What is the Gl.iNet Comet Q KVM?

The Gl.iNet Comet Q is a compact KVM-over-IP device built around a different kind of deployment than most existing entries in this category. Instead of focusing on HDMI-connected desktops, servers, or rack hardware, the Comet Q is designed around a direct USB-C connection, allowing it to interface with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other compatible host devices through a single pre-attached cable. Alongside local access, it also integrates WiFi-based networking, remote internet control, a built-in touchscreen, and USB-C pass-through for power delivery to the connected device. Based on the early demonstration shown during a visit to Gl.iNet in Shenzhen, the Comet Q appears to be aimed at portable remote access, field support, and off-site troubleshooting, while also expanding the wider Comet KVM range into a more mobile and lower-power form factor.

Interested in Gl.iNet KVM Devices? Here are some great options available NOW: Gl.iNet Comet Pro $179 – HERE on Amazon Gl.iNet Comet 5G $299 – HERE on Amazon Gl.iNet Comet PoE $129 – HERE on Amazon

Gl.iNet Comet Q Hardware Specifications

The Gl.iNet Comet Q is built around a notably smaller hardware platform than the rest of the Comet KVM family. According to the specification sheet provided, it uses a dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, paired with 512MB of LPDDR4 memory and 64GB of onboard storage. This places it below the Comet, Comet PoE, Comet Pro, and Comet 5G in raw system resources, but that appears consistent with its intended role as a highly compact USB-C based access device rather than a more traditional full-size KVM endpoint.

In terms of connectivity, the Comet Q differs significantly from the rest of the range. Rather than relying on HDMI input, it uses a USB-C connection with DisplayPort Alt Mode support for video input. This is the key functional distinction in the lineup, as it allows the device to connect directly to supported modern phones, tablets, and laptops without requiring a separate HDMI capture path. The copied specifications also indicate USB 2.0 Type-A and Type-C connectivity, alongside 1 x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port.

Wireless support is also listed as part of the Comet Q feature set. The specification sheet references 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax support, with 2.4GHz and 5GHz operation included across the lineup. Although the pasted table is clearly the result of OCR and contains some formatting inconsistencies, the Comet Q is positioned as a wireless-enabled KVM device rather than a purely wired one, which aligns with the functionality shown in the demonstration. This is important because the device is intended to support both local network access and wider remote access scenarios.

Power and physical design are clearly central to the Comet Q hardware profile. It is rated for Type-C power input at 5V/2A, with listed power consumption of less than 2.5W, making it the lowest-power device in the copied Comet family specifications. It also includes a 1.8-inch touchscreen, which is smaller than the displays used on some of the larger Comet models, but appropriate for quick status checks, local configuration, and access control on a device intended for portable use.

Environmental and physical figures place the Comet Q firmly in the compact end of the lineup. The operating temperature is listed as 0°C to 40°C, consistent with the rest of the family. The OCR copy of the table does not clearly preserve the final dimensions and weight entry for the Comet Q in the same way as the other models, but the wider specification set still makes clear that this is intended to be a lighter, lower-power, more travel-friendly device than the HDMI-based Comet units already in the range.

Specification	Gl.iNet Comet Q
Model	GL-RMQ1
CPU	Dual-core ARM Cortex-A53
Memory	512MB LPDDR4
Storage	64GB
Wireless Protocol	802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Wireless Bands	2.4GHz, 5GHz
Ethernet Port	1 x RJ45 10/100/1000Mbps
USB Ports	USB 2.0 Type-A, USB 2.0 Type-C
Power Input	Type-C (5V/2A)
Power Consumption	<2.5W
Screen	1.8-inch touchscreen
Video Input	1 x USB-C (DP Alt supported)
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C
Notes	USB-C based KVM design intended for compatible mobile and computing devices

 

What is the Comet Q KVM bringing to the market that is new?

The main distinction of the Gl.iNet Comet Q is its physical design and target use case. Most KVM-over-IP devices are built around HDMI capture and are designed for desktops, servers, mini PCs, or rack-mounted hardware. The Comet Q instead shifts the concept toward a much smaller USB-C based form factor, with a pre-attached cable and integrated display in a body that is intended to be carried and deployed quickly. That makes it structurally different from the more static, cabling-heavy approach seen in much of the current KVM market.

Portability is another clear differentiator. The Comet Q is designed to operate from USB-C power at under 2.5W, which creates a very different deployment model from larger KVM appliances that often assume fixed placement, dedicated power, and a more permanent network setup. In practical terms, this makes the device easier to use in travel scenarios, temporary support jobs, meeting environments, mobile workstations, and short-term remote access situations where carrying a larger HDMI-based KVM would be less practical.

Its support for USB-C connected client devices also broadens the type of hardware that can be managed. The Comet Q is positioned not only for laptops and compact computers, but also for phones and tablets that support the necessary USB-C display and data standards. That gives it a role that is uncommon in the KVM-over-IP space, where Android phones, tablets, and similarly compact devices are not usually the primary focus. In that respect, the Comet Q is not just reducing size, but also changing the class of device a KVM can be attached to.

The single-cable approach is also important. Based on the demonstration and the listed hardware details, the Comet Q is intended to combine connection, control, and power handling through USB-C, while also supporting network access over LAN, WiFi, and remote internet connectivity. That creates a simpler deployment path than a conventional KVM setup that may require separate video, USB, power, and networking connections. The result is a product that appears to reduce setup complexity while extending KVM access to devices and environments that are not well served by existing HDMI-first designs.

How Does the Comet Q Compare with the Rest of the Gl.iNet KVM Lineup?

Within the wider Gl.iNet Comet series, the Comet Q sits as the most specialised and least traditional model in the range. The RM1 Comet, RM1PE Comet PoE, RM10 Comet Pro, and RM10RC Comet 5G are all built around a more conventional KVM design, using HDMI input and, in some cases, HDMI output for passthrough or expanded deployment. The Comet Q moves away from that approach by replacing HDMI capture with USB-C video input via DP Alt Mode, which changes both the kind of device it can connect to and the environments where it is likely to be used.

In hardware terms, the Comet Q is also the most lightweight system in the lineup. Its dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor and 512MB of LPDDR4 memory place it below the other Comet devices, which generally use quad-core ARM processors and 1GB of DDR3L memory. Its sub-2.5W power draw is also the lowest figure listed across the range. That lower hardware ceiling makes sense in context, as the Comet Q appears to prioritise mobility, compact deployment, and low power operation over the broader feature scope of the higher-end HDMI-based models.

The other Comet devices are more clearly structured for fixed installations or more complex remote management roles. The Comet PoE adds Power over Ethernet support for simpler networked deployment, the Comet Pro adds both HDMI input and output, and the Comet 5G extends this further with cellular connectivity through 4G LTE and 5G RedCap support. Compared with those, the Comet Q is not trying to be the most feature-rich model. Instead, it fills a separate position by targeting USB-C connected client hardware and a more portable usage model than the rest of the lineup.

This makes the Comet Q less of a direct replacement for the other Comet units and more of a complementary product. The HDMI-based models remain better suited to desktops, servers, fixed workstations, and network infrastructure where traditional video capture and broader connectivity options matter more. The Comet Q, by contrast, is better understood as a compact access tool for modern mobile and USB-C centric devices, where physical size, single-cable deployment, and lower power use are more important than maximum processing resources or infrastructure-oriented connectivity.

Interested in Gl.iNet KVM Devices? Here are some great options available NOW: Gl.iNet Comet Pro $179 – HERE on Amazon Gl.iNet Comet 5G $299 – HERE on Amazon Gl.iNet Comet PoE $129 – HERE on Amazon

Gl.iNet Comet Q KVM Price & Release Date?

At the time of filming, Gl.iNet had not confirmed a final release schedule for the Comet Q, and availability was still being discussed internally. The device shown in Shenzhen appeared to be relatively close to completion from a hardware and interface perspective, but it was still clearly in a pre-release state, with software behaviour, feature scope, and final implementation details still being adjusted. Gl.iNet also indicated that the launch route under consideration could involve Kickstarter, which suggests the company is still assessing demand and market positioning for this particular model.

Pricing was also not final at the time of the demonstration. The only estimate provided was a broad target range of around $100 to $200, with the expectation that the final retail position would likely sit closer to the lower end of that range than the upper end. Until Gl.iNet confirms official launch pricing, regional availability, and a release timetable, the Comet Q remains a revealed but not yet fully commercialised addition to the wider Comet KVM lineup.

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UniFi UNVR Gen 2 and UNVR Gen 2 Pro: What Has Actually Changed?

UniFi’s UNVR range has always occupied a fairly clear role in the Protect ecosystem: a dedicated rackmount recorder for users who have outgrown smaller gateway-based recording, or who want their surveillance storage separated from the rest of their network hardware. With the new UNVR Gen 2 and UNVR Gen 2 Pro, Ubiquiti is shifting that role further. These are still network video recorders first, but the hardware and software changes point toward a more active surveillance appliance, with higher camera support, local AI processing, HDMI output for live viewing, and closer integration with the newer direction of UniFi Protect. The issue is that this also comes with a much higher price than the previous UNVR and UNVR Pro, so the question is not simply whether the Gen 2 models are better, but whether the added hardware and features are relevant enough to justify the increase for different types of deployments.

UNVR G.2 and UNVR G.2 Pro – Specifications

The UNVR Gen 2 is the 1U model in the new range and keeps the same general rackmount class as the original UNVR, with 4 2.5/3.5″ HDD or SSD bays. Its camera support is rated at up to 50 HD cameras, 35 2K cameras, or 25 4K cameras, with support for 150+ Access Hubs. Networking is handled by 1 10G SFP+ port and 1 2.5GbE RJ45 port, while the chassis measures 442.4 x 43.7 x 325 mm.

Internally, it moves to a Qualcomm Kryo CPU built on Arm Cortex technology using a 4 nm process, with 1 Prime core at 3.2 GHz, 4 Performance cores at 2.8 GHz, and 3 Efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz. Memory is increased to 8 GB, drive power budget remains 75W, and maximum system power consumption is listed at 100W.

The UNVR Gen 2 Pro is the larger 2U model and increases the drive count to 8 2.5/3.5″ HDD or SSD bays, compared with 7 bays on the previous UNVR Pro. Its camera support is rated at up to 100 HD cameras, 70 2K cameras, or 50 4K cameras, again with support for 150+ Access Hubs. The Pro model uses the same Qualcomm Kryo CPU arrangement as the smaller Gen 2 model, but increases memory to 16 GB. Networking consists of 1 10G SFP+ port and 1 2.5GbE RJ45 port, with a listed chassis size of 442.4 x 87.4 x 325 mm. The drive power budget rises to 155W, while maximum power consumption is listed at 200W.

Both Gen 2 models also include HDMI output for the built-in ViewPort function, which allows a Protect multi-view to be assigned directly to a connected display rather than requiring a separate ViewPort device.

Specification	UniFi UNVR Gen 2	UniFi UNVR Gen 2 Pro
Price	$699	$999
Form factor	Rackmount 1U	Rackmount 2U
Dimensions	442.4 x 43.7 x 325 mm	442.4 x 87.4 x 325 mm
Drive bays	4 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD	8 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD
Managed cameras	50 HD / 35 2K / 25 4K	100 HD / 70 2K / 50 4K
Managed Access Hubs	150+	150+
Networking	1 x 10G SFP+ / 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45	1 x 10G SFP+ / 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
HDMI output	Yes, built-in ViewPort	Yes, built-in ViewPort
ViewPort stream limit	Up to 16 streams	Up to 16 streams
Processor	Qualcomm Kryo CPU built on Arm Cortex technology, 4 nm	Qualcomm Kryo CPU built on Arm Cortex technology, 4 nm
CPU configuration	1 Prime core at 3.2 GHz, 4 Performance cores at 2.8 GHz, 3 Efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz	1 Prime core at 3.2 GHz, 4 Performance cores at 2.8 GHz, 3 Efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz
Memory	8 GB	16 GB
Integrated Edge AI	Yes	Yes
AI detections	Up to 1,000 per hour	Up to 1,000 per hour
Edge AI features	Natural Language Search, Object Indexing in Find Anything, Person ReID, Search by Image	Natural Language Search, Object Indexing in Find Anything, Person ReID, Search by Image
Max. drive power budget	75W	155W
Max. power consumption	100W	200W
Power method	Universal AC input, 100 to 240V AC, 50/60 Hz	Universal AC input, 100 to 240V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power supply	Internal PSU, 100W	Internal PSU, 200W
Minimum NVR version	Not specified in supplied notes	5.1.10
Minimum Protect version	7.1.46	7.1.46

UNVR Gen 2 vs Original UNVR: Where the Price Increase Comes From

The clearest difference between the original UNVR and the UNVR Gen 2 is the change in hardware platform. The older UNVR uses a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor at 1.7 GHz with 4 GB of memory, while the UNVR Gen 2 moves to the newer Qualcomm Kryo ARM-based CPU platform and 8 GB of memory. The network layout has also changed, with the older model using 1 GbE RJ45 alongside 10G SFP+, while the Gen 2 model upgrades the RJ45 connection to 2.5GbE. Storage bay count remains the same at 4 bays, but camera capacity changes from 60 HD, 30 2K, or 18 4K cameras on the original UNVR to 50 HD, 35 2K, or 25 4K cameras on the Gen 2 model. That means the newer system is not a straight increase across every camera category, but it does raise support for higher-resolution 2K and 4K deployments.

The pricing difference is more substantial than the specification changes would suggest if this were only a conventional recorder update. The original UNVR is positioned at $299, while the UNVR Gen 2 is positioned at $699. The explanation appears to be that UniFi is treating the Gen 2 model as a more complete Protect appliance rather than just a higher-performance version of the old 4-bay recorder.

The HDMI output effectively integrates ViewPort-style live display support, while the built-in Edge AI features shift part of the workload that would otherwise require additional hardware such as an AI Key. This does not make the older UNVR obsolete for simpler recording tasks, but it does change the buying decision. The Gen 2 model is aimed more clearly at deployments that need local AI search, image-based search, person re-identification, and direct live monitoring from the recorder itself.

Specification	Older UNVR / UNVR Pro	New UNVR Gen 2 / UNVR Gen 2 Pro
Models compared	UNVR / UNVR Pro	UNVR Gen 2 / UNVR Gen 2 Pro
Price	$299 / $499	$699 / $999
Form factor	1U / 2U	1U / 2U
Dimensions	442 x 325 x 44 mm / 442 x 325 x 87 mm	442.4 x 43.7 x 325 mm / 442.4 x 87.4 x 325 mm
Drive bays	4 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD / 7 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD	4 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD / 8 x 2.5/3.5″ HDD/SSD
Managed HD cameras	60 / 70	50 / 100
Managed 2K cameras	30 / 35	35 / 70
Managed 4K cameras	18 / 24	25 / 50
Managed Access Hubs	150 / 150	150+ / 150+
Networking	1 x 10G SFP+ and 1 x GbE RJ45	1 x 10G SFP+ and 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
HDMI output	No integrated ViewPort	Yes, integrated ViewPort via HDMI
ViewPort stream limit	Requires separate ViewPort device	Up to 16 streams
Processor	Quad ARM Cortex-A57 cores at 1.7 GHz	Qualcomm Kryo CPU built on Arm Cortex technology, 4 nm
CPU configuration	4 cores	1 Prime core at 3.2 GHz, 4 Performance cores at 2.8 GHz, 3 Efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz
Memory	4 GB / 8 GB	8 GB / 16 GB
Integrated Edge AI	No	Yes
AI features	Requires additional UniFi AI hardware for expanded AI functionality	Natural Language Search, Object Indexing in Find Anything, Person ReID, Search by Image
AI detections	Not specified	Up to 1,000 per hour
Max. drive power budget	75W / 135W	75W / 155W
Max. power consumption	100W / 160W	100W / 200W
Power supply	Internal AC/DC, 120W / 200W	Internal PSU, 100W / 200W
Power redundancy	USP-RPS DC input supported	USP-RPS DC input supported
Main practical difference	Dedicated UniFi Protect recording and storage appliances	Higher-resolution camera scaling, integrated display output, and local AI search features

Protect 7.1 and the Shift Toward Local AI Surveillance

UniFi Protect 7.1 is an important part of the UNVR Gen 2 release, because several of the headline hardware features depend on the newer Protect software stack. The Gen 2 recorders include built-in Edge AI functionality, with support for Natural Language Search, Object Indexing in Find Anything, Person ReID, and Search by Image. In practical terms, this changes how recorded footage can be searched. Instead of relying only on a timeline, motion events, or predefined smart detections, the system is designed to help users locate more specific events across stored footage using more descriptive search methods. The built-in AI functionality is local and license-free, but for larger or busier deployments, UniFi still recommends adding 1 or more AI Keys to expand processing capacity, reduce Edge AI latency, and lower the chance of missed events.

Protect 7.1 also expands the broader surveillance feature set beyond the Gen 2 recorders themselves. Custom Video Walls are now available in Site Manager, dashboard widgets have deeper customization, and live camera views can be configured with webhook shortcuts for triggering automations from the camera interface. Smart detections have been retrained for improved accuracy across UniFi cameras, PTZ tracking has been expanded to include vehicles, and 360 cameras now support native immersive downloads. ONVIF support is also more developed, with audio and motion detection support for third-party cameras, which is significant for sites migrating gradually from existing surveillance hardware into UniFi Protect. The update also introduces U.S.-only Noonlight dispatch services for sensor and video monitoring at $199 per year, DC-09 support for third-party monitoring integrations, and SuperLink Remote Control support for customizable site control. Below is a full breakdown of the feaures of UniFi Protect, and which require AI assistance (either edge based on the camera/AI-port, or local using an AI assisted server or AI-Key):

Bottom Line: A More Capable NVR, but Not a Like-for-Like Replacement

The UNVR Gen 2 and UNVR Gen 2 Pro make more sense when viewed as expanded Protect appliances rather than direct replacements for the older UNVR and UNVR Pro. The new models add faster processing, more memory, 2.5GbE RJ45 networking, HDMI output for built-in ViewPort use, higher 2K and 4K camera ceilings, and local Edge AI features that change how recorded footage can be searched and reviewed. The Pro model also gains an 8th drive bay, which makes it a cleaner fit for larger retention requirements than the older 7-bay UNVR Pro. For sites already planning to use AI search, Person ReID, image-based search, or a direct HDMI monitoring display, the higher price is easier to explain because those functions would otherwise involve additional hardware or a less integrated setup.

That does not mean the price increase will make sense for every Protect installation. The original UNVR and UNVR Pro remain better aligned with users who mainly need reliable recording, centralized Protect storage, and conventional camera management without paying for a broader AI-enabled appliance. The Gen 2 models are therefore best judged by deployment requirements rather than by bay count alone. For new or expanding surveillance environments with higher-resolution cameras, active monitoring, ONVIF migration plans, and a need to search footage more intelligently, the UNVR Gen 2 range has a clearer role. For simpler sites where AI features and HDMI ViewPort output are not a priority, the older UNVR models still have a practical argument, provided UniFi continues to keep them available.

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What is the Synology BeeStation BST151-4T NAS?

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

Synology BeeStation BST151-4T Hardware Specifications

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

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

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

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

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

Synology BeeStation in 2026 – What can it do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Minisforum N5 Max NAS UPDATE

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

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

Minisforum N5 Max NAS Design and Storage

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minisforum N5 Max NAS Internal Hardware

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

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

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

Minisforum N5 Max NAS Connectivity

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

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

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

What Can You Do with the Minisforum N5 Max NAS

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

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

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

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

Minisforum N5 Max Price & Release Date

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

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

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

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Update on the ZimaCube 2 NAS + Your Questions Answered

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

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

Zimacube 2 First Look at the Design

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

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

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

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

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

Zimacube 2 Internal Hardware Confirmation

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

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

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

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

Zimacube 2 Final Ports and Connectivity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The NASCompares Conclusion and Verdict so Far on ZimaCube 2

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

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

 

 

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Synology RS1626xs+ Rackstation NAS Revealed

The Synology RS1626xs+ is a 1U 4 bay rackmount NAS aimed at business and enterprise environments that need high performance in a short-depth footprint. It succeeds the RS1619xs+ after a notably long refresh gap and introduces a more modern hardware platform, including a newer Intel Xeon D processor, 16 GB of ECC memory as standard, dual 10GbE networking, integrated M.2 NVMe slots, and PCIe Gen4 expansion. On paper, this is a more substantial update than some recent Synology refreshes, particularly in areas that affect throughput, caching, and expansion flexibility. At the same time, the RS1626xs+ arrives within the current Synology enterprise strategy, which places tighter control around validated components and supported media. That means the hardware changes need to be considered alongside platform restrictions, expected pricing movement, and the wider value proposition of DSM in the business rackmount market. As a result, the RS1626xs+ looks positioned as a compact but capable SMB and enterprise rack NAS, though its appeal will likely depend as much on Synology’s ecosystem policies as on the hardware itself.

Synology RS1626xs+ Hardware Specifications

At the core of the RS1626xs+ is an Intel Xeon D-1726 processor, a 6-core, 12-thread CPU with a 2.9 GHz base clock and up to 3.5 GHz turbo. This is a clear step up from the previous generation Xeon D-1527 found in the RS1619xs+, increasing both core count and clock speed. Although it is not the newest server CPU architecture available in 2026, it is a more current platform than its predecessor and brings PCIe Gen4 support, which has a direct effect on overall system bandwidth for expansions and attached components.

Category	Specification
Model	Synology RackStation RS1626xs+
Form Factor	1U rackmount
Processor	Intel Xeon D-1726
CPU Count	1
CPU Cores	6
CPU Threads	12
Architecture	64-bit
CPU Frequency	2.9 GHz base / 3.5 GHz max turbo
Hardware Encryption Engine	Yes
Memory (Default)	16 GB DDR4 ECC RDIMM
Memory Slots	4
Maximum Memory	64 GB (4 x 16 GB)
Drive Bays	4
Maximum Bays with Expansion	16
Expansion Unit	RX1225RP x1
M.2 Slots	2 x M.2 2280 NVMe
Supported Drive Types	3.5″ SATA HDD, 2.5″ SATA SSD, M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
Hot Swap Support	Yes, for main drive bays
10GbE Ports	2 x RJ-45
Management Port	1 x out-of-band management/data transmission port
USB Ports	2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
Expansion Port	1
Expansion Port Type	Mini-SAS HD
PCIe Slot	1 x PCIe Gen4 x8
Dimensions	44 x 481.9 x 668.5 mm
Weight	9.5 kg
Rack Support	4-post 19″ rack
Rail Kit	Synology RKS-04
System Fans	4 x 40 mm x 40 mm
Fan Modes	Full speed, low temperature, silent
Replaceable System Fan	Yes
Auto Power Recovery	Yes
Noise Level	52.6 dB(A)
Scheduled Power On/Off	Yes
Wake Support	Yes
Power Supply	250 W
Redundant PSU	Yes
AC Input Voltage	100V to 240V AC
Frequency	50/60 Hz
Power Consumption	97.59 W (access), 56.19 W (HDD hibernation)
BTU	332.78 BTU/hr (access), 191.61 BTU/hr (HDD hibernation)
Warranty	5 years

Memory has also been increased, with the RS1626xs+ arriving with 16 GB of DDR4 ECC RDIMM as standard across 4 memory slots, with support for up to 64 GB total. That doubles the default memory provision of the older model and should better align with virtualization, backup indexing, active collaboration workloads, and larger multi-service deployments in DSM. Synology continues to recommend its own validated memory for upgrades, and as with other current business systems in its portfolio, warranty and support are tied closely to approved components.

In terms of storage, the system retains a 4 bay SATA drive architecture and supports expansion up to 16 total bays through the RX1225RP expansion unit. Alongside the main bays, Synology has included 2 internal M.2 2280 NVMe slots for SSD caching without consuming the PCIe expansion slot or front storage bays. This allows the RS1626xs+ to support flash-assisted performance acceleration out of the box, while preserving the rear PCIe slot for network or storage upgrades. Official support covers 3.5-inch SATA HDDs, 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, and M.2 NVMe SSDs, though deployment flexibility will still depend on Synology’s compatibility policies.

Networking is one of the more significant changes in this generation. The RS1626xs+ includes 2 built-in 10GbE RJ-45 ports, compared with the 4 x 1GbE arrangement of the RS1619xs+. There is also a dedicated out-of-band management port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and a Mini-SAS HD expansion connector for the external shelf. For additional connectivity, the system includes 1 PCIe Gen4 x8 slot that can be used for 10GbE, 25GbE, or Fibre Channel upgrades, giving it more flexibility for storage networks and higher-bandwidth business environments than the previous model’s Gen3 slot.

Physically, the RS1626xs+ remains a 1U rack system but is notably deeper and heavier than the older unit, measuring 44 x 481.9 x 668.5 mm and weighing 9.5 kg. It also moves to a 250 W redundant power design, compared with the earlier 150 W arrangement, which reflects the higher performance profile and expanded integrated feature set. Synology rates the unit at 97.59 W during access and 56.19 W during HDD hibernation, with a quoted noise level of 52.6 dB(A). Cooling is handled by 4 x 40 mm fans, and the system includes standard enterprise features such as dual hot-swappable PSUs, scheduled power controls, auto-restart after power loss, and a 5-year warranty.

Synology RS1626xs+ Software Specifications

On the software side, the RS1626xs+ is positioned as a full DSM business platform rather than a storage-only rackmount. It supports up to 32 storage pools, a maximum single volume size of 108 TB by default, 200 TB with at least 32 GB of memory, and up to 1 PB in specific RAID 6 configurations with 64 GB of memory. Supported RAID modes include Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, and RAID F1, with SSD read/write cache and SSD TRIM also supported. File system support includes Btrfs internally, with a broad range of external file systems and network protocols including SMB, NFS, FTP, WebDAV, Rsync, iSCSI, and Fibre Channel.

DSM on this platform is also designed to support heavier service consolidation. Synology rates the RS1626xs+ for up to 1,900 SMB connections, 2,048 local user accounts, 512 shared folders, and 12 shared folder sync tasks. In application terms, the system is listed with support for up to 3,100 Synology Drive users, 3,000 Synology Office users, 3,600 MailPlus users, and 400 Synology Chat users, depending on memory configuration and workload type. Virtualization support includes VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer, and OpenStack, while Virtual Machine Manager is rated for 12 virtual machines and 12 Virtual DSM instances.

Beyond file serving, the RS1626xs+ includes Synology’s wider business software stack for backup, surveillance, synchronization, and centralized administration. It supports Synology High Availability, Hyper Backup, Active Backup workloads, Snapshot Replication with up to 4,096 system snapshots, SAN Manager with up to 256 iSCSI targets and 512 LUNs, and Surveillance Station with 2 camera licenses included and support for up to 75 IP cameras at 1080p. Synology also positions the platform for hybrid cloud workflows, centralized fleet management through CMS and Active Insight, and newer AI-assisted functions within its collaboration suite, making the RS1626xs+ a software-heavy platform where DSM remains a major part of the system’s overall value.

Category	Specification
OS	DSM
Max Volume Size	108 TB, 200 TB with 32 GB RAM, up to 1 PB with 64 GB RAM and RAID 6
Max Storage Pools / Volumes	32
RAID Support	Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, F1
SSD Features	Read/write cache, TRIM
Internal File System	Btrfs
External File Systems	Btrfs, ext4, ext3, FAT32, NTFS, HFS+, exFAT
File Protocols	SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, WebDAV, Rsync
Max SMB Connections	1,900
User / Folder Limits	2,048 users, 512 groups, 512 shared folders
Shared Folder Sync Tasks	12
Hybrid Share Folder Limit	15
High Availability	Yes
Hyper Backup	Yes
Snapshot Replication	256 snapshots per shared folder, 64 per LUN, 4,096 per system
SAN Manager	256 iSCSI targets, 512 LUNs
Virtualization Support	VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer, OpenStack
Virtual Machine Manager	12 VMs, 12 Virtual DSM instances
Synology Drive	3,100 users, 25,000,000 files
Synology Office	3,000 users
Synology Chat	400 users
MailPlus	5 free accounts, up to 3,600 users
Surveillance Station	2 licenses included, up to 75 IP cameras
Synology Photos	Facial recognition, object identification
Download Station	80 tasks
VPN Server	12 connections
AI Features	Third-party AI model integration, de-identification up to 1,700 words

Synology RS1626xs+ vs RS1619xs+ NAS

Compared with the RS1619xs+, the RS1626xs+ is a more substantial hardware refresh than the model gap alone might suggest. The older system used an Intel Xeon D-1527, a 4-core, 8-thread processor running at 2.2 GHz base and 2.7 GHz turbo, whereas the RS1626xs+ moves to a Xeon D-1726 with 6 cores, 12 threads, 2.9 GHz base, and 3.5 GHz turbo. The newer model also doubles the default memory from 8 GB DDR4 ECC UDIMM to 16 GB DDR4 ECC RDIMM, while retaining the same 64 GB maximum ceiling across 4 slots. At the platform level, the move from PCIe Gen3 x8 to PCIe Gen4 x8 is also relevant, as it increases available expansion bandwidth for modern network or storage upgrades.

The networking and storage configuration also show a clearer shift in priorities. The RS1619xs+ arrived with 4 x 1GbE ports and required expansion for faster networking, whereas the RS1626xs+ includes 2 x 10GbE RJ-45 ports as standard, alongside a dedicated management port. Both systems support expansion to 16 bays with a 1 unit expansion shelf and both include 2 M.2 slots, but the RS1626xs+ is more focused on NVMe caching with integrated flash support alongside newer expansion options such as 10GbE, 25GbE, and Fibre Channel via the Gen4 slot. In practical terms, the newer system is much better aligned with modern high-throughput business environments straight out of the box.

That said, the RS1626xs+ is not an across-the-board improvement in every operational metric. It is larger, deeper, heavier, and significantly noisier on paper, moving from 518.6 mm depth and 39.3 dB(A) on the RS1619xs+ to 668.5 mm depth and 52.6 dB(A) on the newer model. Power consumption is also higher, rising from 68.68 W active usage on the older unit to 97.59 W on the newer platform. So while the RS1626xs+ is clearly the more capable and modern system in CPU, networking, memory, and expansion, it also reflects a more demanding enterprise profile in acoustics, power draw, and likely total deployment cost.

Synology RS1626xs+ Price and Release

At the time of writing, Synology has revealed the RS1626xs+ on regional product pages, but wider global availability still appears to be pending. The system has already appeared in official marketing materials and product specification pages, indicating that the hardware and software position are now largely defined, even if retail rollout is not yet universal across all regions. Based on that, the RS1626xs+ should be treated as officially revealed, but not yet fully launched in every market. Release timing is notable because the RS1626xs+ arrives after a long gap following the RS1619xs+, which was introduced in the 2018 to 2019 period. That makes this a delayed but more meaningful refresh than some of Synology’s shorter product cycles, particularly given the changes to CPU generation, default memory, built-in networking, PCIe bandwidth, and integrated NVMe support. It is therefore not simply a minor refresh of the previous 1U 4 bay platform, even if the overall product class remains the same.

Pricing has not yet been formally confirmed in the materials provided, so any figure at this stage remains estimate rather than specification. The earlier RS1619xs+ was commonly seen around the $2,400 range earlier in its lifecycle, but later pricing in some regions moved closer to or above $3,000. Given the RS1626xs+ includes 16 GB ECC memory as standard, dual 10GbE onboard, a newer Xeon D platform, PCIe Gen4, and redundant 250 W power supplies, it would be reasonable to expect a higher launch price than its predecessor rather than price parity. The main issue for buyers will likely be total platform cost rather than base chassis cost alone. This system is aimed at business and enterprise deployment, and that means the final spend may also include validated Synology drives, NVMe media, memory upgrades, rail kits, network cards, and the RX1225RP expansion shelf where needed. Until Synology confirms full regional rollout and channel pricing, the RS1626xs+ should be viewed as a higher-tier compact rackmount NAS with an expected premium position in the current RackStation portfolio.

Synology RS1626xs+ NAS
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology RS1626xs+ NAS	Check B&H for the Synology RS1626xs+ NAS

 

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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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Vous vous souvenez de cette proposition de loi pour interdire les réseaux sociaux aux moins de 15 ans ? Le Sénat l'a adoptée en première lecture il y a quelques jours, avec un système à deux niveaux. D'abord une liste noire de plateformes jugées nocives d'un côté, et de l'autre, un accès conditionnel avec accord parental.

Sauf qu'un amendement déposé la semaine dernière par le sénateur Bernard Lotte (LR) propose d'étendre cette logique aux... plus de 50 ans. Ouais, vous avez bien lu ! L'amendement n°104-AP, intitulé "Protection des publics vulnérables face aux manipulations numériques", s'appuie sur les conclusions du comité d'évaluation et leur constat est sans appel : les seniors seraient les premiers relayeurs de fausses informations sur Facebook et WhatsApp, biiiien loin devant les ados.
67% des partages de fake news sur Facebook en France viendraient des plus de 55 ans, d'après le rapport. Le reste se répartit ensuite entre X, Instagram et Telegram.

Du coup, le texte prévoit une "évaluation des compétences numériques" obligatoire dès 50 ans pour conserver son accès aux plateformes sociales. Concrètement, c'est un QCM de 40 questions, renouvelable tous les deux ans, administré en préfecture. Parmi les questions qui ont fuité : "Votre neveu vous envoie un lien DHL pour récupérer un colis, que faites-vous ?" et "Un prince nigérian vous propose un héritage de 4,5 millions d'euros, quelle est votre réponse ?". Spoiler : "je clique" n'est pas la bonne réponse.

38% des seniors interrogés ont d'ailleurs répondu oui au prince nigérian lors du test pilote à Limoges. La ministre du Numérique Anne Le Hénanff a qualifié l'amendement de "disproportionné" (sans blague). Par contre, elle a quand même lâché que "la vulnérabilité numérique des seniors est un vrai sujet de société"... va savoir ce que ça veut dire. Le texte prévoit aussi un "Permis Internet Senior", formation obligatoire de 12 heures en préfecture. Au programme : "Identifier les chaînes WhatsApp toxiques" et "Pourquoi il ne faut jamais partager les publications qui commencent par ATTENTION URGENT PARTAGEZ". C'est assez dingue.

Tenez, et le meilleur pour la fin ! Les exceptions !

Car oui, les seniors justifiant d'une activité pro nécessitant l'usage des réseaux sociaux pourraient obtenir une dérogation temporaire, renouvelable tous les 6 mois sur présentation d'un justificatif LinkedIn et d'un certificat Pix. Idem pour les grands-parents qui "produisent du contenu éducatif à destination de leurs petits-enfants" (en gros, vos photos de potager sur Instagram doivent avoir un objectif pédagogique clairement identifié). Et les élus de plus de 50 ans ? Exemptés, évidemment. Faut bien qu'ils continuent à poster leurs selfies devant les inaugurations de ronds-points.

Attention par contre, côté sanctions, ça ne rigole pas non plus ! Les plateformes qui ne vérifieraient pas l'âge de leurs utilisateurs seniors risquent une amende pouvant aller jusqu'à 1% de leur chiffre d'affaires mondial. Donc pour Meta, on parle d'environ 1,3 milliard d'euros. Et les contrevenants, eux, seraient condamnés à 20 heures de travaux d'intérêt numérique. Comprenez : aider les djeuns à configurer leur imprimante Brother, installer LibreOffice sur le PC du voisin, et expliquer pourquoi le WiFi de la Livebox plante après chaque mise à jour. Plutôt que de la prison, quoi... Faut reconnaître que c'est créatif.

Bref, le prochain débat en commission est prévu tout début avril. D'ici là, si vous avez plus de 50 ans, profitez bien de vos réseaux car après, faudra vous trouver des occupations, comme aller à la pêche pour attraper des petits poissons.

Mise à jour : Bon allez, c'était évidemment un poisson d'avril 🐟 Merci à tous ceux qui ont joué le jeu et partagé l'article avec leurs parents ! J'espère que ça vous a bien fait marrer. Promis, le Sénat n'a (encore) pas prévu de QCM en préfecture pour vos grands-parents. Quoique...

Source

UniFi and the Airwire – Did Ubiquiti just SOLVE Everyone’s WiFi MLO Issue?

Ubiquiti has introduced the UniFi AirWire, a WiFi 7 client adapter designed to address one of the more limited areas of current WiFi 7 deployment: the client side. While WiFi 7 access points and routers have been marketed heavily around Multilink Operation, many currently available client devices still rely on single-radio implementations that switch between bands rather than maintaining simultaneous links. The AirWire is positioned as a dedicated external client that aims to deliver true STR MLO operation across 5 GHz and 6 GHz, with Ubiquiti claiming improved throughput, lower latency, and better resilience than conventional integrated client hardware.

At a hardware level, the AirWire is a USB-C connected WiFi 7 adapter with a 4-stream design, support for 5 GHz and 6 GHz 2 x 2 MU-MIMO operation, and a quoted uplink capability of up to 5.8 Gbps on 6 GHz and 4.3 Gbps on 5 GHz. It also adds a high-gain antenna design and a dedicated scanning radio for real-time spectrum analysis. At $199, this places it well above the cost of generic USB wireless adapters, but it is also targeting a more specific role: enabling multi-gigabit wireless client connectivity in environments that already have the access point infrastructure to support it.

You can buy the Airwire via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

UniFi Airwire – Design

The UniFi AirWire has a noticeably different physical design to the compact USB WiFi adapters that are typically associated with desktop or laptop client upgrades. At 117 x 117 x 42.5 mm and 537 g, it is much closer in appearance to a standalone wireless bridge or directional client than a conventional dongle. That larger enclosure is directly tied to its intended function, as Ubiquiti is clearly building around higher power operation, larger antenna structures, and the thermal requirements that come with sustained WiFi 7 activity across multiple radios.

The housing is made of polycarbonate and includes a fold-out top section that appears to be part of the antenna assembly and directional positioning of the unit. This gives the AirWire a more deliberate deployment profile, where placement and orientation are likely to matter more than they would with an internal laptop radio or a low-profile USB adapter. On the front, there is also a 0.96-inch status display, which provides at-a-glance information during setup and operation without needing to rely entirely on software feedback from the host system.

From a practical standpoint, the design reflects that this is not intended to be an invisible add-on for casual wireless use. It is an external client device built to sit on a desk or near a workstation, with a form factor that prioritizes radio performance and signal handling over portability. That makes it less discreet than mainstream client adapters, but it also aligns with the product’s stated purpose as a high-performance WiFi 7 endpoint for users trying to push beyond the limitations of standard integrated wireless hardware.

UniFi Airwire – Internal Hardware

Internally, the UniFi AirWire is built around a dual-band WiFi 7 architecture that focuses entirely on 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation, without any 2.4 GHz support. Ubiquiti rates the device as a 4-stream client, split across 2 x 2 MU-MIMO on 5 GHz and 2 x 2 MU-MIMO on 6 GHz.

This layout is central to its stated role as an STR MLO client, allowing both bands to be active simultaneously rather than relying on the more common single-radio behaviour seen in many current WiFi 7 client devices.

Ubiquiti also specifies a high-gain antenna design, with 11 dBi quoted on both 5 GHz and 6 GHz, which is significantly more aggressive than the antenna arrangements found in most integrated laptop or mobile WiFi hardware. Alongside this, the AirWire includes a dedicated scanning radio for real-time spectral analysis. That separate scanning capability is notable because it suggests the unit is not just focused on link speed, but also on monitoring local RF conditions and interference in parallel with normal client operation.

The trade-off for that hardware approach is power and thermals. Ubiquiti lists maximum power consumption at 18 W, with USB PD 5/9/12V support and separate normal and performance power profiles. In practical terms, that places the AirWire closer to a compact external network appliance than a typical USB wireless adapter. It also helps explain the larger chassis, the need for external power flexibility, and the expectation that sustained performance operation will demand more cooling headroom than a smaller bus-powered client device could realistically provide.

UniFi Airwire – Connectivity

The UniFi AirWire connects to the host system over USB-C, but from a networking perspective it is presented as a 5 GbE interface over USB 3.2 Gen 2. That distinction matters, because although the wireless side of the device is rated far higher in combined theoretical bandwidth, the host connection places an upper practical ceiling on what can be delivered to the attached PC, laptop, or workstation. In effect, the AirWire is designed to behave more like an external multi-gig network adapter than a conventional USB WiFi dongle.

On the wireless side, the AirWire operates on 5 GHz and 6 GHz only, with support for WiFi 7, WiFi 6, WiFi 5, and 802.11n data rates across a wide range of channel widths. Ubiquiti lists support for EHT 20/40/80/160/240/320 MHz, alongside HE, VHT, and HT modes on earlier standards. The maximum quoted link rates are 5.8 Gbps on 6 GHz using 320 MHz bandwidth and 4.3 Gbps on 5 GHz using 240 MHz bandwidth, though actual results will depend heavily on access point capability, spectrum availability, regional channel restrictions, and signal conditions.

Power delivery is also part of the connection design. Ubiquiti specifies USB PD 5/9/12V support, with 15 W in normal mode and 20 W in performance mode, while maximum device power consumption is listed at 18 W. This means that, depending on how the host system is connected and powered, full performance operation may require more than a single low-power USB port can reliably provide. That makes cable quality, port specification, and available USB power budget more relevant here than they would be for standard client adapters.

The AirWire also includes support for wireless meshing and real-time spectral analysis, which extends its connection role beyond basic client access. In a UniFi environment, setup is intended to be handled through UniFi AutoLink for rapid onboarding, reducing the need for separate client-side software installation. Even so, the broader connection experience will still depend on the surrounding infrastructure, particularly whether the connected UniFi access point supports the required WiFi 7 and 6 GHz features needed for the AirWire to operate in the way it is being marketed.

UniFi Airwire – Verdict?

The UniFi AirWire is a more specialised product than its USB-C connection initially suggests. Rather than serving as a low-cost way to add basic WiFi 7 support to a system, it is designed to address a specific gap in the current client ecosystem: the lack of widely available true multi-radio MLO hardware on the device side. Its value therefore depends less on headline wireless specifications alone and more on whether the surrounding network environment is already capable of taking advantage of simultaneous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation, wider channel support, and multi-gigabit client throughput.

On that basis, the AirWire appears to be an interesting but clearly targeted piece of hardware. The larger chassis, higher power requirements, directional design, and likely dependency on a strong WiFi 7 6 GHz deployment mean it is not a universal client upgrade for every user. However, for users already invested in UniFi WiFi 7 infrastructure and looking for a higher performance external client than the current mainstream market provides, it introduces a form factor and feature set that are still relatively uncommon. Whether that translates into a meaningful real-world advantage will depend on testing, particularly around sustained throughput, latency behaviour, thermal limits, and the practical impact of STR MLO outside of ideal conditions.

You can buy the Airwire via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

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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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Aoostar WTR Max… but with an Intel i5 Now

The Aoostar WTR Max Intel version is best understood, at least at this stage, as an early preview of a known NAS design rather than a finished retail product. The unit sent to me appears to retain the same general WTR Max concept as the earlier 2025 model, built around a compact 6-bay SATA layout plus 5 M.2 NVMe slots, while replacing the Ryzen 7 8845HS used in the current WTR Max 8845 with Intel’s Core i5-1235U. That CPU change is significant because these 2 processors target different kinds of systems: the Ryzen 7 8845HS is an 8-core, 16-thread chip with a 45W default TDP and boost speeds up to 5.1GHz, whereas the Core i5-1235U is a 10-core, 12-thread Alder Lake-U part with 2 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, a 15W processor base power, and a launch date going back to Q1 2022. On paper, that makes the Intel version a potentially more efficiency-focused or cost-focused variation of the same platform, rather than a direct step up from the AMD model. That distinction matters, because this is not yet a product with confirmed pricing, confirmed availability, or a final release timetable, so the more useful question at this stage is not whether it definitively replaces the existing WTR Max 8845, but whether Aoostar is preparing to turn this chassis into a broader platform with multiple hardware tiers built around different CPUs and buyer priorities.

If this version works as intended, its appeal is fairly easy to understand even before full launch details are known. The original WTR Max formula already stands out because it combines high drive density, modern external connectivity, and small-footprint DIY NAS flexibility in a way that relatively few systems currently do, and an Intel alternative could broaden that appeal for buyers who prefer Intel media features, lower-power mobile silicon, or simply a lower entry point than the Ryzen-based model if Aoostar prices it accordingly. At the same time, this remains a first look at hardware provided by the brand, not a final buying recommendation. Until Aoostar confirms retail positioning, regional availability, and exact specifications for this Intel edition, it makes more sense to treat the device as an interesting platform variation with clear practical potential, rather than a confirmed replacement for the existing AMD version already listed by Aoostar at $669 in its current storefront

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The Aoostar WTR MAX Nas is available from the following places: Aoostar WTR Max NAS $699 on Amazon – HERE Aoostar WTR Max NAS $679 on Official Site – 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 Intel Version – Storage

The storage layout appears to be unchanged from the earlier WTR Max 8845 design. Physically, this platform combines 6 SATA drive bays with 5 M.2 2280 NVMe slots, giving it a mixed storage approach that is more flexible than most compact DIY NAS systems in the same size class. Aoostar’s official specification for the current WTR Max 8845 lists support for up to 6 x 24TB SATA HDDs and 5 NVMe SSDs, with the M.2 allocation split across PCIe 4.0 x2 and PCIe 4.0 x1 links rather than giving every slot the same bandwidth. In practical terms, that matters less for bulk storage and more for how the system is likely to be used: large-capacity SATA bays can be assigned to primary data, backup, or archive duties, while the NVMe slots are better suited to cache, application storage, containers, VMs, or high-speed working data. For a NAS aimed at users choosing their own OS and storage strategy, that mixed topology is one of the main reasons the WTR Max platform is notable in the first place.

The Intel Core i5-1235U is also a sensible fit for this kind of storage-heavy design because, like the Ryzen 7 8845HS used in the existing AMD version, it supports up to 20 PCIe lanes and PCIe 4.0 connectivity. That does not automatically mean the Intel model will perform identically in every storage scenario, because lane routing, controller choice, and motherboard implementation still determine how those lanes are divided between SATA, NVMe, USB4, OCuLink, and networking. Even so, on an early preview basis, the key point is that Aoostar does not appear to have changed the overall storage proposition of the WTR Max by moving to Intel. The appeal here remains the same: this is a compact chassis that can hold a large amount of slower capacity storage alongside a meaningful amount of flash storage, which makes it suitable for users who want both traditional NAS volume space and a faster SSD tier in the same enclosure.

Aoostar WTR Max Intel Version – Ports and Connections

The Aoostar WTR Max platform is already unusually well equipped on connectivity, and the Intel preview unit appears to preserve that same approach. On the currently listed WTR Max 8845 model, Aoostar specifies 2 x 10GbE SFP+ ports based on the Intel X710 controller, alongside 2 x 2.5GbE LAN ports, 1 x USB4 port, 1 x OCuLink port, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, 1 x Type C port, 1 x HDMI output, a 3.5mm audio jack, a microSD card slot, and DC input. In practical terms, that gives the system a broader mix of storage, networking, and external expansion connectivity than most compact DIY NAS solutions, especially once the dual 10GbE and OCuLink are factored in. For an early preview, that matters because the appeal of the Intel version is not just the CPU change itself, but the fact that Aoostar seems to be pairing that CPU with the same high-connectivity platform rather than trimming the I/O to create a lower-tier model.

From the CPU side, the Core i5-1235U also makes sense in a system that leans heavily on external I/O. Intel’s official specifications list support for Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe 4.0, which aligns well with the inclusion of USB4 and helps explain why this processor can still fit into a NAS design with multiple high-bandwidth ports despite being a lower-power mobile chip. By comparison, the Ryzen 7 8845HS used in the current AMD version is the stronger processor in raw core configuration and sustained power class, but the Intel option may still hold practical appeal for buyers who place more value on Intel platform familiarity, media handling, or a potentially lower-cost entry point into the same chassis.

At this stage, though, the key observation is simply that Aoostar does not appear to have repositioned the WTR Max Intel model as a cut-down connectivity variant. Based on the preview hardware and the existing WTR Max specification, this still looks like a NAS platform built around unusually broad networking and expansion options first, with the CPU choice acting as the variable element.

Aoostar WTR Max Intel Version – Internal Hardware

Internally, the previewed WTR Max Intel unit appears to follow the same motherboard and chassis logic as the existing AMD-based design, with the main change being the move to Intel’s Core i5-1235U. That processor combines 10 cores and 12 threads in a hybrid layout made up of 2 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, supports PCIe 4.0, and provides up to 20 PCIe lanes to distribute across storage, networking, and external expansion.

*Thanks to TechnicalCity and Nanoreview for their comparisons of these two processors

It also supports up to 64GB of memory officially on Intel’s own specification pages, across 2 channels, and does not list ECC memory support. By comparison, the Ryzen 7 8845HS commonly associated with this class of WTR Max hardware is an 8-core, 16-thread processor with PCIe 4.0, 20 usable PCIe lanes, support for DDR5-5600, and a much higher maximum supported memory capacity on AMD’s specification sheet. In simple terms, the Intel version looks less like a redesign of the platform and more like a rebalancing of it, using a lower-power mobile CPU that still has enough I/O resources to support the dense hardware layout that defines the WTR Max.

That internal trade-off is likely where the Intel model will either make sense or not, depending on the intended workload. The Ryzen 7 8845HS remains the stronger chip on paper for sustained multi-threaded tasks, heavier virtualization, and broader memory headroom, while the Core i5-1235U shifts the system toward a more efficiency-oriented profile and brings Intel’s integrated graphics stack into the equation. For a NAS like this, that could matter for media-focused deployments, lighter VM use, or users who simply prefer Intel’s platform characteristics, but it also means the Intel version should not automatically be viewed as equivalent to the AMD model in raw processing terms.

It is also worth noting that Aoostar’s current public WTR Max 8845 materials refer to the retail model as using a Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS rather than the standard Ryzen 7 8845HS, which suggests the final retail naming and CPU positioning around this series may still vary depending on region or configuration. As an early preview, the most accurate conclusion is that the internal hardware remains recognisably WTR Max in structure, but the CPU choice changes the expected character of the system more than the exterior suggests.

Aoostar WTR Max Intel Version – Price, Launch Date, More?

At the time of writing, Aoostar has not publicly listed this Intel Core i5-1235U version of the WTR Max on its storefront, so price, release date, and regional availability remain unconfirmed. By contrast, the currently listed WTR Max 8845 is shown on Aoostar’s site at $669, reduced from $699, and the product naming has shifted to specifically identify that model as the WTR Max 8845 rather than simply the WTR Max. That naming detail is relevant because it suggests Aoostar may be preparing the chassis for more than 1 CPU configuration, even if the Intel variant has not yet been formally announced. The Core i5-1235U itself is not a new processor, having launched in Q1 2022 with a 15W processor base power, while the Ryzen 7 8845HS used in the 2025 WTR Max model is a newer and higher-power chip with an 8-core, 16-thread design and a 45W default TDP. Taken together, that makes the Intel preview unit look less like a replacement for the existing AMD version and more like a possible alternative tier within the same product family.

The more important question is what Aoostar intends to do with this platform next. If the company keeps the same chassis, storage layout, and broad I/O design while offering multiple CPU variants, the WTR Max could become a more flexible series rather than a single fixed model. In that context, an Intel version would make sense as a lower-cost or differently positioned option for buyers who do not need the stronger processing profile of the Ryzen 7 8845HS, or who specifically want an Intel-based media and virtualization platform. At this stage, though, that remains an informed reading of the hardware direction rather than a confirmed launch plan. Since this unit was sent as an early preview sample and Aoostar has not yet published a retail page for the Intel edition, the most accurate conclusion is that the WTR Max Intel version is promising as a product idea, but still undefined in the areas that matter most for a final purchasing decision: official pricing, shipping regions, final specification sheet, and release timing.

The Aoostar WTR MAX Nas is available from the following places: Aoostar WTR Max NAS $699 on Amazon – HERE Aoostar WTR Max NAS $679 on Official Site – 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

 

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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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The Beryl 7 from Gl.iNet Finally Revealed

On January 6, 2026, day 1 of CES 2026, Gl.iNet is highlighting the Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) as an upcoming travel router positioned below the company’s more premium Slate 7 in the same Wi-Fi 7 travel category. The device is being presented as a successor direction to the earlier Beryl AX generation, with Gl.iNet focusing its messaging on VPN throughput, portable use, and the practical ports and power features that matter when the router is used on the road. Pricing and a firm release date have not been included in the information shared so far.

In its CES materials, Gl.iNet describes Beryl 7 as a compact, dual-band Wi-Fi 7 model aimed at users who want higher encrypted throughput without stepping up to a larger, more feature-heavy travel router. Key claims include up to 1100Mbps on OpenVPN-DCO and WireGuard, dual 2.5G Ethernet capability, and support for 120+ connected devices, alongside USB Power Delivery compatibility and a 5V/2A power output intended to integrate cleanly with uFi and MiFi devices for primary or backup WAN use.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Travel Router – Design & Portability

The Beryl 7 measures at 120 x 83 x 34mm and 205 grams, placing it in the small-router class rather than the pocket-hotspot style. Compared with battery-powered travel routers, the added thickness is consistent with a design that prioritizes full-size ports and airflow while still staying compact enough for a backpack or a small tech pouch. Gl.iNet also lists an operating temperature range of 0C to 40C, which sets basic expectations for typical indoor and travel use, even though performance under sustained load will still depend on ventilation and ambient conditions.

Unlike cellular travel routers, the Beryl 7 is designed to be powered externally rather than running from an internal battery, so it is closer in use to a small plug-in router than a self-contained hotspot. It takes USB-C power via USB Power Delivery and is specified for 5V/3A, 9V/3A, or 12V/2.5A input, which keeps powering simple with common phone and laptop adapters and most power banks that support PD. Gl.iNet also lists a 5V/2A power output, intended to pair with uFi and MiFi devices when you want the router to sit in front of a separate upstream connection and keep that upstream device powered from the same setup.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Travel Router – Connectivity

The Beryl 7 is a dual-band Wi-Fi travel router rather than a cellular router. It does not include a SIM slot or eSIM support, which means it is not designed to connect directly to a carrier network on its own. In practice, internet access is expected to come from an upstream source such as a wired connection, USB tethering, or an external hotspot or modem that provides the WAN link. This approach matches travel setups where the router’s job is to manage your local network and security policies, while a separate device handles mobile connectivity when needed.

On the wireless side, the Beryl 7 supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be and operates on 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The published maximum rates are 688Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2882Mbps on 5GHz, which sets its theoretical peak figures for those bands. Because there is no 6GHz band listed, it will not have access to the cleaner spectrum that some tri-band Wi-Fi 7 routers use to reduce congestion in dense environments. Real-world performance will still depend heavily on client device capability, channel conditions, and how crowded the local RF environment is, especially in hotels, apartments, or event venues.

For wired networking, the Beryl 7 includes 1x WAN and 1x LAN, with both ports rated at 100/1000/2500Mbps. Having 2.5Gbps capability on both sides can matter if you are connecting to faster-than-gigabit service, or if you want to avoid bottlenecking a wired client such as a laptop dock, mini PC, or NAS while the router is also handling wireless clients. The dedicated WAN and LAN labeling also suggests a straightforward topology for travel use, where the router can sit between a wired uplink and your personal devices without requiring additional switches. Specific options like port re-assignment or multi-WAN behavior are still dependent on the final firmware feature set.

For tethering and peripherals, the router includes 1 USB 3.0 port. Gl.iNet’s positioning also references pairing it with uFi and MiFi devices for primary or backup WAN use, which aligns with common travel workflows where a hotspot provides the upstream connection and the router distributes it to multiple devices. Depending on software support, USB can also be relevant for other functions such as attaching storage for basic file sharing, but those capabilities are not confirmed solely by the presence of the port. The practical takeaway is that the Beryl 7’s connectivity design focuses on managing and distributing an external internet source rather than replacing that source with built-in cellular hardware.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Travel Router – Internal Hardware

The Beryl 7 is specified with a MediaTek quad-core CPU clocked at 2.0GHz. Gl.iNet has not stated the exact chipset model in the material provided, so it is difficult to compare directly against specific MediaTek families used in other routers, but the listed clock speed and core count indicate it is intended to handle routing and VPN workloads beyond basic hotspot sharing. How that translates in practice will depend on the final firmware feature mix and how much processing overhead is added by enabled services. Memory is listed as 512MB of DDR4. That capacity is typically sufficient for a travel router doing standard routing, firewalling, and VPN duties, but it can become a limiting factor if heavy logging, multiple concurrent services, or more advanced packages are enabled. In practical use, headroom will depend on how Gl.iNet tunes the stock firmware and whether the router is expected to run additional features beyond its default configuration. Storage is specified as 512MB of NAND flash. This is a smaller onboard footprint than some higher-end travel routers that use multi-gigabyte eMMC, and it generally implies a tighter space budget for the base firmware image, installed packages, and retained logs. It also means features that rely on persistent local storage may be more constrained unless Gl.iNet provides options to offload data to external storage via USB.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Travel Router – Software & Services

Gl.iNet is presenting the Beryl 7 as part of its travel router lineup, which typically uses the company’s GL.iNet firmware with a web-based management interface. That software approach tends to balance simplified setup for common tasks with access to more detailed configuration when needed, which is relevant for travel scenarios where you may want quick changes without digging through advanced menus.

For this model in particular, VPN is the main emphasis in Gl.iNet’s CES messaging. The company is making a specific performance claim of up to 1100Mbps on OpenVPN-DCO and WireGuard, positioning encrypted throughput as a headline reason to choose the Beryl 7 over older Beryl models or lower-end travel routers. Actual results will still depend on factors such as upstream bandwidth, server performance, encryption settings, and network conditions.

Gl.iNet also highlights Amnezia VPN support as part of the Beryl 7’s privacy and censorship-bypass positioning. That places the router within the company’s broader direction of expanding VPN tooling and privacy-related options across its travel lineup, though the exact implementation details for the Beryl 7 will come down to the shipping firmware and how features are exposed in the final interface.

Beyond VPN-related claims, Gl.iNet has not published a complete, model-specific list of software functions for the Beryl 7. Features that appear across other Gl.iNet travel routers, such as traffic controls, DNS and filtering options, remote access services, and package-style add-ons, may be present, but they are not confirmed by the hardware spec sheet alone. For ownership considerations, the missing pieces remain the update cadence, support window, and any limitations imposed by the device’s relatively small flash storage.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Travel Router – Conclusion

As presented on day 1 of CES 2026, the Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) is positioned as a more affordable Wi-Fi 7 travel router option that sits below the Slate 7 in capability and likely in price, while serving as the next step after the Beryl AX generation. Its core proposition is a compact, USB-C powered router that focuses on high VPN throughput, dual-band Wi-Fi, and practical wired networking for travel setups. The specification sheet outlines a MediaTek quad-core 2.0GHz platform with 512MB DDR4 and 512MB NAND, paired with 2.5Gbps-capable WAN and LAN ports, plus a USB 3.0 port. It does not include an internal battery and it has no SIM or eSIM support, which means it is designed to sit behind an external internet source such as hotel Ethernet, phone tethering, or a dedicated hotspot. Power is handled through USB Power Delivery, and Gl.iNet also lists a 5V/2A output intended to keep an upstream mobile device powered in a single-cable travel arrangement.

The remaining unknowns are mostly around launch details and how the final firmware is packaged for a device with limited flash storage. Gl.iNet has not published pricing or a release date, and it has not provided a full, model-specific breakdown of software features beyond its VPN and privacy positioning. Those details will likely matter most to buyers deciding between the Beryl 7 and higher-end travel routers, especially if they plan to rely on add-on services, extensive logging, or other features that place more demand on storage and memory.

 

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro (GL-BE10000) Travel Router Revealed

GL.iNet used CES 2026 to show an early prototype of the Slate 7 Pro, described as a larger, more capable follow-up to the Slate 7 travel router released in 2025. The prototype presentation suggests the company is keeping the core Slate concept intact, meaning a compact router designed for use on the move with an emphasis on quick status checks and practical networking features, while addressing some of the limitations that shaped opinions on the original model. At this stage, the Slate 7 Pro should be treated as a work-in-progress product rather than a finalized retail device, so details like wireless band support, storage capacity, and final performance targets may still change before launch.

Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro –  Internal Hardware

The Slate 7 Pro prototype is described as staying on a Qualcomm-based platform, retaining the general performance profile expected from GL.iNet’s higher-end travel routers. In the prototype coverage, this is framed as a continuation rather than a redesign, with the expectation that routing, firewall rules, and typical travel use cases such as hotel network sharing remain the primary focus. If the platform remains closely related to the Slate 7, performance should be oriented around consistent throughput and stability rather than pushing peak numbers that are difficult to realize in real-world travel environments.

Memory is described as 1 GB of DDR4, matching the Slate 7’s baseline configuration. That amount is generally sufficient for common workloads like basic routing, ad blocking, and running a VPN client, but it can become a limiting factor in more complex setups, such as heavier logging, multiple concurrent tunnels, or add-on packages. Because the Slate 7 Pro was shown in prototype form, the practical expectation is that CPU, RAM, and firmware feature support will be confirmed closer to release, including whether GL.iNet adjusts hardware targets based on final thermal, power, or cost constraints.

Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro – Design

The Slate 7 Pro prototype shown at CES 2026 appears to follow the same general design language as the Slate 7, but in a larger chassis intended to support more functionality. The most visible change is the display, described in the prototype coverage as bigger and brighter for at-a-glance monitoring while traveling. Physical controls also remain part of the concept, including a side-mounted VPN button and a separate toggle switch, aligning with GL.iNet’s usual approach of making common actions accessible without opening the web interface.

Storage is one of the areas where the prototype is discussed as an upgrade rather than a confirmed specification. The Slate 7 uses 512 MB of NAND flash for the operating system, which has been viewed as limited for users who install additional packages or run heavier VPN configurations. In the CES prototype discussion, the Slate 7 Pro is suggested to increase internal OS storage substantially, with an estimate around 8 GB, but this has not been formally finalized in the available prototype details. Until GL.iNet publishes a full spec sheet, the most accurate framing is that expanded storage is expected, but the exact capacity and implementation remain subject to change.

Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro – Ports and Wireless Connectivity

On the wired side, the Slate 7 Pro is presented as a step up from the Slate 7’s 2-port layout. The CES-facing information points to 2 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports, which would allow more flexibility for setups that need a dedicated WAN feed plus multiple wired clients, or for separating devices by role when traveling. If that port count is retained for retail, it would be one of the more practical upgrades for users who rely on wired backhaul to a laptop, streaming box, or a small switch.

USB and power are also positioned as part of the scaled-up design. The prototype discussion references USB Power Delivery input over USB-C, consistent with the travel-router approach of using common chargers and power banks. There is also mention of USB support alongside the Ethernet upgrades, which matters for users who tether storage, phone-based WAN, or other peripherals, but the prototype details do not yet fully lock down the final USB data specification and how GL.iNet intends users to prioritize power vs peripheral use in real deployments.

Wireless capability is the area with the most uncertainty based on currently available information. The prototype is described as adding 6 GHz to become tri-band Wi-Fi 7, with headline class figures referenced as 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + 2882 Mbps (5 GHz) + 5764 Mbps (6 GHz), plus MLO support to combine links where supported. At the same time, public CES material has described the Slate 7 Pro as dual-band in a few locations, so the safest conclusion is that band support and final Wi-Fi configuration were still in flux at the time upto the point the unit was shown. Until GL.iNet publishes the full retail spec sheet, it is best to treat tri-band and 6 GHz support as prototype-indicated rather than fully confirmed. However, REALISTICALLY it would be rather underwhelming to label this system as a ‘PRO’ model to the existing non-6Ghz Slate 7, especially when the recently revealed MUDI 7 mobile Router supports the 6Ghz band. Nevertheless, I would treat this as 90% confirmed for now.

Gl.iNet Slate 7 Pro Travel Router – Conclusion

Based on what has been shown so far, the Slate 7 Pro looks like an attempt to push the Slate 7 concept further rather than replace it with a different class of device. The prototype focus is on practical upgrades: more visible real-time status via a larger screen, more flexible wired networking through 2.5 GbE ports alongside the increased band coverage, and a likely increase in internal storage intended to better accommodate modern firmware features and optional add-ons. These changes align with the needs of users who treat a travel router as a primary networking tool rather than an occasional accessory. The main limitation in evaluating the Slate 7 Pro at this stage is that it is still a prototype, and key details remain inconsistent between early reporting and CES-facing descriptions, particularly around dual-band versus tri-band operation and 6 GHz support. Until GL.iNet publishes a finalized specification sheet, the Slate 7 Pro is best viewed as an indicator of direction: a larger, more capable travel router with a higher likely price point, but with enough unresolved details that purchase decisions are better based on the confirmed Slate 7 specification rather than assumptions about the Pro model’s final feature set.

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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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Minisforum New Minisforum N5 Max and N5 Air NAS Revealed

Minisforum used CES 2026 to extend its 5 bay N5 NAS lineup with 2 new models, the N5 Max and the N5 Air, building on the original N5 and the better known N5 Pro that arrived in Summer 2025. The N5 Pro drew a lot of attention in the small form factor NAS space because it combined a compact 5 drive chassis with higher end AMD mobile silicon, 10 GbE plus 5 GbE networking, and expansion options like OCuLink and a PCIe slot, all in a system that was positioned as approachable for homelab and prosumer storage. That visibility also meant its weaker points were discussed publicly, including practical items such as drive tray security and the use of an external power brick, alongside broader questions about how far the platform could scale without changing the chassis concept.

The CES 2026 announcements read as an attempt to answer those conversations while keeping the core N5 identity intact. The N5 Max is framed as the scale up option, keeping the modular approach but shifting to a higher tier CPU platform, moving to 128 GB of onboard LPDDR5x at 8000 MT/s, expanding internal NVMe options, and switching to a built-in 250 W PSU rather than an external adapter. Minisforum also points to a larger internal thermal solution, which fits the idea of sustaining heavier compute and storage workloads. In parallel, the N5 Air effectively replaces the originally positioned base N5, keeping the same overall layout and I/O concept but aiming at a more cost conscious configuration while still retaining features that defined the series, including multi-gig Ethernet and the same general expansion philosophy.

Category	Minisforum N5 Max	Minisforum N5 Air
CPU	Up to AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16C/32T)	AMD Ryzen 7 255 (8C/16T)
GPU	Radeon 8060S (per CPU platform)	Radeon 780M
NPU / AI	AMD specs: up to 50 TOPS NPU, up to 126 TOPS overall	N/A listed
Memory	128 GB LPDDR5x, 256-bit, 8000 MT/s (soldered)	2x DDR5 SO-DIMM (non-ECC)
SATA bays	5x 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch SATA 3.0, up to 30 TB each	5x 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch SATA 3.0, up to 22 TB each
NVMe / U.2 storage	1x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 (capacity listed as “BTB”); 1x M.2 2230/2280 NVMe up to 8 TB PCIe 4.0 x1; 3x M.2 2280 NVMe up to 8 TB each PCIe 4.0 x1	1x M.2 2230/2280/22110 NVMe up to 4 TB PCIe 4.0 x1; 1x U.2 or M.2 2280/22110 NVMe up to 15 TB PCIe 4.0 x1; 1x U.2 or M.2 2280/22110 NVMe up to 15 TB PCIe 4.0 x2
Ethernet	1x 5 GbE (Realtek RTL8126) + 1x 10 GbE (Realtek RTL8127)	1x 5 GbE (Realtek RTL8126) + 1x 10 GbE (Realtek RTL8127)
Rear ports	1x USB4 (Alt DP 2.0), 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1x OCuLink, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 2.0	1x USB4 (Alt DP 2.0), 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1x OCuLink, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 2.0
Front ports	1x USB4 (Alt DP 2.0), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2	1x USB4 (Alt DP 2.0), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2
Internal expansion	1x PCIe x16 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 header/port	1x PCIe x16 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 header/port
Display notes	HDMI 2.1 (4K 60); USB4 Type-C 40 Gbps (Alt DP 2.0); USB4 v2 Type-C 80/120 Gbps (Alt DP 2.0)	HDMI up to 8K 60 Hz or 4K 144 Hz; USB4 up to 8K 60 Hz or 4K 144 Hz
Audio	Via HDMI and Type-C (Alt DP)	Via HDMI and USB4
Power	Built-in 250 W PSU; secondary input USB-C PD 140 W (20 V 7 A)	DC 5525, 19 V 14.73 A, 280 W
OS listed	Linux, Windows 11	MinisCloud OS, Windows 11 Pro, Linux
Size	199 x 202.4 x 252.3 mm	199 x 202 x 252 mm class

Minisforum N5 Max and N5 Air NAS Design & Storage

Across the N5 family, the core physical concept remains a compact 5 bay enclosure designed around 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch SATA drive trays, with the internal platform arranged to keep compute, cooling, and expansion in a relatively dense footprint. The N5 Max keeps that same overall direction but applies several practical design revisions that align with feedback around the earlier models. One visible change is the inclusion of lockable drive trays, addressing a small but commonly noted omission on the original implementation. Minisforum also continues to lean into a modular internal layout, where key components and storage areas are organized around a pull-out or service-friendly mechanism rather than a fully fixed internal frame.

For bulk storage, the N5 Max increases the stated per-bay ceiling to 30 TB per drive across its 5 SATA bays, compared with 22 TB per drive on the N5 Air, N5 Pro, and original N5 specifications. In practical terms, that suggests the Max is being positioned for higher raw capacity targets without changing the 5 bay limit, which keeps it in the same general footprint category as the earlier systems. The N5 Air retains the same 5 bay arrangement and chassis approach as the prior N5 tier, intended to preserve the basic storage layout while shifting the internal bill of materials. The N5 Pro and N5 remain closely aligned on the SATA side, both being specified for 5 bays and the same 22 TB per disk guidance (realistically, this is just a compatibility on HDDs that needs updating on the docs!).

The larger differentiation in this generation is on flash storage density and placement. The N5 Pro and original N5 were defined by a mix of 1 standard M.2 slot and 2 additional high capacity NVMe positions that could be populated via U.2 or longer M.2 formats, allowing up to 15 TB on those larger bays depending on configuration. The N5 Air keeps that general storage strategy, with an M.2 slot plus 2 NVMe positions that can be used as U.2 or longer M.2, including a PCIe 4.0 x2 lane allocation on 1 of those slots. The N5 Max shifts the emphasis toward multiple M.2 placements instead, listing 5 total NVMe positions across 2230 and 2280 formats with PCIe 4.0 lanes spread between x4 and multiple x1 links, and also highlighting that the additional NVMe options are split across both sides of the internal assembly rather than being confined to a single board-facing area.

Minisforum N5 Max and N5 Air Internal Hardware

The main divider between these systems is the compute platform. The N5 Max moves to an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, a 16 core, 32 thread Zen 5 processor with boost up to 5.1 GHz and a default 55 W TDP, with configurable TDP listed at 45 to 120 W. It also integrates Radeon 8060S graphics with 40 compute units and advertises an AI engine capability up to 126 TOPS overall, including up to 50 TOPS on the NPU. By comparison, the N5 Air is specified with an AMD Ryzen 7 255 and Radeon 780M graphics, matching the original N5 tier orientation rather than the higher end Pro or Max positioning. The earlier N5 Pro used an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370, pairing a higher class CPU with Radeon 890M graphics and an NPU rating up to 50 TOPS, while the original N5 stayed in the Ryzen 7 255 class without an NPU listed.

Memory design is also handled differently across the lineup. The N5 Max is specified with 128 GB of LPDDR5x on a 256-bit interface running at 8000 MT/s, and it is described as soldered rather than socketed. That approach fixes capacity at the factory but aligns with the CPU platform’s native support for LPDDR5x-8000 and the 128 GB maximum in AMD’s published specifications. The N5 Pro and original N5 both used 2 DDR5 SO-DIMM slots with a stated ceiling of 96 GB at up to 5600 MT/s, with the key difference being ECC support on the N5 Pro and non-ECC on the N5. The N5 Air follows the same SO-DIMM approach and is specified as non-ECC, aligning it more closely with the original N5 than the N5 Pro.

Power delivery and thermals are presented as a direct area of revision on the N5 Max. It is specified with a built-in 250 W PSU, replacing the external power brick approach used on the N5 Air, N5 Pro, and original N5, which are listed with a DC 5525 19 V 14.73 A 280 W adapter. The N5 Max also adds a secondary power input option via USB-C PD at up to 140 W (20 V 7 A), which is described separately from the internal PSU. On cooling, the N5 Max is described as having a larger heatsink and a scaled-up cooling solution compared with earlier N5 designs, positioned to better match the higher tier CPU platform and the denser NVMe configuration.

Minsforum N5 Max and N5 Air – Ports and Connections

Minisforum keeps a consistent external I/O layout across the N5 family, centered on a mix of high speed USB, direct display output, and storage or expansion links. The N5 Max and N5 Air are both listed with a rear HDMI 2.1 FRL output and USB4 Type C that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP 2.0). Both also retain OCuLink on the rear, which is typically used for attaching external PCIe storage or expansion hardware, plus additional USB ports split between rear and front for local peripherals and service access. Audio output is handled through HDMI and USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode rather than separate analog jacks.

Networking is positioned as a key feature, but the exact N5 Max configuration depends on which source you reference. The show floor description referenced 2 copper 10 GbE ports, while the specification set provided lists 1x 10 GbE (Realtek RTL8127) and 1x 5 GbE (Realtek RTL8126). The N5 Air matches the broader series approach with 1x 10 GbE (Realtek RTL8127) plus 1x 5 GbE (Realtek RTL8126). For the earlier N5 Pro and N5, the published configuration is also dual ports at 10 GbE plus 5 GbE, with the 10 GbE module listed as Marvell AQtion AQC113 and the 5 GbE module as Realtek RTL8126. Functionally, all of these configurations target multi-gig wired networking for faster client access, direct workstation links, or higher throughput to a switch.

USB4 capability is another differentiator on the N5 Max. The general port list shows USB4 on both the front and rear panels, while the additional connectivity notes for the Max indicate a combination of 2x USB4 v2 Type C ports capable of 80 Gbps or 120 Gbps operation, plus 1x USB4 Type C at 40 Gbps. Alongside USB4, the rear I/O includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 2.0, and the front adds another USB 3.2 Gen 2. Internally, all the N5 variants listed include a PCIe x16 physical slot wired for PCIe 4.0 x4, plus an internal USB 3.2 Gen 2 header or port, keeping the option open for add-in cards or internal devices without relying only on external ports.

Specification

Minisforum N5 Max

• LAN: 1x 10 GbE (RTL8127) + 1x 5 GbE (RTL8126) listed, 2x 10 GbE described in show floor discussion

• Rear: 1x USB4 (Alt DP 2.0), 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1x OCuLink, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 2.0

• Front: 1x USB4 (Alt DP 2.0), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2

• Internal: 1x PCIe x16 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 header/port

• Video notes: HDMI 2.1 (4K 60), USB4 Type C 40 Gbps (Alt DP 2.0), USB4 v2 Type C up to 80/120 Gbps (Alt DP 2.0)

Minisforum N5 Air

• LAN: 1x 10 GbE (RTL8127) + 1x 5 GbE (RTL8126)

• Rear: 1x USB4 (Alt DP 2.0), 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1x OCuLink, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB 2.0

• Front: 1x USB4 (Alt DP 2.0), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2

• Internal: 1x PCIe x16 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 header/port

• Video notes: HDMI up to 8K 60 Hz or 4K 144 Hz, USB4 up to 8K 60 Hz or 4K 144 Hz

Minsforum N5 Max vs N5 Air vs N5 Pro NAS

For a straightforward view of where the lineup sits now, I compare the N5 Max, N5 Air, and the earlier N5 Pro side by side because they represent the clearest tiering of the platform. The N5 Max is the top spec option, built around the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and a fixed 128 GB LPDDR5x-8000 memory configuration, with a built-in 250 W PSU and a storage layout that shifts toward multiple M.2 slots alongside the 5 SATA bays. The N5 Air stays closer to the original N5 concept with a Ryzen 7 255 and 2 DDR5 SO-DIMM slots (non-ECC), while keeping the same general chassis approach, dual multi-gig networking, and the same style of rear I/O and expansion features. The N5 Pro remains the point of reference from Summer 2025 because it pairs a higher tier Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 with 2 DDR5 SO-DIMM slots that support ECC, while retaining the same 5 bay layout and the same overall connectivity concept. Where there are spec conflicts in early CES coverage, such as how many 10 GbE ports the N5 Max ultimately ships with, I treat the provided spec sheet values as the baseline and note the discrepancy separately.

Minsforum N5 Max and N5 Air – Conclusion

Taken together, the CES 2026 updates split the N5 lineup into clearer tiers than before. The N5 Max is positioned as the upper configuration, combining a higher class CPU platform with a fixed 128 GB memory design and a stronger emphasis on internal NVMe density. The N5 Air sits closer to the original N5 tier in processor class and upgrade flexibility, while keeping the same general chassis direction and expansion approach that defined the earlier models. The practical tradeoffs follow from those choices. The N5 Max concentrates capability into a more integrated build, which can simplify ownership but reduces user control over memory configuration and may increase base cost due to the included LPDDR5x. The N5 Air, N5 Pro, and original N5 retain socketed DDR5 and a more traditional external power arrangement, which can be easier to service or adjust over time. The series overall remains defined by a compact 5 bay layout paired with multi-gig networking and expansion options, with the main differences now centered on compute tier, memory strategy, and how far the platform is intended to scale.

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