CONCLUSION

   When we sat down to compare the old (2013 model) J1900 Quad-Core Celeron model to the new (2015 model) N3150 we were surprised to see that Intel had lowered its clocks (1.6GHz from 2GHz) and the clocks of the new HD graphics (320/640MHz from 688/854MHz). Clocks however are not everything and so aside the fact that the new N3150 requires less power (6W vs 10W) it also features many new technologies by Intel like Data Protection (AES encryption & Secure Key), HD audio technology, thermal monitoring and secure boot. The new Cherryview HD graphics processor also supports DirectX and OpenGL along with several Intel technologies not available in the HD graphics processor used in the J1900 like Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, Clear Video Technology and Wireless Display. The end result may not be easy to tell by just looking at our charts (although the AS6204T did excellent even with just 4GB) but the new N3150 CPU was built with 4k playback in mind and thus should easily outperform solutions based on the J1900 in that aspect (we are trying to get our hands on 100% pure 4k material to test such devices with but it’s not as easy as we had thought it would). Unfortunately the virtualization application for the AS620xT series is in beta (we will test it when released officially) and accessible only via ASUSTOR Portal and their Surveillance Station still needs some work but I do believe they’re getting there.

   Brand new NAS models always cost quite a bit and that goes double for the ones that feature all the latest components so since the AS6204T wears the brand new N3150 quad-core Celeron CPU and Cherryview GPU by Intel it couldn’t come cheap. Still the USD674.75 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 669Euros inside the EU (Amazon.fr) ASUSTOR asks for the AS6204T is not what I’d call expensive, not with what it has under its hood. Certainly I would had liked to see 8GB pre-installed instead of 4GB but as you can all clearly tell from our charts even 4GB are more than enough to compete with models that have even double that. Long story short the AS6204T NAS Server by ASUSTOR is a solid solution for people who want a powerful yet silent model with 4k playback capabilities (and then some) and a plethora of features which is why we’re giving it our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- First To Use The New Intel Celeron N3150 Advanced Quad-Core CPU
- Cherryview Intel HD Graphics GPU
- Excellent Performance
- Features
- 4GB DDR3L RAM (Expandable To 8GB)
- Power Consumption / Noise Levels / Temperatures
- 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- 3 USB 3.0 Ports & 2 USB 2.0 Ports
- 2 eSATA Ports
- Optical S/PDIF Output
- HDMI v1.4b Output
- LCD Screen
- RAID 0/1/5/6/10
- SATA III (6Gb/s)
- ADM 2.5 OS

CONS

- Surveillance Center Needs Work
- Virtualization App Only Accessible Via ASUSTOR Portal