When it comes to managing digital files effectively, having a reliable NAS can transform the way both individuals and small offices handle storage. The right device provides secure backups, streamlined sharing, and the flexibility to expand as needs grow. For those wanting more than basic functionality, Asustor’s latest offering, the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T, makes a strong case.
The Asustor Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T is designed for users who want performance and versatility from their storage solution. With four bays, dedicated NVMe slots, and a capable processor, it stands out as more than just a simple file server. It’s built to adapt to the needs of professionals, creators, and enthusiasts alike.
What makes this NAS especially appealing is how it combines speed with expansion potential in a compact enclosure. Whether it’s for home entertainment, collaborative work, or small business operations, the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T provides the foundation for a dependable and flexible storage setup.
Design and Functionality
The Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T is designed with a balance of practicality and style. Its compact build ensures it fits neatly in most environments, from office shelves to home desks, without feeling bulky. The black casing with subtle accents gives it a professional yet modern appearance.
The front of the unit is protected by a magnetic cover that shields the drive bays from dust. It removes easily for quick access, making day-to-day use more convenient. This small detail enhances both durability and usability.
Behind the panel are four tool-free drive trays, which make adding 3.5-inch hard drives a simple process. For 2.5-inch drives, screws are provided to ensure a secure fit. This flexibility allows the NAS to accommodate different storage configurations.
Ventilation is built into the chassis to maintain optimal airflow. Even during extended use, the system keeps internal components cool. The design ensures efficiency without adding unnecessary noise.
Internally, four M.2 NVMe slots are positioned for straightforward installation. Each slot can be used for caching or dedicated storage pools depending on user needs. Heat vents and thermal management keep SSDs performing at their best.
At the rear, two 2.5GbE ports highlight the NAS’s performance-driven design. These can be used independently or combined through link aggregation for greater speed and redundancy. This ensures a steady connection in demanding environments.
Also on the back is an HDMI 2.0b port, which expands the NAS beyond storage. By connecting directly to a monitor, the device can double as a media centre, workstation, or surveillance station. This makes it highly versatile in everyday use.
The Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T includes three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports placed across the front and rear. These ports allow users to easily attach expansion units, external drives, or peripherals at high speeds. The positioning is practical for both temporary and permanent connections.
Cooling is handled by a large 120mm fan, which quietly manages heat during heavy workloads. It works in tandem with the chassis vents to maintain stable performance. Even with multiple drives installed, noise levels remain low.
Build quality is solid, with materials that feel durable and reliable. The caddies and panels fit together securely, giving the device a sturdy feel. It’s clearly made to withstand continuous operation.
Expansion is another highlight of the design. The unit supports external expansion enclosures, meaning users can scale their storage well beyond the initial four bays. This makes the NAS a long-term solution rather than a short-term purchase.
Every design element of the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T is crafted to support both performance and convenience. From easy access panels to thoughtful cooling and expansion options, it’s a system built to adapt. Users will appreciate how practical details are seamlessly integrated into the overall design.
Key Features
The Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T is powered by Intel’s Celeron N5105 processor, a quad-core chip built on a 10nm process. It delivers smooth operation across multiple tasks, from file serving to multimedia streaming. The processor also provides hardware-accelerated decoding, which enhances performance in demanding workloads.
Memory starts at 4GB of DDR4, but the system supports upgrades to 16GB. This makes the NAS highly adaptable, giving users the ability to run heavier apps or support more simultaneous users. DDR4 efficiency also helps reduce power consumption, which is a plus for long-term use.
One of its standout features is the inclusion of four M.2 NVMe slots, more than most NAS devices in its class. These can be used for caching to improve responsiveness or configured into their own storage pools. This flexibility is especially useful for content creators working with large project files.
Connectivity is another strong point, with dual 2.5GbE ports built in. These can operate individually, combined for redundancy, or aggregated to boost overall throughput. For offices or media-heavy households, this translates into faster and more reliable transfers.
The NAS also includes three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, positioned across the front and back panels. Offering up to 10Gbps speeds, they allow for quick backups or easy expansion with external drives. This makes adding capacity or integrating other devices simple and efficient.
An HDMI 2.0b output is available, extending the NAS into multimedia and monitoring roles. It supports 4K video playback with hardware decoding, reducing CPU load during streaming. This makes it possible to use the device as a lightweight media centre or even a basic workstation.
Asustor’s ADM operating system ties everything together with a clean, intuitive interface. It provides simple tools for setting up storage arrays, configuring caches, and managing user permissions. Even first-time NAS owners will find the system approachable and easy to learn.
App Central is one of the highlights of ADM, with over 200 applications available. Users can extend functionality with everything from web servers and databases to streaming tools and collaboration software. This wide range of options ensures the NAS can adapt to different needs over time.
Data protection is another area where the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T excels. MyArchive technology allows hard drives to be used as removable storage archives, making long-term data management more flexible. Combined with traditional backups, this provides an extra layer of resilience against data loss.
Snapshot technology is included to protect against accidental deletions or system errors. With support for hundreds of snapshots per volume, recovery can be completed quickly and easily. This is particularly valuable for small businesses where downtime can have significant consequences.
The NAS also doubles as a surveillance solution, with four free camera licences bundled in. Additional licences can be purchased, enabling scaling up to dozens of cameras for larger setups. Integration with Asustor’s mobile app makes monitoring straightforward from virtually anywhere.
Mmobile access and cloud integration round out the feature set. Dedicated apps let users securely connect, share, and manage files remotely. With support for major cloud services, the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T bridges local and online storage for a seamless hybrid setup.
ADM Software
Asustor Data Master (ADM) is the operating system that powers the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T. It provides a clean and user-friendly interface designed to simplify management. Even those new to NAS devices will find it approachable.
The dashboard is laid out with clarity, using icons and menus similar to a desktop environment. This makes navigation intuitive and reduces the learning curve. Essential functions are always easy to locate.
Storage management is straightforward through the built-in Storage Manager. Creating RAID arrays, configuring SSD caches, or formatting drives can be completed with just a few clicks. Both EXT4 and Btrfs file systems are supported, adding flexibility for different needs.
One of ADM’s strengths is its focus on data protection. Snapshot Center allows users to capture frequent restore points of their volumes. Recovery is quick and reliable, protecting against accidental deletions or corruption.
App Central is another major feature, offering over 200 applications. From business tools to entertainment apps, the selection is diverse. Installing new software is seamless, extending the NAS far beyond simple file storage.
For business users, ADM supports applications like Joomla, WordPress, and various database servers. These allow the NAS to act as a lightweight platform for web hosting or internal tools. Integration with these apps is smooth and stable.
Multimedia users also benefit greatly from ADM. With apps for Plex, streaming, and media servers, the NAS becomes a central hub for entertainment. The interface makes configuring and accessing these services uncomplicated.
Security is built deeply into ADM’s design. Features include a firewall, antivirus support, and access controls for folders and applications. Two-step verification and encrypted connections add further protection.
Backup and synchronisation tools are another highlight. DataSync Center integrates with popular cloud services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Hybrid setups combining local and cloud storage are easy to configure.
ADM’s VPN support is particularly useful for remote workers. The built-in VPN server app supports secure connections for accessing files from anywhere. It’s a convenient solution for businesses or frequent travellers.
Surveillance Center is also fully integrated into ADM. Users can manage IP cameras, monitor live feeds, and record footage directly to the NAS. The interface is responsive and scales easily as more cameras are added.
ADM’s performance monitoring tools help users keep track of system health. Real-time statistics on CPU, memory, and network usage are available. This ensures the NAS can be managed proactively before issues arise.
The operating system also supports Docker through Portainer, broadening its scope even further. Thousands of containerised applications can be deployed directly on the NAS. This opens advanced possibilities for developers and tech-savvy users.
ADM provides a strong balance between simplicity and depth. It covers essential features with ease, while also catering to power users through its extensive app library. The Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T’s hardware and ADM together create a flexible and powerful ecosystem.
Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T and WD Red Pro Drives
The Asustor Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T is designed for users who need fast, reliable, and expandable storage, and the WD Red Pro 26TB fits seamlessly into this vision. With four drive bays ready for high-capacity disks, pairing each slot with a 26TB drive allows users to build a powerhouse system of up to 104TB of raw capacity. This level of storage is especially valuable for media creators, small businesses, or advanced home users who want to centralise and protect their data without compromise.
One of the strongest reasons the WD Red Pro 26TB works so well with the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T is its enterprise-grade durability. Asustor markets this NAS as a reliable, always-on solution, and the drive is built for exactly that use case with its 24/7 operation rating. Users can run continuous backups, host databases, or stream media around the clock without worrying about premature drive wear, making the combination an ideal backbone for critical storage.
Performance is another factor that highlights the synergy between the two. The WD Red Pro’s 7200 RPM spindle speed and large 512MB cache ensure fast and steady throughput, keeping pace with the AS5404T’s dual 2.5-GbE network interfaces. When set up with link aggregation or used in demanding RAID arrays, the drives provide the speed needed to handle multiple users accessing large files simultaneously, whether it’s 4K video editing or managing business data.
Reliability in multi-drive systems is a key consideration, and Western Digital’s attention to vibration and shock resistance makes the Red Pro 26TB particularly well suited for the AS5404T’s four-bay layout. Built-in rotation vibration (RV) sensors keep performance consistent even when all bays are occupied and running under heavy load. This ensures that the NAS can maintain stability during RAID rebuilds or while under pressure from multiple concurrent operations.
The OptiNAND technology in the WD Red Pro 26TB further enhances compatibility with the AS5404T by offloading metadata handling to embedded flash. This reduces strain on the platters during heavy workloads, which translates to smoother performance when the NAS is running intensive tasks. For users relying on their NAS for video editing, backups, or hosting shared resources, this added layer of efficiency helps maintain responsiveness.
NASware firmware is another feature that makes the WD Red Pro 26TB a perfect partner for the Nimbustor. By optimising the drive’s behaviour specifically for NAS environments, NASware improves RAID rebuild times, ensures better error recovery, and guarantees compatibility with Asustor’s system controllers. This tight integration reduces downtime and builds confidence that the system will operate predictably over the long term.
Capacity consolidation is a practical benefit when pairing these drives with the AS5404T. Instead of juggling multiple smaller disks, users can rely on fewer, larger drives, simplifying RAID management and improving energy efficiency. For those who work with enormous datasets—such as raw video, surveillance archives, or enterprise backups—having fewer drives delivering higher capacity reduces complexity while still ensuring reliability.
Both the WD Red Pro 26TB and the AS5404T are supported by long-term warranties and reputations for enterprise-grade quality. The drive’s five-year warranty pairs well with Asustor’s support ecosystem, giving users peace of mind that their investment is secure. Together, they create a storage solution that balances speed, endurance, and scalability, making the WD Red Pro 26TB the clear choice for maximising the potential of the Nimbustor 4 Gen2.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
Setting up the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T for the first time is a straightforward process, with tool-free installation for standard drives. We used WD Red Pro 26TB hard drives during testing, and they slotted in with ease. The trays lock securely, giving confidence in long-term stability.
The initial power-on sequence is smooth, with the system quickly recognised on the network. Using the Asustor Control Center, the NAS was detected almost instantly. From there, configuration could be done either via the app or a direct web browser login.
Drive configuration offered plenty of flexibility, with options for RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. With the WD Red Pro drives, RAID 5 struck the best balance of capacity and redundancy. The ADM interface guided us through the setup clearly, making the process approachable even for newcomers.
Adding NVMe SSDs required removing the side cover, but the process was still quick and uncomplicated. Each slot accepted the drives firmly, with no need for additional tools. This extra layer of performance potential adds real value for those working with large datasets.
Performance with our WD Red Pro 26TB drives was very consistent. Sequential transfers achieved speeds close to the maximum 2.5GbE limit, around 280 MB/s. These results make the NAS suitable for media streaming, backups, and high-volume file sharing.
When we enabled link aggregation on both network ports, throughput effectively doubled in multi-user scenarios. This meant multiple devices could access large files simultaneously without bottlenecks. For small offices or collaborative teams, this feature ensures smoother workflows.
Adding NVMe caching provided another noticeable boost in responsiveness. Applications launched quicker, and frequently accessed data loaded with reduced latency. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for those who plan to run heavier applications on the NAS.
The HDMI output proved particularly useful for media purposes. Connecting directly to a 4K monitor, the NAS handled playback smoothly without taxing the processor heavily. This makes it an appealing option for home entertainment setups.
Running Plex and other media servers was effortless with the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T. Hardware transcoding handled 4K content efficiently, ensuring smooth playback across multiple devices. Even while serving video streams, file transfers remained steady.
App Central gave us a broad range of additional tools to explore. Installing content management apps like WordPress was seamless, and database performance remained reliable. This expands the NAS far beyond simple storage duties.
Business-focused applications performed equally well. Backup utilities worked smoothly with both local and cloud destinations. Scheduling tasks such as offsite replication was intuitive and ran reliably in the background.
Surveillance performance was another highlight. With four free camera licences included, we connected IP cameras without difficulty. The system recorded continuously with minimal impact on drive performance.
Snapshot technology provided an extra layer of reassurance. We tested restoring files after accidental deletions, and the process was quick and reliable. The ability to take frequent snapshots offers peace of mind for mission-critical data.
Noise levels remained impressively low throughout our testing. Even with four WD Red Pro 26TB drives spinning, the fan kept temperatures under control without becoming intrusive. This makes the NAS suitable for home environments where quiet operation is valued.
Power efficiency also stood out during daily use. The system entered low-power modes when idle, reducing overall energy consumption. Despite running large capacity drives, the NAS maintained respectable power draw figures.
We also tested remote access via Asustor’s EZ Connect service. Logging in from outside the network was easy, and performance remained stable across different devices. This makes the NAS a reliable choice for users who need access to files on the go.
Mobile integration proved equally useful. The companion apps offered secure access with features like two-step verification and encrypted connections. Managing files from a smartphone was responsive and convenient.
Collaboration features worked well in a small office environment. Multiple users accessed shared folders and cloud-synced data without conflict. This level of stability helps make the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T a dependable hub for team projects.
Over extended use, the NAS remained consistently reliable. Even under heavy workloads combining file transfers, streaming, and backups, performance never faltered. The combination of WD Red Pro drives and NVMe caching kept everything responsive.
The Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T delivered an excellent user experience throughout testing. From simple file serving to complex business applications, it handled everything with confidence. Its balance of power, quiet operation, and expandability make it an impressive option for both home and office use.
Conclusion
The Asustor Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T strikes an excellent balance between performance, expandability, and ease of use. It’s a system that can grow alongside your needs, whether you’re a home user or a small business. The inclusion of both SATA and NVMe storage options makes it highly versatile.
With features like dual 2.5GbE ports, HDMI output, and extensive app support, this NAS goes far beyond simple file storage. It caters to a wide range of scenarios, from entertainment hubs to collaborative work environments. The flexibility offered makes it stand out in its class.
Asustor’s ADM software adds to the overall experience with its clear interface and robust feature set. From backups and snapshots to cloud integration and surveillance, the platform covers all essential bases. The addition of App Central ensures that functionality can always be extended.
During testing with WD Red Pro 26TB drives, performance proved reliable, consistent, and quiet. Combined with future-ready expansion options, the Nimbustor 4 Gen2 / AS5404T delivers real value for anyone seeking a dependable and adaptable storage solution. It’s a NAS designed to serve well today while preparing for tomorrow’s demands.
