Beelink Me Mini vs GMKTec G9 vs CWWK P6 SSD NAS Showdown

The compact and SSD-focused NAS landscape has grown increasingly competitive, with new models targeting users who require silent operation, efficient performance, and small-scale virtualization or media serving capabilities. Devices like the GMKTec G9, Beelink ME Mini, and CWWK P6 represent a distinct shift from traditional 3.5” HDD-based systems, instead favoring M.2 NVMe SSD storage in compact chassis designs. These systems are marketed toward home users, prosumers, and developers looking for a balance between cost, flexibility, and low-noise operation, often for roles such as Plex servers, UnRAID deployments, or containerized environments.

Each unit in this comparison leverages low-power Intel Twin Lake processors (notably the N150), offers at least dual 2.5GbE connectivity, and supports multiple M.2 drives, but their implementations vary widely in thermal handling, expandability, and internal architecture. As the line between DIY NAS builds and pre-built options continues to blur, the GMKTec G9, Beelink ME Mini, and CWWK P6 provide a snapshot of how different brands interpret the needs of modern users who prioritize energy efficiency, small footprints, and SSD-based storage workflows. This article evaluates these three devices across pricing, storage architecture, design, and real-world usability to provide a clear overview of their relative strengths and compromises.

CWWK P6 SSD NAS	Beelink ME Mini SSD NAS – HERE	GMKTec G9 SSD NAS

Beelink Me Mini vs GMKTec G9 vs CWWK P6 SSD NAS – Price and Value

The GMKTec G9 enters the market at around $199 for its 12GB RAM base configuration, positioning it as one of the more accessible SSD-based NAS units available. It includes a Windows 11 Pro license and Ubuntu Linux pre-installed, which can be attractive to users interested in general computing as well as NAS tasks. However, these operating systems are not tailored for storage-focused functionality, and the burden falls on the user to install and configure something like TrueNAS or UnRAID for proper NAS use. Additionally, the system uses non-upgradable LPDDR5 memory and features a plastic chassis, suggesting a design focus on affordability over long-term flexibility. While value is present in terms of included software and passive SSD-ready operation, its entry-level design limits appeal to users planning to scale or repurpose the device beyond its initial setup.

The Beelink ME Mini NAS, typically available at $209 on Beelink’s own storefront, offers a slightly higher upfront cost but balances that with integrated features aimed at simplifying deployment. Unlike the GMKTec G9, the ME Mini comes with an internal power supply and Crucial-branded SSDs in pre-built configurations, offering a greater level of assurance for storage reliability and plug-and-play readiness. The system supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and features a silent fan-assisted cooling design that makes it more suitable for living rooms or office environments. Though it also utilizes soldered 12GB LPDDR5 memory, its form factor, passive aesthetics, and better thermals make it more appealing to users who want a quiet and tidy NAS solution that requires minimal tinkering post-installation. When compared to generic prebuilds, the ME Mini offers greater refinement and turnkey usability in exchange for a modest premium.

The CWWK P6 NAS sets itself apart with a lower base price of $195 for the N150 version, but this does not include memory or storage. Instead, the system is designed for users who prefer sourcing their own SO-DIMM DDR5 RAM and M.2 SSDs, potentially reducing costs if spare components are available. Its use of a single SO-DIMM slot enables expansion up to 48GB, which is considerably more than either the GMKTec or Beelink models. However, this flexibility comes at the cost of initial convenience. Users will need to handle their own OS installation, BIOS configuration, and possibly even resolve SATA recognition issues via firmware tweaks. The CWWK P6 also lacks wireless connectivity by default, and its use of a barrel connector rather than USB-C for power delivery may feel dated. Still, for users with a higher comfort level in DIY environments, the P6 offers a customizable platform with greater headroom for VMs, Plex, and containers.

When considering long-term value, each NAS appeals to a different kind of buyer. The GMKTec G9 is best suited for users who want a simple, functional NAS with minimal setup, though they may run into its limits quickly if performance expectations rise. The Beelink ME Mini justifies its price by offering a more thought-out design, silent thermals, and premium SSD options out of the box—better suited to users who want a clean and quiet system that can be set up rapidly. Meanwhile, the CWWK P6 represents a builder’s NAS: inexpensive upfront, highly scalable, and intended for users who value control over convenience. Ultimately, while price differences between these units are small, the total value depends heavily on user intent and whether ease of deployment, expansion, or component choice takes priority.

Beelink Me Mini vs GMKTec G9 vs CWWK P6 SSD NAS – Storage & Memory

All three NAS systems in this comparison rely exclusively on M.2 NVMe SSDs for internal storage, reflecting a growing emphasis on silent, high-speed flash-based configurations in compact enclosures. The GMKTec G9 features four M.2 NVMe slots, each limited to PCIe Gen 3 x2, offering a theoretical maximum of 2GB/s per drive. In contrast, the Beelink ME Mini supports six M.2 NVMe slots, with five operating at PCIe Gen 3 x1 and one—typically reserved for the OS—at Gen 3 x2. The CWWK P6 matches the G9 in having four slots, though each operates at PCIe Gen 3 x1 speeds, reducing peak bandwidth per drive. This difference in PCIe lane allocation directly impacts aggregate read/write performance, especially in RAID configurations or during high-traffic file operations.

The GMKTec G9’s storage slots are laid out beneath a plastic panel with no included heatsinks, a decision that raises concerns about sustained thermal performance. While it technically supports up to 32TB of total storage across its four bays, the lack of passive or active SSD cooling can lead to throttling unless third-party heatsinks are installed. The Beelink ME Mini, in contrast, integrates a large aluminum heatsink with pre-applied thermal pads on all six slots, ensuring consistent heat transfer and reduced risk of SSD overheating. Though five of its six slots are bandwidth-limited to Gen 3 x1, the thermal design makes it better suited for prolonged uptime and high-usage environments. The CWWK P6 also features a metal enclosure that acts as a passive heat sink, but ships with notably thin thermal pads and relies on an optional USB-powered fan for improved airflow.

Memory configuration is another key area of differentiation. The GMKTec G9 and Beelink ME Mini both ship with 12GB of soldered LPDDR5 memory running at 4800MHz. This fixed memory cannot be upgraded, limiting their long-term viability in RAM-intensive use cases such as virtualization or large-scale container deployment. The CWWK P6, by contrast, includes a single SO-DIMM slot that supports up to 32GB of DDR5 4800MHz memory, making it the most flexible of the three for VM hosting, ZFS-based NAS operating systems, or other memory-sensitive applications. The tradeoff is that buyers must provide their own RAM, adding to the setup cost but allowing for performance tuning based on workload.

Boot and operating system storage configurations differ subtly across the three units. The GMKTec G9 includes a 64GB eMMC drive with pre-installed Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu, though the eMMC capacity is insufficient for most NAS deployments beyond initial setup. The Beelink ME Mini also offers a 64GB eMMC module but encourages users to install the OS on the Gen 3 x2 slot, especially in bundled configurations that include Crucial P3 SSDs. The CWWK P6 does not include any pre-installed OS or eMMC storage but does allow booting from any of its four NVMe slots, giving advanced users greater freedom to optimize OS installation, especially when using UnRAID or TrueNAS SCALE.

Ultimately, the memory and storage architecture of each system reflects different user priorities. The GMKTec G9 aims for simplicity but is hindered by non-upgradable memory and inadequate SSD cooling. The Beelink ME Mini offers better thermal management and storage capacity, albeit with limited PCIe bandwidth on most slots. The CWWK P6 provides the greatest upgrade potential with socketed RAM and M.2 flexibility, but demands user familiarity with thermal solutions, BIOS configuration, and peripheral sourcing.

The physical construction of these three NAS units reflects differing priorities in material choice, ventilation, and power integration. The GMKTec G9 uses a lightweight plastic chassis, which helps reduce cost but limits heat dissipation across its four M.2 SSDs. The unit relies on internal airflow generated by laptop-style fans, but its design lacks direct ventilation over the SSD bays, and the use of a plastic cover above the M.2 slots reduces thermal transfer. In contrast, the Beelink ME Mini is housed in a symmetrical 99mm³ cube with an internal aluminum heatsink and integrated fan. Its minimalist cube layout includes top and bottom ventilation for vertical airflow and maintains a more enclosed, consistent cooling environment that better suits SSD longevity in passive setups.

The CWWK P6 offers the most robust build quality of the three, using a solid aluminum alloy chassis that doubles as a passive heat sink. It includes a base-level fan mounted beneath the CPU and an optional USB-powered fan for SSD cooling. However, the included thermal pads are extremely thin, reducing their effectiveness under prolonged load unless replaced. Despite this, the chassis is designed to tolerate higher ambient temperatures and shows consistent performance in enclosed spaces. One drawback is the lack of airflow across the top panel unless the optional fan is mounted—without it, SSDs tend to accumulate heat more rapidly, especially during concurrent write operations or large file transfers.

Power delivery also differentiates these devices. The GMKTec G9 uses a USB-C power connector with an external 65W power brick, aligning with modern standards and reducing desktop clutter. The Beelink ME Mini further improves on this with a built-in PSU, removing the need for external adapters altogether and simplifying cable management in home setups. The CWWK P6 reverts to a more traditional 12V barrel connector, which, while functional, feels outdated compared to the USB-C or internal PSU solutions. This design choice may require users to carry a dedicated power supply, limiting flexibility in mobile deployments or environments with shared power infrastructure.

In testing, all three systems showed efficient power usage, though their idle and peak wattages differ slightly due to cooling, CPU behavior, and drive count. The GMKTec G9 drew 19–20W at idle and peaked at 28–30W under sustained load. The Beelink ME Mini demonstrated the lowest idle consumption at 6.9W with no drives, increasing to around 30W when fully populated with six SSDs under heavy activity. The CWWK P6 consumed approximately 18W at idle and peaked at 34–35W with three active VMs and four SSDs. These figures indicate that, despite modest differences in architecture, each system remains power-efficient and suitable for 24/7 use, especially in home environments with low thermal tolerance and energy cost sensitivity.

Beelink Me Mini vs GMKTec G9 vs CWWK P6 SSD NAS – Conclusion and Verdict

When assessed across all key metrics, the GMKTec G9, Beelink ME Mini, and CWWK P6 occupy distinct positions within the low-cost, all-flash NAS landscape, each catering to different user expectations and levels of technical comfort. The GMKTec G9 is the most turnkey in terms of initial usability, with pre-installed Windows and Ubuntu providing a base for users new to NAS setups or simply looking to use the device as a low-power desktop or file server. Its plastic chassis and lack of thermal optimization limit its suitability for intensive tasks, and the fixed 12GB LPDDR5 memory restricts performance scaling for containers or virtualization. That said, the G9 offers predictable behavior and basic capabilities that will satisfy those seeking an easy, entry-level NAS with minimal setup time, especially for local media streaming or light SMB file services. That said, the G9 is getting rather notorious for it’s poor cooling abilities – so much so that the brand has rolled out an improved cooling verion (see images below). There DO help, but the G9 is still the poorest of the three NAS in this comparison in terms of active cooling and long term temps!

The Beelink ME Mini, though only marginally more expensive, adopts a more premium approach to internal design and build quality. The integrated fan and large aluminum heatsink ensure more consistent SSD temperatures under sustained workloads, and the system is noticeably quieter at idle compared to the G9. Its six M.2 NVMe slots provide greater storage density potential, even though five are limited to PCIe Gen 3 x1 speeds. The soldered memory mirrors the G9’s limitations in upgradeability, but its inclusion of Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and an internal PSU adds notable convenience for deployment in mixed-use environments like offices, bedrooms, or AV cabinets. It will appeal to users who value quiet, thermally reliable operation in a system that arrives largely preconfigured and ready for use with minimal additional hardware.

In contrast, the CWWK P6 forgoes polish and plug-and-play readiness in favor of maximum flexibility and user control. It is the only device in this group to feature upgradable RAM, allowing users to install up to 48GB of DDR5 memory, which opens the door to heavier workloads like virtual machines, ZFS-based NAS operating systems, or multiple Docker containers. The lack of included wireless, OS storage, or bundled RAM/SSD keeps the entry cost low but shifts responsibility onto the buyer to source compatible components. This extends to thermal management—while the chassis is solid aluminum, effective SSD cooling often requires replacing the thin stock pads and adding the optional USB-powered fan. These additional steps will deter less technical users but make the P6 a strong contender for builders, hobbyists, or professionals seeking a flexible platform they can adapt over time.

Ultimately, choosing between these three NAS units comes down to balancing ease of setup, long-term scalability, and thermal reliability. The GMKTec G9 suits users who want to get started quickly with a general-purpose device and accept limitations in memory and thermal design. The Beelink ME Mini delivers a more refined package, ideal for those who prioritize noise, storage density, and out-of-box functionality. The CWWK P6, meanwhile, is the most modular and scalable option, but requires technical confidence and additional investment in compatible components. Each has clear strengths and trade-offs, and the best choice depends on whether the user prioritizes convenience, passive reliability, or long-term upgradability in their NAS setup.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

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

 

The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS Review – The New $500+ NAS Standard?

The TerraMaster F4-425 Plus represents a significant step forward in the brand’s 4-bay NAS lineup, targeting users who demand capable hardware and broad feature support at a mid-range price point. Retailing at $569.99, or $484.99 during its introductory discount, it is positioned to compete directly with systems like the Synology DS925+ and QNAP TS-464, both of which occupy similar price and hardware tiers. TerraMaster’s intention with this model is to deliver a “jack of all trades” device that suits both home multimedia environments and small business offices. Internally, it uses Intel’s quad-core N150 processor, part of the newer Twin Lake architecture, with a base clock of 1 GHz and a turbo frequency up to 3.6 GHz. This CPU is paired with 16GB of DDR5 memory, offering a notable upgrade in bandwidth and responsiveness compared to previous DDR4-based TerraMaster models.

Complementing that performance core are three PCIe 3.0 x1 M.2 NVMe slots and four SATA drive bays, supporting a combined raw capacity of up to 144TB when fully populated. This configuration allows the device to accommodate both large-scale HDD storage for bulk data and high-speed SSD arrays for caching or dedicated performance pools. Dual 5GbE network ports on the rear enable theoretical aggregate transfer speeds exceeding 1,000 MB/s, aligning with the system’s positioning as a performance-focused yet affordable NAS. TerraMaster’s TOS 6 operating system comes preinstalled, providing modernized storage management, AI-based photo organization, and security tools like HyperLock WORM protection and isolation mode. Altogether, the F4-425 Plus arrives as one of the most fully featured mid-tier NAS options available in 2025, combining strong hardware, software maturity, and quiet, power-efficient design suited to both personal and professional use cases.

The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The TerraMaster F4-425 Plus delivers one of the most complete mid-tier NAS packages currently available, balancing strong hardware, efficient design, and flexible software at a highly competitive price. Its Intel N150 processor, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and dual 5GbE ports provide ample speed for data-heavy workloads, while three M.2 NVMe slots add rare versatility for caching or SSD-based pools. The all-metal enclosure maintains low temperatures and quiet operation, and the TOS 6 operating system has matured into a capable platform with snapshot protection, Docker, virtualization, and AI photo management. Although it lacks premium details such as drive locks and redundant fans, and the interface remains less refined than Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, the F4-425 Plus stands out as a practical and forward-looking NAS. It bridges affordability and professional capability, making it suitable for home users, content creators, and small offices that need reliable, fast, and adaptable network storage.

Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS
Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster F4 SSD NAS @ $569 ($489.99 till 19th Nov)	Terramaster F4-425 PLUS – $569	B&H for the Terramaster F4-425 plus NAS @ $569.99

The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS Review – Design & Storage

The exterior design of the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus maintains the brand’s familiar compact metal chassis but introduces small refinements that improve both usability and thermals. Measuring 150 by 181 by 219 millimeters and weighing just under 3 kilograms, it fits comfortably into a home office or studio setup without generating significant heat or noise. The enclosure is almost entirely metal, with a brushed silver finish that enhances rigidity and passive cooling compared with earlier plastic-faced designs. Four individual drive trays occupy the front panel, each featuring a simple click-and-load mechanism for 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drives. Although there are no locking latches or LCD displays, the trays are tool-free and straightforward to handle. A single 120mm fan at the rear provides adjustable cooling across smart, low, and high-speed profiles, maintaining an operational noise level as low as 20.9 dB(A) when idle with drives installed, according to TerraMaster’s own test figures.

From a structural perspective, the F4-425 Plus has clearly benefited from improved thermal management. The metal shell acts as a heat spreader, with typical external temperatures ranging from 25 to 27°C across the enclosure after extended operation, even under multi-day workload testing. Internal drive bays were observed to maintain around 27 to 29°C, while the rear ports and fan area registered between 36 and 38°C during prolonged use. These figures indicate an efficient heat dissipation design, aided by the more conductive chassis material and smart fan calibration. For users concerned with energy efficiency, the power draw remains modest thanks to the Intel N150 processor’s low TDP, allowing the system to idle at roughly 13 watts with SSDs installed and scale to around 60 watts under sustained load with four enterprise-class HDDs spinning.

In terms of drive configuration, the NAS supports up to four SATA 6Gb/s drives and three M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. This combination provides a theoretical maximum raw capacity of 144TB, assuming four 30TB HDDs and three 8TB SSDs. The inclusion of three NVMe slots rather than the more typical one or two is a notable strength. Each operates on a PCIe 3.0 x1 lane, delivering real-world throughput of approximately 800 to 900 MB/s per SSD, suitable for caching or storage pools. This setup makes it possible to allocate two drives for cache acceleration while dedicating the third to an independent SSD-based pool for high-speed operations like video editing or database hosting. Such flexibility is rare at this price point and broadens the system’s appeal to users with both large data sets and high-performance requirements.

Storage management is handled through TOS 6, TerraMaster’s web-based operating system, which supports a wide range of RAID configurations including TRAID, TRAID+, JBOD, and traditional RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. TOS 6 also enables SSD caching, snapshots, and HyperLock write-once-read-many functionality for data integrity. Users can assign storage pools to specific workloads, such as separating SSD-based scratch space from HDD archival volumes. Combined with the new graphical interface and more detailed health monitoring tools, it provides a much more transparent overview of drive temperatures, utilization, and S.M.A.R.T. status. For additional flexibility, the system supports online RAID migration and expansion, meaning users can start small and scale capacity over time without data loss.

Beyond local storage, the device integrates directly with TerraMaster’s CloudSync service, which connects to providers like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Baidu Cloud. Hybrid storage configurations allow partial replication or tiered backup between the NAS and the cloud, offering an extra level of redundancy for professional workflows. External connectivity through USB 3.2 ports also supports direct backups to DAS enclosures or portable drives. Altogether, the F4-425 Plus’s design emphasizes efficient cooling, solid construction, and versatile storage architecture, making it a flexible foundation for both data-heavy projects and long-term digital archiving.

The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS Review – Internal Hardware

Internally, the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus is structured around Intel’s N150 processor, a 4-core, 4-thread CPU from the Twin Lake generation. Built on a 6W TDP architecture, this chip delivers a significant efficiency advantage over the previous N5095-based systems while offering a higher burst clock of up to 3.6 GHz. The CPU integrates Intel UHD Graphics, allowing 4K hardware decoding for H.264, H.265, VC-1, and MPEG-4, which is particularly beneficial for Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin users who want native transcoding without GPU add-ons.

This combination makes the system viable not only as a file server but also as a local multimedia hub, capable of decoding and streaming 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. Despite being a low-power chip, its instruction set includes AES-NI hardware encryption, ensuring efficient data security without notable throughput loss when encryption is enabled.

The system’s memory architecture uses a single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot, populated with a 16GB non-ECC module by default and expandable up to 32GB. The adoption of DDR5 over DDR4 marks a generational improvement in bandwidth and latency, leading to faster multitasking, smoother virtualization performance, and reduced overhead when handling multiple users or services. The memory module is non-ECC but benefits from on-die error correction at the hardware level, offering stability improvements over standard DDR4 implementations. This approach aligns with the unit’s target demographic of small offices, creators, and advanced home users who want server-grade responsiveness without enterprise complexity.

Storage connectivity within the system is distributed between four SATA III 6Gb/s interfaces managed by an ASMedia controller and three PCIe 3.0 x1 lanes dedicated to M.2 NVMe SSDs. This configuration ensures balanced throughput for simultaneous HDD and SSD activity. Internally, the layout is straightforward, providing easy access to both the memory slot and M.2 bays via the removable top panel. The power supply is a single 90W external brick, keeping internal temperatures lower and simplifying maintenance.

Together, the hardware configuration represents a thoughtful balance between efficiency, expandability, and performance, aimed at users who need consistent data access, multimedia capabilities, and reliable long-term operation without excess noise or heat.

The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The TerraMaster F4-425 Plus offers a broad range of connectivity designed to meet both high-speed networking and general expansion needs. On the rear panel, two 5GbE RJ-45 network ports serve as the central performance feature. These are among the first dual 5GbE implementations in a mid-tier NAS, and each port operates through its own dedicated PCIe 3.0 x1 lane, avoiding bandwidth contention. In testing, each port achieved full theoretical throughput, confirming proper lane allocation. Users can enable link aggregation or SMB multichannel for multi-user workloads, although saturating both ports simultaneously requires fast SSD or hybrid storage configurations. These ports support IPv4/IPv6, VLAN tagging, link aggregation, and Wake-on-LAN, making the system suitable for both small office environments and direct workstation connections.

Complementing the network interfaces, the F4-425 Plus includes four USB 3.2 ports: three Type-A and one Type-C, all operating at 10Gbps. These ports can handle external DAS enclosures, UPS devices, or high-capacity backup drives. The inclusion of a front-mounted USB port improves convenience for ad hoc backups or quick file transfers, addressing a long-standing omission in earlier TerraMaster models. Additionally, an HDMI 2.1 output is positioned on the rear, though its practical use remains limited within TOS, which lacks a native display interface. It may, however, prove useful for third-party operating systems such as Unraid or TrueNAS, where direct console access or local media playback is desired.

Overall, the port layout is clean and efficient, optimized for straightforward cable management. The system’s single large fan sits adjacent to the networking array, allowing for effective airflow without excessive cable obstruction. Power is supplied through a standard barrel connector linked to an external 90W adapter, which helps reduce internal heat buildup. Though it lacks built-in 10GbE or PCIe expansion, the dual 5GbE setup provides more than enough bandwidth for its class, especially when paired with NVMe caching. Users can also connect the NAS to TerraMaster’s USB-based DAS units for storage expansion or off-site replication, offering flexibility without compromising portability or noise levels.

The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS Review – Tests, Noise, Heat and Power Consumption

Performance testing on the TerraMaster F4-425 Plus showed that the system comfortably meets its advertised speed class, particularly when networked over a single 5GbE connection. Using four Toshiba MG-series 7200 RPM enterprise hard drives configured in RAID 5, the system achieved full saturation of one 5GbE port during both AJA and ATTO benchmark tests, reaching consistent read and write speeds around 500 to 520 MB/s. When tested with mixed media files totaling 50.5 GB, it completed the transfer in approximately 3 minutes and 45 seconds, equating to an average throughput of about 224 MB/s.

This is a strong result for a mechanical-drive setup, reflecting efficient caching and balanced SATA bandwidth. SMB Multichannel and link aggregation are supported, though the CPU’s available PCIe lanes limit simultaneous dual-port saturation. Even so, the system handles multiple concurrent transfers and backups without a noticeable decline in throughput.

Testing with NVMe SSDs improved overall responsiveness considerably. The three M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots each sustained sequential transfer rates between 800 and 900 MB/s, allowing the NAS to maintain a high level of random IOPS for metadata-heavy workloads. When used as cache devices, these drives accelerated small-file transfers and application access times, especially when paired with the system’s 16GB of DDR5 memory.

TerraMaster’s TOS 6 supports flexible use of these drives, enabling independent storage pools or hybrid cache layers, depending on the task. In sustained transfers over SMB and iSCSI, the system achieved write speeds close to 950 MB/s and reads near 1020 MB/s when using SSD-based arrays, validating the advantage of dual 5GbE interfaces for all-flash or mixed-tier environments.

Power consumption during operation remained modest, aligning with the platform’s efficient design. With no hard drives installed and three SSDs active, idle draw measured around 13.3 watts. Adding four 7200 RPM HDDs increased idle power to 55 watts and full-load consumption to roughly 61–63 watts under concurrent read/write activity. These figures indicate a well-balanced design that prioritizes power efficiency without restricting performance. Fan speed settings affect both thermals and acoustics predictably: in low-speed mode, the NAS operated near 33 dB(A), while mid and high-speed profiles raised that figure to 37 and 39 dB(A) respectively. During heavy disk operations, readings peaked briefly at around 43 dB(A), which is reasonable given the metal chassis and high-RPM drives used in testing.

Thermal results further underscored the system’s stability. Surface readings from the aluminum body remained between 25°C and 27°C on average, while drive bays hovered at 28–30°C after extended workload sessions. The rear fan exhaust area reached approximately 36–38°C under sustained load. The efficient heat dispersion of the chassis prevented thermal throttling during prolonged transfers or virtualization testing, even with all seven storage devices active. This consistent temperature range indicates that TerraMaster’s choice of single-fan cooling and full-metal housing achieves a practical balance between noise, airflow, and longevity.

The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The TerraMaster F4-425 Plus demonstrates how far the company’s mid-range NAS lineup has progressed in terms of hardware refinement and real-world usability. By combining Intel’s efficient N150 processor with 16GB of DDR5 memory, dual 5GbE connectivity, and triple M.2 NVMe slots, it provides a specification normally reserved for higher-priced units. The build quality, centered around a full-metal chassis and quiet cooling design, contributes to consistent thermals and low power usage even under multi-day workloads. While the design omits premium touches like drive locks or redundant fans, the emphasis on practicality and efficient cooling makes it a dependable solution for continuous operation. From a user experience perspective, the integration of TOS 6 represents TerraMaster’s most stable and capable operating system to date, offering improved security features, cloud synchronization tools, snapshot management, and flexible storage configurations that appeal to both home and small office users.

From a value standpoint, the F4-425 Plus stands out as one of the most competitively priced NAS units in its category. At $569.99, or $484.99 during the initial discount period, it delivers strong network and storage performance that aligns closely with rivals from Synology and QNAP while retaining open installation flexibility for third-party platforms such as Unraid or TrueNAS. Its combination of high-speed connectivity, compact design, and mature software environment makes it an appealing option for anyone seeking a 4-bay system capable of multitasking across media streaming, data backup, and light virtualization. Although it cannot fully match the polish of Synology DSM or the plugin ecosystem of QNAP QTS, TerraMaster has successfully positioned this device as a bridge between affordability and professional performance, solidifying its place as one of the more balanced NAS releases of 2025.

Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS
Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster F4 SSD NAS @ $569 ($489.99 till 19th Nov)	Terramaster F4-425 PLUS – $569	B&H for the Terramaster F4-425 plus NAS @ $569.99

Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS PROs

Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS CONs

• Dual 5GbE network ports with full independent bandwidth for high-speed transfers + lots of USB-to-5GbE $30 upgrades in the market now • Three PCIe 3.0 x1 M.2 NVMe slots supporting cache or storage pool configurations • Intel N150 processor with integrated graphics enabling 4K hardware decoding and AES-NI encryption • 16GB DDR5 memory (expandable to 32GB) offering improved bandwidth and multitasking performance • Full-metal chassis with efficient thermals, low noise levels, and minimal vibration • Comprehensive RAID and storage management through TOS 6 with snapshot and HyperLock-WORM protection • Supports Docker, virtual machines, Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin natively within TOS 6 • Competitive pricing with strong value relative to Synology and QNAP alternatives

• Cheaper N150 NAS Systems have arrived earlier in 2025 • 5GbE adoption is low, so only larger 10GbE ready groups (via auto-negotiation) will enjoy the benefits of 5GbE • TOS 6 interface and app ecosystem remain less polished than top-tier NAS platforms

 

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

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

 

Terramaster F4-425 PLUS (and F2-425 PLUS) NAS Coming Soon

The Terramaster F2-425 PLUS (8 GB, priced around US$399) and F4-425 PLUS (16 GB, priced around US$569) represent Terramaster’s latest step forward in its midrange NAS portfolio, arriving near the end of 2025 as a response to the growing competition from brands such as QNAP, Synology, UGREEN, and Asustor. Both models share the same Intel N150 quad-core processor running up to 3.6 GHz, use DDR5 memory, and include multiple M.2 NVMe slots, positioning them well above Terramaster’s previous generation of Celeron-based systems. The F4-425 PLUS is a four-bay platform that expands on the two-bay F2-425 PLUS by offering higher throughput and significantly greater storage flexibility, making it suitable for heavier workloads and multi-user environments. Terramaster appears to have used this release to redefine what can be expected in the $400–$600 NAS tier, especially by including dual 5 GbE network ports, three NVMe SSD slots, and native hardware transcoding for 4K and even 8K content through integrated Intel UHD graphics. Together these systems aim to deliver competitive all-in-one solutions for home and small-office users who require reliable local backup, multimedia streaming, and virtualization support without moving into enterprise-grade pricing.

Note – The Terramaster F4-425 PLUS and F2-425 PLUS NAS have now been launched, and are available to buy HERE for $569 and HERE for $399 (with 15% off as an introductory price till November 21st)

Terramaster F4-425 PLUS & F2-425 PLUS NAS Hardware Specifications

Terramaster’s F2-425 PLUS and F4-425 PLUS NAS units share a unified hardware architecture centered on Intel’s N150 processor, part of the Twin Lake family. This 4-core, 4-thread CPU operates at a base clock of 1.0 GHz and boosts up to 3.6 GHz, with integrated Intel UHD graphics that support hardware acceleration for 4K and 8K video decoding. While the N150 is not a high-power processor by desktop standards, it provides excellent balance between performance and efficiency for NAS workloads such as Plex or Jellyfin media streaming, file indexing, and lightweight virtualization. The use of this chip also aligns Terramaster’s lineup with newer offerings from competitors who have adopted similar architectures in their 2025 models.

The memory configuration has moved to DDR5, marking a notable generational shift from the DDR4 modules used in previous Terramaster systems. The F2-425 PLUS includes 8 GB of DDR5, while the F4-425 PLUS doubles this to 16 GB, both expandable up to 32 GB. DDR5 provides higher bandwidth and reduced latency, which benefits multitasking environments, particularly when running Docker containers, multiple user sessions, or AI-driven indexing services such as local photo recognition. This upgrade positions the new PLUS series closer to the performance levels found in more expensive NAS systems while maintaining efficient power draw and thermal output. In terms of storage capacity, the F4-425 PLUS can house up to four 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives, while the smaller F2-425 PLUS accommodates two. Both models also integrate three M.2 NVMe slots, allowing up to 8 TB per SSD and enabling users to reach a maximum combined capacity of approximately 144 TB in the four-bay model. Terramaster’s hybrid storage design allows these NVMe drives to serve either as a dedicated storage pool or as cache acceleration for HDD volumes, giving users flexibility to prioritize capacity or performance. The inclusion of three M.2 slots is unusual at this price tier and stands out against most two- and four-bay competitors, which typically provide only two.

For network connectivity, Terramaster has equipped both models with dual 5 GbE ports. This configuration effectively doubles the throughput available in the previous 2.5 GbE generation and can deliver an aggregated bandwidth of up to 10 Gbps through link aggregation. Although the lack of a dedicated 10 GbE port might limit direct single-link transfers, the two 5 GbE ports provide redundancy, failover, and multi-user performance advantages. Both models also include a front-mounted USB-C port and rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A connectors for high-speed external backups and peripheral connections, reflecting a refinement in Terramaster’s chassis design compared with earlier models that relied solely on rear ports.

Cooling and chassis design remain consistent with Terramaster’s recent metal-based enclosures, using active fan ventilation with independent drive bay access. The F4-425 PLUS features dual rear fans to maintain airflow across four bays, while the F2-425 PLUS employs a single high-efficiency unit. The new layout provides improved front-to-rear ventilation and easier access to drive trays. Internally, the systems do not include a PCIe expansion slot, which limits the potential for GPU or high-speed NIC upgrades but simplifies internal lane allocation for the CPU’s nine available PCIe lanes. Terramaster appears to have distributed these lanes between the three M.2 interfaces and dual network controllers to maintain balanced throughput across all functions.

 

How the F4-425 PLUS Compares with QNAP TS-464 and Synology DS425+

The QNAP TS-464 is built around the Intel Celeron N5095, a 4-core, 4-thread processor that can boost up to 2.9 GHz, and ships with 8 GB of DDR4 memory. It supports four SATA bays plus M.2 expansion and includes dual 2.5 GbE ports that can be aggregated for improved bandwidth. QNAP’s system benefits from a mature software ecosystem, offering HDMI output, virtualization support, and extensive backup tools. In performance testing, it delivers sequential speeds around 560 MB/s under RAID 5, limited mainly by network bandwidth. Compared with the F4-425 PLUS, the TS-464 offers stronger software flexibility and PCIe expandability, but its networking hardware is slower and it relies on older memory standards.

The Synology DS425+ takes a more conservative hardware route, using the Intel Celeron J4125 with four cores running at 2.0 GHz base and 2.7 GHz burst. It includes 2 GB of DDR4 memory, expandable to 6 GB, and offers one 2.5 GbE port alongside a 1 GbE port. Two M.2 NVMe slots are available but only for cache acceleration, not full storage pools. Sequential throughput typically reaches about 280 MB/s for reads and writes. Against the F4-425 PLUS, Synology’s system trails in memory, raw processing speed, and throughput potential, but maintains an advantage in software polish and long-term reliability through DSM integration.

In side-by-side terms, the F4-425 PLUS aims for a higher performance envelope. Its dual 5 GbE ports deliver aggregate throughput potential far beyond both the QNAP and Synology options, and its DDR5 memory with three M.2 NVMe slots allows flexible caching or tiered storage setups uncommon at this price tier. The trade-off lies in expandability and software maturity, where QNAP’s platform remains more modular and Synology’s DSM ecosystem offers more stability. For users focused on performance-per-dollar, the F4-425 PLUS introduces hardware that surpasses both competitors on paper, though long-term evaluation will depend on software development under TOS 6.

Terramaster TOS 6 Software

The F2-425 PLUS and F4-425 PLUS both ship with TOS 6, Terramaster’s latest operating system that replaces the earlier TOS 5 platform across its new generation of NAS hardware. TOS 6 introduces a redesigned interface with improved responsiveness and a more modular layout intended to reduce latency during multitasking.

It expands Terramaster’s range of built-in applications to include enhanced TRAID and TRAID+ hybrid array configurations, snapshot scheduling, and real-time data synchronization features. Backup utilities such as Duple Backup, Centralized Backup, TerraSync, and CloudSync provide integration across local drives, offsite NAS devices, and major cloud providers. The system also integrates hardware-assisted AES-NI encryption, supporting secure data transmission over 256-bit TLS and optional two-factor authentication. Although its design remains more lightweight than QNAP’s QTS or Synology’s DSM, it is notably faster to load and more accessible to new users.

Beyond core management tools, TOS 6 also incorporates AI-assisted photo management and multimedia indexing designed to run locally rather than relying on external cloud resources. Its facial, object, and scene recognition algorithms operate entirely on the NAS, avoiding external data transfers while maintaining privacy for personal collections. The OS additionally supports Docker and VirtualBox, enabling light virtualization tasks or deployment of third-party services without command-line setup.

Multimedia servers such as Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin can use Intel’s integrated graphics for hardware decoding, improving playback efficiency in 4K and 8K environments. While TOS 6 still trails mature ecosystems in app diversity, it delivers steady progress toward matching more established competitors, particularly for backup, synchronization, and AI-driven photo organization.

Verdict? The New4-Bay NAS Score to Beat?

The Terramaster F2-425 PLUS and F4-425 PLUS introduce a considerable upgrade to the company’s mid-tier NAS range, setting new expectations for what users can expect at the $400–$600 level. Both models adopt the Intel N150 processor, DDR5 memory, and dual 5 GbE networking, bringing performance that previously required higher-priced hardware. The F4-425 PLUS, in particular, combines four SATA bays with three M.2 NVMe slots, creating one of the most storage-flexible designs in its category. This configuration makes it a practical option for users who require hybrid pools or tiered caching but prefer to remain within consumer-level power and cost limits. Terramaster’s decision to include high-speed networking and DDR5 support at this price point demonstrates an emphasis on raw throughput and bandwidth efficiency, although it comes at the expense of PCIe expandability. From a broader market perspective, the F4-425 PLUS positions Terramaster competitively against alternatives from QNAP and Synology, trading ecosystem maturity for stronger base hardware. TOS 6 continues to evolve, offering usable AI-based media tools, secure backup systems, and local synchronization features. The platform still lacks some advanced management functions and third-party integrations seen in more established ecosystems, yet it now provides sufficient stability and depth for both professional and enthusiast users. Overall, the F4-425 PLUS presents an incremental but strategically significant advancement in Terramaster’s NAS design philosophy, marking a shift toward higher efficiency and versatility within its compact, consumer-oriented systems.

Terramaster F4-425 PLUS NAS – $569 (15% OFF at Launch till 19th Nov)	Terramaster F2-425 PLUS NAS – $399 (15% OFF at Launch till 19th Nov)

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

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

 

QNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAS Coming Soon for Home and SMB Users

QNAP has officially launched the QuX05 series in the Eastern market, introducing three new desktop NAS systems: the Qu405 (4-bay), Qu605 (6-bay), and Qu805 (8-bay). Designed to refresh QNAP’s mid-range portfolio, these models target home users seeking centralised storage, creative professionals handling large-scale multimedia, and small to medium-sized businesses in need of reliable file servers with room to grow. Hardware configurations are offered in two processor options, with the Intel Core 3 N355 eight-core chip running up to 3.9 GHz for higher performance workloads, and the Intel N150 quad-core option at up to 3.6 GHz for cost-conscious deployments. All units adopt DDR5 memory, available in 8 GB or 16 GB SKUs, with support capped at 16 GB via a single slot, which while modest, still provides a step up in bandwidth over DDR4 used in older NAS systems. Storage capacity scales with the number of bays, from four in the Qu405 to eight in the Qu805, and each model also includes two M.2 PCIe Gen3 slots that can be assigned for cache acceleration or used as part of the storage pool. Connectivity has been modernised with dual 2.5GbE ports supporting SMB Multichannel and Port Trunking, USB 3.2 Gen2 across Type-A and Type-C, and a dedicated HDMI output capable of 4K60 playback or VM projection, ensuring these systems can function as both storage appliances and multimedia platforms.

The QuX05 series also benefits from QNAP’s dual operating system approach, allowing users to deploy either the established QTS software environment or the QuTS hero ZFS-based platform for improved data protection, inline deduplication, and snapshot functionality. Integrated AI-powered tools such as QuMagie for photo organisation, Qsirch for semantic search, and Qfiling for automated archiving further extend the usability of the series, making it suitable for both consumer and business applications. The timing of this release is notable, as QNAP’s TS-x64 and TS-x53E systems, including the TS-264, TS-464, and TS-664, are now over three years old, and while still supported, they increasingly feel dated in comparison to more recent offerings. At the same time, competition has intensified with new entrants such as UGREEN, Minisforum and Aoostar, which has gained traction in the NAS sector with aggressive pricing and updated hardware designs, underlining the demand for innovation. Against this backdrop, the Qu405, Qu605, and Qu805 arrive as QNAP’s latest response, bringing updated architecture, refined airflow and thermal design, modernised connectivity, and versatile system features to a market that is both more competitive and more demanding than before.

QNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAS Hardware Specifications

The Qu405, Qu605, and Qu805 are built around the latest Intel processors, with each model available in two distinct variants. The high-performance option uses the Intel Core 3 N355, an eight-core processor with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz, paired with Intel UHD Graphics supporting 32 execution units. This CPU is part of Intel’s Twin Lake platform and offers a modest set of PCIe Gen3 lanes, sufficient for supporting dual 2.5GbE controllers, two M.2 NVMe slots, and other onboard I/O. The Lite models, intended for users with lighter requirements or stricter budgets, adopt the Intel N150 quad-core processor running at up to 3.6 GHz, paired with a reduced integrated graphics configuration and fewer available PCIe lanes overall. Both CPU options support AES-NI hardware-accelerated encryption, ensuring data security is handled with minimal performance impact, while the choice between N355 and N150 provides a balance between performance scaling and affordability across the QuX05 range.

Memory is standardised across the series, with all three devices supporting DDR5 SODIMM modules operating at up to 4800 MHz. SKUs are available with either 8 GB or 16 GB preinstalled, and although only a single memory slot is provided, limiting maximum capacity to 16 GB, the use of DDR5 brings notable improvements in throughput and responsiveness compared to the DDR4 used in older generations. The memory arrangement also highlights the target audience of the QuX05 series: home and SMB users who need fast but manageable workloads rather than large-scale enterprise deployments that require extensive memory pools. The systems also include 8 GB of onboard eMMC NAND for essential system functions, ensuring that firmware and OS-level features remain responsive even during heavy storage activity. Unlike some higher-end SMB-focused NAS devices, there is no dedicated PCIe expansion slot for upgrades such as 10GbE, HBAs, or GPU cards. This omission is likely linked to the reduced lane count of the N150 and N355 processors, which restricts available bandwidth for add-in cards. Instead, QNAP has chosen to distribute available lanes across built-in features such as dual 2.5GbE ports and dual NVMe slots, a trade-off that prioritises out-of-the-box functionality over modular expansion.

Storage options are one of the main areas where the QuX05 series differentiates itself by bay count. The Qu405 provides four 3.5-inch SATA bays, the Qu605 six, and the Qu805 eight, with each also capable of accommodating 2.5-inch SATA SSDs for flexible configurations. All bays support hot-swapping, allowing drives to be replaced without shutting down the system. Alongside the main drive bays, every model includes two M.2 2280 NVMe slots running at PCIe Gen3 x1. While not offering the bandwidth of Gen3 x4 or Gen4, these slots are sufficient for cache acceleration or tiered storage, with QNAP’s Qtier software automatically balancing frequently accessed files between SSDs and hard drives. This approach provides both capacity and performance, especially for environments that mix multimedia storage with frequent small file access.

Connectivity is consistent across all three models. Networking is based on dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, supporting link aggregation for bandwidth scaling and redundancy as well as SMB Multichannel for improved multi-session performance. Local I/O includes two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports at the rear, a front-facing USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port with one-touch copy, and HDMI output capable of 4K at 60 Hz. Most SKUs list HDMI 2.1, while some Lite versions list HDMI 2.0, so capabilities vary depending on configuration. Power requirements scale with chassis size, from a 96 W adapter for the Qu405, to 120 W for the Qu605, and 150 W for the Qu805, with reported average consumption under full drive load measured at approximately 63 W, 84 W, and 103 W respectively. Additional features include system buzzers for hardware alerts, Kensington lock slots for physical security, and redesigned airflow systems that improve cooling efficiency compared to older QNAP mid-range hardware. Together, these specifications establish the QuX05 series as a modernised platform that balances capacity, performance, and power efficiency across three scalable sizes.

Comparison Between the QuX05 Series and TS-x64 & TS-x53E Series

The arrival of the QuX05 range marks a generational update in QNAP’s mid-tier NAS catalog, directly inviting comparison with the company’s established TS-x64 series (TS-264, TS-464, TS-664) and the TS-x53E line (TS-253E, TS-453E). While the older models remain capable and still receive firmware updates, they are now over three years old and show their age in several areas. The TS-x64 units rely on Intel Celeron N5095/N5105 processors, DDR4 memory, and single 1GbE networking as standard, with expansion slots required for faster networking or NVMe storage. The TS-x53E series, launched in 2022, provided an alternative path with dual 2.5GbE ports and built-in M.2 NVMe slots, though they were capped at DDR4 memory and lacked PCIe upgrade slots, restricting long-term flexibility. In contrast, the QuX05 systems use Intel’s newer N355 and N150 processors, move to DDR5 memory, and integrate features such as dual 2.5GbE, NVMe SSD caching, and HDMI 4K output directly into the base platform, reducing the reliance on add-in cards or optional upgrades.

 

Another major distinction lies in how QNAP has approached expandability. The TS-x64 devices maintain a traditional PCIe slot for upgrades such as 10GbE networking or storage accelerators, something absent from both the QuX05 and TS-x53E series. In the QuX05 range, the limited PCIe lanes of the chosen Intel processors have been redistributed to provide onboard dual NVMe slots and dual 2.5GbE networking, effectively prioritising out-of-the-box functionality over modular expansion. For many home users and SMBs, this built-in approach is practical, but for environments needing high-speed networking or specialised PCIe hardware, the TS-x64 remains more adaptable. Overall, the QuX05 line represents QNAP’s attempt to modernise its mainstream desktop NAS range by integrating features previously seen only in higher-end or expansion-reliant models, offering a balance of performance, efficiency, and simplified setup against the backdrop of older but more expandable TS systems.

QNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAS

Early reports from Eastern markets suggest that QNAP intends to position the QuX05 series at a highly competitive level, targeting the same price bracket traditionally occupied by mid-range consumer and SMB NAS devices. Instead of focusing on premium pricing, QNAP appears to be bundling enterprise-class features such as DDR5 memory, dual 2.5GbE connectivity, and built-in NVMe caching into systems expected to fall within the reach of prosumers and small studios. This approach contrasts with past strategies where certain features were locked behind higher-end models or optional expansion cards. The Qu405 and Qu605 are anticipated to scale more affordably due to their lower bay counts, while the Qu805 represents the higher-capacity option. All systems ship with QNAP’s standard two-year warranty, with the option to extend coverage to five years, which remains an important consideration for business users seeking predictable long-term support. Early indications also point to launch bundles or promotional packages, including potential accessories or service benefits, underlining QNAP’s intention to add value in a market that has become crowded with alternatives from newer NAS vendors.

In terms of release timing, the Qu405, Qu605, and Qu805 have already been introduced to the Eastern region, with wider international distribution expected before the close of 2025. Based on QNAP’s established release cycle, this typically means North American and European availability will follow within one or two months of the initial rollout. The timing reflects both market demand and competitive pressure, as the TS-x64 and TS-x53E families are now over three years old, and users have been increasingly vocal about the need for refreshed hardware. With rival solutions from UGREEN, Asustor, and other consumer-oriented NAS makers gaining attention, QNAP’s scheduling suggests an urgency to reassert its role in the mainstream NAS segment. The QuX05 series therefore not only modernises QNAP’s desktop lineup but also aims to arrive quickly enough to counter competing releases, ensuring it remains a viable choice for prosumers, creative teams, and small business deployments into 2026 and beyond.

Feature / Model	QuX05 Series (Qu405 / Qu605 / Qu805)	TS-x64 Series (TS-264 / TS-464 / TS-664)	TS-x53E Series (TS-253E / TS-453E)
Check Amazon
Check AliExpress
Check B&H

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

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

 

 

GMKTec G9 NAS (New Improved Cooling Version) Review

Important – My original review of the GMKTec G9 NAS in it’s original design can be found HERE on YouTube and HERE on the NASCompares blog.

The GMKTec G9 NucBox NAS has re-emerged in mid-2025 with a revised cooling design, following a wave of thermal criticism directed at the original release earlier in the year. Still marketed as an SSD-only NAS aimed at home and small office environments, the G9 maintains its core identity—a compact enclosure powered by Intel’s N150 quad-core processor, soldered LPDDR5 memory, and four M.2 NVMe SSD bays. The G9’s primary appeal continues to be its affordability, silent operation, and dual-use flexibility as both a NAS and lightweight desktop system, thanks to the inclusion of Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu out of the box. However, early buyers and reviewers, including this channel, highlighted persistent thermal issues affecting SSD performance and overall system reliability under load, leading to thermal throttling even during idle states in warmer environments.

In response, GMKTec has issued an updated version of the G9 that retains the same form factor, internal hardware, and I/O but incorporates enhanced passive ventilation on the side and top panels. Though subtle at first glance, these structural changes are designed to improve airflow over the CPU and SSD compartments without increasing noise levels or power draw. In this updated review, we will revisit all aspects of the G9’s design, connectivity, and system behaviour under continuous load, while highlighting what exactly has changed and what remains untouched. The new G9 model introduces targeted thermal improvements, but beyond ventilation, it leaves the original architecture and feature set entirely intact.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The improved GMKTec G9 NAS represents a targeted refinement rather than a full redesign, addressing the primary weakness of the original model: inadequate thermal performance. The updated version introduces enlarged ventilation cutouts on the top panel above the CPU fan and replaces the pinhole rear exhaust with a wider mesh, leading to measurable but modest reductions in system temperatures. In 48-hour test scenarios using UnRAID with hourly backup tasks, SSDs without heatsinks in the original unit reached idle temperatures of 66–67°C, while the revised model brought this down to 56–57°C. CPU vent temperatures similarly dropped from 54–56°C to 50–52°C, and rear I/O areas cooled by 5–7°C. These improvements enhance stability during sustained I/O activity but do not eliminate the need for additional SSD cooling—particularly in environments where ambient heat or multi-user access is expected. Internally, the hardware remains unchanged: Intel N150 CPU, 12GB of non-upgradable LPDDR5 memory, four PCIe Gen 3 x2 M.2 NVMe bays, and dual 2.5GbE ports, with storage and network throughput consistent with entry-level expectations. Power consumption remains efficient (19–30W), and noise levels stay low at under 40dB, making it suitable for always-on deployment. However, the continued use of a plastic chassis and base panel still limits effective heat dissipation, and the absence of thermal sensors or fan curve controls further limits its thermal adaptability. Compared to the Xyber Hydra—featuring a metal base, better SSD thermal contact, and 16GB RAM—the G9 now performs better than before but still falls short of what its hardware could achieve with more thoughtful engineering. For users willing to invest in SSD heatsinks and mindful of its limitations, the G9 is now a reasonably balanced entry NAS, though not the strongest performer in its tier.

Where to Buy? GMKtec G9 $199 Model : HERE on AliExpress GMKtec NucBox G9 12+1TB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 0TB, 1TB adn 2TB Model, Starting at $173 : HERE on AliExpress GMKtec G9 12+512GB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 12+2TB Model : HERE on Amazon

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Design and Storage

The GMKTec G9 continues to use a compact, matte-black plastic chassis that is closer in design to a mini PC enclosure than a traditional NAS. The vertical design conserves desk space, and the front-facing panel remains clean and understated, with no visible drive trays or status indicators beyond the power button and basic branding. As with the original model, the chassis sacrifices the durability and thermal advantages of metal in favour of a lightweight, cost-efficient build. This makes the device appealing for users with space constraints, but it also signals the system’s budget positioning. The plastic enclosure, while solid enough for day-to-day use, is not especially resistant to heat buildup during sustained I/O operations, which remains one of its most persistent limitations.

Internally, the system supports four M.2 NVMe SSDs, each connected via PCIe Gen 3 x2 lanes. This setup allows up to 32TB of total SSD storage, assuming the use of high-capacity 8TB NVMe drives. The use of SSDs rather than traditional 2.5″ or 3.5″ hard drives enables near-silent operation, faster access times, and lower power consumption. However, SSD-only NAS designs like this one typically require better airflow and heatsinking to mitigate thermal throttling—especially during RAID operations or when used as a media server with multiple concurrent reads and writes. The G9 supports basic RAID via third-party NAS OSs, but due to PCIe lane limitations and lack of onboard RAID management, advanced configurations will rely entirely on software.

One of the primary complaints in the original model was the absence of SSD heatsinks and the system’s poor natural heat dissipation. While pre-built units from GMKTec occasionally shipped with low-profile aluminum heatsinks, user-added drives often ran hot, especially under sustained write loads. The M.2 slots sit stacked vertically inside a cramped compartment behind the lower rear panel, and when combined with a sealed plastic baseplate, heat quickly accumulates. This design still persists in the new version, and although airflow has been improved through the external vents, the interior thermal behaviour remains heavily dependent on user-supplied heatsinks and ambient cooling conditions. Users deploying high-endurance SSDs or running frequent write-intensive tasks will need to factor this into their thermal strategy.

The internal layout is efficient but fixed. There are no modular trays or hot-swap capabilities for the SSDs, and all upgrades must be performed by opening the device. Memory is soldered and therefore non-upgradable, and while there’s internal eMMC storage used for the pre-installed OS, most users will opt to install TrueNAS, UnRAID, or OpenMediaVault onto one of the NVMe drives for full NAS functionality. The passive cooling approach is unchanged in its core design: two internal fans (one for CPU, one system) move air through the case, but without direct thermal contact to the SSDs or a conductive enclosure material, this airflow has limited reach. Placement of the unit in a well-ventilated space remains essential.

The only real physical design changes in the new version are to the external ventilation panels. GMKTec has replaced the original pinhole-style vent on the rear side with a wider mesh grille, which now spans a greater portion of the side panel. Additionally, the top panel has been revised to include a broader cutout directly above the CPU fan, allowing a clearer exhaust path for rising hot air. However, the plastic base and internal heat chamber structure remain unchanged, meaning SSD temperatures are still a potential concern—especially without aftermarket cooling. The updated G9 retains the same core storage architecture as the original, but introduces modest improvements to airflow via enhanced external ventilation.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Internal Hardware

At the center of the GMKTec G9 is the Intel N150 processor, a quad-core, four-thread CPU built on the 10nm Twice Lake architecture. Designed for ultra-efficient computing, it operates at a modest 6W TDP, making it ideal for passive or semi-passive cooling environments like compact NAS systems. The N150 runs at a 1.0GHz base frequency and boosts up to 3.6GHz under load, delivering just enough headroom for tasks like SMB/NFS sharing, low-volume web hosting, and basic media playback. Its integrated Intel UHD Graphics support up to 4K at 60Hz output via HDMI or USB-C DisplayPort alt mode, though without hardware acceleration for modern codecs like AV1, its suitability for on-the-fly transcoding is limited. The CPU also lacks advanced server-grade features like ECC memory support, SR-IOV, or high-bandwidth PCIe 4.0 lanes, which reflects its role in cost-conscious, entry-level applications.

The onboard 12GB of LPDDR5-4800 memory is soldered and cannot be replaced or upgraded, a design choice that simplifies manufacturing and keeps costs down but limits versatility in heavier multitasking scenarios. In practice, the memory is sufficient for running one or two lightweight NAS services alongside file sharing, or even a basic Docker container or two, but its soldered configuration leaves no room for future expansion. Notably, the memory is dual-channel, which does help offset some performance constraints—especially in scenarios where the integrated graphics or CPU requires memory bandwidth access. While most users won’t hit the ceiling of 12GB under standard NAS tasks, advanced setups involving active sync with cloud platforms, large-scale Plex libraries, or multiple concurrent rsync/FTP sessions could find the limitation restrictive. Also, unlike some similarly priced competitors, there’s no accessible BIOS option to reserve RAM for cache acceleration, which could have improved responsiveness under heavier I/O loads.

In terms of storage hardware, the G9 offers four M.2 NVMe slots with PCIe Gen 3 x2 interfaces, a configuration that supports up to 32TB of total storage using current consumer-grade drives. Each slot is keyed for M-Key NVMe SSDs and arranged vertically inside the enclosure, though installation requires unscrewing the rear panel and working within the confined internal cavity. The system’s internal PCIe lane distribution is handled through multiple ASMedia ASM1182e switch chips, which divide the CPU’s limited PCIe bandwidth across all four NVMe slots and the dual 2.5GbE interfaces. While the Gen 3 x2 interface is technically capable of 2GB/s per slot, real-world speeds are often lower during concurrent access due to the shared architecture.

This design also limits SSD passthrough capabilities in virtualized environments, and users aiming for high-speed SSD RAID configurations (RAID 5 or 10, for example) may encounter inconsistent write speeds. Additionally, there is no hardware-level thermal throttling safeguard tied to fan curves or SSD temperature sensors, so thermal build-up under load could directly affect sustained throughput unless active cooling measures are installed. The internal hardware of the improved GMKTec G9 remains completely unchanged from the original release—no CPU, RAM, SSD slot layout, or controller chip has been altered in the updated version.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The GMKTec G9 offers a well-rounded I/O configuration that reflects its hybrid role as both a compact NAS and lightweight desktop appliance. It features two 2.5GbE LAN ports, both of which are directly linked to the CPU via PCIe lanes and can be configured for link aggregation, failover, or isolated network segments. In real-world testing, these ports easily saturate their 312MB/s bandwidth under SMB and iSCSI workloads, making the G9 more capable than traditional Gigabit NAS units. The absence of 10GbE is notable, especially for users planning to deploy NVMe RAID arrays or work in content-heavy environments, but at this price point and power envelope, dual 2.5GbE is still a competitive offering. Notably, both NICs support Wake-on-LAN (WoL), making the system convenient for remote access or low-power automation setups.

For peripheral and expansion support, the G9 includes three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports and a single USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, each capable of 10Gbps data transfer. The USB-C port also supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, allowing it to function as an additional video output alongside the two HDMI 2.0 ports on the rear panel. These HDMI ports support 4K resolution at 60Hz and are positioned for users who may wish to operate the G9 as a silent desktop system or a local media playback device via Kodi, Jellyfin, or Plex. However, the G9 does not include USB 4.0, Thunderbolt, or PCIe expandability, limiting options for future upgrades such as external GPUs, additional NICs, or DAS enclosures. In testing, connected peripherals such as USB drives and webcams were recognized instantly under Ubuntu and Windows, confirming basic plug-and-play compatibility.

Power delivery is handled via USB-C PD input, using a 65W external power brick that ships with the unit. Uniquely, the updated G9 introduces a small but notable change: dual USB-C power input points, allowing users to select which side of the device receives the power cable. This change doesn’t increase power capacity or enable redundancy, but it can improve cable management depending on the G9’s orientation on a desk or shelf. However, using one of the USB-C ports for power inherently sacrifices a high-speed data port—an unfortunate trade-off given the unit’s lack of PCIe or expansion bays. No dedicated power switch is present; the unit powers on via the front button or Wake-on-LAN and remains always-on unless shut down via software or OS-level scripts. Compared with the original G9, the only change to I/O is the addition of the second USB-C power input for layout flexibility—otherwise, all ports, speeds, and layout remain the same.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Tests and Performance

In synthetic and real-world benchmarks, the GMKTec G9 delivers the level of performance expected from an Intel N150 system with PCIe Gen 3 x2 storage. Read speeds per drive peaked around 1.4–1.5GB/s, aligning well with the theoretical limit of the x2 interface. Write speeds were notably more volatile, ranging between 400–600MB/s depending on SSD type, ambient temperature, and active processes. These numbers, while adequate for file serving, backups, and Docker apps, showed clear limitations when the system was pushed into simultaneous multi-disk writes or parity-based RAID configurations. The presence of ASMedia ASM1182e PCIe switches likely contributes to this variance, as downstream PCIe allocation under pressure introduces contention among the SSD lanes. In typical NAS tasks like SMB and NFS file transfers, however, performance remained consistent and stable, particularly when network activity was confined to single-user access or sequential transfers.

Thermal behaviour is where the most scrutiny falls, given the G9’s original design flaws. Under a controlled 48-hour test using UnRAID with scheduled hourly backups and mixed-use read/write activity, the older G9 unit routinely idled at 54–56°C, with peaks of 66–67°C on SSDs lacking heatsinks.

The improved model saw modest thermal gains, with idle temps reduced to 50–52°C at the CPU vent and around 56–57°C on the SSD layer. Some of this improvement came from the revised ventilation—namely the expanded top-panel fan cutout and rear-side mesh panel—yet the base remained the same thermally isolated plastic panel, and internal fan hardware remained unchanged.

Notably, temperatures around the rear I/O ports dropped by 5–7°C between versions, suggesting that airflow efficiency around the motherboard has improved even if core thermal load remains a challenge.

In terms of noise and power, the G9 performs admirably. Even under load, fan noise remained below 40dB, with idle operation being nearly silent. Power consumption remained within the expected range—19–21W idle and up to 30W under continuous activity—even during the 48-hour write test.

BIOS-level tuning is possible and can slightly reduce power draw or adjust fan thresholds, but no advanced power scaling or fan curve customization is exposed via software in stock OS images. More demanding operating systems like TrueNAS Scale ran stably on the G9 but did little to mitigate thermal behaviour, reinforcing the importance of user-added SSD heatsinks regardless of OS.

The lack of thermal sensors per SSD slot or fan feedback control means sustained operations should be closely monitored in hotter climates or enclosed environments.

Nowhere is the conversation about thermal and hardware design more relevant than in comparison to the Xyber Hydra, a near-identical system that appears to share much of its component sourcing with the G9—right down to the GMK-branded fans. The Hydra ships with 16GB of DDR5 memory, a metal base panel, and most notably, a thermal pad that bridges SSDs to the metal shell, allowing for actual heat transfer rather than passive convection. In direct tests, the Hydra consistently posted 5–10°C lower SSD temps under identical workload, with idle SSDs (no heatsinks) registering around 47–49°C versus 56–57°C in the improved G9.

Though the Hydra lacks branding clarity around its manufacturer, the design appears to be what the G9 should have evolved into: same layout and CPU, but better thermals, more memory, and more thought put into SSD dissipation. In conclusion, while the improved GMKTec G9 offers better thermals than its predecessor, the Xyber Hydra outperforms both G9 variants in every thermal category, making it the superior choice if cooling and memory capacity are priorities.

GMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The GMKTec G9, in its improved form, shows that the brand has listened—albeit cautiously—to thermal concerns raised by users and reviewers of the original model. The changes introduced in this updated version are minimal but measurable: better ventilation on the top panel and side mesh grille allow modest airflow gains, which result in lower surface and SSD temperatures across the board. Yet, GMKTec has stopped short of making any internal or structural upgrades that would more directly resolve thermal issues, such as introducing a metal baseplate, bundling SSD heatsinks, or adjusting the system’s internal fan architecture. All other hardware elements—CPU, memory, SSD configuration, I/O, BIOS, and software readiness—remain identical. As a result, while the device performs better in heat dissipation than before, it does so by a margin that may not justify an upgrade for existing G9 users. First-time buyers, however, may find it to be a safer choice now—particularly when paired with aftermarket heatsinks and used in moderate workloads.

However, the presence of the Xyber Hydra in the same price bracket poses a critical challenge to the G9’s value proposition. Offering the same N150 CPU, more memory, and a far superior thermal design with an integrated metal heat-spreading base, the Hydra addresses nearly every lingering complaint about the G9 without altering the system’s core layout. For prospective buyers deciding between the two, the G9’s only advantages now lie in its wider availability, slightly more recognizable branding, and marginally more mature firmware support. If those factors matter less than thermal reliability, long-term SSD health, and RAM headroom, then the Hydra is the more complete solution. Ultimately, the improved GMKTec G9 is a more stable and better-performing version of its former self, but its restrained upgrades feel like a missed opportunity in a market where near-clones have already moved ahead in meaningful ways.

Where to Buy? GMKtec G9 $199 Model : HERE on AliExpress GMKtec NucBox G9 12+1TB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 0TB, 1TB adn 2TB Model, Starting at $173 : HERE on AliExpress GMKtec G9 12+512GB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 12+2TB Model : HERE on Amazon

PROs of the GMKTec G9 NAS

CONs of the GMKTec G9 NAS

Affordable price point for a 4-bay NVMe NAS with dual 2.5GbE (typically under $200). Support for up to 32TB of SSD storage across four M.2 NVMe slots. Low power consumption (19W idle, ~30W under load) suitable for 24/7 operation. Improved passive airflow design compared to the original model (lower overall temps). Dual USB-C power input options for flexible cable management. Silent operation, even during sustained activity (under 40dB). Pre-installed OS (Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu) allows for flexible initial use. Compact, space-saving enclosure ideal for desktop setups or constrained environments.

Cooling Improvements are relatively small and No bundled SSD heatsinks, making thermal throttling likely without aftermarket cooling. Non-upgradable 12GB LPDDR5 RAM limits scalability for heavier workloads. Plastic chassis and base panel still hinder full thermal dissipation from SSDs. The Introduction of other NAS such as the Beelink ME Mini and Xyber Hydra has provided appealing alternatives to this device right now

 

 

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

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

 

Xyber Hydra NAS Review

Note – there is going to be ALOT of comparisons with the GMKtec G9 Nucbox NAS in this review. This is because the Hydra is clearly either built in partnership with GMKtec, or at least using branded components from the same factory (see example below). Likewise given this system’s similarity to the G9 and attempts to improve upon the heat criticisms of that device, it is inevitable that comparisons need to be made. If you want to learn more on it, find out more HERE and HERE .

The Xyber Hydra N150 NAS is a compact, four-bay, flash-focused network storage appliance designed for home users, small-scale media servers, and lightweight virtualization or container workloads. It is powered by the Intel Twin Lake N150 processor, a quad-core, low-power x86 CPU with a 6W TDP, making it energy-efficient while still capable of handling NAS-centric tasks like 4K media playback and multi-client file sharing. The Hydra comes equipped with 16GB of fixed LPDDR5 memory, which is soldered directly to the mainboard, offering slightly more headroom than comparable systems like the GMKtec G9, which ships with 12GB. Out of the box, it includes a 64GB eMMC module with Ubuntu OS pre-installed and ready to boot, enabling first-time users to deploy it with minimal setup. At an introductory price of $218.99, it is one of the more affordable quad-core NAS units in its category, and it even arrives with a 512GB M.2 SSD pre-installed in one of its four PCIe Gen 3×2 slots, saving buyers the immediate cost of adding their own storage.

Although visually and structurally similar to the GMKtec G9, with identical port layouts, vent positions, and internal fans — even down to the GMK-branded fans noted during inspection — the Hydra differentiates itself with a more robust passive cooling solution, a thicker, heat-dissipating metal baseplate, and wireless connectivity that supports UnRAID out of the box. These small but meaningful changes target some of the criticisms of its predecessor while maintaining the same compact form factor and low power consumption, which are critical in a shared home or office environment.

Xyber Hydra NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The Xyber Hydra N150 NAS positions itself as a compact, affordable, and feature-complete flash-based NAS for home and small office users who prioritize a balance of cost, usability, and functionality. Compared to similarly specced models like the GMKtec G9, the Hydra delivers several notable improvements, including a thicker metal base plate that provides superior passive cooling for the M.2 SSDs and overall system stability under load. The inclusion of 16GB of fixed LPDDR5 memory — higher than many competitors in this category — combined with a preinstalled 64GB eMMC module running Ubuntu and an additional 512GB NVMe SSD in Bay 1 means the device is immediately operational out of the box, requiring no initial storage or OS setup for those who prefer simplicity. The four M.2 NVMe bays each operate at PCIe Gen3 x2, and the system’s dual 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation, HDMI outputs, and Wi-Fi 6 support add flexibility for wired and wireless deployments. During testing, the device handled sustained read and write loads respectably, although full bandwidth potential is naturally limited by the Intel N150 CPU and the available PCIe lanes, which is expected at this price point. The soldered memory and non-upgradable RAM limit future scalability, and the cooling fans require manual adjustment in the BIOS to achieve optimal thermal dissipation during intensive workloads, but neither of these compromises is unusual in this segment. Overall, at its introductory price of $218.99, the Xyber Hydra provides a solid combination of improved thermals, ready-to-use OS and storage, and efficient flash performance in a small, quiet, and energy-efficient chassis — making it a practical choice for users who want a capable NAS solution without the complexities and cost of larger, enterprise-class systems.

Where to Buy? How Much? GMKtec NucBox G9 12+1TB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 12+512GB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 12+2TB Model : HERE on Amazon

---

Xyber Hydra NAS Review – Design and Storage

The Xyber Hydra N150 follows a minimalistic and highly compact design philosophy, measuring roughly 100mm square and slightly taller than most mini-PC NAS chassis to accommodate the four vertically-mounted M.2 SSD bays. It shares its external dimensions and general visual design with the GMKtec G9, including the placement of dual fans on the underside and venting around the periphery. However, unlike the G9, which uses a plastic bottom panel that does little to aid thermal dissipation, the Hydra replaces this with a solid, vented metal plate that doubles as a passive heat sink for the M.2 drives.

Internally, each M.2 bay is aligned with a pre-applied thermal pad that contacts directly with the thicker metal plate, promoting more even heat spread and helping to avoid the localized hot spots that were reported in earlier reviews of the G9.

The result is a chassis that retains the same small footprint and quiet operation while making better use of its passive cooling surfaces, critical in a flash-based NAS where SSD thermal throttling can become a bottleneck. The overall construction remains lightweight yet rigid, with the entire enclosure built around a metal alloy frame finished with a matte black exterior that resists fingerprints and blends well into modern home or office environments.

On the storage side, the Hydra offers four M.2 2280 NVMe slots, each rated for PCIe Gen 3×2 speeds — a slight but notable advantage over many competitors still using Gen 3×1 lanes per slot.

This configuration allows for theoretical single-drive bandwidths approaching 2GB/s, with practical performance in the range of 1.4–1.5GB/s reads and 1.1GB/s writes as observed in testing.

The system arrives preconfigured with a single 512GB NVMe SSD installed in Bay 1, providing an immediate usable pool of storage alongside the 64GB eMMC that hosts Ubuntu.

Importantly, the eMMC storage is mounted separately, leaving all four M.2 slots fully available for user expansion.

The choice of M.2 storage allows for dense, silent operation with lower power draw than traditional 3.5” or 2.5” drives, but it does limit hot-swapping and requires opening the chassis for upgrades or replacements — a trade-off typical of devices at this size and price point.

Additionally, the Hydra supports popular NAS operating systems beyond the preloaded Ubuntu, such as UnRAID and TrueNAS, which take full advantage of the NVMe-based array and facilitate different RAID configurations. One critical area of focus in the Hydra’s design is the improved thermal management compared to the G9. Temperature testing revealed clear improvements under both idle and sustained load conditions.

AS A REMINDER – THE TEMPS BELOW ARE FROM THE GMKTEC G9:

At idle, with the fans in automatic mode, the surrounding chassis temperature stabilized around 52–54°C, and the baseplate measured approximately 50–52°C after a 24-hour period of light access — respectable figures given the compact enclosure. Under heavier workloads, where all four SSDs were simultaneously subjected to repeated write tests, the baseplate peaked at 62°C with the CPU hitting full utilization. While this level of heat is not unusual for a fully-loaded NVMe NAS, the system took a long time — nearly five hours — to dissipate that heat and return to sub-50°C base temperatures when the fans remained in automatic mode. Switching to manual fan control in the BIOS and setting both fans to maximum brought the temperature down much more quickly, keeping the chassis in the mid-40°C range even under sustained load, albeit at the cost of increased noise and marginally higher power draw.

AND HERE ARE THE TEMPS OF THE XYBER HYDRA NAS FOR COMPARISON:

The improved thermal contact via the thicker metal plate and better thermal pads clearly mitigates some of the thermal throttling concerns seen in earlier systems with less effective heat spreaders.

AND HERE ARE THE TEMPS OF THE XYBER HYDRA NAS FOR COMPARISON:

Power consumption and noise measurements during testing demonstrated the efficiency of the Twin Lake platform. In an idle state with the system fully populated with four NVMe drives and minimal CPU activity (4–6% utilization), power draw stayed at a modest 15.6–15.7 watts. During full-load scenarios, including simultaneous writes to all four SSDs and 100% CPU utilization with fans at maximum, peak power consumption rose to around 26–27 watts.

These figures are reasonable for a small-form-factor NAS and illustrate the platform’s balance of performance and efficiency. Acoustic levels were similarly modest: at idle with fans on automatic, noise levels measured between 30–32 dBA, increasing to 37–38 dBA when the fans were manually set to maximum in the BIOS. This makes the system viable for use in environments where low noise is desirable, without sacrificing much in the way of cooling when needed.

Another noteworthy design element is the inclusion of a Wi-Fi 6 module with two antennas, offering wireless connectivity that is now supported by UnRAID. The wireless module sits beneath the eMMC module and is connected internally without consuming any of the four NVMe slots. This makes it possible to deploy the Hydra wirelessly, adding flexibility in environments where cabling is limited, though for maximum bandwidth the dual 2.5GbE ports remain preferable. The antennas are discreetly mounted to the rear of the chassis, maintaining the device’s clean lines and compact appearance.

The Hydra’s design prioritizes compactness, quiet operation, and efficient use of its internal volume. The choice of an all-NVMe storage configuration, preloaded OS on eMMC, and improved passive cooling all contribute to making it a more capable and thermally balanced alternative to similar NAS devices. The metal baseplate, though seemingly a small change, represents a meaningful improvement in reliability for users planning heavier sustained workloads on a budget-friendly flash NAS.

Below is a summary table of the Xyber Hydra’s tested performance metrics:

Xyber Hydra NAS Review – Internal Hardware

At the heart of the Xyber Hydra N150 NAS is the Intel Twin Lake N150 processor, a 4-core, 4-thread CPU with a base TDP of 6W and burst frequency up to 3.6GHz. This is the same CPU found in the GMKtec G9, offering modest but sufficient processing power for lightweight NAS duties, such as file serving, 4K media playback, and hosting a handful of Docker containers or virtual machines. The Hydra’s choice to stick with the N150 over more power-hungry options like the N355 reflects a deliberate balance between thermals, noise, and power efficiency in such a confined chassis.

The CPU is passively cooled through the same baseplate and active fans that handle SSD thermals, and testing showed it remained below 60°C even during full-load stress tests when fans were set to automatic. When set to maximum in BIOS, the CPU temperature remained even lower, consistently in the mid-40°C range, indicating that the thermal headroom of this setup is acceptable for the N150’s intended use cases. While the CPU is not equipped with QuickSync hardware transcoding found in Intel’s higher-end processors, it did demonstrate capable software transcoding during single-stream 4K Plex playback without pushing the CPU beyond 80% utilization.

One area where the Hydra stands apart slightly from its competitors is its memory configuration. Instead of the 12GB soldered LPDDR5 memory seen in the G9, the Hydra comes pre-equipped with 16GB LPDDR5 memory, also soldered directly to the board and therefore not user-upgradable. This extra 4GB provides additional breathing room for multi-tasking, running memory-intensive services, or hosting larger numbers of containers without encountering swap usage under typical loads. The memory is clocked at 4800MHz and, as expected at this price point, is non-ECC. Given the system’s target market and workload scenarios, this is a reasonable trade-off — ECC memory would nearly double the cost of the system for relatively little gain in this context. The fixed nature of the memory remains a limitation for power users but ensures predictable thermal and power behavior that a socketed SO-DIMM might not allow in such a tightly-engineered package.

Xyber Hydra NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The Xyber Hydra N150 NAS offers a fairly comprehensive array of ports and connectivity options, matching its closest competitor, the GMKtec G9, almost identically. On the rear panel, the system is equipped with two Intel i226-V 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, which support link aggregation and failover. These provide a theoretical combined throughput of up to 550–580 MB/s when paired with appropriately configured switches.

While some users may be disappointed by the absence of 10GbE, this is an understandable compromise given the limitations of the N150 CPU’s PCIe lane budget and the heat constraints of such a compact design. As noted during testing, users can reclaim one of the M.2 slots to install a PCIe-to-10GbE adapter, though this does come at the cost of one storage bay.

Where to Buy? IOCREST M.2 to 10GbE NIC Adapter Kit – $67 HERE – $81 HERE  Check Amazon HERE

The networking implementation also includes support for wake-on-LAN (WoL) and PXE boot functionality, adding flexibility for remote management and deployment scenarios. The system also integrates an M.2 Wi-Fi 6 module with dual antenna outputs. This enables wireless network support, now even compatible with UnRAID as of recent updates, and can serve as either a primary or fallback network connection in environments where cabling is not practical.

In terms of USB connectivity, the Hydra provides a total of four ports: three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports located on the rear panel, and one USB-C port that is also used for power delivery. The three USB-A ports deliver up to 10Gbps each, which is sufficient for attaching external backup drives, additional storage enclosures, or other peripherals such as a UPS monitoring interface. The USB-C power connector is fed by an external wall-mounted 48W integrated external power brick, which means users cannot simply swap in any generic USB-C charger — it is a dedicated high-wattage supply.

This design choice ensures sufficient and stable power delivery to all internal components even under peak load, but it does limit flexibility somewhat compared to true USB-PD-compatible implementations. Users looking to attach keyboards, mice, or other USB peripherals directly to the system will find that the port count is adequate, though not expansive.

For video output, the Hydra offers two HDMI 2.0 ports, supporting up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. These are useful for initial OS installation or configuration, as well as for users who intend to repurpose the NAS as a hybrid media player or thin client. During testing, the HDMI output worked without issue on both the preinstalled Ubuntu OS and when booting into alternative operating systems. While video output is rarely essential for a headless NAS, its inclusion enhances usability, especially for less experienced users or those deploying the system in multi-role environments. Combined with the USB ports and network interfaces, the Hydra provides a balanced set of I/O suitable for its intended use cases, with enough bandwidth to fully utilize its internal storage under typical workloads.

Below is a summary table of the ports and connections on the Xyber Hydra:

Xyber Hydra NAS Review – Conclusion and Verdict

The Xyber Hydra N150 NAS represents a deliberate and measured evolution of the budget-friendly compact NAS formula, clearly designed to resolve key weaknesses of similar products like the GMKTec G9 without altering the fundamental architecture. Its use of a thicker, thermally conductive metal base plate provides demonstrable improvement in heat dissipation compared to the plastic underside of the G9, a difference borne out in extended load testing where temperatures stabilized more quickly and stayed lower when fan profiles were adjusted. The pre-installed 64GB eMMC module running Ubuntu out of the box eliminates the initial configuration barrier often faced by novice users, while still allowing more experienced users to easily replace it with their OS of choice, such as ZimaOS or TrueNAS. The inclusion of a 512GB NVMe SSD in the primary M.2 bay adds immediate storage capacity without requiring an upfront investment in additional drives, an uncommon but practical feature at this price point.

Internally, the decision to provide 16GB of fixed LPDDR5 memory — 4GB more than its nearest comparable competitor — gives the Hydra slightly more headroom for memory-intensive tasks, such as running lightweight container workloads or maintaining a larger metadata cache for media streaming applications. While the memory remains non-upgradable, the choice of capacity is a reasonable compromise given the constraints of the Intel N150 platform and the system’s focus on cost efficiency. The integrated Wi-Fi 6 module, with dual antennas and full UnRAID compatibility, is another meaningful addition, enabling wireless deployments where cabling is impractical and expanding the deployment scenarios for home and small office users. These subtle but important upgrades make the Hydra feel more complete out of the box, catering to a broader range of use cases with fewer compromises.

That said, the Hydra still shares many of the inherent trade-offs of its class. The N150 processor is adequate for modest workloads, but becomes saturated under sustained high parallel usage, especially when all four M.2 slots are simultaneously active and the CPU nears 100% utilization. The PCIe lane limitations of the platform, with each M.2 slot limited to Gen3 x2 speeds, restrict the aggregate performance potential of RAID arrays or concurrent high-bandwidth operations. Similarly, the continued reliance on dual 2.5GbE ports limits maximum external throughput despite the internal SSD bandwidth being capable of more, and although M.2-to-10GbE adapters remain an option, they come at the cost of sacrificing one storage slot. BIOS-level adjustments are also required to extract the best thermal and fan performance under heavy use, something that more advanced users will appreciate but could frustrate beginners.

Overall, at its introductory price of $218.99, the Xyber Hydra N150 achieves a strong balance of value, practicality, and refinement in the entry-level NAS segment. The thoughtful inclusion of extras — the 64GB bootable eMMC, 512GB SSD, improved cooling, and additional memory — make it feel more turnkey than competing models, while still leaving room for advanced customization. It’s a sensible option for users seeking a compact and efficient NAS for personal cloud storage, light virtualization, or as a dedicated media server, provided expectations around CPU and networking throughput are kept realistic. For its target audience, the Hydra is a compelling and notably improved choice that addresses many of the criticisms of earlier designs without abandoning the affordability that defines this class of devices.

Where to Buy? How Much? GMKtec NucBox G9 12+1TB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 12+512GB: HERE on Amazon GMKtec G9 12+2TB Model : HERE on Amazon

PROs of the Xyber Hydra NAS

CONs of the Xyber Hydra NAS

Improved thermal design with a thicker metal base plate for better heat dissipation compared to similar models. Includes 64GB eMMC storage preloaded with Ubuntu OS for out-of-the-box usability. Ships with a 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD in Bay 1, providing immediate usable storage. Fixed 16GB LPDDR5 memory — higher than comparable devices — supports more concurrent tasks. Wi-Fi 6 module with dual antennas, compatible with UnRAID, enabling flexible wireless deployment. Four M.2 NVMe bays, each supporting PCIe Gen3 x2, allowing up to 4 SSDs for flash storage arrays. Dual 2.5GbE ports with link aggregation support for improved network throughput. Compact, quiet, and energy-efficient form factor suitable for home and small office environments.

Memory is soldered and non-upgradable, limiting future scalability. PCIe Gen3 x2 and CPU bandwidth constraints limit maximum aggregate performance under full load. Fans require BIOS adjustments for optimal thermal control during heavy sustained workloads.

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

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

 

Reviewing the Beelink ME Mini NAS – Flashy Brilliance

The Beelink ME Mini NAS is a compact, six-slot network-attached storage solution aimed squarely at home users seeking a quiet, efficient, and flexible storage platform without the cost or complexity of traditional full-size NAS systems. Measuring just 99mm in each dimension and built with a minimalist cube design, the unit is designed to blend into home environments such as living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. At its core is the Intel Twin Lake N150 processor, a 4-core, 4-thread CPU with a 6W TDP and a burst clock of up to 3.6GHz, paired with 12GB of soldered LPDDR5 4800MHz memory. This combination targets scenarios such as home media streaming, light file serving, or soft routing, rather than heavy enterprise workloads.

The ME Mini supports six M.2 2280 SSD slots, delivering a maximum theoretical storage capacity of 24TB. This includes one Gen 3 x2 slot (designed for the OS) and five Gen 3 x1 slots for storage expansion.

These SSD slots are actively cooled via an integrated heatsink and top-mounted silent fan, with thermal pads pre-attached for single-sided SSDs. Network connectivity includes dual Intel i226-V 2.5GbE ports and Wi-Fi 6 via an M.2 AX101 module, offering options for wired link aggregation or wireless deployment. Designed to support operating systems such as Unraid, OpenMediaVault, and TrueNAS, the ME Mini provides sufficient hardware for media servers like Plex or Jellyfin, personal backup, or even entry-level virtualization tasks. With a built-in power supply and no reliance on bulky external adapters, the device prioritizes simplicity and space efficiency.

Beelink ME Mini NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The Beelink ME Mini NAS stands out as a compact, energy-efficient, and well-balanced storage solution tailored for home users seeking quiet and capable performance without the complexity of larger NAS systems. With support for six M.2 NVMe SSDs—one at Gen 3 x2 and five at Gen 3 x1—it offers up to 24TB of storage in a 99mm cube form factor, complete with an internal power supply and silent fan-assisted cooling. Its Intel Twin Lake N150 CPU and 12GB of LPDDR5 memory provide enough processing headroom for tasks like 4K media streaming, personal backups, and soft routing, while dual 2.5GbE LAN ports and Wi-Fi 6 expand its deployment options. Though the fixed memory and limited PCIe bandwidth on most slots constrain scalability, the thermal efficiency, low power draw (as low as 6.9W idle), and reliable Crucial SSD options make it a compelling value proposition. It’s not aimed at high-performance or prosumer use, but for users building a quiet, tidy, and effective DIY NAS at home, the ME Mini delivers far more than its size suggests.

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Beelink ME Mini NAS ($329 4/6)

Check AliExpress for the Beelink ME Mini NAS ($344 4/6)

Check the Official Beelink Site for the ME Mini NAS ($209 4/6)

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Design and Storage

Visually, the Beelink ME Mini sets itself apart from other mini NAS systems with its symmetrical cube-shaped design, measuring 99x99x99mm. Available in three color variants—Pearl White, Midnight Grey, and Peacock Blue—the device adopts a subtle, neutral aesthetic intended to fit into typical home environments without drawing unnecessary attention. The enclosure features rubber feet for vertical stability and ventilation grilles located at both the top and bottom, supporting a passive vertical airflow design that assists with heat dissipation.

Despite its small footprint, the chassis houses an integrated power supply unit (PSU), which eliminates the need for bulky external power bricks and simplifies cable management—an uncommon but notable design feature in NAS devices of this size.

Storage capacity is a central feature of the ME Mini, with support for up to six M.2 SSDs in 2280 format, totaling a maximum of 24TB. These slots are all positioned internally in a dual-sided configuration—three on each internal face—and interface via PCIe Gen 3. Five of the slots operate at Gen 3 x1 bandwidth, while one (typically slot 4) operates at Gen 3 x2, recommended for installing the OS. The use of M.2 NVMe SSDs enables dense storage with minimal thermal output compared to 3.5” drives, which aligns with the ME Mini’s aim of delivering high-capacity, low-noise storage for homes. There is also a 64GB eMMC module included by default, recommended for lightweight OS installations or router-based platforms.

Internally, the layout is deliberately engineered to optimize thermal contact between the SSDs and the large aluminum heatsink at the center of the chassis. Each M.2 SSD slot is lined with a pre-applied thermal pad to ensure direct contact with the heatsink, enhancing passive cooling performance. This configuration is most effective with single-sided SSDs, though there is still clearance for some double-sided modules.

The passive heat management is further augmented by a silent fan located at the top, which provides active airflow without introducing noticeable noise—recorded at just 31–34 dBA during idle operation and up to 40 dBA under heavy load.

The ME Mini’s storage design is not intended for hot-swapping or tool-less drive changes, a reflection of its focus on home and small office environments where drives are installed once and left in place. While this may limit flexibility for enterprise workflows, it benefits reliability and aesthetics, especially considering the internal PSU, which would otherwise be challenged by fluctuating thermal loads from frequent disk changes.

The result is a closed, compact system that maximizes storage density while maintaining a fanless aesthetic from the exterior.

For users opting for pre-configured models, Beelink offers bundles that include Crucial P3 SSDs—either one 2TB unit or two 2TB units—depending on the chosen configuration. This co-branding with Crucial ensures a known level of SSD endurance and performance, contrasting favorably with many competing budget NAS options which often use generic or unverified storage media. The factory pairing also ensures that one of the SSDs is installed in the Gen 3 x2 slot, delivering better system responsiveness and transfer speeds for OS-hosted operations such as Plex metadata handling, RAID cache, or VM images.

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Internal Hardware

The internal hardware of the Beelink ME Mini centers around the Intel Twin Lake N150 processor, a 4-core, 4-thread chip based on Intel’s 10nm architecture. With a base TDP of 6W and burst frequency of up to 3.6GHz, it is positioned as a power-efficient solution for NAS tasks that include multimedia playback, basic file sharing, and light application hosting.

While it does not support hardware transcoding at the same level as higher-tier Intel core chips with Quick Sync, the N150 performs adequately for 4K playback in Plex and other media servers when transcoding is avoided. In real-world use, the CPU averaged 60–75% utilization during simultaneous dual 2.5GbE access and SSD activity, indicating a solid baseline for single-user or family scenarios.

Complementing the CPU is 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, soldered directly to the board and clocked at 4800MHz. While the memory is non-upgradable, the capacity is sufficient for running lightweight NAS OS environments, containers, or even some virtual machines.

Unlike most mini PCs that cap out at 8GB in similar thermal envelopes, Beelink’s decision to include 12GB offers a practical boost for users running multiple services, such as a media server alongside a VPN container or light file indexing applications. The absence of SO-DIMM slots means this cannot be expanded further, which may deter power users seeking a more scalable system, but the default capacity fits the ME Mini’s home-use intentions well.

The overall thermal design pairs the CPU and SSDs with a centrally-mounted metal heatsink that acts as both a structural element and a cooling component. The silent fan located above the heatsink assists with vertical airflow, helping to maintain internal component temperatures during prolonged operation. During extended thermal tests—such as 24-hour idle and active file transfer sessions—surface temperatures peaked between 48°C and 60°C, particularly at the base where the PSU and networking ports reside.

While the design keeps the main components within reasonable thermal ranges, there is a potential thermal buildup at the bottom under sustained load, suggesting an optional future design revision could include a base fan.

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Ports and Connections

Despite its compact dimensions, the Beelink ME Mini includes a wide array of ports suited for both networking and peripheral connectivity. On the networking side, the unit features two 2.5GbE LAN ports (Intel i226-V), located at the rear, which support link aggregation or failover configurations. These enable transfer rates well above standard gigabit networking, although in practice, real-world throughput tends to be limited by SSD performance or PCIe lane constraints. During bandwidth testing, combined throughput between the LAN ports peaked around 580–600MB/s easily.

As much as many of us would want 10GbE – at this scale of CPU/Lanes, Price and just HEAT – I can understand why its absent here. That said, I do want to mention that the system includes onboard Wi-Fi 6 (via Intel AX101 module) and Bluetooth 5.2, expanding its use cases to wireless media streaming, mobile backups, and wireless NAS deployment without consuming physical LAN ports. More importantly though, UnRAID recently announced that in their latest update, you can now use wireless adapters (see below) – which, alongside UnRAID’s lightweight ‘on RAM’ deployment, makes it bloody IDEAL for using on the Beelink ME Mini

In terms of USB connectivity, the ME Mini provides a balanced selection across both older and high-speed standards. The rear I/O panel houses a USB 2.0 port (480 Mbps), while the front features one USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (10Gbps) and a USB Type-C port (also 10Gbps). This offers sufficient bandwidth for attaching external storage, keyboard/mouse input for system setup, or USB-based backup devices. While a higher count of USB 3.0+ ports might have benefitted users with multiple external drives, the available ports are positioned logically and suit the intended home-focused workflows.

Display output is provided via a single HDMI port located on the rear, which supports resolutions up to 4K at 60Hz. Although display output isn’t central to most NAS workflows, this port enables users to connect the system to a monitor or TV for initial OS installation, dashboard display, or media playback when used with platforms like LibreELEC or Kodi.

However, as noted during hands-on testing, functionality via HDMI may vary depending on the operating system installed—some headless NAS platforms may not fully support graphical output. Nevertheless, for users experimenting with hybrid HTPC/NAS setups or running Linux-based OS variants with a GUI, the HDMI port remains a useful inclusion.

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Performance and Power/Heat/Noise Testing

In testing, the Beelink ME Mini demonstrated respectable throughput for a system of its class, especially when factoring in its compact size, low power draw, and passively biased thermal design. Using Unraid and TrueNAS Core for performance benchmarking, sequential read and write speeds from the five PCIe Gen 3 x1 slots averaged around 740MB/s read and 544MB/s write under repeated 1GB test files. These numbers are typical for Gen 3 x1 lanes and reflect near-maximum lane saturation, suggesting minimal internal throttling under standard conditions. The Gen 3 x2 slot, intended for the operating system, provided higher performance—averaging 1.1GB/s read and approximately 960MB/s write when paired with the bundled Crucial P3 SSD.

Transfer speeds between SSDs installed in Gen 3 x1 and Gen 3 x2 slots were tested in both directions and maintained averages of around 590–600MB/s. These figures reflect the limitations of internal bandwidth allocation rather than SSD performance. Even so, for most home NAS scenarios such as 4K media playback, multi-user access to stored documents, or photo libraries, the bandwidth is more than sufficient. It’s worth noting that SSD cooling remained effective during prolonged access, with only modest thermal variation even under full-speed transfers across all six drives.

Thermal behavior during sustained load was closely monitored using a HIKMICRO thermal imaging camera. With all six SSDs installed and periodic access maintained over a 24-hour period, temperatures peaked at 48–51°C at the top panel and 58–60°C at the base, where most of the PSU and networking activity is concentrated. Running the same tests with the case removed saw temperatures settle slightly lower—around 49–51°C across the board—confirming the effectiveness of the internal heatsink and fan assembly. However, the bottom of the unit exhibited more thermal accumulation due to the lack of active ventilation underneath, pointing to an area for potential design refinement.

In terms of power consumption and noise, the ME Mini is especially frugal. With no SSDs installed, the device idled at 6.0–6.9W. When populated with six SSDs and left idle, it drew approximately 16.9W. During peak activity—dual LAN ports active, CPU load above 70%, and all drives in use—power draw peaked between 28W and 31W. These are competitive numbers even among ARM-based NAS devices, and particularly impressive for an x86-based solution with full M.2 NVMe storage.

Acoustic output was also controlled, with idle operation measured at 31–34 dBA and full load peaking at just under 40 dBA—quiet enough for placement in shared living spaces without distraction.

While performance is clearly limited by the Gen 3 x1 interface speeds on most slots, the device’s thermal and power efficiency arguably matter more for its intended audience. This NAS isn’t designed for high-throughput, multi-client virtualization tasks or heavy 10GbE video editing pipelines. Instead, it excels in delivering balanced, stable, and low-noise performance across general-purpose NAS workloads. For users building a Plex server, family backup archive, soft router, or even an experimental home lab appliance, the ME Mini offers just enough headroom to handle real-world demands without overwhelming complexity or cost.

Beelink ME Mini – Performance and Environmental Metrics (Over 3 Days)

Beelink ME Mini NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The Beelink ME Mini NAS delivers an uncommon blend of size, functionality, and efficiency in a market segment often dominated by larger, louder, and less integrated alternatives. It is not designed to compete with traditional enterprise-grade NAS devices or modular, scalable solutions for prosumers. Instead, its strengths lie in targeting the needs of home users who want a quiet, energy-efficient storage solution that is easy to deploy, aesthetically unobtrusive, and capable of handling daily tasks such as media streaming, file backup, or soft routing. The inclusion of six M.2 NVMe SSD slots—paired with a Gen 3 x2 system slot—offers a rare level of expansion in such a small enclosure. The integration of an internal PSU, silent fan-assisted cooling, and a surprisingly effective thermal design are thoughtful touches that differentiate it from the majority of DIY NAS mini PCs.

That said, it is not without limitations. The memory is non-upgradable, thermal accumulation at the base suggests room for improvement, and bandwidth ceilings imposed by Gen 3 x1 lanes will constrain users who demand high parallel throughput. Still, for its price point—particularly when pre-order discounts are applied—the ME Mini offers significant value, especially when compared to ARM-based NAS solutions with similar or lower specifications. With bundled Crucial SSD options and support for a wide range of NAS operating systems, it positions itself as a ready-to-go platform for tech-savvy users wanting to avoid the assembly of a fully DIY system. Overall, while not a product for every use case, the Beelink ME Mini succeeds in its aim to be a compact, stylish, and capable home NAS.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
[contact-form-7]
Join Inner Circle

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