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 (opens in new tab) ($1,097 at Newegg)
- Improve performance: Samsung 970 EVO Plus (opens in new tab) (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.
You're going to need the ASUSTOR AS6508T. If you're looking for an 8-bay NAS with upgradable RAM, M.2 SSD slots, and an Intel processor, this is a solid example. It's a killer mid-tier NAS for the home or small office.
To take advantage of the cache feature, you'll need a good SSD and the Samsung EVO 970 Plus is about as good as you can get for performance and value.
