ASUSTOR LOCKERSTOR 24R Pro Gen2 (AS7224RDX) review

Research-based assessment: The ASUSTOR LOCKERSTOR 24R Pro Gen2 (AS7224RDX) is the largest native-bay member of this observed Gen2 rack family: twenty-four internal SATA positions, two built-in 10-GbE ports, ECC DDR5 and a 172-mm-high chassis. Its main question is whether the extra bays are genuinely needed. This review is based on exact manufacturer product, selector, package and installation records, not an inspected machine, benchmark or hands-on test.

Twenty-four trays change the rack plan

The exact English product and hardware pages identify the AS7224RDX as the LOCKERSTOR 24R Pro Gen2. The selector lists twenty-four native 3.5-inch/2.5-inch SATA bays, a separate single M.2 2280 NVMe position on PCIe 5.0 x4 and an M.2 volume mode of Single. The M.2 connector is not an extra SATA tray. The chassis is listed at 172 x 439 x 576 mm (height x width x depth) and 18.6 kg. A 172-mm body and twenty-four trays need a rack, rail and loaded-support plan that is more substantial than simply checking that the device's name says “24-bay.” Leave room for cabling, front and rear service, ventilation and safe rail movement. Exact dimensions and ports are shown in the official product page and hardware selector.

Expansion is a particularly poor place to assume a larger capacity ceiling: the live selector lists a maximum of 52 bays with an expansion unit, while the exact AS7224RDX datasheet page lists 40. ASUSTOR's official references conflict, so neither total is treated as a confirmed maximum or included capability. The assessment and finder use twenty-four native bays only. Any later SAS card or external unit should be verified as an exact compatible arrangement before it enters a procurement plan.

Fast ports are native; fast transfers are not guaranteed

The base model lists two individual 10-GbE ports and two individual Gigabit ports. A built-in 10-GbE connector satisfies a one-port 10-Gbps link-rating minimum without relying on a PCIe add-in card. The two PCIe 5.0 expansion slots—one x8 link and one x4 link—allow optional network or SAS cards, but the exact card, transceiver or cable, switch and client path still need separate evidence. Combining ports does not change the speed rating of one port, and no independent throughput figure was measured for this review. The onboard HDMI is described for servicing, not ordinary monitor output.

ASUSTOR lists an eight-core, sixteen-thread AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7745 processor; 16 GB of ECC DDR5-4800 UDIMM memory is installed, with four slots and a stated 192-GB maximum. That specification does not establish how well a particular virtualized or multimedia workload will run. Buyers who expect add-in cards or memory upgrades should confirm exact part compatibility and application requirements, not infer an outcome from processor marketing.

A two-disk mirror uses two of the twenty-four bays

The model's supported RAID list includes RAID 1. One documented possible plan is for the owner to install two compatible SATA drives, create a RAID 1 volume and use one built-in 10-GbE port. That arrangement uses two trays and leaves twenty-two native positions open. The M.2 slot is separate and not required for this SATA plan. The official package reference and U.S. Store model page identify a diskless base configuration; they do not establish installed disks or a prepared pool. Drive compatibility remains a model-specific check, including firmware. Initializing storage can erase disk contents. RAID 1 can help if one member drive fails, but it does not make an independent copy and cannot replace backup, recovery testing or off-site protection.

Power, weight and included equipment

The exact selector lists two 550-W 80 PLUS Platinum power supplies in a redundant arrangement. It gives 253 W in operation and 145 W in disk hibernation. Those are manufacturer-listed reference values, not independent measurements of a particular drive population or workload. A redundant pair is not two independent building feeds: check that power cords, outlets, PDUs and any UPS are sized and arranged for the actual installation.

The model package reference lists the unit, quick-install guide, two AC cords, two Cat5e LAN cables, two Cat6a 10GbE cables and 96 screws for each listed drive size. It does not list data drives, a configured array or rack rails. The official U.S. Store item identifies SKU 90-AS7224RX1-MF10 and describes the base unit as diskless; this is an identity reference, not a statement that every reseller package is identical or currently available. Verify the exact SKU, all trays and PSUs, rail kit, cable set, return terms, support channel and warranty record for the specific shipment. ASUSTOR's status table currently lists Generally Available, Supported software/technical support and five years; those table values do not certify any seller's inventory or a specific unit's remaining coverage.

Buy only for a real 24-bay workload

The 24-bay profile is a plausible shortlist candidate when the intended drive count, rack height, power path and maintenance plan already justify that capacity. For a requirement nearer twelve or sixteen drives, compare the smaller AS7212RDX and AS7216RDX instead: they share the Ryzen/ECC/dual-10GbE foundation but use less chassis height and have fewer native trays. Their power figures are lower in the manufacturer's tables. These are specification comparisons rather than an energy or speed test, and an unfilled tray is not a benefit by itself.

Before purchasing, measure rack depth and service clearance, confirm the required number and model of compatible drives, check the switch and client for 10GbE, confirm rail and seller package details and make a separate backup plan. The exact package reference and AS72XXRDX quick-install guide show model-labelled equipment and rack installation steps; neither tells you what an individual seller will deliver.