The Lincstation S1 NAS Review – REAL Turnkey UnRAID NAS?

The network-attached storage (NAS) market continues to expand, with an increasing number of brands stepping into the space with new and innovative solutions. One such emerging brand is Lincplus, known for its affordable tech offerings, including the Lincstation N1 released in 2024. Now, they are back with the Lincstation S1, a four-bay SATA NAS with additional M.2 NVMe support and an integrated UnRAID license. The S1 is designed to offer an accessible, compact, and efficient NAS solution for home users, enthusiasts, and small businesses. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s take a deep dive into this new NAS device and see how it stacks up.

Lincstation S1 NAS – Specifications

The Lincstation S1 features an Intel Alder Lake-N N97 processor, designed to balance efficiency and performance for NAS applications. It comes with 8GB of DDR5 SODIMM memory, which is upgradeable for users needing additional RAM for virtualization or heavy workloads. The system also includes 128GB of eMMC storage for the operating system, ensuring quick boot-up and consistent system performance. For primary storage, the Lincstation S1 has four SATA 3.0 bays, supporting both 3.5-inch hard drives and 2.5-inch SSDs for flexible configurations. Additionally, it has two M.2 NVMe slots, allowing users to leverage high-speed SSDs for caching or fast-access storage. These storage options make the device suitable for users looking to balance capacity, performance, and affordability in a NAS system. The system provides two 2.5GbE LAN ports, which offer faster network speeds compared to standard Gigabit Ethernet connections. It also features multiple USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and two USB 2.0 for external storage and peripheral connectivity. Additionally, the inclusion of an HDMI 2.0 port enables direct output, which can be useful for multimedia applications, direct system access, or virtual machine monitoring.

Specification	Lincstation S1
Processor	Intel Alder Lake-N N97 (Quad-Core, up to 3.6GHz)
Memory	8GB DDR5 SODIMM (Upgradeable)
Storage (OS)	128GB eMMC
Storage (SATA)	4 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA III bays
Storage (NVMe)	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots (PCIe Gen 3 x1)
Networking	2 x 2.5GbE RJ45
USB Ports	2 x USB Type-C 10Gbps, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0
Video Output	1 x HDMI 2.0 (4K 60Hz)
Cooling	Active Cooling System with Bottom Fan
Power Supply	120W External PSU (Barrel-type Connector)
Operating System	UnRAID (Pre-installed, 1-year license included)
Chassis Material	Metal & Plastic Hybrid
Dimensions	Compact Desktop Form Factor
Weight	TBD

Lincstation S1 NAS – Quick Conclusion

The Lincstation S1 NAS aims to provide a versatile and cost-effective NAS solution, particularly for those interested in an UnRAID-based system. It delivers solid hardware specifications, particularly with its dual M.2 NVMe support, 2.5GbE networking, and modular expandability. While the device lacks 10GbE and PCIe expansion, its efficient design and bundled UnRAID license make it an appealing option for both beginners and experienced users.

Lincstation S1 NAS – Packaging

Since the Lincstation S1 is still in its prototype stage, the final retail packaging is yet to be confirmed. However, the unit reviewed included the S1 NAS device itself, a 120W external power supply, a first-time setup guide, and an UnRAID license scratch card. While the absence of an Ethernet cable might be a minor inconvenience for some users, the packaging remains minimalist and functional.

The external power supply is well-built and designed for efficient heat dissipation, reducing the likelihood of overheating. Unlike some NAS devices with internal power supplies, the external design of the S1’s PSU helps maintain a cooler overall system temperature. This approach is particularly beneficial for compact NAS units, where space constraints and airflow management are crucial considerations.

Although the packaging is simple, it is clear that Lincplus has focused on practicality and efficiency rather than elaborate retail presentation. The compact nas box ensures minimal wasted space,. As the device nears final production, there may be some refinements in the retail kit, such as additional accessories or improvements to setup documentation. It’s still to early to judge!

Lincstation S1 NAS – Design & Build

The Lincstation S1 sports a modern and compact tower design, making it distinct from traditional horizontal NAS enclosures. It features a combination of metal and plastic construction, which enhances durability while keeping the overall weight manageable

The design also prioritizes modular access, allowing users to easily upgrade or replace components when needed.

The four SATA drive bays are located on the top of the unit, providing hot-swap functionality for easy drive replacement. On the side panel, users will find two M.2 NVMe slots, each equipped with a built-in heatsink to aid in thermal management.

The tool-less installation mechanism further simplifies the setup process, making drive installations more accessible to all users.

To support cooling efficiency, the S1 includes a large bottom-mounted system fan, which actively draws air through the chassis to maintain optimal temperatures.

The LCD panel on the front provides basic system information, though some integration issues with UnRAID still need refinement. Despite being a prototype, the build quality and design choices reflect an emphasis on functionality and long-term reliability.

Lincstation S1 NAS – Ports & Connectivity

The Lincstation S1 offers a balanced range of ports, ensuring compatibility with modern peripherals and network environments.

It features two 2.5GbE LAN ports, which allow for aggregated speeds up to 5GbE or network redundancy for failover support.

While it lacks native 10GbE, UnRAID users may be able to expand connectivity through USB-to-Ethernet or M.2 adapters.

In addition to network ports, the S1 includes multiple high-speed USB connections, supporting a variety of external storage, accessories, and direct system expansion.

With two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, users benefit from 10Gbps data transfer speeds for high-performance storage solutions for backups and connected DAS peripherals – or even 2.5/5Gbps USB Adapters.

Two additional USB 2.0 ports are included for keyboard, mouse, or low-power peripherals.

A single HDMI 2.0 port provides 4K 60Hz output, making the device suitable for media playback, VM monitoring, or direct system management.

Users who prefer manual hardware control will appreciate the physical LED and LCD control switches on the front panel.

While these features improve accessibility, some software-based controls for LEDs and the LCD panel are still in development.

Lincstation S1 NAS – Internal Hardware & Performance

The Lincstation S1 is powered by an Intel Alder Lake-N N97 processor, a four-core chip optimized for energy efficiency and moderate workloads.

It includes 8GB of DDR5 memory, which can be upgraded via a single SODIMM slot for users who need more RAM. While ECC memory is not supported, the default configuration is sufficient for most home and prosumer workloads.

The M.2 NVMe slots operate at PCIe Gen 3×1 speeds, resulting in maximum sequential read speeds of around 1.5GB/s and write speeds of 1.3GB/s.

While this may not match enterprise-grade storage solutions, it is still a notable improvement over traditional SATA SSD speeds. Performance testing showed network throughput reaching peak speeds of 550MB/s, making 2.5GbE a strong match for the device’s storage capabilities.

Despite having modest sized CPU cooling, the S1 maintained stable operating temperatures even under sustained workloads. Idle power consumption was measured at 21–22W, with peak power draw reaching 45W under full load.

Noise levels remained within acceptable limits, fluctuating between 35–47dB depending on system activity.

Lincstation S1 NAS – Final Verdict

The Lincstation S1 NAS presents itself as a strong alternative to existing NAS solutions, offering a well-balanced blend of affordability, performance, and expandability. The inclusion of dual M.2 NVMe slots, four SATA bays, and dual 2.5GbE networking makes it suitable for home users, small businesses, and prosumers looking for an efficient storage solution. The pre-installed UnRAID license is an added bonus, making setup and system deployment more accessible, particularly for those new to NAS environments. While the Intel Alder Lake-N N97 processor and DDR5 memory provide solid performance, PCIe bandwidth limitations on the NVMe slots may restrict potential high-speed workflows. However, its low power consumption, quiet operation, and modular design make it a compelling option for users seeking a flexible and scalable NAS solution.

Despite its many strengths, the Lincstation S1 is not without limitations. The lack of 10GbE networking may be a drawback for those requiring higher network throughput, and the absence of PCIe expansion means users cannot add future network or storage controllers. Additionally, while the LCD panel offers useful system information, its integration with UnRAID remains a work in progress. Some users may also find the USB-to-Ethernet expansion workaround for additional networking cumbersome compared to native onboard support. Nonetheless, these trade-offs are expected at this price point, and for the majority of users, the included connectivity and features should be more than sufficient.

Ultimately, the Lincstation S1 NAS provides great value for its target audience, particularly for those who want an UnRAID-powered system without having to build one from scratch. It delivers decent performance, thoughtful design, and robust connectivity at an affordable price, making it an attractive option for users who want a mix of HDD and SSD storage with efficient networking. While some software refinements and additional hardware flexibility would improve the experience, the S1 is still a solid choice for home and business users alike.

Pros	Cons
Affordable price for a hybrid HDD/SSD NAS	No 10GbE networking option
Includes a pre-installed UnRAID license (1-year)	No PCIe slot for expansion
Dual 2.5GbE ports for aggregated speeds up to 5GbE	NVMe slots limited to PCIe Gen 3×1 speeds
Expandable RAM (8GB DDR5 SODIMM, upgradeable)	UnRAID Hardware control is not as straightforward as some other turnkey NAS options in the market
Multiple high-speed USB ports (USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB-C 10Gbps)
Supports both HDDs and SSDs for flexible storage configurations
Low power consumption and efficient cooling system

 

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New Lincstation S1 and N2 NAS Revealed

*UPDATE* – The Reviews are in. You can read my review of the Lincstation S1 NAS HERE on NASCompares and HERE on YouTube. Alternatively, you can watch my Review of the Lincstation N2 on YouTube HERE, and the written review of the N2 Review HERE on NASCompares.

It seems like yesterday that we were talking about the chinese laptop and tablet brand Lincplus, and their intentions to extend their business into the world of NAS with their Lincstation N1 flash solution. However, in reality, that was all the way back in October 2024 in their crowdfunding campaign and since then, the brand has not appeared to slow down. Their crownfunding campaign went on to succeed, the N1 ended up landing on traditional retail outlets like Amazon etc in Spring 2023, and now the brand is on the verge of lanching two new NAS solutions – The LIncstation N2 and the Lincstation S1. One a refresh fo the original N1 with improved hardware in a bunch of areas, the other a completely new INtel N97 powered 4 Bay desktop NAS solution. Still arriving with that great UnRAID License partnership in place, the S1 in particular is an impressive move to challenge turnkey solutions from Synology, QNAP, Asustor, Terramaster and UGREEN – as thanks to the included UnRAID license, the Lincstation S1 will complete on their level! The N2 system appears to be largely based on feedback from users over the last year, but still seems to be build to a specific tier of value and scale as the N1 was – i.e AFFORDABLE FLASH NAS for the home/enthusiast/prosumer. So, let’s discuss the Lincstation N2 and S1 NAS, coming later in 2025.

Last Years Lincstation N1 (from our review HERE)

Lincstation S1 and N2 Specifications (so far)

The Lincstation N2 and Lincstation S1 are compact and powerfully efficient devices tailored for diverse computing needs. There specifications have been confirmed as follows:

The Lincstation N2 is powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N 100 CPU, supported by 16GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory, ensuring efficient performance for multitasking and demanding workloads. For storage, it features a flexible setup with 128GB of eMMC storage, a 2-bay SATA3.0 port supporting 2.5-inch HDDs, and a 4-bay M.2 port compatible with NVMe SSDs. This setup makes the N2 an excellent choice for users prioritizing high-speed storage solutions and scalability. The Lincstation S1, in comparison, is designed with a similar emphasis on versatility but with a more streamlined feature set. Powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N N97 CPU, it offers 8GB of DDR5 SODIMM memory, striking a balance between performance and affordability. The storage options are robust, with 128GB of eMMC, a 4-bay SATA bays supporting both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, and 2x M.2 slot supporting NVMe SSDs.

Both models feature a range of connectivity options to suit modern demands. The N2 comes with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet controller and an array of USB ports, including USB Type-C and USB3.2 Gen 2, making it ideal for high-speed networking and peripheral connectivity. The S1, while slightly less advanced with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, compensates with its intuitive design and extensive storage expandability. These devices are encased in durable materials, combining lightweight plastic with metal accents for a balance of portability and durability, appealing to tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Intel Alder Lake-N N97 and N100 CPUs, respectively, are designed to deliver reliable performance for modern computing tasks. The N97 in the S1 offers a quad-core architecture with energy-efficient processing, making it ideal for workloads that prioritize power efficiency, such as home servers or light virtualization. Meanwhile, the N100 in the N2 takes a step up with slightly higher clock speeds and improved single-core performance, making it well-suited for more demanding applications like content creation or multitasking. Both processors leverage Intel’s hybrid architecture, balancing performance cores and efficient cores to optimize workload distribution, ensuring smooth operation under varying conditions. This makes the systems highly adaptable for both casual and professional users.

Lincstation N2 vs N1 NAS – Much Better?

The Lincstation N1 was (and still is!) a sleek, all-SSD NAS device optimized for home and small office environments. Powered by an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core CPU, it offers strong performance for multitasking, with a base frequency of 2.0 GHz and a burst frequency of 2.9 GHz. The N1 includes 16GB of soldered DDR4 RAM, making it well-suited for tasks such as media streaming, data backup, and personal cloud storage. Its storage capabilities stand out with four M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots and two 2.5-inch SATA SSD slots, enabling up to 48TB of total storage capacity. Connectivity options include a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB Type-C port, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, the N1 features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for virtual machine-based wireless applications. This fanless, compact NAS offers silent operation and efficient performance, making it ideal for users who prioritize storage versatility and quiet environments.

The Lincstation N2, while featuring upgraded internal hardware, maintains the same compact chassis, fanless cooling system, and wireless capabilities as the N1. It is powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N N100 CPU, which delivers higher clock speeds and improved processing performance compared to the N5105 in the N1. Like its predecessor, the N2 includes 16GB of memory, though it uses faster onboard LPDDR5 RAM for enhanced multitasking capabilities. Storage options remain the same, with four M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots and two 2.5-inch SATA SSD slots, supporting up to 48TB total capacity. Connectivity is also consistent with the N1, featuring two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB Type-C port, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack, alongside Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The key differentiator for the N2 is its 10 Gigabit Ethernet port, which significantly enhances networking performance for users with demanding data transfer needs.

 

Specification	Lincstation N1	Lincstation N2
Processor	Intel Celeron N5105 (2.0 GHz base, 2.9 GHz burst)	Intel Alder Lake-N N100
Memory	16GB DDR4 RAM (soldered, non-upgradable)	16GB LPDDR5 RAM (TBC)
Storage Bays	4x M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots, 2x 2.5-inch SATA SSD slots	4x M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots, 2x 2.5-inch SATA SSD slots
Total Storage	Up to 48TB (6x 8TB SSDs)	Up to 48TB (6x 8TB SSDs)
Networking	1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port	1x 10 Gigabit Ethernet port
USB Ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB Type-C	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB Type-C
HDMI	1x HDMI 2.0	1x HDMI 2.0
Cooling	Fanless design	Fanless design
Operating System	Unraid (includes Docker and virtualization support)	Unraid (includes Docker and virtualization support)
Dimensions	21 cm (L) x 15 cm (W) x 3.5 cm (H)	21 cm (L) x 15 cm (W) x 3.5 cm (H)
Power Supply	External 60W adapter (12V/5A)	External 60W adapter (12V/5A)
Launch	Crowdfunding initially, retail in Spring 2024 ($349–$399)	Details pending: launch price and crowdfunding unconfirmed

Interestingly, the Lincstation N1 first gained attention through a crowdfunding campaign, where its combination of features and value attracted early adopters. Following the success of this campaign, the N1 became available through traditional retail channels in Spring 2024, priced at $349–$399, depending on configuration. In contrast, details about the Lincstation N2 remain uncertain, with no confirmed launch price or retail availability. It is also unclear whether the N2 will follow the crowdfunding route for its initial launch or opt directly for retail distribution. This uncertainty adds to the anticipation surrounding the N2, with many eager to see how it will complement the existing N1. Realistically the differences can be boiled down to an improved CPU, higher performing RAM and a single 10G NIC as opposed to 2x 2.5GbE. On that latter point, as good as 1000MB/s+ of network bandwidth sounds, keep in mind that this means only a single network connection and a lack of any failover or physical NIC assignment support (unless you opt for an UnRAID supported USB-to-2.5/5GbE adapter. There is no arguing that the new N2 will allow you to enjoy more of the performance potential of the 4X M.2 and 2x SATA SSD – but still only 1GB per second max, and as the CPU is a 9 lane processor, that means that most likely those M.2 are going to either be Gen 3×1 or (hopefully) Gen 3×2 – but my gut tells me the former!

When will the Lincstation N2 and S1 NAS Be Released and Price?

Pricing is still yet to be confirmed for either device, however it is looking likely that both solutions will be landing on Kickstarter (or similar crowdfunding sites) in Q1 2025 (i.e Jan-March), but this is still MASSIVELY TBC. The included UnRAID software licence that these systems will arrive with will be included in the kit price (just like the N1) and although using 3rd party OS (such as TrueNAS and OMV) are supported, the fact that the N2 6 Bay SSD NAS and 4+2 Bay S1 NAS arriving with fully licensed and officially partnered UnRAID OS onboard is HUGELY appealing and definitely raises the stakes when comparing them to other mini PC manufacturers that are trying to enter the NAS space, but are reliant on more technically minded users installing their OS of choice!

Bottom line, the LIncstation N2 and S1 are definitely,. definitely NAS to keep an eye on. I will always highlight that any NAS that arrives on the scene via crowdfunding needs to be looked at with that clear distinction between Crowdfunding and traditional retail – as backing ‘an idea’ is not the same as buying a product! Nevertheless, this is a brand with a successful campaign under it’s belt and a clear willingness to expand further into this market space!

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

WE LOVE COFFEE