Accéder à son NAS depuis l’extérieur n’a rien de compliqué… mais toutes les méthodes ne se valent pas. Certaines privilégient la simplicité, d’autres la sécurité ou les performances. Si vous possédez un NAS, vous vous êtes probablement déjà demandé quelles solutions existent et quelles sont leurs différences. Voici un rapide tour d’horizon, avec les bonnes pratiques à connaître

Accès à distance

Quand on possède un NAS, on devient vite exigeant en matière de sécurité. Pendant longtemps, il était strictement impossible d’accéder à mon NAS depuis l’extérieur. Et puis, les usages ont changé, les enfants ont grandi… nos besoins ne sont plus les mêmes.

La question n’est donc plus “faut-il y accéder ?” mais plutôt “comment le faire correctement ?”

Accès facile des constructeurs

Les fabricants de NAS proposent des solutions clés en main, très simples à configurer. Chacun propose son propre service de type Cloud Relay.

	Service	Accès
Synology	QuickConnect	quickconnect.to/mon-id
QNAP	myQNAPcloud Link	qlink.to/mon-id
ASUSTOR	EZ-Connect	mon-id.ezconnect.to
UGREEN	UGREENlink	ug.link/mon-id
TerraMaster	TNAS.online	tnas.online/mon-id

L’activation se fait généralement en un clic, sans configuration réseau ni redirection de port. Ces services fonctionnent via un serveur relais hébergé par le fabricant. Cela signifie que vos données transitent par une infrastructure tierce. Même si elles sont chiffrées, cela implique une dépendance à l’écosystème du fabricant… et des performances souvent en retrait.

Sa simplicité extrême pousse de nombreux utilisateurs à l’activer sans en mesurer les implications, d’autant que certains fabricants la proposent dès le premier démarrage. C’est tellement simple que personnellement, je trouve cela dangereux.

DDNS

Le DDNS (Dynamic DNS) permet d’associer une adresse IP publique (celle de votre Box qui change régulièrement) à un nom de domaine fixe.  Vous pouvez acheter un domaine (.fr, .com, .eu…) pour quelques euros par an chez un registrar comme OVH ou Cloudflare, ou opter pour un sous-domaine gratuit via des services tiers tels que ChangeIP, FreeDNS, ou ceux proposés directement par les fabricants de NAS. Dans ce dernier cas, vous n’aurez pas la maîtrise totale du nom de domaine.

Cette méthode nécessite une redirection de port sur votre routeur. Il est également possible d’intégrer un reverse proxy (directement sur le NAS ou sur un autre équipement) pour gérer proprement un domaine et ses sous-domaines avec HTTPS.

VPN auto-hébergé

Héberger son propre serveur VPN est la solution offrant le meilleur rapport sécurité/contrôle. Le VPN constitue une porte d’entrée chiffrée vers votre réseau domestique. Pour accéder au NAS, vous devez d’abord vous authentifier via ce tunnel sécurisé… vous êtes connectés ensuite comme si vous étiez en local.

Le serveur VPN peut être installé sur :

• Votre Box ou routeur ;
• Un appareil dédié comme un Raspberry Pi ;
• Le NAS lui-même.

Je recommande WireGuard, qui combine une sécurité élevée avec d’excellentes performances, notamment en mobilité. C’est la solution que je privilégie personnellement. La contrepartie, c’est que sa configuration est plus technique que les autres méthodes. Elle nécessite également une redirection d’un port sur votre Box.

VPN hybride (mesh VPN)

Des solutions comme Tailscale proposent une approche simplifiée du VPN. Il suffit d’installer l’application sur le NAS et sur vos appareils, puis de se connecter avec un compte. La mise en relation entre les appareils est gérée automatiquement, sans configuration réseau.

Ces outils sont bien sécurisés (chiffrement de bout en bout), mais les données transitent via les serveurs de l’éditeur pour l’établissement de la connexion. Les performances sont souvent inférieures à un VPN auto-hébergé. L’offre gratuite est souvent suffisante pour un usage personnel…

Cloudflare Tunnel

Cloudflare Tunnel permet d’exposer son NAS via un nom de domaine, sans ouvrir le moindre port sur votre box… et en bénéficiant de la protection applicative de Cloudflare (WAF, gestion des accès, authentification à deux facteurs…).

Le fonctionnement repose sur un agent installé sur le NAS (généralement via Docker), qui établit une connexion sortante vers les serveurs Cloudflare. C’est ce tunnel qui permet l’accès depuis l’extérieur, sans exposition directe de votre réseau. La limite principale reste la même que pour toute solution cloud : vous faites confiance à un tiers pour le transit de vos données.

Rappel de sécurité

Dès qu’un NAS est accessible depuis Internet, il devient une cible potentielle. Des robots scannent en permanence le Web à la recherche de services exposés et des failles exploitables.

Je vous recommande d’appliquer un minimum de règles de sécurité :

• Activez le blocage automatique après plusieurs tentatives de connexion infructueuses ;
• Désactivez les comptes par défaut (admin, guest) ;
• Activez le pare-feu du NAS ;
• Utilisez un mot de passe robuste (majuscules, minuscules, chiffres et caractères spéciaux) ;
• Changez les ports par défaut ;
• Forcez l’utilisation du HTTPS (redirection HTTP vers HTTPS) ;
• Maintenez votre NAS à jour (système et applications) ;
• Mettez en place des sauvegardes régulières…

Il faut respecter toutes ces règles, voire plus…

En synthèse

Accéder à son NAS à distance est aujourd’hui indispensable, mais cela ne doit pas se faire au détriment de la sécurité. Plus une solution est simple à activer, plus elle mérite d’être questionnée. Prenez le temps de comprendre vos besoins et privilégiez toujours une approche sécurisée, même si elle demande un peu plus d’effort à la mise en place.

	Facilité	Sécurité	Contrôle	Ouverture de port
Solution constructeur				Non
DDNS				Oui
VPN auto-hébergé				Oui
VPN hybride				Non
Cloudflare Tunnel				Non

Seagate Shows Off It’s 44TB Hard Drive at NAB 2026

At the 2026 NAB Show 2026, Seagate Technology formally introduced its latest generation of high-capacity enterprise hard drives built on the Mozaic 4+ platform. These drives, (model ID ST4400NM002M)  reaching up to 44TB, represent the current peak of commercially deployed hard disk capacity and are already being shipped to select hyperscale cloud providers. The announcement reflects ongoing demand for higher-density storage as data generation continues to accelerate, particularly in artificial intelligence and large-scale cloud environments.

Rather than targeting general consumers, these drives are designed specifically for hyperscale data centres where efficiency, density, and cost per terabyte are critical considerations. The Mozaic 4+ platform is also notable for its reliance on heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), a technology that has moved from experimental development into production-scale deployment. With broader qualification underway, the 44TB model serves as both a milestone in current storage capabilities and a step toward projected capacities approaching 100TB in future generations.

Everything we know about the Seagate 44TB Hard Drives

The 44TB drives are built on Seagate’s Mozaic 4+ platform, which represents the company’s production-ready implementation of heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). Unlike earlier perpendicular magnetic recording approaches, HAMR uses localized heating via a nanophotonic laser to temporarily reduce the coercivity of the disk surface, allowing data to be written at much higher densities. This enables significantly greater areal density without requiring a complete redesign of the underlying hard drive architecture, allowing Seagate to scale capacity incrementally across generations.

At a physical level, the drives use a multi-platter design, widely understood to consist of 10 platters, each delivering over 4TB of capacity. This results in the total 44TB figure within a standard 3.5-inch enterprise form factor. The spindle speed is expected to remain at 7200 RPM, consistent with other enterprise-capacity drives, balancing throughput, reliability, and power consumption. Early estimates suggest sustained transfer rates in the region of 300 MB/s, though final performance characteristics depend on deployment conditions and firmware tuning. I think we are likely much more liekly to hit 280MB/s or so, such as you find in the 30TBs.

A key aspect of the Mozaic 4+ design is its vertically integrated photonics system. Seagate has developed its own laser components in-house, embedding them directly into the recording head. This allows precise, nanosecond-scale heating during write operations, which is critical for maintaining data integrity at such high densities. Vertical integration also gives Seagate tighter control over manufacturing consistency, yield, and long-term reliability, all of which are essential when deploying drives at hyperscale volumes.

The recording stack itself incorporates several advanced components. These include a Gen 2 superlattice platinum-alloy media designed for improved magnetic stability, a Gen 2 plasmonic writer responsible for delivering the heat-assisted write process, and a Gen 8 spintronic reader that improves read accuracy from increasingly smaller data bits. Together, these components enable higher density while maintaining error rates and durability within enterprise requirements.

Supporting these physical advancements is a 7nm integrated controller, which manages drive operations with improved precision. This controller enhances servo control, allowing the read/write heads to maintain accurate positioning over narrower tracks. It also contributes to improved power efficiency, reducing watts per terabyte and helping data centres optimize energy usage at scale. These gains are particularly relevant in large deployments where power and cooling costs scale with capacity.

From a manufacturing perspective, the Mozaic platform is designed to scale without requiring disruptive architectural changes between generations. Each iteration builds on existing processes, allowing Seagate to increase per-platter capacity over time. The company has indicated a roadmap toward 10TB per platter, which would enable drives approaching 100TB within a similar physical footprint. This approach prioritizes continuity in deployment while steadily increasing storage density.

Seagate 44TB HDDs – SMR or CMR?

Despite the push toward higher capacities, the 44TB drives based on the Mozaic 4+ platform use conventional magnetic recording (CMR) rather than shingled magnetic recording (SMR). This distinction is relevant because SMR typically achieves higher capacities by overlapping data tracks, which can negatively impact rewrite performance and latency in certain workloads. By retaining CMR, Seagate is prioritising predictable performance characteristics, particularly for enterprise environments where consistent throughput and low latency are required.

This approach also differentiates Seagate’s offering from competing high-capacity drives, such as those being developed by Western Digital, which have explored SMR and related technologies like UltraSMR to reach similar capacity points. While SMR can be effective for archival or sequential workloads, CMR remains better suited to mixed or write-intensive applications commonly found in hyperscale deployments. In this context, the use of HAMR allows Seagate to increase density without relying on SMR trade-offs, maintaining compatibility with existing data centre workloads and software stacks.

The introduction of 44TB hard drives based on the Mozaic 4+ platform reflects a continued focus on increasing storage density within the constraints of existing data centre infrastructure. By combining HAMR with incremental architectural improvements, Seagate Technology has demonstrated that higher capacities can be achieved without fundamental changes to form factor or deployment models. The emphasis remains on scaling capacity per rack and per watt, which aligns with the operational priorities of hyperscale environments.

At the same time, these drives remain firmly positioned within enterprise and cloud use cases, with limited relevance to consumer or small-scale storage in the near term. Factors such as cost, workload requirements, and integration complexity restrict their adoption outside large data centres. However, as with previous generations, advancements at this level are likely to influence broader storage markets over time, particularly as manufacturing scales and newer technologies mature.

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Bonjour à tous,

J’espère que vous allez bien. Les beaux jours sont enfin de retour et certains d’entre vous sont peut-être déjà en vacances… je dois avouer que je vous envie un peu Mais pas d’inquiétude, mon tour arrive bientôt… J’ai aussi prévu de lever le pied quelques jours.

Du côté de Cachem, j’ai fait quelques petits ajustements récemment. Rien de révolutionnaire, mais des petites optimisations pour garder un site toujours aussi rapide et agréable à parcourir. Le thème que j’utilise continue d’évoluer régulièrement depuis 2019.

Suite à mon article sur mes doutes, plusieurs idées intéressantes ont émergé. Parmi elles : une newsletter. Je vous le dis franchement, je n’ai jamais été un grand adepte… même si j’en lis quelques-unes. Tout le monde ne passe pas sur Cachem tous les jours (ni même toutes les semaines). Cette newsletter mensuelle sera donc là comme un rappel simple et pratique : l’essentiel à ne pas manquer, sans spam ni blabla inutile. L’objectif ? Vous partager les nouveautés, quelques trouvailles, et remettre en avant certains contenus passés entre les mailles du filet ou plus ancien mais toujours d’actualité comme ce guide pour nettoyer votre NAS. En résumé : un concentré de Cachem (mais pas seulement), avec une petite touche de fun en plus.

Côté séries TV, j’ai enchaîné ces derniers temps : la dernière saison de Bad Sisters, toujours aussi réussie ; The Rookie, qui se laisse regarder tranquillement ; Shrinking, qui reste clairement l’une de mes favorites (bonne nouvelle : une saison 4 a déjà été commandée par Apple).

Je vous laisse en vous souhaitant une bonne semaine,
FX

New UniFi UDM Beast, Enterprise FG Core, Enterprise 100G and Enterprise S Revealed

At NAB 2026 in Las Vegas, Ubiquiti Inc. showcased a number of rackmount UniFi devices that have not yet been formally announced or released. These systems were presented alongside existing products, making it necessary to distinguish between current hardware and what appears to be forthcoming or experimental equipment. The devices observed represent a noticeable increase in port density, throughput capability, and overall positioning compared to the current UniFi lineup.

Four specific devices stand out from this showcase: the UniFi Dream Machine Beast, the Enterprise Fortress Gateway Core, the Enterprise 100G switch, and the Enterprise S PoE switch. Based on available observations and supporting information, these products appear to form a cohesive expansion of the UniFi ecosystem into higher-performance enterprise and datacenter environments. However, specifications remain unconfirmed and should be considered provisional until officially published.

UniFi Dream Machine BEAST – A 25GbE UDM!

The UniFi Dream Machine BEAST appears to be a significant evolution of the existing Dream Machine platform, extending beyond the capabilities of current models such as the UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max. Based on observed hardware, this device integrates substantially higher port density, particularly in 10G and 25G connectivity, while also introducing onboard storage via dual SATA bays. This suggests a continued emphasis on combining routing, switching, and application hosting within a single appliance, including UniFi OS services such as Protect and other controller-based functions.

Compared to previous Dream Machine models, the BEAST shifts closer toward an enterprise-focused deployment, particularly in environments requiring direct multi-gigabit connectivity without reliance on additional aggregation switches. However, key system details such as CPU architecture, memory capacity, and throughput performance remain unconfirmed. The absence of official documentation indicates that this device is still in a pre-release or prototype stage, and its final positioning within the UniFi portfolio is not yet defined.

UniFi Enterprise Fortress Gateway Core – Truly Enterprise

The UniFi Enterprise Fortress Gateway Core appears to extend the capabilities of the existing UniFi Enterprise Fortress Gateway into a significantly higher performance tier. While the current Enterprise Fortress Gateway is already positioned as a high-end UniFi routing platform, the Core variant introduces substantially greater port density and bandwidth, including support for 100G connectivity. This suggests a shift from traditional edge gateway roles toward deployment in core or aggregation layers within larger enterprise or datacenter environments.

The observed hardware indicates a design focused on high-throughput routing and multi-layer network integration, with a combination of 10G copper, 25G SFP28, and 100G QSFP28 interfaces. This represents a notable departure from existing UniFi gateway designs, which typically rely on lower port counts and external switching for aggregation. As with the Dream Machine BEAST, critical specifications such as processing architecture, memory configuration, and pricing remain undisclosed, reinforcing the likelihood that this device is still in a pre-release stage.

UniFi Enterprise 100G – Next-Level Connections

The UniFi Enterprise 100G appears to be a high-density aggregation or spine switch designed for environments requiring large-scale bandwidth distribution. Its configuration, centered around 25G access ports and 100G uplinks, aligns with common leaf-spine architectures used in enterprise and datacenter networks. Within the current UniFi portfolio, the closest comparison would be aggregation-focused switches such as the UniFi Switch Enterprise Aggregation, although the observed specifications of this device significantly exceed existing models in both port count and total throughput capacity.

This device is likely intended for deployment deeper within network infrastructure rather than at the edge, acting as a central switching layer connecting multiple high-speed access or distribution switches. The combination of 48 × 25G and 6 × 100G ports suggests a focus on scalability and backbone connectivity rather than end-device access. As with the other devices observed, no official documentation, pricing, or detailed hardware specifications have been released, and its final role within the UniFi ecosystem remains unconfirmed.

UniFi Enterprise S – PoE Powerhouse

The UniFi Enterprise S appears to be a high-density access switch focused on multi-gigabit connectivity and high-power PoE delivery. Its configuration combines a large number of 2.5G and 10G copper ports, all supporting PoE+++, alongside 25G uplinks for upstream connectivity. Within the current UniFi lineup, there is no direct equivalent, although products such as the UniFi Switch Pro XG 48 PoE operate in a similar space with lower overall port density and more limited PoE capability. The Enterprise S extends this concept by standardising high-power PoE across all access ports.

This design suggests deployment in environments with dense endpoint requirements, including wireless access points, cameras, and AV equipment, where both bandwidth and power delivery are critical. The combination of 2.5G and 10G ports allows for flexibility across different device classes, while the inclusion of 25G uplinks supports integration into higher-speed aggregation layers. As with the other devices observed, there is no confirmed information regarding total power budget, internal hardware, or release timeline, and the device should be considered pre-release.

---

The four devices observed at NAB 2026 indicate a broader shift in the UniFi portfolio toward higher-performance networking tiers. Collectively, they introduce increased port density, support for 25G and 100G connectivity, and in some cases, significantly expanded power delivery capabilities. Compared to currently available products such as the UniFi Enterprise Fortress Gateway and UniFi Dream Machine Pro Max, these systems represent a move beyond traditional edge and SMB-focused deployments into roles typically associated with enterprise core, aggregation, and high-density access layers.

However, all four devices remain unannounced and lack confirmed specifications, pricing, and release timelines. As a result, their final positioning and availability cannot be determined with certainty. While the observed hardware suggests a structured expansion into a more complete end-to-end networking stack, any conclusions remain provisional until formal details are released by Ubiquiti Inc..

 

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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

New QNAP TS-xh66TX SERIES – Intel i3, USB4, 2x 10GbE, M.2/E1.S, SATA, U.2, PCIe and MORE

QNAP’s TS h666TX, TS h866TX and TS h966TX arrive at a point where the company’s tower portfolio has had a fairly visible split between mainstream QTS systems such as the TS 464 and TS 664, and higher tier QuTS hero models such as the TVS h674. The older TS x64 family remains relevant, but those systems are built around the Intel Celeron N5095 with DDR4 memory and a lower ceiling for memory expansion, while the TVS h674 moves into a more performance led and more expensive part of the range with desktop class Intel Core processors and QuTS hero support. Against that backdrop, a new ZFS focused series with Intel Core i3 1215U, DDR5 memory, integrated 10GbE and USB4 has a clear role in the lineup, at least on paper.

That is also why these systems are likely to attract attention from buyers who want more than the current TS 464 or TS 664 can offer, but who may not need, or want to pay for, a TVS h674 class solution. The i3 1215U itself is a 6 core, 8 thread mobile processor with 2 Performance cores, 4 Efficient cores and boost speeds up to 4.40 GHz, which places it well above the older Celeron class hardware used in the TS x64 generation. Combined with QuTS hero’s ZFS platform and the broader move toward hybrid HDD and SSD storage layouts, these new TS h66xTX models appear designed to address demand for a more modern mid range NAS that balances file services, high speed networking and SSD aware storage without immediately stepping into QNAP’s more workstation style hero systems.

Specification	TS-h666TX	TS-h866TX	TS-h966TX
CPU	Intel Core i3-1215U	Intel Core i3-1215U	Intel Core i3-1215U
Memory	8GB DDR5, up to 64GB	8GB DDR5, up to 64GB	8GB DDR5, up to 64GB
SATA Bays	4 x 3.5-inch	6 x 3.5-inch	5 x 3.5-inch
SSD Bays	2 x E1.S / M.2 NVMe 2280	2 x E1.S / M.2 NVMe 2280	4 x U.2 / SATA 2.5-inch
Network	2 x 10GbE	2 x 10GbE	1 x 10GbE, 1 x 2.5GbE
USB	2 x USB 10Gb/s, 2 x USB4	2 x USB 10Gb/s, 2 x USB4	2 x USB 10Gb/s, 2 x USB4
PCIe Expansion	1 x PCIe Gen 3 x4	1 x PCIe Gen 3 x4	None listed

QNAP TS-h666TX, TS-h866TX and TS-h966TX – Design & Storage

The clearest design distinction in this series is that QNAP is not treating all 3 models as simple capacity variants of the same enclosure. The TS h666TX and TS h866TX appear to share the same newer tower styling, with the standard 3.5 inch bays on the front and a separate area for the solid state media, while the TS h966TX moves into the denser mixed media format that QNAP has used before on some of its hybrid hero systems. That already places the range closer to a purpose built QuTS hero family than a straightforward update of the older TS 464 and TS 664, which used a more conventional compact tower layout with 4 or 6 HDD bays and 2 internal M.2 slots rather than externally accessible SSD facing bays.

From a storage layout perspective, the TS h666TX and TS h866TX are the more direct and easier models to position. They combine either 4 or 6 SATA HDD bays with 2 additional E1.S or M.2 NVMe capable bays, effectively giving each system a built in hybrid structure for HDD capacity and SSD tiering or fast pool allocation. That is a notable step away from the TS 464 and TS 664 approach, where the SSD element is present but still secondary, with 2 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 x1 slots intended mainly for caching or separate SSD storage rather than being presented as a more central part of the overall bay count.

The TS h966TX is the more unusual model in the group because it uses a 5 plus 4 arrangement, with 5 SATA HDD bays and 4 U.2 or SATA 2.5 inch bays. In practical terms, that design is less about scaling raw HDD capacity and more about offering a denser mixed media platform for users who want heavier SSD integration without moving into a full flash chassis. That layout is more in line with some of QNAP’s existing hybrid hero systems, where ZFS storage is paired with a more deliberate split between bulk HDD storage and higher speed SSD media, rather than the simpler HDD plus cache model seen in entry and lower mid range systems.

This is also where the new series starts to sit in a more defined position between the TS x64 range and the TVS h674 class. The TS 464 and TS 664 are still marketed as compact and affordable towers with M.2 support, but their storage design remains closer to mainstream SMB and prosumer use. The TVS h674, by comparison, is a 6 bay QuTS hero platform with 2 x M.2 NVMe slots and a much more traditional premium desktop NAS structure, focused on higher end ZFS deployment and PCIe expansion. The TS h666TX and TS h866TX seem to introduce a middle route, where the chassis and bay layout are more SSD aware and more explicitly hybrid than the TS x64 generation, but without fully mirroring the larger TVS hero desktop approach.

Overall, the design language here suggests that QNAP is targeting users who want direct access to both hard drive and flash storage in a tower form factor without relying entirely on internal motherboard mounted SSD slots. For QuTS hero in particular, that matters because ZFS benefits from clearer separation of storage roles, whether for high speed pools, application storage, read intensive workloads or automated tiering as QNAP continues to develop Qtier support in its ZFS platform. As a result, the storage design of the TS h666TX, TS h866TX and TS h966TX is not just a matter of adding more bays, but of shifting the product family toward more structured hybrid storage deployment than the older TS 464 and TS 664 offered.

QNAP TS-h666TX, TS-h866TX and TS-h966TX – Internal Hardware

Internally, the most important shift in this series is the move to Intel Core i3 1215U. This is a 6 core, 8 thread processor with a hybrid layout of 2 Performance cores and 4 Efficient cores, up to 4.40 GHz boost, and a 15 W base power profile. In broad terms, that puts it above the Intel Celeron N5095 used in the TS 464 and TS 664 generation, which is a 4 core, 4 thread chip with a lower performance ceiling and no hybrid core structure. For a QuTS hero platform, that matters because ZFS services, snapshots, background data operations, deduplication related overhead where applicable, and multi user file handling all benefit from having more CPU headroom than the older Celeron class systems can typically provide.

Memory is the other clear upgrade point. According to the revealed specification, all 3 systems arrive with 8GB DDR5 and support expansion up to 64GB. That is a substantial change in class compared with the TS 464, which uses DDR4 and officially tops out at 16GB, and it aligns more closely with the expectations of a ZFS based system where memory capacity can have a direct effect on caching behaviour, data services and overall responsiveness under heavier workloads. It does not place these models at the same level as QNAP’s higher end QuTS hero hardware with larger default memory pools or ECC focused enterprise positioning, but it does move them noticeably beyond the entry and lower mid range segment.

That leaves these systems in an interesting middle position when compared with the TVS h674. The TVS h674 is still the more powerful desktop hero system overall, with Intel Core desktop CPUs such as the Core i5 12400 or Core i3 12100 depending on configuration, higher default memory allocations, and a more overtly performance focused design. At the same time, the new TS h666TX, TS h866TX and TS h966TX seem to be aiming for a more efficient balance of modern CPU architecture, ZFS support and hybrid storage flexibility without moving fully into that higher cost workstation style category. In other words, the internal hardware does not suggest a direct replacement for the TVS h674, but it does suggest a clear move away from the older TS x64 class and toward a more serious mid tier hero platform.

QNAP TS-h666TX, TS-h866TX and TS-h966TX – Ports and Connectivity

Connectivity is one of the areas where this series separates itself most clearly from the older TS x64 generation. The TS h666TX and TS h866TX both combine 2 x 10GbE with 2 x USB 10Gb/s and 2 x USB4, alongside a PCIe Gen 3 x4 expansion slot. That is a substantial step forward from systems such as the TS 464, which provides 2 x 2.5GbE as standard and relies on PCIe expansion if higher bandwidth networking is needed. In practical terms, that means the new h66xTX models are being positioned for multi user editing, faster backup windows and direct attached workflows in a way that the mainstream TS line was not originally built around.

The inclusion of USB4 is particularly relevant here because QNAP has already used this kind of connectivity in creator focused products such as the TVS h674T, where Thunderbolt 4 is presented as a direct host connection option for Mac and Windows systems. While QNAP will still need to confirm the exact implementation and host workflow support on these new NAB 2026 systems, the presence of 2 x USB4 on all 3 models suggests that direct high bandwidth connection is a deliberate part of their design, rather than a secondary feature. That places these units closer to QNAP’s media and production focused hardware than to the more general office and home NAS segment.

The TS h966TX is slightly different, and arguably less aggressive, in its network configuration. Instead of the dual 10GbE arrangement of the h666TX and h866TX, the h966TX is listed with 1 x 10GbE and 1 x 2.5GbE, while still retaining 2 x USB 10Gb/s and 2 x USB4. That means the 9 bay model has the most storage flexibility in the family, but not the strongest network specification on paper. If that specification is accurate at launch, it makes the h966TX a more storage led hybrid platform rather than the highest bandwidth model in the group, which is not the usual assumption buyers would make when looking at the largest chassis first.

Specification:
TS h666TX: 2 x 10GbE, 2 x USB 10Gb/s, 2 x USB4, 1 x PCIe Gen 3 x4
TS h866TX: 2 x 10GbE, 2 x USB 10Gb/s, 2 x USB4, 1 x PCIe Gen 3 x4
TS h966TX: 1 x 10GbE, 1 x 2.5GbE, 2 x USB 10Gb/s, 2 x USB4

QNAP TS-h666TX, TS-h866TX and TS-h966TX – Price and Release Date

At the time of writing, QNAP does not appear to have published final retail pricing or a formal product page for the TS h666TX, TS h866TX or TS h966TX on its main product catalogue or 2026 newsroom pages, so both availability and price should still be treated as unconfirmed. Based on the information shared at NAB 2026, the current indication is a target launch window around Q2 to Q3 2026, but that remains provisional until QNAP publishes official listings, regional store pages or a formal press release. QNAP’s own 2026 newsroom and product comparison pages currently show no live retail entry for these 3 systems, which supports the view that the series is still in the pre release stage rather than being commercially available now. In pricing terms, the most reasonable expectation is that this range will sit above the TS x64 family and below the TVS h74 class, assuming QNAP keeps the rest of its tower lineup structured in the same way. The TS 464 is still positioned by QNAP as a mainstream high performance tower option in its 2026 buying guide, while the current TVS h674 remains a more premium QuTS hero desktop platform with stronger CPU options and a generally higher specification tier. Given that the new TS h666TX and TS h866TX introduce QuTS hero, DDR5, Intel Core i3 1215U, integrated 10GbE and USB4, they would logically land between those 2 product families rather than alongside either one directly.

That said, the TS h966TX may prove harder to price neatly because its storage configuration is more specialised than the other 2 models. Its 5 plus 4 hybrid layout, mixed 10GbE and 2.5GbE networking, and heavier SSD oriented design could place it closer to existing hybrid hero systems in value, even if its processor remains the same. Until QNAP confirms MSRPs, any exact figure would be speculative, but the broader market position appears to be that these are intended as a mid tier QuTS hero tower family, not a direct budget replacement for the TS 464 and TS 664, and not a full substitute for the TVS h674 or TVS h674T either.

 

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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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Discrètement, OVHcloud a modifié les règles autour de son extension maison. Lors de la recherche d’un nom de domaine en .ovh, un message apparaît désormais : « L’extension .ovh n’est temporairement plus disponible à l’enregistrement, mais le renouvellement reste possible. En attendant, nous vous invitons à essayer une autre extension (.com, .fr, .net…) ». Cela soulève plusieurs questions…

Extension .ovh, une option populaire

Lancée comme une alternative économique, l’extension .ovh s’était rapidement imposée : auto-hébergement, développeurs, possesseur de NAS… Son principal argument, un tarif ultra-agressif : 1,99 € HT par an. Dans un contexte où les extensions classiques voient leurs prix augmenter, le .ovh représentait une solution idéale pour multiplier les projets sans exploser son budget. Beaucoup d’entre vous l’utilisaient…

Pourquoi cette suspension ?

OVHcloud n’a pas communiqué officiellement sur les raisons. Plusieurs hypothèses circulent :

• Rentabilité insuffisante : à ce tarif, la marge est inexistante ;
• Abus et spam : les extensions peu chères attirent souvent des usages malveillants (phishing, détournement de domaine) ;
• Repositionnement stratégique : rationaliser l’offre et recentrer les activités.

Quelle que soit la raison, le caractère “temporaire” reste flou. Rien n’indique à ce jour un retour à court terme…

Quel impact pour les utilisateurs ?

Pour les détenteurs existants (ceux qui ont déjà un domaine .ovh), pas de panique : les domaines restent actifs et renouvelables. En revanche, il est désormais impossible d’enregistrer de nouveaux noms en .ovh. Pour tout nouveau projet, il faudra se tourner vers d’autres extensions.

Quelles alternatives ?

Les utilisateurs orientés homelab et auto-hébergement peuvent prendre :

• .fr / .be / .eu : fiable, avec un référencement local ;
• .com : universel mais plus onéreux…

Attention au prix d’appel : certaines extensions affichent des tarifs très attractifs la première année, mais le renouvellement peut réserver de mauvaises surprises. L’extension .site par exemple est proposée à 0,99€ la première année, puis passe à 32,99 € les années suivantes.

Un signal pour le marché

Malheureusement, cette décision met en lumière une tendance de fond : le modèle des domaines low-cost atteint ses limites. Entre hausse des coûts opérationnels, lutte contre les abus et exigences de qualité… les registrars ajustent leur stratégie.

Pour les utilisateurs, le message est clair : mieux vaut privilégier la stabilité et la pérennité d’une extension plutôt que de se fier au seul critère du prix.

UGREEN DH4300 PLUS vs UniFi UNAS 4 – Which Should You Buy?

The UniFi UNAS 4 and the UGREEN DH4300 Plus are being compared because they currently occupy a very similar part of the 4-bay NAS market, with both systems targeting buyers who want a relatively affordable turnkey storage solution with 2.5GbE connectivity, modern desktop design, and a lower entry price than many traditional NAS brands. On paper, they are close enough in price to be direct alternatives, but in practice they approach NAS deployment very differently. The UniFi UNAS 4 is built around tight integration with the wider UniFi ecosystem and focuses primarily on straightforward storage, backup, and remote file access, whereas the UGREEN DH4300 Plus is designed as a broader standalone NAS platform with more memory, a more powerful ARM processor, HDMI output, and a wider range of applications and services. That makes this comparison relevant not just because of the hardware and price overlap, but because each system reflects a different idea of what an entry to mid-range 4-bay NAS should be in 2026.

UniFi vs UGREEN NAS – Brand vs Brand

Before I dig into which of the DH4300 or UNAS 4 is best for you, it is worth highlighting again that these are two comparatively new players in the NAS scene (compared with long time multi-decade vetrans such as Synology, QNAP, Asustor and Terramaster), so let’s talk about their priorities and focus at a brand level. Both UGREEN and UniFi have entered the NAS sector from distinct starting points and continue to move in different directions, each targeting a particular type of user. UniFi’s UNAS series delivers consistency, predictable performance, and dependable integration with the broader UniFi ecosystem. Its software is stable, lightweight, and well-suited to users who prioritize straightforward storage management, reliable data handling, and unified control across routers, switches, and surveillance systems. While the hardware is limited to fixed ARM configurations and non-expandable memory, it is efficient, quiet, and designed for continuous operation with minimal maintenance. For organizations already invested in UniFi infrastructure, the UNAS systems provide a logical expansion that keeps management centralized and operational risk low. However, their value depends heavily on ecosystem synergy; outside of that environment, the systems remain competent but relatively inflexible standalone NAS options.

UGREEN’s NASync platform, on the other hand, appeals to users seeking broader performance capability and independence. Its x86-based models, upgradable memory, and open software environment allow it to serve as a hybrid between NAS and compact server, capable of running applications, containers, and virtual machines alongside storage tasks. The design language is more suited to individual or small business use than datacenter deployment, but the hardware range—from ARM to Core i5—covers a far wider performance spectrum than UniFi’s. Software maturity continues to evolve quickly, with new features added frequently, and the systems provide extensive compatibility with third-party clients and backup services. The trade-off is that long-term reliability and enterprise-level security validation are still developing.

Ultimately, UniFi NAS suits users who already rely on UniFi’s networking ecosystem and value simplicity, predictability, and centralized management, while UGREEN NAS caters to those prioritizing flexibility, compute power, and open software capability. Both brands have lowered the entry barrier into reliable NAS ownership, but they embody opposing philosophies: UniFi focuses on integration and control, whereas UGREEN emphasizes capability and independence.

Why Buy UniFi NAS?

Why Buy UGREEN NAS?

Ecosystem Integration: Seamlessly integrates with UniFi Network, Protect, and Access systems, allowing unified management through a single controller interface. Centralized Management: Designed for administrators managing multiple UniFi sites or devices, providing consistent firmware, remote access, and monitoring from one dashboard. Reliable, Efficient Design: ARM-based architecture ensures low power draw, cool operation, and stable long-term performance with minimal maintenance. Enterprise-Grade Networking: Equipped with up to dual 10G SFP+ and 10GBase-T ports, plus USP-RPS redundancy for professional deployments. Proven Security Framework: Benefits from Ubiquiti’s mature network security infrastructure, signed firmware updates, and NDAA-compliant hardware.

Superior Hardware Performance: Offers a full range from ARM to Intel Core i5 CPUs, with upgradable RAM, NVMe storage pools, and optional PCIe expansion. Versatile Software (UGOS Pro): Supports Docker, virtual machines, AI photo indexing, and multi-platform backups out of the box. All-in-One Standalone System: Functions independently without relying on an external ecosystem, ideal for users wanting a complete server in one unit. Advanced Connectivity: Includes 2.5 GbE and 10 GbE networking, USB 4/Thunderbolt 4, and support for direct-attached workflows like video editing or large-file transfer. Rapid Development and Updates: Frequent firmware releases continually add new features, broader hardware support, and improved backup and security options.

Want to support us NASCompares? Use the links/buttons below, and anything you purchase results in a small commission coming to me and Eddie @NASCompares. It really is just the two of us doing everything, and purchasing things via these links will allow you to passively support creators like us (as well as allow us to keep making videos, providing support, running the forum, making tutorials and more) at no extra cost to yourself!

 

UGREEN DH4300 vs UniFi UNAS 4 – Design and Storage

From a physical design perspective, these 2 NAS systems take very different approaches. The UniFi UNAS 4 has a taller, narrower chassis with a more vertical layout, while the UGREEN DH4300 Plus uses a more cubic desktop design that will look more familiar to buyers coming from Synology, QNAP, or Asustor hardware. The UniFi system is also available in black or white, which gives it a more deliberate visual identity within the wider UniFi product range, whereas the UGREEN keeps to a more conventional single-finish enclosure. In both cases, the chassis material is primarily plastic, so neither is especially premium in material terms, but each is clearly trying to prioritize compactness and low manufacturing cost rather than metal construction.

The drive arrangement is also notably different. The UniFi UNAS 4 places its 4 SATA bays in the base of the chassis, with the drives inserted from underneath, while the UGREEN DH4300 Plus uses a top-loaded vertical bay arrangement hidden under a removable outer shell. Neither system uses a particularly enterprise-focused tray design, and neither is really built around frequent hot-swap use in the same way as more expensive rackmount or prosumer NAS systems. That said, the UniFi trays are easier to describe as straightforward click-in drive carriers, while the UGREEN trays feel more budget-oriented in construction and do not leave the same impression of robustness as more established NAS brands.

In storage flexibility, the UniFi has the more ambitious configuration. Alongside its 4 SATA bays, it also includes 2 dedicated M.2 NVMe slots for SSD cache. That gives it an advantage in hybrid storage architecture, since the hard drives can be used for capacity while the NVMe media handles read and write cache duties. The UGREEN DH4300 Plus does not include M.2 storage slots, so any SSD deployment has to consume one or more of the main SATA bays, which reduces total storage capacity. At the same time, UniFi currently limits those NVMe bays to cache use rather than general storage pools, so the practical advantage is still narrower than the raw hardware layout suggests.

The 2 brands also differ in RAID and storage management philosophy. The UGREEN supports a broader list of RAID modes, including JBOD, Basic, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10, which gives it more deployment flexibility for different user priorities around performance, redundancy, or simple linear storage. The UniFi platform supports RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10, but its overall storage structure is more controlled and less flexible, with a stronger focus on a simplified single storage pool approach. For buyers who want fewer decisions and a cleaner setup process, that may be acceptable, but for users who want more granular control over how storage is arranged, the UGREEN is less restrictive.

In pure storage potential, the UGREEN is also easier to quantify because it officially supports up to 128TB across 4 bays using 32TB drives, whereas UniFi focuses more on supported drive compatibility and cache pairing than on headline raw capacity figures. The UniFi does have the practical advantage of SSD caching built in, which can improve responsiveness in repeated access and write-heavy workloads, but the UGREEN has the simpler storage proposition overall and does not tie part of its internal design to optional accessories such as UniFi’s separate M.2 tray approach. As a result, the UniFi has the more distinctive and technically layered storage design, while the UGREEN has the more conventional and broadly flexible one.

UniFi UNAS4 vs UGREEN DH 4300 – Internal Hardware & Connections

Internally, the UGREEN DH4300 Plus has the stronger hardware specification. It uses an 8-core Rockchip ARM processor based on Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores running at up to 2.0GHz, alongside 8GB of LPDDR4X memory and 32GB of eMMC for the system. By comparison, the UniFi UNAS 4 uses a quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor at 1.7GHz with 4GB of memory. Both systems are clearly built around low-power ARM architecture rather than x86 processing, but the UGREEN has the more capable platform on paper and offers more headroom for multitasking, background services, and broader software functionality.

The UniFi system does, however, counter with a more unusual internal layout. In addition to its 4 SATA bays, it includes 2 M.2 NVMe slots dedicated to SSD cache, which gives it a storage acceleration feature that the UGREEN does not match natively. For users dealing with repeated file access, background synchronization, or burst-heavy write activity, that cache support has practical value. The UGREEN relies entirely on its 4 SATA bays for storage media, so although its CPU and memory are stronger, its internal storage architecture is less advanced in terms of tiered storage.

External connectivity is broader on the UGREEN. It includes 1x 2.5GbE LAN port, HDMI output at up to 4K 60Hz, 1x front USB 3.2 Gen 1 port at 5Gb/s, and 2 additional USB-A 5Gb/s ports. The UniFi UNAS 4 is much more limited, offering 1x 2.5GbE RJ45 port and 1x 5Gb/s USB-C port. This narrower I/O profile reflects the fact that UniFi has positioned the UNAS 4 as a focused network storage appliance rather than a multi-role NAS for media output, peripheral attachment, or application expansion. In direct hardware terms, the UGREEN is better equipped for users who expect more than basic file serving.

Power and deployment also separate these 2 systems. The UniFi UNAS 4 supports PoE+++ and includes a 90W PoE adapter, which allows both power and network connectivity over a single cable in supported environments. That is unusual in this part of the NAS market and makes it particularly relevant for users already invested in UniFi switching infrastructure or those deploying hardware in locations where simplified cabling matters. The UGREEN uses a more conventional external power arrangement, which is less distinctive but also less dependent on network infrastructure choices. Therefore, the UGREEN has the stronger internal compute hardware and broader physical connectivity, while the UniFi has the more specialized deployment advantage.

UGREEN DH4300 vs UniFi UNAS 4 – Software & Services

The biggest difference between these 2 NAS systems is not the chassis or the processor, but the software scope. The UniFi UNAS 4 runs UniFi Drive and is clearly built around a narrower storage-first brief, with support for SMB, NFS, snapshots, file encryption, Time Machine, share links, user groups, remote backup, cloud backup targets, and client apps. It covers the main NAS fundamentals expected by home users and small offices, but it does so within a more controlled environment that places simplicity and consistency ahead of feature breadth. The UGREEN DH4300 Plus, running UGOS Pro, aims much wider and includes not only file serving and backup tools, but also multimedia applications, container support, HDMI-based media playback, AI-assisted photo features, and broader service depth overall.

For pure storage management, UniFi Drive is cleaner and more focused, particularly for users who want the NAS to act primarily as private cloud storage, backup target, and centralized file repository. Its interface is built to align with the broader UniFi platform, and that gives it an advantage for users already running UniFi networking equipment and remote management tools. However, that same focus also means the UNAS 4 is less flexible as a general-purpose NAS. The UGREEN platform does not have the same ecosystem tie-in, but it operates more independently and gives the user more scope to use the system for different workloads beyond file storage.

Application support is where the gap becomes more obvious. The UGREEN DH4300 Plus supports Docker and has a noticeably broader service layer for media, backup, and user applications. That creates options for running third-party software, home media tools, and more customized services that simply are not part of the UniFi approach. The UniFi UNAS 4 does not currently try to compete in that area and instead presents itself as a dedicated NAS platform rather than an application host. For some users that will be a limitation, while for others it will be a benefit, because it reduces complexity and keeps the system centered on storage tasks rather than mixed workload experimentation.

In practical terms, the software decision comes down to whether the buyer values depth or focus. The UGREEN DH4300 Plus offers the broader NAS software experience and is better suited to users who want more features, more applications, and more ways to extend the system over time. The UniFi UNAS 4 offers the more controlled and storage-specific platform, with the clearest advantage appearing when it is deployed inside an existing UniFi environment. As a result, the UGREEN software stack is more versatile, while the UniFi software stack is more specialized.

UniFi UNAS 4 vs UGREEN DH4300 NAS – Conclusion & Verdict

Taken as a whole, these 2 systems are aimed at a similar buyer in price terms, but they are not trying to solve the same problem in the same way. The UniFi UNAS 4 is a more specialized NAS that focuses on storage, backup, remote access, and integration within the UniFi ecosystem. The UGREEN DH4300 Plus is a broader standalone NAS that gives the user more hardware resources, more software flexibility, and a wider overall role in the network. That difference matters more than the relatively small gap in price, because in day to day use they will appeal to different priorities. The UniFi UNAS 4 makes more sense for buyers who already use UniFi switches, gateways, and management tools, or for those who specifically want a NAS that stays focused on file storage instead of trying to become a media server or container host. Its built in NVMe cache support and PoE+++ deployment give it some useful differentiators, and its simpler software scope will suit users who want a more controlled experience. However, outside of the UniFi ecosystem, some of its strengths become less important, while its limitations in application support, connectivity, and hardware power become harder to ignore.

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus is the better fit for users who want a more traditional all-round NAS. It has the stronger CPU, more memory, broader external connectivity, more RAID options, HDMI output, Docker support, and a software platform with more room to scale into multimedia, backup variety, and third party services. It is the more capable choice for mixed home and small business use, particularly for buyers who are not tied to any specific network brand and want their NAS to handle more than just centralized storage. It is also the easier system to recommend to users comparing it against other established 4-bay NAS platforms in the same price bracket. So, in direct usage terms, the UniFi UNAS 4 is better for UniFi-centric deployments, cleaner storage-first use, and buyers who value NVMe caching and PoE-based installation. The UGREEN DH4300 Plus is better for users who want stronger hardware, more software features, better connectivity, and a wider long term usage profile. If the question is which is the better pure value NAS for the largest number of users, the UGREEN DH4300 Plus is the stronger overall option. If the question is which fits better into a UniFi-led network and a simpler storage-focused role, the UniFi UNAS 4 is the more appropriate choice.

Buy the UGREEN DH4300 on Amazon @399	Buy the UniFi UNAS 4 on The UniFi Store for $379

 

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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Choisir un NAS peut vite devenir un casse-tête. Entre les marques, les modèles, le nombre de baies, les performances, le RAID ou encore les usages possibles, il est facile de s’y perdre… et de faire un mauvais choix. Et pourtant, dans de nombreux cas, quelques critères suffisent pour trouver le modèle adapté à ses besoins.

Les erreurs les plus fréquentes

Avec le recul, on observe souvent les mêmes erreurs :

• Choisir un NAS trop puissant (et donc trop cher) par rapport à son usage ;
• Sous-estimer ses besoins en stockage ;
• Ne pas vérifier les fonctionnalités disponibles ;
• Négliger la sécurité ou la sauvegarde.

Résultat : un équipement mal exploité… ou qu’il faut remplacer plus tôt que prévu.

Les critères essentiels pour choisir un NAS

Plutôt que de se focaliser sur les fiches techniques, mieux vaut commencer par l’essentiel.

L’usage principal :

• Sauvegarde de fichiers
• Stockage de photos et vidéos
• Serveur multimédia (Plex, streaming)
• Usage avancé (Docker, virtualisation)

Pour moi, c’est LE critère le plus important.

Le nombre d’utilisateurs :

• 1 à 2 utilisateurs → NAS 2 baies
• Famille ou équipe → NAS 4 baies recommandé

Plus il y a d’utilisateurs, plus les besoins en performances et en stockage augmentent. Cela peut sembler évident, mais c’est souvent sous-estimé…

L’évolutivité

Un NAS est un investissement sur plusieurs années. Il est donc préférable de prévoir :

• un peu plus de capacité que nécessaire ;
• une solution évolutive (RAM, disques, extensions).

Anticiper permet d’éviter un remplacement prématuré !

En pratique

Dans la majorité des cas :

• Un NAS 2 baies suffit pour débuter ;
• Un NAS 4 baies apporte plus de confort et de sécurité ;
• Les fabricant comme Synology, QNAP, Asustor ou TerraMaster couvrent la plupart des besoins…

Il est inutile de viser trop haut dès le départ, mais de nombreux utilisateurs commencent avec un NAS 2 baies et un an après… passent sur le modèle 4 baies.

Vous cherchez un NAS ? Téléchargez le guide gratuit pour faire le bon choix en quelques minutes

Un guide pour aller plus loin

Pour vous aider à faire le bon choix rapidement, j’ai créé un guide complet complet : Choisir son NAS en 10 minutes. Ce guide reprend les bases, explique simplement les notions importantes et propose des recommandations concrètes selon votre profil.

Vous y trouverez notamment :

• Les points essentiels à vérifier ;
• Les erreurs à éviter ;
• Un tableau pour choisir rapidement ;
• Une checklist avant achat.

TÉLÉCHARGER LE GUIDE

Une newsletter (1 fois par mois)

J’en profite également pour lancer une newsletter Cachem. Une fois par mois, vous recevrez :

• Les actualités importantes autour des NAS ;
• Des conseils pratiques ;
• Du contenu exclusif réservé aux abonnés ;
• Une sélection de ressources utiles.

L’objectif reste le même : vous faire gagner du temps et éviter les erreurs.

Recevoir le guide gratuitement

Le guide est accessible gratuitement en vous inscrivant à la newsletter

Pour aller plus loin

Vous pouvez également consulter les guides déjà disponibles sur le site :

• Guide d’achat NAS
• Conseils pour bien choisir son NAS
• Comment choisir un NAS
• Meilleurs NAS : le comparatif complet

Comme toujours sur Cachem, l’objectif est de proposer des contenus simples, utiles et directement exploitables. Si ce guide peut vous éviter une erreur ou vous faire gagner du temps, alors il aura rempli son rôle.

What is the Synology BeeStation BST151-4T NAS?

The Synology BeeStation BST151-4T is a 4 TB single drive personal cloud device that sits somewhere between an external hard drive and a traditional NAS, targeting users who want centralized storage, photo backup, file syncing, and remote access without dealing with a conventional multi bay server setup. It follows the original BST150-4T BeeStation, first released in February 2024, and appears to be a light refresh of that earlier model rather than a full redesign. As with the first version, the focus is on quick deployment, simple management, and a more consumer friendly software experience, using Synology’s BeeStation platform instead of the broader and more configurable DSM system found on the company’s standard NAS lineup.

Synology BeeStation BST151-4T Hardware Specifications

At a hardware level, the BST151-4T remains a very compact single bay network storage appliance with a fixed 4 TB hard drive, built around the Realtek RTD1619B platform and a 1GbE network connection. Physical connectivity is unchanged from the earlier BeeStation, with 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port, and 1 x RJ-45 LAN port, all housed in the same 148.0 x 62.6 x 196.3 mm enclosure weighing 820 g.

That hardware profile makes clear where the BeeStation sits in Synology’s lineup. This is not a flexible NAS chassis with room for drive upgrades, SSD cache, multi bay expansion, or faster networking. The internal disk is part of the appliance design, so there is no meaningful path to RAID redundancy, easier drive level recovery, or long term capacity scaling in the way there is on a conventional 2 bay or 4 bay NAS.

Power and thermals are also modest, which is consistent with a low power, always on personal cloud device. Synology lists power consumption at about 7.85 W during access and 1.65 W in HDD hibernation, with a 36 W external power adapter. The system continues to use a single HAT3300-4T drive, and Synology’s current 4 TB HAT3300 model is a 5400 RPM class disk rather than a faster 7200 RPM unit.

The one specification that requires care is memory. Synology’s March 30, 2026 product specification PDF and the current BeeStation comparison page both list the BST151-4T with 1 GB DDR4, but Synology’s newer BST151-4T datasheet, published later in March 2026 and mirrored across multiple regional versions, lists 2 GB DDR4 instead. On balance, the later datasheet appears to reflect the intended refresh specification, but Synology’s own published material is not yet fully consistent. (UPDATE – RAM on the BST151-4T is CONFIRMED as 2GB)

Assuming the 2 GB figure in the later datasheet is the correct final spec, the BST151-4T is best understood as a minimal revision of the BST150-4T rather than a new hardware generation. The enclosure, CPU, ports, networking, and drive class are effectively the same, while the main change is the move from the predecessor’s 1 GB memory configuration to 2 GB. That could simply reflect practical component economics as much as performance tuning, since lower density memory packages can become less cost effective over time as supply shifts. In either case, this still appears to be fixed onboard memory, not a user upgradeable SO-DIMM arrangement, so the platform remains closed in the same way as the original model.

Synology BeeStation in 2026 – What can it do?

In 2026, the BeeStation platform is no longer limited to basic remote file access. Synology positions it as a consumer focused private cloud for storing, syncing, and sharing files and photos, with web, desktop, and mobile access, support for sign in via Google Account, Apple ID, or Synology Account, and shared access for up to 8 users on a single device. It is designed to pull together data from phones, computers, external drives, and selected cloud services into one managed location rather than acting only as a simple networked hard drive.

Photo handling is one of the more developed parts of the platform. Synology states that BeeStation can back up mobile photos, import content from sources such as Google Photos and iCloud Photos, and organize images with local AI based recognition for people, subjects, and places. The software also supports timeline and map based browsing, album creation, and controlled photo sharing, which places the BST151-4T closer to a private cloud photo hub than to a basic USB backup box.

Its data protection features have also expanded since launch. BeeStation now supports internal restore points based on snapshots, backups to BeeProtect, Synology NAS, and external drives, plus a 3 year Acronis True Image Essentials license for 1 computer. BeeStation OS 1.5 also added BeeCamera support, but Synology limits that feature to BeeStation Plus models rather than the standard 4 TB unit, so the BST151-4T does not currently gain the surveillance role that the higher tier model has started to take on.

Where the BeeStation still differs from a DSM based NAS such as the DS124 or DS223 is in breadth and flexibility. Synology’s DS124 and DS223 product pages explicitly advertise broader DSM functions including Synology Drive based private cloud workflows, Btrfs snapshot features, ShareSync between Synology systems, full Surveillance Station support, and the wider DSM application platform. By contrast, BeeStation remains a curated appliance with a narrower software stack, no general DSM Package Center environment, no broad package driven expansion path, and on the standard 4 TB model no BeeCamera surveillance support either. In other words, it can cover the main personal cloud tasks, but it still does not replace the wider role of even Synology’s entry level DSM NAS systems.

The BST151-4T looks like a modest revision of the original BeeStation rather than a substantially new product. Its appeal remains the same: a preconfigured, low friction private cloud for users who want basic file storage, photo backup, syncing, sharing, and remote access without moving into a full DSM based NAS environment. The hardware envelope is still narrow, with a fixed internal 4 TB drive, 1GbE networking, and no real upgrade path for storage expansion or RAID style redundancy, but that is consistent with its role as an entry level turnkey appliance rather than a general purpose NAS. Synology’s own later datasheet points to 2 GB of RAM on the new model, which would make the BST151-4T a small but practical refresh of the BST150-4T rather than a platform shift. Pricing is the main unknown at the time of writing. Synology’s support status page already lists the BST151-4T as generally available, but public retail pricing is still not clearly established. On that basis, the safest expectation is that it will land close to the earlier 4 TB BeeStation, which launched around $199 in the US and about £209 in the UK, while more recent BST150-4T retail listings have also appeared higher depending on seller and region, sat around $309 without TAX. That likely places the BST151-4T will land in excess of $300 and maybe closer to $350 when factoring the RAM increase.

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology Beestation BST151-4T

Check B&H for the Synology 4TB BST151-4T

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En 2026, le Wi-Fi 7 n’est plus une promesse marketing ni une technologie en cours de développement. La norme IEEE 802.11be existe depuis 2024, certifiée et progressivement déployée sur les équipements grand public comme professionnels. Mais au-delà des effets d’annonce, que vaut vraiment le Wi-Fi 7 aujourd’hui ? Est-il pertinent de s’équiper ? Et surtout, quels bénéfices concrets peut-on en attendre ?

Wi-Fi 7 en 2026

Le Wi-Fi 7 repose sur la norme IEEE 802.11be. De nombreux appareils affichent leur compatible avec le Wi-Fi 7 :  routeurs, téléphones, ordinateurs, cartes réseau… facilitant l’adoption progressive.

Contrairement aux générations précédentes, le Wi-Fi 7 ne se limite pas à une augmentation brute des débits. Il introduit des optimisations profondes au niveau de la couche physique et de la gestion du spectre… afin d’améliorer les performances, la latence et la fiabilité.

Des performances largement supérieures

Sur le papier, le Wi-Fi 7 affiche des débits théoriques jusqu’à 46 Gb/s, contre 9,6 Gb/s pour le Wi-Fi 6. Cette hausse repose sur plusieurs innovations clés :

• Utilisation des bandes 2,4 GHz, 5 GHz et 6 GHz ;
• Canal 320 MHz (bande 6 GHz, sur un 1 canal en Europe) ;
• Modulation avancée 4096-QAM (4K-QAM) ;
• Amélioration du MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output).

À noter : les canaux 320 MHz et la modulation 4096-QAM nécessitent des conditions idéales (signal fort, faible distance) et ne sont pas supportés par tous les téléphones du marché. Certains restent limités à 160 MHz et un MIMO 2×2 pour des contraintes physiques d’antenne.

Résultat :

• Débits plus élevés ;
• Meilleure stabilité ;
• Réduction de la congestion réseau ;
• Meilleure gestion des interférences.

Ces améliorations sont visibles dans les environnements avec de nombreux appareils connectés, les zones d’habitations denses… ou encore les environnements professionnels.

MLO : la fonctionnalité clé du Wi-Fi 7

La principale innovation du Wi-Fi 7 est le Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Cette technologie permet à un appareil d’utiliser simultanément plusieurs bandes de fréquence et canaux. En pratique, cela signifie :

• Une agrégation de liens pour augmenter les débits ;
• Une réduction significative de la latence ;
• Une meilleure résilience face aux perturbations.

Contrairement aux générations précédentes, où les appareils basculaient d’une bande à l’autre, le MLO permet une utilisation parallèle. La promesse est belle… mais en pratique, le support du MLO reste encore inégal sur les routeurs grand public. Pour le moment, la plupart des appareils mobiles ne l’activent pas pour préserver leur autonomie.

Tableau comparatif Wi-Fi 7 vs Wi-Fi 6E vs Wi-Fi 6

Voici un rapide tableau pour comprendre les différences :

Caractéristiques	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax étendu)	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Année de la norme	2019	2020	2024
Bandes de fréquences	2,4 / 5 GHz	2,4 / 5 / 6 GHz	2,4 / 5 / 6 GHz
Largeur de canal max	160 MHz	160 MHz	320 MHz (6 GHz)
Modulation	1024-QAM	1024-QAM	4096-QAM (4K-QAM)
MIMO (Entrées-Sorties Multiples)	MU-MIMO	MU-MIMO	MU-MIMO + améliorations
OFDMA	Oui	Oui	Oui (plus efficace)
Multi-Link Operation (MLO)			Oui
Latence	Réduite	Réduite	Faible (MLO, suivant l’équipement)
Débit théorique max	9,6 Gb/s	9,6 Gb/s	46 Gb/s
Débit réel attendu	1 Gb/s	1,5 à 2 Gb/s	2 à 5 Gb/s
Gestion des interférences	Bonne	Très bonne (6 GHz)	Excellente
Usage cible	Grand public	Environnements denses	Usages intensifs / temps réel

Quels usages concret

Le Wi-Fi 7 prend tout son sens avec l’évolution des usages, de plus en plus exigeants :

• Streaming vidéo en 4K et 8K (avec ou sans compression) ;
• Cloud gaming avec latence ultra-faible ;
• Réalité virtuelle (VR) et augmentée (AR) ;
• Environnements multi-appareils (smart home, IoT) ;
• Applications professionnelles temps réel (visioconférence, outils collaboratifs)

Des entreprises comme Microsoft ou NVIDIA développent déjà des services qui tirent parti de ces nouvelles capacités réseau.

Compatibilité et équipement en 2026

Les routeurs Wi-Fi 7 sont désormais disponibles chez la plupart des fabricants. Les Box opérateurs (FAI) compatibles sont déjà en cours de déploiement. Comme indiqué précédemment, de plus en plus de téléphones haut de gamme sont déjà compatibles, comme les PC récents.

Faut-il passer au Wi-Fi 7 ?

Le passage au Wi-Fi 7 dépend de votre usage. Si vous disposez d’une connexion fibre (rapide) à la maison et que vous avez des appareils compatibles, vous êtes clairement dans la cible. Si en plus vous utilisez des services exigeants, vous devez sérieusement y penser.

Par contre, si votre usage est limité et que vous êtes déjà en Wi-Fi 6 (voire Wi-Fi 6e), la question peut se poser… mais sincèrement, vous avez encore le temps. Il y aura un gain, mais pas forcément perceptible au quotidien.

Il faut également garder en tête que si votre besoin est la bande 6 GHz et ses avantages en termes de congestion, le Wi-Fi 6E y répond déjà très bien pour un coût souvent inférieur.

En synthèse

Le Wi-Fi 7 représente une belle avancée dans l’évolution des réseaux sans fil. Grâce à plusieurs innovations comme le MLO, la modulation 4K-QAM ou le 320 MHz, il ne se contente pas d’accélérer les débits… il améliore profondément l’expérience réseau.

En 2026, il devient un choix pertinent pour les utilisateurs exigeants et les environnements connectés. Pour les autres, le Wi-Fi 6 reste une solution largement suffisante.

Et vous, avez-vous sauté le pas ? N’hésitez pas à laisser un commentaire…

The Slate 7 Pro (GL-BE10000) is the latest travel router from GL.iNet, and it exists largely because the original Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) did not go quite far enough. The earlier model carried Wi Fi 7 branding but lacked 6GHz support, which for many users felt like a limitation rather than a stepping stone. The Slate 7 Pro corrects that by moving to full tri band Wi Fi 7, adding a dedicated 6GHz radio, expanding wireless bandwidth, and upgrading the touchscreen. It keeps the dual 2.5GbE ports and USB C powered design, but pushes the hardware and feature set further into premium territory.

I have reviewed and evaluated ALOT of travel routers over the years, and today I want to focus specifically on the pros and cons of the Slate 7 Pro (full detailed review still in progress, but this article will serve as the main focus good and bad bits). Rather than listing specifications alone, it looks at what those changes actually mean day to day, especially for travelers, remote workers, and users who rely heavily on VPN, captive portal access, and flexible networking. Some areas are clear improvements over the previous model, while others remain imperfect or introduce new trade offs. The goal here is to outline both sides clearly, without overselling what the device does well or ignoring where it still falls short.

Buy the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro Here for 169 (Early Bird Price) – HERE

Amazon HERE for the Gli.Net Slate 7 Pro – HERE

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Review – Quick Conclusion

The Slate 7 Pro (GL-BE10000) is a full tri band Wi Fi 7 travel router from GL.iNet that corrects the biggest limitation of the earlier Slate 7 by adding dedicated 6GHz support and 320MHz channel capability, delivering combined theoretical wireless bandwidth of 688Mbps on 2.4GHz, 2882Mbps on 5GHz, and 5764Mbps on 6GHz. It pairs this with dual 2.5GbE ports, high speed VPN performance up to 1100Mbps via WireGuard, integrated Deep Packet Inspection, a larger 2.8 inch touchscreen for on device management, and an optional active cooling system that engages only when thermals demand it. The OpenWrt based firmware remains one of the most flexible in the travel router space, supporting multi WAN failover, advanced traffic rules, plugin expansion, and remote management. However, it draws more power than the previous model, retains only 1 USB C data port with unreliable hub expansion, cannot handle captive portal login pages directly on the touchscreen, and implements single radio MLO rather than full multi radio aggregation. For users who want full spectrum Wi Fi 7 in a portable form, stronger VPN throughput, and granular network control while traveling or working remotely, it is a technically stronger and more complete option than the non 6GHz Slate 7, but it comes with higher power demands and a price premium that may not suit those who only need basic travel connectivity.

Buy the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro Here for 169 (Early Bird Price) – HERE

Amazon HERE for the Gli.Net Slate 7 Pro – HERE

Buy the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro from Amazon Below:	Buy the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro from the Official Store Below:

6GHz Support Finally Brings Full Tri Band Wi Fi 7 to the Slate 7 Pro

One of the most significant changes in the Slate 7 Pro compared with the earlier Slate 7 is the addition of a dedicated 6GHz band. The previous model operated only on 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which meant it technically supported Wi Fi 7 features but did not deliver the full tri band experience many users associate with the standard. By adding 6GHz, the Slate 7 Pro increases total theoretical wireless throughput to 688Mbps on 2.4GHz, 2882Mbps on 5GHz, and 5764Mbps on 6GHz. More importantly, it allows access to wider 320MHz channels, which are not available on 5GHz in most regulatory regions.

In practical terms, 6GHz provides a cleaner spectrum with less congestion, particularly in dense environments such as hotels, conferences, or apartment buildings. When combined with Multi Link Operation, the router can distribute traffic more effectively across three bands rather than two. This does not automatically guarantee higher real world speeds for every client, but it does increase headroom and flexibility for multiple active devices. For users who dismissed the original Slate 7 due to its lack of 6GHz, this update addresses that limitation directly and aligns the Pro model more closely with what most would consider a complete Wi Fi 7 implementation.

Active Cooling in a Travel Router, but Only When It Is Needed

One of the more unusual additions in the Slate 7 Pro is the inclusion of an internal cooling fan. Most travel routers rely entirely on passive cooling due to their compact size and relatively low power processors. Under moderate use this is usually sufficient, but in warmer climates or during sustained high load activity such as heavy VPN use, multi device streaming, or extended 6GHz operation, temperatures can rise enough to cause throttling or instability. The Slate 7 Pro addresses this by integrating active cooling, which is not common in this category.

Importantly, the fan does not run continuously. It can be configured to activate only once the CPU reaches a defined temperature threshold. In standard operation, the device remains silent. The fan engages only when sustained workload or environmental conditions demand additional cooling. This approach attempts to balance reliability and acoustics, reducing the risk of heat related slowdowns without introducing constant background noise. For users who travel to high humidity or high temperature regions, this is a practical addition, though it also reflects the higher performance hardware and increased power demands of the Pro model.

Strong Wired and Physical Connectivity Without Additional Accessories

The Slate 7 Pro continues to offer dual 2.5GbE ports, with 1 configurable WAN and 1 LAN port, providing multi gig wired connectivity in a compact travel router form factor. This allows users to connect to high speed wired internet sources where available, while also supporting local high bandwidth transfers across a wired network. The ports can be reassigned depending on deployment needs, and multi WAN failover remains supported through combinations of wired, wireless repeater, and tethered connections. For users who frequently move between hotel networks, offices, or temporary workspaces, this flexibility remains one of the defining strengths of the device.

In addition to Ethernet, the Slate 7 Pro replaces the previous USB Type A data port with a USB C 3.0 data port, aligning it more closely with modern devices and accessories. This port supports storage devices and USB tethering, while power is delivered through a separate USB C PD input. The programmable hardware toggle button is retained for quick VPN or feature switching, and the reset button remains accessible. Overall, the physical connectivity is broad for a travel router, and the Pro model maintains compatibility with high speed wired networks while modernizing the data interface.

The Larger 2.8 Inch Touchscreen Adds Real Practical Control

The Slate 7 Pro includes a 2.8 inch color touchscreen on the front panel, replacing the smaller and more limited display found on the earlier Slate 7. While the previous model did introduce touchscreen control to the travel router category, the Pro version expands both the size and usability of the interface.

From the screen, users can view network status, generate QR codes for Wi Fi sharing, toggle VPN connections, monitor connection modes, and manage basic wireless settings without needing to open a browser or mobile app.

For short term or ad hoc setups, this makes a noticeable difference. When arriving at a new location, it is possible to power on the router, assign a Wi Fi password, enable or disable a VPN, and confirm connectivity directly from the device itself. It also provides real time visibility of WAN, repeater, tethering, and LAN states through clear indicators. The screen does not replace the full web interface for advanced configuration, but for quick adjustments and monitoring, it reduces reliance on a secondary device and simplifies routine tasks.

The OpenWrt Based Software Platform Remains One of the Strongest in This Category

The Slate 7 Pro continues to run the customized OpenWrt based firmware developed by GL.iNet, and this remains one of the defining advantages of the platform. The interface provides a structured and accessible front end for everyday tasks such as WAN configuration, repeater mode, VPN management, and client monitoring, while still allowing full access to the underlying OpenWrt environment for advanced users. This dual layer approach means the device can operate as a simple travel router for casual users, or as a highly configurable networking tool for those comfortable with deeper control.

Beyond standard routing functions, the firmware includes integrated VPN client and server options, multi WAN failover, traffic rules per SSID, and application support through an app center. The Pro model also introduces built in Deep Packet Inspection, adding another layer of visibility and filtering capability.

Users can assign the physical toggle button to trigger specific actions, switch to raw OpenWrt if desired, and manage the device remotely through GoodCloud. In terms of flexibility and feature depth within a travel form factor, the software stack remains one of the most complete available.

The Touchscreen Still Cannot Handle Captive Portal Logins

While the 2.8 inch touchscreen adds useful control and monitoring features, it does not eliminate the need for a secondary device when dealing with captive portals. In environments such as hotels, cafés, airports, or in flight Wi Fi systems, users often encounter web based login pages that must be completed before internet access is granted. The Slate 7 Pro cannot display or interact with these login portals directly on its screen. As a result, a phone, tablet, or laptop is still required to complete the authentication process.

This limitation reduces some of the independence that the touchscreen otherwise provides. In scenarios where the goal is to connect once and share access with multiple devices through the router, the expectation might be that everything could be handled directly on the unit itself. Instead, the workflow still requires connecting a client device to trigger and complete the portal login. Given that the hardware includes a capable display and processing power, the absence of even a basic embedded browser feels like a missed opportunity rather than a technical constraint.

Increased Power Consumption Compared to the Previous Model

The Slate 7 Pro draws more power than the earlier Slate 7, which is not unexpected given the addition of 6GHz, a larger LCD, integrated DPI processing, and an active cooling system. Even under light usage with a single wireless client connected and no wired WAN active, the Pro model typically operates above 5W. By comparison, the earlier Slate 7 generally sat between 3W and 4W under similar conditions. While these figures are not high in absolute terms, they are noticeably different when measured side by side.

For most users powering the router from a standard USB C PD adapter, this increase will not present an issue. However, in travel scenarios where power is sourced from lower output USB ports on buses, trains, aircraft seats, or compact power banks, the higher baseline draw could matter.

It also reflects the broader shift in the Pro model toward higher performance hardware. The device remains portable and reasonably efficient, but it is less power conservative than its predecessor.

Single USB Port Continues to Limit Expansion and Hub Compatibility

Despite moving to a USB C 3.0 data port, the Slate 7 Pro still provides only 1 USB data interface for peripherals. This means users must choose between connecting external storage, tethering a smartphone, or attaching another USB based device. In practical travel use, it is common to want both tethering and storage active at the same time, particularly when using the router as a small file sharing hub or media server. With only a single port, that flexibility remains constrained.

Attempts to expand the port using USB hubs continue to produce inconsistent results. While some powered hubs may partially function, stable multi device operation is not guaranteed. This mirrors behavior seen in earlier models and suggests that the limitation is architectural rather than cosmetic. For users who rely heavily on USB expansion, especially for simultaneous tethering and storage, this remains a practical restriction rather than a minor inconvenience.

MediaTek Platform Instead of Qualcomm Hardware

The Slate 7 Pro is powered by a MediaTek quad core processor running at 2.0GHz, rather than a Qualcomm chipset. In previous generations, Qualcomm based platforms were often associated with stronger power efficiency and broader upstream driver maturity within certain networking ecosystems. The move to MediaTek is not uncommon in this segment, but it does represent a shift in hardware positioning compared with devices that have relied on Qualcomm silicon.

From a performance perspective, the 2.0GHz MediaTek CPU provides the necessary headroom for tri band Wi Fi 7, high throughput VPN, and DPI processing. However, MediaTek platforms are generally viewed as slightly less power efficient than comparable Qualcomm solutions, which ties back to the higher baseline power draw observed in the Pro model. For most users, the practical difference will center on efficiency rather than raw capability, but it remains a consideration for those who closely follow chipset selection in networking hardware.

Multi Link Operation Is Present, but Not Full Multi Radio Aggregation

The Slate 7 Pro supports Wi Fi 7 Multi Link Operation across its 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, allowing compatible clients to establish links over multiple frequencies. In practice, this improves connection stability and can help balance traffic dynamically between bands. However, it is important to clarify that this implementation follows the more common single radio MLO model, where traffic is coordinated across bands rather than fully aggregated simultaneously through independent radio chains.

This means the router does not deliver true parallel multi radio throughput in the way some marketing descriptions of Wi Fi 7 may imply. Instead, it prioritizes stability, latency reduction, and intelligent band switching. At present, very few consumer or travel routers implement full multi radio MLO aggregation, and the Slate 7 Pro is not an exception to that wider market reality. For most users, the benefit will be smoother performance under load rather than a simple multiplication of peak speeds.

 

Should You Buy the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro Travel Router? Conclusion and Verdict

The Slate 7 Pro builds directly on the foundation of the earlier Slate 7 by addressing its most discussed limitation, namely the absence of 6GHz. With full tri band Wi Fi 7 support, dual 2.5GbE ports, a larger 2.8 inch touchscreen, integrated DPI, high throughput VPN capabilities up to 1100Mbps via WireGuard, and optional active cooling, it positions itself as a more complete and performance oriented travel router. For users who were hesitant about the original model due to clipped wireless capability, the Pro version resolves that concern and expands overall functionality in a meaningful way.

That said, it is not without compromises. Power draw is higher than before, USB expansion remains limited to a single port with inconsistent hub support, the touchscreen cannot handle captive portal logins directly, and its MLO implementation reflects the broader limitations of current consumer Wi Fi 7 hardware rather than a fully parallel multi radio design. The MediaTek platform delivers the required performance, but it does not prioritize efficiency to the same degree as some Qualcomm based alternatives. For buyers deciding between the Slate 7 and the Slate 7 Pro, the Pro model is the technically stronger device, provided the increased price and power requirements align with their intended use case.

Buy the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro Here for 169 (Early Bird Price) – HERE

Amazon HERE for the Gli.Net Slate 7 Pro – HERE

Buy the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro from Amazon Below:	Buy the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro from the Official Store Below:

PROs of the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro

CONs of the Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro

Full tri band Wi Fi 7 with dedicated 6GHz support and 320MHz channel capability Combined theoretical wireless bandwidth of 688Mbps (2.4GHz), 2882Mbps (5GHz), and 5764Mbps (6GHz) Dual 2.5GbE ports with configurable WAN/LAN and multi WAN failover support High speed VPN performance up to 1100Mbps via WireGuard and 1000Mbps via OpenVPN DCO 2.8 inch color touchscreen for direct device level control and monitoring Integrated Deep Packet Inspection for advanced traffic visibility and filtering Active cooling system that engages only when required OpenWrt based firmware with full customization, plugin support, and remote management

Touchscreen cannot handle captive portal login pages directly Higher baseline power consumption compared to the earlier Slate 7 Only 1 USB C data port for storage or tethering USB hub expansion remains unreliable for multi device use MLO implementation is single radio coordination rather than full multi radio aggregation

 

 

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Le marché du stockage professionnel continue de monter en puissance. ASUSTOR annonce un nouveau NAS rackable : Lockerstor 24R Pro Gen2. Ce modèle vise les entreprises exigeantes, avec une capacité de stockage importante, des performances élevées et une sécurité avancée… regardons de plus près ce nouveau boitier.

Lockerstor 24R Pro Gen2 (AS7224RDX)

Le Lockerstor 24R Pro Gen2 est un NAS rackable équipé de 24 baies pouvant acceuillir des disques durs ou SSD. Il dispose également de 4 emplacements pour des SSD NVMe (PCIe Gen 5) pour accélérer les performances via du cache ou pour du stockage rapide. Dans sa configuration maximale, il peut atteindre 768 To et même dépasser le pétaoctet avec une extension Xpanstor

Sous le capot, ce NAS embarque un processeur octo-core AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745, capable d’atteindre 5,3 GHz. Il est accompagné de 16 Go de RAM DDR5 ECC, extensible jusqu’à 192 Go. Cette configuration assure à la fois puissance de calcul, stabilité et évolutivité pour les charges de travail intensives.

Connectique et performance

Côté connectique, le Lockerstor 24R Pro Gen2 est orienté performance réseau. Il embarque 2 ports 10 Gb/s et 2 ports 1 Gb/s pour de la redondance par exemple. Selon le fabricant, les débits pourrait atteindre 2300 Mo/s en lecture et 1900 Mo/s en écriture séquentielles.

Le NAS propose également 4 ports USB 3.0, 1 sortie HDMI (service uniqueemnt). À cela s’ajoutent 2 emplacements PCIe (Gen5 x8 et Gen5 x4), offrant des possibilités d’extension supplémentaires selon les besoins.

Il est important de noter que ce boitier dispose de 2 alimentations certifiées 80 PLUS Platinum pour la redondance.

En synthèse

Avec ce modèle 24 baies, ASUSTOR complète sa gamme Lockerstor Pro Gen2… Le positionnement est clair : répondre aux besoins des entreprises manipulant des volumes de données importants. La capacité d’évolution, notamment au-delà du pétaoctet, en fait une solution pérenne.

Les performances réseau annoncées et l’intégration d’un processeur Ryzen renforcent sa légitimité sur les charges intensives. L’évolutivité matérielle via PCIe est également un point intéressant pour les infrastructures spécifiques. Enfin, l’ensemble des caractéristiques en fait un NAS rackable solide et adapté aux environnements modernes.

New Cost-Effective USB4, M.2 and PCIe Adapters from IOCREST/Lekuo for 2026 Revealed

IOCREST, also marketed under the Lekuo name for consumer channels, is preparing a broader range of USB4, M.2, and PCIe expansion products aimed at users who need higher speed networking, storage expansion, or more flexible external PCIe connectivity. Based on the product information provided and the accompanying interview material, the current lineup combines shipping devices with several products still in development or not yet formally listed on the company’s official product pages, reflecting a portfolio that spans compact 10GbE adapters, SFP+ connectivity, multi-drive enclosures, and USB4 based PCIe breakout designs.

Lekuo USB4 to 10GbE Hub

Buy HERE on Amazon – Buy HERE on AliExpress

The Lekuo DTB3R61 is a compact USB4 hub that combines 10GbE networking with basic peripheral and removable media expansion in a single enclosure. It is built around a USB4 upstream connection and is intended for hosts that support USB4 or Thunderbolt 3/4/5, rather than older USB 3.x only systems. In practical terms, this positions it as a multi function dock for users who need wired 10GbE, a small number of USB ports, and SD or TF card access without moving to a larger desktop class dock.

The port layout is relatively simple, consisting of 1x 10GbE RJ45 port, 3x 5Gbps USB Type A ports, and a TF/SD 3.0 card reader. The supplied specifications list a 40Gbps host link, support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and a compact metal chassis. Although your transcript refers to a fanless design, the specification sheet provided here states an aluminum alloy casing with fan assisted cooling, so that distinction should be treated carefully in the article unless you want to frame it as pre release versus final spec variation.

Lekuo USB4 to 2x25GbE Adapter

Buy HERE on Amazon – Buy HERE on AliExpress

This unreleased Lekuo adapter is one of the more bandwidth focused products discussed in the interview material, built around a USB4 host connection and 2x 25GbE network ports. Based on the information provided, the design uses an SFP based approach rather than RJ45, which is consistent with the higher thermal and signal demands of 25GbE. It is positioned as a compact external network adapter for systems that need significantly more throughput than 10GbE, while still relying on USB4 as the host side connection.

The transcript also indicates several design details that help distinguish this unit from more common USB or Thunderbolt network adapters. It is described as a silent design with no active fan, includes an external barrel power input, and features a physical power button on the enclosure. The company indicated that the product was expected around Q2 and priced below $200 at the time of filming, but as it is not yet listed on the official product page, those details should be treated as pre release guidance rather than final retail specification.

Lekuo DTB3F21 USB4 to 2x10GbE Adapter

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The Lekuo DTB3F21 is a dual port USB4 network adapter designed around 2x 10GbE SFP+ connections. Unlike simpler USB to Ethernet devices that target single port RJ45 connectivity, this model is positioned for users who need higher density fibre or DAC based networking from a single external enclosure. The supplied specifications identify the Intel 82599 controller, placing it closer to a traditional server class 10GbE design than a lower cost USB NIC.

From the product information and transcript, this adapter is part of Lekuo’s broader push into USB4 based external networking, especially for systems that lack internal expansion but still need multi port high speed network access. The enclosure is described as compact and externally connected over USB Type C, with support across Windows, Windows Server, Linux distributions, and several enterprise networking features such as VLAN support, jumbo frames, interrupt moderation, and virtual machine queue support. In the transcript, a dual 10GbE version is also discussed alongside the dual 25GbE model as part of the same general product family.

Lekuo M.2 to 10G SFP+ Adapter

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Lekuo is also developing an M.2 to 10G SFP+ adapter, extending the same general idea seen in its M.2 to 10GbE RJ45 products toward fibre based networking. In the transcript, this product is described as a refined version of an existing concept rather than a completely new direction, aimed at compact systems that only have an M.2 slot available for expansion. That makes it relevant for small servers, mini PCs, and embedded platforms where a full PCIe slot is not available but higher speed network connectivity is still required.

The main distinction here is the move from copper 10GbE to SFP+, which allows use of fibre modules or DAC cabling depending on deployment requirements. That gives the adapter a different role from the RJ45 version, particularly in longer distance links or environments already using SFP+ switching infrastructure. Based on your notes, this product is not yet available on the official product page, so the current information is limited to what was shown and discussed during the visit rather than a finalized retail specification sheet.

Lekuo USB4 to 2x PCIe Gen4 x1 Slots Box

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This unreleased Lekuo USB4 expansion box is designed to expose 2x PCIe slots from a single external USB4 connection, using the same basic enclosure approach shown on the company’s 8x 1GbE adapter. In the transcript, the unit is described as a small PCIe dock originally used internally for testing, with the USB4 connection bridging to 2 separate PCIe paths inside the enclosure. The concept is straightforward: rather than delivering fixed networking or storage, it provides a more flexible external PCIe breakout for users who want to install their own cards.

That flexibility is the main point of interest here. The transcript suggests use cases such as network cards, SATA cards, and other compact PCIe devices, with bus power available over USB4 and a barrel power input included for cards that need more power than the host connection can provide on its own. Since this product is not yet listed on the official product page, the available information is still limited and some details remain unconfirmed. The requested naming of this section as a PCIe Gen4 x1 slot box reflects the intended lane configuration you provided, but that specific wording was not fully documented in the supplied official specification text, so it should be treated as based on your product notes.

Lekuo USB4 to 4 HDD and 1x Gen4 M.2 Box

Buy HERE on Amazon – Buy HERE on AliExpress

Lekuo is also preparing a multi drive USB4 enclosure that combines 4 HDD bays with a single PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe slot in the same chassis. Based on the transcript, this is a DAS rather than a NAS, so it is intended to provide direct attached storage expansion over USB4 instead of functioning as a self contained network appliance. The inclusion of the M.2 slot adds a layer of flexibility beyond a standard 4 bay enclosure, allowing for SSD caching, a dedicated fast volume, or a separate high speed workspace alongside the hard drive array.

The product is described as relying on software RAID rather than including a hardware RAID controller, and the transcript also notes a dual port TB4 style design for daisy chaining. At the same time, the core concept is clear: this is an external storage enclosure aimed at users who want a mix of larger capacity HDD storage and faster NVMe storage within a single USB4 connected device. As with several of the other products shown during the visit, this unit does not yet appear on the official product page, so the available details should be treated as pre release rather than final retail specifications.

Lekuo USB Expansion PCIe Card

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Lekuo is also developing a PCIe expansion card that combines USB and storage connectivity on a single board, aimed at systems where slot space is limited and adding multiple separate controller cards is not practical. In the transcript, the card is shown with 2x USB Type C ports, 1x USB Type A port, 4x SATA ports, and an integrated 2.5GbE network connection. Rather than focusing on a single function, it is intended as a compact multi purpose expansion card for small form factor systems, embedded builds, or storage focused PCs that still need additional external connectivity.

The card is described as operating over a PCIe Gen4 x1 connection, giving it a total host side bandwidth of 20Gbps to allocate across its various controllers. That does not mean every port can run at maximum speed simultaneously, but it does make the board suitable for mixed duty use where SATA connectivity, modest USB expansion, and basic 2.5GbE networking need to be consolidated into one slot. Based on the material you provided, this product was shown during the visit rather than backed by a full standalone specification sheet, so some lower level details remain unspecified.

Lekuo USB4 to 10G SFP+ Adapter

Buy HERE on Amazon – Buy HERE on AliExpress

Lekuo is also expanding its external 10GbE range with a USB4 to 10G SFP+ adapter, offering an alternative to the more common RJ45 based 10GbE designs already associated with the brand. In the transcript, this model is presented as a silent SFP based version of the company’s existing copper 10GbE adapter, intended for users who want fibre or DAC connectivity instead of 10GBASE T. That makes it more relevant for rackmount environments, structured fibre deployments, and users already working with SFP+ switching infrastructure.

The product appears to share the same broader design language as the other newer USB4 network adapters shown during the visit, including a compact metal enclosure, ventilation at each end, and an external power option. The transcript also notes a physical power button on this family of devices, which is relatively uncommon on compact external network adapters. As this specific single port USB4 to 10G SFP+ model is not included in the supplied formal product specification sheets, the current information is based on what was shown and described in the video rather than a final retail listing.

Who Are IOCREST/Lekuo?

IOCREST and Lekuo are effectively 2 market facing identities used by the same company. Based on the interview material, the business was founded in 2000 and has operated for more than 20 years in adapter, connectivity, and expansion hardware design. IOCREST appears more closely associated with the company’s long standing OEM and B2B activity, while Lekuo is the branding now being pushed more directly toward end users and consumer retail channels.

A key point from the interview is that the company states that most of its products are designed in house, including the internal engineering and development work behind its USB, USB4, M.2, and PCIe based solutions. It also describes its product planning as being driven by practical gaps in the market, particularly in compact systems where users need to add networking, storage, or expansion features that are not available on the base hardware. That helps explain why many of its products focus on niche but increasingly relevant use cases such as M.2 to 10GbE, USB4 to multi port networking, and external PCIe breakout designs.

The other defining part of the company’s position is that much of its historical business has been behind the scenes. In the interview, Lekuo states that before its more recent consumer push, most of its sales were B2B, with products often sold through partners, distributors, or other companies without prominent IOCREST or Lekuo branding on the product listing itself. The current shift appears to be less about changing what it makes and more about putting its own name in front of products that were previously sold in a more anonymous OEM style model.

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Le système de conduite assistée avancée Full Self-Driving (FSD) supervisé de Tesla vient de franchir une étape importante sur le Vieux Continent. Le 10 avril 2026, le constructeur a obtenu une première homologation officielle aux Pays-Bas… qui lui ouvre la voie à un déploiement massif dans plusieurs pays européen, dont la France !

Une validation historique aux Pays-Bas

L’autorité néerlandaise de sécurité routière (RDW) a officiellement validé le système FSD supervisé, après un programme de tests rigoureux adaptés aux spécificités de nos infrastructures :

• 1,6 million de kilomètres parcourus sur le réseau routier européen
• 13 000 trajets réalisés en conditions réelles avec des clients

Une conformité stricte aux standards de sécurité de l’UE, réputés plus exigeants que les normes américaines. Le système est conçu pour accroître la sécurité routière, à la condition sine qua non que le conducteur demeure attentif et juridiquement responsable de son véhicule.

Si Mercedes et BMW proposent déjà des systèmes de niveau 3, l’approche de Tesla est différente avec sa volonté de généraliser cette technologie au-delà des segments de luxe. En Europe, 3 millions de Tesla en circulation seraient éligibles dès cette année.

Fonctionnement et supervision humaine

Le FSD supervisé repose sur l’architecture Tesla Vision (caméras haute définition et intelligence artificielle capable d’analyser l’environnement en temps réel). En pratique, le système est capable de :

• Naviguer en milieu urbain complexe ;
• Interpréter la signalisation et les feux de circulation ;
• Gérer les changements de voie et les dépassements ;
• Négocier les intersections et les ronds-points.

La sécurité est garantie par un dispositif de surveillance active. Une caméra intérieure analyse la direction du regard et la posture du conducteur. En cas de distraction, le système déclenche des alertes pouvant aller jusqu’à la désactivation forcée de l’assistance.

Calendrier de déploiement en Europe

Suite à cette homologation néerlandaise, 2 réglementations vont accélérer la généralisation :

• La reconnaissance mutuelle entre les États membres de l’UE
• La validation via le comité technique européen (TCMV)

Tesla prévoit un déploiement progressif en Allemagne et en Belgique dès cet été 2026, avant une extension globale à l’ensemble de l’Union européenne prévue pour l’automne.

Focus sur la France

En France, l’activation du FSD supervisé dépendra de la validation de l’exemption néerlandaise par l’UTAC. Une fois le feu vert obtenu, la mise à jour sera déployée à distance (OTA). La priorité matérielle est claire :

• Hardware 4 (HW4) : Le déploiement débutera par ces véhicules (environ 125 000 voitures en France)
• Hardware 3 (HW3) : Une version optimisée arrivera dans un second temps pour couvrir le reste du parc (environ 135 000 véhicules supplémentaires)

Nouveau modèle économique

Si l’option reste encore disponible à l’achat (7 500€), Tesla devrait introduire rapidement un forfait mensuel à 99€. Cette stratégie vise à démocratiser l’usage du système et offre plus flexibilité.

En synthèse

L’homologation néerlandaise est une étape importante pour Tesla, qui confirme l’accélération technologique en Europe. Si l’ambition est là, l’adoption finale restera tributaire des validations nationales et de l’harmonisation réglementaire entre les états membres.

source

Immich a beaucoup évolué depuis mon premier tutoriel publié avec la version Bêta… L’application a énormément évolué et elle est aujourd’hui nettement plus mature, stable et complète. Si vous installez Immich pour la première fois sur votre NAS Synology, suivez ce guide étape par étape…

En revanche, si votre installation actuelle fonctionne correctement, ne changez rien. Les mises à jour majeures peuvent nécessiter des ajustements techniques.

Qu’est-ce que Immich ?

Immich est un logiciel de gestion et sauvegarde de photos et vidéos lancé en 2022. L’interface est fluide, les fonctionnalités sont riches et l’expérience utilisateur est clairement au niveau des solutions cloud grand public, sans dépendre d’un GAFAM.

Alternative à Google Photos, Immich offre une approche axée sur la confidentialité et l’auto-hébergement.

Pourquoi choisir Immich plutôt que Google Photos ?

Contrairement à Google Photos :

• Vos données restent chez vous, sur votre NAS
• Aucun accès par un tiers
• Traitement local des données (IA incluse)
• Aucune compression forcée

Clairement, Immich est aujourd’hui une solution plus avancée pour un usage personnel maîtrisé.

Fonctionnalités principales d’Immich (2026)

La liste des fonctionnalités est très longue, mais voici les principales :

• Gestion photo et vidéo :
  • Support des formats classiques et RAW
  • Live Photos / Motion Photos
  • Zoom vidéo
  • Prise en charge des panoramas 360°
• Sauvegarde automatique :
  • Synchronisation en arrière-plan
  • Détection des doublons
  • Sauvegarde en Wi-Fi, 4G/5G ou uniquement pendant la charge
• Libération d’espace :
  • Suppression automatique des fichiers déjà sauvegardés
  • Nettoyage manuel par lots
• Recherche avancée :
  • Tags, EXIF, lieux, objets
  • Reconnaissance faciale locale
• Vue carte :
  • Intégration OpenStreetMap
  • Géolocalisation automatique
• Édition non destructive : le fichier original reste intact
• Partage simplifié : Liens personnalisés, même depuis un téléphone
• Sécurité et confidentialité :
  • Dossier verrouillé (code PIN)
  • Corbeille avec suppression différée
  • Authentification OAuth2 / OIDC
  • Support certificats auto-signés

À cela s’ajoutent : mode hors ligne, Chromecast, multi-utilisateurs, Memories, etc.

Combien coûte Immich ?

Immich est open source et 100% gratuit si vous l’installer sur votre NAS (ou sur un ordinateur). Les applications Android et iOS sont également gratuites. Les développeurs proposent un système de licence payante, elles n’offrent aucun fonctionnalité ou service complémentaire.

Installer Immich sur un NAS Synology

L’installation repose sur 4 conteneurs Docker :

• immich_server : cœur de l’application ;
• immich_machine_learning :  IA (visages, objets) ;
• immich_postgres : base de données ;
• immich_redis : cache et performance.

Ce guide est basé sur la documentation officielle, adaptée aux NAS Synology.

Préparation des dossiers

1. Ouvrez File Station
2. Allez dans le dossier docker
3. Créez un sous-dossier nommé Immich
4. Dans ce nouveau dossier, créez 3 sous-dossier : library, model-cache et postgres

Création du conteneur Docker

1. Ouvrez Container Manager
2. Allez dans Projet → Créer
3. Renseignez :
   • Nom du projet : immich
   • Chemin : docker/Immich
   • Source : Créer un fichier docker-compose.yml

Collez ensuite le contenu suivant :

services:
  # Immich : https://immich.app/
  immich-server:
    container_name: immich_server
    image: ghcr.io/immich-app/immich-server:v2
    # Si votre NAS a un processeur Intel, décommentez les 2 lignes ci-dessous "# "
    # devices:
    #  - /dev/dri:/dev/dri
    environment:
      TZ: Europe/Paris
      DB_HOSTNAME: database
      DB_PORT: 5432
      DB_USERNAME: postgres
      DB_PASSWORD: PasswordCachem123$  # A changer par un mot de passe fort
      DB_DATABASE_NAME: immich
      REDIS_HOSTNAME: redis
      REDIS_PORT: 6379
    volumes:
      # Stockage des fichiers (adaptez le chemin à votre NAS)
      - ./library:/usr/src/app/upload
      # - "/volume1/Mes Archives/:/mnt/media/MesArchives"  # Exemple d'ajout d'un dossier de votre NAS
      - /etc/localtime:/etc/localtime:ro
    ports:
      - "2283:2283"
    depends_on:
      - database
      - redis
    restart: always
    healthcheck:
      disable: false

  # Immich Machine Learning
  immich-machine-learning:
    container_name: immich_machine_learning
    image: ghcr.io/immich-app/immich-machine-learning:v2
    environment:
      TZ: Europe/Paris
      DB_HOSTNAME: database
      DB_PORT: 5432
      DB_USERNAME: postgres
      DB_PASSWORD: PasswordCachem123$  # A changer par un mot de passe fort
      DB_DATABASE_NAME: immich
      REDIS_HOSTNAME: redis
      REDIS_PORT: 6379
    volumes:
      - ./model-cache:/cache
    restart: always
    healthcheck:
      disable: false

  # Immich Redis
  redis:
    container_name: immich_redis
    image: docker.io/valkey/valkey:9
    healthcheck:
      test: redis-cli ping || exit 1
    restart: always

  # Immich PostgreSQL
  database:
    container_name: immich_postgres
    image: ghcr.io/immich-app/postgres:14-vectorchord0.4.3-pgvectors0.2.0
    environment:
      TZ: Europe/Paris
      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: PasswordCachem123$  # A changer par un mot de passe fort
      POSTGRES_USER: postgres
      POSTGRES_DB: immich
      POSTGRES_INITDB_ARGS: "--data-checksums"
      # Décommentez la ligne suivante si la base est sur un disque dur (HDD)
      # DB_STORAGE_TYPE: "HDD"
    volumes:
      - ./postgres:/var/lib/postgresql/data
    shm_size: 128mb
    restart: always
    healthcheck:
      test: ["CMD-SHELL", "pg_isready -U postgres -d immich"]
      interval: 10s
      timeout: 5s
      retries: 3
      start_period: 30s

N’hésitez pas à utiliser un éditeur de texte pour changer les paramètres si besoin. Pensez à changer les mots de passe.

Appuyez sur le bouton Suivant (2 fois), puis le bouton Effectué. Container Station va télécharger les images (cela peut prendre quelques minutes selon votre connexion Internet) puis démarrer les conteneurs…

Attendez encore une à deux minutes le temps que tout démarre correctement.

Première connexion

Ouvrez un nouvel onglet et tapez dans la barre :

• http://IP_du_NAS:2283 (ex: http://192.168.1.100:2283)
• http://Nom_du_NAS:2283 (ex: http://monnas.local:2283)

Configuration initiale

Appuyez sur le bouton Commencer et laissez-vous guider par les premières étapes :

• Créez votre compte administrateur (adresse email, mot de passe et nom d’utilisateur)
• Configurez :
  • Thème (mode sombre / mode clair)
  • Langue (par défaut en Français)
  • Confidentialité serveur (faites vos choix)
  • Paramètres utilisateur
  • Modèle de stockage (recommandé : activé et laissé par défaut)
  • Sauvegarde (rappel de la stratégie 3-2-1)

Installez l’application mobile et lancez vos premières sauvegardes !

Optimisations et paramètres avancés

Modifier le dossier par défaut

Par défaut, Immich utilise : docker/Immich/library

Ce n’est pas idéal si vous souhaitez une organisation propre et j’avoue que j’utilise un dossier à la racine de mon NAS. Je préfère que les bibliothèques photos et vidéos ne soient dans le dossier docker.

Ajouter une bibliothèque externe

Un exemple a été donné ci-dessus. Vous aurez remarqué que le fichier compose.yaml a été créé automatiquement dans le dossier  docker/Immich. Arrêter votre projet immich puis vous ajoutez le/les dossiers contenant vos photos et vidéos. C’est la ligne :

- "/volume1/Vacances 2024/:/mnt/media/Archives2024"

Vous pouvez bloquer la possibilité de modifier ou supprimer les fichiers du dossier en ajoutant :ro à la fin (pour notre exemple : - "/volume1/Vacances 2024/:/mnt/media/Archives2024:ro". Par défaut, c’est en lecture et écriture (:rw).

- "/volume1/Vacances 2024/:/mnt/media/Archives2024"
- "/volume1/Videos 2025/:/mnt/media/Videos2025"
- "/volume1/Vacances 2026/:/mnt/media/Archives2026"

Si vous avez déjà installé Immich et que vous modifiez le fichier compose.yaml, pour prendre en compte les modifications, il faut recréer le projet (sans perte d’information). Voici ce que vous devez faire :

• Ouvrez Container Manager
• Allez dans Projet et faites un clic droit sur immich et choisissez Nettoyer
• Le Terminal s’affiche et attendez de voir Exit Code: 0 puis appuyez sur le bouton Fermer
• Toujours dans Projet et faites un clic droit sur immich et choisissez Créer

Ensuite, depuis l’interface d’administration d’Immich (pensez à relancer votre projet), allez dans Administration > Bibliothèque externe pour ajouter le dossier à un utilisateur.

Pour en savoir plus, voici un guide complet : ajouter une bibliothèque externe à Immich (Synology)

Mettre à jour Immich

Synology Container Manager n’interroge que Docker Hub pour vérifier les mises à jour et ignore les autres registres comme ghcr.io. Voici comment mettre à jour facilement Immich :

• Ouvrez Container Manager
• Allez dans Projet et faites un clic droit sur immich et choisissez Nettoyer
• Le Terminal s’affiche et attendez de voir Exit Code: 0 puis appuyez sur le bouton Fermer
• Allez dans Images, chercher les images commençant par ghcr.io/immich-app faites clic droit dessus et choisissez Supprimer
• Retourner dans Projet et faites un clic droit sur immich et choisissez Créer

Par défaut, j’ai bloqué la configuration sur la dernière version de la branche 2.x uniquement. Si vous souhaitez la dernière version publiée, alors vous mettrez :release à la place de :2 dans le fichier compose.yaml.

FAQ – Immich sur NAS Synology

Immich est-il stable ?

Oui. Immich a bien évolué depuis ses débuts. L’application est stable pour un usage quotidien, y compris avec de grandes bibliothèques photo. Des mises à jour fréquentes continuent d’améliorer les performances et les fonctionnalités.

Peut-on remplacer Google Photos par Immich ?

Oui, dans la majorité des cas. Immich propose :

• Sauvegarde automatique
• Reconnaissance faciale
• Recherche avancée
• Partage de fichiers

La principale différence : vos données restent sur votre NAS, sans dépendre d’un service Cloud.

Peut-on importer ses photos depuis Google Photos ?

Oui, il est possible d’importer vos données via Google Takeout, puis de les intégrer dans Immich. Selon la taille de votre bibliothèque, l’indexation (visages, objets) peut prendre du temps.

Quelle configuration minimale pour faire tourner Immich ?

• NAS avec Docker (paquet Container Manager)
• 6 Go de RAM minimum (8 Go recommandés)
• CPU x86 recommandé pour de meilleures performances
• Accélération matérielle (processeur Intel) fortement conseillée

Immich fonctionne-t-il sans Internet ?

Oui. Une fois installé, Immich fonctionne entièrement en local. Une connexion Internet n’est nécessaire que pour :

• Télécharger les images Docker
• Accéder à distance (si configuré)

Les photos sont-elles sécurisées ?

Oui. Les données sont stockées localement sur votre NAS. Immich propose :

• Authentification sécurisée
• Gestion des accès
• Corbeille avec suppression différée

La sécurité dépend aussi de votre configuration (réseau, accès externe, HTTPS).

Peut-on accéder à Immich depuis l’extérieur ?

Oui, il existe plusieurs options :

• Redirection de port sur votre Box/routeur
• VPN (Wireguard est recommandé)
• Reverse proxy (utilisation avancée)
• Cloudflare Tunnel

Pour des raisons de sécurité, évitez d’exposer votre NAS sur Internet sans protection.

L’application mobile est-elle obligatoire ?

Non, mais elle est fortement recommandée. Elle permet :

• La sauvegarde automatique des photos prises avec le téléphone
• L’accès rapide à vos bibliothèques
• Le partage simplifié

Peut-on utiliser plusieurs utilisateurs ?

Oui. Immich gère le multi-utilisateur avec :

• Comptes séparés
• Bibliothèques individuelles
• Partage entre utilisateurs

Immich compresse-t-il les photos ?

Non. Contrairement à certains services Cloud, Immich conserve les fichiers originaux sans compression.

On connaissait Acemagic pour ses Mini PC accessibles… Le fabricant chinois confirme son ambition d’entrer sur le marché des NAS, à l’instar de Beelink. Pour cela, il lance un modèle hybride animé par un Ryzen Embedded R2544. Un choix qui peut surprendre sur le papier, mais qui s’avère finalement plutôt cohérent…

Acemagic N3A

Avec le N3A, Acemagic fait un pari simple : ne pas trancher entre mini PC et NAS. Le constructeur propose ici une solution tout-en-un capable de répondre à ces deux usages.

Il s’agit d’un boîtier intégrant 4 baies pour disques durs (ou SSD) ainsi que 2 emplacements M.2 NVMe en PCIe 3.0. Il est construit autour d’un processeur Quad Core AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544, avec iGPU intégré. Selon CPU Passmark, ce dernier obtiendrait 8 459 points.

Le produit est livré en version barebone, c’est à dire sans mémoire ni stockage. Il prend en charge jusqu’à 64 Go de DDR4, avec compatibilité ECC. C’est plutôt un avantage pour les usages orientés serveur et stockage.

Côté logiciel, il semble tourner sous la dernière version de Windows.

Un vrai hybride

Le N3A ne se limite pas à un simple rôle de NAS. Sa connectique complète lui permet aussi de fonctionner comme un mini PC classique.

On retrouve :

• 2 ports réseau : 2.5 GbE et 1 GbE
• 1 sortie HDMI 2.0
• 1 DisplayPort 1.4
• 1 port USB Type-C compatible vidéo
• 2 ports USB 2.0
• 2 ports USB 3.0 Type-A

Cette configuration permet de gérer plusieurs écrans ( y compris en 4K) et d’envisager des usages variés.

Prix et disponibilité

Le boîtier est d’ores et déjà disponible à la commande sur le site officiel pour 300€. À ce tarif, le N3A se positionne comme une alternative compétitive face aux NAS x86 traditionnels.

Sur le papier, le rapport capacité/prix est intéressant. Comme souvent avec ce type de produit, tout se jouera sur des éléments moins visibles : qualité du firmware, gestion thermique et niveau sonore.

La fiche technique semble solide et cohérente, mais c’est un produit qui devra faire ses preuves…

Minisforum N5 Max NAS UPDATE

The Minisforum N5 Max was originally shown in January 2026 during CES 2026 as the next step in the company’s 5 bay NAS series, following the N5 Pro that arrived in summer 2025 and later sitting above the N5 Air that was introduced in February 2026. At that stage, most of the information around the system came from early hands on coverage, reveal material, and first wave specification details, which meant some elements were still provisional or inconsistent depending on source. Now, in April 2026, the picture around the N5 Max is much clearer. Minisforum has provided a more defined specification set, a clearer description of the hardware layout, and a much stronger explanation of how the system is intended to be positioned, not just as another compact 5 bay NAS, but as a higher tier platform that combines local AI capability, multi tier storage, and more advanced infrastructure features. This update is therefore intended to bring the original January reveal into line with what is currently known, clarify where earlier CES details have since been refined, and set out the N5 Max as it stands now based on the latest available information.

Where to Buy the Minisforum N5 NAS Series: Minisforum N5 AIR NAS ($519) – HERE Minisforum N5 PRO NAS ($959) – HERE Minisforum N5 NAS ($529) – HERE Minisforum N5 MAX ($TBC) – HERE

Minisforum N5 Max NAS Design and Storage

The N5 Max keeps the same broad chassis direction first seen in the earlier N5 systems, using a compact 5 bay enclosure that supports both 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch SATA drives. Physically, it remains very close to the N5 Pro and N5 Air in footprint, with the April 2026 dimensions now listed at 199 × 202.4 × 252.3 mm and a base unit weight of 5 kg. That means Minisforum has not redesigned the platform into a larger desktop tower, but instead chosen to scale capability within the same general enclosure class that defined the rest of the series.

One of the more visible design changes carried over from the original January reveal is the inclusion of lockable drive trays. That may seem like a small revision, but it directly addresses one of the practical complaints raised around the earlier N5 generation. Minisforum is also still using the pull out internal layout, where the main board and flash storage area can be accessed through a more service friendly internal assembly rather than a completely fixed internal frame.

In structural terms, the N5 Max remains very much part of the same family, but it has been revised in several small ways that make it look more mature than the first N5 design.

On the hard drive side, the N5 Max is now specified with 5 SATA 3.0 bays supporting up to 30 TB per bay, giving the system a stated raw HDD ceiling of 150 TB before any NVMe storage is counted. Minisforum also lists the platform as supporting up to 190 TB total storage overall. Compared with the 22 TB per drive guidance attached to earlier N5 series documentation, this higher ceiling does not change the number of bays, but it does position the Max for a higher total capacity target within the same physical format. As with most NAS vendors, real world drive compatibility will still depend on validation over time, but the intent is clearly to place the N5 Max above the earlier models in maximum raw storage potential.

Flash storage is where the N5 Max diverges most clearly from the N5 Pro and N5 Air. Instead of the mixed M.2 and U.2 style arrangement used on those systems, the N5 Max is now described as having 5 M.2 NVMe positions in total. The current April 2026 specification lists 1 × M.2 2280 NVMe slot running at PCIe 4.0 x4 with support up to 8 TB, plus 4 × M.2 2280 NVMe slots running at PCIe 4.0 x1 with support up to 8 TB each. Minisforum also states that the system disk is a preinstalled 64 GB module occupying 1 of those SSD positions, which is relevant because it affects how many slots are immediately free to the user out of the box.

That layout gives the N5 Max a storage structure that is more layered than the earlier N5 models, with large capacity HDDs handling primary bulk storage while multiple NVMe slots can be used for cache, active project data, containers, VM storage, model files, or application workloads. It also fits the broader April 2026 positioning of the unit as a system meant to keep more data in an active state rather than simply acting as a passive archive box. The tradeoff is that the Max no longer appears to prioritize the same U.2 flexibility seen on the N5 Pro and N5 Air, instead leaning harder into a denser onboard M.2 arrangement within the same 5 bay chassis.

Minisforum N5 Max NAS Internal Hardware

The N5 Max is built around the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, a 16 core, 32 thread processor with a 3 GHz base frequency and boost up to 5.1 GHz. Minisforum lists the chip with Radeon 8060S integrated graphics featuring 40 graphics cores, alongside AMD Ryzen AI support rated at up to 126 TOPS overall and up to 50 TOPS on the NPU. In simple terms, this places the N5 Max in a very different compute class to the original N5 and above the N5 Pro as well, making it much closer to a compact workstation platform than a conventional 5 bay NAS in processor terms.

Memory is also handled very differently from the rest of the series. Rather than using upgradeable SO-DIMM slots, the N5 Max is listed with 128 GB of LPDDR5x memory on a 256 bit interface, with support references of 7500 to 8000 MT/s depending on source. That fixed memory design should provide substantially more bandwidth than the socketed DDR5 approach in the N5 Pro and N5 Air, which matters for integrated graphics and local AI workloads, but it also removes user upgrade flexibility. This is one of the clearest examples of Minisforum prioritizing performance density over long term modularity in the Max model.

Cooling and power delivery have also been scaled up to match that higher tier hardware. Minisforum lists a cooling system built around 5 heat pipes with PCM, dual 80 × 15 mm turbo fans for the CPU area, dual 92 × 25 mm axial fans for the HDD section, and a separate 60 × 12 mm turbo fan for the SSD and PSU area. Power is now handled by an internal 250 W supply with AC input built directly into the chassis, replacing the external brick used on the earlier N5 systems. Taken together, these changes suggest that the N5 Max is not simply using a faster CPU in the same shell, but has been reworked internally to support higher sustained load, denser flash storage, and a more integrated overall design.

Minisforum N5 Max NAS Connectivity

The N5 Max keeps the same broad I/O philosophy as the rest of the N5 family, but with a more aggressive top end specification. On the front, Minisforum lists 1 × USB4 port with DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 support and 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. On the rear, the system is listed with 2 × USB4 v2, 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 × USB 2.0, 1 × HDMI 2.1 FRL, and 1 × AC input. There is also still an internal PCIe x16 slot operating at PCIe 4.0 x4, which means the N5 Max continues to support internal expansion in the same general way as the earlier N5 systems.

Networking is one of the areas where the April 2026 information has become more specific, but it is also where earlier coverage created some confusion. The latest specification material lists 2 × 10GbE LAN ports using Realtek RTL8127 controllers. That differs from some earlier CES era references that described 1 × 10GbE plus 1 × 5GbE, and it also differs from the N5 Pro and N5 Air, which were generally presented as 10GbE plus 5GbE systems. Based on the most recent material now available, the safest reading is that the N5 Max is currently positioned as a dual 10GbE model, though that was not consistently communicated in the earliest reveal phase.

Display and high speed external bandwidth are also stronger on the N5 Max than on the other N5 variants. Minisforum lists video output support through HDMI and USB4, with the current specification stating up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 144 Hz. More notably, the USB configuration now includes 2 × USB4 v2 connections, which is a substantial increase in external bandwidth compared with standard USB4 implementations. In practical terms, that gives the N5 Max a better fit for high speed external storage, direct attach workflows, fast ingest tasks, and display connectivity, while reinforcing that this system is being pitched as more than just a standard network storage appliance.

What Can You Do with the Minisforum N5 Max NAS

At the most basic level, the N5 Max can still be understood as a compact 5 bay NAS for centralised storage, backup, and multi user file access. With support for up to 150 TB of raw HDD capacity across its SATA bays, plus additional NVMe storage for faster tiers, it can be used for the same core roles as more traditional NAS systems, including shared folders, media libraries, workstation backups, and project archives. The difference is that Minisforum is not presenting it as a storage box first and everything else second. Instead, the current messaging places storage alongside compute and local services as equal parts of the platform.

The second role is as a higher performance working data system for users who need more than simple network storage. The combination of 5 HDD bays, multiple NVMe slots, dual 10GbE, PCIe expansion, and high speed USB4 v2 means the N5 Max is better suited to active workloads than a typical 5 bay desktop NAS. That can include media production, large photo libraries, virtual machine storage, container workloads, active project caching, and heavier multi user access. In that sense, the N5 Max sits closer to a compact storage server or workstation adjacent appliance than to an entry level NAS.

The third and most distinctive role is local AI processing. Minisforum’s March 2026 positioning pushes the N5 Max as a platform for private AI workloads running directly on the device rather than through cloud services. The company has specifically highlighted OpenClaw deployment on local LLMs, semantic photo search, voice to text, summarisation, smart organisation, and a more unified AI assistant style interface inside its software environment. Whether all of those functions arrive in the same form and at the same maturity level at launch remains something that still needs real world validation, but the intended direction is clearly toward keeping both data and AI interactions local.

For more advanced users, the N5 Max is also being framed as a private infrastructure platform rather than only an appliance. Minisforum has attached features such as ZFS, snapshots, virtualization, Docker, UPS support, and stronger permission control to the product direction, which broadens its appeal beyond simple home storage. That means the N5 Max could be used not just for storing files or running AI assisted search, but also for self hosting services, managing recoverable local data pools, running isolated applications, or building a more controlled homelab environment around the same hardware.

Minisforum N5 Max Price & Release Date

As of April 6, 2026, Minisforum still does not appear to have published an official retail price or a confirmed shipping date for the N5 Max. The company’s March 11 announcement described the system as “to-be-launched,” and contemporaneous reporting also noted that pricing and release timing had not yet been announced. That means the N5 Max remains in a pre-release stage from a commercial point of view, even though the hardware platform, software direction, and much of the specification set are now clearer than they were during the original January CES reveal.

What can be said with more confidence is where the N5 Max is likely to sit within the existing Minisforum NAS range. On Minisforum’s current store listings, the N5 Air is shown at $519 sale price on the official store home page, the base N5 is shown at $599, and the N5 Pro is shown at $959, while no live product listing or price is currently visible there for the N5 Max. Given the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 platform, fixed 128 GB LPDDR5x memory, internal 250 W PSU, and broader AI focused positioning, it is reasonable to expect the N5 Max to land above the N5 Pro rather than alongside it, but until Minisforum formally opens orders or publishes a listing, that remains an informed expectation rather than a confirmed launch price.

Where to Buy the Minisforum N5 NAS Series: Minisforum N5 AIR NAS ($519) – HERE Minisforum N5 PRO NAS ($959) – HERE Minisforum N5 NAS ($529) – HERE Minisforum N5 MAX ($TBC) – HERE

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WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Il y a maintenant 2 ans, je me suis lancé dans la domotique et je vous avais partagé ici plusieurs articles, dont un qui concernait la mise en place d’un petit écran de contrôle pour que la famille puisse utiliser les différentes fonctions sans avoir besoin d’un téléphone.

Après ces deux années, ma domotique a évolué, notamment avec l’ajout de panneaux solaires il y a un an. Cela a ajouté de nouvelles fonctions qui devaient remonter sur cet écran.

Celui-ci est devenu trop petit et commence aussi à montrer certaines lenteurs de chargement. Depuis un moment, j’avais le projet de le remplacer sans réussir à trouver le bon modèle. Il n’existe pas vraiment de fabricants spécialisés dans ce type d’écran mural et encore moins compatibles nativement avec Home Assistant. Pour trouver le bon écran, il fallait qu’il réponde à plusieurs critères :

• Avoir un capteur de mouvement pour l’activer
• Être compris entre 8 et 10 pouces
• Permettre un montage dans un boîtier d’encastrement
• Être alimenté directement en 230 V
• Être peu encombrant
• Offrir une bonne réactivité avec Home Assistant
• Ne pas avoir de caméra

Vous allez me dire que pour le dernier point, c’est une évidence pour un écran fixé au mur. Eh bien non, car avant de me tourner vers le Shelly Wall Display XL qui n’était pas encore disponible lorsque j’ai commencé mes recherches, j’ai regardé du côté d’un site bien connu du pays du soleil levant, où l’on trouve beaucoup de choix pour ce type d’écran. Point faible : pour 95 % des modèles proposés, il y a une caméra et aucun capteur de mouvement pour le réveiller.

Il y a peu, je suis tombé sur le Shelly Wall Display XL, qui met en avant une prise en charge native avec Home Assistant. Capteur de mouvement pour réveiller l’écran, pas de caméra, des boutons physiques, un montage mural dans un boîtier d’encastrement, une alimentation directe en 230 V et un écran de 10 pouces. Ne trouvant pas d’article de présentation en français, je me suis lancé avec cet écran.

Caractéristiques techniques

• Taille : 155,8 x 272,5 x 38,3 mm ;
• Poids : 920g ;
• Taille écran : 10,1 pouces ;
• Résolution : 1280×752 px ;
• Connexion : WiFi et Bluetooth ;
• CPU : Rockchip RK3566 Quad core Cortex-A55 1.8GHz ;
• RAM : 2Go ;
• Flash : 32Go ;
• OS: Android 11.

Autres caractéristiques

• 2 haut-parleurs de 20 W ;
• 4 micros ;
• Capteur de luminosité ;
• Existe en 2 modèles avec boutons gris ou noirs.

Bien sûr, cet écran est avant tout destiné à piloter sa domotique avec les périphériques Shelly, mais aussi des équipements comme Sonos par exemple. Il permet de mettre en place une domotique simple sans ajouter de serveur et offre la possibilité de piloter vos équipements, créer des programmations, ainsi que des automatisations…

Découvrons l’écran

Dans la boîte, pas de superflu : on y trouve l’écran, son support mural, une notice multilingue (dont le français), ainsi qu’un sachet contenant les fils nécessaires à la fixation dans le boîtier d’encastrement, des petites vis pour fixer l’écran à son support, et un petit tournevis.

Au niveau de l’écran, on peut apercevoir sur la droite les boutons physiques. À l’arrière, rien de particulier, si ce n’est le connecteur permettant son montage sur le support.

Concernant le support mural, plusieurs ergots sont prévus afin de s’adapter à votre boîtier d’encastrement. La forme ovale permet d’ajuster facilement l’horizontalité de l’écran.

À l’arrière, on retrouve 4 borniers à vis pour l’alimentation en 230 V. Les autres bornes sont reliées à un switch intégré qui permettra de piloter un équipement. Il pourra être associé à un bouton physique si vous utilisez le dashboard Shelly.

Regardons de plus près cet écran. Au niveau des boutons physiques, il en possède 4. Si vous les utilisez avec le dashboard Shelly, vous pourrez leur affecter des actions depuis l’interface web de configuration.

Sur le flanc droit, on trouve également un bouton permettant d’allumer ou d’éteindre l’écran. En dessous se situent les haut-parleurs ainsi qu’un connecteur USB-C permettant d’alimenter l’appareil.

Sur la seconde photo, on peut voir les 4 micros. Pour le moment, je n’ai pas trouvé leur utilité, ni côté Shelly ni sur Home Assistant. Peut-être seront-ils exploités lors d’une future mise à jour avec un assistant vocal.

Au centre, on aperçoit le capteur de mouvement ainsi que le capteur de luminosité.

Premier démarrage

Au premier démarrage, l’écran vous propose de connecter des équipements Shelly. On arrive ensuite sur un dashboard avec quelques tuiles déjà configurées. On remarque également que l’écran est très brillant.

On le connecte ensuite au Wi-Fi. Rien de très complexe : les menus sont clairs et ne proposent pas trop d’options. On peut même effectuer directement un speedtest. Au lancement du test, on a le choix entre un serveur en Chine ou en Europe. Le test est rapide, car le fichier ne fait que 15 Mo, donc le débit n’a pas vraiment le temps de monter.

Passons aux différents menus

Dans le menu Général, les paramètres concernent surtout le dashboard Shelly. Dans le menu Langue de l’appareil, on retrouve un très bon point : une multitude de langues sont disponibles, dont le français. Il est normal d’avoir autant de langues sur ce type de produit afin de toucher un public plus large.

Avant d’aller plus loin, j’ai mis à jour le firmware. C’est important, car plusieurs options ont changé, notamment au niveau des réglages de l’écran. J’avais repéré un défaut avant la mise à jour, mais celui-ci a été corrigé.

Toujours concernant les réglages de l’écran, il reste toutefois un défaut : si l’on désactive le réglage automatique de la luminosité, on perd le paramètre du délai d’assombrissement de l’écran ainsi que le délai avant extinction.

Pour le réglage Réveil par mouvement, j’ai malheureusement dû le désactiver. L’écran étant placé dans une zone de fort passage, il est trop sensible : il capte les mouvements de trop loin et se réveille au moindre passage.
Comme sur mon ancien écran, j’aurais aimé disposer d’un curseur permettant de régler la distance de détection, afin par exemple de réveiller l’écran avec un geste à 10 cm. En espérant voir cette option arriver dans une prochaine mise à jour.

Pour l’économiseur d’écran, vous aurez le choix d’afficher différentes informations, mais aussi de le transformer en cadre photo numérique en y ajoutant vos propres images.

Dashboard Shelly

Il est assez facile de créer un dashboard avec les équipements Shelly. Vous pouvez choisir l’emplacement de vos différentes tuiles, ainsi que leur taille afin d’afficher plus ou moins d’informations. Concernant la partie météo, on remarque qu’elle est réglée sur Paris. Je n’ai pas trouvé comment changer la ville ; je me demande si elle n’est pas basée sur le fuseau horaire. La partie radio émettra le son directement sur les enceintes de l’écran.

Interface Web

Avec son adresse IP, vous pouvez accéder à une interface Web permettant de configurer différentes actions. Sur la page d’accueil, il est possible de piloter le relais intégré, mais aussi de configurer directement les actions des 4 boutons.

Dans la page Settings, vous pourrez consulter les différentes informations de l’écran ainsi que les réglages liés aux connexions (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, activation du MQTT, WebSocket, etc.).

Dans le menu Actions, vous pouvez également affecter une action aux différents boutons. Si vous avez des équipements connectés, comme un capteur de température, d’humidité ou de luminosité, vous pourrez créer des actions en fonction de ces données.

Dans le menu Alarme, vous pouvez par exemple créer des rappels. Il est possible de définir une heure, d’affecter une sonnerie et d’indiquer le message qui s’affichera à l’écran lors du déclenchement de l’alarme.

La partie Components permet de définir différentes actions selon le type d’appui sur les boutons. Dans le menu Media Library, vous pouvez importer vos propres sons pour les utiliser avec les alarmes, mais aussi des photos qui pourront servir pour l’écran de veille.

Home Assistant

On arrive sur la partie qui nous intéresse le plus : l’intégration native avec Home Assistant. Un menu sur l’écran permet de rechercher automatiquement votre serveur sur le réseau. Bien sûr, il est également possible de modifier le lien. En effet, si comme moi vous avez créé un dashboard spécifique pour votre écran, vous pouvez définir cette page comme affichage par défaut au démarrage.

Lors de la première connexion, je n’ai pas modifié le lien et nous arrivons donc sur mon dashboard par défaut. Le chargement est un peu long la première fois, car il y a beaucoup d’éléments à afficher.

Montage murale

Pour la partie montage murale, rien de compliqué. Il suffit de relier les deux fils pour alimenter l’écran, puis de fixer la plaque avec deux vis. Je n’ai pas pu utiliser les vis à tête fraisées fournies, car elles sont trop courtes pour ma boîte d’encastrement. La forme ovale des trous de fixation permet toutefois de bien ajuster le niveau de l’écran.

On peut également apercevoir mon dashboard, créé spécialement pour cet écran. Je suis resté sur un format en deux colonnes, avec trois colonnes les boutons deviennent un peu trop petits et certains textes sont tronqués. Ce dashboard devrait évoluer avec le temps. On remarque aussi que la barre Shelly en bas de l’écran n’apparaît plus : elle peut être désactivée dans les réglages sur l’écran.

Une fois fixé, on peut se rendre compte de la finesse de l’écran. Cela est d’autant plus flagrant lorsqu’on le compare avec mon thermostat connecté MOES situé juste en dessous.

Lors de la connexion au Wi-Fi, Home Assistant a automatiquement détecté l’écran et propose l’intégration. Plusieurs entités sont disponibles, dont celles des interrupteurs. Nous pouvons ainsi affecter des actions aux 4 boutons en créant des automatisations lors des appuis. Pour ma part, j’ai configuré 2 boutons permettant d’ouvrir et de fermer les volets facilement, sans avoir à réveiller l’écran.

Attention : j’ai remarqué un comportement qui peut être problématique. Lorsque l’écran redémarre (ce qui peut arriver lors d’une microcoupure de courant), cela active les interrupteurs et tous mes volets s’ouvrent automatiquement. Quelques jours après l’installation, j’ai eu une coupure de courant de cinq minutes un matin et, à mon retour le soir, les volets étaient fermés.

J’avais prévu d’affecter les autres boutons à mes portes de garage, mais suite à ce comportement, je préfère ne pas les utiliser pour le moment.

Conclusion

Cela fait maintenant quelques semaines que l’écran est installé. Lors de mes recherches d’informations à son sujet, j’avais vu plusieurs retours mentionnant des lenteurs avec Home Assistant. Il y a en effet quelques ralentissements lorsque vous utilisez un dashboard très chargé, notamment avec des éléments gourmands comme l’affichage de graphiques.

En revanche, pour un dashboard simple comme le mien, cela fonctionne très bien. Le but de cet écran n’est pas d’avoir un niveau de détail élevé, mais de pouvoir consulter des informations et effectuer des actions rapides. Il reste d’ailleurs bien plus réactif que mon ancien petit écran déjà présenté ici.

Pour les prochaines mises à jour, j’aimerais pouvoir régler la sensibilité du capteur de mouvement afin de réactiver cette fonctionnalité, mais aussi améliorer la gestion des actions des boutons au démarrage.

Dans l’ensemble, je suis satisfait de cet écran. Sa faible épaisseur et ses boutons physiques sont un véritable plus au quotidien pour piloter sa domotique. Je pense notamment aux plus jeunes, qui n’ont pas forcément de téléphone : cela leur permet d’accéder facilement aux actions essentielles.

Bien entendu, cet écran n’est pas destiné uniquement aux utilisateurs de Home Assistant. Le dashboard Shelly permettra également aux personnes moins aguerries de mettre en place une domotique simple, sans avoir à installer une box dédiée.

Côté tarif, il faudra compter 292€ sur le site officiel et même moins chez sur Amazon

Update on the ZimaCube 2 NAS + Your Questions Answered

Following the original ZimaCube and ZimaCube Pro, IceWhale is now preparing the ZimaCube 2 range as a more mature follow-up to its first desktop NAS platform, combining the same broad idea of a compact, open, software-defined personal cloud with clearer attention paid to refinement, validation, and retail readiness. Based on the specifications revealed so far, the standard $799 ZimaCube 2, the $1,299 ZimaCube 2 Pro, and the $2,499 Creator Pack continue to target users who want a turnkey system that still leaves room for alternative operating systems, PCIe expansion, direct Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 connectivity, and mixed storage workloads, but the second generation also arrives in the shadow of the first model’s early issues around cooling, power handling, and hardware compatibility, all of which IceWhale now says informed the redesign. Rather than presenting the ZimaCube 2 as a radically different product category, the company appears to be positioning it as a more stable and better validated version of the same formula, with a stronger base model, revised cooling, closer hardware and software integration, and a retail launch path instead of another crowdfunding campaign.

Remember to use the NASCompares Channel Discount Code: ‘NASCOMPARES50’

Zimacube 2 First Look at the Design

In physical terms, the ZimaCube 2 remains very close to the original system. The listed chassis dimensions are still 240 x 221 x 220 mm, and the overall layout continues to center on a compact desktop enclosure with 6 front-facing drive bays, a removable front panel, and a secondary internal sled for the 7th-bay M.2 storage section. That means this is not a major departure in footprint or format, but rather a continuation of the same small-tower NAS concept that IceWhale introduced with the first ZimaCube generation.

The external build also keeps the same broad industrial approach, with an all-metal enclosure and a design that is intended to be visible on a desk rather than hidden away. Based on the Shenzhen hands-on material, the finish has been revised to a silver tone rather than the darker look associated with earlier models, and there are still decorative touches such as copper-coloured screws and RGB lighting. The magnetic front cover also remains part of the design language, although the hands-on notes suggest that removability is still not especially refined, with no obvious front handle to make access easier.

Internally, the most significant design revision appears to be in thermals rather than structure. The original ZimaCube family drew recurring criticism over cooling behaviour and fan noise, and IceWhale itself later issued optimisation guidance and revised cooling components for early units. On the ZimaCube 2, the cooling assembly appears to have been reworked substantially, with a much larger vapor-chamber style module, extended heatpipe routing, and a direct airflow path toward a rear-mounted fan. In practical terms, this is one of the clearest visible signs that the company is treating thermal control as a first-order design issue rather than a secondary adjustment.

The storage layout remains one of the most recognisable elements of the platform. At the front are 6 SATA bays for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, while the separate 7th-bay board carries 4 M.2 slots. What has changed is the clarification around performance tiers. Following the post-video corrections, both the standard and Pro use PCIe Gen 4 for the 7th-bay architecture, but the actual throughput differs because of the ASMedia bridge hardware: the standard model is rated for 800MB/s R/W, while the Pro and Creator Pack are rated for 3200MB/s R/W. So although the physical design remains familiar, the storage subsystem is now segmented more clearly by model.

Taken together, the ZimaCube 2’s design changes are best understood as a revision rather than a clean-sheet rethink. The enclosure, bay structure, general scale, and visual concept are all recognisably derived from the earlier ZimaCube, but the thermal hardware, finish, and some of the internal implementation details suggest a product that has been adjusted in response to first-generation feedback. From a design perspective, the main story is not reinvention. It is that IceWhale appears to have revisited the same chassis idea with greater emphasis on cooling headroom, validation, and long-term use as a retail product rather than a first-wave crowdfunded device.

Zimacube 2 Internal Hardware Confirmation

The internal hardware changes are more substantial than the exterior suggests, particularly at the lower end of the range. The standard ZimaCube 2 now moves from the original ZimaCube’s Intel N100 to a 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U, giving the base model 6 cores, 8 threads, and a much stronger starting point for mixed storage and application workloads.

The ZimaCube 2 Pro and Creator Pack both use the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads, which keeps the Pro class in the same broad processor tier as the earlier ZimaCube Pro, but still gives the second-generation lineup a more balanced split between entry and higher-tier models. Memory has also shifted upward in platform terms, with DDR5 SODIMM support and upgradeable slots rather than fixed memory, allowing the standard model to start at 8GB, the Pro at 16GB, and the Creator Pack at 64GB.

One of the more important details here is that IceWhale is not presenting the hardware purely as a NAS board with attached storage, but as a compact compute platform that also happens to handle large-scale local storage. The system still uses an internal NVMe SSD for the operating system, with 256GB on the standard and Pro and 1TB on the Creator Pack, while retaining dual PCIe slots on a Mini-ITX based custom board. That means the core platform is still built around expandability, and not just in a theoretical sense. IceWhale continues to point toward GPU cards, AI accelerators, network cards, and SSD-focused upgrades as intended use cases, which places the ZimaCube 2 somewhere between a traditional NAS, a compact home server, and a turnkey prosumer workstation-style storage appliance.

At the same time, the scale of the internal upgrade depends on which earlier model is being used as the reference point. Against the original non-Pro ZimaCube, the jump is obvious: newer CPU class, higher memory ceiling, improved internal segmentation, and a platform that appears better prepared for virtualization, media handling, and direct-attached workloads. Against the original ZimaCube Pro, however, the advance is more limited, because the Pro remains on the same Core i5-1235U family and much of the underlying capability was already present in some form. So while the internal hardware is clearly stronger overall, especially in the standard model, this still reads more as a focused revision of the existing architecture than a complete hardware reset.

Zimacube 2 Final Ports and Connectivity

Externally, the ZimaCube 2 continues to position itself as something broader than a conventional NAS, and the port layout reflects that. On the rear, the standard model includes 2 x 2.5GbE network ports alongside 2 x Thunderbolt 4 or USB4-capable USB-C connections, which gives it both networked and direct-attached workflow options. That matters because IceWhale is still treating direct host connection as one of the platform’s defining features, particularly for users who want local high-speed access without routing everything through standard Ethernet alone. It also keeps the ZimaCube 2 distinct from many turnkey NAS systems that rely almost entirely on network connectivity as the primary access path.

The separation between the standard and Pro models is more visible in networking than in external appearance. The standard ZimaCube 2 is limited to 2 x 2.5GbE, while the ZimaCube 2 Pro adds an additional 10GbE port. That makes the Pro the more complete option for users intending to deploy the system as shared high-speed network storage, while the standard model leans more heavily on its direct-connect Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 story to offset the absence of 10GbE. In practical terms, this is an important distinction, because although both systems look closely related on paper, the network capabilities create a clear difference in how they are likely to be used in creative or multi-user environments.

The rest of the I/O remains relatively conventional but still useful for a system of this class. IceWhale lists 4 x USB-A 3.0 ports, 1 x USB-C 3.0 port, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack, while the internal platform also keeps 2 PCIe expansion slots available for broader configuration. None of these ports alone are unusual, but taken together they reinforce the same point as the rest of the hardware: this is not being framed as a sealed appliance. It is being framed as a turnkey system with room for local expansion, direct attachment, and mixed workload deployment, even if the actual value of that depends on whether the buyer is choosing the standard model’s lower-cost balance or the Pro model’s more complete network specification.

Next, I spent some time with the founder of Icewhale (the company behind the Zimacube and ZimaOS, as well as the popular Zimaboard and Zimablade) and put forward a few questions about the current development of Zimacube 2 and their recent pricing changes to ZimaOS.

What is the ZimaCube 2 bringing to the market that your previous ZimaCube/ZimaCube Pro does not?

Based on the hands-on session and Lauren Pan’s comments, IceWhale is not presenting the ZimaCube 2 as a completely new product category, but rather as a more refined and better balanced version of the same idea. The biggest practical difference is that the standard model is no longer a clearly compromised entry point in the way the original N100-based ZimaCube often appeared next to the first Pro. The move to a Core i3-1215U, DDR5 memory, dual Thunderbolt 4 or USB4, 6 SATA bays, 4 M.2 slots, 2 PCIe slots, and upgradeable SODIMM memory means the base model now looks much closer to the wider prosumer NAS and compact server market, instead of acting mainly as the cheaper route into the ecosystem. That gives the range a stronger starting point and makes the standard unit a more serious option in its own right.

The second major difference is maturity rather than raw specification. IceWhale is tying the ZimaCube 2 more directly to the lessons learned from the first generation, especially around cooling, stability, hardware validation, and closer coordination between hardware and software development. The revised thermal module, the stronger emphasis on compatibility testing, the claim of more OS-level control over system parameters such as fans, and the move away from crowdfunding toward direct retail all suggest that the ZimaCube 2 is intended to arrive as a more settled product. So while the overall concept remains familiar, what IceWhale appears to be bringing to market this time is a more fully developed turnkey platform, not just in hardware terms, but in how the product is being prepared, sold, and supported.

What lessons were learnt in the development of the original ZimaCube that are going to be applied in the development of ZimaCube 2?

The clearest lesson appears to have been that the original ZimaCube needed tighter coordination between hardware and software from the outset. According to Lauren Pan, one of the main internal changes for the second generation is that both teams now work far more closely together, discussing hardware and software details in the same development cycle rather than treating them as separate tracks. In practical terms, that matters because the first-generation platform showed that a NAS or personal cloud product is not defined by hardware alone. It also depends heavily on how well thermals, fan control, storage behaviour, connectivity, and OS-level management are integrated into a single system.

A second lesson concerns validation and first-batch readiness. The original ZimaCube attracted feedback around cooling, fan behaviour, drive compatibility, and power-related issues, and IceWhale now appears to be treating those areas much more seriously in the ZimaCube 2. Pan specifically pointed to a redesigned thermal module, more extensive compatibility testing, and additional work with drive manufacturers such as Seagate and Western Digital after earlier issues emerged. The broader implication is that ZimaCube 2 is being developed less like an experimental first-generation product and more like a revision intended to reduce the kind of early hardware and integration problems that affected the first release.

What was the biggest challenge that you have faced in the development of ZimaCube 2?

According to Lauren Pan, the biggest challenge in developing the ZimaCube 2 was production cost. That answer fits the wider context of the current hardware market, where CPU, memory, SSD, and other component pricing has remained a significant pressure on system builders. In the case of the ZimaCube 2, IceWhale appears to have been trying to hold onto several features that are often reduced or removed in competing products at this price level, including upgradeable SODIMM memory, bundled system storage, dual Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 connectivity, PCIe expansion, and a more substantial cooling solution. So the challenge was not simply making a new box, but doing so while keeping the product within a price band that still looked competitive against other turnkey and semi-DIY NAS systems in 2026.

That issue appears especially relevant to the standard model. IceWhale is trying to position the $799 ZimaCube 2 as a stronger base platform than the original non-Pro unit, while still including a Core i3-1215U, 8GB of DDR5, 256GB of NVMe storage, 6 SATA bays, 4 M.2 slots, and full ZimaOS licensing as part of the package. In that respect, the development challenge seems to have been balancing specification, manufacturability, and margin without moving the product out of reach of the same buyers it is trying to attract. The result is that cost control appears to have shaped not just pricing, but also the way IceWhale talks about the ZimaCube 2 as a price versus performance compromise rather than an attempt to maximise specifications at any cost.

What has the user response been to your switch towards a free/paid $29 model of your ZimaOS software since the announcement?

According to Lauren Pan, the response to the move from a fully free model to the current free tier plus $29 lifetime ZimaOS+ model has been mixed, but not unexpected. Some community members were confused by the change or felt the software should have remained fully free, while others accepted that the platform needed a sustainable business model if development was going to continue over the long term.

That split is fairly typical for software that begins as a no-cost offering and later introduces paid licensing, particularly when it has built much of its reputation through community use, testing, and feedback. In IceWhale’s case, the company’s position is that the low-cost lifetime fee is intended to make the software commercially sustainable without undermining its accessibility.

IceWhale has also tried to frame the pricing change as part of a broader community model rather than just a revenue switch. Pan said the company had explained the reasoning publicly in late 2025 and described a plan under which 33% of license revenue would be directed back toward community contributors, including moderators, app maintainers, and users helping support the wider ZimaOS and CasaOS ecosystem.

Whether that model proves sustainable over time remains to be seen, but the immediate point is that IceWhale does not appear to be treating the $29 fee as a traditional software upsell. Instead, it is presenting it as a low-cost, lifetime contribution intended to keep development active while maintaining a relatively low barrier to entry compared with other paid NAS software platforms.

Will ZimaCube 2 be headed for crowdfunding, or direct to traditional retail?

IceWhale says the ZimaCube 2 is going direct to traditional retail rather than returning to crowdfunding. In Lauren Pan’s explanation, Kickstarter is something the company now sees as useful in 2 specific cases: either when a product concept still needs market validation, or when production costs are high enough that outside funding is needed to get the first batch built. IceWhale’s position is that the original ZimaCube fit that earlier stage of the company, when the product was more expensive to bring to market and the business itself was still proving demand for this kind of home server and personal cloud hardware. With the ZimaCube 2, the company appears to believe it no longer needs crowdfunding for either of those reasons.

That change is also part of the wider message around the second generation. Moving straight to store-based pre-orders gives the impression that IceWhale wants the ZimaCube 2 to be seen less as an experimental or community-funded device and more as a normal retail product. Pan also described the early response as active, with roughly 200 to 300 community applications tied to testing and usage scenarios, suggesting that demand discovery is now happening around a product that already exists, rather than one still needing crowdfunding to justify its creation. In practical terms, the retail-first approach supports IceWhale’s broader attempt to position the ZimaCube 2 as a more mature follow-up to the first generation.

The NASCompares Conclusion and Verdict so Far on ZimaCube 2

Taken as a whole, the ZimaCube 2 looks less like a dramatic reinvention of the original platform and more like a deliberate correction and refinement of it. The overall chassis concept, storage layout, and broader product identity remain familiar, but IceWhale appears to have focused this second generation on the areas that mattered most after the first release: a stronger base model, revised thermals, closer hardware and software coordination, more validation around compatibility, and a direct retail launch rather than another crowdfunding cycle. That means the scale of change is uneven depending on which earlier model it is compared against, but the direction is clear enough. The ZimaCube 2 does not appear to be trying to replace the original with a wholly different vision. Instead, it looks like IceWhale is trying to turn the ZimaCube formula into a more complete and commercially mature turnkey platform, with ZimaOS, direct Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 connectivity, PCIe expansion, and hybrid storage still forming the core of its appeal.

Remember to use the NASCompares Channel Discount Code: ‘NASCOMPARES50’

 

 

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