Jonsbo N6 DIY NAS Case Review

The Jonsbo N6 is the latest addition to the company’s long running lineup of DIY NAS focused enclosures, positioned between the compact N4 and the much larger N5. It is designed as a 9 bay desktop NAS chassis that supports both ITX and Micro ATX motherboards, while also introducing several changes compared with earlier Jonsbo designs. These include proper metal drive trays instead of rubber mounted sleds, expanded fan support, flexible PSU placement, and the inclusion of a physical fan controller. After spending the last 2 weeks building, configuring, and testing the N6 in a real world NAS environment, this review looks at how the case performs in practice, how its design decisions affect usability, and where it fits within the wider Jonsbo NAS case range.

Jonsbo N6 Review – Design & Storage

The Jonsbo N6 continues the brand’s established NAS focused design language, combining a compact tower format with a restrained, industrial appearance. The chassis uses a steel construction with aluminum accents and a wooden front trim, which has become a recognizable feature across several recent Jonsbo NAS cases. While the wood insert will not appeal to everyone, it is purely cosmetic and does not interfere with airflow or structural rigidity. Overall dimensions place the N6 clearly below the larger N5, though it is still substantial compared to many ITX cases due to its storage capacity.

Storage is the defining feature of the N6, with support for up to 9 drives in either 3.5 inch HDD or 2.5 inch SSD formats. All drives are housed in a dedicated lower compartment, separated from the motherboard area. This layout helps with cable management and keeps storage thermals isolated from CPU and expansion hardware. The capacity places the N6 in a relatively uncommon position, offering more drive bays than most compact NAS cases without stepping into full tower territory.

Unlike earlier Jonsbo NAS models that relied on rubber grommets and pull tabs, the N6 uses metal drive trays as standard. Each tray supports both 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch drives and slots directly into a rear mounted backplane. The trays are functional rather than refined, lacking tool less locking mechanisms or individual activity LEDs. However, spacing between drives allows some passive airflow, which is important given the density of a fully populated array.

All 9 drive trays connect to a single backplane PCB located at the rear of the drive cage. The front side of the board uses individual SATA connectors for each bay, simplifying installation compared to loose cabling. On the output side, the board breaks out into standard SATA data connectors rather than Mini SAS, alongside SATA and Molex power inputs. This choice favors compatibility but limits native SAS support, which may matter to users running enterprise drives or SAS controllers.

From an installation standpoint, drive access is straightforward, but orientation is something to be careful with. The trays do not include visual indicators for correct alignment, making it possible to insert a drive incorrectly if rushed. While this is not unique to the N6, it does introduce some risk during initial setup or drive swaps. Overall, the storage design prioritizes density and compatibility over convenience features, aligning with the case’s focus on DIY NAS builders rather than hot swap environments.

Jonsbo N6 Review – Internal Structure

The internal layout of the Jonsbo N6 is designed around flexibility rather than absolute clearance, and that becomes clear once hardware installation begins. The case supports Mini ITX and Micro ATX motherboards, but does not officially support full ATX boards, despite physical dimensions that appear close.

In practice, fitting an ATX board is technically possible but leaves insufficient clearance for cabling, airflow, and component access, making it impractical for most builds. With ITX boards, internal space is generous and largely unobstructed, while Micro ATX installations require more planning due to tighter edge clearances near the drive backplane and PSU mounting areas.

PSU placement plays a major role in how the internal hardware layout behaves. The N6 supports both ATX and SFX power supplies and allows installation in multiple positions using included brackets. Mounting a full size ATX PSU above the motherboard significantly reduces available CPU cooler height, which can limit cooler selection to low profile or compact tower designs. SFX power supplies offer more flexibility and reduce conflicts around the CPU socket area, particularly when using Micro ATX boards.

The option for dual PSU installation adds another layer of configurability, but it further increases complexity around airflow paths and cable routing.

PCIe expansion is relatively strong for a case in this category, with support for up to 4 full height expansion slots. This allows for the use of HBAs, network cards, or even a discrete GPU, provided length and thickness limits are respected. Clearance becomes tight when multiple expansion cards are installed alongside side mounted fans, especially on the lowest slot. Cable routing is generally straightforward, with clear channels and anchor points, but routing SATA or Mini SAS fan out cables is easier if completed before final motherboard installation, particularly in Micro ATX configurations.

Jonsbo N6 Review – Connectivity

The Jonsbo N6 keeps external connectivity relatively straightforward, with all user facing ports located on the front panel for easy access. This placement makes sense for a NAS chassis that is likely to be positioned on a desk, shelf, or rack adjacent surface rather than frequently accessed from the rear. The front I O layout focuses on essential connectivity rather than attempting to replicate a full desktop case feature set.

In practical use, the inclusion of a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C port provides a high bandwidth option for external storage, temporary backups, or maintenance tasks such as system recovery media. Alongside it, the USB 3.0 Type A port offers compatibility with a wide range of existing peripherals. This combination should be sufficient for most NAS focused workflows, where frequent hot swapping of peripherals is uncommon but occasional high speed access is still required.

Internally, connectivity is more complex and is closely tied to the integrated drive backplane. All 9 drive bays connect through the rear mounted PCB, which uses individual SATA data connectors rather than Mini SAS or SAS HD outputs. Power delivery is handled through a mix of SATA power and Molex connectors, which provides flexibility but may increase cable management complexity depending on the power supply used.

While functional, this approach places more responsibility on the user to plan cabling carefully, especially in fully populated configurations.

Jonsbo N6 Review – N5 vs N6

The Jonsbo N6 and the N5 address similar DIY NAS use cases but sit at different points in the product lineup in terms of capacity and flexibility. The N6 is designed around a nine-bay drive layout with support for ITX and micro-ATX motherboards and compatibility with either ATX or SFX power supplies, offering a balance between storage density and a relatively compact footprint, which makes it suitable for builds that need a significant number of drives without a full tower size. By contrast, the N5 supports up to twelve 3.5-inch drives and up to four 2.5-inch SSDs, and accepts larger motherboard formats including ITX, micro-ATX, ATX, and E-ATX, giving it broader component compatibility and expansion potential.

The N5 also provides more PCIe slots and larger GPU clearance, supporting use cases that may combine NAS storage with workstation-class expansions, and includes a mesh front and more extensive cooling provisions to manage heat in its larger enclosure. Both cases offer USB-C and USB-A front I/O for quick access, but the N5’s larger size and multi-material construction generally result in greater internal space for hardware and cooling options. In practice, the N6 aims to offer a middle ground with substantial drive capacity and flexible power supply choices, while the N5 pushes more towards maximum expandability and support for larger and more powerful builds within the Jonsbo NAS ecosystem

Jonsbo N6 Review – Build Testing

In day to day use, the Jonsbo N6 shows that its performance characteristics are shaped more by component choice than by any inherent limitation of the chassis itself. With a fully populated 9 bay configuration using 7200 RPM hard drives, the case does not introduce noticeable bottlenecks in sustained storage workloads. During extended uptime testing across multiple days, system stability remained consistent, with no unexpected thermal throttling or airflow related instability observed. This aligns with the case design philosophy, which prioritizes open ventilation paths and modular fan placement rather than aggressive acoustic dampening.

Storage performance testing was carried out using a RAID 0 array across 9 mechanical drives, paired with a workstation class MATX motherboard and a dedicated SATA controller. Sequential read and write speeds reached approximately 2.0 to 2.1 GB/s in CrystalDiskMark, indicating that the enclosure itself does not constrain throughput. These figures are primarily governed by controller bandwidth, PCIe lane allocation, and drive characteristics, rather than the internal backplane. Random access behavior remained typical for high capacity HDD arrays, with no anomalies linked to vibration or drive seating within the metal trays.

Noise testing was conducted under multiple operating conditions to evaluate how the N6 behaves in real environments rather than synthetic silence. At idle with fans set to the lowest manual setting and drives spun down, measured noise levels hovered around 37 to 39 dBA. Under active disk access with the same fan profile, noise increased modestly to around 41 to 44 dBA, with most audible output coming from the rear exhaust area. Increasing the fan controller to mid and high settings resulted in only marginal increases, topping out around 43 to 44 dBA, suggesting diminishing returns in airflow relative to acoustic output.

Thermal measurements were taken after the system had been operating continuously for roughly 2.5 days, followed by active load and cooldown observation. Drive temperatures during idle periods generally sat between 25°C and 28°C, with active access pushing internal drive area temperatures to around 42°C. Surface readings across the chassis showed consistent heat distribution, with the rear PCB area and PSU zone measuring close to 42°C, while the top and side panels remained closer to ambient at roughly 26°C to 27°C. These results indicate that while airflow around the drive backplane is not optimal, overall thermal behavior remains within acceptable limits for a 9 bay enclosure.

Jonsbo N6 Review – Verdict and Conclusion

After extended hands on use, the Jonsbo N6 positions itself as a compact but ambitious DIY NAS enclosure that sits clearly between the smaller N4 and the larger, more expansive N5. It delivers a high storage density with 9 drive bays while introducing support for Micro ATX motherboards, which meaningfully expands hardware choice compared with earlier Jonsbo NAS cases. Build quality is consistent with the brand’s established approach, using thick steel panels, simple exterior styling, and a layout that prioritizes airflow potential and internal flexibility over visual flair. The inclusion of drive trays, a physical fan controller, multiple PSU mounting options, and extensive fan support marks a clear evolution over previous generations.

That said, the N6 is not without compromises. ATX motherboard support is effectively absent despite tight tolerances, cooling outcomes remain highly dependent on fan selection and placement, and the backplane design relies on standard SATA connections rather than SAS aggregation. Pricing at launch also places it in a competitive bracket where expectations are higher, particularly around refinement of drive trays and airflow optimization around the disk stack. For users who found the N5 too large or excessive but felt constrained by the N3 or N4, the N6 fills a specific and practical gap. It does not replace the N5 as a flagship option, but it stands as a capable and thoughtfully designed alternative for builders who value density, flexibility, and manageable footprint over absolute expansion.

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Jonsbo N6 Case

Check AliExpress or the Jonsbo N6 Case

Jonsbo N6 Case Review PROs

Jonsbo N6 Case Review CONs

Supports up to 9 x 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch drives, allowing dense storage in a relatively compact footprint Compatible with ITX and Micro ATX motherboards, offering more flexibility than earlier Jonsbo NAS cases Flexible PSU placement with support for ATX and SFX units, including multiple mounting positions Integrated drive backplane simplifies installation and reduces individual cable clutter Built in 3 speed fan controller provides basic manual airflow control without software dependency Extensive ventilation on all sides, top, and base helps maintain reasonable thermals under load Drive trays replace older rubber grommet mounting, making drive installation more straightforward Build quality feels solid overall, with steel construction and improved internal layout for cable routing

Backplane uses individual SATA connectors rather than Mini SAS, limiting appeal for SAS focused builds Clearance becomes tight with Micro ATX boards and larger ATX PSUs, especially around CPU cooling Drive trays lack tool less latches, locks, or orientation indicators, increasing the chance of installation mistakes

 

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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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Jonsbo N10 NAS Case Review – A REAL M-ITX NAS Enclosure?

The Jonsbo N10 is a purpose-built NAS enclosure tailored for Mini-ITX builds that prioritizes a compact footprint, flash-based storage, and low-power operation. Announced at Computex 2025, the N10 represents a significant design departure from Jonsbo’s earlier N5 chassis by reducing overall dimensions to just 205mm in width and depth, and 108mm in height. This change reflects a broader trend in DIY NAS building—especially among users deploying SSD-only arrays or compact motherboards with embedded CPUs—who value minimal space usage without sacrificing component access or build quality. The enclosure supports up to four 2.5-inch SATA SSDs or HDDs mounted along its internal base, along with a FLEX 1U power supply (up to 150mm) and a low-profile CPU cooler not exceeding 38mm in height. Constructed from thick 3.3mm aluminum alloy panels and a 1.0mm steel interior frame, it offers durability alongside a neutral, industrial aesthetic that blends well in home and office environments. Given the increasing popularity of MITX NAS boards from brands like Topton and CWWK, which often include soldered CPUs and compact layouts, the Jonsbo N10 enters the market as a focused option for builders who need efficient thermal performance, portability, and enough internal expansion to support a hybrid SSD/M.2 architecture in a space-conscious package.

Jonsbo N10 NAS Enclosure Review – Quick Conclusion

The Jonsbo N10 is a compact, purpose-built Mini-ITX NAS enclosure designed for users prioritizing SSD-based storage in a low-power, space-efficient build. With a footprint of just 205mm square and 108mm tall, it offers four 2.5-inch drive bays, FLEX PSU support, and a solid aluminum-steel construction that balances durability with minimalism. Its layout is well-suited for embedded CPU boards and hybrid storage configurations, but tight internal spacing, a 38mm CPU cooler height limit, and the lack of PCIe card support require careful component selection. While cooling is handled by two built-in 40mm fans and ventilation across multiple panels, airflow in the upper cavity remains passive and somewhat restricted—posing thermal challenges for high-performance CPUs or 10GbE NICs. Setup is straightforward, though users must manually route all SATA data and power cables, as no backplane is included. The inclusion of helpful accessories such as a Molex-to-SATA adapter and magnetic top panel adds value, and the minimalist I/O—with a single USB Type-C—reinforces its role as a headless NAS unit. Ultimately, the N10 is not a catch-all solution, but for users building SSD-centric NAS systems with efficient MITX boards, it offers a tightly focused and well-executed platform with a strong balance of features and size.

Note – You can see the comparison of the Jonsbo N2, N3, N4 and N5 in this article HERE

Where to Buy? Jonsbo N10 (Aliexpress $82) – HERE Jonsbo NV10 (Aliexpress $109) – HERE Jonsbo N5 (Aliexpress $195) – HERE Jonsbo N5 (Aliexpress $192) – HERE

Jonsbo N10 NAS Enclosure Review – Case Design, Ventilation and Cooling

The exterior design of the Jonsbo N10 emphasizes minimalism and space efficiency. Measuring just 205mm wide, 205mm deep, and 108mm high, the case is almost a perfect cube in footprint, but with a shallow vertical profile that makes it easy to deploy on desks, shelves, or tight AV cabinets. The use of 1mm thick aluminum alloy on the outer panels not only provides a premium feel but also contributes to structural integrity without excessive weight.

Combined with the internal steel chassis, the enclosure remains sturdy under load while keeping its overall weight to just 1.6kg. From a visual standpoint, the clean lines and brushed finish—available in black or silver—are devoid of branding or unnecessary ornamentation, which suits its role as a discrete server or quiet storage box in professional or home setups.

Ventilation is a core part of the external layout, with venting present on nearly every surface of the chassis. Perforations on the side panels, rear, and base allow for passive air movement across internal components, helping to reduce thermal buildup. While the compact size limits the scope of airflow paths, Jonsbo has attempted to compensate by ensuring that each major face includes some form of ventilation.

The top panel, held in place magnetically, can be removed easily for additional airflow during installation or servicing. However, this panel itself includes no fan mounts or perforations, which may limit vertical heat dissipation unless the lid is removed or modded.

Cooling is primarily handled by two built-in 40mm x 20mm exhaust fans mounted on the rear panel, each rated at 5000 RPM. These fans are positioned to draw hot air away from the internal drive bay and motherboard area, effectively pulling air in through the side and base perforations and pushing it out the back.

While the fans are small, their high RPM ensures a reasonable volume of air is cycled through the chassis. During testing, this design produced moderate acoustic output—peaking at around 43-45 dBA at load when measured from the rear—and noise levels were generally acceptable for typical NAS operation, particularly with low-TDP motherboards and embedded CPUs.

That said, airflow through the top cavity of the enclosure is limited. While the base panel and lower chamber benefit from fan-assisted cooling directed over the SSDs and PSU, the upper portion—where the CPU cooler and any on-board NICs are located—relies entirely on passive convection.

This can lead to hot air stagnation around components like 10GbE controllers or active M.2 heatsinks, particularly in long uptime scenarios. In your testing, surface temperatures on the top panel reached 31–33°C after 24 hours of deployment, with internals climbing higher toward 55–56°C, especially around passive heatsinks with limited surrounding airflow.

The absence of additional fan mounting options or top-mounted exhaust fans means users have little room to expand the cooling setup. While some users may consider modding the top panel to add extra fans or mesh inserts, the stock configuration offers no support for such upgrades.

This makes thermal planning crucial, especially for users deploying more powerful CPUs like Intel’s i5-1240P or using motherboards with multiple onboard NVMe drives and high-speed networking. For more passive deployments, like those with low-power N305 or N355 CPUs and minimal drive activity, the default setup should be sufficient—though tight airflow margins should always be considered during build planning.

Jonsbo N10 NAS Enclosure Review – Internal Design

Internally, the Jonsbo N10 is laid out to support only the essentials, reflecting its role as a NAS-first chassis with limited internal expansion. The Mini-ITX motherboard tray sits centrally within the lower half of the enclosure, flanked on one side by the FLEX PSU bracket and on the other by the horizontal drive cage. Despite the symmetrical exterior, internal space is tightly constrained, and components must be carefully selected and installed in a deliberate sequence to avoid obstructing airflow or cabling paths.

The steel frame keeps the motherboard tray stable, but there’s little clearance between installed components, which becomes immediately apparent when routing power and SATA data cables across the system. Most of the case’s internal volume is claimed by either the drive cage or power supply, leaving minimal open airspace.

The four 2.5-inch drive bays are arranged in a single, fixed cage at the base of the unit. This cage does not feature any kind of backplane or hot-swap system—instead, users must manually screw each SSD into place using traditional mounting trays. Drives are accessed from the underside of the top panel after removing the magnetic lid, and their power/data cabling must be routed individually.

In small builds, this can quickly become a challenge. The case includes a Molex-to-SATA power adapter, which is a thoughtful addition for budget FLEX PSUs that lack four dedicated SATA power leads. However, data cable management remains the user’s responsibility. In builds using motherboards without breakout SATA connectors (such as SFF-8643 or SlimSAS), this results in a dense bundle of SATA leads running through an already cramped enclosure.

Clearance around the CPU socket is equally limited. The N10 supports CPU coolers up to 38mm in height, restricting users to ultra-low-profile models. This makes it well-suited for embedded CPU motherboards like the CWWK N150 or N355, which come with passive or ball-bearing heatsinks under 30mm.

However, builders looking to use socketed CPUs like the i5-1240P will need to carefully select compatible coolers and be mindful of airflow choke points. There is no room for PCIe devices internally, and although some MITX boards have slots, they are effectively unusable due to chassis constraints. Any notion of using riser cards or external PCIe breakouts (such as M.2 to OCuLink) is largely impractical within this case’s physical limits.

Connectivity on the Jonsbo N10 is intentionally minimal. The front I/O panel includes a single USB Type-C port positioned on the top-right edge of the chassis, routed internally via a standard front-panel header. There are no additional USB-A ports, audio jacks, or buttons present, in keeping with the case’s clean exterior aesthetic.

While this simplicity reinforces the N10’s focus as a headless or remote-managed NAS system, it does reduce options for users who might want to connect external drives, peripherals, or configure the system locally without reaching behind the unit. Builders relying on initial direct access may need to route peripheral cabling through the rear motherboard I/O or temporarily remove the top lid for setup.

The power supply format supported is strictly FLEX 1U, with units up to 150mm in length permitted. This rear-mounted PSU bracket is placed above the motherboard tray and next to the SSD cage, and the power supply’s fan helps assist with rear airflow in conjunction with the two pre-installed 40mm exhaust fans.

While FLEX PSUs are well-suited to compact enclosures, they can be noisy under load and tend to cost more than SFX or ATX equivalents—especially if aiming for 80+ Gold or higher efficiency ratings. The internal wiring must be routed carefully due to spatial limitations, and although the case does include a Molex-to-SATA power adapter, it does not include any SATA data cables, which users must supply themselves. PSU airflow is indirectly beneficial to nearby components, but cooling requirements should be factored into PSU selection to avoid thermal bottlenecks.

The N10’s primary storage capability comes from its four internal 2.5-inch drive bays. Positioned in a fixed steel cage, the bays are arranged horizontally and mounted via screws without any vibration dampening or tool-less features. As noted earlier, there is no backplane, so each drive requires a dedicated SATA data and power cable, which must be routed manually through tight internal spaces.

While the design clearly targets SSD usage due to thermal and vibration limitations, there is potential for 2.5-inch HDDs as well—though builders should be cautious of heat and noise. Some modders may consider fitting up to two 3.5-inch drives with minor modifications, but this would require bypassing manufacturer recommendations and limits compatibility to 8TB drives or smaller due to physical height constraints.

When paired with modern MITX boards featuring multiple onboard M.2 slots, the N10 can accommodate hybrid storage setups—though again, thermal planning remains crucial.

The Jonsbo N10 delivers on its objective: to offer a compact, purpose-built NAS enclosure for Mini-ITX systems focused on SSD-based storage. It embraces the growing trend of low-power, embedded CPU platforms and caters directly to users building quiet, energy-efficient NAS devices for tasks like media serving, remote backups, or personal cloud storage. Its clean exterior design, robust aluminum-steel construction, and compact footprint make it appealing for constrained environments or unobtrusive desktop deployment. The inclusion of pre-installed fans, a Type-C front I/O, and even minor accessories like a Molex-to-SATA adapter add value to the out-of-box experience. However, its internal layout requires deliberate component choice and build planning due to significant space limitations and tight thermal margins.

While not designed for broad flexibility, the N10 excels in its niche. There is no support for PCIe add-ons or active top-panel cooling, and the absence of hot-swap bays or bundled SATA data cables may frustrate some users expecting turnkey solutions. That said, for those familiar with small form factor NAS building, these limitations are expected trade-offs for a case that prioritizes minimalism and focused utility. As pre-built NAS units continue to integrate soldered CPUs and non-upgradable memory, enclosures like the N10 offer a rare chance for builders to retain full control over their hardware stack—provided they’re willing to work within the tight confines of the design. In short, the N10 is not for everyone, but for those building compact SSD-focused NAS systems, it strikes a well-executed balance between form, function, and footprint.

Where to Buy? Jonsbo N10 (Aliexpress $82) – HERE Jonsbo NV10 (Aliexpress $109) – HERE Jonsbo N5 (Aliexpress $195) – HERE Jonsbo N5 (Aliexpress $192) – HERE

Read the Jonsbo NAS Series Comparison Article on NASCompares Below (click below):

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