Visiting a NAS Production Facility in Shenzhen, China – The CWWK Factory and Office Tour

As part of a broader effort to explore the landscape of Chinese tech manufacturers, I recently visited the facilities of CWWK (ChangWang) in Shenzhen, China. CWWK is best known in enthusiast circles for producing NAS motherboards and compact computing solutions, often associated with budget-friendly, DIY network storage builds. My visit aimed to independently assess the scope and structure of their operations. What made this particular tour notable was the access I was granted: no NDAs were signed, there were no editorial restrictions placed on what I could film or ask, and I was permitted to record freely inside their production and R&D spaces.

This is uncommon, particularly in the tech hardware space, where many brands—especially in Asia—are typically guarded about internal processes, even when media are invited. The open format allowed for a more thorough and independent evaluation, without needing to speculate based on secondhand reports or promotional material.

It’s important to contextualize how the visit came about. CWWK did not arrange or sponsor my trip to China in any way. I was in the region for a series of self-funded visits to multiple tech companies, looking to gain a clearer understanding of how various hardware brands operate behind the scenes. The idea was to go beyond spec sheets and product listings and see what real infrastructure, if any, stood behind companies whose products are often marketed under many different brand names on platforms like AliExpress, Amazon, and Alibaba.

I reached out to CWWK on short notice—roughly 10 to 14 days prior—and they agreed to the visit. The fact that they were able to accommodate the tour with minimal lead time is worth noting. It doesn’t rule out the possibility of some presentation enhancements being made in preparation, but it does suggest that the company was not reliant on elaborate staging to present a working production environment.

The first location I visited was a mixed-use building that included administrative offices, logistics personnel, and access to part of the factory floor. Externally, the building bore no clear CWWK branding, which initially raised questions about ownership or exclusivity. Inside, however, the picture was more cohesive: staff wore uniforms bearing CWWK logos, and product runs on the factory floor featured motherboards that matched CWWK’s catalog.

While I wasn’t given lease documentation or corporate records, the volume of CWWK-branded activity suggested the company either occupies a substantial portion of the facility or has secured long-term, semi-exclusive use of the space. Several floors were accessible, and the presence of both production and support teams indicated that this was more than a satellite or temporary operation. Even so, it’s likely this building is part of a larger industrial complex shared with other tenants, which is common practice in Shenzhen’s manufacturing zones.

One of the key questions I brought to the visit concerned product design and IP ownership—specifically, whether CWWK truly engineers its own hardware or rebrands ODM (original design manufacturer) platforms that are available generically to other companies. In a formal meeting with several members of their team, facilitated by a translator, I was told that all motherboard designs are created in-house.

The company emphasized that while many of their designs do appear under other brand names, including through known resellers or system integrators, the core engineering and schematics originate from their internal teams. Some of these designs, they explained, are distributed under license or through contract manufacturing relationships.

While I wasn’t shown the full design pipeline or documentation for each SKU, I was given access to product schematics, test rigs, and development areas. Based on what I observed, it’s reasonable to conclude that CWWK controls the design process and that their platforms are later distributed—often without clear attribution—by partner companies.

Technical support and warranty policies are often ambiguous when it comes to imported tech from overseas sellers, so I took the opportunity to ask about their post-sales procedures. According to CWWK staff, customers who purchase through major e-commerce channels like AliExpress and Alibaba are serviced directly by the company’s internal support team. This contradicts the assumption that resellers handle all inquiries. They described a standard one-year warranty policy, during which defective products are repaired where feasible rather than replaced outright.

While this approach may not satisfy buyers expecting instant replacements, it aligns with broader industry trends aimed at reducing e-waste and extending hardware lifespans. I observed a dedicated support office where staff were responding to issues, many of which involved firmware or BIOS concerns. The responses to my questions were generally clear but did follow a templated structure, which made it difficult to determine how adaptable their support might be in complex cases.

Moving onto the factory floor, I was able to observe multiple stages of the production workflow. The environment combined automated processes—such as SMT (surface mount technology) component placement and soldering—with manual checkpoints, where staff would verify board integrity, inspect connector alignment, and move products between stations. The factory space showed signs of active use: floor scuffing, desk wear, and tooling marks suggested long-term operation rather than short-term setup.

Workers were equipped with anti-static wrist straps, and safety protocols appeared to be in place, though a few inconsistencies were observed. For instance, not all staff were wearing the full lab coats or coverings that I was required to wear as a visitor. While that’s not uncommon in similar facilities, it’s worth noting in the context of manufacturing discipline. Overall, the workflow followed a logical structure, and there were observable quality checks along the line, including one instance where a misaligned port was flagged and redirected for correction.

Direct interaction with factory personnel was limited, mainly due to language barriers and the guided nature of the tour. I attempted brief conversations, but most staff were focused on their tasks and understandably uninterested in lengthy exchanges with a foreign visitor.

I did not observe any signs of distress or visible overwork, but equally, I did not have enough time or context to draw firm conclusions about working conditions. The facility walls displayed motivational signage, some of which featured quite stern phrasing around responsibility and company reputation.

These types of messages—such as “Your mistakes are our mistakes”—may reflect common workplace culture in the region rather than specific managerial attitudes. In contrast, a separate building used for research and marketing featured more aspirational language. These environmental details may offer some insight into the tone and structure of the company, although they should be interpreted cautiously.

A portion of the facility was allocated to repairs and technical diagnostics. I observed several staff members actively responding to customer-reported issues and working on returned products. Desks were equipped with diagnostic tools and some BIOS interfaces were visible on screens.

In a nearby room, technicians were repairing or reworking boards—examples included reseating CPUs, correcting poorly soldered connectors, and inspecting DIMM slots.

Although the scale of this area was not massive (around six to eight desks), it indicated an operational RMA process. I did not assess how quickly repairs are processed or whether every return is examined manually, but the team appeared to be addressing real customer issues, not simply staging activity for the tour. Staff in this area were dressed more casually than the production line workers, likely due to the nature of their tasks involving pre-owned or defective components.

The second facility, located in the Beta Industrial Park, was clearly identified as a CWWK property. Unlike the first building, this one included prominent company branding, product showcases, and internal signage referencing CWWK’s development roadmap.

The upper floors were used by the R&D and marketing teams. In a dedicated product room, I was shown nearly every motherboard they’ve developed, including legacy models and upcoming releases. Several new boards were in early development, featuring high-density SATA fan-outs via SFF-8654 and NVMe expandability.

Designs ranged from micro-ITX to mATX, with plans to scale modularly using add-on cards for storage and connectivity. I also viewed design schematics and 3D renderings used to plan component layout and case compatibility. CWWK is working on 10GbE-capable models using newer Intel and AMD platforms, including boards with ECC memory support and USB4 integration. While I was not permitted to document everything in detail, the scope and clarity of the development process suggested an active, technically capable engineering team.

After spending a full day across both facilities, my overall impression of CWWK was that of a mid-sized but competent hardware developer with a growing international presence. While the first building’s exact ownership remains somewhat ambiguous, the second building was clearly operated and branded by CWWK, housing their product, development, and marketing teams. More significantly, based on my observations and the responses given, it is clear that CWWK designs and owns the intellectual property behind their motherboards.

There were also strong indications that they serve as an upstream supplier for other brands—likely including companies like Topton, MrRoute, and similar resellers often seen on Chinese e-commerce platforms. Whether these partners act as distributors, integrators, or white-label resellers wasn’t explicitly stated, but the relationship appears to exist.

CWWK is not a shell company or brand-only operation; it is a functioning developer and manufacturer of computing hardware with its own IP, infrastructure, and personnel. For buyers, this doesn’t automatically guarantee performance or support satisfaction, but it does lend some credibility and traceability to a product category often dominated by opaque supply chains and unbranded goods.

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WE LOVE COFFEE

Vous avez installé la dernière version de macOS, notamment pour profiter des fonctionnalités d’Apple Intelligence sur votre appareil compatible. Mais en lançant l’application Image Playground, vous êtes systématiquement confronté à ce message : « Photothèque non disponible – Ouvrez Photos pour utiliser Image Playground ». Le problème ? Une fois dans l’application Photos, aucun paramètre ne fait référence à Image Playground. Pas de menu caché, pas d’option dédiée. Pourtant, la solution s’y trouve bel et bien, mais elle n’est pas évidente à repérer.

Pourquoi ce message d’erreur ?

Après avoir exploré les forums et tenté plusieurs pistes, vous avez sans doute constaté que rien ne semble résoudre ce problème. Et pour cause : Apple se contente d’un message vague, vous invitant à ouvrir Photos sans autre précision.

Le vrai souci se situe dans la configuration de votre photothèque. Si vous utilisez plusieurs photothèques (notamment après une migration, un autre support, ou depuis NAS), il est probable qu’aucune n’ait été définie comme photothèque système. C’est précisément ce qui bloque Image Playground.

Solution

Voici la procédure simple pour débloquer la situation :

• Ouvrez l’application Photos
• Dans la barre de menus, cliquez sur Photos > Réglages…
• Rendez-vous dans l’onglet Général
• Dans la section Emplacement de la photothèque : puis cliquez sur Utiliser comme photothèque système

Une fois cette opération effectuée, la modification est immédiatement prise en compte. Vous pouvez fermer l’application Photos. Relancez.

Voilà, tout fonctionne correctement…

En résumé

Si Image Playground affiche le message « Photothèque non disponible », c’est probablement parce qu’aucune photothèque n’est définie comme photothèque système. Pour corriger cela, ouvrez l’application Photos, allez dans Photos > Réglages > Général, puis cliquez sur Utiliser comme photothèque système. Cette action permet à macOS de lier correctement Image Playground à votre photothèque. Relancez ensuite Image Playground : le problème est résolu.

Avec cette manipulation, Image Playground peut enfin accéder à votre photothèque. Les fonctionnalités d’Apple Intelligence deviennent pleinement opérationnelles.

The Best Travel Routers, SIM/LTE Routers and Gateway Devices I Have Ever Used

I think it would be fair to say that in 2025, unless you are travelling within your own country, chances are that you are definitely going to need some kind of internet connection in order to get around when travelling around the world. Unfortunately, the age when you could get by with an A to Z book and a handful of local phrases has long gone, and alongside the complexity of most cities growing exponentially, a lot of shops, restaurants and services are moving towards 3D barcode menus and digital-only point of sale resources. Add to that the enormous benefits of translation tools and Babel Fish-level communication services that are internet-assisted, and it’s almost impossible to imagine travelling around the world now without any kind of internet connection at all times. However, whether it is barriers from requiring a local phone number for authentication, or simply that you are going places without a reliable public Wi-Fi access point at your fingertips, many users have started hopefully relying on the use of portable routers, mobile access point devices and SIM card routers. In the last few years, I’ve travelled to numerous trade shows and public events around the world, and in that time required different kinds of mobile router device in order to get things done professionally. Sometimes I’ve needed a simple router that allows me to safely and securely use public Wi-Fi services in coffee shops and train stations. Other times I’ve needed a dedicated internet connection from a cell phone provider via SIM card to be available 24/7. Over the years, I’ve used numerous devices, good and bad, and to save you a lot of trouble, I’m going to go through the ones that I (and professional colleagues that I’ve met) have come to rely upon in their day-to-day professional travel. I will also include a router that has consistently let me and a number of my professional colleagues down on a regular basis, in order to help you avoid making the same mistake we did. Let’s go.

IMPORTANT – You Might Not Need a SIM Router!

Before I go any further, it’s worth highlighting that none of the physical travel routers that I recommend below have paid for this article, and all of the opinions provided are my own, those of my professional colleagues, and are based on years of genuine use together. I have included links to purchase these items, and doing so will result in a small commission that helps me keep doing what I do, but the brands themselves have no influence over the content of this article.

Using Airport Routers – Are They Safe?

It’s also worth mentioning that it has become increasingly common, especially in the East, for users to be able to rent travel routers with a dedicated cellular internet connection from a local airport. These can be incredibly affordable and very convenient, as they often eliminate the need for purchasing a whole router device for your travel. I have used these a couple of times when travelling to Hong Kong and Taipei, Taiwan, when I’ve needed to travel especially light and with only hand luggage. However, be aware that these do arrive with some caveats. Firstly, you will need to supply the vendor with a passport, documentation, as well as provide a deposit for security purposes. Secondly, be aware that the level of control that you have over your network will be extremely limited, and you will have zero admin control of the router. That means that not only can you not adapt the router in terms of quality and priority of service for different devices, but you cannot utilise an in-router VPN or be 100% certain that the data and passwords that pass through the router are not being collected in some way. I am not suggesting that all mobile router providers are inherently untrustworthy, I am simply saying that these options are limited, and I would only recommend them as short-term, ad hoc options at best.

You Might Not Need a Travel Router in Europe!

Last point, and this is mainly for Europeans but does also apply to some other regions of the world, in some cases, if you already have an existing cellular contract for your phone data, it may still be supported in the region you intend to visit. For example, even though the UK chose to leave the EU, there is still shared coverage of cellular providers across the majority of Europe, and your O2/EE/Vodafone data plan may well work in the majority of other European countries, still within your own data allowances. It is by no means a solid rule, but it is worth checking before you travel, as it may save you the need for a travel router at all.

GL.iNet Slate 7

Pros – Wi-Fi 7, dual-band, physical VPN switch, fully functional software, mobile app, physical RJ45 2.5GbE connections, touchscreen LCD, USB NAS storage sharing support, app centre, multiple VPN support, USB tethering, USB phone tethering.

Cons  Requires USB power, no SIM card slot, no eSIM support.

Currently, this is the newest addition to my travel kit when going anywhere in the world. Although it has only been physically present in my travel bag for a little over 6 weeks, I have known about this device for almost half a year, and GL.iNet made a lot of noise in their early development of the device and received a lot of early praise. Touted as one of, if not the first, Wi-Fi 7 travel routers, this device allows you to take advantage of bandwidth enhancements like Multi-Link Operation and faster data supported in Wi-Fi 7. Although it lacks support for the 6GHz band, it has still been an ever-reliable source of connectivity to me when I need to use public Wi-Fi services and I need to ensure that they are as secure as possible. GL.iNet has been in the business of making travel routers for a while, and indeed there is a second router mentioned later in this article, but even in the short time I’ve utilised this travel router, it has been something of a game changer when I need to travel light.

It features a touchscreen LCD that allows me to configure and connect on the go without the app, the open-source software allows me to use third-party applications, create storage shares with a USB, and it also supports multiple simultaneous internet connections for both failover and load balancing. That means that you can utilise a local USB-connected phone or dongle, connect to a third-party Wi-Fi connection, and even repeat an existing connection, giving you a 2-tier failover for when you need it. Additionally, it features two physical RJ45 ports that support both WAN and LAN utilisation, and both are 2.5Gb bandwidth.

All that said, keep in mind that this is a gateway device and not a SIM/LTE router. The device does not support eSIM usage and does not have any physical SIM card slot. This is a device for securely and conveniently connecting multiple devices at once to a single existing internet connection via a connected cable or via a third-party available Wi-Fi point. You are still going to need an existing internet connection going in, in order to really take advantage of the features and facilities of this router on your travels.

Solis 5G SIM Router

Pros – Free worldwide 1GB of data every month without a paid subscription requirement, Wi-Fi 6 support, eSIM and physical SIM card slot, USB power bank support, LCD touchscreen, dual-band, guest Wi-Fi SSID option, multiple data plan subscriptions on pay-as-you-go, coverage of the majority of the world, regular deals during seasonal events, USB tethering.

Cons – No physical RJ45 connections, some users will be put off by the optional subscription services.

The Solis 5G is a very different kind of travel router than the GL.iNet Slate 7 I just mentioned. Not only does this travel router feature a physical SIM/LTE slot for adding a cellular data plan in your local country of choice, but it also supports the use of the pay-as-you-go daily data plans available from Solis. Now, I will get onto the advantages and disadvantages of that shortly, but what I really think is cool about this product is that when you buy it and create an account (no bank details or subscription sign-up at all—just an email address, etc.), it entitles you to 1GB of free global data every single month.

That means that if you only plan on travelling internationally once a month on average, you will have a gigabyte of data available to you for absolutely no additional cost. And unless you plan on doing large data uploads or streaming high-definition movies on your travels, 1GB of data can go an exceptionally long way with regards to transportation and maps from the airport to the hotel, utilising translation applications every single day, making international internet phone calls on WhatsApp or WeChat, etc.

Otherwise, you can purchase individual unlimited days of data in packs of single days or multiple days in bundles that you can use ad hoc when you need to. Add to that that there are regular sales and offers on the Solis website during Black Friday, New Year, summer sales, and more, and it’s really easy to just purchase and keep a handful of individual data day passes on your account that you can choose to activate when needed for fast 5G and 4G internet services.

Moving slightly away from the internet connection, however, the device itself is no slouch either. Featuring a touchscreen LCD panel for controls and a mobile application for managing the device and its clients on the go, you can have multiple different SSIDs that vary in security and priority. The system features a large battery to maintain its operation for a great deal of time, as well as supporting USB tethering and USB power bank support.

That’ll allow you to also use it to charge up your USB devices when needed. Support for Wi-Fi 6 ensures up to 1.2Gbps connections to your client devices that feature support for 802.11ax over the two bands of 5GHz and 2.4GHz, and overall, this is easily the most convenient travel router you’re ever going to find. The only main downsides are the lack of physical RJ45 network connection ports and that the software is nowhere near as configurable as that of the GL.iNet routers.

Asus RT-AX57 Go Travel Router

Pros – Wi-Fi 6, small and light at just 12 cm square and 2 cm thick,full open-source software and controls, Wi-Fi repeating, physical VPN switch, multiple VPN services supported, supports mesh with local home/office Asus router for long-term use even when not traveling.

Cons – Lacks physical SIM card slot, pricing is a little all over the place between $99 and $139, I have not personally used it for an extended period of time and it arrives via recommendation from my professional colleagues (not a “con” exactly, but I thought it was worth mentioning).

Now, full disclaimer as mentioned earlier, this is a router that I’ve only utilised personally a very light amount when I’ve been working alongside professional colleagues who have brought this with them and we’ve all connected to it. However, I have heard nothing but good things about this device from my professional colleagues both on YouTube and generally in content creation. Whether it was because of its incredible portability at just 12 cm square and 2 cm thick, the incredibly low power consumption it has, or the fact that it can be used as a mesh point with an existing Asus router at home or in the office and therefore has deployment even outside of its use as a travel-only router, there is a reason I keep seeing this travel router being used at trade shows. Much like the GL.iNet Slate 7, this router does not feature its own SIM/LTE card slot. This is a gateway device that allows you to safely and securely connect all of your devices via a single Wi-Fi connection to an existing USB-connected internet service, wired WAN service, or existing Wi-Fi service in the area.

The hardware is pretty decent for its scale, and although you can find its price to be a little bit erratic depending on the store you shop at, it is possible to find this device at just $99 at some e-retailers. The software is pretty comparable to that of GL.iNet’s software and is built on open-source with support for third-party optional plugins, USB storage sharing, VPN services via physical button, and load balancing/failover. Probably the main appeal for this travel router—something that several of my colleagues informed me was part of their decision to purchase it—is that the device can be utilised for mesh with existing Asus routers. That means that if you have an Asus router already in your home or office environment that supports mesh, you can use this travel router as a mesh node to extend your existing home Wi-Fi coverage greatly when you are not travelling. And then, when you’re ready to travel, disconnect the device and take it with you. Once again, keep in mind that it does not feature a SIM card slot and also requires USB power for operation. But it is one of the smallest travel routers on this list, and although it’s the second oldest router on this list, it is still very capable in 2025.

GL.iNet Puli AX

Pros – Does everything that you want from both a travel router and a local home/office router, has two SIM card slots, features an SD card slot, supports USB storage and NAS-like sharing, and has six antennas shared between local Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. Features physical RJ45 ports and 2.5G WAN/LAN, includes a battery that can be easily removed if needed, clear LED display and controls, comprehensive router management software and mobile app, VPN physical button and multiple VPN protocols supported. Can be used as a prosumer router locally and easily disconnected and made portable as a travel router at any time (i.e., a 24×7 router, anywhere).

Cons – Expensive at $399-499, large size even without the battery attached.

Without a shadow of a doubt—and if you have the budget for it—the GL.iNet Puli AX SIM/LTE router is not only the best travel router I have ever used, but it might even be one of the best day-to-day routers I have ever used. That’s a pretty big statement, right? Let me explain. First and foremost, with the exception of Wi-Fi 7 support, the GL.iNet Puli AX provides everything that the Slate 7 at the start of this article does, as it utilises the same software platform and services but arrives with more memory, more CPU power/cores, and more storage by default to get started with and make the most of that software. However, it doubles down on everything that other routers from this brand provide. Need a SIM card slot? This device has two LTE/SIM card slots that support 5G and 4G SIM cards. Need physical network ports? This has two and supports 2.5G. Need portability? The system arrives with a large battery that is completely removable. Need good wireless coverage? This device has six individual antennas that cover a huge amount of local network coverage with Wi-Fi 6, and two antennas for cellular coverage. Don’t want to use a physical SIM and would rather use an eSIM? Yep, you can use an eSIM on this device too.

Much like other GL.iNet travel routers, the device supports failover across all of these SIM/eSIM/wired WAN options, and it supports load balancing, while also including Wi-Fi repeating and the ability to utilise the device as an encrypted gateway when connecting to third-party public/free Wi-Fi services. Add to all of that the fact that this router—and its comprehensive and detailed software—means that you can deploy this device in your office as your everyday router for managing countless devices and client hardware, and when you’re ready to go on your travels, the battery enables it to become a comprehensive travel router. That means that unlike other travel routers, which are only used when you travel (meaning the return on investment happens gradually over time), the Puli AX can be used 24×7 as your office router and then as your travel router—without needing to reconfigure security credentials or change anything about your setup unnecessarily between in-house and off-site use.

The Puli AX is by no means a perfect router. Of course, it is way more expensive than any other travel router on this list, and it’s also bigger—even without the battery attached. However, there is also no avoiding the fact that this is by far the most capable and powerful travel router that does absolutely everything you’re going to need, all in one device. With the exception of when I need to travel light or travel locally, I always use this router on my travels, and it has already replaced the router in my studio for day-to-day use too.

(What I said in conclusion on my dedicated Puli.AX Router review HERE) The GL.iNet Puli AX Mobile Router is arguably one of the most capable and powerful mobile routers available today. With an extensive feature set, including 5G support, Wi-Fi 6, robust failover options, and comprehensive storage capabilities, it stands out in the market. Despite its hefty price tag of $499, the value it offers in terms of functionality and reliability justifies the cost. Whether used in a static environment or on the go, this router provides a robust and versatile solution for internet connectivity. Overall, the GL.iNet Puli AX Mobile Router is an exceptional device that combines advanced features with practical usability. It is well-suited for a wide range of users, from business professionals requiring reliable internet on the go to home users seeking robust and versatile connectivity solutions. Its high price tag is justified by the extensive functionality and reliability it offers, making it a worthy investment for those who need a top-tier mobile router. Whether you’re looking for a reliable internet solution for your home, office, or travels, the Puli AX is a formidable contender that delivers on all fronts.

Avoid Netgear M6 (and most other Netgear Travel Routers for now)

I really hate to be negative, but the following is more of a warning for those of you who have seen the Netgear M6 mobile travel router—either on offer, offered by your local phone shop via contract, or even second-hand on eBay. Please do not buy this travel router, as both myself and many of my colleagues have experienced problems using the Netgear M6 travel router. On the face of it, it’s a great little thing. It’s small, offers great Wi-Fi, has a physical network port, supports SIM/LTE, includes an internal battery, and even features an LCD touchscreen that provides real-time information about the device when in operation. So, what’s the problem? Easy. For a start, it’s one of the most expensive routers for what you’re actually getting—and this applies, by the way, to the newer generation Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 versions too.

The router being expensive wouldn’t be a problem if the device were good enough to do the job. The Puli AX is an expensive travel router, but it has an incredible feature set and performs its role really well—so up to a point, it justifies its price tag. However, in the case of the Netgear M6, this is especially painful when you remember that this isn’t a brand coming out of left field or one you’ve never heard of. Netgear is an international brand associated with both home and professional-class hardware. Even a cursory look at the reviews online about the Netgear M6 indicates that my colleagues and I were not the only ones experiencing these issues with this router—yet these issues have persisted for many years. This isn’t written out of hate or with any intent of negativity, but simply to help stop users who might trust that this product’s name-brand label is enough to assume it’s a good router. I think it’s definitely worth spending the extra time looking around for better options first.

Examples of user other issues with the Netgear Travel Router series (couple of other examples here on the official Netgear Support Forum and on Reddit), but on the whole user feedback across Netgear’s official forums and platforms reveals a consistent pattern of serious reliability issues with the Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro routers. Multiple users report that while the device appears promising—offering features like 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, a touchscreen, and long battery life—the reality often falls short. A common issue involves internet connectivity degrading after 6 to 24 hours of uptime, with the router still technically online (able to ping or resolve DNS) but unable to load any web pages. This effectively renders the device unusable until it is rebooted. Even replacing units, SIM cards, or applying firmware updates often failed to resolve the issue. Many users, including those who rely on the M6 for home or business use, were forced to bypass its router functions entirely—using it as a basic modem while relying on a separate standalone router (like the Linksys EA8500) for Wi-Fi and LAN tasks. This workaround significantly improved performance but defeated the all-in-one purpose of the M6.

Another frequent complaint centers on overheating and throttling, especially when the device is plugged in for extended periods or placed in warmer environments. Users have reported the M6 reaching temperatures well above the recommended 35°C limit, leading to dropped connections, performance slowdowns, and in some cases, device shutdowns. Attempts to address these thermal issues—like using fans, disabling Wi-Fi, removing the battery while powered—provided only partial relief. Firmware updates are inconsistently delivered (especially via AT&T), with some users stuck on outdated builds that don’t resolve known bugs. Ultimately, for many users, the combination of high cost, unstable firmware, poor thermal management, and lackluster support has made the M6 series an unreliable choice—especially when more stable and affordable travel routers are readily available.

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Aujourd’hui, je vous propose un concours pour vous faire gagner un superbe NAS TerraMaster F4-424, la solution de stockage idéale pour les passionnés de tech, les utilisateurs exigeants et les professionnels…

Le TerraMaster F4-424 va changer votre vie

Le TerraMaster F4-424 est un NAS 4 baies en façade et avec 2 emplacements pour des SSD NVMe à l’intérieur. Il est animé par un processeur Quad-Core Intel N95 capable d’atteindre jusqu’à 3,4 GHz… accompagné par 8 Go de RAM DDR5 (extensible jusqu’à 32 Go). Ce NAS offre des performances impressionnantes pour tous vos besoins de stockage, de partage… mais aussi pour le multimédia.

Sa connectique est plutôt généreuse, elle comprend 2 ports Ethernet 2,5 Gb/s pour des vitesses de transfert élevées, 2 ports USB 3.2 Gen2 et même 1 sortie audio-vidéo HDMI 2.1.

Test du NAS TerraMaster F4-424

Comment participer ?

Pour rendre ce concours original et accessible à tous, j’ai décidé de faire simple. Pas de longues conditions ni de démarches fastidieuses !

Règlement du jeu-concours

1. Le concept : Mettez en commentaire de cet article votre cas d’usage le plus original ou pratique pour un NAS comme le TerraMaster F4-424. Comment l’utiliseriez-vous ? Pour quelle solution créative ? Quels problèmes résoudrait-il dans votre quotidien ?

2. Dates du concours :

• Début : 4 avril 2025 à 7h00
• Fin : 11 avril 2025 à 23h59

3. Participation :

• Ouverte à toute personne majeure résidant en France métropolitaine
• Une seule participation par personne

4. Sélection du gagnant :

Le gagnant sera désigné par tirage au sort parmi toutes les participations conformes. Un jury présélectionnera les 10 usages les plus originaux ou pertinents avant le tirage final.

5. Le lot : Le NAS TerraMaster F4-424 (sans disques durs) d’une valeur de 529,99€.

6. Annonce et remise du lot :

• Annonce du gagnant le 13 avril 2025 sur le site
• Le gagnant sera contacté par e-mail (assurez-vous que votre adresse soit correcte)
• Expédition du lot sous 10 jours après confirmation des coordonnées du gagnant

7. Protection des données personnelles :

Les informations collectées serviront uniquement à l’organisation de ce concours et ne seront pas utilisées à des fins commerciales.

Quelques idées pour vous inspirer

Vous manquez d’inspiration ? Voici quelques pistes de cas d’usage qui pourraient faire de vous un heureux gagnant :

• Une configuration multimédia innovante
• Une solution de partage pour votre activité professionnelle
• Un système de sauvegarde pour toute la famille
• Un serveur de jeux pour vos sessions entre amis
• Un hub créatif pour vos projets photo/vidéo
• Un homelab performant…

À vous de jouer !

N’attendez plus et participez dès maintenant en partageant votre cas d’usage idéal en commentaire. Bonne chance à tous et que le meilleur usage l’emporte !

How to Upgrade Your Synology to 10GbE Cheaper with the Xikestor SKN-A113-Mini

The XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is a third-party 10GbE network adapter designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the official Synology E10G22-T1-MINI adapter for select NAS models, including the DS923+, DS723+, DS1522+, and RS422+. While both adapters provide similar networking capabilities, the XikeStor comes at a significantly lower cost. The Synology E10G22-T1-MINI typically retails between $130 and $180, whereas the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is available for $55 to $70, making it at least 50% cheaper. However, this price difference comes with trade-offs, including manual installation, potential compatibility issues, and the risk of voiding Synology’s warranty. Unlike the Synology adapter, which offers plug-and-play functionality, the XikeStor requires manual driver installation via SSH, meaning users must be comfortable with command-line tools and network configuration.

IMPORTANT – Do This At Your Own RISK!

Beyond installation challenges, long-term compatibility is a major concern. Because Synology does not officially support third-party network adapters, DSM updates could break functionality, requiring users to reinstall drivers or rollback updates. The adapter will not work until these steps are taken, making it less convenient for those who prefer a hassle-free setup. Additionally, Synology may deny support for any network-related issues if an unsupported adapter is detected in the system, meaning troubleshooting problems like unstable connections or speed drops would be left entirely to the user. For users who prioritize long-term reliability, this lack of official support can be a deal-breaker.

The build quality of the XikeStor adapter is another factor to consider. While the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI is constructed with higher-quality materials for better heat dissipation and durability, the XikeStor is lighter and may be more prone to wear over time. While many users report good performance, there is no guarantee of long-term reliability, particularly if used in a demanding 24/7 NAS environment. In summary, the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is best suited for users who are comfortable with manual setup, willing to risk DSM update conflicts, and do not need Synology’s official support. For those who prioritize stability, seamless updates, and manufacturer-backed troubleshooting, the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI remains the safer—though more expensive—choice.

Bottom line though, This adapter is not officially supported by Synology. While compatibility with DSM 7.2.2 has been confirmed in testing, future DSM updates may break support. Users must be prepared to troubleshoot driver issues and revert DSM updates if necessary.

Compatibility & Specifications

• Compatible DSM Versions: Tested on DSM 7.2.2-72803 (March 2025)
• Supported NAS Models: DS923+, DS723+, DS1522+, RS422+
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x2
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
• Storage Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F)
• Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% RH
• Warranty: 1 year

Installation Guide

Step 0! Ensure system is powered off and install the adapter in the rear of the system.

When installing the adapter first time, make sure the Synology data is BACKED UP, and that the system is powered down. Ensure that you have an additional RJ45 cable connected to the Synology NAS via the 1GbE network port (i.e have a reliable and live network connection to the NAS aside from the 10GbE adapter) as you will need to still access the GUI and NAS via this other connection until the new 10GbE adapter is functioning in your NAS.

Step 1: Check if the Adapter is visible in DSM (will not work immediately)

1. Log into DSM and navigate to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface.
2. If the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is not listed, proceed with driver installation. IMPORTANT make sure the adapter slot at least shows as ‘occupied’ – as this at least shows the card is visible.

Step 2: Enable SSH on the Synology NAS

1. Open Control Panel > Terminal & SNMP.
2. Enable SSH and take note of the port number.
3. Click Apply.

Step 3: Download Required Software

1. Go to the Putty website to download the terminal software:
   • Visit: https://www.putty.org/
   • Download and install the terminal software on your desktop.

1. Obtain the latest XikeStor drivers from the official website:
   • Visit: http://visit.seekswan.com:6555/app/file/new_download.html
   • Click Download Centre > Network Card > SKN-A113-MINI
   • Download modules.sh (driver installation script).

Step 4: Upload the Driver Script to the NAS

1. Log into DSM and open File Station.
2. Create a new folder (e.g., test).
3. Upload modules.sh to this folder.

Step 5: Access NAS via SSH and Install the Driver

There are several commands that you are going to need to use to have sufficient authorization via SSH. IMPORTANT!!! Using Terminal software and SSH commands can seriously damage your Synology NAS system. DO NOT PERSUE THIS WITHOUT A SYSTEM BACKUP IN PLACE, OR IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE RISKS!

The commands you need to use are detailed below and are based around if you uploaded the files you downloaded from the Xikestor site to the NAS in the directory volume1/test/ . Change as appropriate to where you uploaded:

1. Open Putty.
2. Connect to the NAS using its IP address and the SSH port.
3. Log in using the administrator username and password.
4. Gain root privileges by entering:

   sudo -i

5. Navigate to the folder where modules.sh is stored:

   cd /volume1/test

6. Verify the presence of modules.sh by listing the files:

   ls

7. Run the installation script:

   ./modules.sh

8. Enter atlantic as the driver name when prompted.
9. Copy the installed driver to the correct directory:

   cp mi-d/modules/atlantic.ko /usr/lib/modules

10. Restart the NAS:

    reboot

Step 6: Verify Installation

1. Log back into DSM.
2. Navigate to Control Panel > Network > Network Interface.
3. The XikeStor adapter should now be visible and configurable.

Performance Testing & Comparison

Test Environment:

• NAS Model: DS923+
• Storage Configuration: RAID 5 SSDs
• Test Tools: AJA, CrystalDiskMark, ATTO Disk Benchmark
• Connection Type: Direct 10GbE connection

Results:

• The XikeStor adapter performed comparably to the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI in sequential read/write tests.
• Some minor inconsistencies in sustained performance were observed, possibly due to driver optimizations.
• The Synology adapter exhibited better build quality and felt more robust.

Risks & Considerations – SERIOUSLY, READ THIS!

Potential Issues with DSM Updates

• Synology DSM updates may remove or disable third-party drivers.
• Users may need to reinstall drivers or rollback DSM versions.
• Installing third-party hardware may void Synology’s support coverage.
• Synology’s official adapter is guaranteed to work without additional setup.
• The Synology E10G22-T1-MINI uses higher-quality materials and has a more durable construction.
• The XikeStor adapter is lighter and may be less robust.
• The XikeStor adapter is not validated by Synology, which may raise concerns about long-term security and stability.
• No suspicious network activity was detected during testing, but users should monitor their network traffic.

Should You Buy the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini or the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI?

Pros: Lower cost (typically 50% cheaper than Synology’s official adapter) Comparable performance in most scenarios Works with DSM 7.1.1-7.2.2 (as of now)

Cons: Requires manual driver installation and SSH access May become incompatible with future DSM updates Build quality is not as premium as Synology’s official adapter Potential warranty implications

Final Recommendation

• If you want hassle-free compatibility and support, the Synology E10G22-T1-MINI is the safer choice.
• If you are tech-savvy, comfortable with SSH, and willing to troubleshoot, the XikeStor SKN-A113-Mini is a cost-effective alternative.

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Want to follow specific category? Also Read...How New Synology NAS Product RSynology DS401+ Drive ReviewWeek 12 Tech Roundup – SynolSynology DS725+ NAS RevealedSynology DS1825xs+ NAS RevealeSynology DS225+ NAS RevealedSynology DS425+ NAS RevealedSynology DS1525+ NAS RevealedSynology DS925+ NAS NewsSynology DS925+, DS1525+, DS42 Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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CasaOS est un système open source conçu pour simplifier la gestion d’un serveur domestique, qu’il s’agisse d’un cloud personnel, d’un homelab ou de tout autre usage similaire. Intuitif et accessible, il offre une solution idéale pour centraliser et gérer vos applications en toute simplicité. Découvrons ensemble ses fonctionnalités et ses avantages…

CasaOS, c’est quoi ?

CasaOS permet de transformer n’importe quelle machine en Cloud personnel, offrant des fonctionnalités variées comme :

• Stockage et partage de fichiers ;
• Autohébergement ;
• Streaming multimédia ;
• Automatisation et gestion d’appareils connectés ;
• Installation d’applications avec une interface utilisateur intuitive.

CasaOS : OS ou application ?

Contrairement à ce que son nom pourrait laisser penser (OS : Operating System ou système d’exploitation en français), CasaOS n’est pas un système d’exploitation. Il s’ajoute à un système Linux existant : Debian, Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi OS… CasaOS repose sur ce système sous-jacent pour exécuter ses services et utilise Docker pour gérer les applications. Son interface utilisateur simplifiée rend son utilisation accessible à tous.

Comme indiqué précédemment, le code source CasaOS est ouvert et disponible à cette adresse.

Quelles sont les origines de CasaOS ?

CasaOS a été créé en 2021 par IceWhale Technology, une société basée à Shanghai en Chine. Cette dernière fabrique avant tout du matériel : ZimaBoard (une carte similaire au Raspberry Pi), ZimaCube (NAS complet), ZimaBlade…

Pourquoi utiliser CasaOS ?

CasaOS est idéal pour les utilisateurs recherchant à centraliser leurs données personnelles tout en réduisant leur dépendance aux services Cloud publics.

Comme le système est principalement basé sur Docker, il sera facile d’ajouter des applications qui ne seraient pas présentes depuis l’App Store.

Cependant, CasaOS a quelques défauts/contraintes. Tout d’abord, il n’est pas autonome. Il nécessite d’avoir au préalable installé un système d’exploitation. Cela pourrait en freiner plus d’un. Ensuite, CasaOS ne sait pas gérer de RAID nativement, ce qui peut poser quelques soucis si on veut le mettre sur un NAS. Aussi, l’écosystème de CasaOS est encore trop limité et dépendant à Docker. Il n’est pas possible de faire tourner des machines virtuelles. Enfin, CasaOS est développé par une entreprise chinoise encore jeune, ce qui peut soulever des questions sur la pérennité du projet et la réactivité en cas de besoin de support.

Est-ce que CasaOS peut fonctionner sur un NAS ?

Oui, il peut tout à fait fonctionner sur un NAS DIY ou un NAS du marché dont le fabricant aurait laissé la possibilité d’installer un système alternatif. Il offrira une seconde vie aux NAS qui ne sont plus maintenus par leur fabricant.

En synthèse

CasaOS est un système flexible et économique pour ceux qui souhaitent personnaliser leur serveur à la maison sans investir dans un NAS dédié. Il offre une grande simplicité d’utilisation et de personnalisation. Cependant, il s’agit avant tout d’un système qui s’ajoute à un système d’exploitation. Certaines fonctionnalités avancées, comme le support natif du RAID ou la fiabilité optimisée des systèmes NAS traditionnels, ne seront pas directement présentes dans CasaOS.

Pour tester CasaOS ou en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur le site officiel…

Prochainement, nous aborderons ZimaOS… Le système d’exploitation proposé par IceWhale Technology.

Synology DS401+ Review: A Big Leap in Data Portability

Synology has once again redefined innovation with the launch of its latest device, the DS401+, a radical departure from traditional NAS design. Unlike anything in their existing lineup, the DS401+ is a compact, ultra-portable single-bay system that arrives with 8GB of pre-installed storage.

While its modest appearance might lead some to question its capabilities, this device is full of surprises and packed with what Synology describes as “next-level user-driven expandability.” Upgrades are a breeze, requiring nothing more than confidence, persistence, and maybe a little brute force.

Connectivity is as streamlined as it gets, with USB 2.0 ensuring compatibility with virtually every system released in the past 20 years.

Performance skeptics will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the DS401+ boasts transfer speeds of up to 8GB per second—a metric achieved under rigorous, real-world conditions involving trajectory and velocity.

While traditional benchmarks focus on read/write speeds, Synology’s new direction explores the physics of momentum as an alternative measurement of data mobility. One of the standout features of the DS401+ is its offsite backup functionality.

Designed for those constantly on the move, users can effortlessly transfer data, pop the DS401+ into a bag, and take their backup anywhere—whether that’s to work, the grocery store, or an accidental adventure sparked by a missing cat collar, missing your train and leaving your bag at home – can’t question it, that’s a pretty solid off-site backup!

While the DS401+ doesn’t support DSM, Synology’s usual operating system, it does come with pre-installed software of a different nature. Details remain scarce, but early reports suggest a mysterious blend of anti-ransomware tools, possibly paired with rudimentary antivirus protection.

Whether this is a security feature or just a cleverly disguised README file remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the DS401+ clearly takes a bold stance on cybersecurity—even if no one knows exactly what it’s doing.

File sharing has never been more intuitive. With the DS401+, users can now share files simply by passing the device to someone else. There’s no need for network mapping, no passwords to remember, and absolutely no waiting for uploads. This tactile approach to data transfer offers unmatched immediacy and person-to-person encryption powered by trust. For those concerned about future expansion, Synology has teased a “Forb” edition, rumored to support even more aggressive upgrade techniques.

And for power users who demand more from their tiny NAS, Synology has introduced the DS401+ Forb, a “four-bay” variant that somehow fits into an even smaller form factor than the original. Early hands-on impressions describe it as “smaller than the palm of your hand but twice as confident.” While there’s no visible evidence of four bays, Synology assures customers that the extra capacity is there if you’re willing to think small enough. Expansion remains as simple as ever—just apply additional USB drives using light percussion.

The launch date of the Synology DS401+—April 1st—is no coincidence. Known globally as April Fools’ Day, it’s a time when tech companies occasionally tease products that walk the line between absurdity and brilliance.

From its minimalist design to its unconventional “performance” metrics, every detail feels like a carefully crafted nudge and wink to the audience. It’s a playful reminder that innovation sometimes requires not just thinking outside the box—but joking about the box entirely.

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QNAP annonce aujourd’hui l’acquisition de son principal concurrent Synology, pour un montant estimé à 9 milliards de dollars. Cette fusion risque de bouleverser le marché des NAS et ouvrir la porte à de nouvelles perspectives pour les utilisateurs des deux marques. Explications…

Une annonce inattendue

Dans un communiqué officiel publié ce matin, QNAP a déclaré avoir finalisé l’acquisition de Synology après plusieurs mois de négociations. « Nous sommes ravis d’unir nos forces avec Synology afin de proposer à nos clients des solutions de stockage toujours plus performantes et innovantes », a affirmé le PDG de QNAP.

De son côté, Synology a assuré que cette fusion garantirait « une continuité dans le support et les services » pour ses utilisateurs, tout en laissant entendre que DSM et QTS, les 2 systèmes emblématiques des marques, pourraient bientôt converger.

Une fusion qui interroge

Cette annonce suscite de nombreuses interrogations dans la communauté des utilisateurs de NAS. QNAP et Synology, souvent considérés comme rivaux historiques, ont des approches très différentes en termes de matériel, d’interface logicielle et de politique de mise à jour.

Si certains se réjouissent d’un possible rapprochement des meilleures fonctionnalités des 2 marques, d’autres redoutent une uniformisation du marché et une diminution de l’innovation due à la disparition de cette concurrence qui a tant bénéficié aux consommateurs par le passé.

Quelles conséquences pour les utilisateurs ?

QNAP a tenté de rassurer « rien ne changera à court terme » pour les clients actuels de Synology. Cependant, des sources proches du dossier évoquent déjà une refonte des gammes de produits et une éventuelle fusion des écosystèmes logiciels. Une rumeur persistante indique même que le prochain DSM 8.0 pourrait débarquer dans les NAS QNAP !

dans le NAS !

Oui, tout ceci n’est qu’un poisson d’avril ! QNAP et Synology restent bien des concurrents acharnés, pour le plus grand plaisir des utilisateurs qui profitent ainsi d’innovations toujours plus poussées. Alors, rassurez-vous : DSM et QTS continueront leur guerre technologique et vos NAS préférés ne sont pas prêts de fusionner !

Chaque jour, des millions de personnes prennent des risques inconsidérés sans même s’en rendre compte. Et vous en faites peut-être partie. Photos de famille, documents de travail, souvenirs précieux… Imaginez un instant : votre ordinateur tombe en panne, votre smartphone est volé, votre disque dur lâche, ou qu’un décret obligent les sociétés américaines à ne plus fournir de Cloud aux Européens. Et tout disparaît !

Pourquoi attendre la catastrophe ?

Chaque année, c’est la même chose. Le 31 mars, je vous rappelle l’importance cruciale des sauvegardes. Si vous êtes un lecteur régulier de Cachem, vous savez combien il est vital de sauvegarder vos données et de vérifier leur intégrité.

Les chiffres sont toujours alarmants :

• 30% des gens n’ont jamais fait de sauvegarde ;
• 60% des entreprises ayant subi une perte massive de données ferment dans les six mois ;
• 70% des pannes de disque dur arrivent sans aucun signe avant-coureur ;

Et pourtant, faire une sauvegarde ne prend que quelques minutes.

Les mauvaises excuses qui coûtent cher

Vous vous dites certainement :

• « Je le ferai plus tard. » (Jusqu’au jour où… c’est trop tard.)
• « Mon Cloud suffit. » (Mais l’avez-vous configuré correctement et testé ?)
• « Ça n’arrive qu’aux autres. » (Dites ça aux millions de victimes de ransomware…)

Adoptez les bons gestes

Le World Backup Day, c’est l’occasion parfaite pour adopter une bonne habitude.

Règle du 3-2-1 :

• 3 copies de vos fichiers
• 2 supports différents (disque dur externe, NAS, Cloud…)
• 1 sauvegarde hors site (chez un proche, dans un lieu sûr, sur un Cloud sécurisé…)

Et surtout, testez vos sauvegardes ! Une sauvegarde corrompue, c’est comme un gilet de sauvetage troué.

Faites passer le message !

Aujourd’hui, vous avez encore le choix. Demain, il sera peut-être trop tard. N’hésitez pas à partager cet article à vos proches. N’oubliez pas de mettre en place dès aujourd’hui un plan de sauvegardes.

Ne laissez pas le hasard décider pour vous : Sauvegardez – Vérifiez – Recommencez.

Updates on the Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro NAS

Minisforum is no stranger to shaking up established markets. Known primarily for its innovative and compact mini PCs, the brand has now turned its attention to network-attached storage (NAS) solutions. Earlier this year at CES 2025, Minisforum unveiled the N5 Pro NAS — a five-bay, AI-optimized device that instantly caught the attention of NAS enthusiasts. Now, after a visit to Minisforum’s headquarters and production facilities in Shenzhen, we have a deeper look into this bold new entry into the NAS market.

The N5 Pro is confirmed to be nearing launch, and joining it is a new, more affordable sibling: the Minisforum N5. These new devices aim to strike a compelling balance between powerful performance, modular flexibility, and enthusiast-grade features. Whether you’re building a high-performance TrueNAS server, exploring AI-assisted photo management, or just want to future-proof your home media solution, the N5 Series looks like it could be one of the most exciting NAS hardware releases of 2025. To top it off, Minisforum is also experimenting with their own NAS operating system, which could give users a turnkey alternative to the usual DIY route. Let’s break down what’s been confirmed, what’s new, and why it matters.

Minisforum N5 Pro – Fully Featured and AI-Ready

The N5 Pro NAS remains the flagship of Minisforum’s 2025 storage push, and nearly all the specs shown at CES have now been fully confirmed. It arrives equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU, a 12-core/24-thread processor built on the Zen 5 architecture, which includes an integrated AI engine.

The design emphasizes airflow and modularity, with a sliding motherboard tray, magnetic front bay cover, and an updated second-gen chassis with better heat dissipation. The system is designed for prosumers and power users, featuring ECC memory support (a rarity in this price segment) and up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM.

Storage-wise, it supports five hot-swappable SATA drives and three M.2 NVMe SSDs — more than enough for a complex ZFS setup or tiered storage architecture. Expansion capabilities are strong as well, with PCIe 4.0 x4, OCuLink for external GPUs or JBODs, and dual Ethernet (10GbE + 5GbE).

Minisforum is also considering offering a 64GB M.2 module preloaded with their custom OS, allowing users to keep all M.2 slots free for data.

The N5 Pro is designed as an open system: while it may ship with Minisforum’s OS on request, users can freely install TrueNAS, UnRAID, OpenMediaVault, or any OS of their choosing — with no impact on warranty.

Category	Specification
CPU	AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 (12C/24T, up to 5.2GHz, Zen 5, NPU AI Engine)
GPU	AMD Radeon 890M (Integrated)
RAM	Up to 128GB DDR5 ECC (2x SODIMM, 5600MHz)
SATA Storage	5 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (Hot-swappable, up to 22TB each)
M.2 Storage	1x 2230/2280 PCIe 4.0 x1, 1x 2280/22110 PCIe 4.0 x1, 1x 2280/22110 PCIe 4.0 x2
Expansion	1 x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1 x OCuLink 4i (PCIe 4.0 x4)
Networking	1 x 10GbE RJ45, 1 x 5GbE RJ45
I/O Ports	2 x USB4 (40Gbps), HDMI 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Audio out
Power Supply	280W PSU
Optional Add-on	64GB OS Module (TBC)

Minisforum N5 – A More Affordable, Scaled-Down Option

The new Minisforum N5 is being developed as a cost-effective alternative to the N5 Pro. It retains the same chassis and internal layout but swaps out the high-end CPU and ECC memory support in favor of more accessible hardware.

This device is still in the evaluation phase, with Minisforum considering two CPU options: the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 8645HS or Ryzen 5 7640HS. Both offer 6 cores and 12 threads, with clock speeds up to 5GHz, and may allow better PCIe lane distribution than the Pro model. Despite the lower-tier specs, the N5 is far from underpowered.

It still supports up to 128GB of DDR5 (non-ECC), the full five SATA bays, three M.2 NVMe slots, OCuLink, and even dual USB4 ports. Where it diverges is networking: the current prototypes drop 10GbE support and may ship with either dual 5GbE ports or a combination of 5GbE and 2.5GbE. For many home users, this is still more than adequate, especially if the N5 launches at a competitive price point.

Like the Pro version, the N5 may include the optional 64GB OS module and support for Minisforum’s in-house NAS OS. Alternatively, users can bring their own OS without voiding support. This flexibility means the N5 could become an attractive entry point for first-time NAS builders or budget-conscious prosumers.

MinisCloud OS – Minisforum’s In-House NAS Software

One of the most intriguing developments is Minisforum’s potential entry into the NAS software space. Internally referred to as MinisCloud OS, this new platform is based on the Siyouyun OS framework (a Debian-based system used by several emerging NAS brands). Still in early development, the OS aims to provide a balance of accessibility and advanced features for home and small business users. Minisforum is evaluating whether to offer the OS pre-installed on the 64GB module, as a downloadable image (possibly SN-locked), or as an optional add-on at checkout. Importantly, this software will be optional, and using TrueNAS, UnRAID, or any third-party OS will not affect warranty or support.

Key Features of MinisCloud OS (In Development):

• ZFS storage support (snapshots, compression, deduplication)
• Multi-user management with 2FA/MFA

• AI-based photo recognition (faces, objects)
• Docker container and App Center
• Built-in file manager & download manager

• Support for SMB, WebDAV, FTP, DLNA
• Multimedia center for streaming content

A Promising Disruption to the NAS Market

Minisforum’s bold entry into the NAS arena is more than a rehash of mini PC hardware — it’s a fresh and flexible approach to modern storage needs. With the N5 Pro targeting power users and the N5 aiming for budget-friendly builders, both models offer advanced connectivity, modularity, and optional OS features rarely seen in compact NAS systems. If pricing lands right, the N5 Series could challenge established NAS vendors and appeal to the DIY home server crowd in a big way. We’ll continue tracking release dates, pricing, and software developments — stay tuned for our full hardware reviews and performance testing. For more, check out our upcoming Shenzhen factory tour and hands-on videos at NASCompares

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Want to follow specific category? Also Read...How New Synology NAS Product RI Visited a Chinese NAS FactorVisiting the CWWK NAS Factory Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro NAS -UGREEN NASync NAS - One Year LUGREEN NASync NAS - One Year LSynology DS725+ NAS RevealedSynology DS1825xs+ NAS RevealeSynolgoy DS625slim 6-Bay NAS RSynology DS225+ NAS Revealed Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

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L’équipe derrière Infuse frappe fort avec la version 8.1.2 de son célèbre lecteur vidéo. Cette mise à jour introduit de nouvelles fonctionnalités, avec la mise à l’échelle des vidéos (upscaling) par intelligence artificielle et améliore encore l’expérience utilisateur. Regardons de plus près le contenu de cette nouvelle mise à jour…

Infuse 8.1.2

Infuse est un lecteur vidéo ultra-performant conçu pour les appareils Apple (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac et Vision Pro). L’application est capable de lire (presque) tous les formats vidéo sans conversion, qu’ils soient stockés localement (NAS) ou dans le Cloud. Avec son interface élégante, ses puissantes fonctionnalités de lecture et son organisation automatique des bibliothèques (métadonnées et illustrations incluses), Infuse s’est rapidement imposé comme un incontournable pour les amateurs de vidéos.

L’application s’améliore régulièrement, mais elle vient de passer une nouvelle étape avec la version 8.1.2.

Nouveautés

• Upscaling vidéo par IA : cette fonctionnalité permet d’améliorer la qualité des vidéos de résolution 1080p et moins, grâce à l’intelligence artificielle. La mise à l’échelle intelligente est disponible sur les puces A16 et ultérieures, ainsi que celles de la série M d’Apple. Ce traitement sur l’appareil peut être activé ou désactivé dans les paramètres de lecture.
• Support du streaming SMB 3.1.1 : cette mise à jour améliore la compatibilité avec le protocole SMB pour un streaming toujours plus fluide.

Limitation importante : La fonctionnalité d’upscaling grâce à l’IA n’est pas disponible sur Apple TV, du moins pas sur les modèles actuellement commercialisés.

Améliorations

L’interface utilisateur a été optimisée :

• • Apparence des contrôles du lecteur améliorée sur tvOS lorsque la vidéo se termine ;
  • Meilleure présentation des jaquettes dans la liste « À suivre » sur macOS.

Corrections

De nombreux bugs ont été résolus pour offrir une expérience utilisateur plus fluide :

• Problèmes liés aux métadonnées Plex corrigées ;
• Résolution des soucis d’affichage, comme les artefacts visuels lors du téléchargement d’éléments non visionnés et sur le tri par date;
• Améliorations fonctionnelles :
  • Rafraîchissement manuel des métadonnées (tvOS) ;
  • Option « Afficher les logos » rétablie sur iPhone ;
  • Nom des playlists désormais visible dans les menus contextuels (iOS/visionOS) ;
  • Correction du tri avec l’article « The » ;
  • Correction de l’animation lors de la suppression d’éléments :
  • Ajustements divers : correction des couleurs de texte lors du changement de thème et correction d’un crash lors de l’ouverture du menu « Ajouter des fichiers »…

En synthèse

Avec cette mise à jour, Infuse consolide sa place parmi les meilleurs lecteurs vidéo pour les appareils Apple. Cette incursion dans l’IA marque une première étape importante, même si elle est réservée qu’à certains appareils.

Pour consulter la liste complète des corrections, rendez-vous sur la page officielle…

UGREEN NASync NAS: One Year Later – The Good, The Bad, and What’s Still Missing?

One year ago, UGREEN made waves in the NAS industry by launching its NASync series through a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, raising $6.6 million from over 13,000 backers. This new line of NAS devices aimed to offer a cost-effective alternative to established brands like Synology and QNAP, promising powerful hardware, a user-friendly experience, and AI-powered features at a more competitive price. Since its general retail release in mid-2024, UGREEN NASync has been available via Amazon, B&H, and UGREEN’s website, gaining a strong following among enthusiasts and small businesses. But after a year of real-world usage, firmware updates, and customer feedback, does the NASync series truly compete with industry leaders? Has UGREEN delivered on its promises, or are there still major issues preventing it from being a go-to NAS solution? This article will explore where UGREEN has excelled, where it still needs improvement, and whether the NASync series is a worthwhile investment in 2025.

Note – UGREEN are running a promotion during World Backup Day that drops the price significantly on several of their NASync devices on their own website and on Amazon. Find out more here or via the banner link below:

The UGREEN NASync NAS Kickstarter – A Recap

Unlike many hardware startups that struggle with fulfilling Kickstarter orders, UGREEN managed to deliver its NASync units on schedule to most backers, a significant achievement for a crowdfunded product. While there were some reports of faulty units, these appeared to be within normal failure rates for electronics and were generally covered by UGREEN’s replacement and support policies. What truly set UGREEN apart, however, was its unorthodox marketing strategy. Instead of focusing on traditional advertising or securing major sponsorship deals, UGREEN distributed thousands of review units to mid-tier and micro-influencers.

This grassroots approach ensured that discussions about the NASync series remained active and widespread across online tech communities. Unlike companies that pay for high-profile reviews on massive platforms like Linus Tech Tips, UGREEN instead prioritized authenticity and volume, creating long-term engagement from reviewers who actually tested the product in-depth. This strategy has proven successful, keeping UGREEN’s NAS devices relevant in online discussions long after their launch, though it has also meant that larger, mainstream tech publications have not widely covered the NASync series. While this marketing approach has helped build a loyal user base, it also raises concerns about how well UGREEN’s products will compete with more established brands in the long run if they do not gain broader mainstream recognition.

The UGREEN NAS Software Development So Far…

When the NASync series launched, its UGOS operating system was one of its most significant unknowns. Unlike Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, which have been refined for years, UGOS was a first-generation NAS OS that lacked many critical features and refinements expected by experienced users.

Over the past year, UGREEN has made steady improvements, rolling out regular firmware updates that have expanded its functionality. One of the most notable additions is the inclusion of Jellyfin as a native app, providing an alternative media server option for users who want to stream videos without needing complex third-party installations.

However, Plex support remains absent, a surprising omission considering Plex is the most widely used NAS-based media server. Another major shortcoming is the lack of iSCSI support, which is essential for business users, virtualization environments, and enterprise-level storage solutions.

While UGREEN has stated that iSCSI support is on their roadmap, it has yet to be implemented, making the NASync series a less viable option for professional users who rely on networked block storage solutions. Despite these improvements, UGOS is still not as polished or feature-rich as competing NAS operating systems, and for users who need advanced storage capabilities, its limitations remain a concern.

UGREEN NAS and Security – After 1 Year

Security was one of the biggest concerns when UGREEN first launched its NASync series, as it initially lacked two-factor authentication (2FA) and had limited built-in protections for remote access. Over the past year, UGREEN has addressed some of these concerns, adding 2FA and expanding firewall settings to include IP blocking, MAC filtering, and customizable access controls.

These updates have significantly improved overall security, but the absence of dedicated anti-ransomware protection remains a critical weakness. Competing NAS brands such as Synology and QNAP have introduced automated ransomware protection tools, snapshot-based rollback systems, and real-time anomaly detection, features that UGOS has yet to incorporate.

The NASync series does provide basic malware and antivirus scanning, but it is still lacking the more advanced automated security solutions that have become standard in the NAS industry. Users who are particularly concerned about security may prefer to disable UGREEN’s remote access services and instead use third-party VPN solutions like Tailscale or even install an alternative NAS operating system such as TrueNAS or UnRAID, both of which UGREEN supports without voiding hardware warranties.

UGREEN NAS and Local AI Use

UGREEN has been heavily investing in AI-driven functionality, integrating photo recognition, AI-assisted indexing, and content categorization into UGOS. Unlike cloud-based AI solutions, these run entirely on the NAS itself, keeping user data private and locally processed. This makes UGREEN one of the few NAS brands to offer AI-powered automation without cloud dependencies, a feature that privacy-conscious users appreciate.

However, with the recent announcement of UGREEN’s new IDX series, which focuses even more on AI-powered storage and advanced computing, there is growing uncertainty about the long-term future of the NASync series. It remains unclear whether UGREEN will continue to develop UGOS at the same pace for NASync devices or shift focus toward its newer, AI-driven IDX models.

While UGREEN insists that the NASync and IDX series will coexist as separate product lines, there is a possibility that software development for NASync may slow down in favor of newer hardware platforms. This uncertainty may deter potential buyers who want long-term software support guarantees.

UGREEN NASync Devices and Mixed Global Availability

Despite the NASync series’ popularity, UGREEN has struggled to expand its global distribution network. While the devices are widely available in the US, Germany, and select European markets, many regions still lack direct purchasing options. The UK recently saw improved availability, but other regions remain underserved, forcing potential buyers to import devices at higher costs.

Given the strong demand and continued interest, it is surprising that UGREEN has not prioritized expanding its retail presence globally. If the company wants to compete seriously with major NAS brands, broader availability through additional international retailers should be a key focus moving forward.

UGREEN NAS 1 Year Later – Verdict

One year in, UGREEN’s NASync series has made a strong impression in the NAS market, proving that it is more than just a one-off experiment. The company has demonstrated consistent software development, ongoing support, and a commitment to hiring industry experts to strengthen its NAS business. However, the NASync series still falls short in key areas, particularly iSCSI support, security automation, and mainstream availability. For enthusiasts and tech-savvy users willing to customize their setup, UGREEN’s NASync devices offer solid hardware at an attractive price. But for those who expect a polished, fully mature NAS experience, Synology and QNAP still lead the market. UGREEN has the potential to become a serious competitor in the NAS space, but its future success depends on how aggressively it continues to develop UGOS, improve security, and expand its global footprint.

20% OFF UGREEN NAS this World Backup Day

UGREEN is currently running a Work Backup Day promotion, offering a 20% discount on NASync devices purchased through their official website and Amazon. This limited-time deal runs from March 25th to March 31st, making it an excellent opportunity for those considering a UGREEN NAS for data protection and backup storage. With the growing importance of secure, local backups, especially for businesses and home users managing large datasets, this promotion provides a cost-effective way to invest in a NAS solution. Whether you’re looking to set up automated backups, secure your media collection, or expand your existing storage infrastructure, the discount makes UGREEN’s already competitive pricing even more attractive. However, with global availability still being somewhat inconsistent, buyers should check regional stock levels and shipping options before purchasing.

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Want to follow specific category? Also Read...How New Synology NAS Product RI Visited a Chinese NAS FactorVisiting the CWWK NAS Factory Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro NAS -Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro NAS -UGREEN NASync NAS - One Year LSynology DS725+ NAS RevealedSynology DS1825xs+ NAS RevealeSynolgoy DS625slim 6-Bay NAS RSynology DS225+ NAS Revealed Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

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If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

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QNAP frappe fort avec l’annonce de son nouveau NAS full-flash : le TS-h1277AFX. Il s’agit d’un boîtier haut de gamme à 12 baies conçu pour les créateurs de contenu cherchant à optimiser leur flux de travail collaboratif. Proposé à un tarif de 4 036 € HT, ce modèle s’adresse aux utilisateurs exigeants qui ne transigent ni sur la performance ni sur la fiabilité…

QNAP TS-h1277AFX

Le QNAP TS-h1277AFX se distingue par une configuration assez conséquente. Il propose 12 emplacements en façade dédiés aux SSD, garantissant des vitesses de lecture et d’écriture optimales. A l’intérieur, on retrouve un processeur AMD Ryzen 7 Octo Core (série 9000) cadencé à 3,8 GHz (mode turbo jusqu’à 5,5 GHz), épaulé par 32 Go de RAM DDR5 ECC, extensible jusqu’à 192 Go.

Son processeur graphique intégré (iGPU Radeon) ouvre la voie à des usages intensifs tels que le montage vidéo en temps réel, le traitement des effets visuels (VFX) ou encore la production multimédia avancée.

Une connectique complète et évolutive

Du coté de la connectique, le QNAP TS-h1277AFX dispose de 1 port USB 3.0 à l’avant, 2 ports USB 3.2 Gen2 à l’arrière (1* Type-A et 1* Type-C), 1 sortie audio-vidéo HDMI 1.4b, 2 ports réseau 2,5 Gb/s et 2 ports réseau 10 Gb/s. A noter, et c’est important, qu’il offre également 3 emplacements PCIe Gen 4.

QuTS hero

Ce NAS fonctionne sous QuTS hero, le système optimisé pour la fiabilité et la sécurité des données. Il intègre l’autoréparation ZFS, la déduplication, la redondance RAID et l’optimisation SSD, permettant ainsi de maximiser l’efficacité et la durée de vie des disques. Ces fonctionnalités assurent une protection avancée contre les pannes matérielles et garantissent un stockage immuable pour les fichiers critiques.

QuTS Hera fait du TS-h1277AFX un choix idéal pour les environnements où la perte ou la corruption de données n’est pas une option.

Prix et disponibilité

Le QNAP TS-h1277AFX est déjà disponible à la commande au prix de 4 036 € HT. Si le tarif est relativement conséquent, il reste compétitif compte tenu des performances et des fonctionnalités proposées. Ce NAS s’impose comme un investissement stratégique pour les professionnels du multimédia et les entreprises ayant des besoins exigeants en matière de stockage collaboratif.

Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur la page officielle du fabricant…

UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber Review – Overkill?

UniFi has absolutely been slamming hardware releases in the first quarter of 2025. Last year, they launched a new NAS solution, and in the last few months, we’ve seen them hammer out a wide range of new surveillance accessories. However, February 2025 has seen a huge rejuvenation of a number of wired and Wi-Fi devices in their router and cloud gateway lineup. Although we’ve seen several impressive solutions added to their new Wi-Fi 7-equipped portfolio, probably the most hench one of all is the UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber model, the UCG-Fiber. The popular UniFi Cloud Gateway series has always served as a much more compact and network-focused alternative to the bulkier UniFi Dream Machine and traditional router devices from the brand, but this new model really does scale the connectivity up to 11! Featuring multiple 10G connections spanning both copper and fiber, the system features PoE and multiple 2.5G LAN ports. Add to that arguably the most powerful internal hardware that the brand has yet rolled out (though realistically, UniFi doesn’t really choose powerhouse internal components normally anyway) and expandable M.2 NVMe storage, and what you have here is a system that manages to do everything that a bulky rack-mount-scale Dream Machine seemingly promises but in a physical scale that you can genuinely fit in your coat pocket—though I wouldn’t recommend doing that.

So let’s discuss the UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber and whether it deserves your data!

UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber) Review – Quick Conclusion

The UniFi Cloud Gateway 7 Fiber is a prosumer/business device that does not overpromise and is quintessentially UniFi in its architecture—for good and for bad! There is a lot of good to talk about: almost unparalleled external network connectivity for its scale, the unbeatable utilization of the UniFi Network Controller software, ease of setup combined with a complexity of features and control—the UCG-Fiber does it all and does it phenomenally well. Small inconsistencies in the presentation, such as the M.2 slot adapter not being included with the initial retail kit, I find puzzling, however, and perhaps a little bit more wiggle room on the flexibility of the WAN/LAN on those 2.5G ports is open to debate (CORRECTION, You CAN adjust the 2.5G Ports to WANs, but you need to disable WAN services on the other 10G ports manually first). But those aside, it really is hard to fault. Plucky little box, and at $249 for a huge amount of scalability and expandability, you would be hard-pushed to find anything better at this price tag that can do what this can do—while still remaining largely license-free!

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.6

PROS

Multi-Gigabit Connectivity – Supports dual 10G SFP+ ports, a 10GbE RJ45 port, and four 2.5GbE ports, allowing for high-speed networking.
PoE+ Support – One 2.5GbE port includes PoE+, enabling direct connection of UniFi APs, cameras, or other PoE-powered devices.
Integrated NVMe Storage Support – Allows installation of an NVMe SSD (up to 2TB) for UniFi Protect NVR functionality and other applications.
Compact & Fanless Design – Small form factor with silent operation, making it suitable for desktop or rack environments without additional noise.
License-Free SD-WAN & VPN Features – Includes WireGuard, OpenVPN, Teleport VPN, and Site-to-Site VPN without additional licensing costs.
Centralized UniFi Management – Seamlessly integrates with UniFi Network, Protect, and Talk, allowing for easy cloud-based management.
Stateful Layer 7 Firewall & IDS/IPS Security – Advanced traffic filtering, intrusion detection, and ad/content blocking for enhanced network security.
Lower Power Consumption – ARM-based quad-core CPU ensures efficient performance with lower heat output and energy usage compared to x86 alternatives.

CONS

Additional Cost for NVMe Tray – The M.2 SSD adapter tray is not included, requiring a separate purchase to enable internal storage.
Non-Upgradable RAM – Comes with 3GB of DDR4 RAM, which cannot be expanded, potentially limiting future scalability for advanced applications.
Lack of WiFi Support might be a pain for some on day 1

UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber) Review – Design

If you have ever been around or owned a UniFi device, you will be unsurprised to hear that the UCG-Fiber is easy on the eye, and a great deal of attention has gone into the design. Like the majority of UniFi devices, the system arrives with a dynamic and animated LCD panel that gives you real-time information about the traffic, utility of the device, and real-time information on IPS and network status.

Unfortunately, it is not a touchscreen, which isn’t the end of the world, but it’s a shame as a few other LCD-equipped UniFi devices have this feature, and some might assume that all of their devices follow suit. Needless to say, this LCD panel can have its brightness adjusted easily, be set to a schedule, or have the details it displays modified within the system settings somewhat.

The physical scale of this device, when future-set alongside a larger rack-mount-designed UniFi Dream Machine, is pretty bloody impressive. Arriving at 221mm by 127mm by 30mm, this thing is smaller than most ISP-free routers, yet crams in physical network ports and internal storage that I’ll touch on later. Additionally, the system is fanless and is completely silent when in operation.

Separated into multiple LAN and multiple WAN ports, the main traffic ports are all 2.5GbE Ethernet, and the system software supports numerous services for connecting VLANs, failover services, jumbo frame adjustments, and a plethora of network security settings that I will touch on later in the article. Given the wide-ranging bandwidth of all other connections on this device, I’m not sure anyone would have judged the brand if they tried to get away with one or two standard gigabit ports here. They really have scaled things up, and it’s pretty clear that this system is designed with tremendous future-proofing in mind. One of the individual 2.5G ports has something extra special, too.

One of the physical 2.5G ports also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which means that you will be able to take advantage of connecting smart network office peripherals for communication, or more likely, PoE-equipped cameras that you can connect and power via this port while using the UniFi Protect surveillance software installed on this device.

But I can understand how this single PoE port is intended more as an additional service for a locally deployed camera by the Cloud Gateway, rather than as a means to convince users to factor this in as a central point for their surveillance setup. Given the combination of copper and SFP connections on this device, it wouldn’t surprise me if one of the main factors preventing more PoE ports is simply heat generation at this scale.

However, one of the other arguably more general-purpose utilizations for this PoE port is to take advantage of one of the many multi-port PoE-powered network switches provided by UniFi in both small and medium form factors. Delivering up to 30 watts of power, which is enough to power either of the 2.5G fully equipped portable switches in the brand’s portfolio. Alternatively, thanks to the rather adaptable UniFi software that this system runs on, you can also take advantage of one of the many newly launched Wi-Fi 7-equipped PoE-powered AP devices that the brand recently rolled out. This single 2.5G PoE port provides both high power and high bandwidth performance to the U7, U7 Pro, U6 IP devices in the recent 2025 portfolio, and simply connecting one of these many AP devices to this single port allows you to immediately add an SSID tier to your network configuration in less than one minute—turning this hugely capable wired network management device into an all-purpose, business-class network router setup!

If you do choose to use this PoE port for a camera device, UniFi has a wide range of PoE-capable cameras spanning all the way to 4K, Edge AI services, and enterprise-grade surveillance equipment that, just like the wireless IP devices, can be added and deployed in less than a minute, with the UniFi Protect surveillance software already available on the UCG device with no license restrictions.

Using UniFi’s own cameras, you can utilize up to 12 HD cameras, 8 2K cameras, or four 4K cameras on this device. Alternatively, thanks to a changing stance by UniFi on their Protect platform, you can now also take advantage of third-party cameras that support ONVIF and better leverage existing surveillance equipment you may have in your home or office if you’re migrating your network setup over to the UniFi platform via the upgrade of a UCG-Fiber.

Moving away from those multiple 2.5G ports, we now need to talk about the other really impressive thing about the UCG-Fiber—and that is that this tiny box manages to arrive with three individual 10GbE connections. The UCG-Fiber features two SFP+ fiber 10GbE connections, but also, interestingly, an additional 10G Base-T copper connection as well. Given that these kinds of connections on a basic unmanaged switch would already push the price point of this device comfortably into the $200 mark, the fact that this system arrives with all of these connections, SSD scalability, UniFi capabilities, and PoE support all add up to this being phenomenal.

The UCG-Fiber has an internal switching support of 9.3Gbps performance, which, although may sound like less than the potential 40Gbps output that this system features, realistically, both the internal hardware profile this system has and the general use of this device were never going to max things out. And as long as the internal switching capacity of this system can match that of the largest possible single connection, I’m totally cool with this.

3x 10GbE connections mean that not only are you able to introduce an exceedingly high-performance WAN connection into your network that will be future-proof for at least a decade, but if you wanted to deploy a multi-site setup with fiber cabling between locations, there is a lot of compact yet powerful network packet handling on the table here! Plus, why not use another 10G port for a high-performance network switch and increase your broad network capabilities substantially, while still allowing great network traffic from the connected multi-port switch into your UCG-Fiber with ease? Finally, don’t overlook the benefits of introducing a 10GbE NAS into your UCG-Fiber, and either allow one user up to 1,000MBps transmission to the NAS or potentially 20 users to all enjoy gigabit network connection to that NAS. The potential for scalability on your network is phenomenal for such a small device.

However, it is worth highlighting that, as good as this is, I do have a little bit of a gripe with the way the brand has approached the 10G WAN/LAN connections on the UCG-Fiber. Although greater-than-gigabit internet speeds are becoming more common around the world, the availability of 10Gb internet is still pretty rare. While I can see the benefits of future-proofing by allowing multiple 10GbE connections, the fact that you cannot change one of the 2.5G ports on this device to a WAN if needed means that you are potentially losing out on quite a lot of network bandwidth. To elaborate, most users—even with high-performance internet services in their home or office—are unlikely to have greater-than-2.5GbE internet speeds for a good few years yet. Because the UCG-Fiber only allows two ports on this device to support WAN failover, that means that even if you were running basic sub-gigabit internet speeds like most users do, you are still restricted and potentially wasting the full capabilities of a 10G port on an ISP service that is never going to hit those heights. MASSIVE CORRECTION! You CAN chose to use the 2.5G ports as WAN/WAN2 and free up ALL the 10G ports if you like, however you need to ensure that WAN services are disabled on the existing 10G ports (setting them to LAN or DISABLED) first, and then the option to select ‘WAN’ or ‘WAN2’ on the 2.5G ports will appear. Really, REALLY pleased with this!

Another element that I have mostly positive, but not exclusively positive comments on is the M.2 NVMe SSD storage that this system supports. As mentioned, the UCG-Fiber allows you to install an M.2 NVMe SSD into the base of the system, and from there, you can use this storage to install multiple UniFi applications and services that will all run seamlessly from the UCG-Fiber network dashboard. These include automation, communication, and surveillance applications—all of which are license-free and included with the price of this system. Additionally, M.2 NVMe storage on this Gen 3×2 SSD line is going to provide fantastic performance and will ensure that particularly high-frequency services or high-demand services like AI-assisted surveillance setups run fantastically well here.

So, what is my problem with the way they have approached M.2 NVMe storage on the UCG-Fiber? It would be easy for me to criticize and say that the system should arrive with an SSD, but I’m not that naïve—at the $249 price this system comes in at, I think it would be unrealistic to assume that it would arrive with an SSD included. No, my problem isn’t that it doesn’t come with an SSD out of the box—my problem is twofold. Number one, in order to install an SSD inside the UCG-Fiber, you have to purchase a separate M.2 adapter tray that slides into the available base of the system. Who designed this??? And why do users have to purchase the SSD tray separately instead of it being included with the system?

I understand that users should be expected to buy their own scalable storage based on their capacity needs, but not including the tray that you need to insert the SSD into—and then charging an additional £15 for it—is just insane. My other issue is that although SSDs are less prone to physical or mechanical issues compared to traditional hard drives, they are not flawless.

SSDs—whether SATA or M.2—are still prone to occasional failures, and if an SSD fails, all the data on that drive is most likely lost. In the case of the UCG-Fiber, as the system only has a single M.2 slot, it does not support RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), which would allow for a safety net by having another drive keep the data safe. Equally, the UCG-Fiber does not have any USB connectivity to allow for connecting a storage drive for periodic backups of your surveillance data that you may be creating regularly on this system. It’s a small detail, but I’m kind of surprised that this was not factored in during the design stage, given the huge importance of the storage drive on this system. In the grand scheme of things, I’m still grateful that this high-performance cloud gateway device has storage capabilities as comprehensive as it does—but it is by no means flawless.

The UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber) is powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A73 processor clocked at 2.2GHz. The Cortex-A73 is a relatively efficient CPU architecture that balances performance and power consumption, making it a suitable choice for a network gateway device. While not designed for high-performance computing tasks, this processor is more than capable of handling network routing, firewall management, VPN services, and deep packet inspection (DPI) without significant bottlenecks. The inclusion of Layer 7 firewall capabilities, IDS/IPS security measures, and traffic identification suggests that the CPU is optimized for handling packet filtering and security functions efficiently. However, its overall processing power is still limited compared to x86-based solutions found in enterprise-grade routers and gateways. Given its ARM-based architecture, the UCG-Fiber benefits from reduced power consumption and lower heat output, allowing for a compact, fanless design that operates silently while maintaining stable performance.

The UCG-Fiber is equipped with 3GB of DDR4 memory, which is a reasonable allocation for a device of this type. This amount of RAM ensures that the system can handle multiple concurrent processes, including traffic management, VPN sessions, intrusion detection, and SD-WAN operations without excessive slowdowns. While 3GB may seem modest compared to more powerful network appliances, it is sufficient for the expected workload of small to medium-sized networks.

The RAM configuration is non-expandable, meaning that users cannot upgrade memory for increased performance, which could become a limitation in scenarios where more demanding security and networking tasks are required. However, for general usage, including running UniFi applications, managing multiple VLANs, and handling routing tasks, the provided memory should be adequate. The combination of ARM-based processing and DDR4 memory allows the UCG-Fiber to deliver a balanced mix of efficiency and functionality, positioning it as a suitable choice for businesses and advanced home networks that require multi-gigabit connectivity with software-defined networking features.

UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber) Review – Software and Services

IMPORTANT !!!- Currently the Software review of the UCG-Fiber is in progress, but I have already reviewed the UCG-Fiber and UX7 devices which are very similar indeed. So, whilst I complete the UCG-Fiber review, I have included the software review of the other 2 devices below, as they are running near identical services and features (but with differences with regard to port/wifi features. I will be amending the below text very soon, but include it here to give a better understanding of what this UniFi controller software can do. Apologies for this in the meantime.

Realistically, no one should be spending inordinate amounts of time using the software that your router arrives with – that’s just a simple fact. Indeed, you want you router (or any network appliance) to just do it’s job! Therefore talking about just how good the UniFi network software is, and how the UniFi Dream Router 7 capitalized on it, is going get a mixed reaction depending on your own level of network knowledge and custom requirements. I will say straight away though that you will really, REALLY struggle to find a more capable and flexible router software at this price point. You will struggle to find ANY setting, config, adjustable parameter of control measure not included with the UCG-Fiber. First off, there is the mobile application. As the UCG-Fiber hosts the UniFi network software, ALOT of the iOS and Android official UniFi applications are supported by the UCG-Fiber.

Firs time setup of the router using the mobile application (you can use a desktop machine with your web browser if you prefer of course) is incredibly straight forward. The Router can be found via the local area network or Bluetooth within 2 minutes of it’s first power-on. One big misconception (I was guilt of this too a while back) was that you have to register a UI.com account online in order to use UniFi appliances. This is NOT true. You can set the device up without a UI account (and even WITHOUT an internet connection) and doing so just needs to you create a local administrator account. It is recommended to use a UI account of course, as it allowed for easier comms and access for your larger Unifi network, but it is by no means compulsory. You can also create a system backup (with your config data of users, settings, SSIDs, etc) and backup online if you choose – and then easier pull this backup if you wish during initialization easily.

Upon creating local credentials or resisting an online account, the router performs an initial internet performance test and then goes about setting up your router. Much like other recent UniFi releases, the system has a ‘gamer’ style installation screen that shows tips and guides on how to get the most out of your router – very rare in a router I will say.

The setup process takes around 2-3 minutes and after that, you have pretty much FULL control and access to the Router’s configuration from your mobile phone. You can definitely tell that UNiFi have put the hours in with regard to the UX of the mobile application. Routers (and switches for that matter) are NOT easy systems to try and simplify – let along ocndence in a compact mobile UI. However they really have excelled in the latest version of their software.

Management of individual devices on the network are all presented intuitively in the app, and alongside their position/priority/bandwidth/consumption being presented, you can also use the app to institute controls and rules for 1, some or all devices on the fly – with instant implementation. Again, it’s no the fact that you can ‘do’ this that I am impressed by, it is the ease and intuitive way it is presented in a mobile app.

The same applies to the physical connections and wireless connections on the UCG-Fiber itself, with full remote control with the app to bridge, negotiate, failover, vLAN, disable, etc any port easily – as well as create new SSIDs, assign channels and push client devices around on the router side in 3-4 clicks. All of this is performed responsively and easily in the app.

On the subject of client devices, let’s discuss that WiFi 7 support. WiFi 7 opens up ALOT of performance and general bandwidth advantages. WiFi routers and client devices have been around now for around 10-12 months, as well as the increase in availability globally of greater than Gigabit internet services. Most internet service providers have already a router with their services – but not many provide WiFi 7 routers with their services, even at greater than gigabit speeds. So, what is the advantage? For the quicker (ish) version, watch my video below.

Now, you might well not have any devices right now that are WiFi 7, but plan on upgrading to WiFi 7 at some point in the further over a PCIe upgrade card. Even if you are using a system that lacks a PCIe upgrade clot, you can get small m.2 upgrade cards for a WiFi 7 / 802.11be upgrade for as little as $15-20 here. Hell, you do not even need to open up your system, as you can now get WiFi 7 to USB adapter upgrades for as little as $25-30, which is exactly what used when testing the router with my Windows 11 laptop for the earlier testing of the UCG-Fiber.

The USB-to-WiFi 7 Adapter I used in my testing of the UCG-Fiber was this one HERE on Aliexpress.

This USB to WiFi 7 adapter allowed for immediate 802.11be connectivity between my laptop and the UniFi Dream Router 7, over the now available 6Ghz band. Although there is more to WiFi 7 and this router than just that additional frequency. The UCG-Fiber SUPPORTS 2.4Ghz and 5ghz (just like all WiFi 6 and 6E routers), but crucially alongside the 6Ghz band allowing for more active concurrent connections, you are also able to take advantage of 320Mhz bandwidth (till now WiFi 6/6E only allowed for up to the 160Mhz connections). This means that you have a greater bandwidth per connection – though you can only have a finite amount of connections at 320Mhz at once. This is COMBINED with WiFi allowing for overlapping connections too and 1 device enjoying multiple connections at once.

This means that not only can you match the speed of a normal wired gigabit connection, but you can ABSOLUTELY SMASH IT! As you can see below, using this USB adapter on my regular windows laptop, connecting to the UniFi Dream Router 7 over the 6Hz band – I was able to hit 2.8Gb/s wireless connectivity!!! That is even faster than using one of the physical 2.5GbE connections on the UCG-Fiber.

It’s worth remembering though that WiFi 7 is NOT perfect and although it presents a lot of benefits for bandwidth improvements, reduced latency and increased encryption options, support of the wider frequencies and abilities of a larger WiFi 7 populated network are still a little ‘early days’.

By that, I mean that although you can hit high performance with 320Mhz connections, the actual radio frequency opened up right now (depending on your region) is pretty slim. The UCG-Fiber router DOES show you the full radio spectrum, separated dynamically with each 20/40/80/160/320Mhz block that is spread across 2.4/5/6Ghz – but ALOT of it is still unavailable to use in many regions.

These limitations are likely going to reduce over time and, therefore you have to look at a decent % of the WiFi capabilities of the UniFi Dream Router 7 as ‘future proofing’ – but just keep in mind that although you can deploy ALOT of wireless (and wired) devices in a UCG-Fiber managed environment, those peak 802.11be/WiFi 7 bandwidth improvements are going to be shared only by a few client devices – in reality the real benefits are going to be felt with the opening up of the 6Ghz frequency allowing for more devices to be spread over all three frequencies and bands at 80/160Mhz.

Anotehr note to keep in mind is that the 6Ghz band has a shorter area of effect than 5Ghz (which likewise has a shorter area than WiFi 5). So WiFi7 is at it’s best in closer proximity without walls – more as a cable alternative if you are in the same areas as your UniFi router. But when I connected to a 10GbE NAS (connected to the 10GbE port of my UCG-Fiber), I was able to hit 187MB/s write easily (though read performance was oddly inconsistent – possibly related to the NAS, still investigating – TBC) in CrystalDiskMark.

Likewise, similar testing with the WiFi 7 USB Adapter, through the UCG-Fiber and at the 10GbE connected NAS hit 260MB/s+ easily. Once again, I would have easily respected this if I had been connecting with the NAS using the 2.5GbE ports – but I am hugely impressed that I was able to hit this benchmark over a WiFi connection (thanks to that 2.8Gbps 6Ghz setup). Respect!

Additionally it is very easy to monitor the position, WiFi coverage, Channel and performance of any device connected to the UCG-Fiber controller software. Also allowing you to create rules o the fly to automatically manage them later as/when devices arrive.

These same controls also extend all the way down to the ISP input of the UCG-Fiber AND IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE uNIfI AP/Nodses in your setup, can control how/where bandwidth is allocated and the priority of devices/nodes that are unique to your own deployment.

The dashboard features a grouped UI and analytics overview that allows you to see the price traffic that is going into a physical LAN, grouped VLAN or just a single devices on the network – allowing you to see the sites/services/geo data in real time too!

And likewise as before, you can extent these analytics all the way to the root UCG-Fiber router to see EVERYTHING happening in realtime in your network and internet connectivity.

Blacklisting (and whitelisting occasionally) or certain websites is also easy to action manually when needed too – or you can import an existing database of ‘bad’ site lists directly into the UCG-Fiber to simplify the process.

Once rules, priorities, orders of services and limits have been created, you can then apply them to individual devices, networks, groups, vLANS, etc – even to a physical LAN port if needed. These rules are completely customizable and if 1 parameter is changed on the fly, it immediately actions across all selected devices.

It’s also worth highlighting that UniFi has its own enterprise user identity service (‘Identity Endpoint’) that you can apply to devices if you want to ensure that connected devices on the LAN or WAN are truly secure (client auth tools on each device) and this extends to the VPN and UniFi network client device access too.

I also should stress that although the UCG-Fiber seems like a very, VERY proprietary router – UniFi do NOT lock you into having to create an account with them or use only their services. You can set the system up for LOCAL ONLY management and control if you choose. Or even hybrid the two and create 1 secure ‘Identity Endpoint sys admin’, but others are ‘local’ only – nice balance tbh.

And new users (super user or billy basic!) can be created, modified and deleted at any time!

Control and configuration of the UCG-Fiber are very straight forward and there are pretty high end configuration options in the backend of the system to control both the local network setup, as well as WiFi connectivity out the box (or added later in the case of systems like the UCG Fiber via the U7/U7 Pro/U6).

And professional SI’s/Technicians can set the system to ‘truly open’ if they wish, and this can be securely controlled as needed. This allows for opening up frequencies in the case of a WiFi setup down the road and advanced settings related to antenna gain/adaption.

The system configuration and control are surprisingly extensive for a $279 router and puts it well, well into the realms of an enterprise-grade solution, despite its Prosumer/SMB price point.

Unsurprisingly, the UCG-Fiber has internet speed test tools (either using the native web browser GUI or the WiFiman application for Android/iOS).

But its goes further, with the ability to monitor the packet management in your network (covered earlier) to such as extent that you can even block the server calls to specific sites/vendors that are going through the UniFi manager and block them SPECIFICALLY. Eg, want to keep google services, but NOT YouTube (either for work/professional reasons, or because of your kids homework deadline?) – you can do that REALLY easily.

And you can apply these rules easily and analytics with ease via the topographical network monitoring window. So you can visually see the devices in the network, then apply the rules, in case a new device gets sneakily added to circumnavigate any limits/restricts in palce.

And if you see a sudden spike in internet use, you can (in seconds) isolate the device that is causing it AND see what it is – allowing yo to block/monitor as needed.

Equally, you can set some pretty extensive security provisions to pre-emptively kick in when an unknown device arrives on the scene, or if an existing device in the network begins to be suspicious.

The same goes for creating day 1/100 rules for port forwarding, traffic management and Firewall rules. All of this is HUGELY customizable and most pages in the UniFi GUI feature both ‘simple/easy’ views, as well as much more complex advanced views as needed at the top of each page.

The multiple LAN ports can also be scaled up/down as needed if your existing network is not quite ready for the full network connectivity of the UCG-Fiber too.

And thanks to the UCG-Fiber featuring multiple WAN ports, you can decide how you want to handle multiple ISP services into your home/business, to separate/combine/balance between them with ease across your connected devices.

Additionally, each WAN port can be adjusted to a ‘WAN’ or ‘LAN’ roles as needed – even disabled. So, whether it is as a failover internet connection, or that you want to free up that 10GbE port for use as a LAN – The choice is yours!

Also, as mentioned earlier, as the system supported internal storage via the slot, you can go ahead and run UniFi Protect surveillance software too – as well as as an additional switch to the available LAN ports, for cameras or add a camera to the POE port.

There are actually several different surveillance, communications, display or smart appliances in the UniFi portfolio that can be installed on the internet storage drive + also means you have more scope for that POE ready port.

It gets to a point (perhaps) that there are TOO many security and configuration options, and people looking for just a router to ‘just do it’s job’ will be somewhat overwhelmed. Most of the important settings are already set pretty well, but I never the less recommend first time buyers take the time to explore the configuration options present in order to better understand what they are buying here in terms of it’s abilities to protect your network and internet services.

This extends right the way down to the more advanced prevention and intrusion protection measures (Dark Web blocking too). Again, pretty advanced for many, but take the time to look through them if you purchase the UCG-Fiber.

And if in doubt, you can use the UniFi Teleport VPN service to anonymize your site-to-site exchanges (again, very ‘first party’ and more about SD-WAN level stuff, but does form part of the purchase here).

Also, keep in mind that the UCG-Fiber has the option to create Airgaps in it’s wired network AND WiFi connectivity (if you want to add that) that allows you to create automated access times – especially useful for businesses who want to lock down access outside of the usual 9-5 operational hours.

If you want to use WiFi services, yo can create multiple SSIDs of varying degrees of access – and yes, all the controls on security, speed, antenna, frequency, vLAN, etc are all present here too.

When creating those VLANS, you can add specific physical ports, IDs, WiFi APs etc to that vLAN to segregate your network as securely as possible.

And from there you can adjust the vLAN configuration in terms of it’s smooth operation and security directly from the network management panel (as well as view all active vLANS on one page if needed to see how they interact/clash + show each device you have moved in/out of them easily.

And again, all packet management/monitoring are available within the vLAN if you need.

If this all sounds tremendously intimidating, there is a much, MUCH easier 1 panel view in the ‘Insights’ tab that just shows each current network branch and it’s connections/clients in a list format.

Not good enough? How about a global view that shows the data packet exchange in real time with regard to each region (i.e worried that your data is being harvested to an overseas location, this will show you which countries are currently connected with on your UCG-Fiber for upload/download (websites? server? It’s easy to check and find out here!).

Bottom line – the bulk of the UniFi Control Software here is available on the majority of UniFi Router, Express, Cloud Gateway and Dream Machine devices – but the EXTENT to which you can use it is heavily dependent on the device you buy. In the case of the UCG-Fiber, you have a fantastic balance of Day 1 control sure, but you have an even better management and scalability on the system for when your ISP services double/triple, as well as the number of devices in your network expand.

UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber) Review – Conclusion and Verdict

The UniFi Cloud Gateway Fiber (UCG-Fiber) presents itself as a compact and capable network gateway solution that brings high-speed connectivity, PoE support, and integrated storage options to UniFi’s growing lineup of cloud-managed devices. Its dual 10G SFP+ ports, a 10GbE RJ45 port, and multiple 2.5GbE ports make it a strong option for users who require multi-gigabit networking in a small form factor. The inclusion of PoE support on one of the 2.5GbE ports adds a level of flexibility, allowing for directly connected UniFi APs or cameras without requiring an external PoE switch. Additionally, the support for NVMe SSD storage enables on-device UniFi Protect NVR functionality, which may be useful for businesses and users looking to consolidate their networking and surveillance infrastructure. From a software perspective, the UniFi Network, Protect, and Talk applications provide a familiar and well-integrated ecosystem that benefits from centralized management and cloud access. The license-free SD-WAN and VPN services also add value for users requiring secure remote access and site-to-site networking.

However, the UCG-Fiber is not without its drawbacks. The lack of flexibility in WAN port assignment may be a limiting factor for some users, especially those who do not have 10GbE WAN connectivity and would prefer to configure one of the 2.5GbE ports as a WAN interface (Correction, changing 2.5G ports to WAN/WAN2 is supported, just requires small assignment changes). The requirement to purchase a separate M.2 SSD adapter tray is another downside, as it adds an additional cost for users who intend to use the NVMe storage option. Additionally, with only 3GB of non-upgradable RAM, there could be concerns about long-term scalability if future UniFi software updates demand more system resources. While the ARM-based CPU is efficient, it does not match the performance of higher-end x86-based networking solutions, which may affect performance in environments with high packet processing demands. The absence of USB connectivity for external backups is another small but notable omission. Overall, the UCG-Fiber is a well-rounded networking device with a strong focus on multi-gigabit connectivity, PoE integration, and UniFi software compatibility, but it may not be the ideal solution for users with more complex WAN requirements or those needing expandable memory and storage flexibility.

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WE LOVE COFFEE

Western Digital vient d’annoncer la sortie de son nouveau disque dur NAS : le WD Red Pro 26 To. Destiné aux professionnels ayant d’importants besoins en stockage, ce modèle est déjà disponible à la commande sur la boutique officielle au prix conseillé de 882,99€ (ou 569,99$ sur Amazon US).

WD Red Pro 26 To

Le WD Red Pro est spécialement conçu pour fonctionner 24h/24 et 7j/7 dans des environnements NAS multi-baies en configuration RAID. Par rapport à la gamme classique WD Red, la version Pro offre des performances supérieures grâce à une vitesse accrue, une mémoire cache plus généreuse et un temps moyen entre pannes (MTBF) nettement amélioré. Les WD Red Pro sont garantis 5 ans.

Les caractéristiques techniques de ce nouveau produit sont :

• Capacité de stockage : 26 To
• Vitesse de rotation : 7 200 tr/min
• Débit maximal : jusqu’à 287 Mo/s
• Mémoire cache : 512 Mo
• Capacité annuelle de transfert : jusqu’à 550 To
• Temps moyen entre pannes (MTBF) : 2,5 millions d’heures

Rempli à l’hélium, ce disque dur utilise le système d’enregistrement magnétique conventionnel (CMR) associé à une interface SATA. Grâce à l’intégration de la technologie OptiNAND, le WD Red Pro optimise efficacement la gestion des données, améliorant ainsi leur suivi et leur performance globale.

Pour répondre aux contraintes spécifiques des environnements RAID, Western Digital a également doté ce modèle d’une technologie avancée anti-vibration utilisant des capteurs internes RV. Cette innovation permet de réduire considérablement les risques liés aux vibrations mécaniques susceptibles d’endommager les données.

HDD vs SDD en 2025

Malgré la concurrence croissante des SSD, les disques durs traditionnels restent particulièrement attractifs pour le stockage important grâce à leur rapport coût/capacité. En effet, les entreprises manipulent aujourd’hui des fichiers toujours plus volumineux nécessitant des solutions fiables et économiques.

Selon Nitin Kachhwaha, directeur produit chez Western Digital, le WD Red Pro 26 To est une réponse concrète aux besoins actuels en stockage haute capacité et performances dans divers domaines tels que la vidéo professionnelle, l’intelligence artificielle ou encore l’analyse avancée des données.

Prix et disponibilité

Le WD Red Pro 26 To est dès maintenant disponible à l’achat au prix public conseillé de 882,99 € TTC en France. Si ce tarif peut sembler élevé pour un particulier, il correspond parfaitement au marché professionnel visé par Western Digital.

Pour en savoir plus rendez-vous sur la page officielle du produit…

CWWK N355 DIY NAS Motherboard Review

The CWWK N355 DIY NAS motherboard is a Mini-ITX board designed for users looking to build a compact yet powerful NAS system with high storage capacity and expansion potential. Featuring the Intel Twin Lake N355 processor, dual 2.5GbE networking, six SATA ports, and two NVMe slots, it balances performance and affordability. With PCIe 3.0 expansion and a power-efficient CPU, it provides a solid foundation for home lab enthusiasts and small-scale NAS builders. However, it does come with some limitations, particularly in PCIe lane allocation and component placement. This review covers design, hardware, storage, performance tests, and overall value to determine whether it’s the right choice for your next DIY NAS project.

Available in two configurations, the N150 quad-core version ($174) and the N355 octa-core version ($288), this motherboard positions itself as a budget-friendly but capable alternative to more expensive NAS solutions. While the onboard features are generous for the price, the placement of components and some design choices might limit expandability for certain users. Let’s dive deeper.

CWWK N355 NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The CWWK N355 DIY NAS motherboard provides a solid balance between affordability and performance, making it a strong option for NAS builders and home lab users. With six SATA ports and two NVMe slots, it offers flexible storage options, while dual 2.5GbE networking ensures decent network speeds. The PCIe 3.0 x4 slot allows for expansion, but lane allocation limitations could be a bottleneck for certain configurations. Power efficiency is excellent, and during testing, the N355 CPU handled multiple VMs, media streaming, and general NAS tasks well. However, thermal management and component placement could have been better, particularly around the PCIe and SATA ports.

Overall, the CWWK N355 is a capable Mini-ITX NAS motherboard, especially for those comfortable with DIY setups. The lack of ECC memory support, PCIe lane sharing, and close component placement are drawbacks, but for the price, it remains a versatile and well-featured board.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.8

PROS

Compact Mini-ITX design, ideal for NAS builds
Dual 2.5GbE ports for enhanced network performance
Six SATA ports for ample storage expandability
Two NVMe slots for high-speed SSD caching or storage
Energy-efficient Intel N355 CPU with low power draw
Good virtualization support for lightweight VMs and containers
Strong media streaming performance, including Plex compatibility
Affordable price point compared to similar NAS motherboards

CONS

PCIe slot placement may block SATA ports with larger cards
Limited PCIe lanes constrain high-speed expansion options
No ECC memory support, which may be a concern for some user

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CWWK N355 NAS Review – Design

The CWWK N355 DIY NAS motherboard follows a compact Mini-ITX design, offering a good mix of functionality and space efficiency. Its 10-layer high-density PCB provides durability, while the standard ATX 24-pin power and 4-pin CPU power connectors make it easy to integrate into various NAS chassis. The purple PCB aesthetic is unique, setting it apart from many other DIY NAS motherboards. However, despite its compact build, some of the design choices create challenges when it comes to expandability.

One of the most noticeable issues is the placement of the PCIe 3.0 x4 slot in relation to the SATA ports. While the board allows for expansion cards like RAID controllers or 10GbE adapters, the proximity of the PCIe slot to the six SATA ports means that larger cards can obstruct some of the SATA connections.

This could force users to choose between additional network connectivity and full SATA drive support, which is an unfortunate trade-off. Ideally, an SFF-8087 or OCuLink alternative for SATA connectivity would have been a better approach, reducing port congestion.

The built-in cooling options are fairly basic, with a single CPU fan header and two system fan headers (only one supporting PWM). While the board is designed for low-power efficiency, adding high-performance storage or running multiple VMs may generate additional heat that requires better cooling.

The included stock CPU cooler is not ideal, as it sits too close to nearby components, making it harder to install without interfering with the SO-DIMM DDR5 memory slot. Users are advised to invest in a third-party low-profile cooler for better thermal management.

On the connectivity side, dual 2.5GbE network ports (Intel i226V) provide solid networking performance for most NAS use cases, with support for SMB Multichannel and link aggregation. The limited USB selection, however, could be a concern.

With only one USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports, users relying on external storage or bootable USB setups may find the available connections restrictive. That said, the internal USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 headers provide some additional flexibility for internal USB-based boot drives, but a few more rear-facing USB ports would have been welcome.

CWWK N355 NAS Review – Storage

Storage is a key strength of the CWWK N355 motherboard, with a combination of six SATA3 ports and two M.2 NVMe slots offering flexibility for different storage configurations. The ASM1166 SATA controller is responsible for managing the six SATA ports, providing stable performance for hard drives and SSDs. Users looking to build a NAS with high-capacity drives will appreciate the dedicated SATA expansion, which supports RAID configurations through software.

The two M.2 NVMe slots, while a welcome addition, are limited to PCIe 3.0 x1 speeds, meaning they can only reach maximum sequential throughput of around 780-800MB/s. This is a clear limitation compared to PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe slots found in higher-end boards. However, these slots are still useful for caching or fast-access storage, especially when paired with SATA drives for bulk data storage.

During testing, a RAID 0 setup with six 4TB HDDs achieved 650MB/s sustained throughput, showing that the ASM1166 controller handles multiple drives efficiently. Performance with SATA SSDs was better, with speeds saturating the SATA3 interface at 550-560MB/s per drive. Users expecting enterprise-level speeds may find this limiting, but for general NAS applications, it performs well.

Another consideration is PCIe lane allocation. Because the ASM1166 controller operates on a PCIe 3.0 x1 interface, total throughput is shared across all six SATA ports. This means that in heavy read/write operations across multiple drives, users might encounter bottlenecks. Those planning on maximizing SATA performance should ensure efficient data distribution across drives.

Ultimately, while the storage configuration is flexible and functional, the PCIe 3.0 x1 restrictions on both NVMe and SATA controllers present some limitations. For users needing high-speed NVMe storage, a motherboard with PCIe 3.0 x4 support per NVMe slot would be preferable, but for most NAS applications, the N355 provides good storage expandability at a reasonable price.

Interestingly, when I rand 100x 1GB File tests via terminal on each of the Gen 3×1 m.2 NVMe, the numbers were pretty good (factoring in the efficient class CPU and 1 lane of Gen 3 – so was never gonna exceed 800-900MB/s anyway).

Afterwards, I wanted to check if the PCIe slot was sharing lane space with the 2nd m.2 slot (as is the case on some of the N100/N305 NAS Moos before) and I am pleased to confirm that I was able to use terminal and 100x 1GB Read on both the 2nd M.2 NVMe slot AND another m.2 NVMe on a PCIe Card mounted on via the PCIe 3×4 slot.

So I am quite happy with the data/internal bandwidth in these tests with such a modest CPU. Let’s discuss this internal hardware and performance more.

CWWK N355 NAS Review – Tests & Performance

The Intel N355 CPU offers efficient performance for NAS-related tasks, including file sharing, virtualization, and media streaming. During testing, it handled multiple VMs running concurrently, with each assigned a virtual CPU and minimal RAM. Even under load, the CPU maintained stable performance without excessive heat generation, making it suitable for users who need a lightweight but capable processing unit for home lab applications.

Network performance was another highlight, with the dual 2.5GbE interfaces providing a combined throughput of up to 550MB/s in link aggregation mode. Real-world file transfers over SMB showed consistent multi-gigabit speeds, demonstrating the board’s ability to handle data-heavy operations effectively. However, users aiming for 10GbE connectivity will need to rely on the PCIe slot, which introduces some trade-offs in terms of expansion options.

In media applications, the N355 CPU managed simultaneous 1080p and 4K Plex streams, with CPU usage remaining under 60% during software transcoding. Native playback and direct-streaming performed significantly better, with no noticeable impact on system resources. While the board lacks dedicated hardware transcoding support, it remains a viable option for users relying on direct-play workflows.

Power efficiency remained a strong suit, with idle power consumption measuring around 9-10W with SSDs installed, increasing to 30-40W under load with multiple drives and VMs active. The low TDP ensures minimal heat output, but active cooling is still recommended for prolonged high workloads. Overall, performance results confirm that this board is well-optimized for NAS duties, though users with high-end processing needs may require a more powerful solution.

CWWK N355 NAS MITX Board Review – Verdict & Conclusion

The CWWK N355 DIY NAS motherboard is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable and feature-rich Mini-ITX solution for NAS applications. Its combination of dual 2.5GbE networking, six SATA ports, and two NVMe slots offers a strong foundation for storage and high-speed connectivity. Performance-wise, the N355 CPU handles virtualization and media streaming well, maintaining a low power draw while running multiple tasks efficiently. However, the limited PCIe lane allocation can restrict certain use cases, particularly when adding high-performance storage or networking upgrades. Despite these constraints, this motherboard delivers solid performance for users prioritizing a cost-effective and power-efficient NAS setup.

That being said, users should carefully consider their expansion needs before purchasing, as PCIe slot placement and bandwidth limitations may impact future upgrades. Additionally, the lack of ECC memory support may be a concern for enterprise-level deployments, though most home users and small-scale NAS setups will not be significantly affected. Ultimately, the CWWK N355 stands out as a capable and versatile board, offering good performance, reasonable expandability, and excellent value for money.

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WE LOVE COFFEE

Ghostfolio est une application Web de gestion de portefeuille d’investissement open source. Elle permet aux utilisateurs de visualiser des performances en action, ETF ou encore cryptoactifs et de générer des alertes voire d’aider à la prise de décisions. L’application est payante, mais il existe une version docker 100% gratuite. Regardons comment l’installer facilement sur un NAS Synology…

Ghostfolio + Synology

Je ne suis pas un expert en investissement et encore moins des applications autour de la gestion de portefeuille… Cependant, la demande vient d’un lecteur (Benoit) qui recherche une alternative à Finary. Notre ami dispose d’un NAS Synology et souhaite que ce genre d’application reste chez lui afin d’avoir une maitrise sur les informations qu’il saisit. Je lui ai parlé de Ghostfolio que j’avais déjà entendu parler précédemment. L’application existe depuis 2020 et la communauté semble très active. Et je vous propose aujourd’hui de l’installer en moins de 5 minutes.

À noter que Ghostfolio est disponible sur différents systèmes : CasaOS, Home Assistant, Runtipi, TrueCharts, Umbrel et Unraid.

Avantages de Ghostfolio

Voici un rapide aperçu des points forts mis en avant par l’éditeur de Ghostfolio :

• Investissez en actions, ETF ou cryptomonnaies sur plusieurs plateformes
• Adoptez une stratégie d’investissement à long terme (buy & hold)
• Obtenez des informations précises sur la composition de votre portefeuille
• Préservez votre vie privée et gardez le contrôle de vos données
• Privilégiez une approche minimaliste
• Diversifiez efficacement vos ressources financières
• Visez l’indépendance financière
• Dites adieu aux tableurs en 2025…

Si vous souhaitez le tester avant installation sur votre NAS, vous pouvez le découvrir par ici…

Modèle économique

Ghostfolio est une application open source et gratuite. Cependant, l’éditeur de Ghostfolio propose également une version payante qui inclut des options supplémentaires comme l’hébergement des données sur leurs serveurs, des mises à jour régulières, ainsi qu’un support technique prioritaire.

Ghostfolio dans Container Station (Docker)

Pour faciliter l’installation, je vous ai préparé un fichier Docker Compose adapté à la plupart des NAS Synology. Ce fichier est basé sur le fichier officiel (lien ici) et adapté pour installer Ghostfolio en seulement quelques minutes.

Prérequis :

• Assurez-vous d’avoir installé Container Manager depuis le Centre de paquets de Synology
• Créez un dossier nommé Ghostfolio dans le répertoire docker à la racine de votre NAS. Ce dossier devra contenir également un sous-dossier : db.

Conteneurs créés automatiquement

L’installation va créer 3 conteneurs :

• ghostfolio : le cœur de l’application
• gf-postgre : la base de données
• gf-redis : gestion des recherches intelligentes

Je vous propose de télécharger le fichier Docker Compose qui se nomme compose.yaml généré grâce à Container Manager de Synology. Voici ce qu’il contient :

version: '3.8'

services:
  ghostfolio:
    image: ghostfolio/ghostfolio:latest
    container_name: ghostfolio
    restart: unless-stopped
    init: true
    cap_drop:
      - ALL
    security_opt:
      - no-new-privileges:true
    ports:
      - 3333:3333
    depends_on:
      postgres:
        condition: service_healthy
      redis:
        condition: service_healthy
    healthcheck:
      test: ['CMD-SHELL', 'curl -f http://localhost:3333/api/v1/health']
      interval: 10s
      timeout: 5s
      retries: 5
    environment:
      ACCESS_TOKEN_SALT: INSERT_RANDOM_STRING_987$ # Token à changer
      DATABASE_URL: postgresql://user:POSTGRES_PASSWORD_987$@postgres:5432/ghostfolio-db?connect_timeout=300&sslmode=prefer # PWD PG à changer
      JWT_SECRET_KEY: RANDOM_STRING_987$ # Clé secrète à changer
      REDIS_HOST: redis # Utilisation du nom du service Redis comme hôte
      REDIS_PORT: 6379
      REDIS_PASSWORD: REDIS_PASSWORD_987$ # PWD REDIS à changer

  postgres:
    image: library/postgres:15-alpine
    container_name: gf-postgres
    restart: unless-stopped
    cap_drop:
      - ALL
    cap_add:
      - CHOWN
      - DAC_READ_SEARCH
      - FOWNER
      - SETGID
      - SETUID
    security_opt:
      - no-new-privileges:true
    healthcheck:
      test:
        ['CMD-SHELL', 'pg_isready -d "ghostfolio-db" -U user']
      interval: 10s
      timeout: 5s
      retries: 5
    environment:
      POSTGRES_DB: ghostfolio-db
      POSTGRES_USER: user
      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: POSTGRES_PASSWORD_987$ # PWD PG à changer
    volumes:
      - ./db:/var/lib/postgresql/data # Stockage local des données PostgreSQL

  redis:
    image: library/redis:alpine
    container_name: gf-redis
    restart: unless-stopped
    user: '999:1000'
    cap_drop:
      - ALL
    security_opt:
      - no-new-privileges:true
    command:
      - /bin/sh
      - -c
      - redis-server --requirepass "REDIS_PASSWORD_987$"  # PWD REDIS à changer
    healthcheck:
      test:
        ['CMD-SHELL', 'redis-cli --pass "REDIS_PASSWORD_987$" ping | grep PONG'] # PWD REDIS à changer
      interval: 10s
      timeout: 5s
      retries: 5

Installation

1. Ajoutez le fichier compose.yaml dans le dossier Ghostfolio
2. Ouvrez Container Manager et naviguez vers le menu de gauche « Projets« . Cliquez sur le bouton Créer
3. Remplissez les champs requis et suivez les instructions (voir capture ci-dessous)
4. Appuyez sur Suivant, puis encore Suivant et enfin Effectué
5. Attendez quelques minutes que les conteneurs soient prêts

C’est fini !

Utilisation

Maintenant, vous pouvez ouvrir un nouvel onglet de votre navigateur et tapez au choix :

• http://NomDuNAS:3333/fr/
• http://AdresseIP:3333/fr/

Le /fr/ à la fin permet de profiter directement d’une interface en français. Vous devriez voir apparaitre cet écran :

Cliquez sur le bouton en haut à droite Démarrer (ou Get started si vous êtes en anglais) pour créer du compte administrateur. Cliquez sur le bouton Créez Compte puis une boite de dialogue s’ouvre. On voit bien le compte ADMIN sur la capture ci-dessous en haut.

Cliquez sur Copier vers le presse-papier (ou Copy to clipboard en anglais) et coller la clé secrète dans un fichier que vous mettre en sécurité ou via Bitwarden par exemple. Puis appuyez sur le bouton Accepter et continuer (ou Agree and continue en anglais).

Attention : si vous cliquez sur Annuler à cette étape, vous ne pourrez plus créer de compte admin.

Premiers pas avec Ghostfolio

Si son utilisation est tout à fait possible avec un téléphone, nous vous recommandons de commencer avec un ordinateur. Pour bien démarrer, nous allons commencer par passer en l’interface Euro, ajouter une plateforme et créer un premier compte. Pour commencer, cliquez en haut sur Contrôle Admin.

Devise et taux de conversion

Allez dans le menu de gauche Données de marché. Vous cliquerez sur le bouton + en bas à droite, puis sur le bouton radio Devise et vous saisissez EUR avant de valider. Si rien ne se passe ici (visuellement), ce n’est pas grave.

Ajout d’une plateforme

On profite d’être dans ce menu Contrôle Admin pour allez dans Paramètres (à gauche), puis dans la section Plateformes vous cliquerez sur le bouton Ajouter une Plateforme. Vous mettez un libellé de la banque que vous souhaitez et son adresse Web avant de valider (voir la capture d’écran ci-dessus).

Devise de base

Avant d’aller plus loin, cliquez en haut à droite sur le pictogramme représentant une silhouette (en haut à droite) et cliquez sur Mon Ghostflio. En face de Devise de base, vous sélectionnerez EUR. La validation est automatique.

Création d’un compte

Maintenant, passez par le menu Comptes. Vous devriez voir une ligne (créée par défaut) qui se nomme My Account. Vous cliquez sur les 3 points à droite et vous aurez le choix entre Modifier ou Supprimer. Nous vous recommandons de faire Modifier, de changer son nom, de mettre la Devise et la plateforme.

Autres paramètres

À noter que vous pouvez désactiver la collecte de données, ainsi que l’inscription de nouveaux utilisateurs dans Contrôle Admin (voir capture ci-dessus).

Toutes ces premières étapes peuvent sembler fastidieuses, mais vous n’aurez plus à les faire. Vous pouvez désormais profiter pleinement de Ghostfolio…

Synology vient de lancer sa nouvelle caméra de surveillance Wi-Fi intelligente : la CC400W. Ce modèle, comme les précédents BC500 et TC500), intègre directement des fonctionnalités d’intelligence artificielle et simplifie l’installation grâce à une connectivité sans fil…

Synology CC400W : une caméra intelligente polyvalente

La caméra CC400W cible principalement les particuliers et les petites entreprises. Avec ses dimensions compactes (110 mm de hauteur et 54 mm de largeur) et sa conception étanche certifiée IP65, elle convient parfaitement à une utilisation polyvalente aussi bien en intérieur qu’en extérieur. Sa connectivité Wi-Fi double bande (2,4 GHz et 5 GHz) facilite son installation en évitant tout câblage superflu (hormis l’alimentation). Plusieurs options de fixation sont proposées : murale, plafond ou magnétique.

Des performances vidéo

Côté performances vidéo, la CC400W offre une résolution élevée de 2560 × 1440 pixels à 30 images par seconde, garantissant ainsi des images nettes et détaillées. Son large angle de vue de 125 degrés et sa technologie d’exposition à grande plage dynamique (HDR) assurent une qualité optimale même dans des environnements très contrastés. Pour la vision nocturne, des LED infrarouges haute puissance permettent une couverture efficace jusqu’à 10 mètres.

La caméra intègre également un système audio bidirectionnel permettant une communication directe à distance. Grâce aux codecs H.265 et au contrôle intelligent du débit binaire, elle optimise l’utilisation de la bande passante et du stockage sans compromettre la qualité visuelle.
Intelligence artificielle embarquée : sécurité renforcée

L’atout majeur de la CC400W réside dans ses capacités avancées d’intelligence artificielle embarquées. Elle détecte précisément les personnes et les véhicules, génère des alertes en temps réel en cas d’intrusion et propose un suivi automatique des événements suspects. Associée aux modèles DVA de Synology, elle peut même réaliser des analyses poussées telles que la reconnaissance faciale, l’identification des plaques d’immatriculation ou encore le comptage précis des personnes.

Intégration simplifiée avec Surveillance Station

Pour faciliter la gestion quotidienne, la CC400W s’intègre facilement dans Surveillance Station. Cette intégration intuitive permet une configuration rapide sans nécessiter l’achat supplémentaire de licences.

Sécurité et confidentialité au cœur du dispositif

Enfin, Synology met égalalement l’accent sur la sécurité et la confidentialité : la caméra est conforme aux normes NDAA/TAA, chiffre les données via HTTPS et SRTP, reçoit régulièrement des mises à jour de sécurité et dispose d’un stockage local sécurisé sur carte micro SD afin d’assurer un accès continu aux images enregistrées.

Prix et disponibilité

La caméra Synology CC400W est disponible dès maintenant au prix de 196€. Pour plus d’informations, rendez-vous sur la page officielle du fabricant…

Is the Samsung 9100 Pro SSD Your DREAM Gen5 SSD?

Samsung has officially entered the PCIe 5.0 market with the release of the 9100 PRO Series SSD, its first high-performance consumer Gen 5 NVMe SSD. Unlike previous Samsung SSD releases that focused on mainstream users, this drive is built for professionals, power users, and AI-driven workloads. Featuring sequential read speeds of up to 14,800 MB/s and write speeds reaching 13,400 MB/s, the 9100 PRO is aimed at content creators, data analysts, and enterprise users who require fast and reliable storage solutions. Available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and an upcoming 8TB model, this SSD is one of the highest-capacity consumer NVMe drives ever released by Samsung. With Samsung’s in-house controller, V-NAND TLC (V8) flash memory, and LPDDR4X DRAM-based caching, the 9100 PRO is designed to offer both high-speed data transfer and long-term durability. Power efficiency has also been improved by up to 49% compared to its predecessor, the 990 PRO, making it a more energy-conscious choice for intensive applications. However, despite its impressive technical specifications, the 9100 PRO enters a market where PCIe 5.0 SSDs have been available for nearly two years from competitors such as Seagate and Crucial. This review will assess whether Samsung’s late entry to the Gen 5 SSD market delivers a significant performance advantage or whether its delayed release puts it at a competitive disadvantage. In this review, we will examine the hardware and design of the 9100 PRO, compare it against Samsung’s previous generation 990 EVO and EVO Plus SSDs, and analyze its performance across multiple benchmarks to determine if it truly offers a measurable advantage over existing PCIe 5.0 SSDs. Finally, we will consider its pricing and availability, and whether this drive is a worthwhile investment for users looking to upgrade their storage solutions in 2025.

Samsung 9100 SSD Review – Quick Conclusion

The Samsung 9100 PRO SSD is a true PCIe 5.0 Gen4x4 drive, delivering industry-leading speeds of up to 14,800 MB/s read and 13,400 MB/s write, making it one of the fastest consumer SSDs available. Unlike many competitors using third-party controllers from Phison and Micron NAND, the 9100 PRO is fully in-house, featuring Samsung’s Presto PCIe 5.0 controller and V-NAND TLC (V8) for tighter hardware-firmware integration, improved power efficiency (up to 49% better than earlier Gen5 SSDs), and high endurance (up to 4,800 TBW on the 8TB model). Random performance is excellent, reaching 2,200K IOPS read and 2,600K IOPS write, making it a strong choice for AI workloads, video production, and large-scale data processing. However, heat remains a challenge, as the drive can reach 81°C under sustained workloads, requiring active cooling or Samsung’s optional heatsink model. Pricing is premium, with some PCIe 5.0 competitors offering similar speeds at lower costs due to earlier releases. Additionally, while Samsung has a strong reputation for SSD reliability, firmware issues in past models like the 990 PRO and 980 PRO have left some users cautious. Despite these drawbacks, the 9100 PRO stands out as one of the most refined PCIe 5.0 SSDs, offering a high-endurance, fully in-house solution for demanding users.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 7/10

8.2

PROS

Industry-Leading Speed – Offers sequential read speeds up to 14,800 MB/s and write speeds up to 13,400 MB/s, making it one of the fastest consumer SSDs available.

Fully In-House Design – Uses Samsung’s proprietary Presto PCIe 5.0 controller and V-NAND TLC (V8), avoiding reliance on third-party controllers like Phison and Micron NAND, ensuring better hardware-firmware integration.

High Endurance Rating – Provides up to 4,800 TBW on the 8TB model, making it ideal for high-intensity workloads like AI computing, video editing, and large-scale data transfers.

Improved Power Efficiency – Samsung claims 49% better power efficiency compared to previous PCIe 5.0 SSDs, reducing heat output and improving overall energy consumption.

Strong Random Performance – With up to 2,200K IOPS random read and 2,600K IOPS random write, it excels in workloads that involve frequent small file transactions, such as databases, virtual machines, and AI training models.

Multiple Capacity Options – Available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB, making it one of the first consumer PCIe 5.0 SSDs with an 8TB variant.

Heatsink Version Available – Samsung provides an optional D8-compliant heatsink, ensuring better thermal regulation for sustained performance, especially for gaming consoles like PlayStation 5.

A True Gen 5 SSD – Unlike the safe and comparatively underwhelming Samsung 990 EVO Plus, which only utilized PCIe 5.0 x2 lanes, the 9100 PRO fully utilizes PCIe 5.0 x4, delivering real next-generation speeds.

CONS

High Thermal Output – Can reach 81°C under sustained workloads, requiring adequate cooling solutions, either through the heatsink model or third-party cooling options.

Premium Pricing – Enters a PCIe 5.0 market where some competitors offer similar speeds at lower prices due to their earlier release, making it a costly investment for budget-conscious users.

Samsung’s Firmware History – While Samsung has a strong reputation for SSD reliability, previous firmware issues in the 990 PRO and 980 PRO raised concerns, making some users cautious about potential long-term stability.

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Samsung 9100 SSD Review – Design and Hardware

The Samsung 9100 PRO SSD follows a standard M.2 2280 form factor, making it compatible with most modern motherboards and laptops that support PCIe 5.0. The PCB layout varies by capacity, with the 1TB and 2TB models featuring NAND chips only on one side, while the 4TB and 8TB versions have NAND chips on both sides of the PCB. Unlike previous Samsung SSDs, such as the 990 EVO, which featured single-sided designs for improved compatibility in laptops, the higher-capacity 9100 PRO models require additional NAND space, making them better suited for desktops and high-performance workstations.

The drive also includes a thermal pad on the back, which assists in heat dissipation when used with compatible motherboard heatsinks. Samsung offers a pre-installed heatsink variant for improved temperature management, utilizing a PCI-SIG D8-compliant design for the 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB models, while the 8TB heatsink version features a thicker 11.25mm design for enhanced cooling, making it compatible with PlayStation 5 storage expansion requirements.

At the core of the 9100 PRO SSD is Samsung’s Presto PCIe 5.0 controller, which represents a significant advancement over previous controllers used in Samsung SSDs. This custom in-house design allows the 9100 PRO to achieve nearly full PCIe 5.0 bandwidth saturation, enabling up to 14,800 MB/s read and 13,400 MB/s write speeds. Unlike the 990 EVO, which used a more power-efficient but limited PCIe 4.0 controller, the 9100 PRO benefits from an advanced controller architecture that enhances throughput and reduces latency.

Built on a 5nm process, this controller lowers power consumption compared to earlier PCIe 5.0 SSDs, improves thermal efficiency, and integrates advanced ECC and wear-leveling algorithms for better long-term reliability. Additionally, Samsung’s Presto controller features a larger DRAM buffer and optimized NAND channel management, allowing the 9100 PRO to deliver high sustained speeds under extended workloads.

Unlike the 990 EVO and 990 EVO Plus, which were DRAM-less SSDs relying on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, the Samsung 9100 PRO integrates dedicated LPDDR4X DRAM, providing better caching and improved sustained write performance. The amount of DRAM scales with the drive’s capacity, with 1GB for 1TB models, 2GB for 2TB, 4GB for 4TB, and 8GB for 8TB.

This ensures that larger models handle large file transfers, database workloads, and AI-driven tasks more efficiently. The Presto controller’s enhanced memory mapping further improves the effectiveness of DRAM caching, ensuring lower latency and higher sustained write speeds. This is a notable advantage over competing PCIe 5.0 SSDs, many of which cut costs by removing DRAM and relying on slower caching solutions.

The 9100 PRO utilizes Samsung’s latest 3-bit MLC V-NAND (V8), which delivers higher density, improved durability, and greater efficiency compared to previous NAND generations. This 3-bit MLC (commonly referred to as TLC) enables faster read and write cycles, lower power consumption per operation, and improved reliability. Unlike older NAND designs used in PCIe 4.0 SSDs, the V8 NAND architecture allows for greater endurance and a more efficient distribution of read and write cycles, making it better suited for high-performance tasks such as video editing, AI computing, and professional content creation.

The 4TB and 8TB models benefit from additional NAND dies, increasing parallel processing capabilities and enabling higher performance under heavy workloads. Compared to Samsung’s previous consumer SSDs, the 9100 PRO’s NAND offers greater consistency in performance, reducing the risk of slowdowns due to write amplification and NAND wear over time.

Samsung rates the 9100 PRO with a Total Bytes Written (TBW) endurance rating of up to 4,800 TB for the 8TB model, with lower capacities following a scaled endurance pattern of 600 TB (1TB), 1,200 TB (2TB), and 2,400 TB (4TB). This results in a Drive Writes Per Day (DWPD) rating of approximately 0.328, meaning users can rewrite around one-third of the drive’s full capacity daily for five years before reaching the warranty limit.

Samsung claims on the 9100 PRO peak sequential read/write speeds (though based on hugely synthetic tests on an AMD Ryzen 9 7950x 16-Core Processor [email protected] system) make it one of the fastest PCIe 5.0 SSDs available in 2025. These speeds nearly double those of the 990 EVO (more on that shortly) released around 4-5 months before. Additionally, random read and write speeds exceeding 2.2M and 2.6M IOPS, which is a major improvement for workloads requiring frequent small file transactions, such as AI modeling, LLM training, and cloud storage applications. However, real-world performance may vary depending on factors such as cooling, system architecture, and workload type, which will be explored in the performance testing section of this review.

Samsung also emphasizes the power efficiency gains of the 9100 PRO, stating that the new controller and NAND design allow for up to 49% better efficiency than the previous generation 990 PRO. Power consumption during active operation is rated at 7.6W for the 1TB model, 8.1W for the 2TB, and 9.0W for the 4TB version, ensuring lower power draw compared to other PCIe 5.0 SSDs with similar performance ratings. This efficiency improvement helps reduce heat output and extends the lifespan of the drive, making it a more suitable option for professional and high-end workstation environments.

Samsung 9100 SSD vs the Samsung 990 EVO PLUS – Gen5 SSDs Compared

The Samsung 9100 PRO and Samsung 990 EVO Plus cater to different segments of the SSD market, with the 9100 PRO targeting high-performance workloads and the 990 EVO Plus designed for mainstream users seeking a balance between speed and efficiency. The most significant difference lies in interface and speed, as the 9100 PRO utilizes PCIe 5.0 x4, allowing for sequential read speeds up to 14,800 MB/s and write speeds up to 13,400 MB/s. In contrast, the 990 EVO Plus uses a PCIe 4.0 x4 / 5.0 x2 interface, capping its speeds at 7,250 MB/s read and 6,300 MB/s write.

While this makes the 990 EVO Plus one of the fastest PCIe 4.0 drives, it falls considerably behind the 9100 PRO, particularly in random performance, where the 9100 PRO achieves up to 2,200K IOPS read and 2,600K IOPS write, compared to the 990 EVO Plus’s 1,050K IOPS read and 1,400K IOPS write. The 9100 PRO also integrates LPDDR4X DRAM, ensuring smoother performance under heavy workloads, whereas the 990 EVO Plus relies on Host Memory Buffer (HMB) technology, which is dependent on system RAM and may lead to performance inconsistencies in extended write operations.

Beyond speed, endurance and power efficiency also differ significantly between the two drives. The 9100 PRO offers a higher TBW rating, reaching 4,800 TB on the 8TB model, compared to the 990 EVO Plus’s maximum of 2,400 TBW for its 4TB version. This makes the 9100 PRO more suitable for AI computing, professional video editing, and enterprise applications where large amounts of data are written daily. Power consumption is another key factor, with the 9100 PRO consuming between 7.6W and 9.0W under active operation, while the 990 EVO Plus operates at a lower 4.3W to 5.5W during reads and 4.2W to 4.8W during writes.

While the 990 EVO Plus is more power-efficient, the 9100 PRO compensates with significantly higher performance and an improved energy efficiency rating, reducing power consumption by 49% compared to previous Samsung PCIe 5.0 drives. Overall, while the 990 EVO Plus is a strong option for users looking for a high-speed PCIe 4.0 SSD, the 9100 PRO is a better fit for professionals requiring the fastest speeds, highest endurance, and improved thermal performance.

Samsung 9100 SSD Review – Performance Tests

Performance testing for the Samsung 9100 PRO was conducted on a Windows 10 system with a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a PCIe 5.0-enabled motherboard. The operating system was installed on a separate PCIe 4.0 SSD, while the 9100 PRO was tested in an available PCIe 5.0 slot.

Benchmarking tools included ATTO Disk Benchmark, CrystalDiskMark, AJA System Test, and real-world file transfer tests to assess sequential and random performance under different workloads. The drive was tested in both bare PCB configuration and with a third-party heatsink, as the proprietary Samsung heatsink version was unavailable for this review.

In ATTO Disk Benchmark, which measures transfer speeds across different file sizes, the 9100 PRO achieved sequential read speeds of between 11.3 GB/s and 11.5 GB/s, with occasional peaks reaching 12.5 GB/s under optimal conditions. These results, while slightly lower than Samsung’s claimed 14.8 GB/s read speed, remain among the highest reported for consumer PCIe 5.0 SSDs. Write speeds in ATTO remained stable at approximately 11.0 GB/s to 12.0 GB/s, showing consistent performance across multiple test runs.

Meanwhile, CrystalDiskMark testing at a 16GB file size reported read speeds of up to 11,881 MB/s and write speeds of 12,444 MB/s, with random IOPS reaching up to 1.5 million under ideal conditions. While the drive’s performance fluctuated slightly depending on workload type, overall speeds remained close to manufacturer specifications, confirming its status as one of the fastest SSDs available in 2025.

For real-world testing, a 52GB mixed dataset comprising 1,711 files across 42 folders was transferred to the 9100 PRO from another PCIe 4.0 SSD. The transfer was completed in just over 34 seconds, with speeds sustaining well above 9,000 MB/s for most of the operation. These figures align with high-end PCIe 5.0 expectations, demonstrating the drive’s ability to maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.

Additionally, AJA System Test, which simulates video production workloads, recorded sustained read speeds of nearly 10,000 MB/s, making the 9100 PRO a strong choice for video editing professionals working with large 8K or RAW footage files. Notably, write performance remained stable even during long transfers, likely due to Samsung’s expanded Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 cache, which allocates up to 442GB of SLC cache on the 4TB model to handle large sequential writes without immediate slowdowns.

During testing, the 9100 PRO’s temperatures fluctuated between 45°C and 55°C at idle, while sustained workloads pushed temperatures above 81°C under extended high-speed transfers. While Samsung’s new 5nm Presto controller is more power-efficient than previous PCIe 5.0 designs, high-speed Gen 5 SSDs inherently produce significant heat, requiring adequate cooling solutions to prevent throttling. In testing with a third-party heatsink, thermal recovery was fast, and the drive quickly dropped back to safe temperature ranges within seconds after peak workloads ended. However, without a heatsink, performance throttling was observed after extended write operations, reinforcing the importance of active cooling for sustained performance in PCIe 5.0 SSDs.

Overall, the Samsung 9100 PRO delivers competitive and consistent performance across synthetic benchmarks and real-world testing. It consistently reaches 11.5 GB/s to 12.5 GB/s in most workloads, proving it to be among the fastest PCIe 5.0 SSDs available. Real-world file transfers confirm the drive’s ability to sustain high write speeds, while Samsung’s Intelligent TurboWrite 2.0 technology minimizes performance drops even under heavy loads. However, thermal management remains a key consideration, as sustained high-speed operations push temperatures close to throttling limits without a heatsink. Despite this, power efficiency is improved over previous PCIe 5.0 SSDs, making it a strong option for professionals requiring high-performance storage for AI, video production, and data-heavy workloads.

Samsung 9100 SSD Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The Samsung 9100 PRO SSD delivers top-tier PCIe 5.0 performance, offering sequential read speeds up to 14,800 MB/s and write speeds reaching 13,400 MB/s, making it one of the fastest consumer SSDs currently available. Unlike many PCIe 5.0 SSDs that rely on third-party controllers from Phison or NAND from Micron, the 9100 PRO benefits from Samsung’s fully in-house design, including its Presto PCIe 5.0 controller and V-NAND TLC (V8). This ensures better integration between hardware and firmware, resulting in more stable performance, improved power efficiency, and better overall optimization for workloads like AI computing, video production, and high-speed data processing. Additionally, Samsung claims 49% improved power efficiency over previous PCIe 5.0 SSDs, helping to reduce thermal output compared to some early PCIe 5.0 models. Its high endurance rating (up to 4,800 TBW on the 8TB model) also positions it as a strong choice for users who require reliable, long-term performance.

However, there are some key drawbacks to consider. Thermal performance remains a challenge, as the 9100 PRO can reach temperatures above 81°C under extended workloads, meaning a proper cooling solution is necessary to prevent thermal throttling. While Samsung offers a heatsink version, those using the bare PCB model may need to invest in additional cooling for sustained performance. Additionally, real-world speeds, while impressive, do not always match Samsung’s maximum advertised performance, particularly once the TurboWrite cache is exhausted. Furthermore, Samsung’s reputation for SSD reliability is generally strong, but firmware issues in previous models, such as the 990 PRO and 980 PRO, led to concerns over long-term stability. While Samsung has since addressed those problems, some users may remain cautious about potential firmware-related risks. Despite these concerns, the 9100 PRO still stands out as one of the best PCIe 5.0 SSDs available, offering fully in-house hardware, high endurance, and leading-edge performance for users who need the fastest storage available today.

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