league of its own for hardware. 16GB ECC RAM and dual 5GbE at a price where Synology offers 4GB and single 2.5GbE. But again, the software gap means buyers need to decide what matters more: raw specs or refined software.

Which Asustor Model Should You Buy?

Rather than naming "top picks," here is a use-case matching guide for the current Asustor lineup in Australia:

Basic home backup and file sharing: The Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2 (AS3304T V2) at $569-$585 provides 4 bays, 2.5GbE, and 2GB RAM. Enough for file storage, Time Machine backup, and basic media streaming. Don't buy this for Docker or Plex transcoding.

Plex media server and Docker: The Nimbustor 4 Gen2 (AS5404T) at $799-$879 gives an Intel x86 CPU capable of hardware transcoding, dual 2.5GbE, and HDMI output for direct TV playback. A strong all-rounder for media-focused homes.

Content creator / video editor wanting fast shared storage: The Flashstor 6 (FS6706T) at $575 or Flashstor 12 Pro (FS6712X) at $999 offer all-NVMe performance in a compact, silent form factor. The FS6712X with 10GbE is particularly appealing for multi-camera video editing workflows.

Home lab / virtualisation enthusiast: The Lockerstor 4 Gen3 (AS6804T) at $1,799 with 16GB ECC RAM and Ryzen V3C14 is serious hardware that can run virtual machines, Docker stacks, and multiple services simultaneously. The ECC RAM adds reliability for always-on workloads.

Small business file server (5-20 users): The Lockerstor 6 Gen3 (AS6806T) at $2,353 or Lockerstor 8 Gen3 (AS6808T) at $2,683 offer the bay count and performance for SMB deployments. However, businesses that need integrated backup suites (workstation backup, Office 365 backup, VM backup) should seriously consider Synology's Active Backup ecosystem, which has no Asustor equivalent.

Don't buy Asustor if: You prioritise software polish over hardware value. If you want the simplest possible setup, the best mobile apps, the most third-party integrations, or enterprise-grade backup software included at no extra cost. Synology is the better choice despite the hardware gap. Similarly, if you need Surveillance Station with more than 4 free camera licences, or complex active-active HA clustering, Asustor is not the right platform.

Warranty and Consumer Protection in Australia

Asustor NAS units sold through Australian authorised retailers are covered by Australian Consumer Law (ACL). This is an important reason to buy locally rather than importing from overseas.

Asustor offers a 3-year warranty on consumer and mid-range models, which aligns with the industry standard and with NAS-class HDD warranty periods. Enterprise and rackmount models typically come with extended warranty coverage.

Before buying, ask your retailer: "If this NAS fails, what is your warranty process? Is an advanced replacement available?" Advanced replacements (receiving a new unit before returning the faulty one) are not officially supported by most NAS vendors in Australia. Some resellers will allow you to purchase an advance replacement at full price, refunding you when the faulty unit is returned. But this is an informal arrangement, not guaranteed. Having this conversation at point of sale is far better than discovering the process after a failure.

A NAS is not a backup. Plan for hardware failure with a realistic 2-3 week replacement timeline. Build an offsite backup strategy. Cloud sync, USB backup, or a secondary NAS. Before you need it. ACL protects your hardware purchase, not the data stored on it.

Where to Buy Asustor NAS in Australia

Asustor NAS units are available from the following Australian retailers, listed by range and stock depth:

Retailer	Range	Stock Depth	Notes
Scorptec	Widest (30 listings)	Good. Most consumer/mid-range in stock	Best all-round option for range and availability
Mwave	Wide (28 listings)	Good. Consumer and mid-range generally stocked	Competitive pricing, reliable fulfillment
PLE Computers	Moderate (14 listings)	Good. Popular models stocked	Strong pre-sales support, Perth-based with national shipping
Amazon AU	Limited	Variable	Better pricing sometimes, but no after-sales NAS support. Not recommended for first-time buyers

Most Australian retailers operate on 3-5% NAS margin, which is why pricing is remarkably uniform across major stores. The real difference between retailers is what happens when something goes wrong. For a product that stores your data, the retailer relationship matters more than saving $10-$20. If you are a first-time NAS buyer, purchasing from a specialist like Scorptec or PLE where you can get genuine pre-sales guidance is the better approach than chasing the lowest price on Amazon.

For business, education, and government purchases, always request a formal quote. Resellers can access pricing support from Dicker Data and Asustor. Discounts that never appear on the website but are routinely available for quoted deals.

Storage Market Context (2026)

Australian NAS buyers in 2026 face a storage market that is tighter than in recent years. HDD prices have risen significantly. NAS-grade drives that sat comfortably under $160 for 4TB in early 2025 are now consistently above $200. SSD and RAM prices have also increased due to NAND supply constraints and AI-related demand. When budgeting for an Asustor NAS, factor in the total system cost including drives.

Australian NAS pricing is currently running approximately 10-20% above US levels, driven by lower stock allocations, higher freight costs, and smaller market volumes. There are savings available buying internationally, but warranty, returns, ACL coverage, and data risk should be weighed carefully. For a device that holds your data, saving a few dollars at the cost of local warranty support is rarely worth it.

Gone are the days of waiting for Black Friday to buy NAS equipment. Australian retailers run rolling sale events throughout the year. EOFY, Black Friday, Click Frenzy, quarterly promotions, and retailer-specific deals. If you need a NAS now, buy it now. The price won't be dramatically different in six months, and in 2026, the stock might not be there later.

Asustor NAS Quick Specs Reference. All Current AU Models

The following table provides a quick reference for every current Asustor NAS model available through Australian retailers as of March 2026. Prices shown are the lowest available from Mwave, Scorptec, or PLE.

Model	Series	Bays	CPU	RAM	Network	AU From
AS1102TL	Drivestor 2 Lite	2	RTD1619B	1GB	1GbE	$299
AS1202T	Drivestor 2 Gen2	2	RTD1619B	1GB	1GbE	$356
AS3302T V2	Drivestor 2 Pro Gen2	2	RTD1619B	2GB	2.5GbE	$379
AS1104T	Drivestor 4	4	RTD1296	1GB	1GbE	$475
AS1204T	Drivestor 4 Gen2	4	RTD1619B	1GB	1GbE	$498
AS3304T V2	Drivestor 4 Pro Gen2	4	RTD1619B	2GB	2.5GbE	$569
AS5402T	Nimbustor 2 Gen2	2	N5105	4GB	2x 2.5GbE	$629
AS5404T	Nimbustor 4 Gen2	4	N5105	4GB	2x 2.5GbE	$799
AS6702T	Lockerstor 2 Gen2	2	N5105	4GB	2x 2.5GbE	$649
AS6704T	Lockerstor 4 Gen2	4	N5105	4GB	2x 2.5GbE	$849
AS6706T	Lockerstor 6 Gen2	6	N5105	8GB	2x 2.5GbE	$1,349
AS6804T	Lockerstor 4 Gen3	4	Ryzen V3C14	16GB ECC	2x 5GbE	$1,799
AS6806T	Lockerstor 6 Gen3	6	Ryzen V3C14	16GB ECC	2x 5GbE	$2,353
AS6808T	Lockerstor 8 Gen3	8	Ryzen V3C14	16GB ECC	2x 5GbE	$2,683
AS6810T	Lockerstor 10 Gen3	10	Ryzen V3C14	16GB ECC	2x 5GbE	$3,122
FS6706T	Flashstor 6	6 (M.2)	N5105	4GB	2x 2.5GbE	$575
FS6806X	Flashstor 6 Gen2	6 (M.2)	Ryzen V3C14	8GB	10GbE	$1,720
FS6712X	Flashstor 12 Pro	12 (M.2)	N5105	4GB	10GbE	$999
FS6812X	Flashstor 12 Pro Gen2	12 (M.2)	Ryzen V3C14	16GB ECC	2x 10GbE	$2,408

Related reading: our NAS buyer's guide and our Synology vs QNAP comparison.

Use our free NAS Sizing Wizard to get a personalised NAS recommendation.

Is Asustor NAS good for Australian buyers?

Asustor provides strong hardware value for Australian buyers. More CPU power, more RAM, and faster networking at lower prices than Synology and QNAP at comparable price points. The trade-off is a less mature software ecosystem and a smaller local community. For buyers who prioritise hardware specs and are comfortable with a slightly steeper learning curve, Asustor is an excellent choice. Australian Consumer Law protections apply when purchasing from Australian retailers, and Asustor units are distributed locally through Dicker Data.

Where can I buy Asustor NAS in Australia?

Asustor NAS is available from Scorptec (widest range with 30 listings), Mwave (28 listings), and PLE Computers (14 listings). All three ship nationally. Pricing is very similar across retailers due to slim NAS margins (3-5%). Asustor's exclusive Australian distributor is Dicker Data, so all local stock flows through that channel. For the best after-sales experience, purchase from a specialist retailer rather than Amazon AU, which offers no NAS-specific support.

What is the cheapest Asustor NAS available in Australia?

The Asustor Drivestor 2 Lite (AS1102TL) is the cheapest at $299 from Scorptec and PLE. And is the cheapest NAS from any brand currently available in Australia. It features a Realtek RTD1619B processor, 1GB RAM, and 1GbE networking. It handles basic file sharing and backup but is not suitable for Docker, Plex transcoding, or heavy multitasking due to the limited RAM.

How does Asustor compare to Synology for home use?

Asustor offers more hardware per dollar. Faster processors, more RAM, faster networking at the same price tier. Synology offers a more polished software experience with DSM 7, better mobile apps, more third-party integrations, and the most mature backup ecosystem (Active Backup, Hyper Backup). For tech-savvy users who value hardware and don't mind a slightly rougher software experience, Asustor is the better value. For users who want simplicity and the broadest app ecosystem, Synology is the safer choice. Both are excellent NAS brands.

Does Asustor NAS work with Australian NBN connections for remote access?

Yes. Asustor's EZ-Connect feature provides relay-based remote access that works even on NBN connections behind CGNAT (common on Fixed Wireless and some FTTC/FTTN plans). For direct remote access with better performance, you'll need a public IP address. Check with your ISP if unsure. Keep in mind that NBN upload speeds are limited (typically 20-40 Mbps on an NBN 100 plan), which bottlenecks remote file transfers regardless of NAS hardware. Streaming 1080p remotely is generally fine; large file transfers will be slow.

What is the Asustor Flashstor and is it worth buying?

The Flashstor is Asustor's all-M.2 NVMe SSD NAS. A compact, near-silent device that accepts only M.2 drives. The Flashstor 6 (FS6706T) starts at $575 with six M.2 slots, and the Flashstor 12 Pro (FS6712X) at $999 adds 10GbE networking and twelve M.2 slots. These are excellent for content creators, video editors, and home lab users who want fast shared storage in a small, quiet package. The caveat is SSD cost. Populating six 2TB M.2 NVMe drives will add $1,200-$1,800 to the total system cost. There is no direct equivalent from Synology, and QNAP's TBS-464 costs $1,466 with only four M.2 slots.

What is the Asustor warranty process in Australia?

Asustor offers a 3-year warranty on consumer models. In Australia, warranty claims go through the retailer (your place of purchase), not Asustor directly. The retailer escalates to Dicker Data (Asustor's Australian distributor), who escalates to Asustor in Taiwan. There are generally no repairs performed in Australia. Replacement is the standard resolution. The full process typically takes 2-3 weeks minimum. Advanced replacements are not officially supported, but some resellers will arrange for you to purchase a replacement at full price and refund once the faulty unit is returned. Ask about this process before purchasing. ACL protections apply when buying from Australian retailers. Visit accc.gov.au for official consumer rights information.

Is the Asustor Lockerstor Gen3 worth the premium over Gen2?

The Lockerstor Gen3 (Ryzen V3C14, 16GB ECC RAM, dual 5GbE) is a substantial upgrade over the Gen2 (Intel N5105, 4-8GB DDR4, dual 2.5GbE). The price jump is significant. The Lockerstor 4 Gen2 (AS6704T) costs $849-$1,013 while the Gen3 (AS6804T) is $1,799-$2,175. The Gen3 suits buyers who need ECC memory for data integrity, more processing power for virtualisation or heavy Docker workloads, and faster networking. For basic file serving, Plex, and light Docker use, the Gen2 is more than adequate and offers better value. Don't buy the Gen3 unless you have a specific need for its capabilities.

Can I use non-Asustor hard drives in an Asustor NAS?

Yes. Unlike Synology which has implemented drive compatibility warnings on some newer models, Asustor NAS units work with any standard 3.5" SATA HDD or 2.5" SATA/NVMe SSD (depending on the model). Popular NAS-grade drives including Seagate IronWolf, WD Red, and Toshiba N300 all work perfectly. Asustor does not sell branded drives, so there is no vendor lock-in on storage. Flashstor models accept standard M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs from any manufacturer.

Is Asustor NAS secure after the 2022 Deadbolt ransomware attack?

Asustor was hit by the Deadbolt ransomware attack in February 2022, which encrypted data on internet-exposed NAS units. Asustor responded with ADM security patches, disabled SSH by default, improved firewall defaults, and introduced additional security guidance. Since 2022, there have been no comparable incidents. However, the event serves as a reminder that any NAS exposed to the internet is a target. Regardless of brand, best practice includes: keeping firmware updated, using strong unique passwords, enabling 2-factor authentication, disabling unnecessary services (especially SSH and admin access via the internet), and maintaining offsite backups. A NAS should never be the only copy of important data.

Should I buy Asustor NAS from Amazon Australia?

Amazon AU occasionally stocks Asustor NAS units, sometimes at prices below specialist retailers. Amazon's return and refund process is excellent. However, Amazon provides zero pre-sales NAS advice and zero after-sales technical support. If a NAS fails and you need a direct replacement, Amazon may not have stock. Especially for less common models. And will push to issue a credit rather than source a replacement. When you buy from a specialist reseller like Scorptec or PLE, they can access distributor stock through Dicker Data to find a replacement. Amazon cannot. For first-time NAS buyers or business-critical deployments, specialist retailers are the safer choice.