Introduction

We would like to thank Asustor for supplying the review sample.

We reviewed one of Asustor's first NAS servers, the AS-606T, a model for business environments, much earlier this year, and Asustor has now decided to cater to home and SOHO users by releasing the 3 Series. Featuring multimedia functions, units of the series come with a bundled HDMI port and an audio-out port, though all classical NAS features are included as well. This is actually the first time we see a NAS with an audio-out port, but we do expect the competition to follow suit in the near future. Most NAS server will probably have full multimedia capabilities soon, replacing outdated media players or even HTPCs (Home Theater PCs).

The AS-302T of the new 3 Series will be the test subject of today’s review. It can host up to two HDDs and is capable of easily handling every task by utilizing a dual-core Atom processor clocked at 1.6 GHz. Other NAS servers of this category usually have single-core Marvel CPUs which show their weakness during demanding tasks, so we are very happy to see Asustor equip their 3 Series with an Atom, an ideal CPU for the needs of a NAS.

The AS-302T has a single Ethernet port, features two USB 3.0 ports of which one is located at the front, has an HDMI port, and an audio/line-out port. Its optional accessories include a remote control you can use to fully exploit the AS-302T's multimedia capabilities, and you can easily install dozens of applications from App Central to enhance this NAS server's usability, including XBMX, the best multimedia player around.