Prime Day 2025 is not just a normal sales thing, it’s when the best deals becomes a quest for many, especially tech enthusiasts and savvy shoppers. This November, as we approach the holiday season, our focus sharpens on a segment that’s increasingly popular in the tech community: Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions, particularly Terramaster products known for their quality and dependability in data storage. If you’re planning to enhance your home network, set up an efficient media server, or secure your files with reliable backup, Terramaster’s range might have the perfect solution for you. With Amazon Prime Day’s impressive discounts, it could be the ideal time to invest in your tech infrastructure. We’ve sorted the deals by region,.so we’ve got you covered.
US Terramaster Prime Day 2025 Deals
Stay tuned for tables showcasing the hottest deals on Terramaster products for our US-based readers.
TerraMaster D8 Hybrid NVMe HDD USB RAID Storage 8-Bay
DAS
$239.99 (20% off)
TerraMaster D5-300 RAID 5 Storage 5-Bay
DAS
194.99 (25% off)
TerraMaster TD2 Thunderbolt 3 RAID Storage 2-Bay
DAS
$207.99 (20% off)
UK Terramaster Prime Day 2025 Deals
To our dear readers in the United Kingdom, we haven’t forgotten you. Here’s a curated list of the top Terramaster NAS and DAS deals available on your shores this Prime Day 2025.
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.
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We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
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.
En cherchant quelques bons plans à l’occasion du Prime Day, je suis tombé sur un produit qui n’a fait l’objet d’aucune annonce officielle : le UGREEN DH4300 Plus. Il s’agit d’un NAS 4 baies proposé à 343,99 €. Ce modèle intrigue autant par sa discrétion que par sa fiche technique…
UGREEN DH4300 Plus
Le UGREEN DH4300 Plus adopte un design peu commun qui rappelle étrangement celui du QNAP TS-453mini sorti en 2015. L’accès aux emplacements disques se fait en soulevant le couvercle supérieur, un choix de conception original pour ce segment.
Architecture
Ce NAS est propulsé par un SoC Rockchip RK3588C, un octo-cœur ARM composé de :
4 cœurs Cortex-A76 cadencés à 2,4/2,6 GHz
4 cœurs Cortex-A55 à 1,8 GHz
Le tout est accompagné d’un GPU Mali-G610 MP4 et d’un NPU 2.0 (Neural Processing Unit), dédié aux traitements d’intelligence artificielle. Ce dernier pourrait notamment permettre la reconnaissance faciale ou la recherche sémantique dans les photos, en local.
La mémoire vive serait de 8 Go de RAM DDR5, non extensible selon les premières informations.
Connectique
Pour ce qui est des interfaces de connexion, le NAS dispose :
1* port USB 3.0 (Type-C) en façade
2* port USB 3.0 (Type-A) à l’arrière
1* sortie HDMI Ultra HD/4K 60Hz
1* port réseau 2,5 Gb/s
On notera également la présence d’une puce NFC en façade, censée simplifier l’accès ou le partage de documents.
Système
Le NAS fonctionne avec UGOS, le système propriétaire de la marque, déjà utilisé sur les autres modèles UGREEN. Il devrait offrir les mêmes applications maison. Pour l’instant, aucune information ne confirme la possibilité d’installer un système alternatif
Prix et disponibilité
L’UGREEN DH4300 Plus est une curiosité qui pourrait séduire les amateurs à la recherche d’un bon rapport performance/prix. Si aucune communication officielle n’a été faite autour de ce modèle, il est pourtant disponible à 343,99 € (Prime Day), un tarif intéressant pour un NAS 4 baies. Il se positionne en concurrence directe avec des modèles comme le QNAP TS-433 ou le Synology DS423…
Prime Day Bargains on Synology, QNAP, UGREEN, Terramaster, Seagate and More to Watch
That’s right, it’s that time once again—Amazon Prime Day 2025 has arrived. The biggest e-retail giant in the world is rolling out its annual mega sale, and for those of us with a Prime subscription quietly siphoning cash every month, now’s the time to get something back. Whether you’re a home user looking to back up your devices or a business admin in need of robust storage solutions, Prime Day has consistently proven to be a great opportunity to upgrade your setup without breaking the bank. Unlike Black Friday—which tends to sprawl out across weeks and multiple platforms—Prime Day is a more concentrated event. That means the window to make a decision is often brief, and the best deals can vanish in hours, sometimes even minutes. So if you’re eyeing that NAS you’ve been meaning to buy or hoping to expand your RAID array with some fresh HDDs or SSDs, now’s the time to act fast.
Today, we’re rounding up as many of the best Amazon Prime Day deals on NAS and storage tech as we can find. That includes offers on popular brands like Synology, QNAP, WD, Seagate, Terramaster, and others. Alongside the real-time deals that we (me and Eddie—yes, still working double shifts!) track throughout the event, we’ve also put together a list of recommended hardware to watch for. Many of these devices pop up on lightning deals with limited stock, so having a shortlist in mind can really help.
Important Note – Every year, we run these Prime Day and Black Friday deal pages the same way: by personally curating the offers we believe are genuinely worth it. If it’s not something we’d buy ourselves, we won’t include it. You can also contribute and share any bargains you come across using the community deal-sharing tool below. We do this for a couple of reasons. First, to help people make smarter decisions with their tech purchases. Second, because every time someone clicks a deal link and makes a purchase, we receive a small commission from Amazon—no extra cost to you. That affiliate income directly supports the site and allows us to keep producing NAS guides, reviews, and how-to content every single day.
So, whether you’re looking to finally set up your first Plex server, expand your surveillance system, or just secure a better backup routine—there’s a good chance something will be on offer during Prime Day 2025. And if you’re unsure what’s right for your setup, don’t forget you can always use our Free Advice service for tailored recommendations.
Let’s dive into the deals!
NOTE – Just Adding European Deals Right Now. The U.S Amazon Prime Day deals and offers are just appearing as we speak, so I will add them as they pop up and are worth going for !
GMKTec G9 Nucbox 4x NVMe NAS + 64GB eMMC -15% $169.99 – HERE
26TB WD Red Pro NAS Hard Drive, –15% $484.49 List Price: $569.99 – HERE
UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NAS (US) -25% $519.99 (Regular price $699.99) – HERE
Terramaster F6-424 6-Bay NAS -20% £479.99 (Was: $599) – HERE
Asustor Flashstor 12 Pro FS6712X – 12Bay SSD 10GbE NAS, -15% $679.00 List Price: $799.00 – HERE
CWWK Mini PC N100 Firewall Hardware 2 x 10GbE SFP+, 2 x i226V 2.5GbE, –20% $179.20HERE
QNAP TS-233-2G-US 2 Bay NAS, 20% $159.00 (List Price: $159.00) – HERE
QNAP TS-433-4G-US 4 Bay NAS, 18% $309.00 (List Price: $379.00) – HERE
Seagate IronWolf Pro 24TB NAS Hard Drive – Now $419 – HERE
Seagate Expansion 28TB External Hard Drive, -13% $329.99 Now – HERE
CWWK X86-P6 N150 4X m.2 NAS – -15% €184.44 Was: €216.99 – HERE
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
If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
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.
Les Amazon Prime Day se déroulent les 8 et 11 juillet 2025. Réservées exclusivement aux membres du programme Amazon Prime, ces journées promotionnelles offrent l’opportunité de réaliser d’importantes économies sur des milliers de produits, notamment dans les catégories high tech, maison, mode, et bien d’autres.
C’est une période particulièrement propice pour ceux qui souhaitent anticiper certains achats ou renouveler leur équipement à moindre coût. Les réductions proposées peuvent atteindre des niveaux rarement vus en dehors du Black Friday.
Le NAS UGREEN DXP2800 est à 279,99€. Il s’agit d’un boitier 2 baies complet, animé par processeur Quad Core Intel N100 cadencé à 2 GHz (mode Burst jusqu’à 3,4 GHz) et épaulé par 8 Go de RAM DDR5.
On retrouve également l’excellent DXP4800 Plus au prix de 559,99€. Il s’agit d’un NAS 4 baies survitaminées, proposant une configuration robuste et du 10 Gb/s !
Le SSD externe SanDisk Extreme de 2 To est au prix de 151,98€ (un prix jamais vu). Le boitier propose de l’USB Type C et il peut atteindre jusqu’à 1000 Mo/s en lecture et écriture. Il est lui aussi résistant à la poussière et aux projections d’eau (IP65) !
Le MacBook Air M4 chute à 974€ (au lieu de 1199€ chez Apple). Il s’agit d’un ordinateur portable avec un écran de 13,6 pouces. Il est surpuissant avec une autonomie de 18 heures !
Les AirPods Pro de 2e génération sont à 199€ (au lieu de 279€ chez Apple). Il s’agit certainement des meilleurs écouteurs antibruits pour les fans de la marque.
La prise connectée EVE Energy (compatible Matter) est à 29,99€. C’est une excellente prise connectée, respectueuse de la vie privée. Elle ne nécessite ni de cloud, ni d’inscription et tout fonctionne 100 % en local. Vous pouvez y aller les yeux fermés.
La station météo Netatmo Intérieur/Extérieur est à 109,99€ (remise de 19%) ! C’est sans aucun doute l’un des meilleurs produits de sa catégorie. L’application mobile évolue régulièrement.
Pour faire un suivi de son poids, on peut prendre une pèse personne classique ou une balance connectée WITHINGS ! Cette dernière dispose d’un indicateur de masse grasse, de masse musculaire et peut même indiquer le pourcentage d’eau. Elle est à un prix de 79,95 € !
On présente plus ce classique, l’Amazon Kindle ! Toutes les versions (y compris les dernières) sont en promotion aujourd’hui et le premier prix démarre à partir de 69,99€.
On ne le présente plus, Microsoft 365 famille est à 53,99€ (prix conseillé 189€) pendant 12 mois.. On retrouve toute la suite Office avec Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote… et surtout 6 comptes distincts avec chacun 1 To en ligne (soit 6 To en tout). Pour information, ce stockage en ligne est compatible avec les NAS Synology et QNAP. Si vous n’avez besoin d’un seul compte, le prix chute à 43,99€. Le choix est vite fait
Pour profiter de ces promotions, il vous faut absolument un abonnement à Prime. L’adhésion est à 6,99€ par mois (ou 69,99€ par an). Aussi, vous pouvez profiter gratuitement avec 30 jours d’essai gratuit !
De plus, vous aurez des conditions avantageuses pour les livraisons et accès aux services suivants : Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Gaming, Prime Reading…
Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now (Mid-2025) for Under $499
As of mid-2025, the sub-$499 NAS market is more competitive than ever, with several brands offering systems that deliver strong hardware, dedicated operating systems, and multiple drive bays within a modest budget. For home users, prosumers, and small teams looking to centralize data, manage backups, or stream media locally, this price bracket now includes options that would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. From rackmount storage appliances to compact flash-based servers, there are now choices to suit a wide variety of workloads and network environments.
This article examines five out-of-the-box NAS systems that are currently available for $499 or less. While each system takes a slightly different approach—whether prioritizing raw bandwidth, containerization, virtualization support, or software simplicity—they all represent viable solutions for users seeking value without compromising core functionality.
Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy
All of the NAS systems featured in this list are diskless, meaning they do not include storage media by default. Users will need to purchase compatible 3.5″ HDDs, 2.5″ SSDs, or M.2 NVMe drives separately depending on the system’s configuration. This significantly affects the total cost of ownership, particularly for all-flash systems where NVMe drives are required. Some devices also use onboard flash or eMMC storage to house the operating system, but this is not sufficient for general file storage. Buyers should also consider the cost of drives, RAID redundancy planning, and any accessories (e.g., cables or cooling enhancements) when budgeting for deployment.
Another consideration is the variation in NAS operating systems provided. While most models come with a vendor-specific OS—such as Synology DSM, TerraMaster TOS, UGOS, or Unraid—some platforms allow or even encourage the installation of third-party alternatives like TrueNAS or Unraid without voiding hardware warranties. However, in cases where the software stack is less mature or limited in features, users may need to invest more time configuring services such as Plex, Docker, or SMB sharing manually. As such, these systems are best suited to users who are comfortable managing basic network services or are willing to explore more advanced functionality over time.
UniFi UNAS Pro 7-Bay NAS
$499 – ARM Cortex-A57 – 8GB – 7x 3.5″ SATA – 1x 10GbE SFP+, 1x 1GbE – UniFi OS – BUY HERE
The UniFi UNAS Pro is a 2U rackmount NAS solution designed primarily for high-speed, large-scale data storage. It features seven hot-swappable 2.5″/3.5″ SATA drive bays and is built around a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor running at 1.7GHz, paired with 8GB of onboard DDR4 memory. Unlike general-purpose NAS systems that include container support or multimedia features, this device is focused purely on network file storage. It offers robust network connectivity with both a 10GbE SFP+ port and a 1GbE RJ45 port, making it suitable for use cases where bandwidth is a priority—such as centralized backups, archival storage, or high-volume file transfers within a UniFi-managed network.
The system is managed via UniFi’s Drive app within the UniFi OS ecosystem, and supports standard RAID configurations including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6. Power redundancy is provided via a dual-input system—an internal 200W AC/DC PSU and support for USP-RPS DC failover. There’s also a 1.3-inch front panel touchscreen for quick diagnostics and system status at the rack. While it lacks container support, virtualization, or media server capabilities, it integrates easily with other UniFi products or can operate as a standalone storage node in a mixed environment. For users who require reliable, scalable storage with 10GbE connectivity but can forego app extensibility, the UNAS Pro represents a straightforward, hardware-driven option in the sub-$500 space.
Component
Specification
CPU
Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A57 @ 1.7GHz
Memory
8GB DDR4
Drive Bays
7x 2.5″/3.5″ SATA HDD/SSD
Networking
1x 10GbE SFP+, 1x 1GbE
Power
200W internal PSU + USP-RPS redundancy
OS
UniFi OS / Drive App
Display
1.3″ touchscreen
Form Factor
2U Rackmount
Dimensions
442 x 325 x 87 mm
Weight
9.5 kg with brackets
UGREEN NASync DXP4800 NAS
$499– Intel N100 – 8GB – 4x 3.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe – 2x 2.5GbE – UGOS Pro – BUY HERE
The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 is a desktop 4-bay NAS that combines hybrid storage architecture with modern I/O and a maturing proprietary OS. It is powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor from Intel’s 12th-gen Alder Lake-N series, paired with 8GB of DDR5 memory and 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for the operating system. In addition to its four SATA bays, it includes two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, enabling users to build a fast caching tier or SSD-only volumes for improved application performance. Network connectivity includes dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, and the system supports link aggregation for higher throughput or failover scenarios.
On the software side, the unit runs UGOS Pro, UGREEN’s in-house NAS operating system. It includes support for RAID 0/1/5/6/10, Docker containers, Plex, remote access, and cloud sync tools. While UGOS is less mature than systems like DSM or TrueNAS, it has improved over successive updates and includes a clean web UI for file sharing, snapshots, and media streaming. Front and rear USB 3.2 ports (including USB-C) and an SD 3.0 card reader add to its usability for media professionals. For users who prefer a GUI-based setup with broad feature support and hybrid storage flexibility, the DXP4800 offers substantial value in the under-$500 bracket—especially when discounted.
Component
Specification
CPU
Intel N100 (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz)
Memory
8GB DDR5 (upgradable to 16GB)
Drive Bays
4x SATA (3.5″/2.5″) + 2x M.2 NVMe
Networking
2x 2.5GbE LAN
Ports
1x USB-C (10Gbps), 2x USB-A, SD Card Reader
Video Output
1x HDMI (4K)
OS
UGOS Pro
Power Consumption
35.18W (access), 15.43W (hibernation)
Dimensions
257 x 178 x 178 mm (approx.)
LincStation N2 NAS
$399 – Intel N100 – 16GB – 2x 2.5″ SATA + 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 10GbE – Unraid OS – BUY HERE
The LincStation N2 is a compact, all-SSD NAS that delivers a high-performance spec sheet at a relatively low price. Powered by an Intel N100 processor and equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, it supports a mix of two 2.5″ SATA SSDs and four M.2 2280 NVMe drives. This six-bay design—entirely SSD-based—is geared toward users who require faster IOPS, quieter operation, and lower power draw than traditional hard drive-based systems. Network connectivity is handled by a single 10GbE RJ45 port, a rare inclusion in this price bracket and especially valuable for direct workstation or multi-client environments.
The device ships with an Unraid Starter license pre-installed, giving users access to advanced features like Docker container support, virtual machines, hardware passthrough, and flexible storage management. While Unraid requires some learning curve for new users, it offers a high degree of customization and adaptability compared with fixed software stacks. The system also includes HDMI output, USB-C, USB 3.2, and multiple USB 2.0 ports, making it suitable for use as a lightweight home server or media workstation. For users prioritizing SSD storage, 10GbE, and virtualization support, the LincStation N2 delivers a capable platform that’s uncommon at this price point.
Component
Specification
CPU
Intel N100 (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz)
Memory
16GB LPDDR5 (non-upgradable)
Drive Bays
2x 2.5″ SATA + 4x M.2 NVMe
Networking
1x 10GbE LAN
Ports
1x USB-C (10Gbps), 1x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
Video/Audio
HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm audio out
OS
Unraid (Starter license included)
Dimensions
210 x 152 x 39.8 mm
Weight
800g
TerraMaster F4 SSD NAS
$399 – Intel N95 – 8GB – 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 5GbE – TOS (TerraMaster OS) – BUY HERE
The TerraMaster F4 SSD is a 4-bay, all-flash NAS designed for high-speed home storage, media streaming, and photo management. It is equipped with an Intel N95 processor, an entry-level quad-core CPU from Intel’s Alder Lake-N family, and 8GB of DDR5 memory via a single SODIMM module. Storage is handled via four M.2 NVMe slots: two operating at PCIe 3.0 x2 speeds and two at PCIe 3.0 x1. These are designed for SSDs only—no support for SATA drives is provided. On the network side, the unit includes a single 5GbE port, offering a higher single-link bandwidth than systems using dual 2.5GbE, and can be directly connected to 10GbE networks at reduced speeds.
The system runs TerraMaster’s TOS operating system, which supports multimedia applications like Plex and Emby, cloud sync, photo AI tagging, user account control, and flexible backup solutions. TOS includes support for Btrfs and TRAID (TerraMaster RAID), along with remote access features and mobile apps for file synchronization and photo uploads. With three high-speed USB ports (2x Type-A and 1x Type-C), HDMI output, and low-noise fan operation (~19 dB), the F4 SSD targets users looking for a quieter, flash-based NAS for home environments. It lacks 2.5″/3.5″ bay support but offers fast SSD performance in a small form factor with minimal configuration requirements.
The Synology DS425+ is a 4-bay NAS designed to serve as an entry point into Synology’s DSM ecosystem, offering a balance between hardware efficiency and access to a mature, enterprise-grade operating system. It runs on the Intel Celeron J4125 processor, a quad-core chip with a base frequency of 2.0GHz and a burst frequency of 2.7GHz. The system ships with 2GB of DDR4 non-ECC memory, expandable up to 6GB, and supports both 3.5″/2.5″ SATA drives and two M.2 NVMe SSDs for caching or storage volumes. For networking, it includes one 2.5GbE port and one standard 1GbE port, giving users some flexibility depending on their switching infrastructure.
DSM (DiskStation Manager) remains one of the most advanced NAS operating systems available, offering built-in apps for file management, media streaming, surveillance, and virtualization. Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) is supported for flexible storage management, along with Btrfs file system benefits such as snapshots and data integrity checks. The DS425+ is part of Synology’s 2025 refresh lineup, which enforces stricter compatibility with Synology-branded drives. Users should confirm drive support in advance, particularly if planning to reuse existing disks. Despite these limitations, for users seeking reliability, security features, and long-term OS support, the DS425+ remains a strong choice at the $499 price point.
Component
Specification
CPU
Intel Celeron J4125 (4 cores, up to 2.7GHz)
Memory
2GB DDR4 (expandable to 6GB)
Drive Bays
4x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe
Networking
1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x 1GbE LAN
Ports
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1
OS
Synology DSM 7.x
File System
Btrfs, EXT4
Dimensions
166 x 199 x 223 mm
Weight
2.18 kg
The NAS market under $499 in mid-2025 presents a broad spectrum of options tailored to different storage priorities and technical requirements. Whether you’re looking for high-capacity traditional RAID storage, SSD-focused performance, or a feature-rich operating system, there are viable choices within this price bracket. The UniFi UNAS Pro stands out as a pure storage appliance with 10GbE connectivity and seven bays, suited for high-throughput archival or backup scenarios. Meanwhile, the UGREEN DXP4800 and LincStation N2 offer hybrid and full-flash storage respectively, with both systems supporting modern features like Docker, virtualization, and optional third-party OS deployment. For those focused on user-friendly software ecosystems and long-term support, Synology’s DS425+ remains a leading contender, albeit with stricter drive compatibility requirements. On the other hand, the TerraMaster F4 SSD delivers compact all-SSD storage with high-speed 5GbE networking and a growing feature set in TOS, including AI photo management and multimedia tools. All five models require user-supplied storage media and, in some cases, benefit from user familiarity with setup or configuration processes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on how much weight you place on performance, expandability, software polish, and overall system control within this tightly priced segment.
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
If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
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.
QNAP vient d’annoncer la sortie de Qsync 6.0 Bêta. Il s’agit d’une mise à jour majeure de son outil de gestion de fichiers. Déjà connu pour sa capacité à synchroniser les fichiers entre un NAS QNAP et d’autres appareils, Qsync intègre désormais des fonctions complètes de sauvegarde planifiée et de multi-versions. L’objectif est de proposer une solution simple et tout-en-un…
QNAP Qsync 6.0
Contrairement à ce que son nom peut faire penser, Qsync ne fait pas que de la synchronisation… Qsync 6.0 permet désormais la sauvegarde automatique ou planifiée de fichiers et de dossiers depuis des machines sous Windows, avec une compatibilité macOS prévue prochainement. En cas de suppression accidentelle ou de panne, une fonctionnalité de restauration instantanée permet de retrouver les versions précédentes des fichiers. L’utilisateur peut choisir entre des sauvegardes en temps réel, planifiées ou manuelles, selon ses besoins.
source EVO
Synchronisation multi-appareils toujours présente
Ne vous y trompez pas, la synchronisation reste un pilier central de Qsync. L’application propose des règles de synchronisation unidirectionnelle ou bidirectionnelle entre NAS, ordinateurs et appareils mobiles. Une fonction hors ligne permet de travailler sans connexion, les modifications sont synchronisées dès que l’accès au NAS est rétabli. Le téléchargement à la demande limite la consommation de stockage local en ne téléchargeant que les fichiers ouverts.
Collaboration et partage optimisés
Qsync améliore également la partie collaboration grâce aux dossiers partagés, qui garantissent que tous les membres accèdent aux versions les plus récentes des documents. Le partage sécurisé via des liens personnalisables facilite les échanges avec des partenaires internes ou externes, sans multiplier les copies ou versions.
Prérequis
Qsync 6.0 fonctionne comme un agent au niveau de l’ordinateur et nécessite d’avoir également sur le NAS l’application Qsync Central installée. Cependant, la dernière version (permettant la sauvegarde) est uniquement réservée à QTS. QuTS hero et QuTScloud recevront la mise à jour (permettant la comptabilité) très prochainement.
En synthèse
Cette évolution de Qsync renforce la position de QNAP sur le segment des solutions hybrides de stockage et de collaboration. La synchronisation offre de nombreux atouts, mais elle doit être combinée à de la sauvegarde… QNAP propose ici un véritable couteau suisse avec Qsync 6.0. La nouvelle version apporte une réponse aux enjeux croissants de sécurité, de flexibilité et d’efficacité des environnements professionnels.
Pour en savoir plus sur la sauvegarde et restauration chez QNAP, suivez ce lien…
Depuis juillet 2018, j’ai fait le choix d’abandonner Google Analytics au profit de Matomo (ex-Piwik) pour mesurer et analyser la fréquentation de Cachem. Pourquoi ce changement ? D’abord pour mieux respecter la vie privée des visiteurs. Ensuite, pour reprendre le contrôle total sur mes données.Après plusieurs années d’utilisation, voici mon retour d’expérience, sans langue de bois, sur ce que Matomo apporte au quotidien, ses avantages et limites… enfin pourquoi il est plus que jamais une alternative crédible à Google Analytics.
Pourquoi quitter Google Analytics ?
Quand on gère un site web, l’analyse du trafic est importante : connaître le nombre de visiteurs, les pages les plus consultées, le type d’appareils utilisés, la vitesse de chargement, etc. Ces données sont précieuses pour optimiser l’expérience utilisateur. Google Analytics s’est imposé comme la référence dans le secteur, grâce à sa gratuité (comme très souvent avec Google), sa puissance et ses nombreux rapports. Mais à quel prix ? Les données collectées ne nous appartiennent plus vraiment, elles alimentent les bases de données de Google et la question de la confidentialité se pose encore et toujours.
En tant que blogueur, j’ai toujours eu à cœur de respecter les lecteurs, souvent technophiles comme moi et soucieux de leur vie privée. Beaucoup utilisent des bloqueurs de pub et certains vont plus loin en bloquant aussi les outils d’analyse de trafic. Je comprends ce choix : la publicité intrusive et le tracking à outrance ont pourri le Web. D’ailleurs, la publicité sur Cachem se résume à un bloc de logos statiques, en haut à droite.
Matomo : une alternative respectueuse
Mon choix s’est porté sur Matomo, une solution open source, qui coche toutes les cases : auto-hébergement, anonymisation des données, conformité avec les recommandations de la CNIL… et surtout, aucune fuite d’informations vers des tiers. Les données restent sur mon serveur et seul moi y ai accès. C’est un vrai plus en matière de confidentialité, mais aussi de transparence vis-à-vis de vous, les lecteurs et visiteurs.
Au début, Matomo n’était pas parfait. Ma première tentative, il y a quelques années, avait tourné court, car l’interface était peu ergonomique et les fonctionnalités étaient dispersées… Bref, je n’avais pas été convaincu. Mais depuis, l’outil a énormément évolué. Aujourd’hui, tout y est : statistiques détaillées, suivi des pages vues, analyse des appareils utilisés, temps passé sur le site, taux de rebond… L’interface a été revue, les rapports sont bien plus clairs et Matomo est régulièrement mis à jour.
Les points forts de Matomo
Respect de la vie privée : les données restent sur le serveur du site, pas chez un géant du Web (anonymisation, conformité RGPD/CNIL…) ;
Open source : code ouvert, communauté active, chacun peut contribuer ;
Richesse des fonctionnalités : statistiques avancées, suivi des conversions, analyse des campagnes, gestion des événements via le Tag Manager ;
Autonomie : pas de dépendance à un tiers. En cas de souci, on garde la main.
Les limites (soyons honnêtes)
Bloqué par certains Adblocks : comme Google Analytics, Matomo peut être bloqué par les extensions anti-tracking ou certains navigateurs comme Brave. Résultat : une partie du trafic échappe à l’analyse, ce qui fausse un peu les statistiques ;
Installation et maintenance : Matomo s’installe sur son propre serveur, ce qui demande un minimum de compétences techniques, il faut s’en occuper soi-même (ou opter pour l’offre cloud payante) ;
Interface différente : les habitués de Google Analytics devront s’adapter, certaines fonctions sont moins “plug & play”.
Matomo vs Google Analytics : un vrai choix de valeurs
Au-delà des aspects techniques, c’est une question d’éthique et de respect des visiteurs. Ai-je vraiment besoin de collecter autant de données ? Est-ce que chaque clic doit finir dans une base de données opaque, exploitée à d’autres fins ? Avec Matomo, je peux continuer à analyser le trafic de Cachem et du Forum des NAS, optimiser l’expérience utilisateur, tout en restant fidèle à mes valeurs : confidentialité, transparence et respect de la vie privée.
Certains diront que je suis un ayatollah de la vie privée ou un anti-américain. Ce n’est pas le cas. J’utilise des services américains au quotidien.
Mais je pense sincèrement qu’en tant qu’éditeur, il est de notre responsabilité de nous poser les bonnes questions. La vie privée est précieuse, il est temps d’en prendre conscience si ce n’est pas déjà fait. Ça fait peut-être “vieux con”, mais je reste convaincu que nous choisissons trop souvent des services par facilité ou parce qu’ils sont “gratuits” (comme souvent avec Google). Et ce choix, à terme, a un prix.
The Minisforum N5 Pro marks the company’s first deliberate step into the network-attached storage (NAS) segment, building upon its established experience in producing compact desktops, mini-PCs, and workstation-class hardware. First hinted at during industry discussions at IFA 2024 and formally revealed during CES 2025 in Nevada, the N5 Pro was later showcased in its near-final form at Computex 2025 in Taipei before entering production. Positioned as a high-performance NAS platform for advanced users, homelab enthusiasts, and small business operators, the N5 Pro aims to deliver server-class processing and expandability within a familiar, small-footprint chassis design. Alongside the N5 Pro, Minisforum released a standard N5 model at a lower price point, utilizing an 8-core processor without ECC memory support but retaining the same overall feature set and drive layout. Both systems ship with Minisforum’s proprietary MinisCloud OS pre-installed on a 64GB NVMe SSD, while remaining fully compatible with third-party NAS operating systems such as TrueNAS, Unraid, or Linux distributions. This review examines the N5 Pro model in detail, including its industrial design, internal hardware configuration, connectivity options, bundled software, real-world performance testing, and overall value proposition within the evolving NAS market.
IMPORTANT – Below are the links to the OFFICIAL Minisforum site to buy the N5 and N5 Pro. However, using these links does not support us (i.e we do not get an affiliate fee). We want you to buy this device from whichever retailer best suits your needs, but we hope you are able to support the work we do (such as this review and our YouTube channel) but using the links above for your storage media, or any other data storage/network solution purchase.
The Minisforum N5 Pro is an impressive and highly versatile NAS platform that successfully combines the core strengths of a storage appliance with the capabilities of a compact, workstation-class server, making it suitable for demanding and varied use cases. Its defining features include a 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 24 threads and onboard AI acceleration up to 50 TOPS, support for up to 96GB of ECC-capable DDR5 memory for data integrity, and a hybrid storage architecture offering up to 144TB total capacity through a mix of five SATA bays and three NVMe/U.2 slots. Additional highlights such as ZFS file system support with snapshots, inline compression, and self-healing, along with high-speed networking via dual 10GbE and 5GbE ports, and expansion through PCIe Gen 4 ×16 and OCuLink interfaces, position it well beyond the capabilities of typical consumer NAS systems. The compact, fully metal chassis is easy to service and efficiently cooled, enabling continuous operation even under sustained virtual machine, AI, or media workloads. At the same time, the bundled MinisCloud OS, while feature-rich with AI photo indexing, Docker support, and mobile integration, remains a work in progress, lacking some enterprise-grade polish, robust localization, and more advanced tools expected in mature NAS ecosystems. Minor drawbacks such as the external PSU, the thermally challenged pre-installed OS SSD, and the higher cost of the Pro variant relative to the standard N5 are important to weigh, particularly for users who may not fully utilize the Pro’s ECC and AI-specific advantages. For advanced users, homelab builders, and technical teams who require high compute density, flexible storage, and full control over their software stack, the N5 Pro delivers workstation-level performance and configurability in NAS form—offering one of the most forward-thinking and adaptable solutions available today in this segment.
BUILD QUALITY - 10/10
HARDWARE - 9/10
PERFORMANCE - 9/10
PRICE - 7/10
VALUE - 8/10
8.6
PROS
High-performance AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 12 cores, 24 threads, and AI acceleration (50 TOPS NPU) is INCREDIBLE for a compact desktop purchase Support for up to 96GB DDR5 memory with ECC, ensuring data integrity and stability in critical environments ZFS-ready storage with numerous ZFS and TRADITIONAL RAID configurations, snapshots, and inline compression Hybrid storage support: five 3.5\\\"/2.5\\\" SATA bays plus three NVMe/U.2 SSD slots, with up to 144TB total capacity Versatile expansion options including PCIe Gen 4 ×16 slot (×4 electrical) and OCuLink port for GPUs or NVMe cages Dual high-speed networking: 10GbE and 5GbE RJ45 ports with link aggregation support + (using the inclusive MinisCloud OS) the use of the USB4 ports for direct PC/Mac connection! Fully metal, compact, and serviceable chassis with thoughtful cooling and accessible internal layout - makes maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting a complete breeze! Compatibility with third-party OSes (TrueNAS, Unraid, Linux) without voiding warranty, offering flexibility for advanced users
CONS
MinisCloud OS is functional but immature, with unfinished localisation and limited advanced enterprise features - lacks MFA, iSCSI, Security Scanner and More. Nails several key fundamentals, but still feels unfinished at this time. Despite External PSU design (will already annoy some users), it generates a lot of additional heat and may not appeal to all users overall Preinstalled 64GB OS SSD runs hot under sustained use and lacks dedicated cooling. Plus, losing one of the 3 m.2 slots to it will not please everyone (most brands manage to find a way to apply an eMMC into the board more directly, or use a USB bootloader option as a gateway for their OS Premium $1000+ pricing may be hard to justify for users who don’t need ECC memory or AI capabilities compared to the standard N5 at $500+
The Minisforum N5 Pro continues the company’s emphasis on compact yet industrial-grade hardware, retaining a desktop-friendly footprint of 199 x 202 x 252 mm and weighing just under 5 kg. Its exterior is constructed from anodized aluminum alloy, which not only enhances durability but also serves as part of the system’s passive thermal management by dispersing residual heat through the shell.
The front panel is understated, housing clearly labeled LEDs for system status, network activity indicators for both network interfaces, and separate activity lights for each of the five SATA bays.
A recessed power button with integrated LED, reset hole, and anti-theft lock slot round out the front-facing controls. The system’s modular internal structure divides the upper and lower sections cleanly, with the drive cage occupying the top tier and the motherboard and expansion slots housed below.
The slide-out tray design for the storage cage facilitates fast maintenance and upgrades, and access to all internal components requires minimal disassembly, aided by two easily removable rear screws and a fully detachable back panel. This thoughtful layout supports not only ease of serviceability but also helps maintain clean cable management for improved airflow.
The N5 Pro’s storage architecture is designed for maximum flexibility and density within its size constraints. The primary storage array comprises five individual 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA 3.0 bays arranged in a stacked configuration at the front of the chassis. Each bay supports drives of up to 22TB, allowing a maximum mechanical storage capacity of 110TB, which positions the N5 Pro among the most storage-dense NAS devices in its class.
Unlike some competing NAS designs that rely on port multiplexing, each SATA port on the N5 Pro is directly connected to the mainboard without oversubscription, ensuring consistent throughput per drive. Beyond the five SATA bays, the system includes three additional high-speed NVMe slots.
Two of these support either M.2 or U.2 SSDs up to 15TB each, while the remaining slot supports an M.2 SSD up to 4TB.
Minisforum includes an adapter to convert the two U.2-compatible slots to standard M.2 form factor if desired, which accommodates more commonly available SSDs without sacrificing future enterprise U.2 upgrade options.
In its default shipping configuration, the N5 Pro arrives with a 64GB M.2 2230 SSD preinstalled, preloaded with MinisCloud OS. This small OS drive occupies one M.2 slot and can be replaced with a larger, higher-performance SSD if needed.
The device supports a full suite of RAID levels, both through hardware and software configuration, thanks to its ZFS-based storage stack within MinisCloud OS. Users can configure the five SATA bays in RAID 0 for maximum throughput, RAID 1 or RAID 10 for redundancy, or RAIDZ1/RAID5 and RAIDZ2/RAID6 for more advanced parity protection.
The combination of ZFS and hardware flexibility allows mixed configurations, where NVMe SSDs can be dedicated to cache or high-performance “hot” data pools while SATA disks serve as mass storage. This arrangement supports scenarios like virtual machine hosting alongside archival media storage in a single chassis. Notably, ZFS features such as inline LZ4 compression and snapshot-based recovery are natively supported in MinisCloud OS, enabling efficient storage utilization and simplified recovery workflows.
During extended operation with fully populated SATA bays and NVMe slots, the drives maintained expected IOPS and sustained throughput without any noticeable drop in performance, a reflection of the system’s balanced backplane and effective drive isolation.
The 5 SATA Bay cage is connected to then main board with a 2GB/20Gb/s connection and is managed by the SATA sata JMicron Technology Corp. JMB58x
The physical implementation of drive installation is straightforward, with each SATA tray supporting toolless insertion and clearly numbered for easy identification. The trays are designed to accommodate both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives securely, while the NVMe and U.2 slots are easily accessible on the motherboard side of the chassis. Importantly, the U.2 support provides access to enterprise-class SSDs, which offer higher durability, better thermal tolerance, and larger capacities compared to consumer NVMe drives.
This feature caters to professional environments where storage write endurance is critical. The SATA backplane is integrated into the drive cage and connects cleanly to the motherboard with no loose cabling, simplifying airflow management and minimizing potential points of failure. Throughout the chassis, Minisforum has kept the cable routing tidy, with wiring harnesses anchored to prevent obstruction of airflow paths or contact with hot surfaces.
Cooling for the storage components is managed through a well-considered combination of passive and active elements. Front-side intake vents direct cool air across the SATA drives, while two dedicated rear-mounted exhaust fans draw heat away from the drive array and motherboard area.
The vented base panel assists with maintaining negative pressure and facilitating lateral airflow, preventing localized hot spots.
The NVMe and U.2 SSDs benefit from placement near the rear and bottom fans, maintaining acceptable temperatures under sustained workloads.
Interestingly, you can see the similarities in the design of the brand’s current smaller workstation systems, with their 2 fan (top and bottom) placement – they have just built on top of this by introducing the storage and it’s own dedicated cooling.
The 64GB OS SSD, however, does not feature a dedicated heatsink and was observed to operate at relatively high temperatures during stress testing—likely due to its compact 2230 form factor. Users opting to keep MinisCloud OS on this drive may consider upgrading to a larger, better-cooled SSD for improved thermal performance.
Despite its compact footprint, the system’s thermal behavior remained predictable during long periods of mixed I/O, demonstrating that Minisforum’s chassis and airflow design are effective at keeping the storage subsystem within operational limits.
Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Internal Hardware
Internally, the Minisforum N5 Pro differentiates itself from its standard N5 counterpart primarily through its more powerful processor, memory capabilities, and additional AI acceleration hardware. At the heart of the system is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370, a Zen 5-based CPU offering 12 cores and 24 threads, with a base clock as low as 2.0 GHz for low-power states and a maximum boost clock of up to 5.1 GHz under peak loads.
The inclusion of ECC support in the Pro variant enables the use of error-correcting DDR5 memory modules—essential in mission-critical environments where data integrity is a priority. The non-Pro model, by contrast, is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 255, offering 8 cores and 16 threads, a slightly higher base clock at 3.3 GHz, but no support for ECC memory.
This choice in processors reflects different target audiences: the Pro version is designed for advanced workloads, AI model inference, and demanding multi-threaded tasks, whereas the standard N5 targets more conventional NAS and multimedia use cases. Both CPUs have a very similar integrated GPU architecture (only around 0.1Ghz of difference and similar engine design), however the non-PRO CPU R7 255 CPU actually has 20 PCIe Lanes, compared with the 16 Lanes of the HX370. Despite this, both the Pro and Non Pro have the exact same Ports, connections and lane speeds for the SSD bays and PCIe upgrade slot! So, unsure if these additional lanes are picking up slack somewhere I cannot see, or are insured (likely the former).
The Pro variant also integrates AMD’s Radeon 890M integrated graphics with 12 compute units based on the RDNA 3 architecture, supporting burst frequencies up to 2.9 GHz, which is advantageous for tasks requiring GPU-accelerated transcoding or light graphical workloads. This is a small step up from the Radeon 780M present in the standard N5, which tops out at 2.7 GHz and features fewer compute units. Notably, the N5 Pro includes a dedicated AI Neural Processing Unit (NPU) rated up to 50 TOPS (trillions of operations per second), which is absent in the standard N5. This NPU is leveraged by MinisCloud OS for AI-based features such as photo recognition and intelligent indexing, and may also benefit advanced users deploying AI workloads in containerized environments or VMs – but REALISTICALLY the main draw for this CPU and in AI deployment would be true edge-AI and LOCALLY deploying an LLM/AI on the system effectively (ChatGPT, Deepseek, etc). Together, these enhancements give the Pro configuration a performance and feature set closer to workstation-class hardware while maintaining NAS functionality.
Memory capacity and bandwidth are also noteworthy. Both variants of the N5 support up to 96GB of DDR5 memory across two SO-DIMM slots, operating at up to 5600 MT/s. In the Pro, ECC modules can be installed for error correction, while the standard model is limited to non-ECC DDR5. ECC memory is an important differentiator in enterprise and data-centric scenarios, preventing silent data corruption and improving long-term system stability.
The unit tested for this review was populated with 96GB of ECC DDR5, which performed consistently and without detectable error events during extended uptime tests. The system’s DDR5 architecture provides approximately 75% more bandwidth than equivalent DDR4 configurations, which is beneficial for high-concurrency operations, ZFS scrubbing, and virtual machine memory allocation. In effect, this memory flexibility makes the N5 Pro adaptable for both small office file sharing and more advanced computational tasks such as AI training or multi-VM deployments.
Minisforum’s choice to pair these components with a full range of storage and expansion interfaces ensures that none of the hardware is bottlenecked under realistic workloads. The PCIe Gen 4×16 slot and OCuLink port are physically accessible from within the chassis and are routed directly to CPU lanes, ensuring optimal throughput for expansion cards or external GPU enclosures. Thermal management of the internal hardware is also carefully designed: copper heatpipes, a dedicated CPU fan on the base, rear exhaust fans, and airflow channels work in tandem to keep CPU, GPU, and memory temperatures in line, even under sustained heavy usage. In testing, the CPU maintained stable boost clocks without throttling, and the DIMM temperatures remained within specification. This level of hardware specification in a NAS-class device positions the N5 Pro well beyond the scope of typical consumer NAS appliances, edging into workstation territory while retaining the flexibility and storage capabilities of a dedicated file server.
Component
N5 Pro
N5 Standard
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 (12C/24T, 2.0–5.1 GHz, Zen 5)
AMD Ryzen 7 255 (8C/16T, 3.3–4.9 GHz, Zen 5)
Integrated GPU
Radeon 890M (12CU, RDNA 3, up to 2.9 GHz)
Radeon 780M (RDNA 3, up to 2.7 GHz)
Neural Processing Unit
Up to 50 TOPS
Not available
Memory Support
DDR5 ECC or Non-ECC, up to 96GB, 5600 MT/s
DDR5 Non-ECC only, up to 96GB, 5600 MT/s
PCIe Slot
PCIe 4.0 ×16 (wired as ×4)
PCIe 4.0 ×16 (wired as ×4)
OCuLink Port
PCIe 4.0 ×4
PCIe 4.0 ×4
Cooling Features
Base CPU fan, copper pipes, rear dual fans
Base CPU fan, copper pipes, rear dual fans
Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Ports and Connections
The Minisforum N5 Pro offers a broad set of connectivity options designed to cater to a variety of deployment scenarios, from conventional NAS file sharing to more specialized compute and expansion use cases. On the rear panel, the system includes two dedicated Ethernet ports: one 10GbE RJ45 port based on the AQC113 controller, and a secondary 5GbE RJ45 port driven by a Realtek RTL8126.
Both ports support auto-negotiation and full-duplex operation, with the 10GbE interface capable of saturating high-speed networks for demanding workloads like multi-user file access, virtual machine networking, or high-resolution media streaming. Testing confirmed the ports could operate independently or together under link aggregation protocols provided by the installed OS. NIC activity LEDs are also front-mounted, providing clear visual feedback on link state and throughput. This dual-port setup makes it feasible to separate public and private subnets or configure failover for improved reliability in critical environments.
Beyond networking, the N5 Pro provides extensive high-speed peripheral and display interfaces. Two USB4 ports (with Alternate Mode DisplayPort 2.0 support) are located on the rear panel, each capable of delivering up to 20 Gbps and supporting external storage enclosures or even GPU enclosures over Thunderbolt/USB4. A single HDMI 2.1 FRL output is present, supporting up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@144Hz resolution for administrators who wish to attach a local display directly to the NAS for maintenance, media playback, or monitoring.
Additional USB ports include two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and a legacy USB 2.0 port for basic peripherals. The USB4 interfaces can also facilitate high-speed direct transfers to and from supported devices, though these capabilities are more fully realized under MinisCloud OS than third-party platforms. This is a big deal and allows for 2 more DIRECT 20Gb/s clients to connect to the system via the 2x USB4 ports, as well as the 5GbE and 10GbE connection!
Additionally, the USB4 Port, thanks to earlier testing of this setup on the Minisforum X1 AI Pro, allow for a USB4 SSD drive to comfortably deliver 3000/1500MB/s for backups as needed.
Together, these ports make the N5 Pro unusually versatile compared to typical NAS devices that tend to offer only basic USB and HDMI output.
For users who require expansion beyond the system’s standard storage and networking options, the inclusion of a full-length PCIe Gen 4 ×16 slot (electrically wired as ×4) and an OCuLink PCIe Gen 4 ×4 port provides meaningful flexibility. The PCIe slot is accessible from within the chassis and supports a variety of cards, including additional NICs, AI accelerators, or storage controllers, while the OCuLink port offers external PCIe expansion for GPU enclosures or dedicated NVMe drive cages. I was able to install a 2x 10GbE NIC card into the PCIe slot AND still use the Oculink port for the Minisforum MGA1 eGPU! Software and SDriver support will be important, but nonetheless, this is some fantastic expandability and flexibility!
During testing, the OCuLink interface successfully interfaced with an external GPU, and appeared in the OS for passthrough to VMs, confirming its utility in advanced configurations. Minisforum’s choice to include both conventional PCIe and OCuLink enables users to adapt the system to evolving needs, whether for rendering tasks, AI workloads, or extending storage beyond the internal bays. This combination of high-speed networking, display output, and expansion interfaces demonstrates the system’s hybrid role as both a NAS and a general-purpose compute platform.
Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Software and Services
The Minisforum N5 Pro ships with a pre-installed operating system called MinisCloud OS, which runs from the included 64GB M.2 2230 SSD. Based on the FNOS platform, MinisCloud OS is a ZFS-enabled NAS operating system with a graphical web interface, mobile app support, and built-in services for media, backup, and collaboration. Users can choose to use MinisCloud OS out of the box or replace it entirely with third-party solutions such as TrueNAS, Unraid, or other Linux-based NAS distributions without voiding warranty coverage.
MinisCloud OS includes a desktop-accessible GUI, with menus covering storage management, RAID/ZFS pool creation, user and group permissions, Docker container deployment, and real-time monitoring. For users who prefer a turnkey NAS experience with minimal setup, MinisCloud OS provides a convenient starting point. However, it is worth noting that the OS is still maturing; some parts of the interface, particularly language localization and advanced feature polish, are clearly in active development.
At the core of MinisCloud OS is its ZFS-based storage engine, which enables advanced features such as snapshots, inline LZ4 compression, self-healing integrity checks, and instant rollback of data pools. The snapshot interface is intuitive and responsive, allowing users to schedule, lock, and restore snapshots at a per-pool level with minimal steps. Compression is enabled by default, improving storage efficiency, particularly for highly repetitive or archival datasets.
While ZFS support is a welcome inclusion, the implementation of some monitoring features—such as SSD temperature and SMART data for NVMe drives—remains inconsistent, as noted during testing. Despite these limitations, MinisCloud OS is capable of handling mixed drive types in flexible RAID configurations (RAID 0/1/5/6/10/RAIDZ), combining high-speed NVMe SSDs with large-capacity SATA drives for tiered storage strategies. The OS also supports secure access controls, allowing administrators to segment personal, shared, and public storage spaces.
Beyond storage, MinisCloud OS offers a suite of applications targeting home and small office users. Media services include a basic DLNA server, AI-driven photo library with face and object recognition, and a music streaming module. While the AI photo library benefits from the NPU in the N5 Pro, testing showed mixed accuracy in object recognition and indexing. Backup services include one-click PC/Mac backups, scheduled sync jobs, and encrypted sharing via link-based access.
Docker support is also integrated, enabling users to deploy isolated containers for third-party apps and services. While these features align the OS with other consumer NAS ecosystems, they do feel less polished than more mature platforms from competitors, and gaps such as lack of native iSCSI target creation or advanced security scanning were noticeable. MinisCloud OS seems best suited as a lightweight, user-friendly option for those who do not wish to invest time configuring a third-party OS but may not satisfy advanced enterprise users.
The inclusion of fully offline account creation and per-user container isolation demonstrates Minisforum’s efforts to balance privacy and flexibility. No cloud account is required to use the OS, and user isolation ensures that data in Docker containers remains segregated across different accounts. Public network traversal and encrypted external sharing are supported through the web portal, making it possible to access data from outside the local network securely.
Mobile apps for Android and iOS mirror the desktop web interface and allow remote access and basic administrative tasks. Nevertheless, limitations in feature depth and the still-developing language localization suggest that while MinisCloud OS is functional and a helpful starting point, serious users will want to transition to platforms like TrueNAS or Unraid to unlock the full potential of the hardware.
Feature
Details
Pre-installed OS
MinisCloud OS (based on FNOS, ZFS-based, Linux-compatible)
File System
ZFS with snapshots, inline LZ4 compression, self-healing checks
One-click PC/Mac backup, cloud sync, encrypted link sharing
Applications
AI photo library, DLNA media server, Docker container deployment
Mobile Apps
iOS and Android remote access clients
Expansion Ready
Compatible with TrueNAS, Unraid, Linux distros, no warranty void
Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Testing, Noise and Heat
In testing, the Minisforum N5 Pro demonstrated performance levels consistent with its workstation-class specifications, particularly in multi-threaded CPU tasks and mixed storage operations. Using TrueNAS and Unraid as alternative OS options during benchmarks, the system was able to sustain heavy virtual machine (VM) workloads without instability. The Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU maintained its advertised boost clocks of up to 5.1 GHz during short burst operations, while sustaining a lower but stable frequency under extended full-load scenarios. The 12 cores and 24 threads allowed deployment of up to 12 Windows VMs and multiple Linux containers concurrently, each with dedicated vCPUs and memory. Even with the CPU loaded at approximately 50%, overall system responsiveness remained acceptable, thanks in part to the large 96GB DDR5 memory pool available in the tested configuration. ECC support ensured no uncorrected memory errors were recorded throughout a 7-day continuous stress test, affirming the platform’s suitability for 24/7 environments.
Storage performance also met expectations, though it varied depending on drive type and configuration. The five SATA bays, populated with Seagate IronWolf HDDs and SATA SSDs, delivered consistent throughput in RAID 5 and RAID 6 pools, with sequential read speeds averaging 900–1000 MB/s and writes around 800 MB/s under ZFS.
NVMe performance was significantly higher: the two Gen 4 ×1 M.2 slots achieved sustained reads of approximately 1.7 GB/s and writes of 1.6 GB/s, while the single Gen 4 ×2 M.2 slot reached peak reads of 3.3 GB/s and writes of 3.1 GB/s, approaching the theoretical limits of the interface.
Transfer speeds between SSDs in mixed-slot configurations were observed at 1.2–1.3 GB/s, indicating some internal contention or chipset limitation at the aggregate level.
The U.2 adapter included with the unit allowed testing of enterprise-class SSDs, which performed within expected parameters, though thermals for these drives require attention in prolonged heavy write scenarios.
Network performance aligned with the hardware’s 10GbE and 5GbE capabilities. The AQC113-based 10GbE NIC saturated its link easily during single and multi-stream transfers, maintaining over 900 MB/s sustained throughput in SMB and iSCSI workloads. The secondary 5GbE port also performed well, delivering consistent ~480 MB/s transfers in environments where full 10GbE infrastructure was unavailable. Link aggregation configurations were tested using LACP, though practical benefits were limited due to single-client testing constraints. USB4 and OCuLink connections were tested using external NVMe enclosures and a GPU eGPU box, both of which enumerated properly in the OS and achieved PCIe-level throughput. These features open possibilities for specialized use cases, such as GPU passthrough to VMs or offloading compute-intensive tasks to external accelerators.
Thermal and acoustic performance were also evaluated under a variety of workloads. At idle, the N5 Pro maintained a noise floor of approximately 32–34 dBA with fans set to automatic, rising to 48–51 dBA when forced to maximum. This places it within an acceptable range for small office or homelab deployments. CPU temperatures stayed within safe operating limits, averaging 40–42°C at idle and peaking at 78–80°C under full load during VM and Plex transcoding stress tests.
Drive temperatures were generally stable, although the pre-installed 64GB OS SSD exhibited higher than ideal temperatures, reaching 60°C under prolonged access. Power draw varied significantly with workload: idle power consumption was around 32–34W, increasing to roughly 80W under combined heavy CPU, storage, and 10GbE load. These results confirm that the system is both efficient at idle and capable of scaling up when fully utilized.
Test Area
Results (N5 Pro, tested)
CPU Performance
Sustained 12 VMs + containers, ~50% CPU utilization at load
Idle: ~32–34W; peak: ~80W (I imagine this will comfortably/easily crack 100W with all threads assigned, but was unable to test this effectively in time for this review. I will add further to this later when it is tested and update/reflect it accordingly.)
Minisforum N5 Pro Review – Conclusion & Verdict
The Minisforum N5 Pro firmly establishes itself as a hybrid solution that blurs the lines between a high-performance NAS appliance and a compact workstation-class server. It combines server-grade processing, memory integrity features, and robust storage options in a footprint comparable to many consumer NAS systems. Equipped with the 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU, ECC-capable DDR5 memory support, an intelligent ZFS-ready storage architecture, and an unusually broad range of expansion options—including PCIe Gen 4 and OCuLink—the N5 Pro is clearly targeted at advanced users and small professional teams with more demanding and diversified workloads than those served by entry-level NAS units. In practical testing, the system proved capable of maintaining high multi-threaded performance during intensive virtualized environments, delivering consistent high-throughput over 10GbE networking, and retaining stable thermals even under extended peak activity. The compact, fully metal chassis design provides excellent serviceability and sufficient cooling despite the dense hardware configuration, while the support for both U.2 and M.2 enterprise-class SSDs further broadens its application to mixed storage, caching, and high-availability scenarios. However, while the bundled MinisCloud OS offers a wide feature set—including snapshots, AI-driven indexing, and containerization—it remains a relatively immature platform compared to industry standards like TrueNAS and Unraid. Users looking for long-term OS maturity and advanced ecosystem integration will likely opt to replace it with one of these more established alternatives, which is fully supported without affecting warranty coverage.
Potential buyers should consider carefully whether the specific advantages of the N5 Pro—namely, its additional CPU cores, ECC memory support, and AI-specific compute capabilities—justify its higher price over the standard N5 model, which offers identical storage and connectivity at a lower cost by using a more modest processor and omitting ECC. For workloads that include high-density virtualization, multi-user environments where data integrity is paramount, or AI-enhanced workflows such as photo indexing or local inference tasks, the Pro variant’s premium hardware is likely to pay dividends. On the other hand, for simpler NAS duties such as centralized backups, media streaming, and file sharing, the standard N5 offers nearly all of the same physical functionality for significantly less. It is also worth noting the few limitations that arose during testing: the external PSU design may not appeal to all users; the thermal behavior of the bundled 64GB OS SSD suggests it should be upgraded for sustained use; and the unfinished aspects of MinisCloud OS—particularly its localization, advanced monitoring, and some missing enterprise-grade protocols—leave room for refinement. None of these are deal-breaking, but they highlight that this system is best suited for technically confident users who plan to fully exploit its hardware capabilities. Taken together, the N5 Pro stands out as a capable and flexible NAS platform, offering a level of performance and configurability rarely seen at this scale. For those willing to invest the time to install and tune their preferred OS and storage strategy, it represents one of the more forward-thinking and technically ambitious NAS options currently available. For users seeking a fully polished, plug-and-play appliance experience, however, more mature offerings from Synology, QNAP, or Asustor may still be the better fit for their needs.
PROS of the Minisforum N5 Pro
CONS of the Minisforum N5 Pro
High-performance AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 12 cores, 24 threads, and AI acceleration (50 TOPS NPU) is INCREDIBLE for a compact desktop purchase
Support for up to 96GB DDR5 memory with ECC, ensuring data integrity and stability in critical environments
ZFS-ready storage with numerous ZFS and TRADITIONAL RAID configurations, snapshots, and inline compression
Hybrid storage support: five 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays plus three NVMe/U.2 SSD slots, with up to 144TB total capacity
Versatile expansion options including PCIe Gen 4 ×16 slot (×4 electrical) and OCuLink port for GPUs or NVMe cages
Dual high-speed networking: 10GbE and 5GbE RJ45 ports with link aggregation support + (using the inclusive MinisCloud OS) the use of the USB4 ports for direct PC/Mac connection!
Fully metal, compact, and serviceable chassis with thoughtful cooling and accessible internal layout – makes maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting a complete breeze!
Compatibility with third-party OSes (TrueNAS, Unraid, Linux) without voiding warranty, offering flexibility for advanced users
MinisCloud OS is functional but immature, with unfinished localisation and limited advanced enterprise features – lacks MFA, iSCSI, Security Scanner and More. Nails several key fundamentals, but still feels unfinished at this time.
Despite External PSU design (will already annoy some users), it generates a lot of additional heat and may not appeal to all users overall
Preinstalled 64GB OS SSD runs hot under sustained use and lacks dedicated cooling. Plus, losing one of the 3 m.2 slots to it will not please everyone (most brands manage to find a way to apply an eMMC into the board more directly, or use a USB bootloader option as a gateway for their OS
Premium $1000+ pricing may be hard to justify for users who don’t need ECC memory or AI capabilities compared to the standard N5 at $500+
IMPORTANT – Below are the links to the OFFICIAL Minisforum site to buy the N5 and N5 Pro. However, using these links does not support us (i.e we do not get an affiliate fee). We want you to buy this device from whichever retailer best suits your needs, but we hope you are able to support the work we do (such as this review and our YouTube channel) but using the links above for your storage media, or any other data storage/network solution purchase.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
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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.
Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now (Mid-2025) for Under $249
As personal data storage needs continue to grow in 2025, more users are seeking cost-effective alternatives to cloud services and monthly subscription platforms. Whether you’re backing up years of photos, hosting your own video library, or managing light business data locally, a dedicated NAS (Network Attached Storage) device offers greater privacy and control without recurring fees. Fortunately, the sub-$249 price point now includes a variety of surprisingly capable systems. Thanks to developments in low-power processors, DDR5 memory adoption, and more efficient operating systems, these devices can now handle everything from Plex streaming to light container workloads with relative ease. In this article, we explore five NAS solutions currently available at or below this price point, offering a balance of performance, connectivity, and storage potential for those looking to build their own storage solution on a modest budget.
Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy!
Before diving into the specific NAS models, it’s important to understand the limitations and shared characteristics of devices in this price range. Most sub-$249 NAS units do not include any hard drives or SSDs, and many rely on M.2 NVMe slots or 2.5″/3.5″ SATA bays that must be populated separately. Some models ship with basic onboard storage (e.g., 32GB–64GB eMMC) sufficient only for the operating system. As such, the actual cost of getting a fully operational NAS with adequate storage for your needs may exceed the base unit price. Buyers should also be aware that these devices are best suited for home users, personal cloud use, and entry-level tasks, rather than intensive business or enterprise workloads. Additionally, several of the devices covered in this list do not come with a full-featured NAS operating system. Instead, they either rely on lightweight Linux-based platforms like CasaOS or ZimaOS, or they provide a basic UI designed for local file access and container management. While these OS options are improving in terms of user-friendliness, they may lack advanced features like comprehensive RAID management, automated snapshots, or multi-user file permission systems found in higher-end platforms like Synology DSM or TrueNAS. These NAS units are most appropriate for users with some technical confidence, or for those looking for a basic plug-and-play setup with limited customization needs.
Beelink ME Mini NAS – 6 Bay SSD NAS
$209– Intel N150 – 12GB – No SSD (64GB eMMC Only) – 2x 2.5GbE + WiFi 6 – No OS / User Install – BUY HERE
The Beelink ME Mini is a compact NAS device aimed at users who want high-speed, SSD-based storage in a minimal footprint. Measuring just 99mm on each side, it features six M.2 2280 NVMe slots, providing up to 24TB of total capacity when fully populated. Powered by the Intel N150 processor and paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, it offers a decent balance between performance and energy efficiency. Connectivity is handled via dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, making it suitable for both wired and wireless environments. The unit is cooled passively and contains an integrated power supply, reducing cable clutter and making it ideal for placement in home media setups or small offices.
However, the device does not include an operating system, and users will need to install a preferred NAS OS themselves — whether that’s CasaOS, Ubuntu Server, or something container-based. There’s also no bundled storage beyond the 64GB eMMC system partition, so the overall cost will rise depending on your NVMe selections. It lacks support for traditional 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA drives, making this NAS most suitable for users seeking a quiet, SSD-only setup with strong networking performance and flexibility for custom OS installation.
The GMKTec G9 offers similar internal hardware to the Beelink ME Mini, including the same Intel N150 processor and 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, but with a more rectangular chassis and fewer SSD slots — four instead of six. The system includes 64GB of onboard eMMC storage, primarily used for booting Ubuntu 24.10, with the option to dual-boot into Windows 11 if a suitable SSD is installed. Like the Beelink, it lacks traditional SATA support and focuses on high-speed NVMe storage via M.2 2280 slots, up to 4TB per drive. The unit is cooled actively and includes dual HDMI outputs, making it more appealing for those who may want to use it as a lightweight desktop or media output device in addition to a NAS.
One of the notable differences is its broader OS support and better I/O variety, including three USB 3.2 ports and a DisplayPort-capable USB-C connector. This NAS is best suited to users looking for a more configurable or multi-purpose system with better visual output options. However, as with the Beelink, users must add their own NVMe storage, and setup requires a basic understanding of system boot configuration and OS installation. Note – this one GETS HOT, so get SSD heatsinks and ensure a good active airflow wherever you deploy it!
Component
Specification
CPU
Intel N150 (4 cores, up to 3.6 GHz)
Memory
12GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage
64GB eMMC + 4x M.2 2280 NVMe slots
Networking
2x 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Ports
3x USB 3.2, 1x Type-C (DP), 2x HDMI, Audio
OS
Ubuntu 24.10 by default, dual-boot capable
Dimensions
146.6 x 100.25 x 38.75 mm
Synology BeeStation 4TB NAS – ALL IN ONE!
$199 – Realtek RTD1619B – 1GB – 4TB SINGLE BAY – 1x 1GbE – BeeStation Manager (BSM) – BUY HERE
The Synology BeeStation 4TB is a fully integrated, single-bay NAS aimed squarely at users who want a no-setup-required solution. Unlike most NAS devices in this price range, it comes pre-configured with a 4TB internal hard drive and a sealed chassis, meaning users don’t need to source or install any storage themselves. It runs on a Realtek RTD1619B ARM-based processor, includes 1GB of DDR4 memory, and connects over a single 1GbE port. The included BeeStation Manager (BSM) OS is designed specifically for beginners, offering cloud-style file access, photo management, and mobile app integration with minimal technical effort.
This NAS is best suited to individuals or households that want a simple local backup and file-sharing solution that behaves more like a smart external hard drive than a customizable NAS. It supports basic multimedia functions, Synology mobile apps, and remote access features, but does not allow for internal expansion or RAID redundancy. The included USB-A and USB-C ports can be used for manual backups to external drives. However, because it’s a sealed single-drive unit with no RAID options, users should plan to back up to another location—either cloud or USB—to ensure data protection. Despite these limitations, its all-in-one design, 3-year warranty, and simple user experience make it one of the few truly plug-and-play NAS systems under $250.
Component
Specification
CPU
Realtek RTD1619B (Quad-core ARM)
Memory
1GB DDR4
Internal Storage
4TB HDD (included, sealed)
Networking
1x 1GbE LAN
Ports
1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
OS
Synology BeeStation Manager (BSM)
Dimensions
148 x 62.6 x 196.3 mm
UGREEN NASync DXP2800 NAS – The New Challenger!
$249 – Intel N100 – 8GB – No Storage (32GB eMMC) – 1x 2.5GbE – UGOS Pro – BUY HERE
The UGREEN DXP2800 is part of the company’s NASync lineup, aimed at users who want a blend of expandability and affordability. It combines the practicality of traditional HDD storage with the performance benefits of SSDs, offering two 3.5″ SATA bays alongside two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for faster caching or active data operations. At the heart of the system is an Intel N100 processor, a 12th-generation quad-core chip from Intel’s energy-efficient N-series lineup, which supports both basic virtualization and multimedia streaming. This is paired with 8GB of DDR5 memory, non-ECC but upgradable, and a 32GB eMMC used solely for the preloaded UGOS Pro operating system. Connectivity is handled through a single 2.5GbE LAN port and a mix of USB ports on both front and rear panels — including USB-C and 10Gbps-capable USB-A. UGOS Pro, while relatively new, features a clean web-based interface with container support, RAID management (0, 1, JBOD), remote file sharing, and basic multimedia services.
While it lacks the ecosystem polish of Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, it is one of the few turnkey options in this price range that supports both SSD and HDD usage in a flexible, non-proprietary layout. However, buyers should still account for the need to install their own drives and configure the storage pools manually. It’s a solid balance of raw hardware potential and modest software capability for users willing to manage their setup beyond the initial boot.
$199 – Intel N150 – 8GB – No Storage (32GB eMMC) – 2x 2.5GbE – ZimaOS – BUY HERE
The ZimaBoard 2 (832) is a low-profile, single-board NAS platform designed for flexibility and modularity rather than out-of-the-box convenience. Unlike traditional NAS systems with enclosures and tool-less drive bays, this unit is a bare embedded board that offers direct access to interfaces for those who want to build or customize their own setup. It is powered by the same Intel N150 quad-core processor used in other compact NAS systems, paired here with 8GB of LPDDR5x memory and 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for its pre-installed ZimaOS. This board features two powered SATA 3.0 ports, making it one of the few sub-$250 NAS options that supports HDDs natively without requiring USB-to-SATA adapters or expansion modules.
In terms of connectivity, the ZimaBoard 2 includes dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, USB 3.1, a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and a Mini DisplayPort output supporting 4K60 video. While the PCIe slot expands potential use cases (e.g., additional networking, storage, or accelerator cards), most users will opt to use the SATA ports for reliable storage first. The board is passively cooled with a large integrated heatsink and operates silently, but thermal performance may vary based on enclosure design and ambient temperature. It is particularly well-suited to DIY users looking to build a lightweight NAS, firewall, media server, or container host. ZimaOS includes a web-based UI and supports CasaOS and Linux-based OS alternatives, but configuration still requires basic familiarity with system setup and storage configuration. It’s not intended for users looking for plug-and-play simplicity, but rather those who want total control over their NAS hardware and software environment.
Component
Specification
CPU
Intel N150 (4 cores, up to 3.6GHz)
Memory
8GB LPDDR5x
Internal Storage
32GB eMMC + 2x SATA 3.0 (powered)
Networking
2x 2.5GbE LAN
Ports
2x USB 3.1, Mini DisplayPort, PCIe 3.0 x4
OS
ZimaOS (also supports CasaOS, Linux distros)
Dimensions
140 x 83 x 31 mm
Each of the NAS options presented here offers a different balance of hardware, expandability, and ease of use, while remaining under the $249 price threshold. Users who prefer pre-configured simplicity may lean toward the Synology BeeStation, while those seeking customization and SSD-focused performance might opt for the Beelink ME Mini or GMKTec G9. The UGREEN DXP2800 provides hybrid storage flexibility with a more developed software interface, and the ZimaBoard 2 appeals to technically inclined users who want complete control over their system stack. While no single device is perfect, all five represent viable paths toward local data ownership and self-hosted media or backup solutions without breaking the bank.
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.
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If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
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.
À l’occasion de la fête nationale, pCloud propose une offre exceptionnelle à durée limitée : jusqu’à 70 % de réduction sur ses plans de stockage à vie avec pCloud Pass Premium inclus (gestionnaire de mots de passe sécurisé). L’offre est valable du 2 au 15 juillet 2025…
Stockage cloud à vie, sans abonnement
La grande force de pCloud, c’est son paiement unique pour un accès à vie. Plus besoin de payer tous les mois, vos fichiers sont hébergés de manière sécurisée, définitivement. Voici les offres disponibles pendant la promotion :
1 To + pCloud Pass Premium gratuit – 199€ (au lieu de 674 €)
2 To + pCloud Pass Premium gratuit – 279€ (au lieu de 838 €)
10 To + pCloud Pass Premium gratuit – 799€ (au lieu de 2129 €)
Basé en Suisse, pCloud bénéficie d’une législation stricte sur la confidentialité. Vos données sont stockées dans l’UE (au Luxembourg) et le service respecte le RGPD.
L’offre pCloud propose de nombreuses fonctionnalités pensées pour un usage quotidien aussi bien personnel que professionnel. Son application est disponible sur Windows, macOS, Linux, Android et iOS, permettant un accès fluide aux fichiers où que vous soyez. Grâce à la synchronisation en temps réel, chaque modification effectuée sur un appareil est instantanément disponible sur les autres, garantissant une continuité de travail sans friction. La fonction pCloud Drive crée un disque virtuel sur votre ordinateur, libérant de l’espace physique tout en maintenant vos fichiers disponibles à tout moment. Le service intègre également un système de sauvegarde automatique pCloud Backup pour protéger vos dossiers critiques. Côté partage, pCloud facilite les échanges avec des liens personnalisés, des invitations à des dossiers ou encore des demandes de fichiers. Enfin, un lecteur multimédia intégré vous permet de lire directement vos fichiers audio et vidéo depuis l’interface, sans téléchargement préalable, ce qui en fait une solution idéale pour les créateurs de contenu ou les utilisateurs intensifs.
pCloud Pass Premium : vos mots de passe, protégés à vie
L’offre inclut également pCloud Pass Premium, un gestionnaire de mots de passe sécurisé et simple d’utilisation. Ses atouts :
Stockage chiffré de vos identifiants
Remplissage automatique des formulaires
Générateur de mots de passe complexes
Compatibilité tous les appareils et navigateurs
Synchronisation sécurisée sur tous vos supports
Et tout cela, comme pour le stockage : un paiement unique et un accès à vie, sans souscription mensuelle.
En synthèse
Choisir pCloud en 2025, c’est opter pour une solution simple, sécurisée et économique pour stocker vos fichiers et gérer vos mots de passe. Vous payez une seule fois et vous bénéficiez à vie d’un espace de stockage en ligne fiable, accessible partout, sans abonnement ni frais cachés. Avec des serveurs basés en Europe, une sécurité de niveau suisse et une interface facile à utiliser, pCloud convient aussi bien aux débutants qu’aux utilisateurs plus avancés. En plus du stockage, vous profitez de pCloud Pass Premium, un outil qui vous permet de sauvegarder tous vos mots de passe en toute sécurité, sans avoir à les retenir. C’est une solution tout-en-un, idéale pour garder le contrôle sur vos données personnelles. Et avec jusqu’à 70 % de réduction jusqu’au 15 juillet 2025, c’est le bon moment pour investir une bonne fois pour toutes dans votre tranquillité numérique.
What Are Synology NAS Product Refreshes and What is Synology’s Logic?
When Synology introduces a new wave of NAS devices, it’s easy to assume that each new model is a significant leap forward. However, many of these launches are better classified as product refreshes, not entirely new product lines. This distinction matters. A refresh typically reuses a core hardware platform—such as the chassis, CPU, or layout—but includes modest updates like better network interfaces, more memory, or small component shifts. In 2025, Synology rolled out one of its broadest refresh cycles in years, affecting models across their two-bay, four-bay, five-bay, and eight-bay portfolios. Understanding what a refresh actually is helps users make more informed decisions, especially when evaluating whether to upgrade or wait.
Synology refreshes its products for a few practical reasons. First, component availability and pricing change over time. CPUs and other hardware elements that were once expensive or reserved for high-tier models often become more affordable, making them suitable for use in lower-tier devices. For example, the AMD V1500B processor, once exclusive to mid-tier and enterprise NAS systems, has trickled down into several 2025 refreshes like the DS925+ and DS1525+. Similarly, market-wide transitions—such as the shift from 1GbE to 2.5GbE—are reflected in these updates, allowing Synology to modernize existing models while keeping their manufacturing costs and prices relatively stable.
One of the key things that sets a refresh apart from a brand-new NAS model is Synology’s commitment to product tier consistency. Devices like the DS725+, DS425+, or DS1825+ aren’t being built to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they exist to preserve the price-to-performance balance that their predecessors established in the Synology product lineup. By holding onto the same CPU, expanding RAM slightly, and upgrading network ports from 1GbE to 2.5GbE, Synology keeps these NAS solutions within their traditional target audience—be it home users, prosumers, or small businesses. The physical design and key feature sets are familiar, and that’s deliberate. Refreshes aim to improve what already works, not redefine the category.
It’s also worth recognizing that Synology’s product refreshes are not aimed at recent buyers. If you just picked up a DS723+ or DS923+ last year, you are not the intended audience for the DS725+ or DS925+. Instead, these refreshes are aimed at users still running a DS216+, DS416, or DS1813+—users who are five to ten years deep into their existing systems. For them, the new hardware represents a meaningful leap forward, even if it looks modest on paper. When you compare a DS916+ to a DS925+, the differences in memory, CPU threads, M.2 caching, and DSM features become much more pronounced.
Pricing also plays a central role in Synology’s refresh strategy. For the most part, Synology tries to keep prices stable across generations, despite inflation and rising manufacturing costs. For example, the DS425+ and DS225+ refreshes, though modest in their hardware upgrades (mainly 2.5GbE LAN replacing 1GbE), still aim to hit the same price points as their DS423+ and DS224+ predecessors. This can make refreshes seem less appealing to new buyers comparing specs on a chart, but it serves long-term users who value Synology’s software ecosystem, consistent performance, and extended support.
One notable outlier in Synology’s refresh strategy is the continued use of the Intel Celeron J4125 processor, particularly in models like the DS425+, DS225+, and DS625slim. Despite Synology’s tendency to update hardware every 2–3 years based on market trends and component availability, the J4125—originally launched in 2019—feels increasingly outdated in 2025. Intel itself has moved away from the Celeron/J-series naming convention entirely, transitioning to more efficient and capable platforms like Alder Lake-N and N-series processors. This shift highlights just how long in the tooth the J4125 has become. With no support for newer instruction sets, lower efficiency compared to modern equivalents, and limited future compatibility, its continued presence in refreshed Synology NAS models stands in stark contrast to the broader trend of hardware advancement. While Synology has prioritized price consistency and DSM support, the persistence of this older CPU dampens the appeal of these refreshes for new buyers who expect more current internals at a similar price point.
Another important factor is Synology’s software-first development model. Their NAS hardware isn’t meant to push technical limits but rather serve as a stable, reliable platform for DSM (DiskStation Manager). That’s why even in refreshes, the focus is on compatibility and long-term support over flashy specs. Synology has made this clear through product cycles like the DS1825+, which retains the same CPU as the DS1821+ but gains 2.5GbE and better memory configuration—supporting the increasing demands of DSM applications without needing an overhaul of the entire system.
In summary, a product refresh in Synology’s ecosystem is not a groundbreaking redesign, but a thoughtful, incremental update within an established product profile. These refreshes ensure the long-term viability of key NAS tiers while adapting to evolving market standards like 2.5GbE, more demanding software workloads, or new expansion options. For long-time users, they offer an accessible upgrade path. For newcomers, they may seem underwhelming on paper. But in either case, they represent a balancing act between hardware, price, and software synergy, which has long been Synology’s model—whether you agree with it or not.
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.
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UGREEN vient d’annoncer l’arrivée de deux nouveaux NAS : iDX6011 et iDX6011 Pro. Ces boîtiers réseau, chacun équipé de 6 emplacements en façade, ambitionnent de devenir des références sur le marché des NAS dopés à l’intelligence artificielle. Le prix démarre à partir 999$ en précommande.Regardons de plus près…
UGREEN iDX6011 et iDX6011 Pro
Après un premier pas dans l’univers des NAS en 2024, UGREEN revient avec des modèles plus musclés. Présentés pour la première fois au CES 2025, les iDX6011 et iDX6011 Pro s’inscrivent dans une stratégie résolument tournée vers l’IA. Aujourd’hui, la marque dévoile enfin tous les détails techniques de ces deux nouvelles machines : AI NAS.
Les deux modèles partagent une base commune : un design imposant, 6 baies en façade pour accueillir des disques durs ou SSD SATA et 2 emplacements internes pour des SSD NVMe. Toutefois, il y a quelques petites différences pour les distinguer. La version Pro dispose d’un boitier légèrement différent et, comme vous allez le constater, il n’y a pas que l’aspect extérieur qui change.
UGREEN iDX6011
Toujours sur la version Pro, ce NAS dispose d’un écran tactile vertical de 3 pouces en façade. Celui-ci affiche diverses informations, comme la température du système, la vitesse de rotation des ventilateurs, l’adresse IP du NAS, l’état des disques, etc.
Intérieur
Si l’aspect extérieur est une chose, l’intérieur compte également pour beaucoup. Voici les configurations matérielles annoncées par UGREEN :
Comme à son habitude, le fabricant a été généreux pour les interfaces de connexion. Les 2 modèles disposent de :
2 ports USB 3.2 (Gen 2 ?)
2 ports USB 2.0
2 ports Thunderbolt 4
1 lecteur de carte SD
1 sortie HDMI compatible 8K
2 ports réseau 10 Gb/s
Le modèle Pro dispose en plus d’un port OCuLink (connexion conçue pour des périphériques PCIe externes), permettant de connecter une carte graphique externe, un atout pour les applications IA gourmandes en ressources.
UGREEN iDX6011 Pro
De l’IA a tous les étages
UGREEN introduit avec ces nouveaux NAS son propre LLM (Large Language Model), baptisé AI Chat. Cette IA est capable de générer des réponses personnalisées à partir des documents stockés localement, tout en pouvant s’appuyer sur Internet pour enrichir ses réponses. Elle se présente comme un assistant polyvalent : recherche d’informations, création de contenus, assistance à la planification, etc.
Les fonctionnalités IA proposées en plus sont :
Magic Box : des scénarios prédéfinis pour automatiser des tâches, comme la planification de voyages ou la rédaction de publications sociales.
Smart Meeting Summarization : résumé automatique des réunions à partir de fichiers audio stockés localement, avec confidentialité garantie.
Smart Tags : étiquetage intelligent des fichiers selon leur contenu, pour une organisation plus efficace.
Smart Image Recognition : reconnaissance d’objets, de visages, d’animaux et de texte dans les images.
Find Photos Faster : recherche d’images par description naturelle.
AI Search : moteur de recherche intelligent comprenant le contexte et l’intention de vos requêtes pour des résultats plus pertinents.
Toutes ces fonctionnalités s’ajoutent naturellement aux usages standards d’un NAS, ainsi qu’aux possibilités offertes par UGOS, le système développé par UGREEN. À noter que le Forum des NAS dispose d’une section dédiée aux NAS UGREEN, animée par la plus grande communauté francophone sur le sujet.
En synthèse
Avec les iDX6011 et iDX6011 Pro, UGREEN confirme son ambition de s’imposer sur le marché du NAS grand public et professionnel, en misant sur la puissance et l’intelligence artificielle. Les précommandes sont déjà ouvertes, avec des réductions allant de 700 à 1040 $ sur le prix de lancement. La production en série est annoncée pour le mois d’août, mais aucune date précise de disponibilité n’a encore été communiquée. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur la page de pré-commande…
En tout cas, UGREEN continue de surprendre. Et ce n’est, visiblement, que le début.
The Aoostar WTR Max is a compact, AMD-powered NAS platform aimed at advanced users seeking a balance between high-density storage and compute capabilities. Designed as a substantial upgrade over the earlier WTR Pro model, it offers support for up to eleven total drives, including six SATA bays and five M.2 NVMe slots, all within a small desktop-style chassis. At its core is the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS processor, featuring eight cores and sixteen threads, a 5.1 GHz boost clock, and integrated Radeon 780M graphics. The system also supports ECC memory configurations and is cooled by a multi-zone, vapor-chamber-based solution designed to accommodate extended uptime. Unlike many branded NAS systems, the WTR Max does not ship with a proprietary OS, instead encouraging users to install Linux-based distributions such as TrueNAS SCALE or Proxmox. With features like dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, an OCuLink expansion port, and USB4, the unit is aimed at homelab operators, multimedia professionals, and technically proficient users looking for a customizable and high-performance alternative to locked-down NAS appliances.
The Aoostar WTR MAX Nas is available from the following places:
The Aoostar WTR Max stands out as a rare blend of high storage density, advanced connectivity, and raw compute performance in a compact NAS form factor, making it well-suited for experienced users seeking a versatile, self-managed platform. With support for up to 11 drives—six SATA and five NVMe Gen 4—paired with an enterprise-grade Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS CPU and ECC memory compatibility, the system offers workstation-class capabilities for storage-heavy workflows, including virtualization, multimedia processing, and hybrid file serving. Dual 10GbE SFP+ and dual 2.5GbE ports provide ample bandwidth for multi-user access or isolated subnet roles, while the OCuLink interface enables high-speed external expansion, compensating for the absence of a traditional PCIe slot. Additional benefits like a fully customizable LCD status display, low fan noise, and consistently low thermals under load reinforce the system’s value in 24/7 deployments.
However, the WTR Max does present some caveats—namely, internal NVMe cross-performance appears constrained by shared bandwidth, and the lack of an internal PCIe slot could be limiting for users requiring more conventional upgrade paths. The LCD panel’s configuration software also proved cumbersome, raising security flags and requiring manual IP client setup, which may deter less technically inclined users. Lastly, the use of an external 280W PSU—while effective—won’t appeal to those expecting internal power integration in a workstation-style chassis. Nonetheless, for users who value full control over their NAS stack and want to avoid restrictive ecosystems, the WTR Max delivers a rare combination of hardware freedom and scalability that few turnkey systems offer in this price and size category.
BUILD QUALITY - 10/10
HARDWARE - 10/10
PERFORMANCE - 8/10
PRICE - 9/10
VALUE - 9/10
9.2
PROS
High Storage Density in Compact Form Supports up to 11 drives (6x SATA + 5x NVMe) in a desktop-sized chassis, ideal for users with large-scale storage needs but limited physical space. Enterprise-Class CPU with ECC Support AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS offers 8C/16T performance, ECC memory support, and integrated RDNA 3 graphics—rare at this price and size. Dual 10GbE SFP+ and Dual 2.5GbE Networking Provides flexible, high-throughput networking for content creators, virtual environments, or advanced home labs. Strong Virtualization and Transcoding Performance Smooth Proxmox VM hosting and real-time Plex 4K/8K transcoding using Radeon 780M hardware acceleration. OCuLink PCIe Expansion Port Enables high-speed external storage or GPU support without sacrificing internal NVMe bandwidth. Customizable LCD Monitoring Panel Real-time display of system metrics (CPU, RAM, network, storage) with theme options, useful for headless setups. Robust Cooling System with Vapor Chamber Glacier Pro 1.0 design keeps thermals in check across four fans and distinct airflow zones; low fan noise even under load. Open Software Ecosystem No proprietary OS or restrictions; supports TrueNAS, Unraid, Proxmox, or Linux-based setups for full admin control.
CONS
Limited Internal NVMe Cross-Throughput Inter-M.2 transfer speeds are capped (~500–600 MB/s), possibly due to shared chipset lanes or controller design. No Internal PCIe Slot Expansion is limited to OCuLink; users needing traditional PCIe cards (e.g., GPUs or HBAs) may find this restrictive. LCD Panel Software Can Be Problematic Configuration software raised browser security flags and requires static IP client setup, making it less accessible. External Power Brick Only 280W external PSU is functional but not ideal for rackmount or integrated enclosures; some users may prefer internal ATX power.
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Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Design & Storage
Physically, the Aoostar WTR Max is housed in a full-metal anodized aluminum alloy chassis that balances structural rigidity with passive thermal conductivity. The exterior finish is minimal but functional, offering side ventilation cutouts and removable access panels secured with thumb screws. Despite its relatively compact form factor for an 11-bay NAS system, the unit features six front-facing drive trays, each supporting 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives.
These trays use a click-and-load design—no tools required—which simplifies drive installation and replacement. During prolonged hands-on testing, the trays handled both consumer-grade HDDs and Synology enterprise-class drives without mechanical or airflow restricting conflict, making compatibility a non-issue for most users. The structural alignment of the trays channels cool air from bottom-front intake vents across the drives and out the rear via dual exhaust fans, ensuring thermal separation between the storage and compute areas even during continuous multi-drive operation.
Beyond the six SATA bays, the WTR Max incorporates five PCIe Gen 4 M.2 NVMe 2280 slots, enabling dense solid-state storage directly on the mainboard and modular trays. Four of these are mounted within a vertically oriented, removable tray situated at the end of the main drive bay stack. This spring-loaded tray resembles modular SSD carriers found in more expensive enterprise-grade systems and allows for rapid SSD swaps or upgrades. Also, each of the 4 m.2 slots on this 7th bay still had room for a standard m.2 heatsink too!
The fifth M.2 slot is positioned horizontally on the motherboard base, adjacent to the DDR5 SODIMM slots and covered by an active cooling fan. Of the five slots, two run at PCIe Gen 4 x1 and two at Gen 4 x2, with the fifth—on the motherboard—also supporting Gen 4 x2. Testing confirmed sufficient physical clearance for installing large NVMe heatsinks on all slots, and SSDs remained within optimal temperature ranges even under sustained I/O workloads.
Internally, the SATA subsystem is controlled via an ASMedia ASM1166 controller operating over a PCIe Gen 3 x2 interface, capable of delivering up to 2GB/s total throughput across all six bays. This bandwidth is sufficient for both HDD arrays and SATA SSDs, and is particularly well-suited for software-managed RAID configurations in Linux-based OSes such as Unraid, TrueNAS, or OpenMediaVault.
During testing, mixed workloads involving simultaneous read/write access across multiple HDDs and SSDs were handled without observable I/O queueing or temperature spikes. Drive temperatures averaged between 38°C and 45°C during a 24-hour benchmark run, with airflow guided from the bottom intake and over the storage chamber by the dual rear exhaust fans—ensuring consistent cooling across all drive positions, even during power-on-demand cycles triggered by scheduled remote backups.
The design of the seventh modular tray holding four of the M.2 NVMe slots is particularly noteworthy. Rather than opting for fixed PCB slots that require full disassembly for access, Aoostar implemented a removable cartridge system similar to those found in rack-mounted server appliances. This tray locks in place without screws, and its spring-loaded retention system provides firm pressure on runners inside once installed beneath the SSDs. This is a very smooth ejection and injection system for this extra bay!
Air is directed over this tray by the two rear-mounted fans, with additional airflow routed from below via the central fan on the base of the chassis. In testing, even under back-to-back file transfer tests using Unraid’s file mover and native benchmark tools, SSD temperatures rarely exceeded 48°C. The inclusion of independent airflow for the NVMe zone demonstrates thoughtful separation of thermal domains within the small enclosure, reducing the chance of thermal throttling during concurrent high-speed transfers.
The drive configuration options available on the WTR Max support a flexible tiered storage approach—useful in both home lab and small office environments. For instance, the six SATA bays can accommodate high-capacity HDDs (up to 24TB each), suitable for media archiving or surveillance video, while the M.2 slots can be allocated for fast read/write operations, app deployments, or SSD caching layers. Real-world bandwidth testing of these drives showed the Gen 4 x1 slots achieving around 1.6GB/s read speeds and the Gen 4 x2 slots reaching 2.9GB/s, aligning with their advertised capabilities.
Although inter-M.2 transfer rates peaked at 500–600MB/s—suggesting internal lane bottlenecks (i.e sending data between each of the 4 m.2 on this 7th bay) —the system still provided consistent and predictable performance. This architecture supports phased upgrades, allowing users to populate the system gradually based on workload growth without disassembling core components or compromising airflow design.
Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Internal Hardware
At the core of the Aoostar WTR Max lies the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS processor, an 8-core, 16-thread chip built on the Zen 4 architecture using TSMC’s 4nm process. This processor, operating with a base clock of 3.8 GHz and boosting up to 5.1 GHz, is typically found in business-class notebooks and embedded workstations. Its inclusion in a NAS-oriented device marks a shift toward more versatile and compute-intensive roles for compact systems.
It also supports configurable TDPs of 35W, 45W, and up to 54W, depending on cooling and power profiles, allowing the system to balance efficiency and performance based on workload. Integrated Radeon 780M graphics, based on the RDNA 3 architecture with 12 compute units, deliver hardware-accelerated AV1, HEVC, and H.264 encoding and decoding. During stress testing, the WTR Max handled simultaneous 4K and 8K video transcoding jobs in Plex with CPU usage remaining below 50%, thanks in part to hardware transcoding support via the integrated GPU. This level of onboard media processing is rare in NAS systems, even among high-end appliances.
In terms of memory support, the device offers two DDR5-5600 SODIMM slots, allowing for up to 128GB of total RAM. More notably, the platform supports ECC (Error Correcting Code) memory when paired with compatible modules—an enterprise-grade feature typically limited to workstation-class motherboards. While the review unit shipped with 32GB of standard DDR5 memory, ECC compatibility was verified via low-level SSH diagnostics and BIOS interrogation, confirming that ECC is fully operational at the hardware level.
During tests involving Proxmox, six Windows 10 virtual machines and two Ubuntu VMs ran concurrently, with each VM allocated 2 to 4 vCPUs and 2 to 4 GB of memory. No instability or memory-related errors were recorded, and the system maintained consistent performance under variable load conditions. The side-by-side DIMM slot arrangement benefits from direct airflow via the base intake fan, which also provides passive cooling to the adjacent motherboard-mounted NVMe SSD slot.
Thermal performance is managed by Aoostar’s proprietary Glacier Pro 1.0 cooling solution, which integrates a vapor chamber heat spreader on the CPU and a multi-fan chassis ventilation layout. The vapor chamber, paired with a low-profile active cooler, rapidly disperses thermal load from the CPU across the copper plate, minimizing heat concentration during burst operations. The system features four fans: one at the base pulling intake air upward across the motherboard, two rear-mounted exhaust fans, and one CPU-mounted blower. Each thermal zone—CPU, NVMe tray, and SATA chamber—benefits from isolated airflow paths.
During a 24-hour access schedule test simulating hourly user activity, CPU temperatures ranged from 35°C at idle to 49°C under peak load with 10GbE transfers and active virtual machines. Even when pushing the system with forced maximum fan speed and high CPU utilization, recorded noise output remained within 43–44 dBA, with a base idle level of 35–38 dBA.
For a system with this many internal components—including six HDDs, five SSDs, and four fans—the acoustic footprint was relatively modest, especially considering the close thermal spacing and the volume of air moved internally.
Component
Specification
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS (8C/16T, 3.8–5.1 GHz, Zen 4, 4nm, 35–54W configurable TDP)
Integrated Graphics
Radeon 780M (RDNA 3, 12 CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, AV1/HEVC/H.264 support, HW transcoding)
Memory
2x DDR5-5600 SODIMM slots, up to 128GB total, ECC support (validated)
Cooling System
Glacier Pro 1.0: Vapor chamber, 4 fans (rear x2, base intake x1, CPU x1)
Thermal Range
35°C idle, 47–49°C under load; 43–44 dBA max, 35–38 dBA typical fan noise
Power Supply
280W external PSU; power draw tested: 18W (idle, no drives), 73–89W peak loaded
Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Ports and Connections
The Aoostar WTR Max provides an unusually extensive networking suite for a system of its size, offering both high-speed and multi-interface flexibility. The two Intel X710-based 10GbE SFP+ ports support full duplex operation, making them ideal for NAS-to-NAS replication, large-scale Plex libraries, or multi-user editing environments via shared storage. These ports were tested using iPerf3 and real-world file transfers between NVMe pools and a 10GbE-connected workstation, showing stable saturation of the interface without fluctuation. As these are SFP, users are going to have to factor in tranceivers or DAC cables with tranceivers included), but as these two ports are so close together, using SFP-to-RJ45 adapters is going to be a question of temperature monitoring.
In addition, two 2.5GbE RJ45 Ethernet ports are available, which can be used in a variety of configurations including link aggregation, VLAN assignment, or as out-of-band management interfaces. The coexistence of fiber-based and copper-based networking within the same unit opens deployment to both consumer and prosumer setups. During tests, the user assigned one 2.5GbE interface to general network access while isolating 10GbE traffic to storage-only communication, demonstrating flexibility in segmentation.
USB and high-speed peripheral connectivity is equally comprehensive. The front of the device houses a USB 4.0 port, which supports Thunderbolt-like bandwidths (up to 40Gbps), display passthrough, and power delivery—making it suitable for external drive arrays, video output, or even docking stations. Next to it, a standard USB-C port and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port provide backward compatibility for legacy peripherals. On the rear, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports were used during testing for attaching external backup drives and a keyboard/mouse combo during Proxmox installation.
All ports were recognized without driver conflicts in both Linux and Windows-based environments. The device also includes a microSD slot on the front, which proved useful for OS boot media, diagnostics, or fast access to camera footage. In the test scenario, the slot was used to quickly transfer small image files to the Plex container, and performance aligned with UHS-I speeds. This wide array of port options allows users to operate the WTR Max in both network-only and semi-local scenarios, such as multimedia servers with attached peripherals.
A standout feature in this device’s connectivity suite is the OCuLink port, which provides a PCIe 4.0 x4 interface for external expansion. This port was successfully used to attach an NVMe enclosure using a M.2-to-OCuLink bridge, allowing high-speed external storage without interfering with internal NVMe bandwidth allocation. Although hot-swapping is not supported, the stability and speed of the external connection matched internal Gen 4 performance. This is a notable advantage for users who require flexible expansion or temporary scratch drives without opening the chassis.
In the review scenario, the OCuLink port was also noted as a potential bridge to add GPU acceleration, external PCIe networking, or SAS HBA expansion—though Aoostar provides no internal PCIe slot, making the external route the only PCIe-level expansion path. This design choice reflects a compromise between size and flexibility, prioritizing I/O density over internal modularity. That said, oculink is not for everyone! And additional adapters such as eGPU are going to be needed if you are looking at upgrading network performance and are going to drastically increase your spend compared with traditional PCIe upgrades!
For users requiring local video output or dual-purpose NAS/workstation functionality, the WTR Max includes a rear-mounted HDMI 2.1 port supporting up to 4K at 240Hz, in addition to display-capable USB4 and USB-C ports depending on OS support. In practice, during Proxmox and Unraid testing, HDMI video output was used for initial OS installation and local monitoring. This can be useful for deployments involving virtual desktops, docker-based dashboards, or kiosk-style media servers. Audio is handled through a 3.5mm output jack, functional in Linux environments once the relevant drivers are installed.
On the front of the unit, Aoostar has implemented a customizable LCD display, accessible via proprietary software. While the software itself presented download warnings in some browsers and required IP-specific client setup, once configured it displayed real-time statistics such as CPU temperature, RAM usage, network throughput, and storage status. Multiple themes are included (e.g., cyberpunk, minimal, and stat-based), and the panel can be toggled on/off depending on user preference. Although not essential, the display provides a level of visual diagnostics uncommon in this product tier. This was the only area of the review that I found inconsistent and messy! Tapping into this specific internal IP, as well as using an application that was being flagged constantly by my windows system, AND trying to do this with the NAS behind 3 layers of network (my own setup) was not smooth. Additionally, although the LCD panel templates were useful, they did seem to contain a lot of copyright imagery (Cyberpunk, Pacman, etc) and I would question the comiance from their source! Hopefully this LCD control and customization gets smoothed out soon, as well as the app finishes it’s windows certification at least.
2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (rear), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (front), 1x USB4 (front), 1x USB Type-C
Expansion Ports
1x OCuLink (PCIe 4.0 x4, external NVMe or GPU support, not hot-swappable), 1x MicroSD slot
Video Output
1x HDMI 2.1 (up to 4K @ 240Hz), USB4 and USB-C video-out supported by OS
Audio
1x 3.5mm headphone jack (Linux compatible with correct drivers)
Front Panel Display
LCD screen with real-time stats, theme selection, IP-based configuration client
Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Performance and Testing
The Aoostar WTR Max underwent a series of tests spanning disk benchmarks, live file transfers, mixed storage scenarios, and sustained uptime evaluations to assess its practical capabilities across NAS, virtualization, and media applications. In synthetic disk tests, the PCIe Gen 4 x1 NVMe slots delivered consistent read speeds of ~1.6 GB/s and write speeds just under 1.5 GB/s, while the Gen 4 x2 slots achieved peak sequential performance of ~2.9 GB/s read and ~2.8 GB/s write, aligning well with expected lane bandwidth.
These figures were observed under both Windows and Linux environments, using CrystalDiskMark and ATTO. However, during internal NVMe-to-NVMe copy operations—across both like-for-like (x2 to x2) and mixed (x1 to x2) configurations—transfer rates plateaued around 550 MB/s. This suggests the presence of a shared bus or controller limitation not disclosed by the vendor, though the speeds remained consistent with no unexpected drops. Importantly, SSD temperatures stayed within thermal spec, typically ranging from 38°C to 45°C under sustained use, aided by both airflow and full-sized heatsink compatibility.
For networking performance, the system’s dual 10GbE SFP+ interfaces were subjected to direct iPerf3 stress tests and real-world copy operations involving both SATA and NVMe-based storage arrays. Both ports reached saturation—approximately 9.5 Gbps—under bidirectional iPerf3 tests with no jitter or packet loss, even during simultaneous Plex streaming and background drive activity. SMB transfers of large 4K video files to a remote 10GbE-equipped workstation routinely exceeded 1.1 GB/s sustained, indicating that the system’s storage and network layers were well-aligned.
The two 2.5GbE RJ45 ports were also tested as either bridged interfaces in Proxmox or as failover backups, with VLAN tagging and static routing configured via systemd-networkd. No conflicts or bottlenecks were detected, even when running scheduled backups over one NIC while media was streamed through another. This concurrent multi-interface performance demonstrates how the WTR Max can comfortably handle mixed workloads across different network zones or physical infrastructure types.
Power consumption testing covered four defined usage scenarios to gauge idle and active draw under realistic conditions. With no drives installed and only the OS running from the onboard NVMe SSD, the system idled at just 18W, largely due to the mobile efficiency of the Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS and lack of mechanical components. Installing five M.2 SSDs increased baseline consumption to around 24W. With all six SATA bays populated using 8TB–18TB HDDs alongside five SSDs, power draw under passive load settled at approximately 52–53W. During full-load testing—consisting of active read/write operations on all drives, high-bitrate Plex streaming, dual 10GbE saturation, and 40–50% CPU usage—system draw fluctuated between 73W and 89W. These numbers fall within reasonable bounds for a 12-core-equivalent server system with 11 drives, four fans, and integrated GPU transcode activity. The external 280W power supply never exhibited instability and has sufficient overhead for adding expansion enclosures or OCuLink-powered peripherals like an eGPU or NVMe array.
Application testing further underscored the platform’s ability to support a hybrid range of tasks. In multimedia scenarios, Plex Media Server was configured to transcode a 400 Mbps 4K file, a 200 Mbps 4K stream, and two simultaneous 80 Mbps 8K/4K sources—all while maintaining fluid playback and system responsiveness. The integrated Radeon 780M handled these loads using hardware transcoding (VAAPI), keeping CPU load under 50% throughout. In a separate deployment, Proxmox was used to launch six Windows 10 VMs and two Ubuntu LTS servers, with each VM receiving 2–4 vCPUs and 2–4 GB of memory. All machines remained responsive under simultaneous browser, terminal, and light media workloads. Importantly, the LCD panel continued to provide accurate telemetry even during these test periods, showing live RAM, CPU, and storage activity. No kernel-level instability, drive timeouts, or system hangs were observed during multi-day operation. This level of consistency positions the WTR Max as a capable platform not just for data storage, but also for virtualized desktop hosting, container orchestration, or edge-processing scenarios where performance and uptime are equally critical.
SSD Benchmark
Gen 4 x1: ~1.6 GB/s read / ~1.5 GB/s write; Gen 4 x2: ~2.9 GB/s read / ~2.8 GB/s write
Internal Transfers
M.2 to M.2 mixed or matched: ~500–600 MB/s (sustained), likely limited by shared lanes
10GbE Throughput
Full saturation on both SFP+ ports: ~9.5 Gbps, sustained 1.1+ GB/s file transfer
35–40°C idle, 47–49°C under stress, SSDs remained below 48°C, no thermal throttling
Aoostar WTR Max NAS Review – Conclusion & Verdict
The Aoostar WTR Max presents a rare combination of compact form factor, enterprise-aligned specifications, and hardware flexibility that places it apart from both consumer-grade NAS appliances and DIY server builds. With support for eleven total storage devices—including six SATA bays and five Gen 4 NVMe slots—plus ECC memory compatibility and dual 10GbE networking, it delivers a feature set typically reserved for much larger or more expensive systems. Its Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS processor offers sufficient compute power for a wide range of workloads, from virtualization and containerization to media encoding and storage routing. Real-world performance during testing confirmed that the WTR Max could handle multiple simultaneous high-bitrate video transcodes, multi-VM operation, and 10GbE network saturation, all while maintaining consistent thermals and manageable power usage. While internal bandwidth sharing across NVMe slots may limit some inter-disk operations, this did not impact external throughput or sustained application performance.
For users seeking a flexible platform to host their own NAS operating system—whether TrueNAS, Unraid, or Proxmox—the WTR Max provides considerable value, assuming a willingness to configure and manage the software stack independently. It does not include a proprietary OS or vendor-specific ecosystem, which may be a drawback for those expecting turnkey functionality but a strength for users looking to avoid software licensing limitations or drive compatibility locks. The LCD front panel, OCuLink expandability, and support for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM further extend its potential across use cases that include hybrid desktop/NAS roles, edge compute appliances, or lab environments. While priced above entry-level NAS systems, its performance, thermal behavior, and hardware access align more closely with workstation-class systems. A future comparison with devices like the Minisforum N5 Pro will offer more context, but based on current observations, the Aoostar WTR Max establishes itself as a serious option for self-hosters demanding both storage density and processing headroom.
The Aoostar WTR MAX Nas is available from the following places:
High Storage Density in Compact Form Supports up to 11 drives (6x SATA + 5x NVMe) in a desktop-sized chassis, ideal for users with large-scale storage needs but limited physical space.
Enterprise-Class CPU with ECC Support AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS offers 8C/16T performance, ECC memory support, and integrated RDNA 3 graphics—rare at this price and size.
Dual 10GbE SFP+ and Dual 2.5GbE Networking Provides flexible, high-throughput networking for content creators, virtual environments, or advanced home labs.
Strong Virtualization and Transcoding Performance Smooth Proxmox VM hosting and real-time Plex 4K/8K transcoding using Radeon 780M hardware acceleration.
OCuLink PCIe Expansion Port Enables high-speed external storage or GPU support without sacrificing internal NVMe bandwidth.
Customizable LCD Monitoring Panel Real-time display of system metrics (CPU, RAM, network, storage) with theme options, useful for headless setups.
Robust Cooling System with Vapor Chamber Glacier Pro 1.0 design keeps thermals in check across four fans and distinct airflow zones; low fan noise even under load.
Open Software Ecosystem No proprietary OS or restrictions; supports TrueNAS, Unraid, Proxmox, or Linux-based setups for full admin control.
Limited Internal NVMe Cross-Throughput Inter-M.2 transfer speeds are capped (~500–600 MB/s), possibly due to shared chipset lanes or controller design.
No Internal PCIe Slot Expansion is limited to OCuLink; users needing traditional PCIe cards (e.g., GPUs or HBAs) may find this restrictive.
LCD Panel Software Can Be Problematic Configuration software raised browser security flags and requires static IP client setup, making it less accessible.
External Power Brick Only 280W external PSU is functional but not ideal for rackmount or integrated enclosures; some users may prefer internal ATX power.
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Depuis plusieurs années, Synology explore l’intégration de l’intelligence artificielle pour améliorer son service client. Si le fabricant reste discret sur ses outils internes, William Eudes (Technical Support Manager de Synology France) nous a donné un aperçu de SynoGPT, une solution de support assistée par IA utilisée exclusivement en interne…
Une IA en soutien du support, pas un remplaçant
SynoGPT est un outil basé sur les technologies de RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), mêlant génération de texte et recherche dans une base documentaire. Il est utilisé depuis 2 à 3 ans en interne par le support technique de Synology, avec une montée en puissance significative depuis début 2024.
L’outil ne se connecte pas directement aux données des utilisateurs, mais repose sur une base de connaissances support (interne et publique) ainsi qu’un historique des tickets traités par le passé. La finalité est claire : proposer une réponse fiable et rapide aux demandes basiques de niveau 0.
« L’IA ne remplace pas le support, elle l’accompagne », insiste William Eudes.
Niveau 0 : l’IA prend le relais en autonomie
En moyenne, 2 000 tickets sont reçus chaque mois par le support Synology France. Environ un quart de ces tickets (de niveau 0, les demandes simples) sont aujourd’hui pris en charge par SynoGPT. Si un ticket n’est pas pris en charge par un technicien au bout de 30 minutes, l’IA envoie une réponse automatiquement, ce qui est particulièrement utile en dehors des heures ouvrées.
Depuis septembre 2024, l’envoi des réponses est automatisé après validation des suggestions de l’IA. Cela signifie que les réponses proposées par l’IA sont jugées assez fiables pour être envoyées sans relecture systématique, tout en étant toujours disponibles en interne pour évaluation.
Résultat : 60 % des clients ne rouvrent pas leur ticket après une réponse de SynoGPT, un signe fort de la pertinence de l’outil.
Si le client répond au ticket, c’est un humain qui prend la suite… en aucun cas l’IA.
Notée presque comme un humain
Chaque réponse fait l’objet d’un questionnaire de satisfaction. Selon Synology « Les réponses générées par notre IA atteignent également un niveau très proche des performances humaines, ce qui démontre l’efficacité de cette technologie en complément de notre expertise ».
En parallèle, les techniciens notent également la qualité des réponses IA une fois le ticket clôturé. Ce double mécanisme d’évaluation permet à Synology d’améliorer continuellement la pertinence des réponses générées par SynoGPT.
SynoGPT est actuellement réservé aux utilisateurs particuliers et petites structures. Les clients professionnels et grands comptes continuent de bénéficier d’un accompagnement humain complet, notamment pour les projets complexes, comme la migration d’unités de stockage – un service qui reste gratuit chez Synology.
Mon retour d’expérience
J’ai personnellement eu recours au support de Synology un dimanche, en ouvrant un ticket pour un problème technique. 30 minutes plus tard, je recevais une réponse (clairement identifiée comme générée par l’IA). À ma grande surprise, les 5 pistes proposées étaient toutes cohérentes et bien ciblées.
Dans mon cas, le problème venait finalement d’une défaillance matérielle, prise en charge dans le cadre de la garantie. Mais je dois reconnaître que l’IA a su m’aiguiller efficacement. Elle aurait probablement permis de résoudre le souci…
C’est la pertinence de la réponse, combinée au fait qu’elle provenait clairement d’une IA, qui a éveillé ma curiosité et m’a donné envie d’en savoir plus… jusqu’à provoquer ce rendez-vous avec William.
En synthèse
Avec SynoGPT, Synology montre qu’il est possible d’intégrer l’IA dans un processus de support sans déshumaniser la relation client. Loin de remplacer les équipes, l’outil automatise le traitement des demandes simples pour mieux recentrer les techniciens sur les cas complexes.
Et pour l’avoir testé moi-même, je peux confirmer : réactivité, pertinence et clarté sont bien au rendez-vous. Une belle démonstration d’une IA réellement utile…
The 45Drives HL8 is an 8-bay desktop NAS chassis developed for users who want professional-grade storage hardware without committing to the rigid ecosystems of traditional NAS vendors. Designed and manufactured in North America, the HL8 is available in several configurations, with this review focusing specifically on the chassis, backplane, and power supply model. This version includes a precision-built steel enclosure, a direct-wired 8-bay SATA backplane, and a 500W 80 Plus Gold-rated Flex ATX power supply. It omits bundled motherboards, CPUs, and pre-installed operating systems, appealing to users who prefer to build or customize their NAS hardware environment while still benefiting from an integrated power and storage foundation. The HL8 aims to bridge the gap between low-cost DIY NAS enclosures, which often suffer from poor thermals and awkward layouts, and locked-down consumer appliances that limit software choices and upgrade potential. With a hinged open-frame design, support for full-height PCIe cards, and internal layout optimized for accessibility and cooling, the HL8 is positioned as a platform for long-term use and adaptability rather than a quick-start solution. While its price point is significantly higher than generic imported chassis, its construction and modular focus suggest it’s intended for serious users seeking more control, not simply more convenience.
Who Are 45Drives?
45Drives is a Canadian storage hardware manufacturer based in Nova Scotia, operating as a division of Protocase, a custom enclosure and prototyping company. The brand has built a reputation among system integrators, IT professionals, and homelab enthusiasts for delivering modular, open-platform storage solutions. Unlike many NAS vendors that focus on vertically integrated ecosystems, 45Drives offers systems built around industry-standard components, designed to be user-serviceable and adaptable. Their catalog includes high-density rackmount systems like the Storinator, hybrid flash-HDD systems such as the Stornado, and more recently, a range of compact desktop NAS chassis under the “HL” or HomeLab label. The HL8, HL4, and HL15 models are part of this effort to scale down enterprise-grade build quality into a form factor more appropriate for deskside or small office deployment.
A core part of 45Drives’ identity is its commitment to open-source principles, not just through hardware compatibility but also in software tooling and education. The company develops and maintains Cockpit-based management modules—such as their ZFS and Samba interfaces—for Linux distributions like Rocky Linux, which they often preinstall with their systems. These modules are freely available on GitHub, and the company encourages users to modify, self-host, or adapt them as needed. In addition to their software work, 45Drives actively engages with the community through regular YouTube content, documentation portals, and technical support that continues even when customers deviate from default hardware or software configurations. This combination of enterprise durability, user empowerment, and open development has earned 45Drives a dedicated following among those who want to retain full control over their infrastructure without sacrificing reliability or support.
BUILD QUALITY - 10/10
NOISE - 8/10
COOLING - 8/10
PRICE - 6/10
VALUE - 8/10
8.0
PROS
1. Exceptional build quality using 2mm thick powder-coated steel 2. Unique hinged design allows full interior access without disassembly 3. Integrated 12Gb/s SATA/SAS-compatible hot-swap backplane 4. Designed for Mini-ITX motherboards with full PCIe x16 slot suppor0t 5. Tool-less and tray-less drive bays improve maintenance and upgrades 6. Outstanding documentation and support from 45Drives 7. Fully open-source-friendly chassis with non-proprietary layout
CONS
1. Significantly more expensive than typical DIY NAS cases 2. No native 2.5\" SSD bays included (requires 3D-printed or addon tray) 3. Only compatible with Flex ATX PSUs, limiting choice and increasing cost
45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – External Design
The HL8’s exterior sets it apart from typical consumer NAS enclosures through its bold and unique industrial construction – practically enterprise grade, at a homelab and desktop level. Built from 16-gauge powder-coated steel, the chassis weighs approximately 22 lbs even before drives are installed, conveying a sense of structural rigidity that clearly aligns more with enterprise hardware than with mass-market desktop cases.
The finish is matte and durable, avoiding cheap plastics or decorative panels. Buyers can choose between metal and acrylic front plates, and several color options are available, offering some degree of personalization—something rarely seen at this tier. Branding is subtle, with the HL8 model designation etched into the top panel and a logo plate on the front face.
Unlike most enclosures that rely on removable panels or sliding trays, the HL8 features a hinged “clam shell” design. The entire upper shell lifts open via captive thumb screws, granting immediate access to internal components without needing to remove the drives or disconnect cabling.
This mechanism provides real-time visibility into the system’s interior during operation, making it easier to perform diagnostics, replace fans, or adjust cabling. It’s particularly helpful for users who regularly service or upgrade their systems, and it avoids many of the frustrations associated with cramped or tool-dependent access panels.
The front of the case houses eight hot-swap 3.5” bays in a vertical arrangement, accessible without tools and pre-wired via the internal backplane. These bays are trayless and rely on drive guides for alignment, secured by the structural frame rather than individual plastic sleds. This design allows for rapid drive installation and removal while minimizing potential points of mechanical failure. The front ventilation is cut directly into the steel fascia, and airflow is directed through the drive bays by internal Noctua fans located behind them. There are no visible indicators or LCD panels on the front panel—minimalism is favored over visual clutter.
Around the rear, the layout remains conventional but clean. The rear I/O cutout accommodates standard mini-ITX motherboard layouts, and the single expansion slot supports a full-height PCIe card up to 72mm in height. The integrated Flex ATX power supply sits beside the motherboard area with its own exhaust fan, and ample passive ventilation is provided via additional steel cutouts. While visually understated, the HL8’s outer design prioritizes durability, accessibility, and functional airflow—traits that reflect its enterprise lineage more than its homelab label might suggest.
Category
HL8 (Chassis + Backplane)
HL8 (Chassis + Backplane + PSU)
Model Name
HL8
HL8 with PSU
Drive Bays
8x 3.5″ Tool-less, Trayless Bays
8x 3.5″ Tool-less, Trayless Bays
Drive Compatibility
SATA & SAS (12Gb/s) via backplane
SATA & SAS (12Gb/s) via backplane
Hot-Swap Support
Yes
Yes
Backplane Interface
Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643)
Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643)
Motherboard Support
Mini-ITX
Mini-ITX
PCIe Expansion Slot
1x Full-height, full-length
1x Full-height, full-length
PSU Form Factor
Not included
Flex ATX (pre-installed)
PSU Rating
–
500W, 80 Plus Gold (SilverStone FX500)
Cooling
3x 80mm Noctua Fans (pre-installed)
3x 80mm Noctua Fans (pre-installed)
CPU Cooler Clearance
Approx. 75mm (depends on board layout)
Approx. 75mm (depends on board layout)
GPU Length Support
Up to ~270mm
Up to ~270mm
Chassis Material
2mm Powder-Coated Steel
2mm Powder-Coated Steel
Front I/O
None (uses motherboard rear I/O)
None (uses motherboard rear I/O)
Drive Activity LEDs
Optional (headers on backplane)
Optional (headers on backplane)
Tool-less Design
Yes – Hinged Folding Design
Yes – Hinged Folding Design
Dimensions (W x D x H)
~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx.)
~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx.)
Weight (Unpopulated)
~7.8kg
~9.5kg (with PSU)
Made In
Canada (Chassis), USA (via Protocase partner)
Canada (Chassis), USA (via Protocase partner)
Typical Price (USD)
$599
$799
45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Internal Case Design
Internally, the HL8 case is engineered for both accessibility and structured airflow, with a layout that avoids many of the compromises found in smaller or mass-produced enclosures. The most notable feature is its fully hinged body, which allows the entire top and side panel assembly to lift upward without removing the drives. This open-access approach separates the drive chamber from the motherboard compartment without creating restrictive airflow barriers. It’s a significant advantage for users who need to inspect, troubleshoot, or upgrade internal components, especially when working with larger cooling units or dense cable configurations.
The motherboard area is positioned on the right side of the chassis, aligned horizontally to the drive plane, which prevents any obstruction by drive trays or cabling. This layout supports standard mini-ITX boards and allows full visibility of memory slots, M.2 sockets, and power headers even with drives installed. The motherboard is flanked by routing space that supports organized cabling, including SATA or power leads. This spacing is particularly useful when working with non-modular PSUs or when routing SATA cables from alternative controllers or add-in cards. The case does not limit users to any specific board vendor or layout beyond the mini-ITX size constraint.
Cabling for the backplane is pre-installed in the PSU model, which simplifies setup considerably. The backplane itself is a direct-wired design supporting up to eight SATA drives without requiring SAS expander cards or proprietary interfaces. This approach ensures compatibility with a wide range of consumer and enterprise SATA drives and avoids the long-term risks of vendor-specific drive bay lock-ins. It also makes replacing or troubleshooting individual cables far easier than in systems using multipath or bundled connectors. Power and data connections are cleanly routed through the side of the case, keeping airflow clear and minimizing vibration interference.
The Flex ATX PSU sits at the rear left and is mounted horizontally, drawing air through its own intake and exhausting separately from the main airflow path. This compact configuration leaves the bulk of the case’s lower chamber available for future expansion or airflow tuning. Additional internal fan mounts and brackets are preinstalled, and 45Drives includes all necessary mounting screws and documentation—even down to port-specific manuals for the pre-installed PSU. The internal design of the HL8 shows clear thought toward ease of maintenance and modularity, reflecting an expectation that users will revisit and modify their system over time rather than treat it as a sealed appliance.
45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Noise and Cooling
The HL8’s cooling design reflects a balance between thermal efficiency and acoustic performance, especially in its PSU-included configuration. By default, this model ships with multiple Noctua fans—specifically, two NF-A12x15 fans for intake and one NF-A4x10 for exhaust—which are widely regarded for their low noise output and long-term reliability.
Combined with the direct airflow path created by the open drive cage layout, the HL8 maintains effective cooling of both hard drives and system components without requiring high-RPM, high-noise fan profiles. Even under load, thermal tests show the drive temperatures hovering around 50°C in a 20°C ambient environment—well within safe operating margins for mechanical disks.
In real-world usage, the system produces around 33–34 dBA at idle and 42 dBA under full fan load during tasks such as ZFS pool creation or sustained disk activity. These levels are consistent with what you would expect from a quiet desktop PC and are significantly lower than typical rackmount systems or budget enclosures using unbranded high-speed fans.
The use of steel panels throughout the chassis also contributes to noise dampening, reducing vibration resonance from spinning drives. Overall, the HL8’s thermal and acoustic profile is well-suited for deployment in office or home environments where audible noise is a concern, without sacrificing long-term cooling performance.
45Drives HL8 8-Bay Case vs the Jonsbo N3 Case
The 45Drives HL8 and the Jonsbo N3 both offer 8-bay NAS enclosures for mini-ITX builds, but they cater to very different tiers of the DIY NAS market. The HL8 is positioned as a premium, enterprise-grade enclosure built entirely from 16-gauge steel and manufactured in Canada. It includes a fully integrated backplane, Noctua fans, and a Flex ATX PSU—features aimed at maximizing serviceability, thermal control, and long-term reliability.
Priced at roughly $880 USD for the chassis, backplane, and PSU combo, it targets users who demand industrial standards in a desktop form factor. The Jonsbo N3, in contrast, is a Chinese-manufactured enclosure constructed from 2.0mm aluminium alloy with 1.0mm steel internals.
It focuses on maximizing functionality in a compact and aesthetically refined format, with average retail pricing ranging between $150–$170 USD, though occasional sales and unpredictable shipping costs on platforms like AliExpress can make pricing volatile.
Category
45Drives HL8
Jonsbo N3
Drive Bays
8x 3.5″ (tool-less trays, SATA/SAS via backplane)
8x 3.5″ (hot-swap, SATA only via passive backplane)
SFX (≤105mm) with internal extension cable routing
CPU Cooler Clearance
Up to 75mm (depends on board layout)
Up to 130mm
GPU/PCIe Card Clearance
Up to ~270mm (1 slot)
Up to 250mm (double-width supported)
Construction Material
2mm Powder-Coated Steel
2mm Aluminium (exterior), 1mm Steel (interior)
Cooling
3x 80mm Noctua fans included (chassis & CPU area)
2x 100mm fans included (HDD area), 2x 90mm optional
Front I/O Ports
None (depends on motherboard I/O)
USB 3.0 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, Audio Combo
LED Indicators
Optional drive activity LEDs
8x front panel drive activity LEDs
Toolless Access
Yes – hinged “flower” folding design
No – top secured by Allen screws
Chassis Dimensions (WxDxH)
~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx., rectangular shape)
233mm x 262mm x 298mm
Weight
~9.5kg (with PSU and backplane)
3.9kg (no PSU)
Hot Swap Support
Yes
Yes
Price (avg.)
$658 (chassis + backplane)
$150–$170 USD (no PSU, varies by seller/region)
Manufacturing Origin
Canada (with some imported components IN PRE-BUILT NAS models)
China
In terms of hardware layout and user experience, the HL8 emphasizes modularity and ease of access. Its unique “flower-style” hinged chassis allows for complete servicing of drives, motherboard, cabling, and PSU without disassembly. The built-in backplane supports both SATA and SAS, reducing the need for messy cabling or additional HBA cards unless required for scale-out. Meanwhile, the Jonsbo N3 offers a two-chamber design separating drives and the motherboard/PSU area, supporting 8 hot-swap drives via an included SATA-only backplane. However, the power delivery system relies on two Molex and one SATA connector—an odd combination that may require more planning for power distribution. The N3 also employs a PSU passthrough cable from the back to a front-mounted internal SFX PSU, saving space but potentially restricting airflow and complicating installation. Unlike the HL8’s enterprise cable routing, the N3 requires tight cable management due to its smaller internal volume, and is more prone to cable congestion near the motherboard tray.
Where the HL8 wins in build quality and professional usability, the N3 counters with surprising features at its price point. The N3 includes dual rear fans, 8 LED indicators for drive activity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C front I/O, and support for large PCIe GPUs or network cards up to 250mm. However, it uses rubber grommet-mounted drive holders instead of trays—a cost-saving measure that may reduce vibration but introduces concerns about long-term durability and ease of drive removal. It also lacks tool-less panels for the main lid, requiring an Allen key for access, which, while flush and neat, isn’t practical for regular service. By comparison, the HL8 is fully toolless throughout. Ultimately, the HL8 is ideal for users who prioritize low-maintenance reliability and modular enterprise design in a desktop form, while the N3 offers excellent value for cost-conscious DIY builders willing to trade some serviceability and airflow flexibility for size, aesthetics, and affordability.
45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – The Pre-Built AMD Model
In addition to offering the HL8 as a chassis with backplane and power supply, 45Drives also sells a fully assembled, tested, and burn-in validated configuration for users who prefer a turnkey deployment. The current prebuilt model typically includes a Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX mini-ITX motherboard, paired with either an AMD Ryzen 5 5500GT (6-core, 12-thread) or Ryzen 7 5700G (8-core, 16-thread) processor. These CPUs offer solid single- and multi-threaded performance, integrated graphics for transcoding or light GUI workloads, and efficient power profiles.
The build also comes with up to 64GB of DDR4 UDIMM memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD (typically Gen 4), Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 low-profile CPU cooler, and factory-installed Noctua case fans. All internal wiring is professionally routed, and the system arrives with Rocky Linux and the Houston UI preinstalled for immediate setup.
Category
HL8 Prebuilt Model (Full Configuration)
Model Name
HL8 (Prebuilt by 45Drives)
Chassis Material
2mm Powder-Coated Steel (Same as enterprise rackmount line)
1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (Supports full-height, full-length GPU or NIC)
M.2 Slots
2x (One used for OS drive, One used with SATA controller)
SATA Ports (Onboard)
4x SATA III (From motherboard)
Additional SATA
4x via M.2 SATA controller (occupies second M.2 slot)
Networking
1x 2.5GbE (Realtek 8125B) + Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
USB Ports (Rear)
4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (1x Type-A, 1x Type-C)
Audio Ports
3.5mm Mic In / Line Out / Line In
Dimensions (W x D x H)
~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx.)
Weight (Unpopulated)
~9.5kg
Operating System
OS not included by default; compatible with TrueNAS, Rocky Linux + Houston UI, Proxmox
Typical Price (USD)
$1,399 (at time of writing)
At the time of writing, the total cost of the prebuilt HL8 with the Ryzen 5700G configuration is $1,538 USD. In contrast, a self-built system using comparable off-the-shelf components can be assembled for approximately $875–$900. A rough cost breakdown would be: Ryzen 7 5700G and B550I motherboard combo ($260), 64GB DDR4 UDIMM ($103), 1TB NVMe SSD ($60), 500W Flex ATX Gold PSU ($90), Noctua CPU and case fans ($75), plus an equivalent MITX 8-bay chassis with SATA backplane ($159–$180). While this approach offers clear cost savings, it comes with multiple delivery sources, fragmented warranties, and no factory testing—factors that may be important to users prioritizing reliability and vendor accountability over price.
The prebuilt model is best suited to users who want predictable performance, reduced setup time, and consolidated post-sale support. It removes the need for component sourcing, physical assembly, and initial troubleshooting. However, it also imposes some limitations, such as the use of a single 2.5GbE network port and lack of configuration flexibility. Users requiring more advanced networking or GPU options will need to expand via the PCIe slot manually. Overall, the prebuilt HL8 fills a niche for those who want an enterprise-adjacent storage server without the learning curve or integration work required by a ground-up build, but it may be over-specified or overpriced for more self-sufficient users.
The 45Drives Houseton UI Software – Any Good?
The Houston UI platform from 45Drives is built on top of the open-source Cockpit Project, designed to offer users a web-based server management interface with a lightweight footprint.
Its browser-based GUI makes it accessible from any device on the network, and it supports multiple Linux distributions, including Rocky Linux, which is often used as the default OS with Houston UI.
One of the primary strengths of Houston UI is its ZFS management interface. Users can easily create, modify, and monitor ZFS storage pools without needing to interact directly with the command line.
The system allows for selection of RAID types (RAIDZ1, Z2, etc.), VDEV expansion, record size configuration, deduplication, encryption, and adjustable compression — all accessible within a guided, GUI-based setup.
System monitoring is a central feature of Houston UI, with a real-time dashboard showing CPU, memory, network throughput, and active services. It includes disk status indicators, smart monitoring tools, and hardware detail pages.
Some of which include visual layouts depending on motherboard detection. While the graphical presentation is basic compared to Synology DSM, it does provide sufficient system insight for regular administration.
Houston UI also includes a modular service control center, where administrators can enable or disable a wide range of server services such as Samba (SMB), NFS, SSH, and rsync.
Each module is toggleable, and users can configure individual services with editable configuration files directly from the browser. This brings flexibility, while still maintaining visual accessibility for basic tasks.
The task scheduler in Houston UI provides an easy way to set up automated jobs — including backups, updates, power cycling, and network interface toggling.
Unlike many systems that hide these functions under multiple wizards, Houston offers a unified “Tasks” area for managing all routine automations, including custom scripts and cron-based tasks.
A standout feature is the cloud synchronization and backup module, which offers connectivity to cloud platforms such as Amazon S3 and Backblaze B2, as well as support for local-to-remote rsync and FTP targets. It allows users to control bandwidth, frequency, and folder mappings from a single-pane interface — something that’s typically fragmented in competing platforms.
For users running virtual machines, Houston UI includes a KVM-based virtualization manager. This allows the creation and monitoring of guest VMs directly through the browser, including storage provisioning, image selection, CPU/memory configuration, and console access. While not as feature-rich as Proxmox, it’s suitable for lightweight VM workloads and container testing.
Finally, Houston supports module extensions, with 45Drives publishing their own file sharing and ZFS modules via GitHub. These can be installed on any compatible Linux system running Cockpit. This open approach allows users to build their own UI extensions or pull from the community, avoiding platform lock-in and enabling customization well beyond the factory defaults.
45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion
The 45Drives HL8, when configured as a chassis with backplane and PSU, represents a refined and deliberate approach to small-form NAS deployment. Priced around $880 USD, this configuration sits well above entry-level alternatives, but the investment is clearly reflected in its enterprise-grade construction, serviceable layout, and attention to detail. With a robust 16-gauge steel chassis, direct-wired SATA backplane, and a high-efficiency 500W Flex ATX PSU pre-installed, it offers an ideal base for users who plan to build a serious and scalable NAS solution without locking themselves into restrictive ecosystems.
The hinged body design, tool-free drive access, and Noctua fan integration show a strong understanding of real-world usability, especially for those who perform ongoing maintenance, upgrades, or hardware experimentation. In that sense, it’s less a typical “consumer NAS case” and more a modular platform intended for long-term infrastructure use in homelab and small business environments.
That said, this is not a universal fit for all users. The HL8’s exclusive support for mini-ITX motherboards imposes limitations on connectivity and expansion, especially for those needing multiple PCIe lanes or additional SATA ports without relying on adapters. And while the internal layout is clearly optimized, buyers still need to be comfortable sourcing and configuring their own motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage—something that could be daunting for beginners or those seeking simplicity over flexibility. In markets where similar 8-bay enclosures from lesser-known brands can be found for half the price, the HL8’s value lies more in its physical build quality, localized production, and long-term viability rather than raw cost efficiency. Users comparing it to entry-tier rackmount gear or compact server cases will need to weigh whether the HL8’s refinement and modularity justify the premium.
Ultimately, the HL8 is a product with a clearly defined audience: self-hosters, IT professionals, and technical users who understand the value of vendor-agnostic hardware and want to retain full control over their system’s lifecycle. It offers a rare middle ground between low-cost DIY setups that require piecemeal integration and fully locked turnkey NAS systems from mainstream brands. For those who are willing to invest not only financially but also in the time and knowledge needed to assemble and manage their NAS environment, the HL8 stands out as one of the most thoughtfully engineered and supportable 8-bay NAS chassis currently on the market.
Pros
Cons
1. Exceptional build quality using 2mm thick powder-coated steel
1. Significantly more expensive than typical DIY NAS cases
2. Unique hinged design allows full interior access without disassembly
2. No native 2.5″ SSD bays included (requires 3D-printed or addon tray)
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.
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Asustor est un des leaders dans le domaine des NAS. Il propose de nombreux outils afin de protéger efficacement vos données. Entre documents importants, souvenirs précieux et fichiers multimédias, une sauvegarde efficace des données est cruciale. Aujourd’hui, nous vous proposons de (re)découvrir la fonction MyArchive d’Asustor, qui permet d’utiliser un disque dur (ou SSD) comme archive de stockage amovible. Explications…
MyArchive par ASUSTOR
MyArchive est une fonctionnalité unique dans les NAS Asustor. Elle permet de transformer un disque dur en archive de stockage amovible. Pour faire simple, MyArchive permet d’insérer et de retirer un disque dur dans un NAS, à volonté. Cette fonctionnalité est particulièrement utile pour ceux qui ont besoin de stocker de grandes quantités de données sans devoir garder tous les disques en fonctionnement continu dans le NAS. MyArchive peut être utilisé pour la sauvegarde, l’archivage ou encore l’échange de données.
Atouts de MyArchive
MyArchive offre de nombreux avantages aux utilisateurs de NAS Asustor :
Facilité d’utilisation : Insérez le disque dans un emplacement libre du NAS, il est immédiatement disponible en lecture et en écriture (sans redémarrage du NAS). Il prend en charge de nombreux systèmes de fichiers comme ext4 (avec ou sans chiffrement via clé USB), exFAT, NTFS, HFS+ et Btrfs (chiffrement comme pour l’ext4 et possibilité de faire des instantanés/snapshots). Pour rappel, l’exFAT est gratuit à partir d’ADM 4.0 ou versions ultérieures.
Nombre de baies – 1 : Le nombre de disques possibles MyArchive est de nombre total de baies-1, le disque 1 étant réservé aux paramètres, aux applications et au stockage de données. Cela signifie que sur les modèles 4 baies (exemple : AS6704T), vous pouvez avoir 3 disques MyArchive simultanément. Pour les modèles à 10 baies (exemple : AS7110T), vous pouvez avoir jusqu’à 9 disques MyArchive montés simultanément.
Performances lecture/écriture : MyArchive utilise un emplacement interne, ce qui permet d’exploiter au maximum la vitesse du disque.
Chiffrement en option : Les données stockées via MyArchive peuvent être chiffrées (encryptées) en AES 256-bit, garantissant que seules les personnes autorisées pourront accéder aux informations sensibles (chiffrement disponible uniquement pour ext4 et Btrfs).
Montage et démontage automatique : Si une sauvegarde est programmée avec MyArchive, le système peut monter automatiquement le disque dur, réduisant ainsi le risque de perte de données et facilitant la gestion des sauvegardes régulières.
Consommation d’énergie optimisée : En retirant le disque non utilisé, MyArchive aide à réduire la consommation d’énergie du NAS, ce qui est à la fois économique et respectueux de l’environnement.
MyArchive offre une solution flexible pour la gestion des données, que ce soit pour réaliser des sauvegardes, des archives ou encore de l’échange de fichiers.
Cas d’usage
Vidéastes et photographes : Si vous manipulez de grandes quantités de données (photos, vidéos, musique), MyArchive vous permet de stocker vos projets terminés sur un disque dédié, libérant ainsi de l’espace dans le NAS.
Entreprises : MyArchive peut être utilisé pour archiver des données historiques ou rarement utilisées sur des disques dédiés, tout en conservant les disques principaux dans le NAS.
Particuliers : MyArchive offre la possibilité de stocker des collections de films, photos et musique sur des disques séparés. Chaque membre de la famille peut avoir son propre disque dur, facilement insérable dans le NAS pour accéder à ses fichiers personnels.
Pour transférer une grande quantité de données depuis un NAS Asustor vers un ordinateur (hors réseau) ou un autre NAS, vous pouvez utiliser MyArchive pour copier les fichiers sur un disque. Une fois l’opération terminée, retirez le disque et branchez-le directement sur un autre ordinateur pour un transfert ultra-rapide et sécurisé. Le disque et ses données seront accessibles depuis un ordinateur (Windows, macOS ou Linux) ou un autre NAS.
Conclusion
Avec MyArchive dans ses NAS, Asustor offre une solution redoutable dans la gestion des données. Que ce soit pour des besoins professionnels ou particuliers, MyArchive permet une gestion efficace, sécurisée et flexible des disques durs. Asustor continue de repousser les limites de ce que l’on peut attendre d’un NAS en répondant aux besoins des utilisateurs.
Pour en savoir plus sur MyArchive et les autres solutions proposées par Asustor, visitez leur site officiel.
Synology vient d’annoncer leDS225+, le successeur du DS224+. Cette nouvelle version s’inscrit dans la stratégie de renouvellement de la gamme DSx25+, qui introduction enfin le 2,5 Gb/s. Toutefois, au-delà de cette amélioration réseau, les évolutions restent légères. Ce nouveau NAS justifie-t-il réellement un investissement ?
Synology DS225+ vs DS224+
Processeur et RAM = Même Combat
Les 2 NAS partagent la même architecture. Ils sont construits autour du processeur Quad Core Intel Celeron J4125 cadencé à 2,0 GHz (jusqu’à 2,7 GHz en mode Burst) et 2 Go de RAM DDR4 (non ECC), extensibles jusqu’à 6 Go.
Le processeur J4125 date un peu, mais il a fait ses preuves. Il présente l’avantage d’intégrer un iGPU (processeur graphique) Intel UHD Graphics 600, ce qui est important si vous souhaitez faire du transcodage vidéo matériel avec Plex ou Jellyfin…. On regrettera que Synology se cantonne à seulement 2 Go de mémoire vive par défaut en 2025.
Connectique
La seule vraie nouveauté de ce DS225+, c’est l’arrivée d’un port réseau 2,5 Gb/s, qui vient compléter le port 1 Gb/s déjà présent.
Cette évolution, longtemps réclamée par la communauté, permet de passer les 300 Mo/s sur un réseau compatible. Pour les transferts de gros volumes, c’est une amélioration qui se traduit par des gains de temps substantiels. C’est également particulièrement appréciable dans les environnements multi-utilisateurs.
Côté des ports USB, il n’y a aucun changement.
Politique de compatibilité plus stricte
Depuis la série DSx25+, Synology a durci sa politique de compatibilité matérielle, en particulier concernant les disques durs et SSD. Seuls les modèles estampillés Synology sont désormais officiellement supportés, excluant de fait des références pourtant bien établies sur le marché, comme les Seagate IronWolf ou les WD Red. Cette stratégie traduit une volonté claire de contrôler l’ensemble de l’écosystème afin d’optimiser les performances et la fiabilité de ses produits.
Tableau comparatif DS225+ vs DS224+
DS225+
DS224+
Modèle du processeur
Intel J4125
Intel J4125
Fréquence du processeur
Quad Core (2,0 – 2,7 GHz)
Quad Core (2,0 – 2,7 GHz)
iGPU
Oui
Oui
Mémoire vive
2 Go DDR4 (extensible jusqu’à 6)
2 Go DDR4 (extensible jusqu’à 6)
Emplacements HDD
2
2
Emplacements SSD NVME
0
0
Unité d’expansion
–
–
Port USB 3.0
2 (dont 1 en façade)
2 (dont 1 en façade)
Port réseau 1 Gb/s
1
2
Port réseau 2,5 Gb/s
1
–
Port réseau 10 GbE
–
–
Consommation électrique
16,98 W (Accès) et 6,08 W (Hibernation disque dur)
14,69 W (Accès) et 4,41 W (Hibernation disque dur)
Le Synology DS225+ s’inscrit davantage dans une logique de rafraîchissement que d’une véritable révolution. L’ajout du port 2,5 Gb/s est une bonne nouvelle, qui répond aux attentes des utilisateurs.
Si vous possédez déjà un DS224+, la migration ne se justifie que dans des scénarios très spécifiques (besoin absolu de débits réseau supérieurs). Pour les nouveaux acquéreurs, le choix dépendra essentiellement de leur approche vis-à-vis de la politique de disques certifiés.
Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Get It Right, FIRST TIME!
When Synology releases a new NAS in its “Plus” lineup, users often expect a blend of practical improvements, long-term support, and a reasonable upgrade path from the previous generation. The Synology DS1825+ arrives in 2025 as the official successor to the 2020/2021-released DS1821+, carrying over much of the same core design while introducing selective enhancements—and a few contentious changes. Both are 8-bay desktop NAS systems targeted at advanced home users, small businesses, and content creators who need multi-user access, flexible RAID configurations, and extensive app support. However, while the DS1821+ was praised for its broad compatibility and modular connectivity, the DS1825+ adopts a more tightly controlled hardware ecosystem. In this comparison, we break down the key differences across hardware, ports, storage capabilities, DSM software features, and drive compatibility so you can decide which model truly fits your long-term needs—without second-guessing your choice later.
Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Internal Hardware
At the center of both the Synology DS1821+ and DS1825+ is the AMD Ryzen V1500B processor, a 4-core, 8-thread embedded SoC with a 64-bit architecture and a base frequency of 2.2 GHz. This chip, built on the Zen architecture, offers a balance of power efficiency and multi-threaded performance suited for environments with simultaneous multi-user file access, virtual machines, and complex RAID configurations. Synology’s decision to retain the same processor in the DS1825+ reflects confidence in its reliability and capability. However, for users hoping for a jump to Zen 2 or Zen 3-based hardware, the lack of a CPU upgrade could be a disappointment—especially considering that competing vendors have started adopting newer architectures for their mid-range systems. Still, for typical NAS tasks that do not involve on-the-fly 4K video transcoding or GPU-heavy operations, the V1500B remains a stable and effective platform with AES-NI encryption support and virtualization compatibility across VMware, Hyper-V, and Docker workloads.
Component
Synology DS1821+
Synology DS1825+
CPU
AMD Ryzen V1500B, 4-core, 8-thread, 2.2 GHz
AMD Ryzen V1500B, 4-core, 8-thread, 2.2 GHz
CPU Architecture
64-bit (Zen)
64-bit (Zen)
Hardware Encryption
AES-NI
AES-NI
Memory (Pre-installed)
4 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
8 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
Memory Slots
2 × SODIMM
2 × SODIMM
Max Memory Supported
32 GB (2 × 16 GB)
32 GB (2 × 16 GB)
ECC Memory Support
Yes
Yes
System Fans
2 × 120mm
2 × 120mm
Power Supply
250W Internal PSU
250W Internal PSU
Power Consumption (Active)
59.8W
60.1W
Power Consumption (HDD Hibernation)
26.18W
18.34W
Noise Level (Idle)
22.2 dB(A)
23.8 dB(A)
Dimensions (H × W × D)
166 × 343 × 243 mm
166 × 343 × 243 mm
Weight
6.0 kg
6.0 kg
The most immediate improvement in the DS1825+ over its predecessor is in the system memory. While the DS1821+ ships with 4 GB of DDR4 ECC SODIMM, the DS1825+ doubles that to 8 GB by default, giving users more overhead for running DSM services out of the box. This matters in practical terms for multitasking within Synology’s ecosystem—such as simultaneous use of Synology Drive, Surveillance Station, Virtual Machine Manager, and snapshot services. For environments where users may deploy hybrid workloads (e.g., backup automation combined with real-time collaboration tools), the extra memory in the DS1825+ reduces the likelihood of performance bottlenecks or memory swapping. Both systems support up to 32 GB (2 × 16 GB), but starting with 8 GB means many users won’t need to upgrade at all. Additionally, since both units use ECC memory, they help ensure integrity in business-critical applications by reducing silent data corruption—an especially relevant factor when hosting VMs or storing sensitive files over time.
Thermal and power characteristics between the two systems remain largely consistent, with both featuring dual 120mm fans and an internal 250W PSU that can handle full drive loads with expansion units attached. The DS1821+ and DS1825+ are also nearly identical in physical size and structure, though the newer model has a slightly higher idle noise level—23.8 dB(A) versus 22.2 dB(A)—due to denser internal configuration and possibly fan speed curve adjustments. From an operational standpoint, the DS1825+ is marginally more power-efficient in idle states, consuming just 18.34W during HDD hibernation compared to 26.18W in the DS1821+. These marginal differences suggest a refinement in system tuning, although not a radical redesign. Overall, while the DS1825+ doesn’t revolutionize internal hardware, its doubled memory and subtle optimizations give it the edge for users planning to push DSM with multiple services or those who prefer an upgrade-free deployment experience.
Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Ports and Connections
One of the most tangible areas of differentiation between the DS1821+ and DS1825+ lies in their external connectivity. The older DS1821+ is equipped with four 1GbE RJ-45 LAN ports, a familiar configuration that supports link aggregation and network redundancy. This setup was common in Synology’s mid-range lineup during its 2020–2022 releases, offering a total aggregated bandwidth of up to 4Gbps—assuming your switch infrastructure supports it. For many small business users, this array of ports provided simple flexibility: you could dedicate individual ports for different services or bond them for faster file transfers. However, in practice, 1GbE is increasingly becoming a limiting factor for modern workloads, especially in environments with large raw video files, database access, or multiple users performing high-speed backups.
Port / Expansion Feature
Synology DS1821+
Synology DS1825+
RJ-45 LAN Ports
4 × 1GbE
2 × 2.5GbE
Link Aggregation / Failover
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
4 × USB 3.2 Gen 1
3 × USB 3.2 Gen 1
Expansion Ports
2 × eSATA (for DX517)
2 × USB Type-C (for DX525)
PCIe Slot
1 × PCIe Gen3 x8 (x4 link)
1 × PCIe Gen3 x8 (x4 link)
NVMe M.2 Slots
2 × M.2 2280 (Cache only)
2 × M.2 2280 (Cache or Storage Pool, Synology-only)
Hot-swappable Drive Bays
8 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (Hot-swappable)
8 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (Hot-swappable)
Max Drive Bays (with Expansion)
18 (with 2 × DX517 via eSATA)
18 (with 2 × DX525 via USB-C)
The DS1825+ reflects a more current networking trend by replacing the four 1GbE ports with two 2.5GbE RJ-45 ports. While this reduces the total number of interfaces, it significantly increases throughput per port, offering an aggregated maximum of 5Gbps when bonded. This shift represents a smarter allocation of bandwidth for users with 2.5GbE-capable switches or routers, and it’s more practical than the 1GbE spread seen in the DS1821+. In small office networks or prosumer setups where simultaneous data access is routine, the DS1825+ delivers higher per-connection performance, improving large file transfers and reducing latency during remote access. Though fewer in number, the newer ports provide better real-world performance potential—and users seeking higher bandwidth can still add a 10GbE or 25GbE NIC via the PCIe slot in both models.
Beyond networking, the DS1825+ introduces a notable change in expansion port design. The DS1821+ includes two eSATA ports for attaching Synology DX517 expansion units, which align with legacy expansion practices. In contrast, the DS1825+ replaces these with two USB-C-based expansion ports, designed specifically for use with the newer DX525 expansion units. While this doesn’t directly affect day-to-day operations, it signals a move toward a USB-based proprietary interface for future expansion, likely with more streamlined cabling and higher throughput potential. Additionally, the DS1825+ trims down from four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports to three, a minor trade-off that may impact users with multiple USB-connected devices such as UPS units or backup drives. Still, for most users, the improved network and expansion standards make the DS1825+ more forward-looking, even if it reduces legacy connectivity options found on the DS1821+.
Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Storage
Both the DS1821+ and DS1825+ offer eight front-facing SATA drive bays, supporting 3.5″ HDDs and 2.5″ SSDs, with hot-swappable trays for easy maintenance and upgrades. On the surface, storage capacity and configuration appear nearly identical: both models can scale up to 18 total drives using two Synology expansion units and support RAID levels including SHR, RAID 5, 6, and 10. This makes either system a viable choice for users with large datasets, whether for media, surveillance, or business-critical file hosting. However, subtle distinctions in how storage can be configured and expanded in each model make a significant difference over time.
Storage Feature
Synology DS1821+
Synology DS1825+
Drive Bays
8 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (hot-swappable)
8 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (hot-swappable)
Max Drive Bays (with Expansion)
18 (via 2 × DX517)
18 (via 2 × DX525)
M.2 NVMe Slots
2 × M.2 2280 (cache only, 3rd-party SSDs allowed)
2 × M.2 2280 (cache or storage pools, Synology-only SSDs)
Max Single Volume Size
108 TB
200 TB (requires 32 GB RAM)
Max Internal Volumes
64
32
Supported RAID Types
SHR, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
SHR, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
Third-Party HDD/SSD Support
Fully supported (with warnings)
Blocked at install/init if not verified
Storage Pool Creation with Unverified Drives
Allowed
Blocked
Storage Pool Expansion (Unverified Drives)
Supported
Blocked
RAID Recovery with Unverified Drives
Supported
Blocked
Hot Spare (Unverified Drives)
Supported
Blocked
Storage Manager Behavior (Unverified Drives)
Warnings shown, but system fully functional
Persistent alerts, some functions disabled
The DS1825+ supports storage pools using its two internal M.2 NVMe slots, something the DS1821+ does not. On the older model, those slots are limited strictly to SSD caching, and even then, Synology allowed users to use third-party NVMe drives for read/write acceleration. In the DS1825+, Synology enables users to form full storage pools using M.2 SSDs—but only if those SSDs are from Synology’s own SNV3400 or SNV3410 series. This adds flexibility in theory, especially for users interested in all-flash configurations or high-speed tiers, but restricts user choice in practice. The DS1821+ offers more freedom in selecting SSDs and hard drives, with only non-blocking warning messages when using unverified models, while the DS1825+ actively blocks storage pool creation and system initialization with unlisted drives.
This tightening of compatibility extends into pool expansion, RAID rebuilds, and even hot spare assignments. In the DS1821+, users could freely mix third-party drives and expand pools over time using available or similarly specced HDDs—even those not on the official compatibility list. The DS1825+ takes a stricter approach: attempts to initialize DSM with unverified HDDs will fail, and pool expansion or RAID recovery with unsupported drives is outright blocked. While existing volumes from older NAS systems can still be migrated and booted, they will trigger persistent compatibility warnings in DSM, often with degraded system health indicators. This shift may offer Synology more control over performance validation and support consistency, but it limits flexibility for users relying on diverse or existing storage media—making the DS1821+ a better option for those with a mix-and-match approach, and the DS1825+ more suitable for fully standardized Synology deployments.
Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – DSM Capabilities
Both the DS1821+ and DS1825+ are powered by Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.2 operating system, offering access to a rich suite of applications for file management, backup, surveillance, virtualization, and cloud syncing. Core tools such as Synology Drive and Synology Photos provide a private cloud alternative to services like Google Drive or Dropbox, while packages like Hyper Backup and Active Backup for Business enable full-system and client-based data protection strategies. These services run similarly on both systems, but hardware differences can influence practical performance. For example, the DS1825+ ships with 8 GB of ECC memory by default, making it more responsive when running multiple DSM apps in parallel—such as Snapshot Replication combined with Virtual Machine Manager and Drive Client Sync. In contrast, the DS1821+ ships with 4 GB of memory, which may require an upgrade before achieving similar multitasking fluidity, especially in environments with more than a few simultaneous users.
DSM Feature / Capability
Synology DS1821+
Synology DS1825+
DSM Version
DSM 7.2+
DSM 7.2+
Max Internal Volumes
64
32 ▼ Reduced
Max Single Volume Size
108 TB
200 TB (requires 32 GB RAM) ▲ Increased
Snapshot Replication
256 per shared folder / 4,096 total system snapshots
256 per shared folder / 4,096 total system snapshots
Differences emerge in how each system handles volume structure and scaling. The DS1821+ supports up to 64 internal volumes, giving it an advantage in deployments where users need to segregate workloads—for instance, separating surveillance footage, shared team folders, user home directories, and VM storage into distinct volumes for quota management and performance tuning. This flexibility makes the DS1821+ better suited for educational institutions or small business IT teams who manage multiple user groups and need clear storage separation. The DS1825+, on the other hand, limits internal volumes to 32 but increases the maximum single-volume size to 200 TB (with 32 GB RAM installed). This makes it better aligned with large, contiguous workloads like uncompressed 4K video editing archives, security footage retention for legal compliance, or massive CAD/CAM datasets—all of which benefit more from fewer, larger volumes than from numerous smaller ones.
Service limits within DSM also subtly differentiate the two models. The DS1821+ is rated for up to 110 concurrent users in Synology Drive and Office, whereas the DS1825+ recommends a slightly lower threshold of 100 users. While the difference is marginal, it may reflect the DS1825+’s tighter memory tuning or more restrictive compatibility model, which now relies on verified Synology storage media for optimal performance. For example, in environments running Synology Office with real-time collaborative editing—paired with Drive, MailPlus, and external file sharing through WebDAV—the DS1821+ might offer more flexibility when loaded with third-party high-performance SSDs for caching. The DS1825+, restricted to Synology’s own SNV3400/3410 NVMe drives, demands tighter ecosystem compliance, which could affect responsiveness if storage performance becomes a bottleneck. Nonetheless, both models offer full support for advanced DSM modules like Synology High Availability, SAN Manager, and Hybrid Share, ensuring that users deploying in mission-critical environments still have access to the high-availability and hybrid cloud features that define Synology’s enterprise-ready platform.
Although DSM 7.2 offers the same interface and core functionality across both the DS1821+ and DS1825+, the user experience diverges notably during storage migration, particularly when using older or unverified hard drives. Users migrating existing volumes from earlier Synology systems—such as the DS918+, DS1819+, or DS920+—will find that the DS1821+ accepts those drives with minimal friction. DSM will boot normally, recognize the existing array, and issue only minor warnings in Storage Manager regarding drive verification, which are generally dismissible and do not affect functionality. RAID recovery, pool expansion, and the addition of hot spare drives all remain fully accessible, even when using third-party or previously unsupported drives. In contrast, the DS1825+ enforces stricter hardware validation: while it will mount migrated volumes, the system interface becomes saturated with persistent warning banners, amber and red health statuses, and limited drive information if the drives are not officially verified. These warnings cannot be dismissed, and attempts to rebuild RAID, add new drives to existing pools, or assign hot spares using unverified media will be blocked entirely. As a result, while both systems technically support migration, the DS1821+ offers a far more tolerant and practical transition path for users with legacy or mixed-brand storage configuration.
Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Conclusion
Choosing between the Synology DS1825+ and DS1821+ comes down to whether you prioritize modern hardware refinements or broader long-term flexibility. The DS1825+ introduces subtle but meaningful upgrades: faster 2.5GbE connectivity, double the base memory, and NVMe storage pool support—features that clearly position it as the more forward-thinking choice for users committed to staying within the Synology ecosystem. However, these improvements come with tighter restrictions, most notably in its rigid drive compatibility policy. DSM cannot be installed unless only Synology-verified drives are used, and the system actively blocks unverified drives from being used in storage pools, RAID rebuilds, or even hot spare configurations. In contrast, the DS1821+ offers more freedom—supporting a wider range of HDDs and SSDs, allowing RAID recovery and expansion with non-Synology drives, and presenting a cleaner, less obstructive DSM experience when migrating from older hardware. While it may lack the newer model’s out-of-the-box performance gains, its open-ended architecture gives users—especially those with legacy drives or mixed environments—more breathing room. For users building a NAS from scratch and willing to adopt Synology’s closed hardware ecosystem, the DS1825+ is a capable and streamlined solution. But for those looking to extend the life of existing hardware or retain control over their storage media choices, the DS1821+ remains the more versatile and user-friendly option.
Aspect
Synology DS1821+
Synology DS1825+
Pros
– Full support for 3rd-party drives (HDDs & SSDs)
– Higher default RAM (8 GB ECC pre-installed)
– Supports RAID recovery, expansion, and hot spares with unverified drives
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J’espère que vous allez bien. L’été est enfin là, et avec lui une météo plus clémente qui remonte le moral. Il flotte comme un petit air de vacances…
Ces derniers jours, j’ai reçu plusieurs critiques concernant certains de mes articles, notamment ceux portant sur les nouveautés Synology. On m’a reproché d’être trop sévère à l’égard des choix du fabricant. Je tiens à clarifier les choses : il ne s’agit en aucun cas de faire du Synology bashing. Ce n’a jamais été le cas et ce n’est certainement pas dans mes intentions aujourd’hui. L’actualité du moment tourne beaucoup autour des modèles DSx25+, ce qui est logique puisque Synology procède à un renouvellement de sa gamme. C’était la même chose avec les DSx23+ précédemment. Mes intentions restent inchangées : relater les faits et être objectif. Il semble que cela ne plaise pas à tout le monde. Dans une période aussi mouvante, je reste convaincu qu’il est essentiel de maintenir une ligne éditoriale stable et de ne pas céder aux pressions extérieures. Un grand merci, d’ailleurs, à la majorité d’entre vous qui m’ont soutenu et ont souligné l’importance de cette constance.
Comme chaque année, je vous invite à porter une attention particulière à vos NAS et supports de stockage (SSD et HDD). Même s’ils sont conçus pour fonctionner à des températures relativement élevées, il est crucial de les surveiller durant les épisodes de fortes chaleurs. Veillez à ce que la température de vos disques ne dépasse pas les 60°C. Ils peuvent certes tolérer davantage, mais cela accélère leur usure. N’oubliez pas non plus de dépoussiérer régulièrement votre NAS : un geste simple, mais souvent négligé.
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High-performance AMD Ryzen
AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 12 cores, 24 threads, and AI acceleration (50 TOPS NPU) is INCREDIBLE for a compact desktop purchase
MinisCloud OS is functional but immature, with unfinished localisation and limited advanced enterprise features - lacks MFA, iSCSI, Security Scanner and More. Nails several key fundamentals, but still feels unfinished at this time.
DEAL WATCH
Synology AI Console débarque sur les NAS
The finish is matte and durable, avoiding cheap plastics or decorative panels. Buyers can choose between metal and acrylic front plates, and several color options are available, offering some degree of personalization—something rarely seen at this tier. Branding is subtle, with the HL8 model designation etched into the top panel and a logo plate on the front face.
This mechanism provides real-time visibility into the system’s interior during operation, making it easier to perform diagnostics, replace fans, or adjust cabling. It’s particularly helpful for users who regularly service or upgrade their systems, and it avoids many of the frustrations associated with cramped or tool-dependent access panels.
Each module is toggleable, and users can configure individual services with editable configuration files directly from the browser. This brings flexibility, while still maintaining visual accessibility for basic tasks.
Fully supported (with warnings)
Blocked at install/init if not verified
Protéger votre NAS en période de forte chaleur