UGREEN NASync Celebrates 2 Years – But Is UGREEN Ready for the Big Leagues? Two years ago, the popular battery and PC accessory company UGREEN, launched their Kickstarter campaign for the NASync personal NAS series of devices. The brand already had a steadily growing foothold in China with their DX series of NAS devices, but […]

Seagate Shows Off It’s 44TB Hard Drive at NAB 2026

At the 2026 NAB Show 2026, Seagate Technology formally introduced its latest generation of high-capacity enterprise hard drives built on the Mozaic 4+ platform. These drives, (model ID ST4400NM002M)  reaching up to 44TB, represent the current peak of commercially deployed hard disk capacity and are already being shipped to select hyperscale cloud providers. The announcement reflects ongoing demand for higher-density storage as data generation continues to accelerate, particularly in artificial intelligence and large-scale cloud environments.

Rather than targeting general consumers, these drives are designed specifically for hyperscale data centres where efficiency, density, and cost per terabyte are critical considerations. The Mozaic 4+ platform is also notable for its reliance on heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), a technology that has moved from experimental development into production-scale deployment. With broader qualification underway, the 44TB model serves as both a milestone in current storage capabilities and a step toward projected capacities approaching 100TB in future generations.

Everything we know about the Seagate 44TB Hard Drives

The 44TB drives are built on Seagate’s Mozaic 4+ platform, which represents the company’s production-ready implementation of heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). Unlike earlier perpendicular magnetic recording approaches, HAMR uses localized heating via a nanophotonic laser to temporarily reduce the coercivity of the disk surface, allowing data to be written at much higher densities. This enables significantly greater areal density without requiring a complete redesign of the underlying hard drive architecture, allowing Seagate to scale capacity incrementally across generations.

At a physical level, the drives use a multi-platter design, widely understood to consist of 10 platters, each delivering over 4TB of capacity. This results in the total 44TB figure within a standard 3.5-inch enterprise form factor. The spindle speed is expected to remain at 7200 RPM, consistent with other enterprise-capacity drives, balancing throughput, reliability, and power consumption. Early estimates suggest sustained transfer rates in the region of 300 MB/s, though final performance characteristics depend on deployment conditions and firmware tuning. I think we are likely much more liekly to hit 280MB/s or so, such as you find in the 30TBs.

A key aspect of the Mozaic 4+ design is its vertically integrated photonics system. Seagate has developed its own laser components in-house, embedding them directly into the recording head. This allows precise, nanosecond-scale heating during write operations, which is critical for maintaining data integrity at such high densities. Vertical integration also gives Seagate tighter control over manufacturing consistency, yield, and long-term reliability, all of which are essential when deploying drives at hyperscale volumes.

The recording stack itself incorporates several advanced components. These include a Gen 2 superlattice platinum-alloy media designed for improved magnetic stability, a Gen 2 plasmonic writer responsible for delivering the heat-assisted write process, and a Gen 8 spintronic reader that improves read accuracy from increasingly smaller data bits. Together, these components enable higher density while maintaining error rates and durability within enterprise requirements.

Supporting these physical advancements is a 7nm integrated controller, which manages drive operations with improved precision. This controller enhances servo control, allowing the read/write heads to maintain accurate positioning over narrower tracks. It also contributes to improved power efficiency, reducing watts per terabyte and helping data centres optimize energy usage at scale. These gains are particularly relevant in large deployments where power and cooling costs scale with capacity.

From a manufacturing perspective, the Mozaic platform is designed to scale without requiring disruptive architectural changes between generations. Each iteration builds on existing processes, allowing Seagate to increase per-platter capacity over time. The company has indicated a roadmap toward 10TB per platter, which would enable drives approaching 100TB within a similar physical footprint. This approach prioritizes continuity in deployment while steadily increasing storage density.

Seagate 44TB HDDs – SMR or CMR?

Despite the push toward higher capacities, the 44TB drives based on the Mozaic 4+ platform use conventional magnetic recording (CMR) rather than shingled magnetic recording (SMR). This distinction is relevant because SMR typically achieves higher capacities by overlapping data tracks, which can negatively impact rewrite performance and latency in certain workloads. By retaining CMR, Seagate is prioritising predictable performance characteristics, particularly for enterprise environments where consistent throughput and low latency are required.

This approach also differentiates Seagate’s offering from competing high-capacity drives, such as those being developed by Western Digital, which have explored SMR and related technologies like UltraSMR to reach similar capacity points. While SMR can be effective for archival or sequential workloads, CMR remains better suited to mixed or write-intensive applications commonly found in hyperscale deployments. In this context, the use of HAMR allows Seagate to increase density without relying on SMR trade-offs, maintaining compatibility with existing data centre workloads and software stacks.

The introduction of 44TB hard drives based on the Mozaic 4+ platform reflects a continued focus on increasing storage density within the constraints of existing data centre infrastructure. By combining HAMR with incremental architectural improvements, Seagate Technology has demonstrated that higher capacities can be achieved without fundamental changes to form factor or deployment models. The emphasis remains on scaling capacity per rack and per watt, which aligns with the operational priorities of hyperscale environments.

At the same time, these drives remain firmly positioned within enterprise and cloud use cases, with limited relevance to consumer or small-scale storage in the near term. Factors such as cost, workload requirements, and integration complexity restrict their adoption outside large data centres. However, as with previous generations, advancements at this level are likely to influence broader storage markets over time, particularly as manufacturing scales and newer technologies mature.

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Synology RS1626xs+ Rackstation NAS Revealed

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

Synology RS1626xs+ Hardware Specifications

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synology RS1626xs+ Software Specifications

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

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

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

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

Synology RS1626xs+ vs RS1619xs+ NAS

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

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

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

Synology RS1626xs+ Price and Release

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

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

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

 

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

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Aoostar WTR Max… but with an Intel i5 Now

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

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

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The Aoostar WTR MAX Nas is available from the following places: Aoostar WTR Max NAS $699 on Amazon – HERE Aoostar WTR Max NAS $679 on Official Site – HERE Aoostar R1 N150 2-Bay NAS $179 – HERE Aoostar R7 4-Bay NAS $419 – HERE Aoostar R7 2-Bay 5825U NAS $399 – HERE Aoostar Oculink 800W ePCIe Docking Station $169 – HERE Aoostar GEN12 Gen4 PC $374 on AliExpress – HERE

Aoostar WTR Max Intel Version – Storage

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

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

Aoostar WTR Max Intel Version – Ports and Connections

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

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

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

Aoostar WTR Max Intel Version – Internal Hardware

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Aoostar WTR MAX Nas is available from the following places: Aoostar WTR Max NAS $699 on Amazon – HERE Aoostar WTR Max NAS $679 on Official Site – HERE Aoostar R1 N150 2-Bay NAS $179 – HERE Aoostar R7 4-Bay NAS $419 – HERE Aoostar R7 2-Bay 5825U NAS $399 – HERE Aoostar Oculink 800W ePCIe Docking Station $169 – HERE Aoostar GEN12 Gen4 PC $374 on AliExpress – HERE

 

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