The Asustor AS1202T is a budget-friendly NAS that delivers solid storage performance despite its dated internals. Priced at $200 excluding VAT, this 2-bay device features a Realtek RTD1619B processor, 1 GB DDR4 memory, and a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. The NAS supports RAID configurations and can handle drives up to 60 TB total capacity.

While the hardware feels like a throwback, with non-hot-swappable drive trays and a Linux Kernel 5.10.107, the device manages to perform surprisingly well. The 2.5 Gbps networking and quiet operation make it suitable for home users focused on file storage and backups. However, the ARM-based SoC and older kernel version raise questions about future software support, especially since the kernel reaches end-of-life in December 2026.

Despite its quirks, the AS1202T represents a practical option in today's volatile DRAM pricing environment. The device's power efficiency, with just 11.6 W during operation, and its three-year warranty add to its appeal. While not groundbreaking, this NAS proves that budget storage solutions can still deliver value when performance needs are modest and price sensitivity is high.