Both these NAS devices support the same RAID modes and are backed up by an equal warranty span.
Here’s whats going on with these devices:
LinkStation:
- Consumes comparatively less electricity.
- Is affordable for more users.
On the other side, the TeraStation:
- Has a better processor and greater installed memory.
- Has higher storage and raw capacities.
- Highlights more sophisticated structure and design.
- Delivers higher read/write and data transfer throughputs.
- Supports more windows and OS.
- Offers a wider range of operating temperature and humidity.
The Buffalo LinkStation is powered by an 800 MHz Dual-Issue Arm processor. The memory introduced in it is limited to 256 MB of DDR3. Its maximum raw capacity is around 16TB and its digital storage capacity is approximately 4TB. It is equipped with a SATA II interface.
It has two ports (1 x GBE RJ45 and 1 x USB 2.0) and supports three RAID modes (0, 1, JBOD). Furthermore, it is bestowed with a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years.
On the other hand.
The Buffalo TeraStation is equipped with a much faster 1.4 GHZ Alpine AL214 Quad-Core processor. Its installed memory is also higher which is up to 1GB of DDR3. Its maximum raw capacity is up to 32TB and digital storage capacity is about 6TB.
It is provided with a SATA III interface. It has three ports (1 x GBE LAN and 2 x USB 3.1/3.2) and three RAID modes (0, 1, JBOD). Moreover, it is also provided with a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years.
Table of Contents
Side By Side Comparison:
In competition with LinkStation, TeraStation has a faster processor and greater installed memory. It offers higher read/write throughputs and features a more inventive structure. Moreover, it is compatible with more OS and is more friendly to the environment.
| Specifications | LinkStation | TeraStation |
| Processor | 800 MHz Dual Issue ARM | 1.4 GHz Alpine Quad-Core |
| Installed Memory | 256 MB DDR3 | 1 GB DDR3 |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 4 TB | 6 TB |
| Max. Raw Capacity | 16TB (8TB x 2) | 32TB (8TB x 4) |
| Interface | SATA II | SATA III |
| Ports | 1 x GBE RJ45 1 x USB 2.0 | 1 x GBE RJ45 2 x USB 3.1/3.2 |
| Number of Bays | 2 x 3.5” | 2 x 3.5” |
| RAID Modes | 0, 1, JBOD | 0, 1, JBOD |
| Supported Protocols | FTP, FTPS, HTP, HTTPS, CIFS/SMB, AFP | FTP, FTPS, SFTP, NFS, SNMP, AFP, CIFS/SMB, TCP/IP, Rsync |
| Warranty Period | 3-Year | 3-Year |
Also compare Buffalo LinkStation with WD My Cloud
Design and Structure
The 2-bay variant of Buffalo LinkStation is a rectangular box-shaped device which is colored black. Its front face is equipped with a column of LEDs (power, function and error indicators) aligned vertically along with its left border.
The upper half of its back is occupied by a system fan and along with its right border, there is a function button, USB 2.0 connector, and power mode switch, running vertically from top to bottom.
The lower half of its back features a LAN port, Link LED and power connector on the right side and a security lock for anti-theft and hook on the right side.
It is lighter in weight and has smaller dimensions in comparison with its peer.
The 2-bay variant of Buffalo TeraStation is comparatively squared in shape.
It is also black painted with its front face having power, info, error and LAN LED indicators aligned horizontally on the top.
Beneath these indicators, there is a power button on the right, an LCD panel in the mid and display and function buttons with a USB 3.0 port on the left.
The lower half of its front face is occupied by the drive bay cover with a drive lock at the mid of its left border.
The majority of the space on its rear panel is occupied by the system fan.
On the top right there is a power connecter and below the system fan, there is a USB 3.0 and LAN port with a link LED and anti-theft security slot.
| Design & Structure | LinkStation | TeraStation |
| Colour | Black | Black |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 8.1” x 5” x 3.4” | 9.1”x 6.7” x 6.7” |
| Weight (lbs) | 5.5 | 9.7 |
TeraStation stands superior in the case of design and structure as it is provided with an LCD panel which is absent in its peer. Moreover, the former has a strong non-detachable drive bay cover whereas that of its counterpart can come off by lifting it from the front.
Throughput
Buffalo LinkStation features an 800 MHz Dual-Issue ARM processor that enables it to set the data transfer rates around 480 Mbps with USB 2.0.
Its read/write throughput is up to 24 Mbps on a 100Base-T network and up to 56 Mbps on the GBE network.
The 1.4 GHz Alpine AL214 Quad-Core processor of Buffalo TeraStation allows it to deliver much higher data transfer rates of about 10 Gbps with USB 3.1/3.2.
Its read/write throughput touches 30 Mbps on a 100 Mbps network and nearly 60 Mbps on the GBE network.
| Throughputs | LinkStation | TeraStation |
| Data Transfer | 480 Mbps | 10 Gbps |
| Read/Write on 100 Mbps network | 24 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
| Read/Write on GBE network | 56 Gbps | 60 Gbps |
Buffalo TeraStation possessing a Quad-Core processor delivers much higher throughputs in comparison with its counterpart.
Compatible Operating Systems
Buffalo LinkStation is compatible with the following operating systems:
- Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows RT
- OS X 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9
The operating systems compatible with Buffalo TeraStation are:
- Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server R2
- OS 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9
Hence, TeraStation supports more operating systems and stands superior to its counterpart in this area as well.
Environmental Conditions
Buffalo LinkStation is comparatively less friendly toward the environment.
Its system fan for cooling purposes is less efficient and smaller in size than that of its counterpart which affects its operating temperature compatibility with the environment.
Buffalo TeraStation is capable of maintaining its operating efficiency within a wider range of temperatures.
Its operating humidity also varies within a wider range as compared to its counterpart.
Moreover, its system fan is more efficient in maintaining its temperature which adds to its preference.
| Environmental Conditions | LinkStation | TeraStation |
| Operating Temperature | 41 – 95°F | 32 – 104°F |
| Operating Humidity | 20 – 80% | 10 – 85% |
Electrical Conditions
Buffalo LinkStation is powered by a universal 100 – 240V AC adapter having 50/60 Hz of power frequency. Its maximum power consumption is much lesser than that of its peer.
Moreover, it consumes lesser power in active and idle states also.
Buffalo TeraStation is also powered by a 100 – 240V AC power adapter with 50/60 Hz of power frequency.
It is less friendly towards electrical conditions and consumes more power.
However, its power consumption in standby condition is equal to that of its rival.
| Electrical Conditions | LinkStation | TeraStation |
| Power Supply | Universal 100 – 240V AC | Universal 100 – 240V AC |
| Power Frequency | 50/60 Hz | 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | Max: 48 W Active: 19 W Idle: 13 W Standby: 0.9 W | Max: 85 W Active: 34 W Idle: 21 W Standby: 0.9 W |