UniFi USB4/TB4 to 10GbE Adapter Review

Given the preponderance of 10 Gb Ethernet solutions available in the UniFi portfolio, it’s actually kind of weird that the brand has waited until almost halfway through 2025 to launch a convenient USB to 10G NIC adapter. To put it into perspective, the first generation of Thunderbolt to 10 GbE adapters arrived way back in 2018 from brands such as QNAP, StarTech, and Akitio. Despite this, however, there is still increasing demand for these convenient 10G upgrade alternatives to desktop PCIe card options, due to the growing support of USB4 client hardware, as well as its backwards compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4. This means that even particularly modest mini PCs and laptops now have the opportunity to scale up towards 10G easily. So, what exactly sets this new adapter from UniFi apart from the already quite oversaturated market of Thunderbolt/USB to 10 GbE adapters? Is it just the same thing with their own badge on top? Does it deserve your money and your data?

Feature	Specification / Details
Model	UACC-Adapter-RJ45-USBC-10GE
Price	$199 USD
Interface (Input)	USB-C (Compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4)
Interface (Output)	10GBASE-T Copper Ethernet (RJ45)
Controller	Marvell AQC113 (PCIe Gen 3/4 x1, x2, x4 support)
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux (limited support on open-source NAS software)
Backward Compatibility	USB4, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3 (No support for USB 3.2 Gen 1/Gen 2)
Power Source	Bus-powered via USB-C
Cooling	Passive (thermal pad + internal heatsink, no active fan)
Build	All-metal chassis, compact and lightweight design
Performance	Full 10GbE saturation possible; tested with CrystalDisk/AJA for sustained transfer
Thermals	~44–45°C under full load, ~40°C idle
Auto-Negotiation	Supported (2.5G / 5G / 10G)
Distance (10GBASE-T)	Up to 20 meters (longer possible, but performance may degrade)
Notable Limitations	No USB 3.x support; slower heat dissipation due to compact, passive-only design
Best Use Case	Portable 10G upgrade for laptops, mini-PCs, and client devices without PCIe expansion slots

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UniFi USB4 and TB4 to 10GbE Adapter Review – Quick Conclusion

UniFi have not really reinvented the wheel here. They were not the first to roll out Thunderbolt/USB 10G network adapters, and they certainly won’t be the last. It’s still a little confusing why it took the brand this long to roll out its own convenient accessory, but at least they’ve launched it with the latest controller on board—leading to a great deal more flexibility in its deployment on different client hardware, as well as reduced power consumption compared with the first generation of such adapters. The price of $199 lands pretty squarely between more cost-effective options in the market right now that use the previous generation controller, and the new generation of adapters arriving from brands like QNAP that feature the same hardware architecture as the UniFi option but are around $50 to $100 more. The design of this adapter is smaller and lighter than other options in the market by quite some margin, and as it is bus-powered and has no active cooling, the device is eminently portable and low-impact. All that said, it lacks the ridging and venting of other options in the market. Equally, we are on the cusp of just how big the evolution of USB4 network controllers is soon to become, and later this year we are likely to see the first generation of USB4 to 25G or 2x10GbE adapters arrive—clearly, these will scale in cost and won’t arrive for a great deal of time, but for those looking at this adapter as a means of future-proofing, you may well see the benefits in holding out a little bit longer. Nevertheless, UniFi have again released a great, solid network adapter here that does nothing wrong, and although they’ve arrived a little late to the party on this one, it’s still a very solid offering.

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UniFi USB4 and TB4 to 10GbE Adapter Review – Design

As I’ve already mentioned, there are already a decent number of USB-C to 10 GbE network adapter options in the market, and given UniFi’s unique design choices, I’m always interested to see how Ubiquiti goes about designing their own version of something that the market already has—but more importantly, what exactly are they bringing to it that doesn’t already exist in the marketplace.

In the case of this adapter, the main three things that this adapter seemingly introduces over the status quo are:

• Their adapter is smaller in size and lighter in weight than pretty much every other adapter in the market for 10 GbE via USB-C.

• Their adapter has a lower power consumption than practically all other USB-C to 10 GbE Ethernet adapters.

• Their adapter uses a much more up-to-date and recent controller than any other Thunderbolt to 10G adapter released before 2025.

Those first two points are going to be very attractive to users who have been weighing up the need to buy an adapter over the last few years that connects via USB-C, but we are going to have to drill down a little bit later into why that third point is quite important to users with older generation equipment. But we’ll get back to that later.

The adapter is pretty damn small, as its completely metal external chassis is fanless. The adapter relies heavily on a controller-mounted heatsink internally that is connected to a thermal pad attached to the external metal casing. The USB Type-C input provides both data and power via a single interface, and this adapter supports Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4. That also means that it will most certainly work with future generations of USB and the slowly rolling-out Thunderbolt 5 protocol. Crucially though, it’s worth noting that this adapter does not support USB 3.2 Gen 1 or Gen 2—domestic USB that a lot more value devices either exclusively have or the port that is more commonly found on everything else. So, despite the 5 to 7-year release difference between this adapter and the first generation of Thunderbolt to 10 Gb Ethernet USB bus-powered adapters, compatibility on especially legacy equipment is not guaranteed.

It is also worth touching on that adapters like this are chiefly designed for users that have client hardware that cannot support a traditional PCIe upgrade card for adding improved network interfaces. If you have the facility to add 10 Gb Ethernet via a PCIe slot, I would always recommend that instead of an adapter like this. It will end up being far more power efficient and considerably lower in price. But for those in a pinch that need a portable and easy-to-adopt network upgrade on their system, this is a great choice.

If you are in the market for improved network connectivity and 10 GbE is a bit too rich for your blood or your needs, you can still get hold of incredibly cost-effective USB to 5 Gb Ethernet adapters for as little as $30 right now. They also allow connectivity with legacy USB 3.2 connections as well. So, if you don’t actually need full 10 GbE, and your switch supports auto-negotiation with 5 GbE, you could save a bunch of money.

Check Amazon for a $30 USB to 5GbE Adapter HERE – Check AliExpress for $30 USB-to-5GbE Adapter HERE

Do keep in mind that there are affordable USB to 5 GbE adapters in the market. I’m actually kind of surprised that UniFi haven’t integrated a USB to 5 Gb Ethernet adapter into their lineup already, as there is definitely a growing demand for this middle choice in network connectivity at the home and prosumer level—especially as more routers and network switches roll out with both 2.5 GbE and 5 GbE support.

UniFi USB4 and TB4 to 10GbE Adapter Review – Hardware

The physical connection on the other side of this UniFi adapter is a 10GBASE-T copper connection. This is generally perfect up to about 20 meters, and although you can use it over longer distances, at that point you tend to experience some resistance and a drop in latency. A fiber SFP option would have been great, but if they were only going to launch one version—now or ever—almost certainly the one users would want for convenience is going to be the copper option. The adapter also supports auto-negotiation as you’d expect, and although some client hardware will require you to install the AQC113 driver, it is broadly available for the majority of platforms ranging from Windows to Mac and custom Linux builds. That said, support in most open-source NAS software is still a little patchy.

In terms of performance, I’m pleased to say that when connecting with a 10 GbE NAS system via a 10G copper switch, this adapter comfortably hit 10 GbE saturation very easily. Consistent testing by CrystalDisk and AJA using a NAS equipped with a 10 GbE port and SSDs allowed this adapter to run consistently with repeated 1 GB tests over 10 GbE for 15 minutes with sustained performance. Clearly, the performance you’re going to achieve with an adapter like this will be heavily based on both the network activity and the target IP device, but even this limited testing showed that this adapter is more than capable of hitting those performance numbers.

When the adapter was running full-flow, and after 10 minutes of sustained use, it was hitting around 44 to 45°C. When idle, the adapter rested at around 40°C when not in use. One slight complaint I had was that the adapter did not especially quickly dissipate the gathered heat during testing—and that didn’t come as a huge surprise. As this adapter lacks any active cooling system internally, lacks the ridged heatsink design of a lot of other USB-to-10G adapters on the market, and is notably more compact than other options, it was inevitable that temperatures might get a little spicy. Nevertheless, I am a little disappointed at how slowly heat was dissipated between uses, and that is sadly a price many users who want a compact adapter like this are going to have to pay.

Now I want to discuss the network controller inside this UniFi USB4-to-10G adapter, as I think it’s going to be an important area of distinction for buyers considering this new $200 10G adapter versus cheaper or more expensive alternatives that have been in the market for more than 5 years. The first generation of Thunderbolt-to-10G adapters that arrived way back in 2018/2019 featured the AQN-107 controller. This was designed exclusively for Thunderbolt connections and was a controller running on a PCIe Gen 3 x4 mounted connection in those adapters. This more modern controller is the AQC113, and alongside arriving in a smaller physical size with lower power consumption, it crucially runs on a flexible PCIe Gen 3/4 x1, x2, or x4 architecture as needed.

The reason this is important is that when Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 arrived on client hardware as more flexible and affordable alternatives to Thunderbolt 3, it also allowed client hardware creators to be a little bit more flexible on the allocated PCIe lanes that they would dedicate to USB4/Thunderbolt 3. As good as all this sounds, that meant that more modern hardware with USB4/TB4 (which is backwards compatible with TB3) often had much poorer or inconsistent performance when using the older generation TB3 10G adapters—because the adapter wasn’t flexible enough to adapt to the more dynamic deployment of USB4/TB4 on modern hardware. That is why the new controller and its flexibility may well run consistently better and more efficiently on modern hardware, as both the client and the adapter are more flexibly positioned to adapt to the unique deployments they may encounter.

Several of the existing USB-C to 10G network adapters in the market released over the last 5 years are soon to be updated with newer controllers (with QNAP recently upgrading their existing adapter with the new controller and increasing the price from $199 to $249 already). This is why I touched on earlier the importance of UniFi choosing the newer-gen controller for their adapter. It ensures far greater compatibility with modern USB4/TB3 architecture, as well as better flexibility for users on older-generation devices.

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UniFi USB4 and TB4 to 10GbE Adapter Review – Verdict & Conclusion

Unless you properly dig down into just why both the internal hardware and the necessity for a device like this exist, chances are there are a lot of traditional 10G users who are going to question why you’d spend $200 on a USB adapter when there are cheaper and more power-efficient PCIe options on the market. Equally, there are going to be those who’ll point at UniFi releasing this adapter in 2025 and—without looking into how the hardware in these adapters has changed—will question why it took UniFi so long to jump on this bandwagon. To both of those kinds of users, I think they are either missing the point or need to spend a little bit more time looking at how this kind of technology has both changed and evolved for the better in the last few years. The original hurdles for users to scale up their network connectivity have evolved rapidly, and now even the most basic low-powered and low-priced Chromebook is not incapable of scaling up towards 2.5G and 5G network connections. Equally, as Thunderbolt and USB continue their tit-for-tat upgrades periodically, the network peripherals available to most users are evolving just as quickly. This new adapter takes advantage of the continued miniaturization of a lot of those components—and their growing comparative affordability.

I genuinely and wholeheartedly recommend the UniFi USB4 to 10 Gb Ethernet adapter. I also want to add that there are cheap alternatives in the market—if you’re a Thunderbolt 3 user, there are much cheaper alternatives for 2.5G and 5G. If you only have USB 3.2, those are also options to consider. And finally, keep your eyes on the end of 2025, as the controllers that made this adapter possible are going to start rolling out towards dual 10G and 2.5G solutions in due course. They will, of course, scale up in price too, but if you’re looking at this adapter for the sake of future-proofing rather than immediate deployment, you might want to hold off a little while longer. For everyone else, this is a fantastic and convenient network upgrade for content creators and prosumers alike.

Pros of the UniFi 10GbE / USB-C Adapter

Cons of the UniFi 10GbE / USB-C Adapters

Compact & Lightweight: Smaller and lighter than most 10GbE USB adapters on the market. Modern Controller (AQC113): Improved compatibility, power efficiency, and flexible PCIe lane support. Full USB4/TB3/TB4 Compatibility: Supports the latest connection standards with future-proof design. Passive Cooling: Silent, fanless design with metal chassis and internal heatsink. Bus Powered: No external power supply required, making it ultra-portable. Achieves Full 10GbE Saturation: Delivers consistent high-speed performance in testing. Auto-Negotiation Support: Easily scales down to 2.5G or 5G when supported by the switch. Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux (with some limitations).

No USB 3.2 Support: Incompatible with many legacy USB ports found on budget or older devices. Limited Thermal Dissipation: Gets warm under load and dissipates heat slowly due to compact, fanless design. Price Point: At $199, it sits higher than 2.5G/5G alternatives and may be overkill for non-10G users.

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Découvrez notre test du mini PC Geekom IT15 équipé d’un Core Ultra 9 : design, connectique, performances, etc. Voici l'essentiel à savoir avant de vous décider.

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Synology Hard Drives and SSD Comparison with Seagate/WD/Toshiba and More – Deal Breaker?

In recent years, Synology has steadily moved toward a more vertically integrated hardware ecosystem, and the arrival of the 2025 generation of NAS systems marks a significant escalation in that approach. With a much stricter verification process for compatible storage media—covering both hard drives and SSDs—Synology now appears to heavily prioritize its own branded storage. This shift has sparked widespread debate across the NAS community, particularly as many long-time users of Seagate IronWolf, WD Red, and Toshiba NAS drives find themselves increasingly locked out of certain key features like RAID expansion, hot spare assignment, and recovery operations unless using “verified” drives. What’s more, while some of Synology’s media are rebranded and firmware-modified versions of familiar drives from Seagate and Toshiba, the pricing and compatibility limitations often leave users puzzled—and frustrated.

Want to Support What We Do? Use the Links Below to Buy your NAS and/or HDD and SSD Media. Clicking these links will result in a small commission for anything you purchase, heading to me and Eddie @NASCompares and allows us to keep doing this! It’s just us two here and between this and ads, it’s the most passive way to keep us sailing! Thanks

Synology NAS and Media on Amazon – HERE Synology Products on B&H – HERE Seagate Ironwolf Media on Amazon – HERE WD Red Media on Amazon – HERE Seagate Products on B&H – HERE WD Products on B&H – HERE

In response to growing user concern, we conducted a comparison of Synology’s drive lineup against the current offerings from Seagate, WD, and Kingston—analyzing each in terms of price per terabyte, real-world performance, durability specifications, and availability. Drawing from direct benchmarking, manufacturer datasheets, and controlled NAS testing environments, this article aims to answer a key question: is Synology’s branded media actually worth the premium? While some users may welcome the simplicity of a one-brand ecosystem, others are understandably wary of higher costs, limited SKU availability, and the potential long-term implications of vendor lock-in. Let’s break down what Synology drives really offer—and where they fall short—compared to the tried and tested alternatives on the market.

Synology Hard Drives and SSDs – What Drives Are There to Buy?

Synology’s storage media catalog is divided across value, prosumer, enterprise SATA, and SAS hard drives, alongside both SATA and NVMe SSDs. While these drives carry the Synology name and firmware, they are not designed or manufactured in-house. Instead, Synology rebrands OEM hardware from established vendors: Toshiba for the enterprise SATA and SAS drives, Seagate for the value-tier NAS HDDs, and Phison-based platforms for SSDs. The internal firmware is customized by Synology to integrate tightly with DSM, and in some cases, to restrict compatibility to only their branded drives within the latest 2025 NAS systems.

The naming scheme makes it easier to distinguish between drive classes:

• HAT for SATA NAS hard drives

• HAS for SAS enterprise drives

• SAT for SATA SSDs

• SNV for NVMe SSDs

This segmentation aims to help users align their hardware with expected durability (e.g. workload in TB/year), power loss protection, and RAID integration. However, it’s worth noting that several of these drives are virtually identical to third-party counterparts—particularly in the HAT3300 and HAT3310 lines, which closely mirror Seagate IronWolf models down to mechanical structure and spec. Despite this, third-party versions of those drives remain incompatible with key RAID features on the latest Synology systems unless they are officially “verified.”

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Synology NAS HDDs – HAT Series (SATA)

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Synology SAS HDDs – HAS Series

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Synology SATA SSDs – SAT Series

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Synology NVMe SSDs – SNV Series

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While Synology’s branding suggests ecosystem cohesion, it’s essential to recognize that their drive firmware is not engineered for general-purpose systems. These drives are optimized—and in some cases restricted—for Synology NAS environments. However, performance benchmarks show that Synology drives often perform equivalently or slightly below their third-party counterparts in synthetic and real-world tests. Moreover, price comparisons reveal a 5–15% markup on average in the value tier, and significantly higher deltas—often exceeding 30–40%—in the enterprise-class and SSD segments. Combined with regional supply inconsistencies and limited SKU availability, the value proposition of Synology-branded drives remains hotly debated, especially when identical hardware from Seagate or Toshiba can be purchased for less—if only the 2025 NAS series would support them natively.

Synology Hard Drives and SSDs vs Seagate, WD, etc – Price per TB and Value

When it comes to entry-level NAS hard drives, the price differences between Synology’s HAT3300 and HAT3310 series and their third-party equivalents—such as Seagate IronWolf and WD Red Plus—are generally modest. In most cases, the cost per terabyte (TB) stays within a 0% to 15% margin, with Synology’s versions sitting slightly higher. For casual or home users who just want a drive that “just works” out of the box and benefits from firmware-level integration with DSM, that small premium might feel justifiable.

But the story changes dramatically as we move into prosumer and enterprise territory. Drives like the Synology HAT5300 and HAS5300 series can cost 40%–50% more than Seagate IronWolf Pro, WD Red Pro, or Seagate Exos alternatives—despite sharing the same mechanical internals in many cases. These aren’t just marginal differences; when you’re building a multi-drive RAID array with 12TB or 16TB drives, that pricing gap quickly snowballs into hundreds or even thousands of dollars extra. And this is particularly frustrating when, for example, Synology’s 12TB HAT5300 (built on Toshiba hardware) costs nearly double what a comparable IronWolf Pro sells for, despite similar endurance ratings and warranty terms.

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Entry-Level NAS HDDs – Synology vs Seagate & WD

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Prosumer NAS HDDs – Synology vs Seagate & WD

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Enterprise SAS HDDs – Synology vs Seagate Exos

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Enterprise SATA SSDs – Synology vs Kingston

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NVMe SSDs – Synology vs WD Red SN700

In short, while Synology’s drives are built on reputable platforms and do offer advantages like verified DSM integration and predictable firmware behavior, the value proposition becomes questionable—especially in higher capacities and enterprise deployments. For many users, especially SMBs and home power users deploying multi-drive setups, that extra 40–50% markup can be hard to justify. When the mechanical hardware is near-identical and the only major differentiator is firmware control, it’s no wonder many are pushing back against this pricing structure.)

SYNOLOGY DSM Storage Manager Benchmarks (1st and 3rd Party Drive Media)

Zoom in to see the results. IMPORTANT that you keep in mind that these SSDs and HDDs are different capacities and therefore direct comparison and correlation between their performance is not fair – I include these because I think it is important to compare the general gist of using Synology HDD media in a system and then alternatives, but measured with Synology’s in-system tools. Larger capacities mostly tend to yeald better results in any brand of drive (not a ‘do-or-die’ rule, but generally true).

SYNOLOGY HAT3300 HDD	Seagate Ironwolf HDD
SYNOLOGY HAT5300 HDD	Seagate EXOS HDD
SYNOLOGY SAT5200 SSD	Kingston DC600 SATA SSD
SYNOLOGY M.2 NVMe SSD	TeamGroup T-Create Gen3 M.2 SSD

Synology Hard Drives and SSDs vs Seagate, WD, etc – Performance

IMPORTANT – In the process of upscaling the test result images (as there is a lot crammed in, so I have included the slightly blurred ones here) but I and will replace these with upscaled versions as soon as possible.

When it comes to performance, Synology’s hard drives and SSDs generally stay within expected ranges for their class—but with some caveats. Most of their HDDs mirror the performance of the OEM drives they’re based on, particularly in the HAT3300 and HAT3310 lines, which perform nearly identically to WD Red Plus and Seagate IronWolf models. You’re looking at familiar specs here: 5400–7200 RPM spin speeds, ~200–280MB/s sequential transfer rates, and ~180TB/yr workload ratings. That’s no surprise, considering these are essentially Seagate or Toshiba drives with Synology firmware and branding. Where things start to scale up, like in the HAT5300 and HAS5300 series, the specs remain on par with their higher-end third-party equivalents. These drives offer 550TB/year workloads, 7200 RPM motors, and MTBF figures around 2.5 million hours—just like IronWolf Pro, WD Red Pro, or Seagate Exos. But Synology currently tops out at 20TB in both SATA and SAS drives, while the competition is already pushing 22TB, 24TB, and even 26TB models. So, if you’re planning a high-capacity build, Synology might already be limiting your options on sheer scale alone.

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NAS HDDs – Capacity, Performance, Endurance & Class Comparison

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Performance parity continues with Synology’s SATA SSDs. The SAT5221 and SAT5210 series are very close in spec to Kingston’s DC600M drives, offering similar read/write speeds, IOPS performance, and endurance levels. The SAT5210 even pushes into ultra-DWPD territory, boasting up to 10,000 TBW and higher daily write thresholds, which is competitive in the enterprise space. If you need high write endurance and steady power loss protection, these drives tick the right boxes.

The gap, however, opens up in the NVMe tier. Synology’s SNV3400 and SNV3500 drives fall short compared to third-party NVMe SSDs like the WD Red SN700. While Synology focuses on endurance, PLP (power loss protection), and integration with DSM caching features, the performance ceiling on these drives is noticeably lower—both in terms of sequential throughput and IOPS. Capacities also top out at 800GB, while others offer 1TB and beyond with faster read/write performance. So if you’re after speed or larger NVMe caching pools, Synology’s current options may feel behind the curve.

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SATA & NVMe SSDs – Synology vs Kingston

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In short, Synology’s drives generally deliver solid, reliable performance that matches their third-party foundations—but the benefits of full DSM compatibility come with a trade-off. While the SATA range holds its ground, the NVMe lineup is due for an update if Synology wants to stay competitive against higher-capacity, higher-speed SSDs now widely available elsewhere. If performance is your main concern, particularly for NVMe caching or flash-heavy tasks, third-party options may be a better fit unless full integration is a must-have.

Synology Hard Drives and SSDs Guide – The Good and the Bad

In reviewing Synology’s lineup of hard drives and SSDs, it’s clear that the hardware itself is solid—built on trusted OEM foundations and tuned to work seamlessly within DSM environments. From a compatibility and reliability standpoint, these drives do offer advantages, particularly for users who want an integrated, no-hassle deployment. That said, these benefits come with notable trade-offs. In many cases, Synology’s drives are mechanically identical to models from Seagate, Toshiba, or Phison, yet priced significantly higher—especially in the enterprise and NVMe tiers. While some of that premium may be justified by firmware-level integration, PLP, or simplified support paths, the cost disparity is hard to ignore for experienced users already comfortable with third-party hardware.

Ultimately, the decision to adopt Synology-branded drives will depend on your priorities. If you’re building a system where out-of-the-box compatibility, long-term support, and unified ecosystem control are paramount, Synology’s media may be a safe bet—albeit at a higher packaged price. But if your focus is on maximizing performance per dollar, scaling capacity, or customizing your setup beyond Synology’s verified list, third-party alternatives remain the more flexible and cost-effective choice. Until Synology expands their verified media list and adjusts regional pricing or availability, many users will continue to see these drives not as a value-add, but as an imposed requirement.

Want to Support What We Do? Use the Links Below to Buy your NAS and/or HDD and SSD Media. Clicking these links will result in a small commission for anything you purchase, heading to me and Eddie @NASCompares and allows us to keep doing this! It’s just us two here and between this and ads, it’s the most passive way to keep us sailing! Thanks

Synology NAS and Media on Amazon – HERE Synology Products on B&H – HERE Seagate Ironwolf Media on Amazon – HERE WD Red Media on Amazon – HERE Seagate Products on B&H – HERE WD Products on B&H – HERE

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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Test du mini PC AceMagic Vista Mini V1 : performances, usages, points forts et limites de ce modèle compact, silencieux et économique.

The post Test AceMagic Vista Mini V1 : un mini PC économique à 149 euros first appeared on IT-Connect.

30TB Seagate Ironwolf Pro and EXOS HDD Review – When is Enough, Enough?

The arrival of 30TB capacity hard drives from Seagate — in the form of the IronWolf Pro ST30000NT011 and the Exos M ST30000NM004K — marks another incremental step in high-capacity storage for NAS and enterprise environments. Both models utilize helium-sealed conventional magnetic recording (CMR) technology and pack ten platters at 3TB each into the familiar 3.5-inch form factor. This represents the highest available capacity in a single drive to date, offering an alternative to more complex arrays of smaller disks while preserving compatibility with standard SATA 6Gb/s interfaces. These drives maintain a 7200 RPM spindle speed, 512MB cache, and sustained transfer rates approaching 275MB/s, making them suitable for environments that demand both scale and consistent throughput. The IronWolf Pro is targeted at commercial NAS and multi-user SMB deployments, where ease of integration, features like IronWolf Health Management (IHM), and bundled data recovery services are priorities. The Exos M, by contrast, is designed for data centers and hyperscale cloud storage, where maximum density, superior energy efficiency per terabyte, and sustainability play a more critical role. This review examines not only how these two 30TB drives are constructed and perform in practice, but also explores their compatibility with existing NAS hardware and server infrastructures, as well as the trade-offs involved when moving to such large single-drive capacities.

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Quick Conclusion

The Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB represent the cutting edge of mechanical storage, delivering unprecedented density in a standard 3.5-inch, SATA-compatible form factor. Both drives achieve their capacity through a helium-sealed, ten-platter CMR design, offering sustained transfer rates of up to 275 MB/s, 24/7 operability, and an MTBF of 2.5 million hours, making them viable for demanding NAS and enterprise environments. The IronWolf Pro is positioned for SMBs and creative professionals, bundling IronWolf Health Management for drive monitoring and three years of Rescue Data Recovery Services for additional peace of mind, while the Exos M caters to hyperscale and data center deployments by emphasizing power efficiency, sustainability, and seamless integration at scale. These drives are not for casual or budget-conscious users, as their high power consumption, increased heat output, and louder acoustics require properly specified NAS or server hardware to operate reliably. Additionally, their massive single-drive capacity raises practical considerations around redundancy, RAID rebuild times, and backup planning, which can offset some of the benefits of ultra-high density. Nonetheless, for users and organizations that can justify the investment and design their infrastructure to accommodate the specific demands of these drives, both models offer compelling solutions to growing storage needs. The IronWolf Pro excels in environments that value monitoring, support, and ease of deployment, while the Exos M is a better fit where operational efficiency and cost-per-terabyte are paramount, ensuring each serves its intended audience effectively.

 

You can purchase the Seagate Ironwolf 30TB Hard Drive Series via the links below: Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro HDD HERE on Amazon Seagate 30TB EXOS HDD HERE on Amazon Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro HDD HERE on B&H Seagate 30TB EXOS HDD HERE on B&H * Using these links will result in a small % commission coming to NASCompares and this helps me and Ed here (it really is just us!) to keep making our videos, writing our reviews and providing support in our free support sections for others!

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Design and Build

So, first up, below is a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications of the Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Seagate Exos M 30TB drives. Both drives use CMR recording, a helium-sealed 10-platter design, and are built around similar mechanical and electrical platforms, but each is targeted at different use cases: SMB/creative NAS environments versus hyperscale cloud and enterprise data centers. This table highlights their similarities and subtle differences.

The IronWolf Pro places significant emphasis on durability and reliability within multi-bay NAS systems, making it well-suited to SMB and creative workflows. It achieves a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 2.5 million hours and carries a 5-year limited warranty, consistent with Seagate’s premium NAS offerings. The workload rate limit (WRL) of 550TB per year matches that of previous IronWolf Pro models but at higher capacity, allowing for heavier data activity in RAID configurations without voiding warranty terms.

To mitigate vibration issues common in dense multi-drive arrays, the IronWolf Pro integrates rotational vibration (RV) sensors that detect and compensate for external vibrations, stabilizing head positioning to maintain consistent throughput. Acoustically, the drive has been measured at approximately 28 dBA at idle and 32 dBA under seek activity, levels low enough to remain acceptable in small server rooms or under-desk NAS units, though still noticeable in very quiet environments.

By contrast, the Exos M 30TB, though physically and mechanically similar, is tuned for the needs of enterprise-scale and hyperscale cloud deployments. Its construction prioritizes energy efficiency per terabyte and long-term durability at scale, with features like PowerChoice for adaptive idle modes and PowerBalance for optimized performance-to-watt ratios. These firmware-driven features help reduce total operational costs when thousands of drives are deployed. The Exos M also includes RSA 3072 firmware verification for enhanced data security and is assembled with higher use of recycled materials and renewable energy inputs than earlier generations. These factors align it with the sustainability initiatives many data center operators are now targeting, while maintaining interoperability by preserving the same form factor, interface, and airflow characteristics as previous generations.

Both drives feature hardware-level secure data management, supporting Seagate’s Instant Secure Erase (ISE) to allow administrators to cryptographically erase all user data before redeploying or decommissioning a drive. This functionality is especially relevant for enterprise customers concerned with compliance and data security in multi-tenant environments. For SMB customers, the IronWolf Pro adds another layer of protection with Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery Services bundled for three years, providing access to Seagate’s in-house data recovery team. This service has an advertised 95% success rate and is included at no additional cost, addressing accidental deletions, corruption, and even some mechanical failures — something that the Exos M does not include by default, as enterprises generally rely on their own backup and recovery procedures.

Finally, it is important to note the environmental operating specifications and resilience engineered into these drives. Both models operate safely in ambient temperatures between 10°C and 60°C and can tolerate non-operating storage temperatures down to –40°C and up to 70°C. They are rated to withstand 30Gs of shock during operation and up to 200Gs when non-operational, which is critical during shipping and installation in dense arrays. Vibration tolerances are also robust, with rotational vibration resistance specified up to 12.5 rad/s² between 10Hz and 1500Hz. Both require both +12V and +5V power rails and draw a typical 6.8–6.9W at idle, which increases during read/write activity as noted in Seagate’s specifications. Taken together, these figures indicate that while the drives are robust enough for demanding environments, users should still ensure their NAS or server chassis provides sufficient cooling, airflow, and power delivery to stay within these tolerances.

Comparing the 30TB IronWolf Pro to the 24TB IronWolf Pro and 4TB IronWolf (Non‑Pro) for Perspective

The 30TB IronWolf Pro represents Seagate’s largest capacity in the NAS‑optimized lineup, continuing the incremental increase in platter count, areal density, and helium‑sealed design. The 4TB non‑Pro IronWolf uses a more modest five‑platter, air‑filled design spinning at 5400 RPM, while the 24TB IronWolf Pro was the previous capacity peak, utilizing nine helium‑sealed platters and a 7200 RPM spindle. Despite sharing the same CMR recording and SATA interface, there is a clear progression in performance, power requirements, noise, and workload tolerances across these models. This comparison highlights how structural changes and internal technologies evolve with capacity—and where trade‑offs emerge at the top end of the spectrum.

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Performance, Noise and NAS Compatibility (WiP)

Performance testing of the Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB confirms that both drives deliver sustained sequential transfer rates close to their advertised 275 MB/s. In NAS systems tested—including QNAP, Synology, and Asustor platforms—both drives initialized without compatibility errors and achieved typical sequential read speeds of 268–270 MB/s and write speeds of 252–262 MB/s, depending on the platform and RAID configuration. These results align with expectations for a modern 7200 RPM CMR drive with a 512 MB cache and demonstrate that even at 30TB, throughput remains consistent with prior Pro‑series drives. Random IOPS, while limited compared to SSDs, remain within acceptable ranges for NAS workloads, with the Exos M specified at up to 170 IOPS read and 350 IOPS write at 4K QD16. Latency is nominal at approximately 4.16 ms, which is typical for this class of mechanical drive. Importantly, no firmware or block‑size compatibility issues were noted, and both drives default to 512e sector formatting, ensuring out‑of‑the‑box operability with most modern operating systems and file systems.

Acoustic performance, however, is noticeably impacted by the increase in platter count and capacity. During idle, the IronWolf Pro registers approximately 28 dBA in a quiet environment, with seek noise rising to around 32 dBA. These figures are slightly higher than those of the 24TB Pro and significantly more pronounced than the older 4TB IronWolf non‑Pro, which produces closer to 20–24 dBA. Subjectively, this noise was clearly audible in a quiet office when installed in a plastic‑chassis NAS and became more noticeable under heavy write operations. In larger arrays, particularly in 8‑bay or 12‑bay enclosures fully populated with these drives, cumulative vibration and resonance may amplify the perceived noise level. By comparison, the Exos M does not publish specific acoustic figures, reflecting its assumption of deployment in already noisy data center environments where ambient noise levels mask individual drive activity.

On the topic of environmental and electrical specifications, both drives are built to operate reliably in demanding conditions. The IronWolf Pro and Exos M are rated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures from 10 °C to 60 °C and can withstand storage temperatures from −40 °C to 70 °C when powered off. Shock ratings remain robust at 30 G operating and 200 G non‑operating, ensuring safe transport and handling before installation. Rotational vibration tolerance of up to 12.5 rad/s² helps maintain head‑positioning accuracy even in vibration‑prone multi‑drive arrays. Power draw, as specified by Seagate, averages around 6.8–6.9 W when idle and rises to between 8.3–9.5 W during typical operating workloads, depending on the model. Although these figures are in line with expectations for drives of this capacity, they are higher than those of lower‑capacity models, and users should ensure their NAS or server power delivery and airflow are sufficient.

In terms of platform compatibility, early testing shows that both drives are recognized and functional in all major NAS operating systems tested, including Synology DSM, QNAP QTS, TrueNAS SCALE, and Unraid. Both drives initialized cleanly, allowed full‑capacity volume creation, and performed as expected in single‑disk, RAID‑1, and RAID‑5 configurations. Some NAS brands, such as Synology’s newer units, do issue warnings when non‑Synology‑branded drives are installed, but no functional limitations were encountered. The Exos M, while designed primarily for enterprise and cloud storage arrays, showed no incompatibilities when deployed in smaller NAS appliances. As always, users are advised to consult their NAS vendor’s compatibility list to ensure formal support for these models.

Important point here – As this drive is something of a ‘bigger boy’ – the INITIAL power draw of the drive is quite high, so we are starting to see some examples of particularly high initial power draw drives having issues with NAS backboard/SATA PCB boards that do not have the consistent power delivery needed for larger drive arrays to be stable for a large number of big drives like this one. It’s a small % chance of being an issue, but it does mean that although support and compatibility of the Seagate Ironwolf Pro and EXOS 30TB Hard Drive might be fine on a lot of devices, more power efficient systems or lose built to a lower production cost that reduce a lot of the power deliver (PD) might have long term running and stability issues with drives of this scale down the road.

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Conclusion and Verdict

The Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB drives both exemplify the steady evolution of high‑capacity mechanical storage, bringing unprecedented density to the familiar 3.5‑inch form factor without sacrificing the reliability and compatibility that enterprise and NAS users expect. At 30TB each, they are currently the largest CMR SATA hard drives available, delivering predictable sustained transfer rates close to 275 MB/s and designed to operate 24/7 with an MTBF of 2.5 million hours. Both feature helium‑sealed, 10‑platter designs and include hardware‑level protections such as Instant Secure Erase and rotational vibration mitigation, which are critical in multi‑bay arrays. Where they differ is in market focus: the IronWolf Pro is clearly tailored for SMBs, creative professionals, and enterprise NAS environments that benefit from health monitoring via IronWolf Health Management and the inclusion of three years of Rescue Data Recovery Service, making it easier for smaller teams to recover from accidental loss. The Exos M, by contrast, is optimized for hyperscale data centers, where sustainability, operational cost per terabyte, and compatibility with existing rack infrastructure take precedence, and where administrators already have recovery processes in place.

That said, deploying drives of this capacity is not without its operational and economic considerations. At 30TB per drive, both models demand careful attention to power and cooling: idle and active power consumption are notably higher than lower‑capacity drives, and the additional heat and acoustic output can challenge under‑spec’d NAS enclosures. In smaller or plastic‑chassis NAS units, the noise profile of several of these drives spinning simultaneously can become disruptive in quiet offices or residential settings. Additionally, the sheer size of each drive raises planning concerns around data redundancy and recovery times—should a 30TB drive fail, rebuilding a RAID array or restoring from backup can take significantly longer than with smaller disks. For some users, a lower‑capacity, higher‑spindle‑count configuration may still provide better performance in parallelized workloads and potentially faster rebuild times, while keeping per‑drive costs more manageable.

Ultimately, both the IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB succeed at what they set out to do: deliver maximum capacity in a familiar, standards‑compliant format for users and organizations that can benefit from ultra‑dense storage. For NAS and SMB environments prioritizing ease of use, monitoring, and support, the IronWolf Pro remains the obvious choice. For data centers and hyperscale operations where scale, efficiency, and sustainability dominate requirements, the Exos M makes more sense. Either way, these drives are best viewed as specialist tools, suited to those prepared to manage the trade‑offs inherent in such high‑capacity storage. Provided that the environment, workload, and backup strategy are properly aligned, they offer a compelling, if premium, solution for meeting the growing demands of modern data storage.

You can purchase the Seagate Ironwolf 30TB Hard Drive Series via the links below: Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro HDD HERE on Amazon Seagate 30TB EXOS HDD HERE on Amazon Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro HDD HERE on B&H Seagate 30TB EXOS HDD HERE on B&H * Using these links will result in a small % commission coming to NASCompares and this helps me and Ed here (it really is just us!) to keep making our videos, writing our reviews and providing support in our free support sections for others!

PROs of the Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOs

PROs of the Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOs

Unprecedented Capacity — Both drives offer 30TB in a single 3.5-inch drive, reducing the number of disks needed for large arrays and saving space – but doing so in a CMR design (and not SMR) is just incredible Helium-Sealed Design — Uses a proven 10-platter, helium-filled architecture for improved reliability, reduced turbulence, and better areal density. Consistent Performance — Sustained transfer rates up to 275 MB/s and predictable latency ensure stable throughput for NAS and enterprise workloads. Enterprise-Grade Reliability — MTBF of 2.5 million hours, 550 TB/year workload rating, and 24/7 operation make them suited for demanding environments. Feature Sets Tailored to Audience — IronWolf Pro includes IronWolf Health Management and 3-year Rescue Recovery; Exos M adds power optimization and sustainability focus. Broad Compatibility — Fully SATA 6Gb/s compliant and functional across major NAS brands, RAID configurations, and operating systems without special drivers. Secure Data Management — Both support Instant Secure Erase (ISE) with Exos M adding RSA firmware verification for data security compliance.

Higher Power and Heat — Increased power consumption and thermal output require well-cooled, properly provisioned enclosures and PSUs. Audible Noise Levels — Louder idle and seek noise, especially when used in multi-drive NAS arrays, can be disruptive in quiet environments. Expensive Per Unit — High initial cost compared to smaller capacity drives, with diminishing returns in some scenarios if not fully utilized or backed up properly.

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The Synology DS925+ versus QNAP TS-464 – Buy NEW or Buy QNAP?

Every so often in the NAS market, a new model arrives that challenges not just its predecessors but also its closest competitors. With the 2025 release of the Synology DS925+, buyers now face an interesting dilemma: go with Synology’s latest compact powerhouse, or choose QNAP’s TS-464—a device that has already proven itself since its release in 2022/2023 and offers a wide array of features at a competitive price. The DS925+ brings notable upgrades to CPU architecture, system memory scalability, and integration within Synology’s tightly controlled ecosystem. Meanwhile, the TS-464 has spent years benefiting from firmware maturity, PCIe expandability, and a more open hardware approach that appeals to power users and tinkerers alike. But which device is ultimately the better buy in 2025? Should you embrace Synology’s ecosystem with its newer, high-performance release, or does QNAP’s more versatile and budget-friendly offering still hold strong in the face of newer competition? Let’s dive into the details to help you decide which NAS deserves your next investment.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Hardware Specifications

When placing the 2025 Synology DS925+ alongside the 2022/2023 QNAP TS-464, one might expect the newer model to clearly dominate in every area. But hardware comparisons in the NAS market are rarely so simple. While both units are aimed at tech-savvy home users and small businesses looking for reliable, always-on storage solutions, their approaches to hardware—and the user needs they prioritize—are noticeably different. The DS925+ emphasizes streamlined performance, reduced noise, and integration within Synology’s tightly managed ecosystem. The QNAP TS-464, meanwhile, leans into raw hardware flexibility, DIY expandability, and a more open feature set for power users. Below is a detailed hardware breakdown of both NAS devices, showing where each shines and where compromises were made.

The DS925+ delivers a refined hardware experience out of the box, with its newer AMD Embedded Ryzen V1500B 4 Core/ 8 thread processor, dual 2.5GbE ports for faster LAN connectivity, and modern I/O including USB-C. It features two M.2 NVMe slots (for cache only, unless you use the Synology SNV3400 drives from Synology), dual memory slots supporting up to 32GB of ECC DDR4 RAM, and a compact metal chassis designed for quiet, efficient operation. It also runs cooler and quieter than many of its rivals, making it an ideal fit for environments where noise levels matter—such as living rooms, home studios, or small offices. This makes the DS925+ a “plug-and-play” NAS with premium internal components and minimal need for user intervention.

By contrast, the QNAP TS-464 takes a more modular, expandable approach. Powered by the Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 CPU (a quad-core processor with integrated graphics, but only 4 threads), it offers HDMI 2.0 output, two M.2 PCIe Gen3 x1 slots (which can be used for either caching or storage pools), and a PCIe Gen3 x2 slot for optional 10GbE or more M.2s, USB expansion, or even GPU cards. QNAP also includes dual 2.5GbE ports, putting it on par with the DS925+ in terms of network speed, but it edges ahead in overall hardware adaptability. Want multimedia output via HDMI? QNAP has it. Want to add NVMe storage pools or real-time transcoding? QNAP supports that too. That said, the TS-464 is based on a slightly older CPU architecture, lacks ECC memory support, and typically generates more fan noise under load. Additionally, its OS and ecosystem are broader in scope but often require more manual setup. Ultimately, the DS925+ is purpose-built for those who prioritize a quiet, polished, and simplified experience with modern performance. The TS-464, on the other hand, remains an excellent choice for users who prefer control, multimedia support, and greater hardware flexibility. Choosing between them largely depends on whether you value Synology’s stability and turnkey design, or QNAP’s freedom and potential.

AMD V1500B vs Intel N5105 – CPU Specifications (Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464)

In any NAS system, the processor plays a pivotal role in determining the scope of functionality—whether it’s managing multiple concurrent users, running virtual machines, powering AI-driven applications, or simply handling encrypted transfers and background tasks efficiently. The Synology DS925+ and the QNAP TS-464 take noticeably different approaches in this regard. The DS925+ features the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B, a server-grade SoC designed for sustained multi-threaded workloads. The TS-464, on the other hand, runs on the Intel Celeron N5105, a more consumer-oriented chip that prioritizes integrated multimedia support and power efficiency. While both CPUs are quad-core, their architecture, instruction set, and target use cases diverge sharply—affecting not only raw processing, but also the capabilities unlocked within DSM and QTS/QuTS, respectively.

In terms of raw specs, the V1500B offers 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 2.2GHz and support for ECC memory—a key advantage for mission-critical environments. This CPU is built for multitasking and thrives in scenarios involving virtual machines, container services, and intensive file indexing or backup operations. As a result, the DS925+ supports up to 8 concurrent virtual machines, 8 virtual DSM instances, and higher thresholds for connected users across Synology apps. It is better suited to offices or power users who rely on services like Synology Office, Drive, or Surveillance Station running in tandem. The system handles up to 150 Synology Chat users, 80 Office users, and 80 Drive users, offering excellent multitasking performance with low overhead.

The QNAP TS-464’s Intel N5105 is a 10nm Jasper Lake processor, also quad-core but without hyper-threading and with a slightly lower base clock (2.0GHz). However, it includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics, giving it one key advantage the DS925+ lacks: hardware-accelerated video transcoding via QNAP’s own QuMagie, Video Station, and especially Plex Media Server with support for on-the-fly 1080p and 4K decoding when paired with proper client-side licensing. This makes the TS-464 ideal for multimedia-heavy environments. Beyond media, the N5105 powers QTS and QuTS hero with access to QNAP’s broader and often more modular ecosystem. This includes Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS 3) for unified backup and disaster recovery, QuDedup for deduplicated snapshot replication, QVR Elite and QVR Pro for professional-grade surveillance (supporting multiple IP camera licenses natively), and AI Core features like face recognition and event detection when paired with the QuMagie or QVR Human apps. The TS-464 also supports Virtualization Station, enabling users to run lightweight Linux or Windows VMs with direct passthrough access to USB or PCIe devices, and Container Station, which offers both Docker and LXC container compatibility with GPU passthrough for NPU-based AI inference workloads. Thanks to the included PCIe Gen 3 x2 slot, the system supports optional upgrades like 10GbE NICs, QM2 expansion cards (for M.2 SSD or additional 2.5GbE/10GbE ports), or even Wi-Fi 6 cards, something entirely absent in the DS925+. Additionally, QNAP allows direct output to an external display via HDMI 2.0, enabling standalone use of HD Station apps like Chrome, LibreOffice, Kodi, and even Linux desktop environments — a feature highly prized in HTPC and security NVR deployments. Users can leverage Linux Station to run full Ubuntu VMs locally, or install Ubuntu Core through the App Center for custom development or edge AI inference scenarios.

Taken together, the TS-464 may not support the same high virtual machine/user count as the DS925+, but it compensates with a broader set of integrated appliances catering to power users, home labs, edge AI, and media-heavy deployments. It’s a more “tinker-friendly” platform, favoring flexibility and breadth over centralized system control and vertical integration. If you need an appliance that works across entertainment, security, and hybrid cloud workflows, with room for add-on functionality via hardware or apps, the TS-464 is hard to beat for the price. That said, the Synology DS925+ ultimately offers greater headroom for enterprise workflows, heavier VM usage, and large-scale hybrid deployments. It sacrifices media transcoding and graphical acceleration, but gains a server-class CPU that ensures consistent performance under heavier load conditions. Meanwhile, the TS-464 excels in edge-case versatility, offering more multimedia flexibility and richer expansion potential via PCIe. If your priorities lie in business-class performance, ECC memory support, and robust multi-user capacity, the DS925+ is the clear winner. But for media streaming, home lab tinkering, and a wider hardware feature set, the TS-464 remains a very compelling alternative.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Software Specifications

When it comes to NAS platforms, hardware is only half the story—what truly determines a system’s long-term value is the strength, maturity, and flexibility of its software. Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) and QNAP’s QTS/QuTS Hero are two of the most advanced NAS operating systems available today, offering extensive suites of services for backup, virtualization, hybrid cloud, media streaming, and AI-assisted surveillance. But while both OS platforms cover similar ground, their design philosophies, application depth, and supported workloads differ substantially. The Synology DS925+ and QNAP TS-464, though comparable in price and both aimed at prosumers and SMBs, unlock very different software experiences depending on the deployment goals—be it centralized IT infrastructure, media-rich home labs, or container-based edge computing.

With the DS925+, Synology leans into its strength in unified management and vertical integration. DSM 7.2 is optimized for reliability, simplicity, and scalability within Synology’s ecosystem. The DS925+ supports up to 8 virtual machines and 8 Virtual DSM instances through Virtual Machine Manager, offers extensive group and user quotas, and enables full integration with Synology’s cloud services (such as Synology C2 Backup, C2 Identity, and Hybrid Share). Its higher hardware ceiling allows for more active users: 150 on Synology Chat, 80 on Synology Drive and Office, and up to 8 simultaneous VPN connections. Backup capabilities are similarly robust, with a higher threshold of shared folder sync tasks and superior support for incremental snapshot replication. Surveillance Station on the DS925+ supports up to 40 IP cameras and benefits from reduced CPU overhead during continuous recording, even while handling concurrent backup or media indexing operations. DSM’s elegant UI, consistent updates, and tightly integrated packages make it ideal for organizations that value centralized IT administration and long-term platform stability.

On the other hand, the QNAP TS-464 running QTS 5 or QuTS Hero offers a more open and modular software ecosystem. While the Intel N5105 CPU imposes lower multitasking ceilings than the V1500B, QNAP compensates with a broader set of feature-specific applications and customization paths. The TS-464 supports virtualization through Virtualization Station (for VMs) and Container Station (for Docker + LXC), and unlike the DS925+, can output video directly via HDMI 2.0—allowing the NAS to act as a standalone Linux desktop, NVR, or HTPC via HybridDesk Station. QNAP also differentiates itself with Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS3), which enables multi-destination sync, deduplicated backup via QuDedup, and real-time disaster recovery tools not found in DSM. QVR Pro and QVR Elite offer an expansive surveillance suite with optional AI-powered analytics (e.g., face recognition, people counting) when paired with compatible QNAP AI apps. The inclusion of ZFS with QuTS Hero (an optional OS for the TS-464) enables inline compression, self-healing file systems, and block-level snapshots, which can be critical for data integrity in business scenarios.

QNAP also encourages expansion through its App Center, which includes over 150+ native and third-party apps, from Node.js and GitLab to Home Assistant, Ubuntu Station, and even Mattermost for self-hosted chat. While the system supports fewer concurrent users and VMs than the DS925+, its strength lies in feature breadth and system-level flexibility. Add-ons like 10GbE NICs, QM2 SSD accelerators, or Wi-Fi 6 cards via PCIe further extend its versatility, especially for hybrid edge workloads or multi-role deployments that evolve over time. In short, the Synology DS925+ is designed for administrative simplicity and long-term scaling, excelling in consistent performance across multi-user deployments with deep DSM integration. The QNAP TS-464, meanwhile, is a powerful sandbox for customization, offering greater freedom, multimedia functionality, and third-party integration—at the cost of some operational polish and software limits. Choosing between them depends on whether your priorities lie in predictable enterprise-grade execution or a more adaptable, feature-dense platform.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Hard Drive and SSD Compatibility

In 2025, Synology has taken its most aggressive step yet toward locking down hardware compatibility, and nowhere is this more evident than in the DS925+. Following years of gradual restrictions—starting with warnings for unverified drives and progressing to default white-listing only Synology-branded media—the DS925+ now represents a firm line in the sand. At the time of writing, this system will not allow DSM initialization if it detects hard drives or SSDs that are not officially listed on Synology’s compatibility list. This list includes exclusively Synology HAT5300/HAT3310 HDDs and SAT5200 SSDs, with no third-party Seagate, WD, Toshiba, Samsung, or Kingston media currently supported. Regardless of drive quality or performance, unsupported models will be outright blocked during system setup. While Synology claims this guarantees optimal reliability and performance within DSM 7.2, the move drastically reduces flexibility for users and integrators alike.

In stark contrast, the QNAP TS-464 embraces an open compatibility philosophy. It supports virtually all major consumer and enterprise drives—from Seagate IronWolf and Exos, to WD Red, Red Plus, and Ultrastar, as well as Toshiba N300/X300 and Samsung/Kingston SSDs—up to 24TB per drive (or higher as of late 2025). QNAP also maintains a regularly updated compatibility list, but crucially, this list is advisory rather than mandatory. Users can install any 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD, and as long as it meets the physical and electrical standards, the TS-464 will initialize without issue. This means integrators, home users, or small businesses can reuse existing drives or select from the most cost-effective options in their region—something that’s increasingly difficult to do on newer Synology units. Moreover, QNAP allows mixing and matching of drive brands and capacities within the same storage pool (especially under QuTS hero’s ZFS environment), giving users granular control over redundancy, performance tuning, and cache layering with non-proprietary M.2 NVMe SSDs. This openness also applies to QNAP expansion units, many of which continue to work even with completely mixed-brand storage configurations—something Synology’s newer expansion policies have started to restrict.

For users in regions where Synology-branded media is expensive, hard to find, or simply not justified for non-critical applications, this policy shift on the DS925+ can be a deal-breaker. It positions the system closer to an appliance model, where Synology controls not only the hardware and software, but the storage medium itself. While that vertical integration may improve long-term reliability for some enterprise users, it’s difficult to reconcile with the broader DIY NAS community that values choice and modularity. Ultimately, this creates a philosophical divide: QNAP remains open, modular, and adaptable, trusting users to make informed decisions about their storage media. Synology, in contrast, is consolidating control, with the DS925+ exemplifying a move toward a closed ecosystem—potentially alienating users who previously praised DSM for its balance of simplicity and flexibility. Prospective buyers need to weigh not just performance and features, but how tightly they want to be tied to a single vendor’s hardware roadmap.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 NAS – Which Should You Buy?

The Synology DS925+ is a 2025 refresh designed with clear intent: push performance, tighten control, and streamline the out-of-box experience. In contrast, the QNAP TS-464—released in late 2022—is a Swiss Army knife of NAS flexibility, packed with customization options, open compatibility, and enough horsepower to meet the needs of both power users and small business deployments. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to what kind of NAS experience you’re after: a controlled, polished, and tightly integrated environment, or an open, adaptable, and hardware-friendly platform. On raw performance, the DS925+ has the edge. Its quad-core, 8-thread AMD V1500B CPU delivers higher throughput for multitasking, virtual machines, and heavier concurrent services, and DSM’s user/service thresholds are notably higher as a result. Add in dual 2.5GbE ports by default, and it’s clearly a step ahead of the DS923+ predecessor 1GbE-only base configuration, and you are looking at a healthy upgrade in several ways in this refresh. However, QNAP claws back ground with its PCIe Gen3 x2 slot, allowing 10GbE upgrades, Wi-Fi cards, and even GPU acceleration in select use cases—something Synology removed entirely from the DS925+. In QNAP’s favor is also its support for real-time hardware transcoding, HDMI 2.0 video output, and direct-attached monitor access—making it a better fit for media-centric environments where local playback, Plex, or Kodi usage matters.

Synology DS925+ NAS		QNAP TS-464 NAS
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology DS925+ NAS	Check B&H for the Synology DS925+ NAS	Check Amazon in Your Region for the QNAP TS-464 NAS	Check B&H for the QNAP TS-464 NAS

But perhaps the most significant dividing line is drive compatibility. The DS925+ will only initialize DSM with Synology-validated drives—locking out nearly all third-party HDDs and SSDs unless explicitly approved. This hardline stance means limited flexibility for users wanting to build using existing drives or regional market alternatives. Meanwhile, the TS-464 supports virtually all consumer and enterprise drives, from Seagate to Toshiba to Kingston, giving users total control over their storage budget and deployment roadmap. This open-ecosystem approach extends to M.2 NVMe usage too, where QNAP allows storage pool creation, caching, and tiering with off-the-shelf modules, while Synology restricts pool creation to only their branded NVMes. If you’re an IT administrator, content creator, or SMB looking for a polished, performance-forward NAS and you’re fully on board with Synology’s ecosystem—including its branded drives—then the DS925+ offers a streamlined, high-ceiling experience with excellent multitasking potential and cleaner UI/UX polish under DSM 7.2. But if you’re someone who values flexibility, upgrade paths, media support, or simply wants to control your storage choices without vendor lock-in, the QNAP TS-464 is an incredibly compelling alternative—offering strong performance for its price, an open architecture, and a deeper toolbox under QTS/QuTS Hero.

NAS Solutions	NAS Solutions
+ Better Software (In almost every respect!) + Much Better Global Support Presence + More business desirable + Larger Range of solutions – Compatibility restrictions on HDD and Upgrades More and more – Underwhelming hardware (comparatively)	+ Better Hardware for Price + Wider Variety of Solutions and Hardware Profiles + Supports ZFS and/or EXT4 (with ZFS platform now available on latest Intel Celeron Systems) + Wide accessory range and compatibility – Software can often feel inconsistent – Hit by Security Issues if the past
Check Amazon By Clicking Below:	Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

The Synology DS925+ is the better plug-and-play NAS for prosumers and SMBs who want a high-performance, low-maintenance experience—provided they’re comfortable buying into Synology’s tightly controlled ecosystem of software and storage hardware. On the other hand, the QNAP TS-464 remains the better choice for users who value flexibility, hardware freedom, and scalability—especially if media features, drive compatibility, or future upgrades are part of the plan. Ultimately, the DS925+ is the sharper tool, but the TS-464 is the more versatile one.

 

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Aoostar WTR Max NAS vs Minisforum N5 Pro NAS Comparison

The demand for high-performance, multi-functional NAS systems has never been higher, as users increasingly expect far more than basic file storage from their hardware. Today’s workloads often include virtualization, AI-assisted operations, multi-tiered storage strategies, and high-speed, low-latency networking—demands that blur the line between a traditional NAS and a fully-fledged home server. In response to these needs, two closely matched contenders have emerged in the prosumer and power-user space: the Aoostar WTR Max and the Minisforum N5 series, which consists of both the more affordable standard N5 and the higher-spec N5 Pro. These devices, released in mid-2025, share some common DNA—both are bare-metal NAS platforms that let you install your own operating system and tailor your setup to your specific use case—but they diverge significantly in how they balance compute power, storage density, connectivity options, noise and power efficiency, and overall value.

Check Amazon for the WTR Pro MAX	Check AliExpress for the WTR Pro MAX	Check Amazon for the Minisforum N5	Check AliExpress for the Minisforum N5

In this article we provide a detailed, category-by-category comparison of these systems based on hands-on testing and real-world workloads. Key factors like physical design, internal architecture, storage configuration, CPU and memory performance, external connectivity, and power and noise profiles are all assessed in depth. We also consider important use case distinctions, such as suitability for 24/7 enterprise-grade uptime, AI model hosting, or quiet home use. Whether you’re looking to build a dense storage appliance, a virtualized host for multiple VMs, a locally deployed AI engine, or simply a robust and scalable home NAS, this analysis aims to clarify which of these two (or three, when factoring in the standard N5) offers the best fit. As the boundaries between NAS and full server hardware continue to blur, understanding these subtle trade-offs will help you make a more informed investment for your own specific workload and budget.

Written Review of the Minisforum N5 Pro NAS – HERE

YouTube Review of the Minisforum N5 Pro NAS – HERE

Written Review of the Aoostar WTR Max NAS – HERE

YouTube Review of the Aoostar WTR Max NAS – HERE

Minisforum N5 Pro vs Aoostar WTR Max NAS – Price and Value

When examining the price points of the Aoostar WTR Max and the Minisforum N5 series, it becomes clear that each brand has intentionally targeted slightly different segments of the advanced NAS and home-server market. The Aoostar WTR Max launches at $699 in a barebone configuration, which includes the chassis, preinstalled AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS CPU, external PSU, dual 10GbE SFP+ networking, and a front LCD panel. Like its competitor, it does not include RAM or additional storage at this price.

By comparison, the Minisforum N5 standard model enters at a lower price point of $583 in a similarly barebone configuration—also lacking RAM and user storage—but it does not include ECC memory support or a PRO-class CPU, which are key differences. The premium-tier Minisforum N5 Pro sits at a much higher entry price of $1,039, still barebone but featuring a far more capable Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU and ECC support. Users who prefer to have memory preinstalled can opt for a top-tier N5 Pro bundle, which includes 96GB ECC RAM and raises the total cost to $1,583.

Minisforum N5 Pro vs Aoostar WTR Max NAS – Design

Both the Aoostar WTR Max and the Minisforum N5 series feature compact, all-metal chassis designs that prioritize serviceability, efficient internal space utilization, and professional-grade durability. The Aoostar WTR Max adopts a slightly larger rectangular footprint, accommodating six SATA bays, a dedicated seventh tray slot for up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs, and an integrated LCD display on the front panel for customizable real-time monitoring of system metrics such as temperature and network activity.

Ventilation on the Aoostar is extensive, with intake vents at the bottom, perforated panels on both sides, and dual rear-mounted exhaust fans drawing heat from the drive bays and CPU area. A vapor chamber heat spreader and a dedicated bottom-mounted cooling fan help distribute and evacuate thermal load evenly across internal components. The Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro, meanwhile, share a more compact and minimalist chassis with a slightly smaller footprint and a slide-out drive cage mechanism, making internal access and servicing more straightforward. Both Minisforum models include five SATA bays, a versatile three-slot M.2/U.2 arrangement, and a clean brushed-metal exterior that avoids visual distractions by omitting a front-facing display.

Minisforum N5 Pro vs Aoostar WTR Max NAS – Storage

Storage capabilities represent one of the most significant differences between the Aoostar WTR Max and the Minisforum N5 series, reflecting divergent priorities in how each system balances density and simplicity. The Aoostar WTR Max delivers a standout total of eleven drive slots, composed of six 3.5”/2.5” SATA bays, a dedicated seventh tray supporting up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs. This architecture provides users with the ability to create sophisticated storage topologies, combining high-capacity mechanical drives for bulk cold storage and multiple high-speed NVMe SSDs for tiered caching, scratch disks, or performance-optimized pools.

The additional M.2 tray, which is unique to the Aoostar design, simplifies the installation of multiple NVMe drives without occupying space within the motherboard area, while still offering full Gen 4 speeds on select slots. In contrast, the Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro are more restrained, offering five SATA bays and three NVMe/U.2 slots, which can be configured either as three M.2 drives or as one M.2 with two U.2 drives using the supplied adapter card. The Minisforum setup also includes a dedicated M.2 slot for its 64GB OS SSD, but sadly, this slot consumes one of the three available NVMe positions. Both Minisforum models support hot-swapping on the SATA bays and flexible RAID modes, but the higher bay count and more independent storage interfaces of the Aoostar clearly cater to users with larger or more diverse storage needs.

Feature	Aoostar WTR Max	Minisforum N5 / N5 Pro	Notes / Best
SATA Bays	6 × 3.5″/2.5″ (SATA 3.0, up to 22TB each)	5 × 3.5″/2.5″ (SATA 3.0, up to 22TB each)	Aoostar wins on total count
SATA Hot-swap	No	Yes	Minisforum wins
NVMe/U.2 Slots Total	4 × M.2 in tray + 1 × OS M.2 slot	3 × NVMe/U.2 + 1 × OS M.2 slot	Aoostar wins on total NVMe count
NVMe Slot PCIe Lanes / Speed	2 × Gen4 x2, 2 × Gen4 x1	1 × Gen4 x2, 2 × Gen4 x1	Aoostar provides more total bandwidth
OS Drive Impact	Separate dedicated M.2 slot for OS SSD	OS SSD occupies 1 NVMe slot	Aoostar wins here
NVMe Hot-swap	No	No	Neither supports hot-swap NVMe
Optional U.2 Support	Not natively supported	Via included adapter (2 × U.2 + 1 × M.2)	Minisforum offers flexibility
Reported Internal SSD Speeds	Gen4 x1 slots: ~1.6 GB/s read/write; Gen4 x2 slots: ~2.9–3.1 GB/s read/write	Gen4 x1 slots: ~1.7 GB/s read/write; Gen4 x2 slot: ~3.3 GB/s read, ~3.1 GB/s write	Comparable, slight edge Minisforum
Total Drive Capacity	6 SATA + 4 NVMe + OS SSD = 11 drives	5 SATA + 3 NVMe/U.2 + OS SSD = 8 drives	Aoostar wins on total drive count

Minisforum N5 Pro vs Aoostar WTR Max NAS – Ports and Connectivity

Both the Aoostar WTR Max and the Minisforum N5 series deliver a wide array of external ports and connectivity options, though their designs reflect different priorities and deployment philosophies. The Aoostar WTR Max is clearly oriented toward high-density, network-heavy environments, offering two 10GbE SFP+ fiber ports alongside two additional 2.5GbE RJ45 copper ports. This configuration enables up to four simultaneous physical network connections, making it well-suited to scenarios that demand redundant paths, segmented VLANs, or hybrid fiber-copper topologies.

In addition, the Aoostar includes a front-mounted USB-C port, an SD card slot for quick local transfers, a rear USB4 port, an HDMI output for direct monitoring or console access, and an OCuLink port for external PCIe-based expansions. The SD card slot is an unusual but useful addition for media workflows, though the absence of any PCIe slot in the WTR Max’s internal layout limits upgrade options to what can be connected externally through OCuLink or USB4.

Minisforum N5 Pro vs Aoostar WTR Max NAS – CPU and Memory

The Aoostar WTR Max and the Minisforum N5 series diverge substantially in processing power and memory capabilities, with the N5 Pro clearly at the high-performance end of the spectrum. The Aoostar WTR Max is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS, an 8-core, 16-thread processor based on AMD’s efficient Zen 4 architecture, and supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory with ECC. This makes the WTR Max a strong contender for users who need solid multi-threaded throughput, data integrity via ECC, and headroom for running many virtual machines or containerized workloads.

It is especially attractive in enterprise-like environments where reliability and memory capacity are priorities. The Minisforum N5 standard, by contrast, uses the older Ryzen 7 255, also with 8 cores and 16 threads, but based on the earlier Zen 3+ architecture, with a cap of 96 GB DDR5 and no ECC support. It remains competent for general NAS duties, file serving, light VM usage, and moderate multimedia tasks. Stepping up to the N5 Pro, however, brings a dramatic increase in compute and AI capabilities: its Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 370 processor offers 12 cores, 24 threads, ECC support, and a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) delivering up to 50 TOPS for AI inferencing, while maintaining the same 96 GB DDR5 limit. This makes the N5 Pro ideal for highly concurrent workloads, virtualized environments, AI model hosting, and scenarios where raw CPU power and error resilience are critical.

(The CPU in the Minisforum N5 Pro is also featured on the X1 Pro from Minsforum, so below you can see the GFX benchmarks of this processor vs the same CPU + an MGA1 External Oculink eGPU)

Feature	Ryzen 7 255	Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS	Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370
Architecture	Zen 3+	Zen 4	Zen 5 / Zen 5c hybrid
Cores / Threads	8C / 16T	8C / 16T	12C / 24T
Base / Boost Clock	3.3 GHz / 4.9 GHz	3.8 GHz / 5.1 GHz	2.0 GHz / 5.1 GHz
L3 Cache	16 MB	16 MB	24 MB
GPU	Radeon 780M (12 CUs)	Radeon 780M (12 CUs)	Radeon 890M (16 CUs)
GPU Clock	~2.5 GHz	Up to 2.7 GHz	Up to 2.9 GHz
NPU	UPTO 16 TOPS	upto 16 TOPS	Up to 50 TOPS
TDP Range	~45 W	~45 W	28–54 W
PCIe Lanes	20 PCIe Gen 4	20 PCIe Gen 4	16 PCIe Gen 4
Memory Support	DDR5 (non‑ECC)	DDR5‑5600 ECC	DDR5‑5600 ECC

Looking deeper at the individual CPUs, their architectures reflect different generational and market goals. The Ryzen 7 255 in the Minisforum N5 is a Zen 3+ part built on a 6 nm process, with a base clock of 3.3 GHz and turbo up to 4.9 GHz. It provides 16 MB of L3 cache and includes integrated Radeon 780M graphics with 12 RDNA 3 compute units. At ~45 W TDP, it is a capable midrange processor for general NAS use but lacks advanced enterprise features like ECC and AI. The Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS in the WTR Max upgrades to Zen 4 at 4 nm, bumps the base clock to 3.8 GHz while maintaining the same 5.1 GHz boost, and delivers better power efficiency.

It retains the Radeon 780M GPU but with improved clocks and adds ECC memory support plus 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes for broader connectivity options. At the top sits the Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 370 in the N5 Pro, which leverages AMD’s Zen 5/5c hybrid architecture. Despite a lower base clock of 2.0 GHz (favoring efficiency) with the same 5.1 GHz turbo, it increases core count to 12 and thread count to 24, doubles L3 cache to 24 MB, and upgrades the GPU to Radeon 890M with 16 RDNA 3 compute units clocked up to 2.9 GHz. The Pro has a higher rated integrated NPU, capable of 50 TOPS, positioning it as an ideal candidate for on-premises AI inferencing and acceleration workloads, several times higher than the potential 16 TOPS rating on the CPUs of the N5 Standard and WTR ,Max. Its TDP range of 28–54 W also reflects its hybrid design’s balance of power and efficiency, although it offers slightly fewer PCIe lanes (16) than the WTR Max’s 20.

Minisforum N5 Pro vs Aoostar WTR Max NAS – Power Consumption and Noise

Both the Aoostar WTR Max and the Minisforum N5 series aim to strike a balance between capable performance, manageable power consumption, and acceptable noise levels, though they adopt distinct philosophies around power delivery and cooling. Both the Minisforum N5 and the Aoostar WTR Max feature external power supply unit (PSUs), of a pretty hefty 280W – these will almost certainly not be for everyone, but do allow for both systems to maintain a decent small-scale (however, be aware that they DO get warm)!

In terms of measured power consumption, the WTR Max idles at approximately 32–34 W even when fully populated with drives, and it ramps up to around 73–89 W under heavy load, such as during multi-VM and high-throughput testing.

The chassis design favors airflow with strategically placed ventilation on the sides, rear, and bottom, a pair of large rear exhaust fans, and a dedicated internal fan that focuses specifically on the hard drive bays. This combination keeps temperatures steady under pressure, and even during sustained activity, noise output remains modest — around 35 dBA at idle and typically peaking near 44 dBA when heavily loaded, which is relatively quiet given its drive density and active cooling.

Aspect	Aoostar WTR Max	Minisforum N5 (Standard)	Minisforum N5 Pro	Best & Why/Note
PSU Type	External	External	External	No Difference
Peak Power Consumption	~73–89W	~80W	~80W	Tie — both in similar range
Idle Power Consumption	~32–34W	~32–34W	~32–34W	Tie — similar efficiency
Noise at Idle	~35 dBA	~32–34 dBA	~32–34 dBA	N5/N5 Pro — slightly quieter at idle
Noise at Load	~44 dBA	~48–51 dBA	~48–51 dBA	Aoostar WTR Max — quieter at load

Minisforum N5 Pro vs Aoostar WTR Max NAS – Verdict and Conclusion

In reviewing the Aoostar WTR Max and the Minisforum N5 series—including both the standard and Pro models—it becomes clear that each system was designed with a distinct user profile and set of priorities in mind, making direct comparisons nuanced rather than absolute. The Aoostar WTR Max distinguishes itself with a compelling balance of high storage density, strong CPU performance featuring ECC memory support, excellent chassis ventilation and a competitive mid-range price point.

Its combination of six SATA bays, five M.2 slots, quiet operation under sustained loads, and a tidy all-in-one form factor appeals to users who value storage flexibility, operational efficiency, and simplicity in deployment. The Minisforum N5 standard model carves out its niche as an affordable entry point for those with lighter needs—delivering solid, modern NAS performance in a compact chassis at the lowest price of the three. At the other end of the spectrum, the Minisforum N5 Pro targets advanced power users, offering the AI‑accelerated Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 370 processor, ECC memory capability, and unmatched multi-threaded and inference performance, all of which position it squarely in the high-end category for workloads like intensive virtualization, heavy concurrent tasks, and AI-assisted applications. For those specific use cases, the N5 Pro’s premium price is justified by its unmatched compute capabilities and feature set.

Ultimately, choosing between these systems requires a careful assessment of workload demands, expansion expectations, and budget constraints. The Aoostar WTR Max delivers a well-rounded combination of storage capacity, compute power, noise and thermal efficiency, and ease of deployment at a price that is reasonable for most advanced home and small business NAS environments. Its blend of practical features and robust hardware makes it especially attractive for users who prioritize storage-heavy applications and quieter, more efficient operation. The Minisforum N5 standard model is best suited for users with modest requirements and tight budgets, offering a clean, capable NAS platform for general use without the advanced features or costs associated with its Pro sibling. The N5 Pro, however, remains the clear choice for users who need the highest possible performance, AI‑specific capabilities, and maximum concurrency—provided they are willing to pay a premium for these cutting-edge benefits. In short, while all three systems deliver strong value in their respective niches, the Aoostar WTR Max arguably offers the most versatile and cost-effective package for typical NAS workloads, striking a smart balance between affordability, capacity, and performance.

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

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Ce 10 juillet 2025, Microsoft a déployé la mise à jour KB5062660 pour Windows 11 version 24H2, en avant-première sur le canal Release Preview pour les utilisateurs qui se sont inscrits au programme Windows Insider. Cette mise à jour va être déployée auprès du grand public dans les semaines à venir en tant que mise à jour facultative puis en … Lire la suite

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New Value Series UGREEN DH4300 and DH2300 NAS Drives

UGREEN has unveiled two new value-focused NAS devices, the DH3400 and DH3200, designed to meet the needs of home and small office users who want practical, low-power network storage without unnecessary complexity. The DH3400 is a 4-bay model, while the DH3200 offers a 2-bay configuration, both intended for those looking to implement efficient backups, multimedia streaming, and personal cloud storage at a more affordable price point. First revealed through the 2025 iF Design Awards and then quietly launched with a limited discount during Amazon Prime Day, these models occupy a lower tier in UGREEN’s NAS range, complementing rather than replacing their existing higher-end DXP series.

These two devices clearly target users who prioritize straightforward functionality over high-end processing power or advanced virtualization. Both systems are engineered with energy-efficient components and a compact design that makes them suitable for desktop environments where noise, heat, and power consumption need to be minimized. By offering a clear set of features—including RAID support, snapshot capabilities, and 4K multimedia output—at a modest price, the DH3400 and DH3200 aim to appeal to customers who need reliable, low-maintenance storage hardware that can integrate easily into a home network or small office setup.

UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 NAS Hardware Specifications

The UGREEN DH3400 and DH3200 are built on a shared hardware platform, with the key difference being drive bay count—four bays on the DH3400 and two on the DH3200. Both systems use the Rockchip RK3588C processor, an 8-core ARM-based SoC running at 2.4 GHz, designed to prioritize energy efficiency and low thermal output rather than raw performance. The RK3588C includes integrated Mali-G610 graphics and an AI engine capable of delivering up to six tera operations per second (TOPS), which enables features like facial recognition and semantic photo search without taxing the CPU as much as it would likewise ARM processors without it.

Both units come equipped with 8 GB of soldered LPDDR4X memory, which cannot be upgraded. This is a typical limitation of ARM-based NAS systems, where memory is tightly coupled with the SoC for efficiency. The onboard memory is adequate for the included software stack, which supports multi-user environments, Docker containers, and AI-driven media management. For system storage, UGREEN integrates a 32 GB eMMC module to host the UGOS Pro operating system. This keeps the SATA bays fully available for user storage, though it does mean the system disk cannot be swapped or expanded.

The DH3400 supports up to four 3.5” or 2.5” SATA drives, while the DH3200 supports two, and both models can accommodate up to 30 TB per bay, for a maximum of 120 TB on the DH3400 when fully populated. Supported RAID configurations include JBOD, Basic, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing a range of data protection and performance options suited to home and SOHO environments.

Networking and external connectivity are kept simple yet functional. Each system includes a single 2.5 GbE Ethernet port, which supports transfer speeds up to roughly 300 MB/s under optimal conditions. Although dual LAN ports for link aggregation or failover would have been welcome at this price point, the single-port setup is likely sufficient for the target audience.

Three USB ports are provided: one USB-C @ 5Gb/s and two USB-A @ 10 Gb/s. These are useful for connecting additional external drives, creating tiered backups, or quickly offloading data from portable devices. The inclusion of a full-size HDMI port capable of 4K/60Hz output is another notable feature, enabling direct connection to a monitor or TV for multimedia playback or system administration from a local display—something not all competing devices offer.

From a physical and design perspective, the DH series is clearly built to fit seamlessly into a home or small office. The DH3400’s chassis measures just 155 × 155 × 215.7 mm, and its vertical, injection-molded plastic design keeps its footprint compact and thermals manageable. Power consumption is modest at a rated 12V/6A, helping keep operational costs low and making the units suitable for 24/7 use.

The overall aesthetic is understated, drawing comparisons to earlier Western Digital consumer NAS devices, with a focus on quiet operation and minimal disruption to the workspace. While there is no support for PCIe expansion or M.2 NVMe storage—features found in higher-end UGREEN DXP models—the streamlined hardware specification aligns with the device’s role as an affordable, efficient, and easy-to-deploy file server for users who don’t require more advanced features.

UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 NAS Software Specifications

Both the DH3400 and DH3200 ship with UGREEN’s UGOS Pro operating system, a Linux-based NAS software platform designed to be user-friendly while offering a solid range of core functionality. UGOS Pro provides a clean, browser-based interface accessible from Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, web browsers, and even smart TVs, making it easy for users to manage their storage from almost any device. The OS supports secure multi-user access with advanced encryption, a built-in firewall, and two-factor authentication, ensuring that data remains protected from unauthorized access. Local data storage is emphasized over cloud reliance, though cloud backup targets are supported for redundancy.

In terms of features, UGOS Pro includes most of the essential applications expected of a modern NAS. File and folder management is straightforward, with support for SMB/CIFS, NFS, and WebDAV protocols. Users can set up scheduled or on-demand backups, including multi-tiered strategies spanning local drives, external USB storage, and supported cloud services. Snapshot functionality is included to help protect against accidental deletion or data corruption. Multimedia applications are also integrated, with tools for organizing and streaming photos, videos, and music, plus support for the HDMI output for direct 4K media playback on connected displays.

Despite being a value-oriented device, the DH3400 and DH3200 still offer some advanced capabilities thanks to the efficiency of the RK3588C CPU. These include AI-powered features such as photo recognition by faces, scenes, and locations, automatic duplicate removal, and the creation of personalized albums. Semantic search functionality helps users locate files more intuitively, and Docker is supported for lightweight containerized applications. However, resource-intensive functions like virtualization and more complex enterprise-grade apps are not included, in keeping with the intended role of these systems as affordable, entry-level NAS solutions. Plus, no doubt, the ease of integrating this more cost-effective solution with other, more powerful DXP NAS systems using the nativa backup sync application is going to be a breeze on the LAN!

UGREEN DH2300 and DH4300 NAS – Price and Launch Date?

UGREEN’s new DH2300 and DH4300 NAS models have already quietly launched, with availability beginning during Amazon Prime Day 2025 in what can best be described as a stealth release. The DH4300, the 4-bay model, is currently listed at $429.99 diskless, although a temporary promotional discount during Prime Day dropped the price as low as $349.99. At the time of writing, UGREEN has not provided an official end date for the promotional pricing, so buyers should assume the standard price is $429.99 going forward. The DH2300, the 2-bay variant, has not yet been widely listed, and official pricing for that model has yet to be confirmed. Both models are expected to continue rolling out to major online retailers over the coming weeks, with broader global availability likely to follow given UGREEN’s previous product launch patterns. For now, early adopters in supported regions can purchase the DH4300 directly from platforms like Amazon, and keep an eye on listings for the DH2300 to appear soon. Buyers should note that, as with most diskless NAS products, storage drives are sold separately. These models are positioned as affordable, efficient storage solutions in UGREEN’s lineup, complementing rather than replacing their existing DXP series. By offering a lower barrier to entry, UGREEN appears to be catering to users looking for basic yet capable NAS hardware at an accessible price. Those interested in purchasing should monitor retailer listings closely for availability and any further discounts as stock becomes more widely distributed.

You can order from the Official UGREEN site via the banner below:

Alternatively, the UGREEN DH4300 has appeared on Amazon on Multiple locations. So you can check the Amazon store in your region by clicking the banner below.

Remember. We get a small commission from any sales that occur from using the links above, and these go directly into allowing us to keep doing what we do.

UGREEN Store – https://ugreen.pxf.io/jejy6Z/

Amazon Store – https://amzn.to/409Sckl/

 

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Le Frame 5000D est une version revisitée du Frame 4000D. Corsair propose plus d’espace, de fonctionnalités et le support des radiateurs de 420.

Cet article Test FRAME 5000D de Corsair a été publié en premier par GinjFo.

Découvrez notre test complet du mini PC Geekom A5, édition 2025, un modèle évolutif et polyvalent, proposé à moins de 350 euros.

The post Test Geekom A5 2025 Edition : un mini PC polyvalent à moins de 350 euros first appeared on IT-Connect.

Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Reinventing NAS?

The Minisforum N5 Pro marks the company’s first deliberate step into the network-attached storage (NAS) segment, building upon its established experience in producing compact desktops, mini-PCs, and workstation-class hardware. First hinted at during industry discussions at IFA 2024 and formally revealed during CES 2025 in Nevada, the N5 Pro was later showcased in its near-final form at Computex 2025 in Taipei before entering production. Positioned as a high-performance NAS platform for advanced users, homelab enthusiasts, and small business operators, the N5 Pro aims to deliver server-class processing and expandability within a familiar, small-footprint chassis design. Alongside the N5 Pro, Minisforum released a standard N5 model at a lower price point, utilizing an 8-core processor without ECC memory support but retaining the same overall feature set and drive layout. Both systems ship with Minisforum’s proprietary MinisCloud OS pre-installed on a 64GB NVMe SSD, while remaining fully compatible with third-party NAS operating systems such as TrueNAS, Unraid, or Linux distributions. This review examines the N5 Pro model in detail, including its industrial design, internal hardware configuration, connectivity options, bundled software, real-world performance testing, and overall value proposition within the evolving NAS market.

The is now available to buy: Minisforum N5 Pro (Check Amazon) – HERE Minisforum N5 Pro (Check AliExpress) – HERE Shop for NAS Hard Drives on Amazon – HERE Shop for SSDs for your N5 Pro on Amazon – HERE IMPORTANT – Below are the links to the OFFICIAL Minisforum site to buy the N5 and N5 Pro. However, using these links does not support us (i.e we do not get an affiliate fee). We want you to buy this device from whichever retailer best suits your needs, but we hope you are able to support the work we do (such as this review and our YouTube channel) but using the links above for your storage media, or any other data storage/network solution purchase. Minisforum N5 on Official Site- HERE Minisforum N5 Pro on Official Site – HERE

Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Quick Conclusion

The Minisforum N5 Pro is an impressive and highly versatile NAS platform that successfully combines the core strengths of a storage appliance with the capabilities of a compact, workstation-class server, making it suitable for demanding and varied use cases. Its defining features include a 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 24 threads and onboard AI acceleration up to 50 TOPS, support for up to 96GB of ECC-capable DDR5 memory for data integrity, and a hybrid storage architecture offering up to 144TB total capacity through a mix of five SATA bays and three NVMe/U.2 slots. Additional highlights such as ZFS file system support with snapshots, inline compression, and self-healing, along with high-speed networking via dual 10GbE and 5GbE ports, and expansion through PCIe Gen 4 ×16 and OCuLink interfaces, position it well beyond the capabilities of typical consumer NAS systems. The compact, fully metal chassis is easy to service and efficiently cooled, enabling continuous operation even under sustained virtual machine, AI, or media workloads. At the same time, the bundled MinisCloud OS, while feature-rich with AI photo indexing, Docker support, and mobile integration, remains a work in progress, lacking some enterprise-grade polish, robust localization, and more advanced tools expected in mature NAS ecosystems. Minor drawbacks such as the external PSU, the thermally challenged pre-installed OS SSD, and the higher cost of the Pro variant relative to the standard N5 are important to weigh, particularly for users who may not fully utilize the Pro’s ECC and AI-specific advantages. For advanced users, homelab builders, and technical teams who require high compute density, flexible storage, and full control over their software stack, the N5 Pro delivers workstation-level performance and configurability in NAS form—offering one of the most forward-thinking and adaptable solutions available today in this segment.

Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Design and Storage

The Minisforum N5 Pro continues the company’s emphasis on compact yet industrial-grade hardware, retaining a desktop-friendly footprint of 199 x 202 x 252 mm and weighing just under 5 kg. Its exterior is constructed from anodized aluminum alloy, which not only enhances durability but also serves as part of the system’s passive thermal management by dispersing residual heat through the shell.

The front panel is understated, housing clearly labeled LEDs for system status, network activity indicators for both network interfaces, and separate activity lights for each of the five SATA bays.

A recessed power button with integrated LED, reset hole, and anti-theft lock slot round out the front-facing controls. The system’s modular internal structure divides the upper and lower sections cleanly, with the drive cage occupying the top tier and the motherboard and expansion slots housed below.

The slide-out tray design for the storage cage facilitates fast maintenance and upgrades, and access to all internal components requires minimal disassembly, aided by two easily removable rear screws and a fully detachable back panel. This thoughtful layout supports not only ease of serviceability but also helps maintain clean cable management for improved airflow.

The N5 Pro’s storage architecture is designed for maximum flexibility and density within its size constraints. The primary storage array comprises five individual 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA 3.0 bays arranged in a stacked configuration at the front of the chassis. Each bay supports drives of up to 22TB, allowing a maximum mechanical storage capacity of 110TB, which positions the N5 Pro among the most storage-dense NAS devices in its class.

Unlike some competing NAS designs that rely on port multiplexing, each SATA port on the N5 Pro is directly connected to the mainboard without oversubscription, ensuring consistent throughput per drive. Beyond the five SATA bays, the system includes three additional high-speed NVMe slots.

Two of these support either M.2 or U.2 SSDs up to 15TB each, while the remaining slot supports an M.2 SSD up to 4TB.

Minisforum includes an adapter to convert the two U.2-compatible slots to standard M.2 form factor if desired, which accommodates more commonly available SSDs without sacrificing future enterprise U.2 upgrade options.

In its default shipping configuration, the N5 Pro arrives with a 64GB M.2 2230 SSD preinstalled, preloaded with MinisCloud OS. This small OS drive occupies one M.2 slot and can be replaced with a larger, higher-performance SSD if needed.

The device supports a full suite of RAID levels, both through hardware and software configuration, thanks to its ZFS-based storage stack within MinisCloud OS. Users can configure the five SATA bays in RAID 0 for maximum throughput, RAID 1 or RAID 10 for redundancy, or RAIDZ1/RAID5 and RAIDZ2/RAID6 for more advanced parity protection.

The combination of ZFS and hardware flexibility allows mixed configurations, where NVMe SSDs can be dedicated to cache or high-performance “hot” data pools while SATA disks serve as mass storage. This arrangement supports scenarios like virtual machine hosting alongside archival media storage in a single chassis. Notably, ZFS features such as inline LZ4 compression and snapshot-based recovery are natively supported in MinisCloud OS, enabling efficient storage utilization and simplified recovery workflows.

During extended operation with fully populated SATA bays and NVMe slots, the drives maintained expected IOPS and sustained throughput without any noticeable drop in performance, a reflection of the system’s balanced backplane and effective drive isolation.

The 5 SATA Bay cage is connected to then main board with a 2GB/20Gb/s connection and is managed by the SATA sata JMicron Technology Corp. JMB58x

The physical implementation of drive installation is straightforward, with each SATA tray supporting toolless insertion and clearly numbered for easy identification. The trays are designed to accommodate both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives securely, while the NVMe and U.2 slots are easily accessible on the motherboard side of the chassis. Importantly, the U.2 support provides access to enterprise-class SSDs, which offer higher durability, better thermal tolerance, and larger capacities compared to consumer NVMe drives.

This feature caters to professional environments where storage write endurance is critical. The SATA backplane is integrated into the drive cage and connects cleanly to the motherboard with no loose cabling, simplifying airflow management and minimizing potential points of failure. Throughout the chassis, Minisforum has kept the cable routing tidy, with wiring harnesses anchored to prevent obstruction of airflow paths or contact with hot surfaces.

Cooling for the storage components is managed through a well-considered combination of passive and active elements. Front-side intake vents direct cool air across the SATA drives, while two dedicated rear-mounted exhaust fans draw heat away from the drive array and motherboard area.

The vented base panel assists with maintaining negative pressure and facilitating lateral airflow, preventing localized hot spots.

The NVMe and U.2 SSDs benefit from placement near the rear and bottom fans, maintaining acceptable temperatures under sustained workloads.

Interestingly, you can see the similarities in the design of the brand’s current smaller workstation systems, with their 2 fan (top and bottom) placement – they have just built on top of this by introducing the storage and it’s own dedicated cooling.

The 64GB OS SSD, however, does not feature a dedicated heatsink and was observed to operate at relatively high temperatures during stress testing—likely due to its compact 2230 form factor. Users opting to keep MinisCloud OS on this drive may consider upgrading to a larger, better-cooled SSD for improved thermal performance.

Despite its compact footprint, the system’s thermal behavior remained predictable during long periods of mixed I/O, demonstrating that Minisforum’s chassis and airflow design are effective at keeping the storage subsystem within operational limits.

Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Internal Hardware

Internally, the Minisforum N5 Pro differentiates itself from its standard N5 counterpart primarily through its more powerful processor, memory capabilities, and additional AI acceleration hardware. At the heart of the system is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370, a Zen 5-based CPU offering 12 cores and 24 threads, with a base clock as low as 2.0 GHz for low-power states and a maximum boost clock of up to 5.1 GHz under peak loads.

The inclusion of ECC support in the Pro variant enables the use of error-correcting DDR5 memory modules—essential in mission-critical environments where data integrity is a priority. The non-Pro model, by contrast, is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 255, offering 8 cores and 16 threads, a slightly higher base clock at 3.3 GHz, but no support for ECC memory.

This choice in processors reflects different target audiences: the Pro version is designed for advanced workloads, AI model inference, and demanding multi-threaded tasks, whereas the standard N5 targets more conventional NAS and multimedia use cases. Both CPUs have a very similar integrated GPU architecture (only around 0.1Ghz of difference and similar engine design), however the non-PRO CPU R7 255 CPU actually has 20 PCIe Lanes, compared with the 16 Lanes of the HX370. Despite this, both the Pro and Non Pro have the exact same Ports, connections and lane speeds for the SSD bays and PCIe upgrade slot! So, unsure if these additional lanes are picking up slack somewhere I cannot see, or are insured (likely the former).

The Pro variant also integrates AMD’s Radeon 890M integrated graphics with 12 compute units based on the RDNA 3 architecture, supporting burst frequencies up to 2.9 GHz, which is advantageous for tasks requiring GPU-accelerated transcoding or light graphical workloads. This is a small step up from the Radeon 780M present in the standard N5, which tops out at 2.7 GHz and features fewer compute units. Notably, the N5 Pro includes a dedicated AI Neural Processing Unit (NPU) rated up to 50 TOPS (trillions of operations per second), which is absent in the standard N5. This NPU is leveraged by MinisCloud OS for AI-based features such as photo recognition and intelligent indexing, and may also benefit advanced users deploying AI workloads in containerized environments or VMs – but REALISTICALLY the main draw for this CPU and in AI deployment would be true edge-AI and LOCALLY deploying an LLM/AI on the system effectively (ChatGPT, Deepseek, etc).  Together, these enhancements give the Pro configuration a performance and feature set closer to workstation-class hardware while maintaining NAS functionality.

Memory capacity and bandwidth are also noteworthy. Both variants of the N5 support up to 96GB of DDR5 memory across two SO-DIMM slots, operating at up to 5600 MT/s. In the Pro, ECC modules can be installed for error correction, while the standard model is limited to non-ECC DDR5. ECC memory is an important differentiator in enterprise and data-centric scenarios, preventing silent data corruption and improving long-term system stability.

The unit tested for this review was populated with 96GB of ECC DDR5, which performed consistently and without detectable error events during extended uptime tests. The system’s DDR5 architecture provides approximately 75% more bandwidth than equivalent DDR4 configurations, which is beneficial for high-concurrency operations, ZFS scrubbing, and virtual machine memory allocation. In effect, this memory flexibility makes the N5 Pro adaptable for both small office file sharing and more advanced computational tasks such as AI training or multi-VM deployments.

Minisforum’s choice to pair these components with a full range of storage and expansion interfaces ensures that none of the hardware is bottlenecked under realistic workloads. The PCIe Gen 4×16 slot and OCuLink port are physically accessible from within the chassis and are routed directly to CPU lanes, ensuring optimal throughput for expansion cards or external GPU enclosures.  Thermal management of the internal hardware is also carefully designed: copper heatpipes, a dedicated CPU fan on the base, rear exhaust fans, and airflow channels work in tandem to keep CPU, GPU, and memory temperatures in line, even under sustained heavy usage. In testing, the CPU maintained stable boost clocks without throttling, and the DIMM temperatures remained within specification. This level of hardware specification in a NAS-class device positions the N5 Pro well beyond the scope of typical consumer NAS appliances, edging into workstation territory while retaining the flexibility and storage capabilities of a dedicated file server.

Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Ports and Connections

The Minisforum N5 Pro offers a broad set of connectivity options designed to cater to a variety of deployment scenarios, from conventional NAS file sharing to more specialized compute and expansion use cases. On the rear panel, the system includes two dedicated Ethernet ports: one 10GbE RJ45 port based on the AQC113 controller, and a secondary 5GbE RJ45 port driven by a Realtek RTL8126.

Both ports support auto-negotiation and full-duplex operation, with the 10GbE interface capable of saturating high-speed networks for demanding workloads like multi-user file access, virtual machine networking, or high-resolution media streaming. Testing confirmed the ports could operate independently or together under link aggregation protocols provided by the installed OS. NIC activity LEDs are also front-mounted, providing clear visual feedback on link state and throughput. This dual-port setup makes it feasible to separate public and private subnets or configure failover for improved reliability in critical environments.

Beyond networking, the N5 Pro provides extensive high-speed peripheral and display interfaces. Two USB4 ports (with Alternate Mode DisplayPort 2.0 support) are located on the rear panel, each capable of delivering up to 20 Gbps and supporting external storage enclosures or even GPU enclosures over Thunderbolt/USB4. A single HDMI 2.1 FRL output is present, supporting up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz resolution for administrators who wish to attach a local display directly to the NAS for maintenance, media playback, or monitoring.

Additional USB ports include two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and a legacy USB 2.0 port for basic peripherals. The USB4 interfaces can also facilitate high-speed direct transfers to and from supported devices, though these capabilities are more fully realized under MinisCloud OS than third-party platforms. This is a big deal and allows for 2 more DIRECT 20Gb/s clients to connect to the system via the 2x USB4 ports, as well as the 5GbE and 10GbE connection!

Additionally, the USB4 Port, thanks to earlier testing of this setup on the Minisforum X1 AI Pro, allow for a USB4 SSD drive to comfortably deliver 3000/1500MB/s for backups as needed.

Together, these ports make the N5 Pro unusually versatile compared to typical NAS devices that tend to offer only basic USB and HDMI output.

For users who require expansion beyond the system’s standard storage and networking options, the inclusion of a full-length PCIe Gen 4 ×16 slot (electrically wired as ×4) and an OCuLink PCIe Gen 4 ×4 port provides meaningful flexibility. The PCIe slot is accessible from within the chassis and supports a variety of cards, including additional NICs, AI accelerators, or storage controllers, while the OCuLink port offers external PCIe expansion for GPU enclosures or dedicated NVMe drive cages. I was able to install a 2x 10GbE NIC card into the PCIe slot AND still use the Oculink port for the Minisforum MGA1 eGPU! Software and SDriver support will be important, but nonetheless, this is some fantastic expandability and flexibility!

During testing, the OCuLink interface successfully interfaced with an external GPU, and appeared in the OS for passthrough to VMs, confirming its utility in advanced configurations. Minisforum’s choice to include both conventional PCIe and OCuLink enables users to adapt the system to evolving needs, whether for rendering tasks, AI workloads, or extending storage beyond the internal bays. This combination of high-speed networking, display output, and expansion interfaces demonstrates the system’s hybrid role as both a NAS and a general-purpose compute platform.

Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Software and Services

The Minisforum N5 Pro ships with a pre-installed operating system called MinisCloud OS, which runs from the included 64GB M.2 2230 SSD. Based on the FNOS platform, MinisCloud OS is a ZFS-enabled NAS operating system with a graphical web interface, mobile app support, and built-in services for media, backup, and collaboration. Users can choose to use MinisCloud OS out of the box or replace it entirely with third-party solutions such as TrueNAS, Unraid, or other Linux-based NAS distributions without voiding warranty coverage.

MinisCloud OS includes a desktop-accessible GUI, with menus covering storage management, RAID/ZFS pool creation, user and group permissions, Docker container deployment, and real-time monitoring. For users who prefer a turnkey NAS experience with minimal setup, MinisCloud OS provides a convenient starting point. However, it is worth noting that the OS is still maturing; some parts of the interface, particularly language localization and advanced feature polish, are clearly in active development.

At the core of MinisCloud OS is its ZFS-based storage engine, which enables advanced features such as snapshots, inline LZ4 compression, self-healing integrity checks, and instant rollback of data pools. The snapshot interface is intuitive and responsive, allowing users to schedule, lock, and restore snapshots at a per-pool level with minimal steps. Compression is enabled by default, improving storage efficiency, particularly for highly repetitive or archival datasets.

While ZFS support is a welcome inclusion, the implementation of some monitoring features—such as SSD temperature and SMART data for NVMe drives—remains inconsistent, as noted during testing. Despite these limitations, MinisCloud OS is capable of handling mixed drive types in flexible RAID configurations (RAID 0/1/5/6/10/RAIDZ), combining high-speed NVMe SSDs with large-capacity SATA drives for tiered storage strategies. The OS also supports secure access controls, allowing administrators to segment personal, shared, and public storage spaces.

Beyond storage, MinisCloud OS offers a suite of applications targeting home and small office users. Media services include a basic DLNA server, AI-driven photo library with face and object recognition, and a music streaming module. While the AI photo library benefits from the NPU in the N5 Pro, testing showed mixed accuracy in object recognition and indexing. Backup services include one-click PC/Mac backups, scheduled sync jobs, and encrypted sharing via link-based access.

Docker support is also integrated, enabling users to deploy isolated containers for third-party apps and services. While these features align the OS with other consumer NAS ecosystems, they do feel less polished than more mature platforms from competitors, and gaps such as lack of native iSCSI target creation or advanced security scanning were noticeable. MinisCloud OS seems best suited as a lightweight, user-friendly option for those who do not wish to invest time configuring a third-party OS but may not satisfy advanced enterprise users.

The inclusion of fully offline account creation and per-user container isolation demonstrates Minisforum’s efforts to balance privacy and flexibility. No cloud account is required to use the OS, and user isolation ensures that data in Docker containers remains segregated across different accounts. Public network traversal and encrypted external sharing are supported through the web portal, making it possible to access data from outside the local network securely.

Mobile apps for Android and iOS mirror the desktop web interface and allow remote access and basic administrative tasks. Nevertheless, limitations in feature depth and the still-developing language localization suggest that while MinisCloud OS is functional and a helpful starting point, serious users will want to transition to platforms like TrueNAS or Unraid to unlock the full potential of the hardware.

Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Testing, Noise and Heat

In testing, the Minisforum N5 Pro demonstrated performance levels consistent with its workstation-class specifications, particularly in multi-threaded CPU tasks and mixed storage operations. Using TrueNAS and Unraid as alternative OS options during benchmarks, the system was able to sustain heavy virtual machine (VM) workloads without instability. The Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU maintained its advertised boost clocks of up to 5.1 GHz during short burst operations, while sustaining a lower but stable frequency under extended full-load scenarios. The 12 cores and 24 threads allowed deployment of up to 12 Windows VMs and multiple Linux containers concurrently, each with dedicated vCPUs and memory. Even with the CPU loaded at approximately 50%, overall system responsiveness remained acceptable, thanks in part to the large 96GB DDR5 memory pool available in the tested configuration. ECC support ensured no uncorrected memory errors were recorded throughout a 7-day continuous stress test, affirming the platform’s suitability for 24/7 environments.

Storage performance also met expectations, though it varied depending on drive type and configuration. The five SATA bays, populated with Seagate IronWolf HDDs and SATA SSDs, delivered consistent throughput in RAID 5 and RAID 6 pools, with sequential read speeds averaging 900–1000 MB/s and writes around 800 MB/s under ZFS.

NVMe performance was significantly higher: the two Gen 4 ×1 M.2 slots achieved sustained reads of approximately 1.7 GB/s and writes of 1.6 GB/s, while the single Gen 4 ×2 M.2 slot reached peak reads of 3.3 GB/s and writes of 3.1 GB/s, approaching the theoretical limits of the interface.

Transfer speeds between SSDs in mixed-slot configurations were observed at 1.2–1.3 GB/s, indicating some internal contention or chipset limitation at the aggregate level.

The U.2 adapter included with the unit allowed testing of enterprise-class SSDs, which performed within expected parameters, though thermals for these drives require attention in prolonged heavy write scenarios.

Network performance aligned with the hardware’s 10GbE and 5GbE capabilities. The AQC113-based 10GbE NIC saturated its link easily during single and multi-stream transfers, maintaining over 900 MB/s sustained throughput in SMB and iSCSI workloads. The secondary 5GbE port also performed well, delivering consistent ~480 MB/s transfers in environments where full 10GbE infrastructure was unavailable. Link aggregation configurations were tested using LACP, though practical benefits were limited due to single-client testing constraints. USB4 and OCuLink connections were tested using external NVMe enclosures and a GPU eGPU box, both of which enumerated properly in the OS and achieved PCIe-level throughput. These features open possibilities for specialized use cases, such as GPU passthrough to VMs or offloading compute-intensive tasks to external accelerators.

Thermal and acoustic performance were also evaluated under a variety of workloads. At idle, the N5 Pro maintained a noise floor of approximately 32–34 dBA with fans set to automatic, rising to 48–51 dBA when forced to maximum. This places it within an acceptable range for small office or homelab deployments. CPU temperatures stayed within safe operating limits, averaging 40–42°C at idle and peaking at 78–80°C under full load during VM and Plex transcoding stress tests.

Drive temperatures were generally stable, although the pre-installed 64GB OS SSD exhibited higher than ideal temperatures, reaching 60°C under prolonged access. Power draw varied significantly with workload: idle power consumption was around 32–34W, increasing to roughly 80W under combined heavy CPU, storage, and 10GbE load. These results confirm that the system is both efficient at idle and capable of scaling up when fully utilized.

Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Conclusion & Verdict

The Minisforum N5 Pro firmly establishes itself as a hybrid solution that blurs the lines between a high-performance NAS appliance and a compact workstation-class server. It combines server-grade processing, memory integrity features, and robust storage options in a footprint comparable to many consumer NAS systems. Equipped with the 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU, ECC-capable DDR5 memory support, an intelligent ZFS-ready storage architecture, and an unusually broad range of expansion options—including PCIe Gen 4 and OCuLink—the N5 Pro is clearly targeted at advanced users and small professional teams with more demanding and diversified workloads than those served by entry-level NAS units. In practical testing, the system proved capable of maintaining high multi-threaded performance during intensive virtualized environments, delivering consistent high-throughput over 10GbE networking, and retaining stable thermals even under extended peak activity. The compact, fully metal chassis design provides excellent serviceability and sufficient cooling despite the dense hardware configuration, while the support for both U.2 and M.2 enterprise-class SSDs further broadens its application to mixed storage, caching, and high-availability scenarios. However, while the bundled MinisCloud OS offers a wide feature set—including snapshots, AI-driven indexing, and containerization—it remains a relatively immature platform compared to industry standards like TrueNAS and Unraid. Users looking for long-term OS maturity and advanced ecosystem integration will likely opt to replace it with one of these more established alternatives, which is fully supported without affecting warranty coverage.

Potential buyers should consider carefully whether the specific advantages of the N5 Pro—namely, its additional CPU cores, ECC memory support, and AI-specific compute capabilities—justify its higher price over the standard N5 model, which offers identical storage and connectivity at a lower cost by using a more modest processor and omitting ECC. For workloads that include high-density virtualization, multi-user environments where data integrity is paramount, or AI-enhanced workflows such as photo indexing or local inference tasks, the Pro variant’s premium hardware is likely to pay dividends. On the other hand, for simpler NAS duties such as centralized backups, media streaming, and file sharing, the standard N5 offers nearly all of the same physical functionality for significantly less. It is also worth noting the few limitations that arose during testing: the external PSU design may not appeal to all users; the thermal behavior of the bundled 64GB OS SSD suggests it should be upgraded for sustained use; and the unfinished aspects of MinisCloud OS—particularly its localization, advanced monitoring, and some missing enterprise-grade protocols—leave room for refinement. None of these are deal-breaking, but they highlight that this system is best suited for technically confident users who plan to fully exploit its hardware capabilities. Taken together, the N5 Pro stands out as a capable and flexible NAS platform, offering a level of performance and configurability rarely seen at this scale. For those willing to invest the time to install and tune their preferred OS and storage strategy, it represents one of the more forward-thinking and technically ambitious NAS options currently available. For users seeking a fully polished, plug-and-play appliance experience, however, more mature offerings from Synology, QNAP, or Asustor may still be the better fit for their needs.

PROS of the Minisforum N5 Pro

CONS of the Minisforum N5 Pro

High-performance AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 12 cores, 24 threads, and AI acceleration (50 TOPS NPU) is INCREDIBLE for a compact desktop purchase Support for up to 96GB DDR5 memory with ECC, ensuring data integrity and stability in critical environments ZFS-ready storage with numerous ZFS and TRADITIONAL RAID configurations, snapshots, and inline compression Hybrid storage support: five 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays plus three NVMe/U.2 SSD slots, with up to 144TB total capacity Versatile expansion options including PCIe Gen 4 ×16 slot (×4 electrical) and OCuLink port for GPUs or NVMe cages Dual high-speed networking: 10GbE and 5GbE RJ45 ports with link aggregation support + (using the inclusive MinisCloud OS) the use of the USB4 ports for direct PC/Mac connection! Fully metal, compact, and serviceable chassis with thoughtful cooling and accessible internal layout – makes maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting a complete breeze! Compatibility with third-party OSes (TrueNAS, Unraid, Linux) without voiding warranty, offering flexibility for advanced users

MinisCloud OS is functional but immature, with unfinished localisation and limited advanced enterprise features – lacks MFA, iSCSI, Security Scanner and More. Nails several key fundamentals, but still feels unfinished at this time. Despite External PSU design (will already annoy some users), it generates a lot of additional heat and may not appeal to all users overall Preinstalled 64GB OS SSD runs hot under sustained use and lacks dedicated cooling. Plus, losing one of the 3 m.2 slots to it will not please everyone (most brands manage to find a way to apply an eMMC into the board more directly, or use a USB bootloader option as a gateway for their OS Premium $1000+ pricing may be hard to justify for users who don’t need ECC memory or AI capabilities compared to the standard N5 at $500+

The is now available to buy: Minisforum N5 Pro (Check Amazon) – HERE Minisforum N5 Pro (Check AliExpress) – HERE Shop for NAS Hard Drives on Amazon – HERE Shop for SSDs for your N5 Pro on Amazon – HERE IMPORTANT – Below are the links to the OFFICIAL Minisforum site to buy the N5 and N5 Pro. However, using these links does not support us (i.e we do not get an affiliate fee). We want you to buy this device from whichever retailer best suits your needs, but we hope you are able to support the work we do (such as this review and our YouTube channel) but using the links above for your storage media, or any other data storage/network solution purchase. Minisforum N5 on Official Site- HERE Minisforum N5 Pro on Official Site – HERE

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

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Voici le test complet du H9 Flow RGB+, le boitier vitrine de NZXT. Il s’arme de 7 ventilateurs et propose une vue panoramique sur la configuration.

Cet article Test H9 Flow RGB+ de NZXT a été publié en premier par GinjFo.

Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review

The Aoostar WTR Max is a compact, AMD-powered NAS platform aimed at advanced users seeking a balance between high-density storage and compute capabilities. Designed as a substantial upgrade over the earlier WTR Pro model, it offers support for up to eleven total drives, including six SATA bays and five M.2 NVMe slots, all within a small desktop-style chassis. At its core is the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS processor, featuring eight cores and sixteen threads, a 5.1 GHz boost clock, and integrated Radeon 780M graphics. The system also supports ECC memory configurations and is cooled by a multi-zone, vapor-chamber-based solution designed to accommodate extended uptime. Unlike many branded NAS systems, the WTR Max does not ship with a proprietary OS, instead encouraging users to install Linux-based distributions such as TrueNAS SCALE or Proxmox. With features like dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, an OCuLink expansion port, and USB4, the unit is aimed at homelab operators, multimedia professionals, and technically proficient users looking for a customizable and high-performance alternative to locked-down NAS appliances.

The Aoostar WTR MAX Nas is available from the following places: Aoostar WTR Max NAS on (Check Amazon) – HERE Aoostar R1 N150 2-Bay NAS $179 – HERE Aoostar R7 4-Bay NAS $419 – HERE Aoostar R7 2-Bay 5825U NAS $399 – HERE Aoostar Oculink 800W ePCIe Docking Station $169 – HERE Aoostar GEN12 Gen4 PC $374 on AliExpress – HERE

Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The Aoostar WTR Max stands out as a rare blend of high storage density, advanced connectivity, and raw compute performance in a compact NAS form factor, making it well-suited for experienced users seeking a versatile, self-managed platform. With support for up to 11 drives—six SATA and five NVMe Gen 4—paired with an enterprise-grade Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS CPU and ECC memory compatibility, the system offers workstation-class capabilities for storage-heavy workflows, including virtualization, multimedia processing, and hybrid file serving. Dual 10GbE SFP+ and dual 2.5GbE ports provide ample bandwidth for multi-user access or isolated subnet roles, while the OCuLink interface enables high-speed external expansion, compensating for the absence of a traditional PCIe slot. Additional benefits like a fully customizable LCD status display, low fan noise, and consistently low thermals under load reinforce the system’s value in 24/7 deployments.

However, the WTR Max does present some caveats—namely, internal NVMe cross-performance appears constrained by shared bandwidth, and the lack of an internal PCIe slot could be limiting for users requiring more conventional upgrade paths. The LCD panel’s configuration software also proved cumbersome, raising security flags and requiring manual IP client setup, which may deter less technically inclined users. Lastly, the use of an external 280W PSU—while effective—won’t appeal to those expecting internal power integration in a workstation-style chassis. Nonetheless, for users who value full control over their NAS stack and want to avoid restrictive ecosystems, the WTR Max delivers a rare combination of hardware freedom and scalability that few turnkey systems offer in this price and size category.

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Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Design & Storage

Physically, the Aoostar WTR Max is housed in a full-metal anodized aluminum alloy chassis that balances structural rigidity with passive thermal conductivity. The exterior finish is minimal but functional, offering side ventilation cutouts and removable access panels secured with thumb screws. Despite its relatively compact form factor for an 11-bay NAS system, the unit features six front-facing drive trays, each supporting 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives.

These trays use a click-and-load design—no tools required—which simplifies drive installation and replacement. During prolonged hands-on testing, the trays handled both consumer-grade HDDs and Synology enterprise-class drives without mechanical or airflow restricting conflict, making compatibility a non-issue for most users. The structural alignment of the trays channels cool air from bottom-front intake vents across the drives and out the rear via dual exhaust fans, ensuring thermal separation between the storage and compute areas even during continuous multi-drive operation.

Beyond the six SATA bays, the WTR Max incorporates five PCIe Gen 4 M.2 NVMe 2280 slots, enabling dense solid-state storage directly on the mainboard and modular trays. Four of these are mounted within a vertically oriented, removable tray situated at the end of the main drive bay stack. This spring-loaded tray resembles modular SSD carriers found in more expensive enterprise-grade systems and allows for rapid SSD swaps or upgrades. Also, each of the 4 m.2 slots on this 7th bay still had room for a standard m.2 heatsink too!

The fifth M.2 slot is positioned horizontally on the motherboard base, adjacent to the DDR5 SODIMM slots and covered by an active cooling fan. Of the five slots, two run at PCIe Gen 4 x1 and two at Gen 4 x2, with the fifth—on the motherboard—also supporting Gen 4 x2. Testing confirmed sufficient physical clearance for installing large NVMe heatsinks on all slots, and SSDs remained within optimal temperature ranges even under sustained I/O workloads.

Internally, the SATA subsystem is controlled via an ASMedia ASM1166 controller operating over a PCIe Gen 3 x2 interface, capable of delivering up to 2GB/s total throughput across all six bays. This bandwidth is sufficient for both HDD arrays and SATA SSDs, and is particularly well-suited for software-managed RAID configurations in Linux-based OSes such as Unraid, TrueNAS, or OpenMediaVault.

During testing, mixed workloads involving simultaneous read/write access across multiple HDDs and SSDs were handled without observable I/O queueing or temperature spikes. Drive temperatures averaged between 38°C and 45°C during a 24-hour benchmark run, with airflow guided from the bottom intake and over the storage chamber by the dual rear exhaust fans—ensuring consistent cooling across all drive positions, even during power-on-demand cycles triggered by scheduled remote backups.

The design of the seventh modular tray holding four of the M.2 NVMe slots is particularly noteworthy. Rather than opting for fixed PCB slots that require full disassembly for access, Aoostar implemented a removable cartridge system similar to those found in rack-mounted server appliances. This tray locks in place without screws, and its spring-loaded retention system provides firm pressure on runners inside once installed beneath the SSDs. This is a very smooth ejection and injection system for this extra bay!

Air is directed over this tray by the two rear-mounted fans, with additional airflow routed from below via the central fan on the base of the chassis. In testing, even under back-to-back file transfer tests using Unraid’s file mover and native benchmark tools, SSD temperatures rarely exceeded 48°C. The inclusion of independent airflow for the NVMe zone demonstrates thoughtful separation of thermal domains within the small enclosure, reducing the chance of thermal throttling during concurrent high-speed transfers.

The drive configuration options available on the WTR Max support a flexible tiered storage approach—useful in both home lab and small office environments. For instance, the six SATA bays can accommodate high-capacity HDDs (up to 24TB each), suitable for media archiving or surveillance video, while the M.2 slots can be allocated for fast read/write operations, app deployments, or SSD caching layers. Real-world bandwidth testing of these drives showed the Gen 4 x1 slots achieving around 1.6GB/s read speeds and the Gen 4 x2 slots reaching 2.9GB/s, aligning with their advertised capabilities.

Although inter-M.2 transfer rates peaked at 500–600MB/s—suggesting internal lane bottlenecks (i.e sending data between each of the 4 m.2 on this 7th bay) —the system still provided consistent and predictable performance. This architecture supports phased upgrades, allowing users to populate the system gradually based on workload growth without disassembling core components or compromising airflow design.

Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Internal Hardware

At the core of the Aoostar WTR Max lies the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS processor, an 8-core, 16-thread chip built on the Zen 4 architecture using TSMC’s 4nm process. This processor, operating with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and boosting up to 5.1 GHz, is typically found in business-class notebooks and embedded workstations. Its inclusion in a NAS-oriented device marks a shift toward more versatile and compute-intensive roles for compact systems.

It also supports configurable TDPs of 35W, 45W, and up to 54W, depending on cooling and power profiles, allowing the system to balance efficiency and performance based on workload. Integrated Radeon 780M graphics, based on the RDNA 3 architecture with 12 compute units, deliver hardware-accelerated AV1, HEVC, and H.264 encoding and decoding. During stress testing, the WTR Max handled simultaneous 4K and 8K video transcoding jobs in Plex with CPU usage remaining below 50%, thanks in part to hardware transcoding support via the integrated GPU. This level of onboard media processing is rare in NAS systems, even among high-end appliances.

In terms of memory support, the device offers two DDR5-5600 SODIMM slots, allowing for up to 128GB of total RAM. More notably, the platform supports ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory when paired with compatible modules—an enterprise-grade feature typically limited to workstation-class motherboards. While the review unit shipped with 32GB of standard DDR5 memory, ECC compatibility was verified via low-level SSH diagnostics and BIOS interrogation, confirming that ECC is fully operational at the hardware level.

During tests involving Proxmox, six Windows 10 virtual machines and two Ubuntu VMs ran concurrently, with each VM allocated 2 to 4 vCPUs and 2 to 4 GB of memory. No instability or memory-related errors were recorded, and the system maintained consistent performance under variable load conditions. The side-by-side DIMM slot arrangement benefits from direct airflow via the base intake fan, which also provides passive cooling to the adjacent motherboard-mounted NVMe SSD slot.

Thermal performance is managed by Aoostar’s proprietary Glacier Pro 1.0 cooling solution, which integrates a vapor chamber heat spreader on the CPU and a multi-fan chassis ventilation layout. The vapor chamber, paired with a low-profile active cooler, rapidly disperses thermal load from the CPU across the copper plate, minimizing heat concentration during burst operations. The system features four fans: one at the base pulling intake air upward across the motherboard, two rear-mounted exhaust fans, and one CPU-mounted blower. Each thermal zone—CPU, NVMe tray, and SATA chamber—benefits from isolated airflow paths.

During a 24-hour access schedule test simulating hourly user activity, CPU temperatures ranged from 35°C at idle to 49°C under peak load with 10GbE transfers and active virtual machines. Even when pushing the system with forced maximum fan speed and high CPU utilization, recorded noise output remained within 43–44 dBA, with a base idle level of 35–38 dBA.

For a system with this many internal components—including six HDDs, five SSDs, and four fans—the acoustic footprint was relatively modest, especially considering the close thermal spacing and the volume of air moved internally.

Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The Aoostar WTR Max provides an unusually extensive networking suite for a system of its size, offering both high-speed and multi-interface flexibility. The two Intel X710-based 10GbE SFP+ ports support full duplex operation, making them ideal for NAS-to-NAS replication, large-scale Plex libraries, or multi-user editing environments via shared storage. These ports were tested using iPerf3 and real-world file transfers between NVMe pools and a 10GbE-connected workstation, showing stable saturation of the interface without fluctuation. As these are SFP, users are going to have to factor in tranceivers or DAC cables with tranceivers included), but as these two ports are so close together, using SFP-to-RJ45 adapters is going to be a question of temperature monitoring.

In addition, two 2.5GbE RJ45 Ethernet ports are available, which can be used in a variety of configurations including link aggregation, VLAN assignment, or as out-of-band management interfaces. The coexistence of fiber-based and copper-based networking within the same unit opens deployment to both consumer and prosumer setups. During tests, the user assigned one 2.5GbE interface to general network access while isolating 10GbE traffic to storage-only communication, demonstrating flexibility in segmentation.

USB and high-speed peripheral connectivity is equally comprehensive. The front of the device houses a USB 4.0 port, which supports Thunderbolt-like bandwidths (up to 40Gbps), display passthrough, and power delivery—making it suitable for external drive arrays, video output, or even docking stations. Next to it, a standard USB-C port and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port provide backward compatibility for legacy peripherals. On the rear, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports were used during testing for attaching external backup drives and a keyboard/mouse combo during Proxmox installation.

All ports were recognized without driver conflicts in both Linux and Windows-based environments. The device also includes a microSD slot on the front, which proved useful for OS boot media, diagnostics, or fast access to camera footage. In the test scenario, the slot was used to quickly transfer small image files to the Plex container, and performance aligned with UHS-I speeds. This wide array of port options allows users to operate the WTR Max in both network-only and semi-local scenarios, such as multimedia servers with attached peripherals.

A standout feature in this device’s connectivity suite is the OCuLink port, which provides a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface for external expansion. This port was successfully used to attach an NVMe enclosure using a M.2-to-OCuLink bridge, allowing high-speed external storage without interfering with internal NVMe bandwidth allocation. Although hot-swapping is not supported, the stability and speed of the external connection matched internal Gen 4 performance. This is a notable advantage for users who require flexible expansion or temporary scratch drives without opening the chassis.

In the review scenario, the OCuLink port was also noted as a potential bridge to add GPU acceleration, external PCIe networking, or SAS HBA expansion—though Aoostar provides no internal PCIe slot, making the external route the only PCIe-level expansion path. This design choice reflects a compromise between size and flexibility, prioritizing I/O density over internal modularity. That said, oculink is not for everyone! And additional adapters such as eGPU are going to be needed if you are looking at upgrading network performance and are going to drastically increase your spend compared with traditional PCIe upgrades!

For users requiring local video output or dual-purpose NAS/workstation functionality, the WTR Max includes a rear-mounted HDMI 2.1 port supporting up to 4K at 240Hz, in addition to display-capable USB4 and USB-C ports depending on OS support. In practice, during Proxmox and Unraid testing, HDMI video output was used for initial OS installation and local monitoring. This can be useful for deployments involving virtual desktops, docker-based dashboards, or kiosk-style media servers. Audio is handled through a 3.5mm output jack, functional in Linux environments once the relevant drivers are installed.

On the front of the unit, Aoostar has implemented a customizable LCD display, accessible via proprietary software. While the software itself presented download warnings in some browsers and required IP-specific client setup, once configured it displayed real-time statistics such as CPU temperature, RAM usage, network throughput, and storage status. Multiple themes are included (e.g., cyberpunk, minimal, and stat-based), and the panel can be toggled on/off depending on user preference. Although not essential, the display provides a level of visual diagnostics uncommon in this product tier. This was the only area of the review that I found inconsistent and messy! Tapping into this specific internal IP, as well as using an application that was being flagged constantly by my windows system, AND trying to do this with the NAS behind 3 layers of network (my own setup) was not smooth. Additionally, although the LCD panel templates were useful, they did seem to contain a lot of copyright imagery (Cyberpunk, Pacman, etc) and I would question the comiance from their source! Hopefully this LCD control and customization gets smoothed out soon, as well as the app finishes it’s windows certification at least.

Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Performance and Testing

The Aoostar WTR Max underwent a series of tests spanning disk benchmarks, live file transfers, mixed storage scenarios, and sustained uptime evaluations to assess its practical capabilities across NAS, virtualization, and media applications. In synthetic disk tests, the PCIe Gen 4 x1 NVMe slots delivered consistent read speeds of ~1.6 GB/s and write speeds just under 1.5 GB/s, while the Gen 4 x2 slots achieved peak sequential performance of ~2.9 GB/s read and ~2.8 GB/s write, aligning well with expected lane bandwidth.

These figures were observed under both Windows and Linux environments, using CrystalDiskMark and ATTO. However, during internal NVMe-to-NVMe copy operations—across both like-for-like (x2 to x2) and mixed (x1 to x2) configurations—transfer rates plateaued around 550 MB/s. This suggests the presence of a shared bus or controller limitation not disclosed by the vendor, though the speeds remained consistent with no unexpected drops. Importantly, SSD temperatures stayed within thermal spec, typically ranging from 38°C to 45°C under sustained use, aided by both airflow and full-sized heatsink compatibility.

For networking performance, the system’s dual 10GbE SFP+ interfaces were subjected to direct iPerf3 stress tests and real-world copy operations involving both SATA and NVMe-based storage arrays. Both ports reached saturation—approximately 9.5 Gbps—under bidirectional iPerf3 tests with no jitter or packet loss, even during simultaneous Plex streaming and background drive activity. SMB transfers of large 4K video files to a remote 10GbE-equipped workstation routinely exceeded 1.1 GB/s sustained, indicating that the system’s storage and network layers were well-aligned.

The two 2.5GbE RJ45 ports were also tested as either bridged interfaces in Proxmox or as failover backups, with VLAN tagging and static routing configured via systemd-networkd. No conflicts or bottlenecks were detected, even when running scheduled backups over one NIC while media was streamed through another. This concurrent multi-interface performance demonstrates how the WTR Max can comfortably handle mixed workloads across different network zones or physical infrastructure types.

Power consumption testing covered four defined usage scenarios to gauge idle and active draw under realistic conditions. With no drives installed and only the OS running from the onboard NVMe SSD, the system idled at just 18W, largely due to the mobile efficiency of the Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS and lack of mechanical components. Installing five M.2 SSDs increased baseline consumption to around 24W. With all six SATA bays populated using 8TB–18TB HDDs alongside five SSDs, power draw under passive load settled at approximately 52–53W. During full-load testing—consisting of active read/write operations on all drives, high-bitrate Plex streaming, dual 10GbE saturation, and 40–50% CPU usage—system draw fluctuated between 73W and 89W. These numbers fall within reasonable bounds for a 12-core-equivalent server system with 11 drives, four fans, and integrated GPU transcode activity. The external 280W power supply never exhibited instability and has sufficient overhead for adding expansion enclosures or OCuLink-powered peripherals like an eGPU or NVMe array.

Application testing further underscored the platform’s ability to support a hybrid range of tasks. In multimedia scenarios, Plex Media Server was configured to transcode a 400 Mbps 4K file, a 200 Mbps 4K stream, and two simultaneous 80 Mbps 8K/4K sources—all while maintaining fluid playback and system responsiveness. The integrated Radeon 780M handled these loads using hardware transcoding (VAAPI), keeping CPU load under 50% throughout. In a separate deployment, Proxmox was used to launch six Windows 10 VMs and two Ubuntu LTS servers, with each VM receiving 2–4 vCPUs and 2–4 GB of memory. All machines remained responsive under simultaneous browser, terminal, and light media workloads. Importantly, the LCD panel continued to provide accurate telemetry even during these test periods, showing live RAM, CPU, and storage activity. No kernel-level instability, drive timeouts, or system hangs were observed during multi-day operation. This level of consistency positions the WTR Max as a capable platform not just for data storage, but also for virtualized desktop hosting, container orchestration, or edge-processing scenarios where performance and uptime are equally critical.

Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Conclusion & Verdict

The Aoostar WTR Max presents a rare combination of compact form factor, enterprise-aligned specifications, and hardware flexibility that places it apart from both consumer-grade NAS appliances and DIY server builds. With support for eleven total storage devices—including six SATA bays and five Gen 4 NVMe slots—plus ECC memory compatibility and dual 10GbE networking, it delivers a feature set typically reserved for much larger or more expensive systems. Its Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS processor offers sufficient compute power for a wide range of workloads, from virtualization and containerization to media encoding and storage routing. Real-world performance during testing confirmed that the WTR Max could handle multiple simultaneous high-bitrate video transcodes, multi-VM operation, and 10GbE network saturation, all while maintaining consistent thermals and manageable power usage. While internal bandwidth sharing across NVMe slots may limit some inter-disk operations, this did not impact external throughput or sustained application performance.

For users seeking a flexible platform to host their own NAS operating system—whether TrueNAS, Unraid, or Proxmox—the WTR Max provides considerable value, assuming a willingness to configure and manage the software stack independently. It does not include a proprietary OS or vendor-specific ecosystem, which may be a drawback for those expecting turnkey functionality but a strength for users looking to avoid software licensing limitations or drive compatibility locks. The LCD front panel, OCuLink expandability, and support for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM further extend its potential across use cases that include hybrid desktop/NAS roles, edge compute appliances, or lab environments. While priced above entry-level NAS systems, its performance, thermal behavior, and hardware access align more closely with workstation-class systems. A future comparison with devices like the Minisforum N5 Pro will offer more context, but based on current observations, the Aoostar WTR Max establishes itself as a serious option for self-hosters demanding both storage density and processing headroom.

The Aoostar WTR MAX Nas is available from the following places: Aoostar WTR Max NAS on (Check Amazon) – HERE Aoostar R1 N150 2-Bay NAS $179 – HERE Aoostar R7 4-Bay NAS $419 – HERE Aoostar R7 2-Bay 5825U NAS $399 – HERE Aoostar Oculink 800W ePCIe Docking Station $169 – HERE Aoostar GEN12 Gen4 PC $374 on AliExpress – HERE

Aoostar WTR Max NAS Pros

Aoostar WTR Max NAS Cons

High Storage Density in Compact Form Supports up to 11 drives (6x SATA + 5x NVMe) in a desktop-sized chassis, ideal for users with large-scale storage needs but limited physical space. Enterprise-Class CPU with ECC Support AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS offers 8C/16T performance, ECC memory support, and integrated RDNA 3 graphics—rare at this price and size. Dual 10GbE SFP+ and Dual 2.5GbE Networking Provides flexible, high-throughput networking for content creators, virtual environments, or advanced home labs. Strong Virtualization and Transcoding Performance Smooth Proxmox VM hosting and real-time Plex 4K/8K transcoding using Radeon 780M hardware acceleration. OCuLink PCIe Expansion Port Enables high-speed external storage or GPU support without sacrificing internal NVMe bandwidth. Customizable LCD Monitoring Panel Real-time display of system metrics (CPU, RAM, network, storage) with theme options, useful for headless setups. Robust Cooling System with Vapor Chamber Glacier Pro 1.0 design keeps thermals in check across four fans and distinct airflow zones; low fan noise even under load. Open Software Ecosystem No proprietary OS or restrictions; supports TrueNAS, Unraid, Proxmox, or Linux-based setups for full admin control.

Limited Internal NVMe Cross-Throughput Inter-M.2 transfer speeds are capped (~500–600 MB/s), possibly due to shared chipset lanes or controller design. No Internal PCIe Slot Expansion is limited to OCuLink; users needing traditional PCIe cards (e.g., GPUs or HBAs) may find this restrictive. LCD Panel Software Can Be Problematic Configuration software raised browser security flags and requires static IP client setup, making it less accessible. External Power Brick Only 280W external PSU is functional but not ideal for rackmount or integrated enclosures; some users may prefer internal ATX power.

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Case Review

The 45Drives HL8 is an 8-bay desktop NAS chassis developed for users who want professional-grade storage hardware without committing to the rigid ecosystems of traditional NAS vendors. Designed and manufactured in North America, the HL8 is available in several configurations, with this review focusing specifically on the chassis, backplane, and power supply model. This version includes a precision-built steel enclosure, a direct-wired 8-bay SATA backplane, and a 500W 80 Plus Gold-rated Flex ATX power supply. It omits bundled motherboards, CPUs, and pre-installed operating systems, appealing to users who prefer to build or customize their NAS hardware environment while still benefiting from an integrated power and storage foundation. The HL8 aims to bridge the gap between low-cost DIY NAS enclosures, which often suffer from poor thermals and awkward layouts, and locked-down consumer appliances that limit software choices and upgrade potential. With a hinged open-frame design, support for full-height PCIe cards, and internal layout optimized for accessibility and cooling, the HL8 is positioned as a platform for long-term use and adaptability rather than a quick-start solution. While its price point is significantly higher than generic imported chassis, its construction and modular focus suggest it’s intended for serious users seeking more control, not simply more convenience.

Who Are 45Drives?

45Drives is a Canadian storage hardware manufacturer based in Nova Scotia, operating as a division of Protocase, a custom enclosure and prototyping company. The brand has built a reputation among system integrators, IT professionals, and homelab enthusiasts for delivering modular, open-platform storage solutions. Unlike many NAS vendors that focus on vertically integrated ecosystems, 45Drives offers systems built around industry-standard components, designed to be user-serviceable and adaptable. Their catalog includes high-density rackmount systems like the Storinator, hybrid flash-HDD systems such as the Stornado, and more recently, a range of compact desktop NAS chassis under the “HL” or HomeLab label. The HL8, HL4, and HL15 models are part of this effort to scale down enterprise-grade build quality into a form factor more appropriate for deskside or small office deployment.

A core part of 45Drives’ identity is its commitment to open-source principles, not just through hardware compatibility but also in software tooling and education. The company develops and maintains Cockpit-based management modules—such as their ZFS and Samba interfaces—for Linux distributions like Rocky Linux, which they often preinstall with their systems. These modules are freely available on GitHub, and the company encourages users to modify, self-host, or adapt them as needed. In addition to their software work, 45Drives actively engages with the community through regular YouTube content, documentation portals, and technical support that continues even when customers deviate from default hardware or software configurations. This combination of enterprise durability, user empowerment, and open development has earned 45Drives a dedicated following among those who want to retain full control over their infrastructure without sacrificing reliability or support.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – External Design

The HL8’s exterior sets it apart from typical consumer NAS enclosures through its bold and unique industrial construction – practically enterprise grade, at a homelab and desktop level. Built from 16-gauge powder-coated steel, the chassis weighs approximately 22 lbs even before drives are installed, conveying a sense of structural rigidity that clearly aligns more with enterprise hardware than with mass-market desktop cases.

The finish is matte and durable, avoiding cheap plastics or decorative panels. Buyers can choose between metal and acrylic front plates, and several color options are available, offering some degree of personalization—something rarely seen at this tier. Branding is subtle, with the HL8 model designation etched into the top panel and a logo plate on the front face.

Unlike most enclosures that rely on removable panels or sliding trays, the HL8 features a hinged “clam shell” design. The entire upper shell lifts open via captive thumb screws, granting immediate access to internal components without needing to remove the drives or disconnect cabling.

This mechanism provides real-time visibility into the system’s interior during operation, making it easier to perform diagnostics, replace fans, or adjust cabling. It’s particularly helpful for users who regularly service or upgrade their systems, and it avoids many of the frustrations associated with cramped or tool-dependent access panels.

The front of the case houses eight hot-swap 3.5” bays in a vertical arrangement, accessible without tools and pre-wired via the internal backplane. These bays are trayless and rely on drive guides for alignment, secured by the structural frame rather than individual plastic sleds. This design allows for rapid drive installation and removal while minimizing potential points of mechanical failure. The front ventilation is cut directly into the steel fascia, and airflow is directed through the drive bays by internal Noctua fans located behind them. There are no visible indicators or LCD panels on the front panel—minimalism is favored over visual clutter.

Around the rear, the layout remains conventional but clean. The rear I/O cutout accommodates standard mini-ITX motherboard layouts, and the single expansion slot supports a full-height PCIe card up to 72mm in height. The integrated Flex ATX power supply sits beside the motherboard area with its own exhaust fan, and ample passive ventilation is provided via additional steel cutouts. While visually understated, the HL8’s outer design prioritizes durability, accessibility, and functional airflow—traits that reflect its enterprise lineage more than its homelab label might suggest.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Internal Case Design

Internally, the HL8 case is engineered for both accessibility and structured airflow, with a layout that avoids many of the compromises found in smaller or mass-produced enclosures. The most notable feature is its fully hinged body, which allows the entire top and side panel assembly to lift upward without removing the drives. This open-access approach separates the drive chamber from the motherboard compartment without creating restrictive airflow barriers. It’s a significant advantage for users who need to inspect, troubleshoot, or upgrade internal components, especially when working with larger cooling units or dense cable configurations.

The motherboard area is positioned on the right side of the chassis, aligned horizontally to the drive plane, which prevents any obstruction by drive trays or cabling. This layout supports standard mini-ITX boards and allows full visibility of memory slots, M.2 sockets, and power headers even with drives installed. The motherboard is flanked by routing space that supports organized cabling, including SATA or power leads. This spacing is particularly useful when working with non-modular PSUs or when routing SATA cables from alternative controllers or add-in cards. The case does not limit users to any specific board vendor or layout beyond the mini-ITX size constraint.

Cabling for the backplane is pre-installed in the PSU model, which simplifies setup considerably. The backplane itself is a direct-wired design supporting up to eight SATA drives without requiring SAS expander cards or proprietary interfaces. This approach ensures compatibility with a wide range of consumer and enterprise SATA drives and avoids the long-term risks of vendor-specific drive bay lock-ins. It also makes replacing or troubleshooting individual cables far easier than in systems using multipath or bundled connectors. Power and data connections are cleanly routed through the side of the case, keeping airflow clear and minimizing vibration interference.

The Flex ATX PSU sits at the rear left and is mounted horizontally, drawing air through its own intake and exhausting separately from the main airflow path. This compact configuration leaves the bulk of the case’s lower chamber available for future expansion or airflow tuning. Additional internal fan mounts and brackets are preinstalled, and 45Drives includes all necessary mounting screws and documentation—even down to port-specific manuals for the pre-installed PSU. The internal design of the HL8 shows clear thought toward ease of maintenance and modularity, reflecting an expectation that users will revisit and modify their system over time rather than treat it as a sealed appliance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Noise and Cooling

The HL8’s cooling design reflects a balance between thermal efficiency and acoustic performance, especially in its PSU-included configuration. By default, this model ships with multiple Noctua fans—specifically, two NF-A12x15 fans for intake and one NF-A4x10 for exhaust—which are widely regarded for their low noise output and long-term reliability.

Combined with the direct airflow path created by the open drive cage layout, the HL8 maintains effective cooling of both hard drives and system components without requiring high-RPM, high-noise fan profiles. Even under load, thermal tests show the drive temperatures hovering around 50°C in a 20°C ambient environment—well within safe operating margins for mechanical disks.

In real-world usage, the system produces around 33–34 dBA at idle and 42 dBA under full fan load during tasks such as ZFS pool creation or sustained disk activity. These levels are consistent with what you would expect from a quiet desktop PC and are significantly lower than typical rackmount systems or budget enclosures using unbranded high-speed fans.

The use of steel panels throughout the chassis also contributes to noise dampening, reducing vibration resonance from spinning drives. Overall, the HL8’s thermal and acoustic profile is well-suited for deployment in office or home environments where audible noise is a concern, without sacrificing long-term cooling performance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay Case vs the Jonsbo N3 Case

The 45Drives HL8 and the Jonsbo N3 both offer 8-bay NAS enclosures for mini-ITX builds, but they cater to very different tiers of the DIY NAS market. The HL8 is positioned as a premium, enterprise-grade enclosure built entirely from 16-gauge steel and manufactured in Canada. It includes a fully integrated backplane, Noctua fans, and a Flex ATX PSU—features aimed at maximizing serviceability, thermal control, and long-term reliability.

Priced at roughly $880 USD for the chassis, backplane, and PSU combo, it targets users who demand industrial standards in a desktop form factor. The Jonsbo N3, in contrast, is a Chinese-manufactured enclosure constructed from 2.0mm aluminium alloy with 1.0mm steel internals.

It focuses on maximizing functionality in a compact and aesthetically refined format, with average retail pricing ranging between $150–$170 USD, though occasional sales and unpredictable shipping costs on platforms like AliExpress can make pricing volatile.

In terms of hardware layout and user experience, the HL8 emphasizes modularity and ease of access. Its unique “flower-style” hinged chassis allows for complete servicing of drives, motherboard, cabling, and PSU without disassembly. The built-in backplane supports both SATA and SAS, reducing the need for messy cabling or additional HBA cards unless required for scale-out. Meanwhile, the Jonsbo N3 offers a two-chamber design separating drives and the motherboard/PSU area, supporting 8 hot-swap drives via an included SATA-only backplane. However, the power delivery system relies on two Molex and one SATA connector—an odd combination that may require more planning for power distribution. The N3 also employs a PSU passthrough cable from the back to a front-mounted internal SFX PSU, saving space but potentially restricting airflow and complicating installation. Unlike the HL8’s enterprise cable routing, the N3 requires tight cable management due to its smaller internal volume, and is more prone to cable congestion near the motherboard tray.

Where the HL8 wins in build quality and professional usability, the N3 counters with surprising features at its price point. The N3 includes dual rear fans, 8 LED indicators for drive activity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C front I/O, and support for large PCIe GPUs or network cards up to 250mm. However, it uses rubber grommet-mounted drive holders instead of trays—a cost-saving measure that may reduce vibration but introduces concerns about long-term durability and ease of drive removal. It also lacks tool-less panels for the main lid, requiring an Allen key for access, which, while flush and neat, isn’t practical for regular service. By comparison, the HL8 is fully toolless throughout. Ultimately, the HL8 is ideal for users who prioritize low-maintenance reliability and modular enterprise design in a desktop form, while the N3 offers excellent value for cost-conscious DIY builders willing to trade some serviceability and airflow flexibility for size, aesthetics, and affordability.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – The Pre-Built AMD Model

In addition to offering the HL8 as a chassis with backplane and power supply, 45Drives also sells a fully assembled, tested, and burn-in validated configuration for users who prefer a turnkey deployment. The current prebuilt model typically includes a Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX mini-ITX motherboard, paired with either an AMD Ryzen 5 5500GT (6-core, 12-thread) or Ryzen 7 5700G (8-core, 16-thread) processor. These CPUs offer solid single- and multi-threaded performance, integrated graphics for transcoding or light GUI workloads, and efficient power profiles.

The build also comes with up to 64GB of DDR4 UDIMM memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD (typically Gen 4), Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 low-profile CPU cooler, and factory-installed Noctua case fans. All internal wiring is professionally routed, and the system arrives with Rocky Linux and the Houston UI preinstalled for immediate setup.

At the time of writing, the total cost of the prebuilt HL8 with the Ryzen 5700G configuration is $1,538 USD. In contrast, a self-built system using comparable off-the-shelf components can be assembled for approximately $875–$900. A rough cost breakdown would be: Ryzen 7 5700G and B550I motherboard combo ($260), 64GB DDR4 UDIMM ($103), 1TB NVMe SSD ($60), 500W Flex ATX Gold PSU ($90), Noctua CPU and case fans ($75), plus an equivalent MITX 8-bay chassis with SATA backplane ($159–$180). While this approach offers clear cost savings, it comes with multiple delivery sources, fragmented warranties, and no factory testing—factors that may be important to users prioritizing reliability and vendor accountability over price.

The prebuilt model is best suited to users who want predictable performance, reduced setup time, and consolidated post-sale support. It removes the need for component sourcing, physical assembly, and initial troubleshooting. However, it also imposes some limitations, such as the use of a single 2.5GbE network port and lack of configuration flexibility. Users requiring more advanced networking or GPU options will need to expand via the PCIe slot manually. Overall, the prebuilt HL8 fills a niche for those who want an enterprise-adjacent storage server without the learning curve or integration work required by a ground-up build, but it may be over-specified or overpriced for more self-sufficient users.

The 45Drives Houseton UI Software – Any Good?

The Houston UI platform from 45Drives is built on top of the open-source Cockpit Project, designed to offer users a web-based server management interface with a lightweight footprint.

Its browser-based GUI makes it accessible from any device on the network, and it supports multiple Linux distributions, including Rocky Linux, which is often used as the default OS with Houston UI.

One of the primary strengths of Houston UI is its ZFS management interface. Users can easily create, modify, and monitor ZFS storage pools without needing to interact directly with the command line.

The system allows for selection of RAID types (RAIDZ1, Z2, etc.), VDEV expansion, record size configuration, deduplication, encryption, and adjustable compression — all accessible within a guided, GUI-based setup.

System monitoring is a central feature of Houston UI, with a real-time dashboard showing CPU, memory, network throughput, and active services. It includes disk status indicators, smart monitoring tools, and hardware detail pages.

Some of which include visual layouts depending on motherboard detection. While the graphical presentation is basic compared to Synology DSM, it does provide sufficient system insight for regular administration.

Houston UI also includes a modular service control center, where administrators can enable or disable a wide range of server services such as Samba (SMB), NFS, SSH, and rsync.

Each module is toggleable, and users can configure individual services with editable configuration files directly from the browser. This brings flexibility, while still maintaining visual accessibility for basic tasks.

The task scheduler in Houston UI provides an easy way to set up automated jobs — including backups, updates, power cycling, and network interface toggling.

Unlike many systems that hide these functions under multiple wizards, Houston offers a unified “Tasks” area for managing all routine automations, including custom scripts and cron-based tasks.

A standout feature is the cloud synchronization and backup module, which offers connectivity to cloud platforms such as Amazon S3 and Backblaze B2, as well as support for local-to-remote rsync and FTP targets. It allows users to control bandwidth, frequency, and folder mappings from a single-pane interface — something that’s typically fragmented in competing platforms.

For users running virtual machines, Houston UI includes a KVM-based virtualization manager. This allows the creation and monitoring of guest VMs directly through the browser, including storage provisioning, image selection, CPU/memory configuration, and console access. While not as feature-rich as Proxmox, it’s suitable for lightweight VM workloads and container testing.

Finally, Houston supports module extensions, with 45Drives publishing their own file sharing and ZFS modules via GitHub. These can be installed on any compatible Linux system running Cockpit. This open approach allows users to build their own UI extensions or pull from the community, avoiding platform lock-in and enabling customization well beyond the factory defaults.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The 45Drives HL8, when configured as a chassis with backplane and PSU, represents a refined and deliberate approach to small-form NAS deployment. Priced around $880 USD, this configuration sits well above entry-level alternatives, but the investment is clearly reflected in its enterprise-grade construction, serviceable layout, and attention to detail. With a robust 16-gauge steel chassis, direct-wired SATA backplane, and a high-efficiency 500W Flex ATX PSU pre-installed, it offers an ideal base for users who plan to build a serious and scalable NAS solution without locking themselves into restrictive ecosystems.

The hinged body design, tool-free drive access, and Noctua fan integration show a strong understanding of real-world usability, especially for those who perform ongoing maintenance, upgrades, or hardware experimentation. In that sense, it’s less a typical “consumer NAS case” and more a modular platform intended for long-term infrastructure use in homelab and small business environments.

That said, this is not a universal fit for all users. The HL8’s exclusive support for mini-ITX motherboards imposes limitations on connectivity and expansion, especially for those needing multiple PCIe lanes or additional SATA ports without relying on adapters. And while the internal layout is clearly optimized, buyers still need to be comfortable sourcing and configuring their own motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage—something that could be daunting for beginners or those seeking simplicity over flexibility. In markets where similar 8-bay enclosures from lesser-known brands can be found for half the price, the HL8’s value lies more in its physical build quality, localized production, and long-term viability rather than raw cost efficiency. Users comparing it to entry-tier rackmount gear or compact server cases will need to weigh whether the HL8’s refinement and modularity justify the premium.

Ultimately, the HL8 is a product with a clearly defined audience: self-hosters, IT professionals, and technical users who understand the value of vendor-agnostic hardware and want to retain full control over their system’s lifecycle. It offers a rare middle ground between low-cost DIY setups that require piecemeal integration and fully locked turnkey NAS systems from mainstream brands. For those who are willing to invest not only financially but also in the time and knowledge needed to assemble and manage their NAS environment, the HL8 stands out as one of the most thoughtfully engineered and supportable 8-bay NAS chassis currently on the market.

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