Introduction

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


The Drivestor 4 uses the same quad-core CPU as the Drivestor 4 Pro I evaluated a while ago. To lower the price, Asustor installed half the RAM, 1 GB of DDR4, and there are no drive caddies, so you cannot remove or install any drives on the fly without the top and side cover removed. Like the Pro model, the plain Drivestor 4 supports PLEX, but it will have a tough time transcoding high bit-rate or high-resolution media. With only 1 GB of RAM and without an iGPU, this makes total sense.

Like the AS3304T, the NAS supports Asustor's storage expansion unit, which is sold separately, of course. This gives you the option for up to 12 drive bays and a ton of storage space. Not being that strong, the CPU will be the limiting factor, though, especially if you want all this storage space to simultaneously be available to lots of users demanding increased data transfers. Also, the USB 3.0 connection is not among the fastest ways to connect expansion units, but it is the most economical. In any case, it is great to have the option for more storage with such an affordable NAS, which is a significant advantage over competitors.

The Asustor Data Master operating system is easy to use. It has enough features, but still needs more work to reach the levels of DSM (Synology) and QTS (QNAP). I find DSM to be the best for intermediate users, while QTS is better for more advanced users. Asustor Data Master, on the other hand, mainly addresses entry-level users with hardly any NAS-specific experience.

Despite its affordable price, the Drivestor 4 comes with a 2.5 GbE port, which will significantly increase transfer speeds if you have a compatible switch. Unfortunately, 2.5 GbE switches are not very affordable yet, but it is good to have the option for higher speeds if using a 1 GbE switch you'd like to upgrade down the line. Lastly, exFAT support is great for a NAS as the exFAT filesystem is used by both Windows and macOS.

Specifications

This is a budget-centric NAS. It mainly addresses users wanting a NAS with decent performance for increased storage space. The three-year warranty is a nice addition as most brands offer two years.

Contents and Bundle

A photo of the product has been put on the face of the box, with several icons showing its significant features. There is a top handle to help you carry the box.


The bundle includes an Ethernet cable, set of screws, quick installation guide, and power adapter.
The black color and relatively small dimensions for a 4-bay NAS make it suitable for any environment. The only thing that stands out is Asustor's logo on the front.


There are several LED indicators at the face of the NAS, along with a USB 3.0 port and power and copy buttons.


A single USB 3.0 port, 2.5 GbE port, and DC input socket are at the back.


Around the back, you will also find the power button, which is not very conveniently placed.


You will have to remove the top and side cover to install the drives.


A closer look at the SATA expansion card.


The power adapter's model number is DPS-90AB-3. It can deliver up to 90 W with 12 V output. It is made by Delta Electronics, one of the best PSU manufacturers. The AS3304T uses the same power adapter.

A Look Inside

Similar to the AS3304T, taking this NAS apart is easy. Remove the screws from the backside and slide off the side cover to unlock and detach it from the other half.


The two plastic parts of the cover and metallic chassis of the NAS hold the SATA expansion card and drive cage.


The mainboard is small, and a heatsink covers the CPU. There is no active cooling for the latter. Finally, the solder side of the mainboard looks empty.


The RAM modules are soldered to the mainboard, and there is no RAM slot, so you cannot upgrade the server's RAM.


The unit's flash memory is an embedded 8 GB MultiMediaCard (EMMC).


Two PKC46DY FETs by Nico Semiconductor are used by an equal number of phases.


Polymer caps are used for increased reliability.


The battery keeping the mainboard's BIOS settings intact.


The 2.5 Gbit Ethernet controller is a Realtek RTL8125B.


The mainboard uses a pair of flash memory ICs, both of which are provided by Macronix, the MX25L12873F and MX25L512E.


An ASMedia ASM1464 is the USB signal repeater.


An 24C08 Serial CMOS EEPROM.


This is an 8-bit microcontroller, the PIC16F1829 by Microchip.


The SATA expansion card for the four drives this NAS supports.


There is an ASMedia ASM1061 controller on the SATA expansion card. Since this card only takes power from the PCIe slot, some polymer caps are used to deal with transient loads.


The cooling fan is by Apistek (12 V, 0.58 A). It measures 120 mm across, and its model number is SAB4B2U-PFGE. It uses a double ball-bearing and will, as such, enjoy a long life under even harsh conditions. It won't be quiet, though, especially at high RPM.