Is the Sipeed NanoKVM Safe? On-board Microphone Identified

The Sipeed NanoKVM Cube is a low cost, network connected KVM built around the LicheeRV Nano RISC-V module, and recent reporting has drawn attention to the fact that this first generation hardware quietly inherited an onboard analog microphone from that core board. While the LicheeRV Nano documentation clearly lists audio input and output capabilities, the NanoKVM product materials initially focused on its KVM role and did not prominently call out the presence of a microphone on the internal PCB. That gap in presentation, combined with the device’s origin in China and its role as an always-on, remotely accessible appliance, has led to questions about transparency and potential privacy impact. This article reviews what is actually on the hardware, how Sipeed has responded, which issues have been addressed in software, and what residual risk remains for users who already have the NanoKVM Cube deployed.

The NanoKVM Cube and That Microphone – What We Learned?

The initial detailed public discussion of the NanoKVM Cube microphone came from a Telefoncek.si research article, which documented security testing of early units and highlighted the presence of a small, operational microphone on the device’s PCB. The NanoKVM Cube is built on the LicheeRV Nano platform, and that design decision is the origin of the audio hardware. The LicheeRV Nano specification explicitly lists an onboard analog silicon microphone for audio input and a PA amplifier for driving a small speaker, because the module is intended as a general purpose SBC for a range of embedded applications. When Sipeed used this module as the core of a consumer facing KVM, the Cube inherited that audio circuitry intact, including the tiny surface mount MEMS microphone, even though typical KVM usage does not require audio capture capabilities.

What Telefoncek.si article from Feb ’25  drew attention to was the combination of this hardware and a software stack that already contained working audio tooling. Researchers who obtained early NanoKVM units found that, with SSH access, standard ALSA tools such as amixer and arecord could be used to adjust gain and record ambient sound through the built in microphone, and that the resulting audio files could be copied or potentially streamed off the device. At that time, the NanoKVM product page described its relationship to the LicheeRV Nano SDK and resources in general terms, but did not highlight that a functioning microphone remained present on the KVM board. For many users, that gap between what the SBC documentation said and what the KVM product page emphasized was perceived as a lack of clear disclosure rather than a predictable consequence of module reuse.

The NanoKVM Security Concern and Presentation Issues

The initial concern around NanoKVM security was not limited to the microphone. Early firmware builds shipped with default credentials, SSH enabled, weak web security controls, and hardcoded encryption keys that were identical across devices. Researchers also found diagnostic and security utilities present on the system image that were more appropriate for development or lab use than for a small appliance likely to be exposed on home or small business networks. These findings created a picture of a product that had been moved from prototype to retail relatively quickly, with baseline functionality in place but limited attention paid to hardening or least privilege.

Presentation played a significant role in how the microphone issue was perceived. For the LicheeRV Nano SBC, the presence of audio input and output is clearly listed as part of the hardware specification, and that makes sense for a general purpose module. For NanoKVM Cube, the public facing documentation initially focused on KVM features, HDMI input, and compatibility with the LicheeRV Nano SDK, while leaving the inherited audio hardware implicit. Only later did the NanoKVM wiki entry gain explicit wording that the Cube retains display, touch, microphone, and amplifier circuits from the base module, and that newer firmware versions would remove the relevant drivers and future production runs would omit these components entirely.

Sipeed’s public responses combine these two aspects. On the one hand they point to the LicheeRV Nano documentation and the updated NanoKVM wiki as evidence that the microphone is not intended to be secret. On the other hand they argue that, from a threat model perspective, the presence of a board level microphone does not materially change risk once an attacker has obtained full control of the device, since they could already perform sensitive actions through the host system. For critics, the issue is less about the technical possibility of audio capture in a fully compromised scenario and more about expectation and trust: a network attached KVM marketed primarily on its remote control capabilities but not clearly calling out built in audio capture hardware is likely to be treated with more suspicion, especially when it comes from a vendor that has already needed several rounds of security fixes.

Reality Check – How Much of a Concern is this?

From a strict security engineering viewpoint, the onboard microphone in the NanoKVM Cube does not create a new, independent way into the device. An attacker still needs a working exploit, exposed service, or misconfiguration to gain sufficient access before any audio capture is possible. In that sense, the primary risk is still the usual set of issues that apply to any IP KVM: exposed management interfaces, weak credentials, unpatched firmware, or poor network segmentation. If those fundamentals are handled correctly, the probability that a remote attacker can turn the Cube into a listening device is significantly reduced, and using alternative firmware or a locked down software stack can further narrow the options.

The impact side of the equation is different. Once a NanoKVM Cube is compromised at a system level, the presence of a functional microphone increases the potential harm compared with a KVM that only relays keyboard, video, and mouse. A device that sits in a home office, lab, or equipment room and can capture ambient sound can turn a general compromise into a privacy incident that extends beyond the connected host system. For some users that incremental risk will be acceptable if the device is strictly isolated, regularly updated, and treated as an untrusted appliance at the edge of the network. For others, the residual possibility of room audio capture from a small, unattended box may be enough to justify either physical removal of the mic, replacement with a later hardware revision, or avoiding this particular model altogether.

Note. Here is the board view of the NanoKVM USB and NanaKVM Pro PCIe, with no microphone visible:

Asking Sipeed Questions about the NanoKVM Microphone Issue – How and Why This Occurred?

To clarify how the microphone ended up in a shipping KVM product and what Sipeed intends to do about it, I put a series of written questions to the company. The goal was not to reassess the technical findings already covered by independent research, but to obtain clear statements from the vendor on 4 points: how they view the documentation and disclosure around the microphone, which specific NanoKVM variants and hardware revisions include it, what mitigations they believe limit its security and privacy impact for existing deployments, and what concrete changes they are planning for future production runs. The questions and Sipeed’s responses are reproduced in full below. Thanks again to Caesar Wu for his time in answering my questions.

Why was there a microphone on the device, and how/why it’s absent from the documentation?

This premise contains a serious factual error made by the original article. The presence and rationale for the microphone are not undocumented; they are explicitly mentioned on the product’s main Wiki page: https://wiki.sipeed.com/hardware/en/kvm/NanoKVM/introduction.html#NanoKVM

Which Version/Batch/Revisions of NanoKVM feature this Microphone?

The microphone is featured on the NanoKVM Lite and NanoKVM Cube versions. These are derivative products based on the LicheeRV-Nano (RISC-V SBC core module) and consequently inherited its Single Board Computer (SBC) peripherals, including the microphone, speaker, and MIPI touchscreen support.

Is this present on other versions of NanoKVM (i.e PCIe, Pro, USB, etc)?

No. Other products use custom-designed boards dedicated solely to the KVM scenario. They do not reuse the SBC module and therefore do not include non-KVM-essential components.

Why was this microphone not eliminated at the point of production?

The core part of NanoKVM-Cube/Lite is LicheeRV Nano. We reuse LicheeRV Nano as a standard “SOM” in many different products, like AI Camera MaixCAM:    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006912917562.html . And our toB customer also use it as a standard linux core board(Just like RPi CM4, CM5), they are very satisfied with the onboard microphone, speaker, and touch screen.  As stated in my previous email, we maintain that logically, the retention of the microphone on the board does not introduce any negative impact on security. While the onboard components (microphone, speaker power amplifier (PA), and touchscreen connector) introduce a slight increase in Bill of Materials (BoM) cost, this decision significantly simplifies inventory management.

In fact, the base LicheeRV Nano product already comes in 4 configuration variants (Basic, Eth, WiFi, and Ethe+WiFi).  If we were to further segment the inventory by adding options for the presence or absence of the microphone and touchscreen connector, the total number of SKUs  would increase exponentially(the number of SKUs multiplies by two for every added configuration options). Therefore, based on a comprehensive consideration of security, cost efficiency, and inventory management complexity, we maintain the microphone, speaker PA, and touchscreen connector as the default base configuration.

What steps are being taken to ensure that this does not pose a Security/Privacy threat to user who have the nanoKVM in active deployment?

Users must understand the threat model: an attacker can only listen via the onboard mic if the NanoKVM itself has already been fully compromised. The paradox is that once compromised, the attacker already has sufficient privileges to perform high-level operations (include record audio via PC’s own mic). Therefore, the presence of the onboard mic does not increase the inherent security risk of the device. We emphasize that proper network risk awareness and isolation configuration by the user are essential, regardless of whether the device is a NanoKVM, JetKVM, GL.iNet KVM, or PiKVM.

What further steps have been made/planned at Production to avoid this occurring again in future hardware releases?

As stated in Question 4, we plan to remove the microphone in the next batch of the Lite/Cube models purely for psychological comfort and ease of mind for our users. We acknowledge this step will inevitably increase our inventory management complexity due to the need for separate SKUs and production processes. We are also implementing more rigorous hardware audits to ensure compliance with the Principle of Least Privilege in future designs.

Conclusion – Should NanoKVM Owners Be Worried?

For current NanoKVM Cube owners, the level of concern depends largely on how and where the device is deployed. In a well segmented environment where the KVM sits on an isolated management network, with updated firmware and strong access controls, the presence of a dormant microphone on the board is a secondary issue behind the more general risk of any remote management appliance. In small or less structured setups where the NanoKVM has direct exposure to the internet or shares a LAN with everyday client devices, both the historical software weaknesses and the possibility of audio capture in a successful compromise are more relevant factors in deciding whether to keep using the unit unchanged.

Looking ahead, Sipeed has stated that newer firmware removes the audio drivers and that future Lite and Cube batches will omit the microphone and related circuitry entirely, which addresses the concern for new buyers over time. For existing devices, users who are uncomfortable with any residual audio capability have practical options: physically removing or disabling the mic at board level, reflashing with a minimal or community maintained software stack, or replacing the hardware with a later revision or a different KVM platform. The key is to treat the NanoKVM Cube as a high impact management tool rather than a neutral accessory, and to decide whether its cost and feature set justify the additional precautions it requires in a given environment.

 

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New KVMs, Travel Routers and WiFi 7 Tech on the way from Gl.iNet Soon

Gl.iNet is preparing several new devices for late 2025 and early 2026 that expand its presence in mobile networking, remote access management, and high speed home routing. These include the Beryl 7 travel router, the Comet 5G RedCap KVM with an integrated WiFi access point, and the Flint 3e dual band WiFi 7 desktop router. Each system is positioned to address a specific operational requirement, ranging from portable VPN-enabled wireless access to remotely deployable KVM control and multi gigabit home connectivity. The updated lineup also includes the Brume 3 high speed VPN security gateway, which builds on the Brume 2 by adding faster encrypted throughput and broader support for open VPN standards such as AmneziaVPN. Collectively, these releases indicate that Gl.iNet is prioritising more capable processors, improved wireless performance, and tighter integration between VPN features and local network tools.

Beryl 7 Travel Router (GL-MT3600BE)

The Beryl 7 is positioned as an updated travel router that builds on the feature set of the original Beryl while shifting to a more capable Qualcomm quad core processor running at 1.1GHz and 256MB of DDR4 memory. It uses IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax and be wireless standards and supports dual band WiFi 7 operation on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Although it does not include 6GHz support, it delivers higher throughput than its predecessor, reaching 688Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2882Mbps on 5GHz. The unit also integrates two foldable external antennas and two 2.5GbE ports that can be configured as WAN plus LAN or as dual LAN for specific on-the-go deployment requirements.

The system maintains the travel-focused design of the original model by keeping compact dimensions, low power requirements and USB-C power delivery suitable for laptops, power banks and small chargers. The physical toggle switch remains, allowing quick selection between standard routing and VPN operation without navigating menus. VPN capability is supported by OpenVPN DCO, WireGuard and AmneziaVPN, enabling users to run a VPN server at home and connect to it through the Beryl 7 when travelling. As noted during the demonstration, the WiFi 7 implementation prioritises improved packet handling and multi-link operation rather than wide-band 6GHz performance, which keeps the device compatible in regions where 6GHz availability is limited or restricted.

The Beryl 7 aims to retain pricing similar to the original Beryl while scaling both its internal hardware and wireless capabilities. It uses a gigabit-class Ethernet configuration, supports sub-18W peak power draw and retains a form factor suited for hotel WiFi, temporary offices and public hotspot environments. The inclusion of 2.5GbE, higher throughput on both bands and broader VPN support allows it to operate as a compact edge router for users needing reliable encrypted access across multiple devices. Despite carrying a WiFi 7 label, it does not support the 6GHz band, mirroring the Slate 7, and instead focuses on maximising performance within the 2.4GHz and 5GHz ranges. Nevertheless, this is going to be a disappointment to users who were hoping to see ‘full fat’ WiFi 7 with that 3rd frequency in play, and really maximize MLO use.

Comet 5G KVM with Redcap 5G SIM/LTE Support (GL-RM10RC)

The Comet 5G is a RedCap-based KVM device that integrates remote management, HDMI capture and mobile connectivity into a single compact unit. It uses a quad core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, 1GB of DDR3 memory and 64GB of eMMC storage, matching the hardware profile of the existing Comet Pro. The device includes both HDMI in and HDMI out, allowing it to be used for remote console access, system monitoring and basic pass-through scenarios. A 2.22-inch touchscreen provides local visual feedback including IP address, active WiFi status and connection indicators. Wireless capability is delivered through 802.11a/n/ac/ax at 150Mbps on 2.4GHz and 286Mbps on 5GHz, supported by an external dual band WiFi 6 antenna rather than a WiFi 7 module.

A key addition to this model is the integrated 5G RedCap SIM slot. This allows the device to operate independently of the local network when deployed on-site, which is relevant for administrators or engineers who need to access remote systems without relying on customer-provided WiFi or Ethernet. The mobile connection also supports failover for situations where the primary network becomes unavailable, ensuring that remote KVM access remains possible. During the demonstration, it was highlighted that this improves usability for workloads such as multi-day monitoring or configuration tasks performed in locations where network restrictions or firewall rules prevent direct access.

The Comet 5G retains a familiar selection of ports including USB-C for power, USB-A for peripherals, a gigabit Ethernet port for direct LAN connection and a SIM slot for mobile data. The device is not PoE-powered, although an injector or adapter is expected to be offered as an accessory. This approach keeps the unit closer in design to a travel-friendly tool rather than a fixed enterprise appliance. It remains suited to users who already deploy compact KVM units as part of their field equipment and who require a method of accessing remote devices through either wired, wireless or cellular links.

The combination of 5G failover and HDMI-based remote access positions it as a small-scale management device for distributed environments, temporary field sites or systems that require out-of-band connectivity. Many users will make comparisons between this and the recently crowdfunded ‘Comet Pro’ device (very similar, but alongside a few small changes internally and adjustable antennae, also does not support a 5G SIM CARD/LTE), as well as the Comet PoE device recently released. This is largely the same, but tailored towards a different, decidedly more mobile deployment.

Flint 3e Dual Band WiFi 7 Router (GL-BE5600)

The Flint 3e is a dual band WiFi 7 router aimed at users who want higher wireless throughput and multi gigabit Ethernet connectivity without moving to a full tri band system. It is built around a Qualcomm quad core processor running at 1.5GHz with 1GB of DDR4 memory and 512MB of NAND storage. Wireless support covers IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax and be, delivering 688Mbps on 2.4GHz and 5764Mbps on 5GHz. The unit includes four external foldable antennas, a dual colour LED indicator and a housing designed for stable operation in home or small office environments. Connectivity is centred around five 2.5GbE ports, with one operating as a dedicated WAN input and the remainder configurable as LAN. This gives the router a faster wired backbone than earlier consumer models from the brand.

The router maintains a focus on local performance and low latency operation rather than offering the widest possible spectrum support. It does not include 6GHz capability, placing it closer to the Beryl 7 and Slate 7 in terms of band allocation. However, the higher 5GHz ceiling and improved channel management provide an upgrade path for users moving from WiFi 6 or earlier models who still want to take advantage of WiFi 7 features such as improved modulation and multi link operation. USB 3.0 support is included for storage or tethering tasks, and the system integrates the company’s familiar software stack with options for AdGuard Home, parental controls and fast VPN throughput, including WireGuard and OpenVPN DCO at speeds up to 680Mbps.

The Flint 3e is presented as a more accessible alternative to the full tri band Flint 3, offering similar processing power and Ethernet flexibility while reducing overall wireless complexity. Its design suits users who require multi gigabit wired networking for NAS systems, workstations or mesh uplinks, while maintaining predictable WiFi coverage within standard two band environments. Power consumption remains below 25W without USB load and below 37.2W with active USB devices. This allows the router to operate efficiently in homes with multiple connected devices, including smart home hubs, streaming systems and personal storage servers.

When comparing the Flint 3e with the currently available Flint 3, the key distinction lies in wireless scope and deployment scale. The Flint 3 includes an additional 6GHz band with a 5765Mbps ceiling, a larger 8GB eMMC module and the same five port 2.5GbE layout. This gives the Flint 3 wider spectrum availability, higher aggregate throughput and more headroom for larger properties or higher density environments. The Flint 3e, by contrast, focuses on delivering similar processor performance and identical wired networking while intentionally omitting the 6GHz band to reduce cost and complexity. The result is a model suited for medium sized homes or users who rely primarily on 5GHz and wired backhaul, while the Flint 3 is positioned for broader coverage, multi floor layouts and deployments with more simultaneous wireless clients.

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When will the Comet 5G, Beryl 7 and Flint 3e Be Released and What Price?

Gl.iNet’s forthcoming device trio is designed to cover distinct deployment needs across travel, remote management and wired-performance routing. The Beryl 7 travel router brings dual-band WiFi 7, USB-C power, 2.5GbE wired ports and VPN switch functionality; it is estimated to launch at a price similar to the original Beryl AX model. The Comet 5G KVM device increases flexibility by adding 5G RedCap connectivity, HDMI I/O, gigabit Ethernet and WiFi 6, positioning it in terms of design and feature set somewhere between the Comet Pro and the Slate 7; pricing is yet to be confirmed. The Flint 3e desktop router offers dual-band WiFi 7 and five 2.5GbE ports while foregoing the 6GHz band, making it more affordable than the tri-band Flint 3; this pricing strategy targets users seeking strong wired and wireless performance without full spectrum coverage. All models are expected to be formally announced at CES 2026 and become available in Q1 2026.

Gl.iNet Comet KVM Series on Amazon HERE	Gl.iNet Slate 7 Mobile Router on Amazon HERE

 

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The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra – The First 48 Hours

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

Design of the MS-02 Ultra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memory on the MS-02 Ultra

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

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

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

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

PCIe Card Support on the MS-02 Ultra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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Jonsbo N6 9-Bay NAS Case Coming Soon

The Jonsbo N6 is the latest entry in the company’s NAS oriented chassis range and introduces a more conventional tower layout while keeping the compact profile that has defined the N series. It offers space for nine drives, a choice of ITX or micro ATX motherboards, and support for both ATX and SFX power supplies. The design focuses on storage density, flexible component placement, and broad cooling support, while early user feedback highlights both the advantages of this layout and concerns around airflow across populated drive arrays.

 

Interested in Buying a Jonsbo NAS Case? Support NASCompares by using the links below (we get a commisson on all purchases, which costs you nothing extra, and allows you to support what we do): Jonsbo N6 NAS Case – Check AliExpress HERE – Check Amazon HERE Jonsbo N5 NAS Case – $148 AliExpress HERE – $149 Amazon HERE Jonsbo N4 NAS Case – $76.99 AliExpress HERE – $129 Amazon HERE Jonsbo N2 NAS Case – $76 AliExpress HERE – $149 Amazon HERE Jonsbo N3 NAS Case – $99 AliExpress HERE – $170 Amazon HERE

Jonsbo N6 NAS Case Design and Storage

The N6 uses a steel construction with a compact tower profile that measures three hundred and five millimetres wide, three hundred and fifty three millimetres deep, and three hundred and eighteen millimetres tall including the base. The layout presents a straightforward front to back airflow path with vented panels on multiple sides. The exterior follows the same plain industrial style found across the N series and shows no decorative features beyond the functional ventilation cut outs.

Inside, the drive system is the primary focus. The chassis accommodates up to nine storage devices in either three point five inch or two point five inch formats. This is provided through a tray based system rather than the rubber strap mounts used in previous models. The move to trays is intended to improve ease of installation and reduce vibration transfer, while also enabling a more rigid structure for the drive cage.

The N6 keeps the drive stack in a vertical position with two pre installed one hundred and twenty millimetre fans located directly behind the drive bay. These fans draw air from the case interior across the disks and push it toward the rear.

This arrangement is simple to maintain and suits slow turning fans, although the distance between the intake vents and the drive surfaces remains a factor in how effectively the drives can shed heat under sustained load.

Clearance for cables and power distribution is arranged around the drive column. The chassis uses a backplane with multiple individual connectors rather than a consolidated high density solution. This maintains compatibility with standard cabling but does not improve the airflow restriction created by the backplane structure itself. User feedback suggests that this region may become the warmest part of the case when all drive positions are populated.

Jonsbo N6 NAS Case Motherboard, PSU and PCIe Support

The N6 supports both ITX and micro ATX motherboards, which places it between the smaller N3 and N2 and the larger N5 in terms of platform flexibility. The internal frame leaves enough room for boards with multiple PCIe slots, allowing storage builders to use additional controllers or network adapters without relying on ITX limitations. The orientation of the motherboard tray also keeps all major connectors accessible even when the drive cage is fully populated.

Power supply placement is more flexible than in previous Jonsbo NAS cases. The N6 accepts either a full sized ATX unit up to two hundred and twenty millimetres or an SFX unit up to one hundred millimetres. The PSU can be installed in the upper or lower region of the chassis depending on component choice. This arrangement gives builders more freedom to balance cable routing, airflow, and space for larger GPUs or add in cards.

The case includes four PCI expansion slots. This is sufficient for a graphics card plus one or two additional cards such as HBA or 10GbE. Support for GPUs up to two hundred and seventy five to three hundred and twenty millimetres means that mid range cards fit comfortably, although very large triple fan cards remain outside the intended scope. For systems without a GPU, the space is adequate for controllers with extended PCBs or rear facing connectors.

Clearances around the CPU area allow for cooler heights between sixty five and one hundred and sixty millimetres depending on the chosen PSU configuration. Larger tower coolers require the PSU to be placed in the alternate position to avoid interference. This creates a predictable trade off between cooling hardware and power supply size but provides enough flexibility for both air and AIO setups.

Jonsbo N6 NAS Case Cooling and Ventilation

The N6 provides a wide set of fan positions, with mounting support on the front, left side, right side, rear, and directly beside the drive cage. The layout allows two front fans at either one hundred and twenty millimetres or one hundred and forty millimetres, two fans on each side panel at one hundred and twenty millimetres, a single rear fan at one hundred and twenty millimetres, and two one hundred and twenty millimetre units that ship pre installed behind the drive stack. This creates a total potential of nine fans, although actual airflow efficiency depends on how the interior pathways are used.

The most significant airflow path concerns the disks. The pre installed fans draw air across the drive bay, but the distance between the intake vents and the drive faces, as well as the obstruction created by the backplane, can restrict flow.

Community feedback from earlier N series layouts indicates that this region can become the thermal bottleneck when all drive positions are filled. The presence of additional intake positions on the front and sides gives users options to supplement the drive cooling, but the design may still require tuning based on workload and ambient temperature.

The N6 includes an integrated three port manual fan controller with three speed levels. This provides basic control for builders who prefer not to rely on motherboard based curves or who are using several fans connected through splitters. While simple, the controller suits the straightforward airflow design of the chassis and offers a fallback option for users configuring large storage arrays or low noise systems.

Jonsbo N6 – Pros and Cons of the new NAS Case

The N6 introduces a denser storage layout and more flexible internal configuration than earlier compact models in the series. It supports mainstream power supplies, allows the use of longer GPUs and additional PCIe cards, and moves to a more practical tray based drive system. The expanded fan placement and the inclusion of a manual controller give users a wider set of ventilation options.

• Nine drive bays in a compact tower format
• Choice of ITX or micro ATX motherboards
• Support for ATX or SFX power supplies with two placement positions
• Four PCIe slots with room for mid length GPUs or HBAs
• Multiple fan locations including two pre installed units behind the drives
• Integrated three speed fan controller
• Straightforward internal layout with easier drive installation compared to older strap based designs

The main concerns raised by early users relate to airflow through the drive area and the continued reliance on a backplane that restricts ventilation. Although the case offers many fan positions, the cooling efficiency across a fully populated drive stack may still require user modifications. The use of Molex and individual SATA power connections and the absence of intake fans by default also limit thermal performance for high density configurations.

• Backplane design reduces airflow across the drive surfaces
• No dedicated front intake fans included
• Cooling performance for nine populated drives may require user adjustments
• Reliance on Molex and multiple SATA power connectors rather than consolidated cabling
• No indication of filtration on intake areas
• Limited information on pricing and regional availability

Jonsbo N6 vs N5 vs N4 vs N3 vs N2 NAS Case

The N6 positions itself between the high capacity N5 and the smaller N4 and N3 by offering nine bays in a mid sized tower footprint. It improves motherboard and PSU flexibility over the N3 and N2 while maintaining a smaller profile than the N5. The primary differentiators across the series are storage density, motherboard support, GPU clearance, and cooling layout.

Model	N6	N5	N4	N3	N2
Dimensions	305 x 353 x 318 mm	355 x 403 x 350 mm	286 x 300 x 228 mm	233 x 262 x 298 mm	222.5 x 222.5 x 224 mm
Material	Steel	Steel aluminum wood	Steel wood	Aluminum steel	Aluminum steel
Drive Bays	Nine drives	Twelve drives	Six drives	Eight drives	Five drives
Motherboard Support	ITX MATX	ITX to XL ATX	ITX MATX	ITX	ITX
PCI Slots	Four	Eight	Four	Two	One low profile
PSU Support	ATX 220 mm or SFX 100 mm	ATX 240 mm	SFX 125 mm	SFX 105 mm	SFX 150 mm
CPU Cooler Height	65 to 160 mm	Up to 160 mm	Up to 70 mm	Up to 130 mm	Up to 65 mm
GPU Length	275 to 320 mm	325 to 350 mm	Up to 230 mm	Up to 250 mm	Up to 197 mm low profile
Cooling Layout	Up to nine fans	Up to eleven fans	One fan included	Optional small fans	One slim fan included
AIO Support	240 mm	240 or 280 mm	Not listed	Not listed	Not listed
Weight	7.5 kg	7.5 kg	3.75 kg	3.9 kg	2.9 kg

The N6 adds a higher capacity option to Jonsbo’s compact NAS case range by pairing nine drive bays with support for micro ATX motherboards and full sized ATX power supplies. Its internal structure is straightforward and offers more flexibility than the company’s smaller models, although airflow across the drive area remains the defining limitation based on early observations. The design serves users who want a dense multi drive system without moving to a full tower enclosure, provided that attention is given to fan placement and thermal management.

When will the Jonsbo N6 Be Released, and where To Buy the N6 NAS Case?

The Jonsbo N6 has only just been announced by the brand and official availability is still TBC. Traditionally, these cases have been made available on eastern eTail outlets such as AliEpxress around 10 days after the official pages go live at Jonsbo, and around a month or so later on sites like Amazon globally (arguably at around 30-40% more expensive, as they factor in the international shipping – and the N6 will not be a small box! .You can find purchasing links for the Jonsbo N6 and the other cases in this series below. Availability varies by region, and some retailers list these models under different category headings, so check both local and international stores when comparing prices. AliExpress tend to appear first, but seriously always verify the model name and drive bay count before ordering, since several Jonsbo cases share similar exterior designs and the shopping UI of Aliexpress has a nasty habit of showing the wrong image for the product in question! Check them out below:

N2 Best for Low/Efficient NAS Deployment Lowest Price Point Quietest of the Range Smallest Physical Footprint Smallest Storage Capacity Only 1 PCIe Card Slot and Half Height	N3 Best for  a Power NAS Build + Bigger CPU Cooling Largest Storage Capacity + Full Size PCIe Cards Best Prosumer Deployment Best All Round for Storage vs Scale vs Price BIG Size and oddly tall TALL!	N4 Better MoBo Compatibility (MITX and MATX) Best Size vs Storage Option + 4x PCIe Slots Most Conventially Aesthetically Appealing Flexible Deployment Most Expensive PCIe Cards Must Be Half Height	N5 MATX and ITX SUPPORT Largest Storage Capacity @ 12 BAY UNPARALLELLED PCIE SUPPORT Tonnes of Cooling/airflow potential MASSIVE…JUST MASSIVE Most Expensive of the bunch	N6 Best for  a Power NAS Build + Bigger CPU Cooling Largest Storage Capacity + Full Size PCIe Cards Best Prosumer Deployment PROPER HDD TRAYS! BIG Size and oddly tall Noisiest System of the Three
======= Where To Buy? =======
$76 (Check Aliexpress HERE)	$99.42 (Check Aliexpress HERE)	$76.99 (Check Aliexpress HERE)	$148.99 (Check Aliexpress HERE)	(Check Aliexpress HERE)
$149 (Check Amazon HERE)	$170 (Check Amazon HERE)	$199* (Check Amazon HERE)	$249 (Check Amazon HERE)	(Check Amazon HERE)

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now for Under $249 at the end of 2025

As personal data storage requirements continue to rise in 2025, many users are moving away from cloud platforms and monthly subscription services in search of something more private and cost effective. A dedicated NAS, or network attached storage system, allows you to back up photo collections, host a home media library, or manage small business files while keeping full control of your data and avoiding ongoing fees. The good news is that the market now includes several capable options priced at or under 249 dollars. Improvements in low power processors, wider use of DDR5 memory, and leaner operating systems have made entry level systems far more powerful than they were even a year ago. They can comfortably handle tasks such as Plex playback, simple virtualization, and lightweight container apps. This article looks at five NAS units currently available within this price bracket, each offering a practical mix of performance, connectivity, and storage flexibility for anyone building a reliable setup on a limited budget.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy!

Before looking at specific NAS models, it helps to understand the common limits of systems in this price tier. Most units under 249 dollars arrive without drives, and rely on NVMe or SATA bays that must be filled separately. Some include small onboard storage such as 32GB to 64GB eMMC that only covers the operating system. This means the total cost of a usable setup will usually be higher than the base price. These devices are aimed at home users and personal cloud tasks rather than heavier business workloads. Several models also lack a full NAS operating system and instead use lightweight platforms such as CasaOS or ZimaOS, or provide only a simple interface for local file access and containers. These options are improving, yet they may not offer advanced RAID tools, snapshot automation, or detailed permission control found on systems like Synology DSM or TrueNAS. Overall, these NAS units suit users with some technical confidence or anyone who wants a simple setup with limited depth.

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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 designed for anyone who wants fast SSD storage in a very small enclosure. It measures 99mm on each side and includes six M.2 2280 NVMe slots that can deliver as much as 24TB when fully populated. The system uses an Intel N150 processor with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, which provides a solid mix of performance and low power draw. Connectivity includes two 2.5GbE ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, giving it flexibility for both wired and wireless use. Cooling is handled passively and the unit contains its own power supply, which keeps noise and cable clutter to a minimum and makes it a good fit for living rooms or compact office spaces.

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Terramaster F2-425 2- Bay Intel Value Turnkey NAS

$249 – Intel N5105 – 4GB – TOS 6 Software – 1x 2.5GbE – 2x SATA – BUY HERE

The Terramaster F2-424 is a two bay NAS that sits near the upper edge of the 249 dollar bracket and focuses on providing a more traditional turnkey experience. It uses an Intel Celeron class x86 quad core processor with 4GB of memory that can be upgraded, which allows it to handle general home NAS tasks and hardware assisted 4K decoding for applications such as Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin.

The system supports two SATA drives for a total capacity of up to 60TB and includes TRAID for flexible expansion and space management. Connectivity is limited to a single 2.5GbE port, which is sufficient for most home use but less flexible than some other systems in this list that offer two LAN ports. The unit runs TOS 6, which provides RAID options, snapshots, cloud sync, and a broad selection of built in apps for backup, media, and light productivity needs.

Setup can be completed through the TNAS Mobile app, which also supports automatic photo and video backups from mobile devices. Local AI driven sorting for photos is included, and cross platform access is available through the TNAS client or standard network mapping. TerraSync enables PC backups with version history, and security features include OTP authentication, firewall controls, DoS protections, snapshots, and HyperLock WORM for ransomware resistance. The chassis is quiet in operation and uses tool free push lock trays that allow quick installation or replacement of drives.

Terramaster also offers the F2-425 Plus at roughly 130 dollars more. That model increases CPU and memory resources and is aimed at users who want stronger performance and scalability. For those who want to remain within the 249 dollar limit, the F2-424 provides a straightforward Intel based platform with a familiar OS, upgradable memory, and native HDD support, as long as the single network port meets the user’s needs.

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GMKTec G9 NAS – 4 Bay M.2 NAS @ The lowest Price

$185.99 – Intel N150 – 12GB – No SSD (64GB eMMC Only) – 2x 2.5GbE + WiFi 6 – Ubuntu 24.10 (Preloaded, Switchable) – BUY HERE

The GMKTec G9 provides hardware that closely matches the Beelink ME Mini, since it also uses the Intel N150 processor and 12GB of LPDDR5 memory. It arrives in a more traditional rectangular enclosure and includes four M.2 2280 NVMe slots instead of six. The system contains 64GB of onboard eMMC storage that is mainly used to boot Ubuntu 24.10, and it can dual boot into Windows 11 when an additional SSD is installed. As with the Beelink, there is no SATA support, so all storage relies on NVMe drives up to 4TB each. Cooling is handled by an active fan and the device includes two HDMI outputs, which makes it a stronger option for anyone who wants a small desktop system or direct media output as part of their NAS setup. The manufacturer issued a refresh in summer 2025 that improved the cooling layout with better vent placement and more efficient airflow.

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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 single bay NAS designed for users who want a ready to use system with no installation work. It arrives with a pre installed 4TB hard drive and a sealed enclosure, so there is no need to source or fit storage. The system uses a Realtek RTD1619B ARM processor with 1GB of DDR4 memory and connects through a single 1GbE port. It runs BeeStation Manager, which focuses on beginner friendly features such as cloud style file access, simple photo management, and smooth integration with Synology mobile apps. Synology also released the BeeStation Plus model in 2025 with an Intel processor, more memory, and 8TB of storage, but it sits at roughly double the price. If you are willing to spend more, that model gives you greater performance and capacity.

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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 sits in the NASync series and targets users who want a mix of expandability and value. It supports both hard drives and SSDs through two 3.5 inch SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots that can be used for caching or fast active data work. The system uses an Intel N100 processor from the twelfth generation energy efficient N series and pairs it with 8GB of DDR5 memory that can be upgraded. A 32GB eMMC module holds the UGOS Pro operating system. Connectivity is built around a single 2.5GbE port with several USB ports on the front and rear including USB C and 10Gbps USB A. UGOS Pro offers a clean web interface with containers, RAID options such as zero, one, and JBOD, simple multimedia features, and remote file access.

UGREEN recently released the DH2300 two bay NAS at a noticeably lower price of roughly 100 to 120 dollars below the DXP2800. That model uses a lower power ARM processor, far less memory, and only one 1GbE port. It is acceptable for very light duties, but most users will benefit from spending a little more on the DXP2800 due to its stronger CPU, memory capacity, and networking.

Although UGOS Pro does not match the ecosystem depth of Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, the DXP2800 remains one of the few turnkey systems in this bracket that supports SSD and HDD storage in a flexible layout without proprietary limits. Users will still need to supply their own drives and configure storage pools, yet the combination of hardware capability and manageable software makes it a strong choice for anyone comfortable handling a modest amount of setup work.

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ZimaBoard 2 (832 Version) – DIY Enthusiast’s DREAM!

$199 – Intel N150 – 8GB – No Storage (32GB eMMC) – 2x 2.5GbE – ZimaOS – BUY HERE

The ZimaBoard 2 (832) is a compact single board NAS platform built for users who want flexibility and modular control rather than a traditional enclosure based system. It arrives as a bare embedded board with all interfaces exposed, which makes it ideal for custom builds. The system uses the Intel N150 quad core processor with 8GB of LPDDR5x memory and includes 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for ZimaOS. The device ships with a lifetime ZimaOS license, which is notable at this price level. It also stands out by providing two powered SATA 3.0 ports, giving it native support for hard drives without any need for USB to SATA adapters. The product is now sold on Amazon, although the price can move between 249 and 349 dollars depending on current stock and promotions, so it is worth watching for discounts.

Connectivity is strong for a low profile platform. It offers two 2.5GbE ports, USB 3.1, a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and a Mini DisplayPort output that can deliver 4K60 video. The PCIe slot opens the door for add on networking, storage controllers, or accelerators, although most users will start by using the SATA ports for core NAS storage. The large passive heatsink keeps the board silent, although thermal results will depend on the case you choose and the surrounding environment.

This system suits DIY builders who want to create their own NAS, firewall appliance, lightweight media server, or container host. ZimaOS provides a simple web interface and allows the user to switch to CasaOS or other Linux based platforms if preferred. It is aimed at users who want maximum control and are comfortable managing their own setup rather than those seeking a plug and play NAS.

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Each NAS covered in this guide delivers its own mix of hardware capability, expansion potential, and overall usability while staying within the 249 dollar limit. Users who want a fully prepared option with minimal setup will likely prefer the Synology BeeStation, and anyone who wants a small SSD focused system with stronger customisation features may find the Beelink ME Mini or GMKTec G9 more suitable. The UGREEN DXP2800 stands out for its combination of HDD and SSD support and a more developed software platform, while the ZimaBoard 2 is aimed at technical users who want full control over every layer of the build. None of these devices is a perfect all rounder, yet each one provides a practical entry into local storage, self hosted media, and personal backup without exceeding a modest budget

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

NEW NAS & Storage Bargains and Deals this Black Friday 2025

Black Friday 2025 has arrived and this year the reductions cover every corner of the NAS and homelab market. The entire Synology 2025 line including the DS925+, DS1525+, DS1522+, DS225+, and DS1825+ has taken unusually large price cuts, and the QNAP TS x64 series is also sharply reduced. UGREEN and Terramaster have applied broad 15% to 25% discounts across their 2024 and 2025 ranges. Seagate’s 28TB IronWolf Pro is down to $449 at multiple stores, and the Beelink ME Mini N150 bundle has dropped to $279 which makes it one of the strongest compact server offers this year. UnRAID licences are 25% off with an added $15 voucher, and Plex Pass is 40% off across monthly, yearly, and lifetime tiers. UniFi has also rolled out large network hardware reductions including cuts on its gateways, routers, and WiFi 7 devices. Below you will find updated recommendations for NAS systems for backups, Plex, business, and surveillance, along with live links to the best deals as they continue to appear through the day.

Recommended Deals (so far) BEST DEAL SO FAR – Beelink ME Mini N150 NAS, 12GB RAM + 2TB SSD + 64GB eMMC – $279 (was $349) HERE SEAGATE 28TB IRONWOLF PRO HDD – $449.99 (was $569.99) Synology DS925+ NAS 14% OFF, NOW $552.99 HERE UnRAID 25% Price Drop + $15 Voucher Included with ALL Orders – HERE UNIFI ALL BLACK FRIDAY DEALS – HERE UGREEN 120W NAS UPS – 15% OFF, NOW $84.99 HERE 40% OFF PLEX PASS Licenses – Month/Year/Lifetime HERE QNAP TS-464 NAS – REDUCED TO £469 (20% OFF) HERE Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS Flash NAS – 20% OFF, NOW $639.99 HERE 2x WD Red Pro 26TB Hard Drives (52TB Max) – $878 ($420 OFF) HERE

SEAGATE 28TB IRONWOLF PRO HDD – $449.99 (was $569.99)

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SEAGATE 28TB EXTERNAL USB HDD – $289.99 ($100 OFF)

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Beelink ME Mini N150 NAS Mini PC, 12GB RAM + 2TB SSD + 64GB eMMC – $279 (was $349) HERE

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Synology DS925+ NAS – 14% OFF, NOW $552.99

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SEAGATE 28TB IRONWOLF PRO HDD – $449.99 ($300 OFF)

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UGREEN 120W NAS UPS – 15% OFF, NOW $84.99

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2x WD Red Pro 26TB Hard Drives (52TB Max) – $878 ($420 OFF)

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QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Featured NAS – $349.99 (20% OFF)

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Minisforum N5  NAS – NOW $594.90 (15% OFF)

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UnifyDrive UT2 2x M.2 NVMe+2.5GbE+8 Core ARM Mobile NAS – $200 OFF, Now $399

+ Get a further 5% OFF with this code: NASCOMPARES

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LincStation N2 – 4xm.2 + 2x SATA SSD + 10GbE + UnRAID Licence – NOW $429 / £401

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BLACK FRIDAY WEEK DEALS (so far) – (WILL REDIRECT TO YOUR AMAZON REGION AUTOMATICALLY)

Useful Articles:

• NAS Hard Drive Black Friday Deals Article – HERE
• Synology NAS Black Friday Deals – HERE
• UniFi Network Hardware Black Friday Deals – HERE
• UGREEN NAS Black Friday Deals – HERE
• Terramaster Black Friday Deals – HERE

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UnRAID 25% Price Drop + $15 Voucher Included with ALL Orders – HERE

The Unraid Cyber Weekend Sale started on Wednesday November 26th, and will run through Cyber Monday, December 1st, 2025. They are discounting Starter and Unleashed licenses, plus all Unleashed upgrades (so, if you have a monthly or annual license, and want to upgrade to lifetime, you will get a discount of the partial upgrade cost too). Also, every license purchased will come with a $15 voucher good for the Unraid Merch Store included. Click below (or HERE) to get your UnRAID license at 25% off.

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Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS Flash NAS – 20% OFF, NOW $639.99

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UniFi Black Friday Deals – HERE

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Asustor 6x M.2 NVMe Flashstor 6 – Down to $404.99 (9% OFF)

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Best UniFi Black Friday Deals – The UniFi Dream Router 7 REDUCED TO $229

UniFi WiFi 7 2.5G+10G Dream Router	UniFi Gateway Fiber 10G/2.5G Gateway

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Synology DS925+ NAS – 15% OFF, NOW £472 inc.TAX

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40% OFF PLEX PASS Licenses – Month/Year/Lifetime HERE

• Lifetime, now $149.99 (was $249.99) – HERE
• Annual, now $41.99 (was $69.99) – HERE
• Month, now $4.19 (was $6.99) – HERE

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10G N150 NAS Motherboard / DDR5 6* SATA /  Intel I226 / 2.5G Mini ITX /  2* M.2 – $219.50 HERE

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UniFi Cloud Gateway Black Friday Deals

The Cloud Gateway Max, Cloud Gateway Max NS, and Gateway Lite form the most affordable cluster of UniFi Black Friday gateway offers this year. The Cloud Gateway Max drops from $279 to $179 and delivers full UniFi application support with 2.3Gbps IDS and IPS, 2.5GbE WAN, five 2.5GbE LAN ports, and selectable NVMe NVR storage up to 2TB. The NS model follows the same hardware blueprint but arrives at a lower $159 price while retaining 2.3Gbps inspection performance and 30 plus device management. The Gateway Lite stands out as the entry level option at an aggressive $49, down from $129. It offers 1Gbps IDS and IPS, a compact footprint, full UniFi security features, USB C power, and a simple 1GbE WAN plus 1GbE LAN layout, making it ideal for small networks or for replacing an ageing USG.

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Synology DS1525+ NAS – $160 OFF, NOW $639.99

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Recommended Deals (so far) SEAGATE 28TB IRONWOLF PRO HDD – $449.99 ($300 OFF) HERE UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NAS 4-Bay – $594.99 UnifyDrive UT2 2x M.2 NVMe+2.5GbE+8 Core ARM Mobile NAS – $200 OFF, Now $399 UGREEN DH4300 PLUS Value 4-Bay NAS – $65 OFF, Now $364.99 Synology DS1525+ NAS – REDUCED TO $691.49 (15% OFF) HERE CWWK N150 / N355 10GbE 8x SATA NAS Motherboard Combo – Now $215 PocketCloud Portable NAS – 20% OFF, NOW $239.99 Gl.iNet Slate 7 WiFi7 Mobile Router, NOW $120 (29% OFF) HERE Minisforum N5 PRO NAS – NOW £888 including TAX HERE

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QNAP TS-464 NAS – $469.99 ($120 OFF)

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Synology DS1825+ NAS – NOW $919 ($230 OFF)

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QNAP TS-264 2-Bay ALL-Rounder NAS – $349.99 ($90 OFF)

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UniFi WiFI APs for Mesh Black Friday Deals

 

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Synology DS1525+ NAS – REDUCED TO $691.49 (15% OFF)

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Minisforum N5 PRO NAS – NOW £888 including TAX

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SUPER BUDGET N5105 NAS Mobo Combo / 4 Cores 4 Threads Low Power Use / 4×2.5G i225 / 2x M.2 Slot 6xSATA – $196.94 HERE

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QNAP TS-464 NAS – REDUCED TO £469 (20% OFF)

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QNAP TS-233 VALUE 2-Bay NAS – 15% OFF, £152.15 (inc.TAX)

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UGREEN DXP6800 PRO – 20% OFF, Now £799

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Synology DS225+ NAS – $303.49 (11% REDUCTION)

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QNAP TS-464 NAS – 8GB VERSION, 20% OFF, $469.99

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Gl.iNet Slate 7 WiFi7 Mobile Router, NOW $120 (29% OFF)

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Gl.iNet Puli AX SIM/LTE Router, NOW $331 (15% OFF)

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UniFi Cameras for Protect Black Friday Deals

 

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UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS – 20% OFF, NOW $559.99

 

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UGREEN NAS Black Friday Deals – NOW LIVE

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The Best UGREEN NAS System Offers:

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(Best UGREEN NAS Deal) UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NAS 4-Bay – $594.99

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Terramaster F4-425 PLUS (New 2025 Series Release) NAS – $484.99

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UGREEN DH4300 PLUS Value 4-Bay NAS – $65 OFF, Now $364.99

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UGREEN 6-Bay Power NAS System (DXP6800 Pro) – $180 OFF, NOW $1019.99

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ZimaBlade 7700, DOWN TO $159 WITH Promo Code ‘BLACKFRIDAYNASKIT10’

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UGREEN All-Flash DXP480T 10 Core i5 10GbE NAS – $150 OFF, NOW $849.99

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CWWK NAS DIY Motherboards and CPU+MoBo Combos:

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CWWK N150 / N355 10GbE 8x SATA NAS Motherboard Combo – Now $215

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Minisforum MS-01 Intel Core, 2x 10GbE, USB4, PCIe 4X16 and 3x M.2 Workstation – Down to just $479.90

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Terramaster F6-424 Max – Powerhouse 6-Bay NAS – $150 OFF, Now $849.99

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If you want to skip ahead to the Deal List, just click below:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

 

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today’s video. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Black Friday Terramaster NAS Deals Now Live

Black Friday 2025 brings some of the strongest price cuts Terramaster has offered to date, with major reductions across the entire lineup of NAS and DAS systems. Flagship units like the F4-424 Max drop from $899.99 to $629.99, the F6-424 Max sees deep reductions on high-capacity six-bay storage, and the all-flash F4 SSD now sits at $319.99 instead of $399.99. Even the entry models receive meaningful cuts, such as the F2-425 Plus falling to $319.99 and the D1 SSD Plus dropping to $76.99. This mix of discounts spans home users, creative workflows, SMB deployment, and high-speed all-flash storage, setting the stage for one of the most competitive Terramaster Black Friday lineups yet.

Terramaster 2025 Generation NAS Black Friday Deals

The Terramaster F4-425 Plus, F2-425 Plus, and F4-425 form the core of the brand’s 2025 generation Black Friday lineup, each delivering a significant jump in performance over older Terramaster models while receiving sizeable price cuts for the sale period. The F4-425 Plus is reduced to $455.99 from $569.99 and features an Intel N150 processor, 16GB DDR5 memory, dual 5GbE ports, and three M.2 NVMe slots, making it suitable for large Plex libraries, virtual machines, 8K transcoding, and high speed RAID arrays using TRAID or RAID 5 or RAID 6. The smaller F2-425 Plus drops to $319.99 from $399.99 and keeps the same N150 CPU and dual 5GbE networking but in a two bay format with 8GB DDR5 memory and three M.2 slots for SSD caching or high speed all flash pools, which suits creators or compact home labs. The F4-425 sits at a lower price of $313.99 from $369.99 and uses the Intel N5095 processor with 4GB DDR4 memory and a single 2.5GbE port, making it a more affordable entry point for home backups, light Plex streaming, and RAID 5 or TRAID setups while retaining the same push lock drive bays and aluminum chassis design found across the range.

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Terramaster Best SSD System Black Friday Deals

The spotlight turns to high‐performance SSD-based storage in Terramaster’s Black Friday 2025 lineup with the F4 SSD, the F8 SSD Plus NAS, and the D4 SSD 4-Bay USB DAS—all receiving deep discounts. The F4 SSD 4-Bay All-Flash NAS is offered for $319.99 (down from $399.99) and gives creators and small workgroups fast NVMe caching support, all-flash RAID (0/1/5/6/10) readiness and a desktop form factor suited to demanding media workflows. The F8 SSD Plus 8-Bay NAS, now $639.99 instead of $799.99, scales up that performance into a larger chassis: excellent for high throughput workloads, database hosting, content creation pipelines or consolidation of multiple flash volumes with plenty of headroom and robust NAS services. Rounding out the trio, the D4 SSD 4-Bay All-Flash DAS is discounted to $239.99 (from $299.99) and provides USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 (depending on region) direct access to four SSDs, making it a great companion for video editors, mobile creators or anyone who needs ultra-low latency local storage with the ability to archive later to a full NAS. Together, these three systems cover fast all-flash storage needs—from editing bays to fast-access workstations to high-capacity large NAS units—at some of Terramaster’s most aggressive Black Friday pricing.

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Terramaster Power Desktop NAS Black Friday Deals

Terramaster’s Power Desktop NAS lineup sees serious Black Friday cuts in 2025 for users who need multi-bay capacity and high performance in a compact desktop form factor. The F4-424 Max 4-Bay NAS is offered at $629.99 (down from $899.99) and delivers a strong balance of features: Intel N5095 or equivalent quad-core processor, multiple high speed LAN options, M.2 SSD caching or expansion, and support for large 30 TB+ drives in RAID 5 or TRAID+. The F6-424 (non-Max) drops to $479.99 (from $599.99) and bumps capacity up to six bays while maintaining the compact footprint, offering creators and small offices a six-drive pool with ample headroom for large media libraries or datasets. The F6-424 Max takes it further, combining six-bay mechanics with the “Max” class enhancements—higher memory, faster networking, and premium chassis build—making it a powerhouse for homelab users or prosumers at the reduced Black Friday price (specific price not listed, but expect similar ~20% discount). Together, these three units represent Terramaster’s desktop NAS workhorses—ideal for high capacity, multi-drive setups during Black Friday 2025.

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Other Terramaster NAS Deals to check out:

Here are a few of the other Amazon Black Friday Deals available during this Black Friday event:

Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS Flash NAS – 20% OFF, NOW $639.99

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Terramaster F4-425 PLUS (New 2025 Series Release) NAS – $484.99

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Terramaster F6-424 Max – Powerhouse 6-Bay NAS – $150 OFF, Now $849.99

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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DIY NAS Mobo+CPU Combo Black Friday Deals

Black Friday 2025 has turned into an unexpectedly strong year for NAS-oriented CPU and motherboard combos, with some of the most capable low-power and mid-range processors finally dropping into impulse-buy pricing. Boards built around the Intel N150, N305, and even the Ryzen 7 8845HS are now appearing with deep discounts, and many of them pair surprisingly high-performance compute with dense SATA layouts, multiple NVMe slots, and 10GbE networking. These platforms slot neatly into the current wave of home lab operating systems, giving users a flexible foundation for TrueNAS, UnRAID, Proxmox, or ZimaOS, whether the goal is a compact all-flash array, a low-watt Plex server, or a fully virtualized workload host. This guide breaks down the best offers available today and highlights the combos that deliver the strongest performance per dollar.

Important – If you are considering purchasing from AliExpress via the links below, here is a list of promo codes thare are valid during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Additionally, there are ‘red banner’ discounts on many of the pages that are located in red under the product price (I have highlighted the box in red): $3 off orders over US 18 [USAFF03] $4 off orders over US 26 [USAFF04] $9 off orders over US 59 [9USAFF] $15 off orders over US 89 [15USAFF] $20 off orders over US 139 [USAFF20] $30 off orders over US 209 [30USAFF] $40 off orders over US 279 [40USAFF] $50 off orders over US 329 [50USAFF] $70 off orders over US 499 [70USAFF] ALSO – Need UnRAID? UnRAID 25% Price Drop + $15 Voucher Included with ALL Orders – HERE

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10G N150 NAS Motherboard / DDR5 6* SATA /  Intel I226 / 2.5G Mini ITX /  2* M.2 – $219.50 HERE

This Mini-ITX NAS-oriented board features an onboard Intel N150 processor paired with DDR5 memory support and a strong storage layout including six SATA 3.0 ports and two PCIe-based M.2 slots. It includes triple-NIC networking with dual Intel I226-V 2.5GbE ports and a 10GbE AQC113 controller, making it suitable for DIY NAS builds that require high-bandwidth local access. With PCIe 3.0 expansion, ATX 24+4-pin power, and full support for Windows and Linux, it offers excellent value at its discounted Black Friday price of $219.50.

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N150 NAS 2.5GbE x4 Motherboard / 6* SATA /  Mini ITX / 2x M.2 / 1x PCIE – $202.59 HERE

This Mini ITX NAS board uses an onboard Intel N150 or N100 processor and offers a flexible storage layout with 6 SATA ports and 2 M.2 NVMe slots, making it suitable for DIY NAS, Proxmox, and router builds. It provides strong networking options with either 4 Intel I226 2.5 GbE ports or a variant that includes a 10 GbE option, giving it more bandwidth than typical low power boards. With DDR5 memory support, PCIe expansion, ATX power input, and wide operating temperature tolerance, it delivers a balanced platform for homelab users at a competitive Black Friday price.

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1x 10G / N100/N150/N305/N355 /  2x i266V 2.5G / 2x SFF-8643 for 8 SATA /  HDMI 2.0 / DP 1.4 NAS Mobo – $303.95 HERE

This Mini ITX NAS motherboard uses Intel N100, N150, N305, or N355 processors and provides an unusually large storage layout with 8 SATA ports and 2 M.2 NVMe slots, making it well suited for heavy TrueNAS and UnRAID storage configurations. It includes a Marvell AQC113C 10GbE port alongside 2 Intel i226-V 2.5GbE ports, giving it strong multi-uplink support for advanced homelab networking or multi-subnet routing. With DDR5 up to 48GB, HDMI plus DP dual display, PCIe expansion, and extensive USB connectivity, it delivers a feature set normally found in higher priced platforms while sitting at a significant Black Friday discount.

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I5 14500HX NAS / 14th Gen & 14 CORE CPU / DDR5 RAM / 10G+2.5G Network / ATX MoBo – $599.06 HERE

This Micro ATX NAS motherboard features the Intel i5-14500HX processor and delivers strong multi-core performance for TrueNAS, UnRAID, Proxmox, and virtualised storage workloads. It includes dual 2.5GbE plus a 10GbE port, giving it significantly more throughput than most consumer ATX boards at this price point. With four DDR5 slots up to 128GB, four M.2 NVMe connectors, and PCIe 4.0 expansion, it provides a high-performance foundation for demanding NAS or homelab builds.

UnRAID 25% Price Drop + $15 Voucher Included with ALL Orders – HERE

The Unraid Cyber Weekend Sale started on Wednesday November 26th, and will run through Cyber Monday, December 1st, 2025. They are discounting Starter and Unleashed licenses, plus all Unleashed upgrades (so, if you have a monthly or annual license, and want to upgrade to lifetime, you will get a discount of the partial upgrade cost too). Also, every license purchased will come with a $15 voucher good for the Unraid Merch Store included. Click below (or HERE) to get your UnRAID license at 25% off.

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SUPER BUDGET N5105 NAS Mobo Combo / 4 Cores 4 Threads Low Power Use / 4×2.5G i225 / 2x M.2 Slot 6xSATA – $196.94 HERE

This budget Mini ITX NAS board uses the Intel N5105 processor and offers enough performance for Plex, Jellyfin, Docker containers, and lightweight TrueNAS or UnRAID builds. It includes 4 x 2.5GbE ports for multi-NIC routing or link-aggregation and pairs 6 SATA ports with 2 M.2 NVMe slots, making it suitable for large media libraries or mixed SSD cache setups. With DDR4 support up to 64GB, dual display outputs, low power consumption, and fan headers for stable 24/7 operation, it delivers strong value at its reduced Black Friday price.

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Mini ITX 6 Bay NAS / J4125 NAS MoBo / 4x Intel i226-V 2.5G / 2x M.2 NVMe / 6x SATA + ASM1064 Chip / 2X DDR4 HDMI+ DP – $106.63 HERE

This ultra-compact 17 cm Mini ITX NAS board uses the Intel J4125 processor and is aimed at users who want a silent, fanless, sub-10W micro-NAS or a smart pfSense or OpenWrt router with storage. It delivers an impressive storage layout for its size with 6 SATA ports and 2 M.2 NVMe slots, backed by 4 x Intel i226-V 2.5GbE ports for multi-WAN routing, VLAN networks, or isolated NAS traffic. With passive cooling, DDR4 up to 32GB, dual display output, and a very low price point, it is ideal for compact Proxmox, TrueNAS SCALE (light usage), OpenMediaVault, or edge-router deployments.

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Mini ITX 17cm AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS NAS MoBo / 9 Bay SATA /  4X 2.5G / 2x M.2 / PCIE 16X / Dual DDR5 Channel Type-C HDMI DP 4K@60Hz – $635.66 HERE

This Mini ITX NAS platform uses the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor and is aimed at high-performance NAS, Proxmox, and AI-assisted homelab builds, offering far more compute power than typical low-wattage NAS boards. It provides an extensive storage layout with 9 SATA ports and 2 M.2 NVMe connectors, combined with 4 x Intel i226-V 2.5GbE ports for multi-network routing and all-in-one server deployments. With PCIe 4.0 x16 expansion, DDR5 up to 64GB, triple-display output, and USB4 on the rear I/O, it delivers one of the most capable NAS+motherboard combos available at a steep Black Friday discount.

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Topton 2x 10GbE AMD 8845HS NAS Mobo Combo / USB4 / 8 SATA / 2x M.2 NVMe / PCIe x16 / 2x DDR5 SODIMM – $635.66 HERE

This high-end Mini ITX NAS motherboard combines the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor with dual 10GbE ports, making it one of the most capable compact NAS and homelab platforms available in 2025. It supports 8 SATA drives through dual SFF-8643 connectors, 2 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe slots, DDR5 up to 96GB, USB4 at 40Gbps, and a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for GPU or high-speed NIC expansion. With powerful integrated Radeon 780M graphics, triple-display output, and extensive onboard connectivity, it delivers workstation-class performance for TrueNAS, UnRAID, Proxmox, and high-throughput storage or media server workloads.

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Intel N100 /  1x 10GbE / 2x i266V 2.5G / 8 SATA /  HDMI 2.0 / DP 1.4 NAS Mobo – $168 (Down from $199) HERE

This Mini ITX NAS motherboard supports Intel N100, N150, N305, and N355 processors and offers an unusually large storage layout with 8 SATA ports fed from dual SFF-8643 connectors plus 2 M.2 NVMe slots, making it ideal for TrueNAS and UnRAID arrays that need high drive counts in a compact system. It features 1x 10GbE Marvell AQC113C port and 2x 2.5GbE Intel i226-V ports, which provides strong multi-uplink headroom for VLAN setups, multi-subnet routing, or bandwidth-heavy homelab services. With support for DDR5 up to 48GB, dual-display output over HDMI and DP, PCIe expansion, USB3, USB-C, and a full ATX power input, it delivers a premium feature set at a much lower Black Friday price than comparable NAS-class ITX boards.

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Black Friday 2025 NAS Deals – UGREEN NAS

Black Friday has brought some of the strongest discounts yet on UGREEN NASync systems, making it an ideal time for new users and homelab builders to step into the NAS ecosystem or upgrade to a more powerful and future proof setup. This year’s lineup ranges from compact and affordable 2-bay models for simple backups and family cloud storage to high performance all-flash and 10GbE systems aimed at media creators, home labs, and virtualisation workloads. Whether you need a quiet personal cloud, a fast Plex server, an NVMe-accelerated photo workflow, or a full 8-bay system capable of running containers, VMs, TrueNAS, or UnRAID, UGREEN’s NASync range covers every tier with significant holiday savings. Below is a detailed breakdown of each model on offer, including their best use cases and current Black Friday pricing.

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UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus – $594.99 

The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is a 4 bay NAS running UGOS Pro and built around an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 processor with 5 cores and 6 threads, paired with 8GB DDR5 memory that can be expanded to 64GB. It includes a 128GB system SSD, 4 SATA bays, and 2 M.2 slots, allowing a maximum combined capacity of 136TB for mixed HDD and SSD storage. RAID options include JBOD, Basic, 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, giving users flexible data protection choices. Connectivity is a strong point, with both 2.5GbE and 10GbE network ports, front USB C and USB A ports at 10Gb per second, additional rear USB ports, an SD 3.0 card reader, and 4K HDMI output for direct console access. With a compact footprint of 10.1 inches by 7.0 inches by 7.0 inches and power usage of 42.36W during disk access, the DXP4800 Plus is a high performance prosumer NAS that fits well into creative, home lab, and small business environments.

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UGREEN 120W NAS UPS – 15% OFF, NOW $84.99

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UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus – $364.99 

Regular price$429.99

The UGREEN DH4300 Plus is a simple and affordable 4 bay NAS designed as a reliable backup hub and a private cloud alternative for homes and small offices. It uses an 8 core Rockchip ARM processor with 8GB LPDDR4X memory and a 32GB eMMC system disk, providing enough performance for file sync, photo and video backup, family cloud storage, and basic media streaming through UGOS Pro. The 4 SATA bays support up to 120TB with RAID options including JBOD, Basic, 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, making it easy to choose between capacity and data protection. A single 2.5GbE port offers fast network transfers, while front USB 3.2 ports and 4K HDMI allow quick file import and local access when needed. With compact dimensions of 155 by 155 by 215.7 mm and low power draw of 22.89W during drive access, the DH4300 Plus is a cost effective way to move away from subscription cloud services and take full control of your own backup and storage system.

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UGREEN NASync DXP480T Plus – $849.99 

Regular price$999.99

The UGREEN DXP480T Plus is a high speed 4 slot NVMe NAS built around the Intel Core i5 1235U processor, designed for users who want the performance benefits of full flash storage rather than traditional SATA drives. With 4 M.2 NVMe slots supporting up to 32TB, the system delivers extremely fast read and write speeds that are ideal for photo and video editing, virtual machines, database work, AI workloads, and low latency cloud sync tasks. UGOS Pro supports RAID modes including JBOD, Basic, 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, allowing both performance and data protection on NVMe media. Connectivity is equally strong with a 10GbE port for high bandwidth transfers and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports that operate at 40Gb per second for fast external storage or workstation integration. The system includes 8GB DDR5 memory, expandable to 64GB, along with built in WiFi and 8K HDMI output for direct console use. With compact dimensions of 7.05 by 5.59 by 2.05 inches and efficient power consumption, the DXP480T Plus is a compelling option for anyone who wants the speed and responsiveness of an all flash NAS.

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UGREEN DXP6800 PRO – 20% OFF, Now £799

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UGREEN NASync DXP4800 – $499.99 

Regular price$549.99

The UGREEN DXP4800 is a 4 bay SATA NAS designed for users who want an affordable and straightforward media server for Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby. It runs on an Intel N100 processor with 8GB DDR5 memory and includes 2 M.2 slots for SSD caching, which helps speed up library scanning and artwork retrieval across large media collections. With space for up to 136TB and RAID options covering JBOD, Basic, 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, it offers plenty of room and flexibility for growing libraries of movies, TV shows, and music. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide more than enough throughput for multiple streams on the local network, and the HDMI 4K output allows direct playback or simple setup without a separate computer. Front and rear USB ports make it easy to import media from external drives, while UGOS Pro supports popular self hosted media applications through containers or native apps. Compact dimensions of 10.1 by 7.0 by 7.0 inches and low power use make the DXP4800 a practical, quiet, and efficient platform for home media streaming with Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby.

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UGREEN NASync DH2300 – $188.99 

Regular price$209.99

The UGREEN DH2300 is one of the most affordable and compact NAS options in the lineup, making it an ideal entry point for anyone who wants simple personal backups or a small private cloud without a large upfront cost. It runs on an efficient 8 core Rockchip A72 plus A53 processor with 4GB LPDDR4X memory and includes 2 SATA bays that support up to 60TB with JBOD, Basic, 0, or 1 for easy data protection. Despite its budget friendly price, it offers useful connectivity including 1GbE networking, front USB C and USB A ports for quick file import, and a 4K 60Hz HDMI output for local setup or direct playback. With a very small footprint at 151 by 98 by 213.7 mm and power use of only 13.72W during drive access, the DH2300 fits comfortably on a shelf or desk and provides a quiet, low cost alternative to cloud subscriptions for photos, documents, and home backups.

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UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS – 20% OFF, NOW $559.99

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UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro – $1,019.99 

Regular price$1,199.99

The UGREEN DXP6800 Pro is a powerful 6 bay NAS designed for photographers and media professionals who need fast ingest, responsive editing, and reliable large scale storage. It uses an Intel Core i5 1235U processor with 10 cores and 12 threads and includes 8GB DDR5 memory, expandable to 64GB, giving it enough performance for handling RAW photo workflows, large Lightroom or Capture One catalogs, and multi-stream media projects. With 6 SATA bays and 2 M.2 slots, the system can reach up to 196TB of combined storage, allowing long term archives, active project folders, and SSD cache acceleration for quicker preview loading. Dual 10GbE ports provide the bandwidth needed for teams or for editing directly from the NAS over a fast network, while the dual Thunderbolt 4 ports at 40Gb per second allow very rapid transfers from workstations or external drives. A front SD 4.0 card reader simplifies importing photos and footage, and the 8K HDMI output allows direct console access for quick management. Compact at 11.54 by 10.16 by 7.87 inches, the DXP6800 Pro is a high performance, creator focused storage solution that comfortably supports demanding photo and video workflows.

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UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus + UPS Add On – $639.99 

Regular price$799.99

The UGREEN DXP4800 Plus is a powerful and flexible 4-bay NAS built on the Intel Pentium Gold 8505 with 5 cores and 6 threads, paired with 8GB DDR5 memory and support for up to 64GB. It includes a 128GB system SSD, 4 SATA bays, and 2 M.2 SSD slots, giving the system a maximum capacity of 136TB for mixed HDD and NVMe setups. Connectivity is strong with both 2.5GbE and 10GbE ports for high-speed file transfers, media streaming, and multi-user access on UGOS Pro. This Black Friday bundle also includes the UGREEN US3000 UPS, a compact 120W lithium-ion backup module with 0s transfer time, 43.2Wh rated energy, and 12,000mAh capacity. It protects the NAS from sudden power loss, prevents file system corruption, and enables safe shutdown during outages. With front 10Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports, an SD 3.0 card reader, 4K HDMI output, and a compact 10.1 × 7.0 × 7.0 inch chassis, the DXP4800 Plus and included UPS form a reliable, high-performance storage solution for home and professional users.

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UGREEN NASync DXP2800 – $319.99 

Regular price$349.99

The UGREEN DXP2800 is one of the best value NAS options in the lineup, offering full access to all UGOS Pro software features while keeping hardware costs low. It runs on the Intel N100 processor with 4 cores and 4 threads, paired with 8GB DDR5 memory and support for up to 16GB, making it capable of running file sharing, photo backup, cloud sync, container apps, and media servers without difficulty. The system includes 2 SATA bays and 2 M.2 SSD slots, giving a maximum storage capacity of 76TB, which is more than enough for home backups or small office data. A 2.5GbE port provides fast transfers for laptops, desktops, and media players, while the front USB-C and USB-A ports at 10Gbps make external storage import easy. With 4K HDMI output for direct console access and a low power draw of only 16.38W during drive access, the DXP2800 delivers the full UGOS Pro experience, including AI photo sorting, mobile backup, cloud sync, and app store functionality, all within a compact 9.1 × 4.3 × 7.0 inch chassis. It is an affordable and highly capable entry point for anyone wanting full NAS functionality without the premium price.

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UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Plus – $1,274.99 

Regular price$1,499.99

The UGREEN DXP8800 Plus is the ultimate UGREEN NAS server for users who want maximum power, flexibility, and room to grow. It runs on the Intel Core i5 1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads, paired with 8GB DDR5 memory and support for up to 64GB, making it ideal for large scale virtual machines, Docker workloads, and advanced homelab setups including TrueNAS or UnRAID installations. With 8 SATA bays and 2 M.2 SSD slots, the system supports up to 256TB of total storage, which is enough for professional video archives, multi user environments, and massive Plex libraries. Dual 10GbE ports provide extremely fast network throughput for direct editing from the NAS in applications like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere, while the 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports at 40Gb per second allow rapid offload and workstation integration. A front SD 4.0 reader simplifies media ingest for photographers and editors, and the 8K HDMI output allows direct console access when needed. With a compact 7.05 by 5.59 by 2.05 inch design and strong performance under UGOS Pro, the DXP8800 Plus is the most capable and full featured UGREEN NAS platform for creators, homelab users, virtualisation workloads, Plex servers, and demanding professional storage environments.

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Amazon Deals

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UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Plus 6-Bay NAS –  $899..99

The UGREEN DXP6800 Pro is a high performance 6 bay NAS aimed at creators and production teams who need fast ingest, smooth editing, and dependable storage for large projects. It runs on an Intel Core i5 1235U with 10 cores and 12 threads and includes 8GB DDR5 memory with support for up to 64GB, giving it the power required for RAW photo sets, large catalog libraries, and demanding video work. The 6 SATA bays and 2 M.2 SSD slots allow a total capacity of 196TB, making it suitable for long term archives, active project folders, and fast SSD caching to speed up preview generation and media scrubbing. Dual 10GbE ports enable direct editing over the network, while the 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports operating at 40Gb per second support extremely fast transfers from workstations or external storage. A front SD 4.0 card reader streamlines importing footage from cameras, and the 8K HDMI output provides simple local access for setup and management. With a compact footprint of 11.54 by 10.16 by 7.87 inches, the DXP6800 Pro delivers a powerful and efficient workflow platform for photographers, videographers, and studio environments.

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UGREEN NASync DH4300 Plus Value Class NAS – $364.99

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UGREEN NASync DXP2800 2-Bay NAS – $319.99

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UGREEN NASync DH2300 2-Bay Tiny Impact NAS – $188..99

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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The Best Black Friday Hard Drive NAS Upgrade Deals

Black Friday 2025 has brought a wide range of discounts on storage hardware, making it one of the best times of the year to buy or expand your NAS or backup setup. Both Amazon and B&H are offering notable price drops on high-capacity NAS-class hard drives, external USB backup drives, and SSD-based portable options. Since drive prices fluctuate throughout the year, these seasonal promotions provide a rare chance to secure larger capacities, replace aging disks, or build out a new storage pool at a lower overall cost. Whether you need reliable NAS HDDs for a multi-bay system, fast SSDs for caching, or simple external drives for offsite backups, this guide highlights the key Black Friday offers worth considering across the major storage categories.

Reminder: When upgrading or expanding storage, always factor in proper data protection. A simple RAID 1 mirror provides basic redundancy for two-bay setups, while RAID 5 across three or more drives offers both fault tolerance and improved read performance. These configurations protect against drive failure but are not a substitute for external or offsite backups, which should remain part of any reliable storage strategy.

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Seagate IronWolf Pro 28TB Hard Drive – 21% OFF, $569.99  $449.99

28 TB 3.5″ SATA NAS HDD, 7200 rpm, 6 Gb/s interface, 512 MB cache, designed for 24×7 multi-user RAID/NAS use.

Currently discounted to around 449.99 USD (down from ~569.99 USD) which works out to roughly 16.1 USD per TB. The IronWolf Pro 28TB is built for serious NAS systems with features like Seagate’s AgileArray for vibration control, 2.5 million hour MTBF, RV sensors, and support for large multi-bay arrays. It is optimized for always-on operation and heavy workloads while delivering high capacity in a single drive.

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WD Red Plus 10TB Hard Drives – 32% OFF, $249.99  $169.99

10 TB 3.5″ SATA 6 Gb/s NAS-optimised HDD, 7200 rpm, 512 MB cache, designed for 24×7 RAID/NAS environments.

Currently available at approximately 169.99 USD (down from 249.99 USD), the cost works out to about 17.0 USD per TB. The WD Red Plus 10TB drive is built specifically for network attached storage systems, featuring WD’s NASware firmware for improved compatibility, a workload rating of up to 180 TB/year, and 1 million hours MTBF to support always-on usage. It is a strong option for home and small business NAS deployments requiring reliable RAID-ready storage at an attractive per-terabyte cost.

 

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WD 12TB Red Plus NAS HDD – NOW $199 ($70 OFF)

12 TB 3.5″ SATA 6 Gb/s NAS-optimized HDD with CMR, 7200 rpm, up to 196 MB/s sustained transfer, 256 MB cache, and rated for 180 TB/year workload.

Currently available at around 199 USD (after a price drop of 70 USD), which works out to approximately 16.6 USD per TB. The WD Red Plus 12TB is engineered for 24×7 NAS operation with features such as NASware firmware, dual-plane balance control, and compatibility testing across multi-drive NAS enclosures. It is a solid choice for home and small business NAS systems looking to maximize capacity per dollar while maintaining RAID-ready reliability and NAS-specific optimisations.

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SEAGATE 28TB IRONWOLF PRO HDD – $449.99 ($300 OFF) @ B&H

28 TB 3.5″ SATA 6 Gb/s NAS HDD, 7200 rpm, 512 MB cache, designed for 24×7 multi-user RAID/NAS environments

Now priced at 449.99 USD (a discount of about 300 USD), which equates to roughly 16.1 USD per TB, the IronWolf Pro 28TB is built for high-capacity NAS systems and demanding multi-user environments. It includes Seagate’s AgileArray technology, IronWolf Health Management, a workload rating of up to 550 TB per year, and a 5-year warranty with three years of data recovery services.

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Black Friday External Hard Drive Deals for Backups

Black Friday 2025 has also brought substantial savings to external hard drives and high-capacity USB storage, making it an ideal time to expand backup options or build a cost-effective offsite archive. Many of these desktop and portable drives offer some of the lowest cost-per-terabyte pricing of the year, giving users a simple way to protect NAS data, store large media collections, or create secondary backups without adding complexity to their main system. The following deals highlight the most notable reductions on 22TB to 28TB external drives currently available from Amazon and B&H.

Seagate 28TB USB Expansion Backup Drive – 24% OFF, $380.99  $289.99

28 TB USB 3.0 desktop external HDD, 3.5″ form-factor, pre-formatted for Windows/macOS, includes Rescue Data Recovery Services.

Now offered at around 289.99 USD (discounted from approximately 380.99 USD), this works out to about 10.4 USD per TB. The Seagate Expansion 28TB External Hard Drive is designed for plug-and-play use with Windows, macOS and ChromeOS, making it a strong choice for large backups, media libraries or secondary storage via USB. It features a USB-C/Type-A cable, AC power adapter, and a 1-year warranty.

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Western Digital 14TB External – 39% OFF, $279.99    $169.99

14 TB USB 3.2 Gen 1 external desktop HDD (3.5″ form factor, micro-USB interface, preformatted NTFS).

Currently discounted to approximately 169.99 USD (from 279.99 USD), which works out to about 12.1 USD per TB. This WD Elements 14TB drive offers a straightforward plug-and-play backup solution with USB connectivity, large capacity, and simple desktop deployment. It is preformatted for Windows, includes the power adapter, cable, and a 2-year warranty. While it’s best suited for archiving or bulk storage rather than high throughput demands, for its price it offers excellent capacity value.

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Seagate Expansion 22TB External HDD – 8% OFF, $249.99   $229.99

22 TB USB 3.0 (or USB 3.2 Gen 1) external desktop hard drive, 3.5″ form-factor, pre-formatted for Windows/macOS.

Currently offered at 229.99 USD (after an 8 % discount), which works out to approximately 10.45 USD per TB. This Seagate Expansion 22TB drive is a high-capacity external solution suited to bulk data storage, large static media libraries, or as a cost-effective backup target. With plug-and-play USB operation and a large single-drive footprint, it offers strong value for users who need massive capacity without the complexity of a RAID setup.

 

 

 

 

HDD Price per TB

US Western Digital 3TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 5400 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, CMR, 12...30.00% OFF
US Western Digital 3TB WD Red NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 5400 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, SMR, 256MB C...25.74% OFF
US Seagate Barracuda St500dm002 500 Gb 3.5 Internal Hard Drive - Sata - 7200 RPM - 16 Mb Buffer...22.14% OFF
US Seagate BarraCuda 2TB Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6 Gb/s 7200 RPM 64MB Cache f...18.64% OFF
US Seagate IronWolf Pro ST8000NE001 8TB Internal 3.5" SATA 6Gb/s 7200rpm - 256MB - with 2 Years...12.92% OFF
US Seagate Barracuda ESA-3502 Internal Hard Drive 3.5 Inches - 500 GB (ST500DM002) + Silicone H...11.84% OFF
US WD 1TB Black My Passport Portable External Hard Drive - USB 3.0 - WDBYNN0010BBK-WESN...10.90% OFF
US Western Digital Blue WD20SPZX 2 TB Hard Drive - 2.5" Internal - SATA (SATA/600)...9.89% OFF
US WD Purple 6TB Surveillance Hard Disk Drive - 5400 RPM Class SATA 6 Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5 Inch ...8.88% OFF
US WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive, Portable External Hard Drive, Works with Playstation, Xbox, & P...7.56% OFF
US Western Digital 12TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 7200 RPM, SATA 6 GB/s, CMR, 5...7.47% OFF
US Seagate Basic, 2TB, Portable External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, for PC Laptop (STJL2000400)...5.11% OFF
UK Toshiba MQ01ABD100-2.5inch 1TB 5400RPM 9.5mm 4k block size 8MB Cache...52.43% OFF
UK Seagate ST1000DM010 1 TB 3.5 Inch Barracuda Serial Hard Drive...39.86% OFF
UK Toshiba 2TB S300 Surveillance HDD - 3.5' SATA Internal Hard Drive Supports up to 64 HD camer...39.31% OFF
UK Toshiba MQ01ABD100 Internal Hard Drive 1 TB SATA II, (2.5 ")...34.96% OFF
UK WD Western Digital 2TB 2.5" 128MB SATA III Hard Drive for Laptops, PS4 (WD20SPZX)...33.33% OFF
UK Toshiba MQ01ABD100 1TB SATA II 2.5" Hard Drive - 5400RPMrpm, 8MB Cache...25.00% OFF
UK Toshiba Hard Drive 1TB SATA 2.5" MQ01ABD100 Laptop 5400RPM 8MB...25.00% OFF
UK Toshiba X300 5TB Performance & Gaming 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive – CMR SATA 6.0 GB/s 720...23.53% OFF
UK Western Digital WD20EFAX WD Red Plus 2 TB SATA 6Gb/s 3.5" HDD...23.11% OFF
UK Seagate Expansion Portable 4 TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB 3.0 for PC Laptop (S...20.00% OFF
UK Seagate IronWolf Pro 18TB ST18000NE000 internal hard drive 3.5" 18000 GB Serial ATA III...18.54% OFF
UK Seagate IronWolf Pro, 12 TB, NAS Internal Hard Drive, CMR 3.5 Inch, SATA 6 Gb/s 7,200 RPM, 2...17.72% OFF
UK Western Digital Purple 3TB Surveillance 3.5 Inch SATA 6 Gb/s Hard Disk Drive with Allframe 4...16.85% OFF
UK Western Digital WD4002FYYZ 4 TB 3.5-Inch Hard Drive - Gold...16.63% OFF
UK Toshiba S300 4TB Internal Surveillance Hard Drive, 3.5’’ SATA HDD, Supports up to 64 HD ...16.04% OFF
UK WD Red 3TB 3.5 Inch NAS Internal Hard Drive - 5400 RPM - WD30EFRX...13.35% OFF
UK HGST - WD Ultrastar DC HC520 HDD | HUH721212ALE600 | 12TB 7.2K SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5-In...13.32% OFF
UK Western Digital wd2500lplx 2.5 "250 GB Serial ATA600 7200 rpm...13.12% OFF
UK Seagate Exos X16, 6TB, Enterprise Internal Hard Drive, SAS, 3.5", for Business and Data Cent...11.17% OFF
UK WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160...10.88% OFF
UK Seagate IronWolf 8 TB NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6 Gb/s 7200 RPM 256 MB C...10.64% OFF
UK Western Digital WD181KRYZ Hard Drive 3.5 Inches 18000 GB SATA...9.78% OFF
UK Western Digital WD2500LPLX...8.63% OFF
UK Western Digital Ultrastar DC HC310 (HUS726T6TALE6L4) SATA Enterprise HDD 7200 RPM, 6 TB...7.97% OFF
UK WD10SPZX 1TB Internal Hard Drive...7.50% OFF
UK Seagate Exos X18 Enterprise Class, 16TB, Enterprise Internal Hard Drive, SATA, 3,5" 6Gbit/s,...7.14% OFF
UK Seagate ST2000DM006 Barracuda 2000 GB Hard Drive...6.99% OFF
UK Seagate ST2000DM001 Barracuda 2000 GB Internal...6.89% OFF
UK WD Black Performance Hard Drive WD5003AZEX - Hard drive - 500 GB - internal - 3.5 - SATA 6Gb...6.67% OFF
UK Toshiba MQ01ABD MQ01ABD100 1 TB 2.5" Internal Hard Drive - Bulk HDKBB96...6.67% OFF
UK Western Digital WD60PURZ - Internal HDD WD Purple 3.5'' 6TB SATA3 64MB...6.50% OFF
UK Seagate ST2000DX002 Firecuda 2TB Internal Hybrid Hard Drive, SSHD; 2000 GB; 88.9 mm (3.5); 6...6.14% OFF
UK Seagate Exos X20 18TB Internal Hard Drive - 3.5 Inch Hyperscale 12GB/s SAS HDD, 7,200 RPM, 2...6.08% OFF
UK Seagate 16TB ST16000NM001G Exos X16 SATA 6Gb/s 7.2K RPM 512e/4Kn 256Mb, OEM, Mechanical Hard...5.78% OFF
UK Seagate FireCuda ST2000DX002 3.5-Inch Hard Drive 2000 GB ATA III Series...5.71% OFF
UK Seagate Exos X18 Enterprise Class, 18TB, Enterprise Internal Hard Drive, SATA, 3,5" 6Gbit/s,...5.17% OFF

 

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Synology NAS Deals this Black Friday 2025

Black Friday 2025 has brought a round of uncommon discounts to Synology’s latest DiskStation models, with Amazon and B&H offering some of the strongest reductions across the current lineup. Synology hardware rarely receives notable price cuts, particularly on recently launched systems, so this is a useful opportunity for anyone planning an upgrade or expanding their storage. Whether you need a reliable home backup platform, a media server, or a compact office solution, several 2025 generation units are now available at lower prices. This guide outlines the best deals currently live and helps identify which DiskStation models offer the most value during this year’s Black Friday period.

Important note: Some users may have heard that Synology’s 2025 generation DiskStation models restrict the use of non-Synology hard drives. This was true earlier in the year, but Synology reversed the policy in October 2025. Current DiskStation units in this lineup now accept third-party HDDs from any manufacturer with no warnings or reduced functionality. However, M.2 NVMe SSD support remains limited to approved models, and the HDD restrictions still apply to RackStation systems and higher tier products in the broader Synology portfolio. Learn More about this HERE

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Synology DS925+ NAS – 14% OFF, NOW $552.99 @ Amazon USA

4-bay SATA/SSD NAS with dual 2.5 GbE ports, 2 × M.2 NVMe slots, AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32 GB).

The DS925+ is a compact four bay desktop NAS built for users who want a balance of performance, expansion, and long term DSM support in a small footprint. It runs on the AMD Ryzen V1500B processor with ECC memory, giving it a stronger hardware foundation than most entry tier systems and enough overhead for multi user workloads, backups, and light virtualisation. The unit supports both SATA hard drives and SSDs, while the two M.2 NVMe slots allow users to add cache or create faster SSD volumes without occupying the main bays. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide improved throughput over standard 1GbE models and support link aggregation for higher sustained speeds. With DSM offering SHR, Btrfs snapshots, file sync tools, media applications, and extensive package support, the DS925+ serves as a flexible storage platform for home offices and small teams that need dependable performance without moving to a larger enclosure. BUY HERE

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Synology DS225+ NAS – $303.49 (11% REDUCTION) @ Amazon US

2-bay SATA NAS with Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core 2.0/2.7GHz CPU, 2.5GbE + 1GbE LAN ports, dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 2GB DDR4 memory expandable to 6GB

The DS225+ is Synology’s 2025 two-bay desktop NAS designed for home users, creatives, and small teams seeking a straightforward yet capable storage solution. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives, and offers dual network ports—including a 2.5GbE link—for improved throughput in compact deployments. Running DSM, Synology’s mature NAS operating system, it delivers file sharing, backup, photo management, and surveillance features in an easy-to-use package. Its quad-core Intel processor provides capable performance for standard NAS tasks, though the soldered memory and modest expandability may limit its usefulness for heavier workloads or large scale expansion. With its balance of refined software and network capability, the DS225+ is a solid entry point for users focused on dependable, integrated NAS functionality.  BUY HERE

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Synology DS925+ NAS @ Amazon UK – 15% OFF, NOW £472 inc.TAX @ Amazon UK

4-bay SATA/SSD NAS with dual 2.5 GbE ports, 2 × M.2 NVMe slots, AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32 GB).

The DS925+ is Synology’s 2025 four-bay desktop NAS targeted at home offices, prosumers, and small teams who want a mature software ecosystem and future-proof networking. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives in its four bays, plus two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or fast SSD volumes, and can be expanded up to nine bays using an external unit. Dual 2.5 GbE ports provide better than standard network speed, while the AMD Ryzen V1500B processor (quad-core) and 4 GB of onboard ECC memory (expandable) deliver a solid foundation for multi-user access, backups, file sharing, and lightweight virtualization. It runs Synology’s DSM operating system, offering rich features such as SHR, Btrfs snapshots, file sync, collaboration tools and media streaming. With its blend of hardware and software, the DS925+ delivers a flexible platform for centralised storage and data management in a compact desktop form. BUY HERE

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Synology DS1525+ NAS – $160 OFF, NOW $639.99 @ B&H

5-bay SATA/SSD NAS with 2 × M.2 NVMe cache slots, quad-core AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, 8 GB DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32 GB), four 1 GbE LAN ports plus optional 10 GbE upgrade slot.

The DS1522+ is a five-bay entry in Synology’s Plus series designed for home offices, prosumers, and small businesses that want advanced storage features in a desktop form. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives, plus two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or SSD-based volumes, and can expand up to 15 bays using official expansion units. With the AMD Ryzen R1600 quad-core processor, 8 GB of ECC RAM (upgradeable), and four built-in LAN ports, the unit delivers solid performance and reliability for file sharing, backups, and multi-user environments. The optional 10 GbE upgrade slot adds headroom for higher bandwidth workflows, and the included DSM operating system provides mature features such as SHR, snapshots, virtualization support, surveillance, and rich app integration. With its balance of expansion, performance and software depth, the DS1522+ offers a capable all-round platform for centralised data storage and management. BUY HERE

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Synology DS124 NAS – NOW $139.99 (22% PRICE DROP) @ Amazon

2-bay SATA/SSD NAS with dual 2.5 GbE ports, Realtek RTD1619B quad-core 1.7GHz CPU, 2 GB DDR4 memory (expandable), and dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching.

The DS124+ is a compact desktop two bay NAS aimed at home users and small offices who want reliable storage with Synology’s DSM platform. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives in the two bays, and adds dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching or faster storage tiers. Dual 2.5 GbE network ports give it strong connectivity when paired with a capable switch. Running the RTD1619B quad-core processor and with upgradable memory, the unit delivers better performance than many entry level NAS boxes. DSM provides features such as file sync, snapshot protection, collaboration tools, and mobile access. While it lacks some of the more advanced expandability of larger models, the DS124+ offers a balanced mix of hardware and software for users who need a modest sized, efficient centralized storage box under the Synology ecosystem. BUY HERE

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Synology DS1825+ NAS – NOW $919 ($230 OFF) @B&H

8-bay SATA/SSD NAS with dual 2.5GbE ports, 2 × M.2 NVMe slots, AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core 2.2GHz CPU, 8GB DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32 GB), and up to 360TB raw capacity with expansion units.

The DS1825+ sits at the upper end of Synology’s Plus desktop NAS lineup, delivering high capacity and flexibility for serious home users, creatives, and small business teams. With eight hot-swappable drive bays supporting both 3.5″ HDDs and 2.5″ SSDs, and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or SSD pools, it handles large data sets without needing a rack enclosure. Dual native 2.5GbE ports support modern network speeds out of the box, while the PCIe slot allows optional 10GbE or 25GbE upgrades for future proofing. Its AMD Ryzen quad-core CPU paired with 8GB ECC memory provides a stable foundation for file services, snapshots, VM or container usage, and media streaming. The unit also supports up to 18 drive bays and 360TB raw storage with two DX525 expansion units, offering growth potential as storage needs increase. While it may not push the highest processing power, the DS1825+ blends Synology’s mature DSM software, robust hardware build quality, and flexible storage architecture into a capable all-rounder for users who require capacity, data protection, and software depth in a compact form. BUY HERE

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Synology DS1525+ NAS – REDUCED TO $691.49 (15% OFF) @ Amazon

5-bay SATA/SSD NAS with 2 × M.2 NVMe cache slots, quad-core AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, 8 GB DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32 GB), four 1 GbE LAN ports plus optional 10 GbE upgrade slot.

The DS1825+ sits at the upper end of Synology’s Plus desktop NAS lineup, delivering high capacity and flexibility for serious home users, creatives, and small business teams. With eight hot-swappable drive bays supporting both 3.5″ HDDs and 2.5″ SSDs, and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or SSD pools, it handles large data sets without needing a rack enclosure. Dual native 2.5GbE ports support modern network speeds out of the box, while the PCIe slot allows optional 10GbE or 25GbE upgrades for future proofing. Its AMD Ryzen quad-core CPU paired with 8GB ECC memory provides a stable foundation for file services, snapshots, VM or container usage, and media streaming. The unit also supports up to 18 drive bays and 360TB raw storage with two DX525 expansion units, offering growth potential as storage needs increase. While it may not push the highest processing power, the DS1825+ blends Synology’s mature DSM software, robust hardware build quality, and flexible storage architecture into a capable all-rounder for users who require capacity, data protection, and software depth in a compact form. BUY HERE

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Synology DS425+ NAS – Price Reduction, Now $415.99 (20% OFF) @ Amazon

4-bay SATA NAS with 2.5GbE + 1GbE, 2 × M.2 NVMe slots, Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core 2.0/2.7GHz CPU, and 2GB DDR4 memory expandable to 6GB

The DS425+ is a four bay desktop NAS positioned as an accessible entry into Synology’s 2025 Plus series, offering a familiar balance of performance, storage flexibility, and DSM software capability. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives in its main bays, with two M.2 NVMe slots available for caching or faster SSD-based volumes. The system runs on an Intel Celeron J4125 processor and includes 2GB of expandable DDR4 memory, making it suitable for everyday multi user file storage, backups, and light media serving. Connectivity consists of one 2.5GbE port and one 1GbE port, giving users bandwidth options depending on their network. DSM provides features such as SHR, Btrfs snapshots, cloud sync, surveillance tools, and a broad library of first-party applications. With Synology’s updated 2025 stance on third-party drive support, the DS425+ now accepts any standard HDD or SSD without warnings, making it a more flexible option for buyers who want a compact, straightforward, and software-rich NAS at this capacity point. BUY HERE

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Synology DS725+ NAS – Price Drop, Now $449.49 (14% OFF) @ Amazon US

2-bay SATA NAS with dual 2.5GbE ports, 2 × M.2 NVMe slots for caching, AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core 2.6/3.1GHz CPU, and 4GB DDR4 ECC memory expandable to 32GB.

The DS725+ is Synology’s compact two-bay Plus series NAS from the 2025 generation, designed for home offices and small businesses seeking high performance and flexibility in a small footprint. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives in its bays, and includes two M.2 NVMe slots for cache or fast solid state volumes. Networking is enhanced with dual 2.5GbE ports—an upgrade over earlier two-bay models—delivering better throughput for multi user access or file sharing. Powered by the AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor with default 4GB of ECC memory (expandable), it handles standard NAS workloads, backups and light virtualisation with ease. The inclusion of DSM features such as shared folder snapshots, cloud sync, hybrid backup and mobile client integration makes it a strong choice for users who want Synology’s mature software ecosystem in a compact form. With the company’s updated 2025 policy, users can now install third-party HDDs without compatibility warnings, improving the DS725+’s flexibility when sourcing storage media. BUY HERE

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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Black Friday 2025 UniFi Networking and Surveillance Deals

Black Friday 2025 has arrived and UniFi has rolled out some of its biggest price reductions in years across gateways, switches, access points, and cameras. Several flagship products have dropped far below their usual pricing, including the Dream Wall falling to $599, the Enterprise 48 PoE now $999, and the U6 Enterprise In Wall reduced to $199. Even the more affordable tiers see dramatic cuts, with models such as the FlexHD and nanoHD dropping to $69 and the G5 Pro camera slashed to $199. This year’s lineup mixes current generation hardware with discounted legacy units, giving buyers at every scale a clear upgrade path whether they are refreshing a home network or expanding a full UniFi deployment. The sections that follow break down each device category and highlight what you gain from the reduced pricing so you can decide which upgrades offer the strongest value during this short Black Friday window.

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Best UniFi Black Friday Deals – The UniFi Dream Router 7 & Gateway Fiber

The Dream Router 7 and the Gateway Fiber stand out as UniFi’s strongest Black Friday 2025 offers, especially given their large price cuts. The Dream Router 7 drops to $229 from $279 and brings a full UniFi controller, WiFi 7, a 10G SFP+ WAN port, a 2.5GbE WAN port, four LAN ports with one PoE output, and integrated NVR storage via microSD. It supports the full UniFi application suite and can manage 30+ devices while handling 300+ clients on its 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz radios. Security and routing features include a stateful firewall, L7 filtering, IDS and IPS with 20,000+ signatures through CyberSecure, advanced NAT, SD-WAN, and VPN support for WireGuard, Teleport, IPsec, and OpenVPN. With coverage up to 160 square metres and a compact desktop design, it offers a complete all in one gateway and controller at a much lower cost, making it an easy upgrade for homes or small offices moving to WiFi 7 or multigig internet.

UniFi WiFi 7 2.5G+10G Dream Router	UniFi Gateway Fiber 10G/2.5G Gateway

Buyers who want a pure routing device with maximum throughput will find the Gateway Fiber especially strong at its reduced Black Friday price of $179, down from $279. It is an independent 10G gateway designed to be managed through a CloudKey, UniFi Hosting, or a self hosted UniFi Network Server and offers 5Gbps IDS and IPS performance through a quad core Cortex A73 CPU and 2GB of memory. The port layout includes a 10G SFP+ WAN, a 10GbE RJ45 WAN, a 10G SFP+ LAN, and a 4 port 2.5GbE switch with one PoE+ output, which suits multigig fiber setups and high speed switching. Its feature set includes SD-WAN, dynamic routing with OSPF, advanced QoS, mDNS, content filtering, ad blocking, and more than 55,000 CyberSecure signatures. With LTE failover support and a compact footprint, the Gateway Fiber delivers flagship routing at one of the most aggressive price reductions UniFi has offered, making it a strong fit for users who prefer to keep WiFi, switching, and routing as separate modules.

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UniFi Cloud Gateway Black Friday Deals

The Cloud Gateway Max, Cloud Gateway Max NS, and Gateway Lite form the most affordable cluster of UniFi Black Friday gateway offers this year. The Cloud Gateway Max drops from $279 to $179 and delivers full UniFi application support with 2.3Gbps IDS and IPS, 2.5GbE WAN, five 2.5GbE LAN ports, and selectable NVMe NVR storage up to 2TB. The NS model follows the same hardware blueprint but arrives at a lower $159 price while retaining 2.3Gbps inspection performance and 30 plus device management. The Gateway Lite stands out as the entry level option at an aggressive $49, down from $129. It offers 1Gbps IDS and IPS, a compact footprint, full UniFi security features, USB C power, and a simple 1GbE WAN plus 1GbE LAN layout, making it ideal for small networks or for replacing an ageing USG.

Moving up the stack, the Gateway Fiber and Dream Router 7 provide the strongest mid tier performance jumps in this Black Friday cycle. The Gateway Fiber drops from $279 to $179 and offers 5Gbps IDS and IPS, 10G SFP+ and 10GbE WAN ports, a 10G SFP+ LAN, and a built in 4 port 2.5GbE switch with one PoE+ output. It supports SD WAN, WireGuard, Site Magic, Teleport VPN, OSPF, advanced QoS, and more than 55,000 CyberSecure signatures. The Dream Router 7 falls to $229 from $279 and combines a full UniFi controller with integrated WiFi 7, 10G SFP+ WAN, 2.5GbE WAN, four LAN ports with PoE, and microSD NVR storage. It can manage 30 plus UniFi devices, runs Protect, Access, Talk, and Connect, and handles more than 300 clients with high throughput across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands.

At the premium end, the Dream Wall delivers the largest discount with a drop from $999 to $599 and brings full UniFi application support, integrated WiFi 6, high power PoE switching, and 10G routing in a wall mounted design. It includes 17 1GbE ports, two 10G SFP+ ports, redundant hot swap PSUs, 420W PoE budget, and multiple layers of storage including a 128GB SSD and a 512GB microSD card for NVR use. With 3.5Gbps IDS and IPS, SD WAN, BGP, OSPF, WireGuard, Teleport VPN, and support for more than 100 UniFi devices, the Dream Wall is designed for larger deployments that want a single appliance to run switching, routing, WiFi, security, storage, and all UniFi apps. These six discounted models collectively cover every level of UniFi deployment and represent the strongest lineup of gateway price cuts UniFi has offered for Black Friday 2025.

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UniFi WiFI APs for Mesh Black Friday Deals

The U6 Plus, FlexHD, and nanoHD form the most affordable set of UniFi access point offers this Black Friday and each one targets a different type of upgrade. The U6 Plus drops to $99 and brings dual band WiFi 6, 4 spatial streams, 2.4Gbps 5GHz throughput, and a 300 plus client capacity in a compact ceiling or wall mounted design. It suits homes and small businesses looking for a modern AP with strong roaming support, PPSK, captive portal options, and full UniFi WiFi management features. The FlexHD falls to $69 and remains one of the most versatile indoor or outdoor mesh units, offering WiFi 5 with 6 spatial streams, 1.7Gbps 5GHz performance, and multiple mounting options that make it easy to extend coverage. The nanoHD also lands at $69 and provides a compact ceiling mounted WiFi 5 solution with 4×4 MU MIMO on 5GHz, up to 1.7Gbps throughput, and a design that blends into most environments, making it ideal for small offices and meeting rooms.

For mid tier deployments, the AC Pro and AC HD both receive strong discounts and remain popular for larger offices or mixed environments. The AC Pro is reduced to $89 and offers dual band WiFi 5, 3×3 MIMO on both radios, 1.3Gbps 5GHz performance, and a proven design that handles 250 plus clients. It includes PoE power, two GbE ports, and full UniFi WiFi features such as fast roaming, band steering, PPSK, and captive portal support. The AC HD now sits at $89 and delivers higher density handling with 8 spatial streams, 4×4 MU MIMO on both bands, 1.7Gbps 5GHz throughput, and support for 500 plus clients. It suits high traffic office floors, learning environments, and large public areas where stable throughput under load matters more than peak bandwidth.

At the top of the lineup, the U6 Enterprise In Wall receives one of the most meaningful reductions with a new price of $199. This model offers WiFi 6E across the 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz bands with 10 spatial streams, up to 4.8Gbps on both 6GHz and 5GHz, and support for more than 600 clients. Its built in 4 port GbE switch with PoE output makes it ideal for structured office installs where wall mounted APs double as room level network hubs for desks, phones, or small devices. Fast roaming, RRM, PPSK, RadSec, and advanced portal features place it firmly in the high density business category. Together, these six discounted APs span entry level to enterprise grade coverage and represent UniFi’s strongest Black Friday wireless lineup in several years.

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UniFi Network Switch Black Friday Deals

The Enterprise 24 PoE, Enterprise 8 PoE, and Enterprise 48 PoE make up UniFi’s discounted Layer 3 switching lineup for Black Friday 2025 and each model targets a different level of deployment. The Enterprise 24 PoE drops from $799 to $599 and delivers twelve 1GbE PoE+ ports, twelve 2.5GbE PoE+ ports, two 10G SFP+ uplinks, 400W of PoE power, and a 124Gbps switching fabric in a 1U rack chassis. It includes DHCP server and relay, inter VLAN routing, advanced IGMP controls, MAC based ACLs, QoS, and a touchscreen panel with USP RPS backup support. The Enterprise 8 PoE falls to $329 from $479 and provides eight 2.5GbE PoE+ ports with two 10G SFP+ uplinks, 120W of PoE power, and 80Gbps switching performance in a compact desktop form factor. It retains the full Layer 3 feature set including LACP, RSTP, DHCP snooping, port isolation, jumbo frames, and MAC or IP based ACLs, making it suitable for small offices, edge rooms, or multigig AP clusters.

The largest reduction is on the Enterprise 48 PoE which now sits at $999 instead of $1,599 and offers forty eight 2.5GbE PoE+ ports, four 10G SFP+ uplinks, and a substantial 720W PoE budget built for dense AP and camera deployments. It supports a 160Gbps switching fabric, 238Mpps forwarding, LLDP MED, Pro AV profiles, advanced multicast handling, and large routing or MAC tables suitable for campus and high traffic networks. All three switches deliver strong value for Black Friday buyers upgrading to multigig infrastructure, although the two legacy models, the 24 port and 48 port versions, do not meet PoE++ requirements for the new U7 and E7 access points.

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UniFi Cameras for Protect Black Friday Deals

The G5 Pro, AI 360, and G5 PTZ form the front end of UniFi’s discounted camera lineup for Black Friday 2025 and each model targets a different style of coverage. The G5 Pro drops from $379 to $199 and delivers 4K recording with a 3x optical zoom lens, strong daytime clarity, and IR night vision that reaches 25 m or up to 40 m with the Vision Enhancer. It offers people, vehicle, and animal detection, IP65 weather resistance, IK04 impact resistance, and flexible mounting for walls, ceilings, and poles. The AI 360 is reduced from $399 to $249 and provides full 360 degree coverage through a 2K fisheye sensor with pan tilt zoom control handled digitally inside UniFi Protect. It includes two way audio, smart detections, IPX4 weather resistance when covered, and IK08 tamper protection, making it suitable for wide indoor areas, retail spaces, or open office floors. The G5 PTZ falls to $229 from $299 and adds low latency mechanical pan tilt with a 2x optical zoom lens, 20 m IR night vision, and IP66 weather protection, which makes it an option for entry points, driveways, or perimeter paths.

The AI Pro and AI Dome represent the next tier with stronger AI capability and extended detection performance. The AI Pro is discounted from $499 to $359 and delivers 4K resolution, 3x optical zoom, face recognition, license plate recognition, advanced object detection, and up to 40 m IR performance with the Vision Enhancer. It includes two way audio, HDR processing, IP65 weather resistance, and a flexible mounting system for ceilings, walls, and poles. Its 1/1.8 inch 8MP sensor provides higher accuracy in mixed lighting, which makes it suitable for entrances, car parks, or areas requiring reliable plate and face capture. The AI Dome is now $299 instead of $399 and features a vandal resistant IK10 enclosure paired with 4K recording, long range IR up to 40 m, and the same AI recognition capabilities found in the AI Pro. Its dome design suits indoor or sheltered outdoor locations where tamper protection and a clean profile matter.

Across the lineup, every model supports PoE power, onboard image adjustment controls, UniFi smart detections, and full Protect integration with consistent 30 FPS recording. The G5 series offers strong value for users upgrading older 1080p or 2K cameras, while the AI series adds more precise analytics and improved low light performance. The combination of significant price cuts and a wide range of coverage types means this group forms one of the strongest Black Friday camera selections UniFi has presented, covering everything from broad area surveillance to focused zoom capture and high security environments.

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

NAS & Storage Bargains and Deals this Black Friday 2025

Black Friday 2025 has arrived and this year the spotlight is not only on traditional Synology/QNAP upgrades but also on the fast-growing world of alternative NAS platforms (after the PR nightmare that was 2025 for Synology re:HDDs!), DIY server builds, and software licence promos. Synology’s desktop lineup has seen a bunch of refreshes recently in the x25, which means popular models such as the DS423+ and DS923+ may finally see meaningful reductions, while entry-level units like the DS223 and BeeStation series are expected to feature the most aggressive pricing. At the same time, UGREEN is pushing hard with its NASync range and making ALOT of noise in the world of home/prosumer NAS, and several of these systems are already appearing with early Black Friday discounts. DIY NAS enthusiasts also have more choice than ever, with multi-bay chassis and compact servers from CWWK, AOOSTAR, Jonsbo cases, and Minisforum’s N5 receiving notable reductions. UnRAID has confirmed incoming licence promos for Black Friday soon, making it an ideal time for new users to adopt flexible array management and VM workloads. Then you have Terramaster making 10-20% off promos on their 2025 series AND the m.2 focused F4 and F8 Devices! Even newer entrants such as UnifyDrive are participating, with the UT2 receiving one of its biggest discounts to date and now sitting in an extremely competitive price bracket. Below you will find updated recommendations for the best NAS models for backups, Plex, business, and surveillance, along with live offer links for all major NAS ecosystems as Black Friday deals continue to roll out.

IMPORTANT – This page will be updated regularly each day for the next 2 weeks!

Recommended Deals (so far) BEST DEAL SO FAR – Beelink ME Mini N150 NAS, 12GB RAM + 2TB SSD + 64GB eMMC – $279 (was $349) HERE SEAGATE 28TB IRONWOLF PRO HDD – $449.99 (was $569.99) Synology DS925+ NAS 14% OFF, NOW $552.99 HERE UnRAID 25% Price Drop + $15 Voucher Included with ALL Orders – HERE UNIFI ALL BLACK FRIDAY DEALS – HERE UGREEN 120W NAS UPS – 15% OFF, NOW $84.99 HERE 40% OFF PLEX PASS Licenses – Month/Year/Lifetime HERE QNAP TS-464 NAS – REDUCED TO £469 (20% OFF) HERE Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS Flash NAS – 20% OFF, NOW $639.99 HERE 2x WD Red Pro 26TB Hard Drives (52TB Max) – $878 ($420 OFF) HERE LincStation N2 6-Bay SSD 10GbE NAS – NOW $395 (was $429) HERE SEAGATE 28TB IRONWOLF PRO HDD – $449.99 ($300 OFF) HERE UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NAS 4-Bay – $594.99 UnifyDrive UT2 2x M.2 NVMe+2.5GbE+8 Core ARM Mobile NAS – $200 OFF, Now $399 UGREEN DH4300 PLUS Value 4-Bay NAS – $65 OFF, Now $364.99 Synology DS1525+ NAS – REDUCED TO $691.49 (15% OFF) HERE CWWK N150 / N355 10GbE 8x SATA NAS Motherboard Combo – Now $215 PocketCloud Portable NAS – 20% OFF, NOW $239.99 Gl.iNet Slate 7 WiFi7 Mobile Router, NOW $120 (29% OFF) HERE Minisforum N5 PRO NAS – NOW £888 including TAX HERE

BLACK FRIDAY WEEK DEALS (so far) – (WILL REDIRECT TO YOUR AMAZON REGION AUTOMATICALLY)

Useful Articles:

• NAS Hard Drive Black Friday Deals Article – HERE
• Synology NAS Black Friday Deals – HERE
• UniFi Network Hardware Black Friday Deals – HERE
• UGREEN NAS Black Friday Deals – HERE
• Terramaster Black Friday Deals – HERE

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SEAGATE 28TB IRONWOLF PRO HDD – $449.99 (was $569.99)

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SEAGATE 28TB EXTERNAL USB HDD – $289.99 ($100 OFF)

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Beelink ME Mini N150 NAS Mini PC, 12GB RAM + 2TB SSD + 64GB eMMC – $279 (was $349) HERE

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Synology DS925+ NAS – 14% OFF, NOW $552.99

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SEAGATE 28TB IRONWOLF PRO HDD – $449.99 ($300 OFF)

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UGREEN 120W NAS UPS – 15% OFF, NOW $84.99

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2x WD Red Pro 26TB Hard Drives (52TB Max) – $878 ($420 OFF)

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QNAP TS-264 2-Bay Featured NAS – $349.99 (20% OFF)

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Minisforum N5  NAS – NOW $594.90 (15% OFF)

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UnRAID 25% Price Drop + $15 Voucher Included with ALL Orders – HERE

The Unraid Cyber Weekend Sale started on Wednesday November 26th, and will run through Cyber Monday, December 1st, 2025. They are discounting Starter and Unleashed licenses, plus all Unleashed upgrades (so, if you have a monthly or annual license, and want to upgrade to lifetime, you will get a discount of the partial upgrade cost too). Also, every license purchased will come with a $15 voucher good for the Unraid Merch Store included. Click below (or HERE) to get your UnRAID license at 25% off.

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Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS Flash NAS – 20% OFF, NOW $639.99

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UniFi Black Friday Deals – HERE

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Asustor 6x M.2 NVMe Flashstor 6 – Down to $404.99 (9% OFF)

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Best UniFi Black Friday Deals – The UniFi Dream Router 7 & Gateway Fiber

The Dream Router 7 and the Gateway Fiber stand out as UniFi’s strongest Black Friday 2025 offers, especially given their large price cuts. The Dream Router 7 drops to $229 from $279 and brings a full UniFi controller, WiFi 7, a 10G SFP+ WAN port, a 2.5GbE WAN port, four LAN ports with one PoE output, and integrated NVR storage via microSD. It supports the full UniFi application suite and can manage 30+ devices while handling 300+ clients on its 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz radios. Security and routing features include a stateful firewall, L7 filtering, IDS and IPS with 20,000+ signatures through CyberSecure, advanced NAT, SD-WAN, and VPN support for WireGuard, Teleport, IPsec, and OpenVPN. With coverage up to 160 square metres and a compact desktop design, it offers a complete all in one gateway and controller at a much lower cost, making it an easy upgrade for homes or small offices moving to WiFi 7 or multigig internet.

UniFi WiFi 7 2.5G+10G Dream Router	UniFi Gateway Fiber 10G/2.5G Gateway

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Synology DS925+ NAS – 15% OFF, NOW £472 inc.TAX

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40% OFF PLEX PASS Licenses – Month/Year/Lifetime HERE

• Lifetime, now $149.99 (was $249.99) – HERE
• Annual, now $41.99 (was $69.99) – HERE
• Month, now $4.19 (was $6.99) – HERE

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10G N150 NAS Motherboard / DDR5 6* SATA /  Intel I226 / 2.5G Mini ITX /  2* M.2 – $219.50 HERE

This Mini-ITX NAS-oriented board features an onboard Intel N150 processor paired with DDR5 memory support and a strong storage layout including six SATA 3.0 ports and two PCIe-based M.2 slots. It includes triple-NIC networking with dual Intel I226-V 2.5GbE ports and a 10GbE AQC113 controller, making it suitable for DIY NAS builds that require high-bandwidth local access. With PCIe 3.0 expansion, ATX 24+4-pin power, and full support for Windows and Linux, it offers excellent value at its discounted Black Friday price of $219.50.

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UniFi Cloud Gateway Black Friday Deals

The Cloud Gateway Max, Cloud Gateway Max NS, and Gateway Lite form the most affordable cluster of UniFi Black Friday gateway offers this year. The Cloud Gateway Max drops from $279 to $179 and delivers full UniFi application support with 2.3Gbps IDS and IPS, 2.5GbE WAN, five 2.5GbE LAN ports, and selectable NVMe NVR storage up to 2TB. The NS model follows the same hardware blueprint but arrives at a lower $159 price while retaining 2.3Gbps inspection performance and 30 plus device management. The Gateway Lite stands out as the entry level option at an aggressive $49, down from $129. It offers 1Gbps IDS and IPS, a compact footprint, full UniFi security features, USB C power, and a simple 1GbE WAN plus 1GbE LAN layout, making it ideal for small networks or for replacing an ageing USG.

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Synology DS1525+ NAS – $160 OFF, NOW $639.99

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LincStation N2 6-Bay SSD 10GbE NAS – NOW $395 (was $429) HERE

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QNAP TS-464 NAS – $469.99 ($120 OFF)

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Synology DS1825+ NAS – NOW $919 ($230 OFF)

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PocketCloud Portable NAS – 20% OFF, NOW $239.99

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QNAP TS-264 2-Bay ALL-Rounder NAS – $349.99 ($90 OFF)

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UniFi WiFI APs for Mesh Black Friday Deals

The U6 Plus, FlexHD, and nanoHD form the most affordable set of UniFi access point offers this Black Friday and each one targets a different type of upgrade. The U6 Plus drops to $99 and brings dual band WiFi 6, 4 spatial streams, 2.4Gbps 5GHz throughput, and a 300 plus client capacity in a compact ceiling or wall mounted design. It suits homes and small businesses looking for a modern AP with strong roaming support, PPSK, captive portal options, and full UniFi WiFi management features. The FlexHD falls to $69 and remains one of the most versatile indoor or outdoor mesh units, offering WiFi 5 with 6 spatial streams, 1.7Gbps 5GHz performance, and multiple mounting options that make it easy to extend coverage. The nanoHD also lands at $69 and provides a compact ceiling mounted WiFi 5 solution with 4×4 MU MIMO on 5GHz, up to 1.7Gbps throughput, and a design that blends into most environments, making it ideal for small offices and meeting rooms.

 

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Synology DS1525+ NAS – REDUCED TO $691.49 (15% OFF)

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Minisforum N5 PRO NAS – NOW £888 including TAX

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SUPER BUDGET N5105 NAS Mobo Combo / 4 Cores 4 Threads Low Power Use / 4×2.5G i225 / 2x M.2 Slot 6xSATA – $196.94 HERE

This budget Mini ITX NAS board uses the Intel N5105 processor and offers enough performance for Plex, Jellyfin, Docker containers, and lightweight TrueNAS or UnRAID builds. It includes 4 x 2.5GbE ports for multi-NIC routing or link-aggregation and pairs 6 SATA ports with 2 M.2 NVMe slots, making it suitable for large media libraries or mixed SSD cache setups. With DDR4 support up to 64GB, dual display outputs, low power consumption, and fan headers for stable 24/7 operation, it delivers strong value at its reduced Black Friday price.

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QNAP TS-464 NAS – REDUCED TO £469 (20% OFF)

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QNAP TS-233 VALUE 2-Bay NAS – 15% OFF, £152.15 (inc.TAX)

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UGREEN DXP6800 PRO – 20% OFF, Now £799

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Synology DS225+ NAS – $303.49 (11% REDUCTION)

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QNAP TS-464 NAS – 8GB VERSION, 20% OFF, $469.99

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Gl.iNet Slate 7 WiFi7 Mobile Router, NOW $120 (29% OFF)

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Gl.iNet Puli AX SIM/LTE Router, NOW $331 (15% OFF)

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UniFi Cameras for Protect Black Friday Deals

The G5 Pro, AI 360, and G5 PTZ form the front end of UniFi’s discounted camera lineup for Black Friday 2025 and each model targets a different style of coverage. The G5 Pro drops from $379 to $199 and delivers 4K recording with a 3x optical zoom lens, strong daytime clarity, and IR night vision that reaches 25 m or up to 40 m with the Vision Enhancer. It offers people, vehicle, and animal detection, IP65 weather resistance, IK04 impact resistance, and flexible mounting for walls, ceilings, and poles. The AI 360 is reduced from $399 to $249 and provides full 360 degree coverage through a 2K fisheye sensor with pan tilt zoom control handled digitally inside UniFi Protect. It includes two way audio, smart detections, IPX4 weather resistance when covered, and IK08 tamper protection, making it suitable for wide indoor areas, retail spaces, or open office floors. The G5 PTZ falls to $229 from $299 and adds low latency mechanical pan tilt with a 2x optical zoom lens, 20 m IR night vision, and IP66 weather protection, which makes it an option for entry points, driveways, or perimeter paths.

 

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UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS – 20% OFF, NOW $559.99

Synology DS124 NAS – NOW $139.99 (22% PRICE DROP)

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UGREEN NAS Black Friday Deals – NOW LIVE

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The Best UGREEN NAS System Offers:

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(Best UGREEN NAS Deal) UGREEN DXP4800 PLUS NAS 4-Bay – $594.99

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Terramaster F4-425 PLUS (New 2025 Series Release) NAS – $484.99

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UGREEN DH4300 PLUS Value 4-Bay NAS – $65 OFF, Now $364.99

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UnifyDrive UT2 2x M.2 NVMe+2.5GbE+8 Core ARM Mobile NAS – $200 OFF, Now $399

+ Get a further 5% OFF with this code: NASCOMPARES

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UGREEN 6-Bay Power NAS System (DXP6800 Pro) – $180 OFF, NOW $1019.99

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ZimaBlade 7700, DOWN TO $159 WITH Promo Code ‘BLACKFRIDAYNASKIT10’

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LincStation N2 – 4xm.2 + 2x SATA SSD + 10GbE + UnRAID Licence – NOW $429 / £401

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UGREEN All-Flash DXP480T 10 Core i5 10GbE NAS – $150 OFF, NOW $849.99

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CWWK NAS DIY Motherboards and CPU+MoBo Combos:

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CWWK N150 / N355 10GbE 8x SATA NAS Motherboard Combo – Now $215

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CWWK 4x m.2 NVMe Pocket NAS Box (Intel N150 / N355) P6 – Just $195.63 NOW

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QNAP Refurb Store – 30% OFF Pre-Populated Desktop NAS and Expansions

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Minisforum MS-01 Intel Core, 2x 10GbE, USB4, PCIe 4X16 and 3x M.2 Workstation – Down to just $479.90

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Terramaster F6-424 Max – Powerhouse 6-Bay NAS – $150 OFF, Now $849.99

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If you want to skip ahead to the Deal List, just click below:

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————–  Useful Links  —————

US Amazon – Amazon USA Black Friday Official Page – Amazon UK Black Friday Official Page

Amazon Warehouse (20% Off Everything on Black Friday)

USA – UK – Germany

Still unsure of what you need – use the Free Advice Section here on NASCompares.

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Hot Tips when you Buy a NAS this Black Friday 2024

In order for you to get the very best NAS deals this Black Friday, here are some hot tips that I have personally used for the last few years to get the very best deals.

Amazon Warehouse Deals are 20% lower

For those that aren’t aware, Amazon has a whole section of their website that is dedicated to pre-owned and opened items. This includes both NAS, hard drives, SSD and more for your storage. During Amazon Black Friday 2024, the discount on these broken-seal items will be increased by an additional 20% and for those looking for an insane bargain, this will be irresistible.

Another tip when buying NAS or Hard Drives from Amazon Warehouse is that although (as they are broken seal/used/returned items) they have a shorter warranty from Amazon, you will almost certainly be able to claim the FULL warranty coverage from Synology, QNAP, WD or Seagate. They just want your serial number and a receipt of purchase – this will not state the amazon reduced warranty.

Amazon Warehouse for different countries can be found below:

 

Amazon Warehouse USA

Amazon Warehouse UK

Amazon Warehouse Germany

Latest Deals Update and Notifications

If you want to make sure you see the LATEST Black Friday deals for NAS (as new ones are added every hour) then I would recommend checking the official Amazon Prime page regularly. It will also include the very latest Lightning Deals too

US Amazon – Amazon Deals Page

UK Amazon – Amazon Deals Page

Amazon Prime for FREE

The prices listed on Amazon for NAS during the Black Friday event are only available to Prime members. If you are not a member, don’t worry, as you can use the 30-Day free trial to sign up for a Prime, or just pay for 1 month of Prime as a student and get it at 50% off. Then after you finish your purchase, you can cancel your subscription. The other bonus of this is that you will qualify for fast, next day delivery for free. I would recommend however that you do not cancel your subscription until you have received your order and tested your item.

As then you will still be able to take advantage of the fast and free return policy extended to Prime members. This is especially useful when buying NAS Hard Drives and you are worried about broken drives!

Improved Delivery on your NAS Black Friday Deal

It is a well-known fact that Amazon Prime membership includes free next day delivery and Amazon has even upped the stakes by stating that they will be providing the fastest-ever Black Friday delivery of just 14 minutes between the cart and the courier, last year we saw and heard numerous examples of delivery issues with Black Friday deals, adding 2-3 days on supposed next-day shipping.

If any of your Amazon Prime delivery dates are not the 24 hours turn around that they promise, then definitely complain to Amazon after you receive your goods (not before) as they will almost certainly have a deluge of customer enquiries after Black Friday 2024 and  in an effort to conclude the matter, you might get an additional discount, a gift vouchers or more. Currently, the trending ‘gesture of goodwill’ gift is a free month of Prime membership.

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today’s video. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

 

Who Are IceWhale, Is ZimaOS a Legitimate NAS Software Player, and Are They Ready? An Interview with Lauren Pan, IceWhale CEO

IceWhale is one of the youngest companies in the self-hosting space, yet its operating system, ZimaOS, has rapidly become one of the most discussed alternatives to established NAS platforms. Built on an immutable Linux foundation with a strong emphasis on user experience, ZimaOS aims to combine the approachability of turnkey systems with the flexibility of DIY hardware. Behind that vision is Lauren Pan, the founder and CEO of IceWhale, whose team previously created CasaOS and later shifted focus to a more scalable and controlled platform in ZimaOS. Now that the brand has begun it’s roll out of it’s $29 lifetime license, it has now become apparent that this plucky start up needs to be taken alot more seriously, as well as be weighed critically in the same way other long-established NAS software platforms are.

So, during a recent visit to Shenzhen, I sat down with Lauren for an extended conversation about the origins of ZimaOS, the challenges of building a modern NAS operating system, the company’s rapid growth, and how the wider NAS industry is being reshaped by new players, security expectations, and AI-driven workloads. This interview captures his perspective on product design, community involvement, security, the evolution of the market, and IceWhale’s long-term ambition to bring personal servers into everyday households.

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When you began building the operating system back in 2021 with a very small founding team, what were those early days like and what were you aiming to create?

In 2021 the early team was only four members. I found our final CTO at that time, and we started to build the official design. At the beginning we were passionate and wanted to build a comprehensive, robust and customizable operating system for home lab users and tech-savvy people. But after three months, when we reviewed our progress, it was terrible. Even in the early stages you could tell there was something there because it was so light. That lightness was the biggest appeal for many people.  If you didn’t know what you were doing it was a great gateway into experimentation and learning. For people who did know what they were doing, the lightweight design made it flexible. In the first three months we honestly didn’t know exactly what we were building. We pivoted fast. We spent about a month researching Reddit, watching community videos including yours, and we realised people needed a lightweight, easy-to-use command line to set up a home server. That’s where the idea for CasaOS came from.

Fast-growing and successful products come from very sharp product insight. After that insight, the next phase is delivering high quality and building a good reputation through community feedback. This is core to our product methodology.
When we target a feature or user value, we don’t immediately invest heavy development resources. Instead, we speak with community members, moderators, and creators like you. We learn, and listen to how you see things, and watch user experience live on screen.

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How big is the IceWhale team today?

Right now we have 35 members. Recently, because ZimaOS has been growing so fast, the operational pressure is high. Our downloads and user base are increasing quickly. So in the coming months we plan to expand the team to around 50 people. The purpose is to continue delivering high-quality support to the community. Our download numbers and user base are growing very fast, and that creates a lot of operational pressure. That is why we are expanding the team significantly. Supporting the community with high-quality responses is one of our top priorities, and growth in the next few months is focused on providing that support.

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Why create ZimaOS when CasaOS already existed?

There are two main reasons. First, product direction. CasaOS is very open and we maintained it for more than two years with no license and free global access. However, as the process continued, we gradually realized that relying solely on the existing system architecture could no longer fully meet future requirements in terms of performance, scalability, and stability.. After deep internal discussion, we decided to build the OS from scratch rather than using Debian or mergerFS. This way, we can fully control quality and stability at the infrastructure layer. In 2023 we studied Home Assistant, Raspbian, and best practices in Linux. We built ZimaOS from the buildroot foundation, choosing our own kernel packages and implementing an immutable design. Users cannot modify system files because we focus on stability for daily use. But since many users still want to tinker, we layered Docker Compose on top.

Second, business sustainability. CasaOS used Apache 2.0 licensing because at that time no Chinese company was building a home server OS. We benefited hugely from open-source, so we needed to give back. But some companies began using CasaOS to build their own commercial products. To create a sustainable business cycle we needed a platform we could fully control, and that became ZimaOS.

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What is IceWhale doing to handle vulnerabilities responsibly?

We rely on GitHub and created a CVE reporting program. We announced it to the community, and anyone can report security issues. Internally, our development team handles these reports through a structured process. Every Monday we review all community feedback, including security issues, reliability problems, and feature requests. In the last two weeks, especially after your video, installations increased rapidly and so did feedback.

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Would you consider a security bounty program?

We are considering it. We need to strengthen our internal capabilities first. Bounty programs can attract both ethical hackers and opportunistic users, but they also help prevent widespread damage. Also, we are still very early into our funding sustainability to commit to something this large.

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A lot of people were surprised that ZimaOS is only 29 dollars for a lifetime license. How did you arrive at that price?

The pricing comes from the founding team’s expectations about the market. The NAS industry is still mostly limited to tech-savvy users, but we see a different future. We believe that in the next ten years everyone will have a personal or home server for daily use, home automation, and personal agents. If you evaluate the current NAS market at around one million users, then pricing at 300 dollars, like some competitors, makes sense because their investment is huge. But if you believe the market will grow far beyond that small base, then pricing it at 29 dollars makes much more sense. We think the market will not remain limited to only a few million users.

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Crowdfunding from companies like UGREEN has shown how quickly the market can shift when a new player enters the market. Do you think that changed industry expectations towards Chinese products?

UGREEN is a great example. Before their launch I spoke with people at several major brands and many were not worried. They thought UGREEN had no experience and would go nowhere. Then they raised 6.5 million dollars and sold 12,000 units. That was a lot of market share disappearing very quickly. This has really opened the door to a shake-up of private server ownership. In videos, you’ve often talk about control, flexibility, and personal ownership of data. This is core to the philosophical foundation for ZimaOS. When people want to host something themselves, they need full control. I don’t want users to be limited by a specific brand. They should decide how to manage their data, how to customise their apps and services, and how to extend computing power with GPU or 10 GbE. That purpose is at the core of ZimaOS.

We learned from the community that people need flexibility. At the same time, learning technical skills is still hard, so we also provide complete products like ZimaBoard and ZimaCube. This means users can get started quickly if they want an out the box solution. The industry is changing. Traditional NAS brands may move into higher tiers and ignore the bottom tier. New players will reshape the value and mid-range segments. The market will expand, but many brands are not ready for rapid shifts like AI integration.

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Would you consider adding surveillance features to ZimaOS?

Not yet. The surveillance market is very large and specialised. Right now we are focused on building a reliable core operating system.

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Some New and Entry level users find the USB installation process or migration away from an existing NAS to ZimaOS the only difficult steps. How do you plan to address that? Would you consider pre-bootloader-ready USB sticks for retail? Or specific Synology-to-ZimaOS migration tool?

I agree. Installation is still the biggest barrier for beginners. We are considering better solutions, including pre-prepared media, streamlined installation tools, and future hardware that removes the need for external installation completely. Making that first step easier is important. The idea of a installation-ready official USB with the license ready loaded makes alot of sense, and definitely something we can consider and explore, thank you. With branded migration tools, that is another very good idea. Migration is one of the biggest concerns for users switching from turnkey NAS systems. A dedicated migration tool could completely open the door for them. We should do that.

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Will CasaOS be retired any time soon?

No. We consider CasaOS our LTS version. We will continue fixing bugs and maintaining it. There is no CasaOS 2.0 planned at the moment. Its main advantage is ARM compatibility, which few other NAS operating systems support.

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Will there be a new ZimaCube?

Yes. In the next three months we will upgrade ZimaCube to the M2 version and announce it soon. It’s an improvement, not ZimaCube 2.0, more like a plus model. It will replace the existing version entirely. The positioning of ZimaCube was right, but I don’t think we made the first generation good enough to compete with new market entrees. So we focused heavily on improving the details while keeping the price. However, ZimaCube priced between 600 and 1200 dollars is still too expensive for the broader market and entry level, so we are investigating internally a product called “Zima Mini” to target the two-bay and four-bay market. More on that in 2026.

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Where do you want IceWhale and ZimaOS to be in five years?

Our vision is to serve more than 400 million households and bring a personal or home server to every family. In five years we want IceWhale to be positioned clearly as an operating system company rather than a hardware company. That has become very clear in the last two years.

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What moment made you most proud in the IceWhale journey?

There was a moment two years ago, when CasaOS reached around ten thousand community members. In China many people don’t care much about privacy or self-hosting, so when I told local investors that I wanted to build a NAS and open-source OS, they didn’t understand why. They thought we didn’t need it. But when the GitHub project took off, when the Discord community grew, and when users started creating mods without ever speaking to us, I realised they understood exactly what we were building. They understood the vision even though I never explained it publicly. That moment validated everything. It reminded me why I founded the company.

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

WE LOVE COFFEE

 

Sipeed NanoKVM Pro KVM Review

The NanoKVM Pro from Sipeed represents the latest iteration in the company’s growing range of remote management devices, developed as a more capable successor to the original NanoKVM. Building on the lessons learned from its earlier RISC-V model, this version introduces a dual-core ARM architecture and significantly enhanced system resources. The design focus shifts toward higher-resolution capture, faster data handling, and improved remote-access functionality, all within a self-contained form factor that can sit on a desk or integrate into rack systems. Supported by an open-source PiKVM-based software environment, it provides the same level of control normally associated with enterprise IPMI solutions, including BIOS access, remote mounting of ISOs, and full keyboard-video-mouse interaction through a browser interface. Unlike many entry-level devices in its category, it supports 4K capture up to 30 fps, 1080p up to 60 fps, and HDMI loop-out for simultaneous local display. Optional features such as Wi-Fi 6, PoE input, and ATX power control expand its deployment flexibility across both professional and hobbyist environments. With 1 GB of LPDDR4X memory, 32 GB of onboard eMMC storage, and the ability to run either NanoKVM OS or full PiKVM firmware, the Pro model aims to balance affordability with advanced functionality suited to modern remote administration setups. But is it any good? Let’s find out if the NanoKVM Pro deserves your money and your data.

*UPDATE 9/12/25* The original NanoKVM (so, not the device in this video/article, but the first development version) features a small on board microphone that can be activated over SSH. This *looks* like it was a case of the brand reusing an existing board and it having the mic onboard (the LicheeRV Nano – which DID mention the microphone in it’s hardware specifications, but it is not detailed on the NanoKVM spec sheets at the time of discovery). I am currently going over the NanoKVM Pro device in this video for any further issues of hardware irregularities or issues discovered since this video was published (the device has been in action for 3 weeks more now), but even early checking has shown up negative/nothing. Bottom line, that device was not released finished, and early reviews of that device absolutely SLAMMED it for security issues (again, see Aparld’s vid linked in the description!) largely related to poor practices (plain text passwords, chinese DNS, etc), so no one should be deploying it on mission-critical clients anyway. Nevertheless, this sounds like (at best) a stupid mistake by the brand, and (at worst) poorly developed and badly baked hardware. I have reached out to the brand for more on this and will add here as/when it arrives. In the meantime, check out Jeff’s Level 2 channel for his video on this, which does a solid job of nailing the salient points! You can find the original investigation of the device HERE .

NanoKVM Pro KVM Review – Quick Conclusion

The NanoKVM Pro from Sipeed is a compact, Linux-based IP-KVM device that brings enterprise-grade remote management features into an affordable, open-source package designed for homelab enthusiasts, technicians, and small-scale administrators. Built around a dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor with 1 GB of LPDDR4X memory and 32 GB of onboard eMMC storage, it supports 4K capture at 30 fps, 1080p at 60 fps, and HDMI loop-through for simultaneous local display, while maintaining low latency and stable frame delivery over gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6. The device integrates ATX control for power and reset functionality, allowing full BIOS-level access and system reboots without physical interaction, and can be powered via USB-C, PoE, or motherboard header connection. A 1.47-inch touchscreen with rotary encoder provides local control and monitoring, supported by an intuitive browser-based interface that enables ISO mounting, firmware updates, and encrypted remote access through built-in Tailscale VPN integration. It runs either Sipeed’s NanoKVM firmware or a full PiKVM stack, both of which are open-source and compatible with community-developed extensions, including AI-assisted features that perform local OCR and screen automation. The aluminum body ensures passive cooling and silent operation, with power draw averaging 3 to 7 watts depending on load. While early firmware builds lacked full 4K45 and H.265 support, continued updates have addressed most of these gaps, and the open nature of the platform allows for further improvement. Its minor drawbacks—such as inconsistent cable bundles, a lightweight dial, and limited CPU overhead during heavy 4K sessions—are outweighed by its flexibility, performance, and independence from proprietary cloud control. Overall, the NanoKVM Pro stands out as one of the most capable and customizable IP-KVM solutions in its price range, offering real out-of-band management power in a device smaller than a deck of cards.

Sipeed NanoKVM Pro on AliExpress	Sipeed NanoKVM Pro on Amazon

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NanoKVM Pro KVM Review – Design & Storage

The NanoKVM Pro adopts a compact aluminum enclosure that measures 65 by 65 by 28 millimeters, emphasizing passive cooling and durability over aesthetic design. The casing doubles as a heat spreader, transferring thermal load from the PCB through its metal base and dissipating it through the chassis surface. This construction allows it to maintain stable temperatures around 50–55°C during typical use, even with extended operation or PoE power input. The metal build makes it suitable for permanent desktop placement or rack integration, and Sipeed provides 3D printable mounting templates for both single and triple-unit configurations. Despite its small footprint, the front panel includes a 1.47-inch 320×172 capacitive touch display and a rotary encoder that enables system navigation and control without needing to connect a keyboard or mouse. The LCD serves both as a configuration interface and as a secondary monitoring screen, capable of displaying live HDMI capture, resource utilization, or user-defined Python applications.

Storage performance represents a notable improvement over the earlier NanoKVM, which relied on a microSD card for its operating system. The Pro integrates 32 GB of eMMC storage rated at approximately 300 MB/s read speeds, providing faster ISO mounting and firmware updates, as well as the ability to host lightweight scripts or utilities locally. The onboard storage can be expanded through a microSD slot positioned beside the HDMI input, supporting additional media up to 512 GB. This expansion capability allows users to keep multiple boot images or installation media accessible directly through the web interface, making it useful for managing test systems or recovery environments. In practice, transferring a 1 GB ISO via a gigabit network takes about a minute, which is considerably faster than previous microSD-based units.

Externally, the NanoKVM Pro’s layout balances density and accessibility. All primary I/O connections, including HDMI input and output, dual USB-C ports for power and HID control, and a gigabit Ethernet port, are aligned along the rear edge to simplify cable routing in both rack and desktop configurations. The USB-C design allows for flexible power sourcing, supporting either direct 5V input, PoE via Ethernet, or ATX line integration through the bundled adapter board. This modularity is complemented by a detachable ATX control board that connects through a flat ribbon cable, enabling power, reset, and LED signal passthrough from a host motherboard. When connected correctly, this board allows remote hard resets and complete power cycling through the web interface, replicating the hardware-level management seen in dedicated IPMI modules.

On the front of the device, the rotary dial and touchscreen offer combined tactile and touch control options. Short presses, rotations, and swipes allow for full system interaction, while long presses bring up system menus and app selections. The screen can also operate as a secondary display via USB connection on Windows systems, acting as a miniature monitor that mirrors or supplements the primary display output. Through custom scripts, users can configure the display to show diagnostic data, resource graphs, or network metrics, further extending the device’s use beyond remote management.

Sipeed’s packaging reflects the device’s development-oriented nature. The kit typically includes two USB-C to USB-A cables, a short HDMI cable, and an ATX interface adapter with DIP cables, although early Kickstarter units reportedly shipped with incomplete cable sets. Documentation is provided through QR-linked web guides rather than printed manuals, directing users to detailed online setup instructions and firmware repositories. This approach aligns with Sipeed’s community-driven model, where updates, firmware images, and user scripts are hosted on GitHub for open access.

Finally, the overall footprint and passive cooling design allow the NanoKVM Pro to run silently, drawing between 3 to 5 watts depending on load, or up to 7 watts when AI functions or ambient lighting are enabled. While compact enough for portable or field use, it performs best when placed on conductive or ventilated surfaces, such as a metal case or rack shelf. The Pro model’s focus on internal storage, heat management, and flexible installation makes it notably more practical than most low-cost USB KVMs and positions it closer to a self-contained remote administration terminal.

NanoKVM Pro KVM Review – Ports and Connectivity

The NanoKVM Pro provides several configuration options for both local and remote access, reflecting its design for flexible integration across various network types. Wired connectivity is managed through a full gigabit Ethernet interface, which supports both data transfer and Power over Ethernet (PoE) in certain configurations. This upgrade from the previous model’s 100 Mbps port reduces latency and ensures smoother 4K capture and ISO mounting operations across a local area network.

For environments where wired access is unavailable, Sipeed also offers Wi-Fi 6 variants that include built-in wireless support, allowing users to connect through a temporary access point and configure the device from a phone or laptop. Initial setup is handled through DHCP, displaying the assigned IP address directly on the front LCD screen. From there, users can access the web interface by entering the device’s IP address in a browser such as Chrome, with HTTPS enabled by default through a self-signed certificate.

For secure remote administration, the NanoKVM Pro includes native support for Tailscale, enabling encrypted VPN-style access across different networks without manual port forwarding. Once linked to a Tailscale account, the unit automatically joins the same virtual LAN as other connected devices, simplifying access to systems behind firewalls or NAT routers. This makes it suitable for home users who need unattended access to remote PCs or small business administrators managing distributed systems.

The device also supports USB-NCM network connections for direct link setups, as well as traditional SSH sessions for users who prefer command-line management. Because the underlying operating system is based on Ubuntu, it can also host additional networking utilities such as ZeroTier or Cloudflare Tunnels, giving users a range of choices for secure remote links depending on their existing infrastructure.

The NanoKVM Pro also supports HDMI loop-through, allowing users to connect both the target computer and a local display simultaneously. The input captures up to 4K at 30 frames per second, while the output can pass through up to 4K at 60 frames per second, depending on the connected monitor and signal mode. This dual-mode setup enables simultaneous viewing and control without interrupting the host system’s display, which is particularly useful for remote diagnostics or shared monitoring environments. In practice, the captured video stream can be viewed in near real time, with local testing showing roughly three frames of latency difference on a gigabit network connection. Combined with audio capture and bidirectional USB-HID control, the NanoKVM Pro provides a complete interface for headless or offsite system management.

NanoKVM Pro KVM Review – Internal Hardware

Internally, the NanoKVM Pro is based on the AX630C processor, a dual-core ARM Cortex-A53 SoC operating at 1.2 GHz. This represents a significant step up from the previous NanoKVM’s single-core RISC-V SG2002 processor, which struggled with multitasking and heavier video capture workloads. The new chip enables both 4K video input and real-time encoding in H.264 or H.265, as well as MJPEG for lower-latency streaming. It is paired with 1 GB of LPDDR4X memory and 32 GB of onboard eMMC storage, providing a notable improvement in performance and responsiveness when handling ISO uploads, live video feeds, or concurrent network sessions. In operation, CPU utilization typically sits around 25 to 35 percent during local access, rising to 50 to 60 percent when performing 4K capture or running AI-assisted functions.

Thermal management relies entirely on the metal enclosure acting as a passive heatsink. The system consumes roughly 3 to 4 watts at idle and up to 7 watts when AI processing or 4K capture is active. During extended use, surface temperatures can reach the mid-50 °C range, while internal readings may approach 70 °C under continuous workloads. Despite this, thermal throttling has not been observed in regular use, provided the device is placed on a conductive or ventilated surface. Users operating in warmer environments can improve dissipation by resting it on a metallic case or rack shelf, as the aluminum body is designed to transfer heat evenly across its underside. The device remains silent throughout, as no active fan is used.

Internally accessible interfaces add to its adaptability. Two USB-C ports handle power and human interface device connections, while a microSD slot offers external storage expansion or alternate firmware booting. A small 0.1 mm header provides access to two RS-232 serial ports, allowing direct console communication with servers, switches, or other serial-based equipment. This makes the NanoKVM Pro suitable not only for managing desktop systems but also for integrating with embedded or industrial hardware that lacks graphical interfaces.

Combined with the ATX breakout board for power management and the option to use the unit’s LCD as a miniature USB secondary display, these features extend its application well beyond that of a standard KVM switch.

NanoKVM Pro KVM Review – Software and Services

The NanoKVM Pro runs on a customized Linux environment built around the open-source PiKVM framework, allowing users to operate within Sipeed’s own NanoKVM interface or switch to a full PiKVM installation through the system menu. The preinstalled NanoKVM environment provides a more streamlined interface tailored to less experienced users, offering web-based management with HTTPS, user authentication, and direct BIOS-level control of connected systems. It supports remote mounting of ISO images, firmware updates, and automated scripts, all handled through an integrated file manager accessible via browser. The software operates entirely locally by default, without mandatory cloud connections, which is a notable distinction compared with many modern remote-access appliances that rely on vendor relay servers.

Once configured, users can log in through a web browser using the device’s IP address, with the default credentials set to “admin” for both username and password. The interface prompts password change on first login and provides granular control over network settings, storage, user accounts, and ATX power functions. Most settings can be modified directly through the web GUI without command-line access, although advanced users can enable SSH for deeper configuration or script automation. Firmware updates are managed via the same interface, with an option to enable preview builds for early access to experimental features such as H.265 encoding or AI integrations. The NanoKVM Pro also includes support for WebSSH, allowing browser-based terminal access to the device itself or to the connected host.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the NanoKVM Pro is its front-panel software ecosystem. The 1.47-inch touchscreen runs its own UI layer with interactive menus, swipes, and rotary input for navigation. It displays real-time system metrics such as CPU load, IP address, and network status, and can also serve as a live HDMI preview display. Beyond these default utilities, users can install small Python-based applications that render custom data on the screen. Three example apps—“coin,” “conway,” and “hello”—are included to demonstrate this feature, and advanced users can upload their own code to the /userapp directory to display statistics, weather, or system messages. Through this approach, the NanoKVM Pro acts not just as a control interface but as a miniature programmable display for local or rack-mounted setups.

Remote management services are another major focus. Tailscale is preinstalled, providing quick setup for secure, encrypted remote sessions without the need for static IP addresses or manual port forwarding. For users preferring other approaches, the device’s Ubuntu base supports additional VPN tools such as ZeroTier, WireGuard, or Cloudflare Tunnels, which can be manually installed through apt. This flexibility ensures compatibility with existing enterprise or homelab networks. The system also includes Wake-on-LAN, remote reboot, and full ATX control options, allowing users to perform power cycling or forced shutdowns directly through the web interface. The integration of these features means the NanoKVM Pro functions as an accessible alternative to server-grade remote management tools, at a fraction of their cost and complexity.

Finally, Sipeed has begun introducing experimental AI-driven functions in its firmware. These include smart assistant options that use basic optical character recognition (OCR) and contextual automation to simplify KVM operations such as copying text from the remote screen or assisting with troubleshooting prompts. Although early and limited in scope, the AI feature demonstrates the company’s effort to integrate local intelligence without relying on external cloud processing. This is complemented by the open-source nature of the platform, where both NanoKVM and PiKVM firmware images are publicly available for inspection and customization. Users can adapt the system to their own needs, extending its functionality through community scripts or integrating it into larger automation frameworks for testing, monitoring, or remote maintenance tasks.

NanoKVM Pro KVM Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The NanoKVM Pro marks a substantial improvement over its predecessor, combining more capable ARM hardware with higher capture quality, local storage, and multiple remote-access options. It bridges the gap between budget IP-KVMs and more professional management tools, delivering features like ATX control, HDMI loop-out, Tailscale connectivity, and a programmable touchscreen interface within a single, compact unit. The open-source base allows users to adapt it for highly specific workflows, whether for homelab management, small business system maintenance, or integration into test benches and automation setups. In day-to-day operation, latency and video performance remain strong over gigabit connections, with the interface proving responsive and stable. While early firmware versions lacked some advertised features such as full 4K45 capture and H.265 encoding, updates have continued to expand the system’s capabilities over time.

As a whole, the NanoKVM Pro is best understood as an evolving platform rather than a fixed appliance. Its combination of hardware versatility and accessible software design positions it as one of the more flexible low-cost KVM options available, even if certain elements, such as the dial build quality and early AI features, feel unfinished. For users seeking an independent, locally managed solution for BIOS-level control and remote diagnostics without vendor lock-in, it represents one of the strongest value offerings in its class.

Sipeed NanoKVM Pro on AliExpress	Sipeed NanoKVM Pro on Amazon

Sipeed NanoKVM Pro PROs

Sipeed NanoKVM Pro CONs

Dual-core ARM processor provides smooth 4K capture and significantly faster response than the original NanoKVM Integrated 32 GB eMMC storage allows quick ISO mounting and firmware management without reliance on microSD cards Full 1 Gbps Ethernet with optional PoE and Wi-Fi 6 ensures versatile network deployment HDMI loop-through supports local display alongside remote viewing up to 4K at 30 fps Built-in ATX power control enables full remote power-on, reset, and shutdown of connected systems 1.47-inch touchscreen and rotary encoder provide direct local control and real-time status display Open-source Linux base (NanoKVM and PiKVM compatible) allows community firmware and user-script customization Preinstalled Tailscale client offers secure remote access without port forwarding or cloud dependency Passive metal enclosure ensures silent operation and effective heat dissipation in 24/7 use

The front control dial feels fragile and lacks precision during use AI assistant and H.265 video support remain experimental or incomplete in current firmware Some units ship with missing or inconsistent cable sets depending on the retail batch Limited performance headroom during sustained 4K capture or concurrent remote sessions

 

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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UGREEN Reveal Two New 4-Bay NAS – The DXP4800 Pro and DXP4800S

UGREEN DXP4800S NAS Specifications

The DXP4800S is seemingly positioned as an updated variant of the original DXP4800, retaining the same core hardware layout while adopting Intel’s newer N150 processor and faster DDR5 memory. The shift to the N150 provides a modest frequency increase over the N100 but maintains identical core count, thread count and power behaviour. Memory remains user accessible through a single slot, with support for up to 16GB. The rest of the internal structure is unchanged, including four SATA bays, two NVMe slots and the same Gen three by one PCIe wiring. The system is intended as a compact x86 home server with improved AI-assisted photo indexing and modest efficiency gains over the standard model.

Externally, the device keeps the original USB layout, HDMI output and 2.5GbE gigabit LAN. The SD card reader remains SD 3.0 and the flash storage stays at 32GB. The overall focus of this model is small refinements rather than a re-engineered platform. Users familiar with the DXP4800 will find the same physical design and the same expandability, but with slightly higher supported memory frequency and a newer entry class processor that aligns with Intel’s Twin Lake manufacturing cycle.

Component	DXP4800S
Processor	Intel N150, four cores and four threads, up to 3.6Ghz
Architecture	x86, Intel seven process
Memory	8GB DDR5 preinstalled, one slot, up to sixteen gigabytes, up to five thousand six hundred megahertz, ECC capable
SATA Bays	Four, compatible with 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives
SATA Capacity	Up to 30TB per bay
NVMe Slots	Two M key NVMe 2280 slots, up to eight terabytes each
Flash Storage	32GB
Network	2x 2.5GbE
USB	Front one USB three point two Gen two Type A and one USB three point two Gen two Type C. Rear one USB three point two Gen one
USB Two	Two rear ports
SD Reader	SD 3
HDMI	Up to 4K at sixty hertz

UGREEN DXP4800 Pro NAS Specifications

The DXP4800 Pro introduces more substantial hardware changes than the S variant. It replaces the Pentium Gold processor found in the DXP4800 Plus with the Intel Core i3-1315U, which provides additional cores, higher thread count and improved frequency. This positions the Pro as the most capable four bay x86 model in UGREEN’s lineup. The system also upgrades its SD card reader to SD 4.0 and increases maximum supported memory to 96GB through two DDR5 slots. Internal storage layout remains unchanged, with four SATA drive bays and two NVMe slots, both fully accessible without modifying the chassis. Connectivity mirrors the Plus model by retaining 1x 10GbE and 1x 2.5GbE USB connectivity remains a mix of Gen two front ports and a Gen one rear port. HDMI output continues to support 4K at 60Hz. These choices maintain consistency with the previous model and allow the CPU upgrade to be the primary differentiator rather than a broader redesign of the platform.

Component	DXP4800 Pro
Processor	Intel Core i3 1315U, six cores and eight threads, up to 4.5Ghz
Architecture	x86, Intel seven process
Memory	E8GB DDR5 preinstalled, two slots, up to ninety six gigabytes, up to five thousand six hundred megahertz, ECC capable
SATA Bays	Four, compatible with 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives
SATA Capacity	Up to 30tb per bay
NVMe Slots	Two M key NVMe 2280 slots, up to eight terabytes each
Flash Storage	128GB
Network	1x 10GbE + 2.5GbE
USB	Front one USB three point two Gen two Type A and one USB three point two Gen two Type C. Rear one USB three point two Gen one
USB Two	Two rear ports
SD Reader	SD 4
HDMI	Up to 4K at sixty hertz

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UGREEN DXP4800S vs DXP4800 NAS Specifications

The DXP4800S is a small technical update to the original DXP4800. Both systems use the same chassis, the same storage layout and the same port arrangement, including four SATA bays, two NVMe slots, a single 2.5GbE network port and the same USB configuration. The primary distinction is the CPU. The older DXP4800 uses the Intel N100, while the DXP4800S switches to the Intel N150, which increases maximum frequency but retains the same four core and four thread structure. Memory configuration also remains largely the same but the S model supports up to 5600MHz DDR5 rather than 4800MHz. All other hardware behaviour is unchanged. Both systems include 32GB of onboard flash, HDMI with 4K60 output and an SD 3.0 card reader. Drive support continues to allow up to 30TB per SATA bay and up to 8TB per NVMe slot. Because of these similarities, the DXP4800S functions as a direct incremental revision of the DXP4800 rather than a new performance tier, and the difference in everyday workloads will be minimal outside of small frequency gains.

Component	DXP4800	DXP4800S
Processor	Intel N100, 4 cores and 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz	Intel N150, 4 cores and 4 threads, up to 3.6GHz
Architecture	x86, Intel 7	x86, Intel 7
Memory	8GB DDR5, 1 slot, up to 16GB, 4800MHz	8GB DDR5, 1 slot, up to 16GB, 5600MHz
SATA Bays	4, supports 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives	4, supports 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives
NVMe Slots	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280, up to 8TB each	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280, up to 8TB each
Flash Storage	32GB	32GB
Network	1 x 2.5GbE	1 x 2.5GbE
USB	Front USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A and Type C, rear USB 3.2 Gen1	Same ports and speeds
USB2	2 rear ports	2 rear ports
SD Reader	SD 3.0	SD 3.0
HDMI	4K60	4K60

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UGREEN DXP4800 Pro vs DXP4800 Plus NAS Specifications

The DXP4800 Pro introduces a more significant hardware step forward compared with the DXP4800 Plus. The Plus model uses the Intel Pentium Gold 8505, while the Pro replaces it with the Intel Core i3 1315U which increases the number of cores, improves thread count and provides higher boost frequencies. Memory capacity also expands from a maximum of 64GB on the Plus to 96GB on the Pro, and the Pro continues to use DDR5 at 5600MHz as its upper supported speed. Flash storage capacity increases from 128GB on the Plus to the same 128GB on the Pro, and internal drive support remains unchanged with four SATA bays and two NVMe slots. Both units maintain the same network arrangement with one 10GbE port and one 2.5GbE port. USB connectivity also remains the same with front USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A and Type C ports and a rear USB 3.2 Gen1 port supplemented by two USB2 ports. The one external difference is the SD card reader which moves from SD 3.0 on the Plus to SD 4.0 on the Pro. The rest of the platform remains identical which makes the CPU, memory ceiling and SD reader the factors that separate the two models.

Component	DXP4800 Plus	DXP4800 Pro
Processor	Intel Pentium Gold 8505, 5 cores and 6 threads, up to 4.4GHz	Intel Core i3 1315U, 6 cores and 8 threads, up to 4.5GHz
Architecture	x86, Intel 7	x86, Intel 7
Memory	8GB DDR5, 2 slots, up to 64GB, 4800MHz	8GB DDR5, 2 slots, up to 96GB, 5600MHz
SATA Bays	4, supports 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives	4, supports 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch drives
NVMe Slots	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280, up to 8TB each	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280, up to 8TB each
Flash Storage	128GB	128GB
Network	1 x 10GbE and 1 x 2.5GbE	1 x 10GbE and 1 x 2.5GbE
USB	Front USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A and Type C, rear USB 3.2 Gen1	Same ports and speeds
USB2	2 rear ports	2 rear ports
SD Reader	SD 3.0	SD 4.0
HDMI	4K60	4K60

UGREEN DXP4800 Pro and DXP4800S NAS Release and Price

Both the DXP4800 Pro and DXP4800S are currently listed only in selected Asian regions, with no confirmed schedules for North America, Europe or Australia. Early pricing shows the DXP4800S positioned above the original DXP4800 and the DXP4800 Pro positioned above the DXP4800 Plus, reflecting the newer processors and higher memory ceilings. Regional pricing is based on local currency and tax structures, and the values shown in early listings cannot be treated as indicators of final western pricing. Availability outside these regions is expected to depend on component inventory and on UGREEN’s wider rollout plans, and any potential release is unlikely before early 2026.

Interested in buying a UGREEN NAS, and want to support what me and Ed do at NASCompares easily? Use the links below and we get a small commission (and costs you nothing extra) and helps us  keep doing what we do!

UGREEN DH4300 NAS	UGREEN DH4300 NAS	UGREEN DH4300 NAS

 

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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Share Your Thoughts on a Perfect NAS – Best Feedback Wins One of x200 Beelink ME Mini NAS’

Beelink has begun a new online campaign asking users to share what their ideal NAS should look like. The initiative follows the success of the company’s first consumer NAS, the Beelink ME Mini, a six-slot M.2 NVMe system equipped with Intel’s N150 processor, DDR5 memory, and dual 2.5GbE connectivity. Compact in size yet capable of handling multimedia, Plex, or lightweight virtualisation workloads, the ME Mini became a popular entry point into DIY NAS building through its competitive pricing and quiet operation. Having established a foothold in the NAS segment after years of producing small form-factor PCs, Beelink now appears to be shaping its long-term roadmap around user collaboration. This campaign, which focuses on community feedback, signals the company’s intention to refine the design language, cooling approach, and modular expandability of upcoming systems such as the ME Pro and ME Pro Max, both of which were recently discussed in early development previews during factory visits in Shenzhen. So, how do you provide your feedback on your ideal NAS, and how can you win a free Beelink ME Mini?

Disclaimer – This is NOT A SPONSORED POST! I am covering this because, after the brand allowed me to see their expanding NAS development, I took a personal interest in seeing their work towards building some fantastic solutions for home and business! You can also learn more about this in this video HERE.

How to Provide NAS Feedback and Be Entered into the Beelink ME Mini NAS Draw?

Anyone interested in contributing to Beelink’s NAS design discussion can take part through the company’s official social media posts on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and X. Each platform follows a similar participation format. Users must first follow Beelink’s official account, like the relevant campaign post, and then leave a thoughtful comment outlining what they believe makes an ideal NAS. These responses can focus on functional aspects such as cooling systems, dust-management solutions, and maintenance access, or on design-related ideas like exterior layout, noise reduction, and modular upgradability.

FACEBOOK LINK

TWITTER / X LINK

On YouTube, users can comment directly under Beelink’s community post here. The Facebook campaign can be accessed here, and Instagram participants can submit their responses here. For Reddit, Beelink’s official thread is open for discussion here, while X (Twitter) users are asked to follow @Beelinkofficial, like, retweet, and reply with their input.

YOUTUBE SOCIAL POST LINK

INSTAGRAM POST LINK

All entries must be submitted by November 30th, 2025. Beelink will then review responses and announce the 200 winning contributors on December 3rd. Selected users will receive a free Beelink ME Pro NAS unit once it launches. This structure gives users equal opportunity across every major platform, ensuring feedback comes from a diverse mix of communities including existing ME Mini owners, NAS hobbyists, and small business users looking for scalable and efficient network storage hardware.

Why is Beelink Looking for Feedback on the Perfect NAS?

Beelink’s new initiative, titled “What Should Your Ideal NAS Look Like?”, runs from November 10th to November 30th, 2025, and invites users worldwide to share ideas for the next generation of Beelink NAS systems. The campaign is hosted across all major social media platforms, including Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Participants are encouraged to comment directly on Beelink’s official posts, offering detailed suggestions on topics such as system size, cooling efficiency, dust-cleaning convenience, noise levels, maintenance accessibility, DIY flexibility, and aesthetic design. So, think about what influences your decision when buying a NAS device. Factors such as:

• Power Consumption
• CPU Power vs Efficiency
• Scale and physical footprint
• Storage Media Type
• Network Connectivity
• General IO of the Hardware
• Turnkey vs Semi-DIY
• AMD vs Intel
• And of course….Price

To encourage meaningful engagement, Beelink will select up to 200 participants based on the quality and practicality of their submissions. Winners will each receive the upcoming Beelink ME Pro NAS, a follow-up model that extends the ME Mini’s design with increased storage capacity, an upgraded internal PSU, and improved thermal management. The company has also stated that outstanding comments and ideas will be featured publicly on December 3rd, highlighting the most valuable user contributions. In line with Beelink’s broader expansion into the NAS market, this campaign functions not only as a giveaway but also as an open consultation on what the next wave of compact, high-performance NAS hardware should prioritize in 2026 and beyond.

Why This Matters to the NAS Industry?

Beelink’s decision to crowdsource input for its upcoming NAS models reflects a wider shift in how smaller hardware manufacturers are shaping their design and development pipelines. Instead of relying solely on internal research or reseller feedback, Beelink is turning directly to the end users who actively deploy and experiment with NAS systems in home labs, media servers, and small business setups. This approach allows the company to collect detailed, practical insights on what real-world users value most, such as the balance between performance and noise, ease of access for upgrades, power efficiency, and thermal control. In context, this campaign follows Beelink’s rapid emergence as a new competitor in the DIY NAS space. The ME Mini gained traction in 2025 precisely because it delivered features that users had long requested from other compact NAS vendors—such as M.2-only storage layouts, 2.5GbE networking, and an affordable price point around the $200 mark. Now, by seeking public feedback, Beelink appears to be validating the direction of its upcoming models like the ME Pro, ME Pro X, and ME Pro Max, which are expected to feature higher networking speeds, larger capacity support, and improved cooling systems.

The company’s move also suggests it is actively testing which hardware configurations resonate most with a global user base that is increasingly focused on compact, high-throughput NAS systems rather than proprietary ecosystems. Gathering opinions on airflow, dust resistance, and modular design is likely to influence how future Beelink devices are built, potentially leading to products that better address the maintenance challenges of small enclosures and the demand for quieter yet more powerful systems. For a brand still new to network storage, this kind of direct engagement could accelerate its path toward becoming a recognised name in the wider NAS market.

Remember. Entering a comment in this article will not be picked up by Beelink (probably), so if you want to participate in this, head over to the relavent post via the links below:

FACEBOOK LINK

TWITTER / X LINK

YOUTUBE SOCIAL POST LINK

INSTAGRAM POST LINK

---

 

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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Is RAID 5 or RAID 6 Best For You and Your NAS?

When setting up a NAS, one of the most important and long-lasting decisions you’ll make is choosing the right RAID level. This choice directly impacts how much protection you have against drive failures, how much usable storage space you retain, and how long rebuilds will take when things go wrong. Among the most debated options are RAID 5 and RAID 6, both of which use parity for data protection but differ in how much risk they can tolerate. RAID 5 offers single-drive failure protection with better capacity efficiency, while RAID 6 provides dual-drive fault tolerance at the cost of more storage overhead and longer rebuild times. It’s worth noting that although you can graduate a RAID 5 into a RAID 6 later if your needs change, this is a slow and resource-heavy process. On the other hand, RAID 6 cannot be reversed back into RAID 5, so it’s a decision that requires careful planning from the outset. The balance of speed, safety, capacity, and risk tolerance will determine which configuration is truly best for your setup.

IMPORTANT – It is essential to understand that RAID, whether RAID 5 or RAID 6, should never be considered a true backup solution. RAID protects against drive failures, but it cannot safeguard you from accidental deletion, malware, hardware faults beyond the disks, or disasters like fire and theft.

The TL;DR Short Answer – Over-Simplified, but….

• Under 8 Bays = RAID 5
• 8 Bays or Over = RAID 5, or RAID 6 with Bigger HDDs
• 12 Bays or Over = RAID 6

If you are looking for simplicity, RAID 5 will usually give you the best balance of speed, storage efficiency, and cost, but it comes with higher risk. RAID 6 is slower to rebuild, consumes more usable capacity, and involves heavier parity calculations, but it provides a much stronger safety net against drive failures. For smaller arrays with modest drive sizes, RAID 5 can be entirely sufficient, especially when paired with reliable backups. However, as drive capacities continue to grow and rebuild times stretch into days, RAID 6 becomes more attractive because it can withstand the failure of two drives without losing the array. In essence, RAID 5 is about maximizing space and performance with a moderate level of safety, while RAID 6 is about maximizing resilience and peace of mind at the expense of capacity and speed. Choosing between them comes down to how valuable your data is, how large your drives are, and how much risk you are willing to tolerate during rebuild windows.

For systems with fewer than 8 bays, RAID 5 will usually be sufficient unless you are running especially large-capacity drives or operating at a business scale where data loss cannot be tolerated. Once you reach 8 bays or higher, RAID 6 should be seriously considered, as the chances of a second drive failing during a rebuild increase along with the overall storage pool size and the scale of potential loss. At 12 bays and beyond, RAID 6 is effectively mandatory, as relying on RAID 5 at that scale means gambling with too many points of failure and too much at stake if something goes wrong.

RAID 5 vs RAID 6 – Build Time and RAID Recovery Time

The initial creation of a RAID array, sometimes called synchronization or initialization, is one of the first differences you’ll notice between RAID 5 and RAID 6. A RAID 5 setup generally completes its initial build faster because it only has to calculate and assign a single parity block across the drives. RAID 6, by contrast, has to generate and distribute two independent parity values on every stripe, which increases the workload on the system. This means that on a fresh setup, RAID 6 will take longer to complete the synchronization process before the array is fully operational, though this is usually a one-time inconvenience at the beginning of deployment. For home and small office setups, this extra build time might not matter too much, but in larger systems with many terabytes of data, it can mean several hours or even days of extra initialization work compared with RAID 5.

The difference becomes more significant when a drive fails and a rebuild is needed. In RAID 5, the system only needs to reconstruct the missing data using the surviving disks and a single parity calculation, which usually makes recovery noticeably faster. RAID 6, however, must perform double parity calculations and restore both sets of parity information onto the replacement drive, extending the recovery window. On large modern HDDs where rebuilds can take dozens of hours, or sometimes multiple days, this extra time becomes a major factor. The trade-off is that RAID 6 offers much stronger resilience while this rebuild is in progress, because the system can continue to operate and survive even if another disk fails during the process. In other words, RAID 5 rebuilds faster but carries more risk, while RAID 6 rebuilds slower but provides a crucial safety margin during the vulnerable degraded state.

Here is a recent video (using the UniFi server platform) that talks about RAID 5/6 vs RAID 10 build times and parity from 777 or 404:

RAID 5 vs RAID 6 – Protection and Vulnerability

The most important factor when comparing RAID 5 and RAID 6 is how well they protect data when drives fail. RAID 5 uses single parity, meaning the system can survive one drive failure without losing data. However, if a second drive fails during the rebuild, the entire array is lost. RAID 6 adds dual parity, which allows the system to tolerate the loss of two drives simultaneously. This extra layer of protection is especially valuable during rebuild windows, which can take many hours or days on modern high-capacity HDDs. In practice, RAID 6 dramatically reduces the risk of catastrophic data loss, at the expense of slower rebuilds and less usable capacity. A subtle but often overlooked vulnerability is the issue of batch manufacturing. Many users buy multiple drives at once, often from the same supplier, meaning the disks may come from the same production batch. If there was a hidden flaw introduced during manufacturing, it is possible that more than one disk could develop problems around the same time. With RAID 5, this creates a dangerous scenario: a second disk failure during a rebuild results in complete data loss. RAID 6 provides a safety margin against these correlated failures by protecting the array even if two drives fail close together in time. Another major risk comes from unrecoverable read errors (UREs) that can occur during rebuilds. Because every sector of every remaining drive must be read to restore the lost disk, the chance of encountering a read error rises significantly with larger drives. In RAID 5, a single URE during rebuild can corrupt the recovery process, whereas RAID 6 has an additional layer of parity to compensate, making it much more reliable during rebuilds. This is especially important in arrays of 8 or more drives, where the probability of encountering at least one problematic sector grows. For users with large arrays or very high-capacity drives, RAID 6’s extra fault tolerance is the difference between a successful rebuild and complete data loss.

RAID 5 vs RAID 6 – Capacity and Price per TB

One of the clearest differences between RAID 5 and RAID 6 lies in how much usable capacity you end up with. RAID 5 only sacrifices the equivalent of a single drive’s worth of storage to parity, which makes it the more space-efficient option. In a six-bay system with 10TB drives, RAID 5 would deliver 50TB of usable storage, while RAID 6 would only provide 40TB. That 10TB difference can be substantial when you are working with large libraries of data such as media collections, surveillance archives, or backups. For users trying to maximize every terabyte of their investment, RAID 5 makes the most efficient use of available space. However, RAID 6’s higher storage overhead translates directly into a higher effective cost per terabyte. Since two drives are always reserved for parity, the total usable space is reduced, and the price you pay for storage per TB goes up. For small home users, this may feel like wasted potential, but the trade-off is the additional layer of fault tolerance. In environments where the cost of downtime or data loss far outweighs the cost of an extra disk, RAID 6 provides stronger long-term value despite the higher price per terabyte. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you are more concerned with minimizing cost and maximizing space, or ensuring redundancy and peace of mind.

RAID 6 vs RAID 5 + Hot Spare Drive?

Some users prefer to run RAID 5 with a dedicated hot spare drive rather than choosing RAID 6 outright. In this setup, a single extra disk sits idle until one of the active drives fails, at which point the spare is automatically used for the rebuild. This reduces the amount of time the array spends in a degraded and vulnerable state, since the rebuild begins immediately without waiting for a replacement disk to be manually installed. While this approach still leaves you with only single-drive fault tolerance, it can feel like a middle ground between RAID 5 and RAID 6. In terms of capacity, RAID 5 with a hot spare sacrifices the same amount of usable space as RAID 6, but it does not provide the same dual-drive protection. For arrays of six to eight drives, this compromise can make sense if you prioritize capacity efficiency and faster automated recovery, but once you move into larger-scale storage systems, RAID 6 remains the safer and more resilient option.

RAID 5 vs RAID 6 – Conclusion and Verdict

When choosing between RAID 5 and RAID 6, the decision comes down to weighing efficiency against resilience. RAID 5 is faster to rebuild, provides more usable storage, and costs less per terabyte, which makes it well suited to smaller NAS setups or users who prioritize capacity and speed. RAID 6, on the other hand, offers stronger protection against drive failures, making it far more reliable for larger arrays and higher-capacity drives where rebuild times are long and risks multiply. The general consensus is that RAID 5 can still be a smart choice for arrays under eight bays, but RAID 6 becomes the clear recommendation for systems of eight drives or more, and an essential requirement at twelve drives and beyond. Above all else, it is critical to remember that RAID is not a backup. Neither RAID 5 nor RAID 6 will protect you against accidental deletion, ransomware, hardware faults beyond the disks, or disasters such as fire or theft. RAID is a safety net that improves availability, but it must always be paired with a proper backup strategy if your data truly matters.

 

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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