The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra – The First 48 Hours

The MS-02 Ultra is the latest workstation from Minisforum, and is currently undergoing testing and review here at NASCompares. However, even after just 48 hours, a whole bunch of interesting design choices and unique qwerks to the arcitecture have emerged that I wanted to cover in the meantime before the full review is complete. The MS-02 Ultra essentially trying to recapture the magic and impact of the incredibly popular MS-01 – and it is attempting this by doubling, trippling and (in some cases) quadrupling the base specifications! The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra arrives as a compact workstation that incorporates a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, up to 256 GB of ECC DDR5 memory, internal 350 W power delivery, multiple PCIe expansion options, and a network configuration that includes dual 25GbE, 10GbE, and 2.5GbE. After 48 hours of initial testing, several hardware behaviors have emerged regarding thermals, acoustics, lane distribution, storage configuration, and chassis layout. The following sections outline these early observations, supported by confirmed specifications and hands-on inspection. Stay tuned for the full review, but at least for now, let’s discuss the early highlights and low lights!

Design of the MS-02 Ultra

The internal design of the MS-02 Ultra differs considerably from earlier Minisforum workstation models and moves away from the layout used in the MS-S1 Max. Although the system retains a slide-out internal frame, the mechanism is less streamlined than the earlier S-series implementation because of how densely the components are arranged.

The interior resembles a compressed micro-tower layout, with the CPU cooling assembly, PSU, PCIe risers, and storage positions layered closely together. A dual-fan ventilation chamber spans the frontal section of the chassis, pulling air through a vented intake and directing it across the primary cooling hardware before forcing it out the rear. This arrangement appears to be a necessary response to the higher thermal output of the Ultra 9 285HX and the inclusion of multiple expansion slots, both of which require more directed airflow than Minisforum’s previous compact workstation designs.

The placement of internal components reflects the limited spatial tolerance of the 4.8-liter enclosure. The internal 350 W PSU occupies a significant section of the lower frame and includes additional power leads intended for low-profile GPU or accelerator cards, something rarely present in machines of this size. The motherboard runs across most of the horizontal section and positions the CPU vapor-chamber cooler toward the middle, while memory slots, NVMe connectors, and the PCIe riser for the combo NIC occupy the remaining pockets of available space.

Because cooling pipes and the ventilation housing sit directly above the CPU-side memory slots, Minisforum added a custom angled heatsink to ensure airflow reaches these modules. This results in a serviceable layout but one that requires more deliberate disassembly, as the compact structure prioritizes component density and thermal guidance over ease of access or open internal spacing.

Early Heat, Noise and Power Use of the MS-02 Ultra

Initial thermal behavior suggests the MS-02 Ultra is managing its compact layout with a cooling strategy built around a dual-fan chamber and a six-heatpipe radiator assisted by phase-change material. During the first setup period, surface temperatures around the chassis varied, with readings near the side ventilation panels and case edges settling around the low-to-mid 40s, while the front intake area measured lower due to the direct airflow path.

Early internal temperature checks, taken before any sustained workloads were applied, showed values consistent with a system that is heavily packed but actively cooled across multiple zones. These readings align with Minisforum’s stated 5000 RPM maximum fan speed and the intention to maintain a 100 W to 140 W CPU power envelope depending on configuration. However, because these measurements were taken during routine preparation rather than stress testing, they provide only a preliminary indication of how the system will manage long-duration loads.

Noise levels during this early period ranged from the low 30s dBA while performing software installations and background operations, with no significant fluctuations unless brief bursts of activity occurred. This behavior suggests fan control may be tied primarily to BIOS-level thermal triggers rather than granular OS-side control, something that will require further testing.

Power consumption during light activity remained in the 50 to 60 W range, which is consistent with a workstation-class system running the Ultra 9 285HX while idle or handling moderate foreground tasks. Removing the dual-25GbE combo card or disabling its slot reduced power draw by roughly 10 to 11 W, highlighting the overhead associated with multi-lane NICs and onboard controllers. These early figures provide a baseline for comparison against heavier benchmarks that will be performed in the full review.

The 25GbE, 10GbE and WiFi 7 Network Card in the MS-02 Ultra

The MS-02 Ultra’s networking implementation is centered around a PCIe-based combo card that integrates dual 25GbE SFP+ ports with two additional M.2 NVMe slots. This card is installed in the PCIe 4.0 x16 position rather than the PCIe 5.0 slot, and it includes a dedicated controller with active cooling and heatsinks that cover both the networking and storage components.

Early inspection shows the card draws a notable amount of power, which corresponds with the increased thermal and electrical requirements of Intel’s E810-class 25GbE controllers. Because of this, Minisforum’s inclusion of dedicated airflow and structural reinforcement around the card is necessary within the constrained 4.8-liter chassis. The presence of this dual-purpose add-in card also means the MS-02 Ultra’s total NVMe count depends on whether the system is configured with the 285HX version, as the lower-tier CPUs remove the combo module entirely.

Beyond the 25GbE configuration, the system includes onboard 10GbE and 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, the latter supported by Intel’s i226-LM with vPro capabilities, allowing BIOS-level remote management. The combination of high-speed SFP+, copper-based multi-gigabit ports, and embedded management options positions the system for lab, server, or virtualization roles rather than conventional desktop use.

Wireless capability is supplied via a WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 module connected through an M.2 E-Key slot, providing high-throughput wireless performance alongside its wired interfaces. Together, these connectivity features expand the system’s potential use cases, particularly for users planning to deploy virtualized environments or bandwidth-intensive tasks such as shared storage testing or multi-system clustering.

How m.2 Storage on the MS-02 Ultra is Done

The MS-02 Ultra distributes its four NVMe slots across two different locations, with two mounted on the mainboard and two integrated into the dual-25GbE combo card. The pair located on the system board are positioned on the underside, near the memory and CPU assembly, and both are listed as PCIe 4.0 x4 according to Minisforum’s documentation.

Early inspection suggests that one of these may have a PCIe 5.0 lane path available at the hardware level, though software restrictions or lane bifurcation rules may currently limit it to Gen 4 behavior. This is an area that requires further validation using a Gen 5 SSD, as the lane layout on the 285HX platform allows various allocation possibilities depending on how Minisforum assigned bandwidth between CPU, chipset, and expansion slots. These internal slots have modest vertical clearance, meaning SSDs with tall heatsinks cannot be used without removing or replacing the pre-fitted cooling structures.

The remaining two NVMe slots reside on the network combo card alongside the 25GbE controllers. These operate under different bandwidth rules depending on SSD capacity: drives up to 4 TB operate at PCIe 4.0 x4, while larger 8 TB models shift down to PCIe 3.0 x4. This behavior appears to be related to the card’s onboard controller and how its internal bifurcation splits resources between the NIC and storage lanes.

Physical space is also restricted on the card, requiring low-profile SSDs in certain positions to avoid obstruction of the cooling shroud and airflow channel. Minisforum includes an additional heatsink in the package for users installing their own drives, but using SSDs with taller factory heatsinks may be impractical. Altogether, storage layout on the MS-02 Ultra is functional and high-capacity, but with lane behaviors and physical constraints that require attention during configuration.

Memory on the MS-02 Ultra

The MS-02 Ultra provides four DDR5 SODIMM slots, but their distribution within the chassis is unconventional due to the system’s compact thermal layout. Two slots sit on the mainboard near the CPU-side M.2 positions, placed directly in the airflow path of the vapor-chamber cooler and its dual-fan assembly. Because of this, Minisforum has added a custom angled heatsink that draws air from the primary cooling channel across the modules and nearby components.

This arrangement is intended to compensate for the thermal density around the CPU area, where heat buildup would otherwise be more likely. These two slots support both ECC and non-ECC memory, though ECC functionality is active only on the 285HX model. Their placement suggests Minisforum prioritized consistent airflow over ease of access, making upgrades possible but less straightforward than on more open workstation layouts.

The remaining pair of SODIMM slots is located on the opposite side of the board, positioned away from the CPU cooling assembly and closer to the chassis frame. These modules have more breathing room but rely on passive airflow from the system’s general ventilation rather than a focused cooling path. All four slots support speeds up to 4800 MHz, with XMP profiles unavailable due to Minisforum’s implementation and Intel’s platform limitations.

During early testing, memory installation worked as expected, though the arrangement of these slots means users planning maximum 256 GB configurations will need to work within the physical constraints of the layout. Overall, the memory design reflects a tradeoff between supporting high-capacity ECC configurations and fitting the necessary cooling infrastructure into a small volume.

PCIe Card Support on the MS-02 Ultra

The MS-02 Ultra incorporates three PCIe slots arranged to maximize flexibility within its compact chassis: a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. The PCIe 5.0 slot is left unoccupied by default, allowing users to install a low-profile GPU or accelerator card that fits within the airflow and power constraints of the 350 W internal PSU.

Minisforum includes auxiliary power cables within the system, which is uncommon for small-form-factor workstations and indicates that the chassis is intended to support cards that require supplemental power. Because of the chassis height and width, only dual-slot, low-profile cards with modest cooling requirements are viable, but this still introduces options for compute or media workloads that benefit from hardware acceleration.

The PCIe 4.0 x16 slot is occupied in the 285HX configuration by the dual-25GbE plus dual-M.2 combo card, which introduces additional thermal and power considerations. This leaves the PCIe 4.0 x4 slot available for further expansion, provided the card used meets the system’s spatial limitations. The layout demonstrates Minisforum’s approach to balancing lane allocation between CPU, storage, and networking, especially given the 24 available PCIe lanes on the Ultra 9 platform.

Although the physical presence of three slots in such a compact volume is unusual, the arrangement is functional, and power delivery from the internal PSU supports moderate add-in card configurations. Users will need to consider airflow direction, card length, and slot occupation carefully to avoid restricting internal ventilation.

Conclusion and Verdict on the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra (So Far…)

The MS-02 Ultra presents a compact workstation design that integrates a high-core-count CPU, multiple NVMe storage options, high-speed networking, and an internal PSU within a tightly arranged chassis. Early testing indicates that the system’s thermal behavior, noise profile, and power draw are consistent with its component density, though the long-term performance of its cooling strategy requires extended benchmarking before reaching definitive conclusions. The design choices, such as the split placement of memory slots, the use of a large dual-fan cooling chamber, and the reliance on a densely packed internal layout, all reflect Minisforum’s effort to fit workstation-grade hardware into a constrained volume.

In terms of features, the dual-25GbE plus dual-M.2 combo card remains the most distinctive element, expanding the system’s potential for virtualized environments, NAS roles, and bandwidth-heavy workflows. PCIe allocation, memory configuration, and storage behavior introduce several considerations for users planning upgrades or specialized deployments. While these early observations indicate a capable and flexible platform, further testing is necessary to determine sustained thermal performance, PCIe stability under load, and real-world throughput of the networking and storage subsystems. The forthcoming full review will provide those extended results, but for now, the system presents a feature-rich design with several areas that merit deeper evaluation.

Where to Buy the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra?
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra	Check AliExpress for the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra	Check the Official Site for the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra

 

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The Minisforum MS-02 Workstation – FINALLY A MS-01 KILLER?

Note – Massive thanks to PCWatch for their coverage of the Japan IT Week 2025 Event. They made an excellent article on the Minisforum MS-02 HERE and was the source for today’s article. Check them out!

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is a compact 4.8-liter workstation revealed at Japan IT Week Autumn 2025, marking a major upgrade over the earlier MS-01 model. Built around Intel’s 24-core Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, it merges high-end mobile CPU performance with features traditionally reserved for full-size desktops. The system includes support for up to 256 GB of ECC DDR5 memory, four PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots, and three PCIe expansion slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0 ×16. Network connectivity options extend up to dual 25 GbE SFP28 ports, alongside 10 GbE and 2.5 GbE (vPro) Ethernet. Designed to serve as a workstation or mini-server, the MS-02 Ultra incorporates an internal 350 W Flex PSU, a slide-out chassis for maintenance, and advanced front-to-rear cooling architecture.

Minisforum MS-02 – Internal Hardware

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is built around Intel’s Arrow Lake-HX platform, with the Core Ultra 9 285HX serving as its central processor. This 24-core CPU combines eight performance cores and sixteen efficiency cores, reaching up to 5.5 GHz while maintaining a 140 W thermal design power. It incorporates an integrated Intel Arc GPU with four Xe cores and an NPU capable of up to 13 TOPS for AI acceleration. The CPU provides 24 PCIe lanes in total, which are distributed among the system’s multiple expansion and storage options.

Memory capacity is one of the most notable upgrades over its predecessor. The MS-02 Ultra offers four DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, supporting up to 256 GB of 4800 MHz memory, with full ECC functionality for stability in continuous workloads. Two modules are located on the CPU side of the board, and two on the reverse, optimizing thermal spacing and service access. This capacity places it closer to entry-level server configurations than typical mini PCs, reinforcing its suitability for virtualization or compute-heavy tasks.

Storage expansion is handled through four M.2 2280 NVMe slots, each supporting PCIe 4.0 ×4 bandwidth. Combined, these slots can accommodate up to 16 TB of SSD storage. The system’s slide-out chassis design allows quick installation or replacement of drives, simplifying maintenance. Minisforum has also introduced a small debug LED and clear CMOS button on the board, indicating that the model is targeted toward users familiar with system-level configuration and troubleshooting.

Expansion flexibility extends far beyond most small form factor workstations. The system includes three PCIe slots: one PCIe 5.0 ×16, one PCIe 4.0 ×16 (often occupied by a 25 GbE NIC in standard configurations), and one PCIe 4.0 ×4. The top slot can host dual-slot desktop graphics cards, drawing up to 140 W through an included 8-pin auxiliary connector. This allows for the addition of mid-range GPUs such as the NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada or workstation accelerators, while still retaining physical compactness.

Power delivery is managed through a built-in 350 W Flex PSU that eliminates the need for an external brick. This internal supply was a deliberate shift from the MS-01’s external adapter and helps sustain higher CPU and GPU draw without additional clutter. The unit supports 100–240 V AC input, giving it universal deployment flexibility for both workstation and light server scenarios.

 

Minisforum MS-02 – Ports and Connections

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra includes a broad range of connectivity options intended to support both workstation and server workloads. Front access is optimized for frequent use, featuring two USB4 Version 2.0 Type-C ports offering 80 Gbps bandwidth each, a 10 Gbps USB Type-A port, a 3.5 mm audio combo jack, and the system power button. These front USB4 v2 ports also support DisplayPort Alternate Mode and Power Delivery up to 15 W per port, making them suitable for high-speed data transfer or direct monitor output without additional adapters.

The rear I/O layout is designed for permanent peripheral and network connections. It includes a third USB4 Type-C port rated at 40 Gbps, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports at 10 Gbps each, and a single HDMI 2.1 output supporting up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz. For network communication, the MS-02 Ultra integrates four ports in total: two 25 GbE SFP28, one 10 GbE RJ-45, and one 2.5 GbE RJ-45. The 2.5 GbE interface uses Intel’s i226-LM controller and supports vPro remote management for BIOS-level administration, which is beneficial for enterprise or headless operation.

Wireless connectivity is provided by an M.2 2230 E-Key slot supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 modules, enabling flexible configuration for wireless networks or peripheral pairing. The combination of USB4 v2, multiple Ethernet options, and RDMA capability positions the MS-02 Ultra as a system ready for both high-performance workstation setups and compact server deployments. Its port layout, with both front and rear accessibility, ensures straightforward use in horizontal or vertical orientations.

Minisforum MS-02 – Cooling and Temperature Management

The cooling system of the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is designed to manage sustained high thermal loads while maintaining compact dimensions. The chassis follows a front-intake and rear-exhaust airflow pattern, similar to rackmount servers. A six-heatpipe radiator combined with phase-change material (PCM) ensures efficient heat dissipation from both the CPU and expansion slots. This design enables the system to maintain stable operation at a 140 W CPU TDP, even when fully populated with PCIe cards and NVMe storage. Airflow direction also varies depending on the unit’s orientation, with side-mounted intakes feeding the expansion slots and rear vents handling exhaust when the unit is placed horizontally or vertically.

The internal layout is structured to prevent thermal overlap between major components. The CPU and memory modules are cooled through a direct-contact heat spreader, while GPU and add-in cards draw intake air from the left side and expel it from the right or top, depending on placement. The inclusion of an internal 350 W Flex PSU was balanced with this design, ensuring sufficient clearance and airflow. This approach allows the MS-02 Ultra to sustain continuous high-load performance without external cooling solutions or the noise levels typical of larger tower workstations.

Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Workstation – Worth waiting for?

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra represents a substantial progression from the original MS-01 workstation, addressing nearly every limitation of its predecessor. The earlier model, released in 2023, gained attention for integrating desktop-class performance into a small form factor but was constrained by its single-slot PCIe design, limited memory capacity, and reliance on an external power brick. The MS-02 Ultra resolves these issues with four DDR5 SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 256 GB ECC memory, a dual-slot PCIe 5.0 ×16 slot for graphics or accelerator cards, and a fully internal 350 W Flex PSU. These refinements, along with the addition of 25 GbE networking and USB4 v2 connectivity, elevate the system into a new category that bridges high-end workstation and compact enterprise server design.

Performance and versatility are at the center of this system’s concept. The inclusion of a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX CPU and up to four PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives positions it for continuous workloads such as virtualization, software development, or AI inference without the thermal or structural compromises typical of small PCs. Minisforum’s decision to adopt ECC memory and RDMA-capable networking also underlines a shift toward reliability and professional usage scenarios rather than enthusiast or gaming audiences.

In terms of market placement, pricing has yet to be confirmed, but early indications suggest the MS-02 Ultra will likely start around $1,500, with higher configurations approaching or exceeding $2,000 depending on memory, storage, and NIC options. This aligns it with compact workstations like the ASRock DeskMeet X600 and high-end mini servers from OEM integrators, though the Minisforum model’s density and component flexibility set it apart. Overall, the MS-02 Ultra shows how far the brand’s SFF engineering has advanced since the MS-01, turning a well-liked prototype concept into a fully realized professional-grade workstation built for sustained heavy use.

Note – Massive thanks to PCWatch for their coverage of the Japan IT Week 2025 Event. They made an excellent article on the Minisforum MS-02 HERE and was the source for today’s article. Check them out!

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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GMKTec G9 NAS (New Improved Cooling Version) Review

Important – My original review of the GMKTec G9 NAS in it’s original design can be found HERE on YouTube and HERE on the NASCompares blog.

The GMKTec G9 NucBox NAS has re-emerged in mid-2025 with a revised cooling design, following a wave of thermal criticism directed at the original release earlier in the year. Still marketed as an SSD-only NAS aimed at home and small office environments, the G9 maintains its core identity—a compact enclosure powered by Intel’s N150 quad-core processor, soldered LPDDR5 memory, and four M.2 NVMe SSD bays. The G9’s primary appeal continues to be its affordability, silent operation, and dual-use flexibility as both a NAS and lightweight desktop system, thanks to the inclusion of Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu out of the box. However, early buyers and reviewers, including this channel, highlighted persistent thermal issues affecting SSD performance and overall system reliability under load, leading to thermal throttling even during idle states in warmer environments.

In response, GMKTec has issued an updated version of the G9 that retains the same form factor, internal hardware, and I/O but incorporates enhanced passive ventilation on the side and top panels. Though subtle at first glance, these structural changes are designed to improve airflow over the CPU and SSD compartments without increasing noise levels or power draw. In this updated review, we will revisit all aspects of the G9’s design, connectivity, and system behaviour under continuous load, while highlighting what exactly has changed and what remains untouched. The new G9 model introduces targeted thermal improvements, but beyond ventilation, it leaves the original architecture and feature set entirely intact.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The improved GMKTec G9 NAS represents a targeted refinement rather than a full redesign, addressing the primary weakness of the original model: inadequate thermal performance. The updated version introduces enlarged ventilation cutouts on the top panel above the CPU fan and replaces the pinhole rear exhaust with a wider mesh, leading to measurable but modest reductions in system temperatures. In 48-hour test scenarios using UnRAID with hourly backup tasks, SSDs without heatsinks in the original unit reached idle temperatures of 66–67°C, while the revised model brought this down to 56–57°C. CPU vent temperatures similarly dropped from 54–56°C to 50–52°C, and rear I/O areas cooled by 5–7°C. These improvements enhance stability during sustained I/O activity but do not eliminate the need for additional SSD cooling—particularly in environments where ambient heat or multi-user access is expected. Internally, the hardware remains unchanged: Intel N150 CPU, 12GB of non-upgradable LPDDR5 memory, four PCIe Gen 3 x2 M.2 NVMe bays, and dual 2.5GbE ports, with storage and network throughput consistent with entry-level expectations. Power consumption remains efficient (19–30W), and noise levels stay low at under 40dB, making it suitable for always-on deployment. However, the continued use of a plastic chassis and base panel still limits effective heat dissipation, and the absence of thermal sensors or fan curve controls further limits its thermal adaptability. Compared to the Xyber Hydra—featuring a metal base, better SSD thermal contact, and 16GB RAM—the G9 now performs better than before but still falls short of what its hardware could achieve with more thoughtful engineering. For users willing to invest in SSD heatsinks and mindful of its limitations, the G9 is now a reasonably balanced entry NAS, though not the strongest performer in its tier.

Where to Buy? GMKtec G9 $199 Model : HERE on AliExpress GMKtec NucBox G9 12+1TB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 0TB, 1TB adn 2TB Model, Starting at $173 : HERE on AliExpress GMKtec G9 12+512GB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 12+2TB Model : HERE on Amazon

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Design and Storage

The GMKTec G9 continues to use a compact, matte-black plastic chassis that is closer in design to a mini PC enclosure than a traditional NAS. The vertical design conserves desk space, and the front-facing panel remains clean and understated, with no visible drive trays or status indicators beyond the power button and basic branding. As with the original model, the chassis sacrifices the durability and thermal advantages of metal in favour of a lightweight, cost-efficient build. This makes the device appealing for users with space constraints, but it also signals the system’s budget positioning. The plastic enclosure, while solid enough for day-to-day use, is not especially resistant to heat buildup during sustained I/O operations, which remains one of its most persistent limitations.

Internally, the system supports four M.2 NVMe SSDs, each connected via PCIe Gen 3 x2 lanes. This setup allows up to 32TB of total SSD storage, assuming the use of high-capacity 8TB NVMe drives. The use of SSDs rather than traditional 2.5″ or 3.5″ hard drives enables near-silent operation, faster access times, and lower power consumption. However, SSD-only NAS designs like this one typically require better airflow and heatsinking to mitigate thermal throttling—especially during RAID operations or when used as a media server with multiple concurrent reads and writes. The G9 supports basic RAID via third-party NAS OSs, but due to PCIe lane limitations and lack of onboard RAID management, advanced configurations will rely entirely on software.

One of the primary complaints in the original model was the absence of SSD heatsinks and the system’s poor natural heat dissipation. While pre-built units from GMKTec occasionally shipped with low-profile aluminum heatsinks, user-added drives often ran hot, especially under sustained write loads. The M.2 slots sit stacked vertically inside a cramped compartment behind the lower rear panel, and when combined with a sealed plastic baseplate, heat quickly accumulates. This design still persists in the new version, and although airflow has been improved through the external vents, the interior thermal behaviour remains heavily dependent on user-supplied heatsinks and ambient cooling conditions. Users deploying high-endurance SSDs or running frequent write-intensive tasks will need to factor this into their thermal strategy.

The internal layout is efficient but fixed. There are no modular trays or hot-swap capabilities for the SSDs, and all upgrades must be performed by opening the device. Memory is soldered and therefore non-upgradable, and while there’s internal eMMC storage used for the pre-installed OS, most users will opt to install TrueNAS, UnRAID, or OpenMediaVault onto one of the NVMe drives for full NAS functionality. The passive cooling approach is unchanged in its core design: two internal fans (one for CPU, one system) move air through the case, but without direct thermal contact to the SSDs or a conductive enclosure material, this airflow has limited reach. Placement of the unit in a well-ventilated space remains essential.

The only real physical design changes in the new version are to the external ventilation panels. GMKTec has replaced the original pinhole-style vent on the rear side with a wider mesh grille, which now spans a greater portion of the side panel. Additionally, the top panel has been revised to include a broader cutout directly above the CPU fan, allowing a clearer exhaust path for rising hot air. However, the plastic base and internal heat chamber structure remain unchanged, meaning SSD temperatures are still a potential concern—especially without aftermarket cooling. The updated G9 retains the same core storage architecture as the original, but introduces modest improvements to airflow via enhanced external ventilation.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Internal Hardware

At the center of the GMKTec G9 is the Intel N150 processor, a quad-core, four-thread CPU built on the 10nm Twice Lake architecture. Designed for ultra-efficient computing, it operates at a modest 6W TDP, making it ideal for passive or semi-passive cooling environments like compact NAS systems. The N150 runs at a 1.0GHz base frequency and boosts up to 3.6GHz under load, delivering just enough headroom for tasks like SMB/NFS sharing, low-volume web hosting, and basic media playback. Its integrated Intel UHD Graphics support up to 4K at 60Hz output via HDMI or USB-C DisplayPort alt mode, though without hardware acceleration for modern codecs like AV1, its suitability for on-the-fly transcoding is limited. The CPU also lacks advanced server-grade features like ECC memory support, SR-IOV, or high-bandwidth PCIe 4.0 lanes, which reflects its role in cost-conscious, entry-level applications.

The onboard 12GB of LPDDR5-4800 memory is soldered and cannot be replaced or upgraded, a design choice that simplifies manufacturing and keeps costs down but limits versatility in heavier multitasking scenarios. In practice, the memory is sufficient for running one or two lightweight NAS services alongside file sharing, or even a basic Docker container or two, but its soldered configuration leaves no room for future expansion. Notably, the memory is dual-channel, which does help offset some performance constraints—especially in scenarios where the integrated graphics or CPU requires memory bandwidth access. While most users won’t hit the ceiling of 12GB under standard NAS tasks, advanced setups involving active sync with cloud platforms, large-scale Plex libraries, or multiple concurrent rsync/FTP sessions could find the limitation restrictive. Also, unlike some similarly priced competitors, there’s no accessible BIOS option to reserve RAM for cache acceleration, which could have improved responsiveness under heavier I/O loads.

In terms of storage hardware, the G9 offers four M.2 NVMe slots with PCIe Gen 3 x2 interfaces, a configuration that supports up to 32TB of total storage using current consumer-grade drives. Each slot is keyed for M-Key NVMe SSDs and arranged vertically inside the enclosure, though installation requires unscrewing the rear panel and working within the confined internal cavity. The system’s internal PCIe lane distribution is handled through multiple ASMedia ASM1182e switch chips, which divide the CPU’s limited PCIe bandwidth across all four NVMe slots and the dual 2.5GbE interfaces. While the Gen 3 x2 interface is technically capable of 2GB/s per slot, real-world speeds are often lower during concurrent access due to the shared architecture.

This design also limits SSD passthrough capabilities in virtualized environments, and users aiming for high-speed SSD RAID configurations (RAID 5 or 10, for example) may encounter inconsistent write speeds. Additionally, there is no hardware-level thermal throttling safeguard tied to fan curves or SSD temperature sensors, so thermal build-up under load could directly affect sustained throughput unless active cooling measures are installed. The internal hardware of the improved GMKTec G9 remains completely unchanged from the original release—no CPU, RAM, SSD slot layout, or controller chip has been altered in the updated version.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The GMKTec G9 offers a well-rounded I/O configuration that reflects its hybrid role as both a compact NAS and lightweight desktop appliance. It features two 2.5GbE LAN ports, both of which are directly linked to the CPU via PCIe lanes and can be configured for link aggregation, failover, or isolated network segments. In real-world testing, these ports easily saturate their 312MB/s bandwidth under SMB and iSCSI workloads, making the G9 more capable than traditional Gigabit NAS units. The absence of 10GbE is notable, especially for users planning to deploy NVMe RAID arrays or work in content-heavy environments, but at this price point and power envelope, dual 2.5GbE is still a competitive offering. Notably, both NICs support Wake-on-LAN (WoL), making the system convenient for remote access or low-power automation setups.

For peripheral and expansion support, the G9 includes three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports and a single USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, each capable of 10Gbps data transfer. The USB-C port also supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, allowing it to function as an additional video output alongside the two HDMI 2.0 ports on the rear panel. These HDMI ports support 4K resolution at 60Hz and are positioned for users who may wish to operate the G9 as a silent desktop system or a local media playback device via Kodi, Jellyfin, or Plex. However, the G9 does not include USB 4.0, Thunderbolt, or PCIe expandability, limiting options for future upgrades such as external GPUs, additional NICs, or DAS enclosures. In testing, connected peripherals such as USB drives and webcams were recognized instantly under Ubuntu and Windows, confirming basic plug-and-play compatibility.

Power delivery is handled via USB-C PD input, using a 65W external power brick that ships with the unit. Uniquely, the updated G9 introduces a small but notable change: dual USB-C power input points, allowing users to select which side of the device receives the power cable. This change doesn’t increase power capacity or enable redundancy, but it can improve cable management depending on the G9’s orientation on a desk or shelf. However, using one of the USB-C ports for power inherently sacrifices a high-speed data port—an unfortunate trade-off given the unit’s lack of PCIe or expansion bays. No dedicated power switch is present; the unit powers on via the front button or Wake-on-LAN and remains always-on unless shut down via software or OS-level scripts. Compared with the original G9, the only change to I/O is the addition of the second USB-C power input for layout flexibility—otherwise, all ports, speeds, and layout remain the same.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Tests and Performance

In synthetic and real-world benchmarks, the GMKTec G9 delivers the level of performance expected from an Intel N150 system with PCIe Gen 3 x2 storage. Read speeds per drive peaked around 1.4–1.5GB/s, aligning well with the theoretical limit of the x2 interface. Write speeds were notably more volatile, ranging between 400–600MB/s depending on SSD type, ambient temperature, and active processes. These numbers, while adequate for file serving, backups, and Docker apps, showed clear limitations when the system was pushed into simultaneous multi-disk writes or parity-based RAID configurations. The presence of ASMedia ASM1182e PCIe switches likely contributes to this variance, as downstream PCIe allocation under pressure introduces contention among the SSD lanes. In typical NAS tasks like SMB and NFS file transfers, however, performance remained consistent and stable, particularly when network activity was confined to single-user access or sequential transfers.

Thermal behaviour is where the most scrutiny falls, given the G9’s original design flaws. Under a controlled 48-hour test using UnRAID with scheduled hourly backups and mixed-use read/write activity, the older G9 unit routinely idled at 54–56°C, with peaks of 66–67°C on SSDs lacking heatsinks.

The improved model saw modest thermal gains, with idle temps reduced to 50–52°C at the CPU vent and around 56–57°C on the SSD layer. Some of this improvement came from the revised ventilation—namely the expanded top-panel fan cutout and rear-side mesh panel—yet the base remained the same thermally isolated plastic panel, and internal fan hardware remained unchanged.

Notably, temperatures around the rear I/O ports dropped by 5–7°C between versions, suggesting that airflow efficiency around the motherboard has improved even if core thermal load remains a challenge.

In terms of noise and power, the G9 performs admirably. Even under load, fan noise remained below 40dB, with idle operation being nearly silent. Power consumption remained within the expected range—19–21W idle and up to 30W under continuous activity—even during the 48-hour write test.

BIOS-level tuning is possible and can slightly reduce power draw or adjust fan thresholds, but no advanced power scaling or fan curve customization is exposed via software in stock OS images. More demanding operating systems like TrueNAS Scale ran stably on the G9 but did little to mitigate thermal behaviour, reinforcing the importance of user-added SSD heatsinks regardless of OS.

The lack of thermal sensors per SSD slot or fan feedback control means sustained operations should be closely monitored in hotter climates or enclosed environments.

Nowhere is the conversation about thermal and hardware design more relevant than in comparison to the Xyber Hydra, a near-identical system that appears to share much of its component sourcing with the G9—right down to the GMK-branded fans. The Hydra ships with 16GB of DDR5 memory, a metal base panel, and most notably, a thermal pad that bridges SSDs to the metal shell, allowing for actual heat transfer rather than passive convection. In direct tests, the Hydra consistently posted 5–10°C lower SSD temps under identical workload, with idle SSDs (no heatsinks) registering around 47–49°C versus 56–57°C in the improved G9.

Though the Hydra lacks branding clarity around its manufacturer, the design appears to be what the G9 should have evolved into: same layout and CPU, but better thermals, more memory, and more thought put into SSD dissipation. In conclusion, while the improved GMKTec G9 offers better thermals than its predecessor, the Xyber Hydra outperforms both G9 variants in every thermal category, making it the superior choice if cooling and memory capacity are priorities.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The GMKTec G9, in its improved form, shows that the brand has listened—albeit cautiously—to thermal concerns raised by users and reviewers of the original model. The changes introduced in this updated version are minimal but measurable: better ventilation on the top panel and side mesh grille allow modest airflow gains, which result in lower surface and SSD temperatures across the board. Yet, GMKTec has stopped short of making any internal or structural upgrades that would more directly resolve thermal issues, such as introducing a metal baseplate, bundling SSD heatsinks, or adjusting the system’s internal fan architecture. All other hardware elements—CPU, memory, SSD configuration, I/O, BIOS, and software readiness—remain identical. As a result, while the device performs better in heat dissipation than before, it does so by a margin that may not justify an upgrade for existing G9 users. First-time buyers, however, may find it to be a safer choice now—particularly when paired with aftermarket heatsinks and used in moderate workloads.

However, the presence of the Xyber Hydra in the same price bracket poses a critical challenge to the G9’s value proposition. Offering the same N150 CPU, more memory, and a far superior thermal design with an integrated metal heat-spreading base, the Hydra addresses nearly every lingering complaint about the G9 without altering the system’s core layout. For prospective buyers deciding between the two, the G9’s only advantages now lie in its wider availability, slightly more recognizable branding, and marginally more mature firmware support. If those factors matter less than thermal reliability, long-term SSD health, and RAM headroom, then the Hydra is the more complete solution. Ultimately, the improved GMKTec G9 is a more stable and better-performing version of its former self, but its restrained upgrades feel like a missed opportunity in a market where near-clones have already moved ahead in meaningful ways.

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PROs of the GMKTec G9 NAS

CONs of the GMKTec G9 NAS

Affordable price point for a 4-bay NVMe NAS with dual 2.5GbE (typically under $200). Support for up to 32TB of SSD storage across four M.2 NVMe slots. Low power consumption (19W idle, ~30W under load) suitable for 24/7 operation. Improved passive airflow design compared to the original model (lower overall temps). Dual USB-C power input options for flexible cable management. Silent operation, even during sustained activity (under 40dB). Pre-installed OS (Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu) allows for flexible initial use. Compact, space-saving enclosure ideal for desktop setups or constrained environments.

Cooling Improvements are relatively small and No bundled SSD heatsinks, making thermal throttling likely without aftermarket cooling. Non-upgradable 12GB LPDDR5 RAM limits scalability for heavier workloads. Plastic chassis and base panel still hinder full thermal dissipation from SSDs. The Introduction of other NAS such as the Beelink ME Mini and Xyber Hydra has provided appealing alternatives to this device right now

 

 

 

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