Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ NAS Review: A High-Security Storage Solution for Power Users and Small Businesses

The true strength of the Intel N5105, however, was revealed during multimedia stress testing. Despite its age, the processor features Intel QuickSync technology, which is a game-changer for media servers like Plex. In a series of transcoding benchmarks, the Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ demonstrated remarkable efficiency:

• 4K to 1080p: The system handled up to four simultaneous transcodes of a 65Mb/s HEVC movie down to 1080p 8Mb/s.
• 4K to 720p: It supported five simultaneous streams when dropping the resolution further to 720p 4Mb/s.
• 1080p to 480p: Most impressively, the unit managed 14 simultaneous transcodes from 1080p 9Mb/s to 480p 1.5Mb/s.

These results were achieved using the Plex Web client on Chrome, with the hardware maintaining stability throughout the test. For a small office looking to host training videos or a household with a massive media library, these performance figures prove that the N5105 remains a highly capable heart for a modern NAS. Asustor’s marketing of the system as a multi-stream transcoding and livestreaming hub is well-supported by these real-world results.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy the Lockerstor 2 Gen2+?

The Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ is a specialized tool that excels in specific environments. It is not the simplest NAS on the market, nor is it the cheapest, but it is one of the most capable in its size class.

For the average consumer who simply wants a place to dump their iPhone photos or back up a single laptop, this NAS is likely overkill. The complexity of the ADM interface and the manual nature of the drive installation may prove frustrating for those looking for a "home appliance" experience. Such users might find better value in the streamlined ecosystems of Synology or the simplified hardware of Ugreen.

However, for the "prosumer," the homelab enthusiast, or the small business owner, the Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ is an excellent investment. The combination of four NVMe slots, dual 5GbE networking, and an enterprise-grade security suite provides a level of future-proofing and data protection that is hard to beat at this price point. It offers the hardware headroom to grow with your needs—whether that means adding more RAM for virtualization or utilizing the HDMI 2.0b port for direct media playback.

In a market often dominated by ease-of-use, Asustor has doubled down on power and protection. The Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ might require you to keep a screwdriver handy and spend a bit more time in the settings menus, but for those who prioritize performance and security above all else, it is a trade-off well worth making.