The Asustor ASW205T is a 5-port 2.5GbE switch that has a few differentiating features. We recently looked at the A Quick Look at the Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T NAS and since 2.5GbE is becoming more common in NAS units and desktops, we are looking at switches like this.
Ultimate Fanless 2.5GbE Switch Roundup
You may have seen that we published the Ultimate Cheap Fanless 2.5GbE Switch Mega Round-Up. Here is the video for that one where this switch appeared.
We decided to do the round-up first and will be filling in with reviews that we had not published at that point, including this one.
Just to note, we have 8 more switches in the lab for testing already, and another 8 on the list of to-do that are not in the switch round-up we published. We are going to add them to the round-up page as we review them.
Asustor ASW205T Hardware Overview
The front of the switch is very basic. We get five 2.5GbE ports. The status LEDs are on top of each port which is nice. The red Asustor ports are interesting. The 2.5GbE ports we saw on the Asustor Flashstor 6 FS6706T NAS are the same bright red.
The switch itself is desktop mounting only, there are no rackmount ears.
Both sides only have vents.
The back has the DC power input. Generally, we like all ports on these switches to be on the same side so that they can be placed against a wall. On higher-end switches, having ports on both sides can make more sense. In this class, it would be easier if they were all on the front. We also do not have a grounding point on this switch which is something we have seen on other switches.
The bottom of the switch has two mounting points and a fairly large label with regulatory markings. Those regulatory markings are often absent on lower-cost switches from places like AliExpress.
Inside the switch, we can see a heatsink covering the switch chip. Something that is very notable here is just how large the thermal pad is between the switch chip and the heatsink. That is a very thick pad compared to others we have seen. Usually, vendors tell us the goal is to make those pads as thin as possible to aid in heat transfer.
This is the internal view where we can see the layout. The heat sink is aligned to the side vents not offset like we have seen in some other units.
This, like the other units we have tested, is a fanless design keeping noise low.
Next, let us get to the management, performance, power consumption, and our final thoughts.
There are a few confusing things in this article. The first paragraph relates to an entirely different model/brand? The discussion of the internal layout says the fan is at a 45 degree angle but the next paragraph states its fanless?
Error near the bottom of page 1 on this one:
“The fan is orientated at an angle 45 degrees offset from the vents on either side of the chassis.”
Followed by:
“This, like the other units we have tested, is a fanless design keeping noise low.”
Another error – under the power meter images:
“That pn the higher-end of our range.”
Wes – that was my fault. I was iPad editing on a plane and messed up the tab.
Asus really is the codeword for overpriced. Sad, I would like this unit otherwise
Thanks for reviewing this switch. I’ve currently shortlisted both this switch and the d-link dms-106xt for my home gaming network setup. Looking forward to the review on the dms-106xt. I might even go to a whole new direction once the review for that switch is out.
Wow! People (Yuno & the reviewer) consider $10 overpriced? I don’t. When I consider how low power consumption is on this unit and the fact that I am using 4 in my house right now with 4 of the 5 ports (on each) in use – and the unit is just slightly warm and just sipping power – I’m thrilled. Comparing this to the buggy Netgear 1gx10g (GS110MX) switches these replaced – that never, EVER locked anything over 2.5gig even when paired with identical switches, these are CHEAP! They boot fast, lock on immediately – even on 50ft cabling – and stay at the rated speeds!