How to install NVMe SSD on ASUSTOR AS6508T NAS

Installing an SSD (or two) inside the ASUSTOR AS6508T is a sure way to improve performance with the drive(s) acting as a form of cache. This makes accessing data stored on the NAS a quicker process, especially if multiple users are doing so. This guide will show you how easy it is to install an SSD.
Products used in this guide
- Serious NAS: ASUSTOR AS6508T ($1,097 at Newegg)
- Improve performance: Samsung 970 EVO Plus (From $75 at Amazon)
How to install an NVMe SSD
- Remove the three small screws on the rear of the NAS, using a Philips screwdriver.
- Extract the outer shell by pushing towards the rear and lift the panel up.
- Locate the two M.2 slots on the top of the inner chassis. (If your M.2 drives aren't 2280, meaning 22mm wide and 80mm long, you'll need to re-position the pre-installed standoffs.)
- Install the SSDs using screws provided with the ASUSTOR NAS to secure them in place.
- Re-install the outer shell.
- Secure the NAS together with the three small screws removed in step 1.
Now you're ready to pop into ADM and add the SSD as a cache. It's worth noting that if you plan on using the SSD cache for read-only, you'll be fine with one or two drives in RAID 0. Still, if you plan on writing to these SSDs for storage on your installed HDDs, I strongly recommend you have two in a RAID 1 configuration for data redundancy.
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Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.