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CWWK x86 P6 Pocket SSD NAS Review – Intel N3 i3 in Your Pocket?

Par : Rob Andrews
14 février 2025 à 18:00

Review of the CWWK x86 P6 Mini SSD NAS Review

The CWWK x86 P6 Pocket SSD NAS is a compact, all-flash server aimed at home lab enthusiasts and small businesses seeking high-speed storage in a small form factor. It features four M.2 NVMe slots, dual 2.5GbE ports, and support for up to 48GB DDR5 memory, offering impressive capabilities for its size. Available in two configurations, the quad-core Intel N150 model and the octa-core Intel N355 model, it aims to balance affordability and performance. This review covers the design, hardware, storage, performance tests, and overall value of the N355 model. Compact and highly portable, the P6 is marketed toward users who need a small but capable server for virtualization, containerized apps, and media streaming. With support for up to four M.2 NVMe drives, it caters to users focused on high-speed, flash-based storage rather than traditional hard drives. However, its PCIe 3.0 x1 lanes per M.2 slot and lack of 10GbE raise questions about its potential bottlenecks.

The P6 is priced competitively at $195 for the N150 version and $315 for the N355 version, placing it in a niche between DIY NAS solutions and more expensive pre-built systems. Despite its compact size, it promises a multi-core processor, virtualization support, and dual 2.5GbE connectivity, making it appealing to users with small-scale but demanding workloads. However, users should be prepared for some limitations typical of compact systems, such as limited expandability and port options. Let’s discuss the P6.

Component Details
Processor (SoC) Intel Twin Lake SoC (Two Options):
Intel N150: Quad-core, up to 3.6 GHz (Turbo), 6MB cache, 24EU Intel UHD graphics (1.0 GHz), 6W TDP
Intel N355: Octa-core, up to 3.9 GHz (Turbo), 6MB cache, 32EU Intel UHD graphics (1.35 GHz), 15W TDP
Memory 1x SO-DIMM DDR5 4800 MHz (up to 48GB, Non-ECC)
Storage Slots 4x M.2 M-Key 2280 NVMe SSD (PCIe 3.0 x1 per slot)
Additional Expansion 1x M.2 E-Key 2230 slot for Wi-Fi 6/7 modules
SATA Support 2x JFPC1 Ribbon Cable Connector (for SATA drives via adapter)
Video Output 2x HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz)
Networking 2x 2.5GbE RJ45 (Intel i226V controllers)
USB Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)
Power Supply 12V/5A via 5.5/2.5mm Barrel Connector (60W adapter included)
BIOS/UEFI Features AMI BIOS/UEFI with Auto Power On, Wake-on-LAN (WoL), PXE Boot
Cooling Integrated aluminum heat sink with base-level fan; Optional external top-mounted fan (USB-powered)
Chassis Material Aluminum Alloy (entire enclosure)
Dimensions 100 x 100 x 58.5 mm
Weight Approx. 1.2 kg
Operating Temperature -10°C to 75°C
Humidity Range 10%–90% RH (non-condensing)

 

Where to Buy?
  • CWWK x86 P6 NVMe NAS ($195-315 AliExpress) HERE
  • CWWK x86 P6 NVMe NAS ($160 AliExpress) HERE
  • DIY N355 NAS Products ($254-349 Amazon) – HERE

CWWK x86 P6 N355 SSD NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

he CWWK x86 P6 Pocket SSD NAS offers a compact and capable option for users seeking a small-scale, flash-based server with support for multiple VMs, containers, and media streaming. The Intel N355 model performs well under load, handling three VMs simultaneously while maintaining reasonable power consumption of 34–35W. SSD speeds were solid for a PCIe 3.0 x1 setup, reaching around 780 MB/s read and 690 MB/s write per drive, though aggregate speeds across four drives were limited to 450–520 MB/s. Cooling is generally effective, with CPU temperatures peaking at 40°C, but NVMe SSDs required improved thermal pads to keep below 55°C under load. Noise levels remained moderate, between 35–38 dBA depending on fan usage. The inclusion of SATA support via JFPC1 ribbon cables, while unconventional, offers an additional expansion route, though BIOS adjustments may be needed for full compatibility. Dual 2.5GbE ports support link aggregation but limit network throughput compared to 10GbE options, which can only be added via an M.2 to 10GbE adapter, sacrificing a storage slot. The two USB ports are restrictive for those needing additional connectivity. Overall, the P6 delivers good multi-purpose performance in a compact form factor, but its PCIe lane limitations, limited USB ports, and barrel power input may be drawbacks for some users. It is a suitable choice for those seeking a small, efficient, and configurable NAS, provided they understand its hardware constraints.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10
HARDWARE - 8/10
PERFORMANCE - 8/10
PRICE - 9/10
VALUE - 10/10


8.8
PROS
👍🏻Compact and portable design (100x100x58.5 mm, aluminum chassis)
👍🏻Good multi-VM performance (three VMs with under 50% CPU utilization)
👍🏻Dual 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation (~550 MB/s combined throughput)
👍🏻Reasonable power efficiency (18W idle, 34–35W under heavy load)
👍🏻Expandable via M.2 adapters (supports M.2 to PCIe, OCuLink, or 10GbE)
👍🏻Effective CPU cooling (40°C peak with aluminum heat sinks and fan)
👍🏻Smooth media streaming (1080p, 4K, and 8K playback on Plex)
👍🏻Supports up to 48GB DDR5 RAM (high capacity for VMs and containers)
CONS
👎🏻Limited PCIe bandwidth (PCIe 3.0 x1 per M.2 slot)
👎🏻Only two USB ports (restricts peripheral and OS drive options)
👎🏻Barrel power input (no USB-C for power delivery)
👎🏻SATA support via JFPC1 cable requires adjustments and may need BIOS tweaks


Where to Buy a Product
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CWWK x86 P6 NAS Review – Design

The CWWK P6 is remarkably compact, measuring 100 x 100 x 58.5 mm, and built with an all-aluminum alloy chassis, which doubles as a heat sink. Weighing approximately 1.2 kg, the unit has a solid, durable feel.

The top panel functions as a large heat sink for the SSDs, while the bottom panel houses a CPU fan and aluminum heat sink.

The cooling system is effective but relies on passive dissipation for the SSDs unless the optional external fan, included in the package, is attached via USB.

The power input uses a 12V/5A barrel connector, which is disappointing for users expecting USB-C. Given the small size and relatively low power draw, USB-C with Power Delivery (PD) could have been a modern and convenient solution.

The barrel connector feels like an outdated choice and limits power supply flexibility. On a positive note, the included 60W power adapter is compact and efficient.

The port selection is limited, with only two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10 Gbps) and two HDMI 2.0 outputs supporting up to 4K 60Hz displays. Users planning to use UnRAID or similar OSes via USB may quickly find the two ports insufficient, especially if they need one for a keyboard or KVM switch.

Additionally, the M.2 E-key slot for Wi-Fi 6 or 7 is present, but no antenna kit or Wi-Fi module is included, adding extra cost for wireless connectivity.

The included thermal pads for the M.2 drives are extremely thin, providing minimal heat dissipation.

During sustained workloads, SSD temperatures rose above 65°C, but using third-party thermal pads reduced peak temperatures by approximately 10°C, enhancing performance stability.

The optional external fan, which attaches to the top panel via USB, helps reduce SSD temperatures during sustained workloads but at the cost of a higher noise level.

Overall, the design feels solid but because they have had to cram a lot into a small space, the potential for airflow in key areas might be pretty poor (hence the included optional USB fan). While the cooling solution is effective, port limitations, poor-quality thermal pads, and the choice of barrel power input are significant drawbacks.

Despite these issues, the compact size and all-metal construction make it an attractive option for users needing a small yet powerful NAS.

CWWK x86 P6 NAS Review – Internal Hardware

The CWWK P6 is powered by Intel Twin Lake processors, offering two configurations: the quad-core N150 (up to 3.6 GHz, 6W TDP) and the octa-core N355 (up to 3.9 GHz, 15W TDP). The N355 version tested here features eight cores, 32EU Intel UHD graphics at 1.35 GHz, and a TDP of 15W, making it more suitable for virtualization, container workloads, and media streaming.

The system uses one SO-DIMM DDR5 slot, supporting up to 48GB of non-ECC DDR5 4800 MHz RAM. While the single-channel configuration may reduce memory performance, the high RAM ceiling is useful for running multiple VMs or containers. The absence of ECC memory support may be a concern for users seeking data integrity in a server environment, but again – at this price it is tough to be overly critical about this here.

For networking, the P6 includes two 2.5GbE ports, controlled by Intel i226V controllers, supporting SMB multichannel and link aggregation. During testing, the 2.5GbE ports achieved up to 550 MB/s combined throughput with link aggregation. However, the lack of 10GbE is a missed opportunity, given the PCIe limitations on M.2 throughput, which could benefit from faster networking.

A M.2 E-key slot is provided for Wi-Fi 6 or 7 modules, but no module or antenna is included. Additionally, while the motherboard supports auto power-on, Wake-on-LAN (WoL), and PXE boot, the BIOS lacks some advanced settings found on other DIY NAS boards – however the N355 CPU itself is already getting stretched pretty thin here, so the scope for modification is pretty slim anyway to be honest.

One notable advantage is the expandability of the M.2 slots, which can be used for more than just storage. Users can install M.2 to PCIe adapters for 10GbE network cards, PCIe expansion cards, or even OCuLink adapters for external storage enclosures. This flexibility allows the P6 to be tailored for different use cases, such as adding 10GbE for faster networking or expanding with a PCIe card for additional functions. This feature partially offsets the lack of built-in 10GbE and adds versatility to the system.

RECOMMENDED M.2 ADAPTERS

M.2 to 10GbE AdapterBUY HERE REVIEW HERE

M.2 to PCIe Card Slot AdapterBUY HERE REVIEW HERE

M.2 to Oculink 4i AdapterBUY HERE REVIEW HERE

CWWK x86 P6 NAS Review – Storage

The CWWK P6 is built around four M.2 NVMe 2280 slots (PCIe 3.0 x1), supporting high-speed, flash-based storage. Each slot has a maximum theoretical throughput of around 800 MB/s, which is suitable for general NAS tasks but limits RAID performance.

The absence of screw holes for shorter M.2 sizes means users must use full-length 2280 drives.

The included thermal pads are surprisingly thin and for an all flash system, a little underwhelming, but given the 3×1 speed of each bay, just how hot each SSD will be getting is debatable.

The four M.2 NVMe SSD Bays are mounted on a a sister board that is connected on it’s underside with a 40 pin connector into ANOTHER m.2 NVMe PCB that is in a single m.2 2280 SSD slot on the lower micro motherboard.

The M.2’s profile is still being investigated, but it IS a novel way of getting around the limitations of the base N150/N355 PCU Lanes and physical distribution that a single board would have needed to counter/work-around.

During sustained workloads, SSD temperatures rose above 65°C, but using third-party thermal pads reduced peak temperatures by approximately 10°C, enhancing performance stability. The optional top-mounted fan offers additional cooling but increases noise levels.

The P6 includes an unusual SATA expansion option using JFPC1 ribbon cables connected to the motherboard. While the implementation is unconventional, it is understandable given the small internal space constraints.

During testing, these SATA drives were detected in the BIOS but not recognized by the OS, indicating possible BIOS or driver issues.

It is worth noting that the inclusion of SATA connectivity is a welcome option for users needing low-cost storage expansion, though it may require further configuration.

As mentioned earlier, the lack of an internal PCIe slot limits storage expansion of course. However, users can convert an M.2 slot to a 10GbE network card, PCIe expansion, or even OCuLink storage expansion using third-party adapters. This flexibility is a notable advantage but comes at the cost of losing an M.2 storage slot.

Overall, the storage system is functional but limited by PCIe lane bottlenecks and poor SATA support implementation. Users seeking high-speed RAID configurations may be disappointed, but for NVMe-based storage pools, virtualization, and caching, the P6 performs well within its hardware constraints.

CWWK x86 P6 NAS Review – Tests & Performance

In this section, we evaluate the CWWK x86 P6 Pocket SSD NAS based on its SSD speeds, power consumption, noise levels, and thermal performance. Using the N355 octa-core model with four M.2 NVMe SSDs, we tested its performance under different workloads, including file transfers, virtualization, and media streaming. Even initial VM testing was pretty promising, when I ran three Windows 10 VMs, at 1 Core and 2GB Memory – there was still plenty of H/WW remaining to play with and each VM ran well. Just keep in mind that you only have 8 threads (i.e 8 vCPU) to assign.

We also measured how efficiently the system manages power and heat under load. Our tests aim to give a clear, practical understanding of what users can expect from the P6, particularly for tasks like running small scale containers or virtual machines or acting as a domestic/home/family media server, while considering its design limitations, such as PCIe lane constraints and cooling efficiency.

SSD Performance:

In our tests with four M.2 NVMe SSDs (PCIe 3.0 x1):

  • Single SSD (Sequential): 780–790 MB/s (Read), 690 MB/s (Write)

  • Four SSDs Simultaneously: 450–520 MB/s aggregate throughput

The x1 PCIe lanes per slot are the primary bottleneck, but single-drive speeds are acceptable for general NAS usage. Performance drops significantly in RAID configurations due to lane sharing.

Power Consumption:

Measured during testing:

  • Idle (No Drives): 18W
  • All Four SSDs Under Load: 31–32W
  • Three VMs with Disk Activity: 34–35W

  • Power efficiency is reasonable, and the 15W TDP N355 processor delivers a good balance of performance and efficiency.

Noise Levels:

  • Base Fan Only (Peak): 35–36 dBA
  • With Optional Top Fan: 38 dBA (noticeable but not disruptive)
    The top fan is audibly louder, but effective for SSD cooling, especially during sustained workloads.

Temperature Measurements:

  • CPU Peak (VMs & SSD Reads): 40°C (with fan)
  • SSD Peak (Stock Thermal Pads): 65°C
  • SSD Peak (Improved Thermal Pads): 55°C

The large aluminum heat sinks and internal fan handle CPU heat effectively, but a lot of this comes down to the CPU being already low-powered to start with, as well as the speed limit of 3×1 on each bay – sorry to keep repeating this, but it’s important!). Early PLEX performance testing was very good! I tested the streaming of a 100Mb 1080p file, a 60Mb 4K HEVC File and an 8K File. I will be going into more detail on the PLEX performance (especially the hardware transcoding later on, via PLEX PASS) later on via the YouTube channel, but my early testing was very good and the CPU use on these single connections was very good (even with Software transcoding too).

CWWK x86 P6 NAS Review – Verdict & Conclusion

The CWWK x86 P6 Pocket SSD NAS offers a compact and efficient solution for flash-based storage, virtualization, and media streaming, with strong CPU performance and reasonable power consumption. It excels in scenarios such as running multiple VMs, hosting containers, and acting as a Plex server, thanks to its Intel N355 processor and dual 2.5GbE ports. However, it has notable drawbacks, including limited PCIe lanes, unconventional SATA expansion, and only two USB ports, which may restrict expandability. That said, the SATA implementation, while unusual, is understandable given the space limitations of the compact design, and it provides an option for low-cost storage expansion. Additionally, the barrel power input instead of USB-C feels outdated, and thermal pads provided for SSDs are insufficient, necessitating upgrades for long-term reliability.

The lack of 10GbE networking is a missed opportunity, but users can add 10GbE via M.2 adapters, albeit at the cost of an M.2 slot. The N355 version offers significantly better performance for multi-tasking and VMs compared to the N150 version, making it worth the additional cost for power users . In conclusion, the CWWK x86 P6 is best suited for tech-savvy users who are comfortable with DIY upgrades and minor hardware adjustments. It offers good value for VM hosting, containerization, and high-speed storage tasks, provided users are aware of its limitations and willing to work around them.

Pros Cons
✅ Compact and portable – Small 100x100x58.5 mm size with a durable aluminum chassis. ❌ Limited PCIe bandwidth – PCIe 3.0 x1 per M.2 slot restricts maximum SSD performance.
✅ Good multi-VM performance – Handled three VMs with low CPU utilization (under 50%) and stable performance. ❌ Only two USB ports – Limited connectivity for peripherals and OS boot drives.
✅ Dual 2.5GbE ports – Supports link aggregation for up to ~550 MB/s throughput. ❌ Barrel power input – No USB-C for power delivery, limiting modern power supply options.
✅ Reasonable power efficiency – 18W idle, 34–35W under heavy load with four SSDs and three VMs. ❌ SATA support requires adjustments – JFPC1 cable solution is unconventional and may need BIOS tweaks.
✅ Expandable via M.2 adapters – Supports M.2 to PCIe, OCuLink, or 10GbE adapters.
✅ Effective cooling for CPU – Integrated aluminum heat sinks and internal fan kept CPU below 40°C under load.
✅ Good media streaming performance – Smooth playback for 1080p, 4K, and 8K files during Plex tests.
✅ Support for up to 48GB DDR5 RAM – High memory capacity for VMs and containers.

 

Where to Buy?
  • CWWK x86 P6 NVMe NAS ($195-315 AliExpress) HERE
  • CWWK x86 P6 NVMe NAS ($160 AliExpress) HERE
  • DIY N355 NAS Products ($254-349 Amazon) – HERE

 

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CWWK Q670 8-Bay Gen5 NAS vPro Mobo Review

Par : Rob Andrews
27 décembre 2024 à 18:00

CWWK Q670 8-Bay Gen5 NAS Motherboard Review

The CWWK Q670 8-Bay Gen5 NAS motherboard is a strong contender in the ever-expanding DIY mini-server motherboard market. Priced between $239 and $250, this ITX board boasts features like PCIe Gen 5 support, DDR5 memory compatibility, and versatile storage options, catering to home lab enthusiasts and small business setups alike. It is designed for Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, offering users a robust and scalable platform for building custom NAS solutions. This motherboard succeeds its predecessor with noticeable improvements in storage and connectivity, making it more appealing to users looking for cutting-edge performance. It includes eight SATA drive connections over SFF fan out cables (available as an optional purchase), three M.2 NVMe slots, and a single PCIe Gen 5 x16 slot, all in a compact 17x17cm form factor. While it provides a solid foundation for a variety of NAS applications, it also introduces challenges, particularly around memory support, networking limitations, and lane management.

One of the key selling points of the CWWK Q670 is its modularity, allowing users to customize their builds to suit specific needs. However, this flexibility comes with a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with BIOS tuning or component compatibility. Nevertheless, the board is a worthy option for DIY enthusiasts willing to invest time and effort into creating a high-performance storage solution. This review explores the board’s design, hardware, connectivity, and performance to help you decide if the CWWK Q670 is the right choice for your next NAS project.

Note –  This is a review of the newer generation version of this NAS motherboard, you can find my review of the previous revision HERE on NASCompares, or HERE on our YouTube Channel

CWWK Q670 NAS Mobo Review – Quick Conclusion

The CWWK Q670 8-Bay Gen5 NAS motherboard is a versatile and feature-rich platform that caters to a wide range of NAS builders. Its support for modern processors, DDR5 memory, and extensive storage options make it an attractive choice for those seeking a balance between performance and scalability. However, its reliance on user customization and the absence of ECC memory or native 10GbE networking may limit its appeal for certain applications. For DIY enthusiasts and experienced NAS builders, the Q670 offers tremendous flexibility and value. Its compact ITX form factor, supporting 8 SATA drives, and PCIe Gen 5 support enable users to create powerful storage solutions tailored to their specific needs. The inclusion of Intel vPro adds an enterprise-grade feature, enhancing its appeal for remote management scenarios. While the board has its quirks, such as tight component placement and reliance on BIOS tuning, these are manageable for users willing to invest time and effort. For most users, the CWWK Q670 serves as a capable and cost-effective foundation for building a high-performance NAS. Bottom line, the CWWK Q670 is a compelling choice for those looking to balance advanced hardware features with affordability. It is not without its limitations, but for those willing to navigate its complexities, it delivers exceptional performance and scalability in a compact package.

BUILD QUALITY - 8/10
HARDWARE - 9/10
PERFORMANCE - 8/10
PRICE - 9/10
VALUE - 9/10


8.6
PROS
👍🏻A Gen5 M-ITX NAS Mobo...SOLD!
👍🏻8x SATA Ports (via SFF Fan out x2)
👍🏻Good scope to support 13th Gen and more CPUs
👍🏻3x M.2 at Gen 4x4 (one of the 22110)
👍🏻PCIe 5x16 Slot
👍🏻Excellent USB Outputs
👍🏻Full-Length DIMM Memory Support (i.e more memory possible)
👍🏻Very well priced at just over $200+
CONS
👎🏻CPU Cooler vs Memory slot placement is VERY tight!
👎🏻No pre-bundled (CPU/RAM) options
👎🏻1 PCIe slot (standard M-ITX build) will lead to hard choices about NIC upgrades


Where to Buy a Product
amzamexmaestrovisamaster 24Hfree delreturn VISIT RETAILER ➤ 
amzamexmaestrovisamaster 24Hfree delreturn VISIT RETAILER ➤


CWWK Q670 NAS Mobo – Design and Build

The CWWK Q670 packs an impressive array of features into its compact ITX form factor. Its 17x17cm footprint allows for installation in small cases, making it suitable for space-constrained setups. Despite its size, the board incorporates features typically found in larger motherboards, such as eight SATA drives supported, via SFF to SATA fanout cables, and support for DDR5 memory.

The off-white PCB design adds a modern aesthetic, distinguishing it from more generic black boards in the market. Not exactly a dealbreaker – but worthy of note.

Feature Details
CPU Compatibility Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors (LGA1700)
Memory Dual-channel U-DIMM DDR5, 5600MHz (96GB max)
Storage 3 x M.2 PCIe 4.0 (1 x 22110, 2 x 2280), 8 x SATA3 (via 2 SFF-8643)
Networking 2 x 2.5GbE (Intel i226-V and i226-LM with vPro support)
Expansion Slot 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (bifurcation supported: 8+8)
USB Ports 1 x USB-C 3.2 (20Gbps), 3 x USB 3.2, 2 x USB 2.0
Video Outputs HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4 (4K@60Hz)
Power Connector Standard 24-pin ATX
Form Factor ITX (17x17cm)

The layout is thoughtfully organized, with memory slots positioned near the CPU socket, and storage interfaces placed for easy cable management. However, the proximity of these components can create challenges when using large CPU coolers or compact NAS cases. Users should carefully consider their cooling solutions, as the board’s compact design can obstruct airflow in certain configurations.

The use of full-sized U-DIMM DDR5 slots is a notable choice, enabling higher memory capacities and speeds than SODIMM alternatives. However, the lack of ECC support may deter users looking for fault-tolerant setups.

The eight SATA connections via SFF are a standout feature, offering excellent storage expandability without the need for additional adapters, simplifying installation and minimizing compatibility issues. The previous gen of this board favoured physical SATA connections.

Overall, the CWWK Q670 strikes a fine balance between size, functionality, and scalability. Its thoughtful design and rich feature set make it a compelling option for those looking to build a high-performance NAS in a compact footprint.


CWWK Q670 NAS Mobo – Ports and Connectivity

The CWWK Q670 excels in connectivity, offering a wide range of ports and interfaces to meet diverse needs. Its dual Intel 2.5GbE Ethernet ports provide reliable networking, one of which supports Intel vPro for BIOS-level remote management. This feature is particularly beneficial for enterprise users or IT administrators who require remote access for troubleshooting or system configuration.

The rear I/O panel features HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, capable of outputting 4K@60Hz resolution. These are useful for initial setup or troubleshooting, especially for users running graphical interfaces on their NAS. While video output is not typically essential for headless server applications, its inclusion adds flexibility for multi-purpose builds.

USB connectivity includes a single USB-C 3.2 port with 20Gbps bandwidth, three USB 3.2 Type-A ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, the board includes internal headers for USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, allowing users to add front-panel connections or bootable storage devices. The presence of an internal USB 2.0 port is a thoughtful addition, making it ideal for booting NAS operating systems like UnRAID directly from a USB drive.

The board’s PCIe Gen 5 x16 slot offers significant expandability, enabling users to install GPUs, high-speed NICs, or storage accelerators. Bifurcation support (8+8) further enhances its versatility, allowing users to connect multiple devices simultaneously. However, the single PCIe slot requires careful planning, as it must accommodate both networking and storage upgrades in most builds.


CWWK Q670 NAS Mobo – Storage and Expandability

Storage is one of the key strengths of the CWWK Q670, 8x SATA media and three M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots offering ample capacity for large-scale data storage and high-speed applications.

The two SFF-8643 connectors simplify the integration of multiple SATA drives, eliminating the need for adapters or complex wiring setups. This makes the board particularly appealing for users planning to build RAID arrays or multi-drive setups.

The three M.2 NVMe slots are positioned strategically to maximize cooling and accessibility. One slot supports the longer 22110 form factor, ideal for high-capacity SSDs with improved heat dissipation. The other two slots support the more common 2280 size. Performance testing revealed read speeds of 5-5.6GB/s and write speeds of 3.7-3.8GB/s, which are consistent with PCIe 4.0 standards.

However, users should note that storage performance can vary significantly depending on the CPU and configuration. Lane-sharing between the PCIe and M.2 slots may lead to bottlenecks in certain setups, particularly when multiple high-speed drives are in use. Transfers between NVMe drives showed reduced throughput (~1GB/s), highlighting the need for careful resource management.

The PCIe Gen 5 x16 slot adds further storage flexibility, supporting advanced SSD expansion cards or bifurcation for multiple devices. This makes the Q670 an excellent choice for flash-based servers, provided users are prepared to invest in compatible components and optimize their configurations.


CWWK Q670 NAS Mobo – Performance Potential

Performance testing on the CWWK Q670 revealed a capable and efficient platform, capable of handling demanding workloads with ease. Using an Intel i5-12500 CPU and 16GB DDR5 memory, the board delivered consistent results across a variety of benchmarks. Idle power consumption was measured at ~30W, while load conditions with active drives peaked at 57-58W.

NVMe performance was a particular highlight, with read/write speeds reaching 5-6GB/s under optimal conditions. While these speeds are impressive, lane-sharing and resource allocation in the BIOS may limit performance in more complex setups. For example, transferring data between NVMe drives resulted in reduced speeds (~1GB/s), underscoring the need for careful configuration.

Networking performance, while reliable, may be a limiting factor for some users. The dual 2.5GbE ports provide adequate bandwidth for most home and small business applications but fall short for larger-scale deployments. Users requiring higher throughput will need to invest in a PCIe-based NIC or USB-C adapters, adding to the overall cost and complexity.

Ultimately, the CWWK Q670’s performance is highly dependent on the components selected and the time invested in BIOS optimization. While it offers a strong foundation for a high-performance NAS, its full potential can only be unlocked through careful planning and customization.


CWWK Q670 NAS Mobo – Review Verdict and Conclusion

The CWWK Q670 8-Bay Gen5 NAS motherboard is a versatile and feature-rich platform that caters to a wide range of NAS builders. Its support for modern processors, DDR5 memory, and extensive storage options make it an attractive choice for those seeking a balance between performance and scalability. However, its reliance on user customization and the absence of ECC memory or native 10GbE networking may limit its appeal for certain applications. For DIY enthusiasts and experienced NAS builders, the Q670 offers tremendous flexibility and value. Its compact ITX form factor, supporting 8 SATA drives, and PCIe Gen 5 support enable users to create powerful storage solutions tailored to their specific needs.

The inclusion of Intel vPro support (CPU dependant) adds an enterprise-grade feature, enhancing its appeal for remote management scenarios. While the board has its quirks, such as tight component placement and reliance on BIOS tuning, these are manageable for users willing to invest time and effort. For most users, the CWWK Q670 serves as a capable and cost-effective foundation for building a high-performance NAS. Bottom line, the CWWK Q670 is a compelling choice for those looking to balance advanced hardware features with affordability. It is not without its limitations, but for those willing to navigate its complexities, it delivers exceptional performance and scalability in a compact package.

PROs of the CWWK Q670 v.2 NAS Motherboard CONs of the CWWK Q670 v.2 NAS Motherboard
  • A Gen5 M-ITX NAS Mobo…SOLD!
  • 8x SATA Ports (via SFF Fan out x2)
  • Good scope to support 13th Gen and more CPUs
  • 3x M.2 at Gen 4×4 (one of the 22110)
  • PCIe 5×16 Slot
  • Excellent USB Outputs
  • Full-Length DIMM Memory Support (i.e more memory possible)
  • Very well priced at just over $200+
  • CPU Cooler vs Memory slot placement is VERY tight!
  • No pre-bundled (CPU/RAM) options
  • 1 PCIe slot (standard M-ITX build) will lead to hard choices about NIC upgrades

Where to Buy?

  • CWWK Q670 8-Bay Gen5 NAS MoBo ($203 AliExpress) HERE
  • CWWK x86 P5 NVMe NAS Board ($155 AliExpress) HERE
  • CWWK x86 P5 Barebones + Case ($239 Amazon) – HERE

 


 

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