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QNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAS Revealed

Par : Rob Andrews
9 septembre 2025 à 10:17

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.

Model Qu405

Qu605

Qu805

Drive Bays 4 × 3.5″ SATA (hot-swappable, also supports 2.5″ SATA SSDs) 6 × 3.5″ SATA (hot-swappable, also supports 2.5″ SATA SSDs) 8 × 3.5″ SATA (hot-swappable, also supports 2.5″ SATA SSDs)
M.2 Slots 2 × M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 ×1 2 × M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 ×1 2 × M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 ×1
CPU Options Intel® Core™ 3 N355 (8-core, up to 3.9 GHz) or Intel® N150 (4-core, 3.6 GHz) Intel® Core™ 3 N355 (8-core, up to 3.9 GHz) or Intel® N150 (4-core, 3.6 GHz) Intel® Core™ 3 N355 (8-core, up to 3.9 GHz) or Intel® N150 (4-core, 3.6 GHz)
Graphics Intel UHD Graphics (32 EU for N355, reduced EU for N150) Intel UHD Graphics (32 EU for N355, reduced EU for N150) Intel UHD Graphics (32 EU for N355, reduced EU for N150)
Memory DDR5 SODIMM: 8 GB or 16 GB (1 slot, max 16 GB) DDR5 SODIMM: 8 GB or 16 GB (1 slot, max 16 GB) DDR5 SODIMM: 8 GB or 16 GB (1 slot, max 16 GB)
Flash 8 GB eMMC NAND 8 GB eMMC NAND 8 GB eMMC NAND
Networking 2 × 2.5 GbE RJ45 (supports SMB Multichannel, Link Aggregation) 2 × 2.5 GbE RJ45 (supports SMB Multichannel, Link Aggregation) 2 × 2.5 GbE RJ45 (supports SMB Multichannel, Link Aggregation)
USB Ports 1 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (front, one-touch copy) + 2 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (rear) 1 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (front, one-touch copy) + 2 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (rear) 1 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (front, one-touch copy) + 2 × USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (rear)
HDMI 1 × HDMI (2.0 or 2.1 depending on SKU, up to 4K 60 Hz) 1 × HDMI (2.0 or 2.1 depending on SKU, up to 4K 60 Hz) 1 × HDMI (2.0 or 2.1 depending on SKU, up to 4K 60 Hz)
Cooling Redesigned airflow with improved heat dissipation Redesigned airflow with improved heat dissipation Redesigned airflow with improved heat dissipation
Power Supply 96 W external adapter, typical ~63 W under load 120 W external adapter, typical ~84 W under load 150 W external adapter, typical ~103 W under load
Dimensions 165 × 217 × 168 mm 165 × 217 × 226 mm 165 × 217 × 285 mm
Weight Net 2.15 kg / Gross 4.1 kg Net 2.52 kg / Gross 4.82 kg Net 3.1 kg / Gross 5.7 kg
Operating System QTS or QuTS hero (ZFS-based, supports inline deduplication, compression, snapshots) QTS or QuTS hero (ZFS-based, supports inline deduplication, compression, snapshots) QTS or QuTS hero (ZFS-based, supports inline deduplication, compression, snapshots)
Other Features AES-NI encryption, hot-swap support, RAID protection, QuFirewall, 2FA, Malware Remover, Qsirch/Qfiling AI search, QuMagie photo AI, QVR Pro with 8 free camera channels Same as Qu405 Same as Qu405
Ports Image

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.

Feature / Model QuX05 Series (Qu405 / Qu605 / Qu805)

TS-x64 Series (TS-264 / TS-464 / TS-664)

TS-x53E Series (TS-253E / TS-453E)

CPU Intel Core 3 N355 (8-core, up to 3.9 GHz) or N150 (4-core, up to 3.6 GHz) Intel Celeron N5095/N5105 (4-core, up to 2.9 GHz) Intel Celeron J6412 (4-core, up to 2.6 GHz)
Memory DDR5 SODIMM, 8 GB or 16 GB, single slot (max 16 GB) DDR4 SODIMM, up to 16 GB (dual-slot) 8 GB DDR4 onboard, not expandable
Network Interfaces Dual 2.5 GbE built-in with SMB Multichannel and Port Trunking Dual 2.5GbE , PCIe upgrade needed for 5/10 GbE Upgrades Dual 2.5 GbE built-in
Drive Bays (SATA 3.5″) Qu405:4 Qu605:6 Qu805:8, hot-swappable
M.2 NVMe Slots 2 × M.2 PCIe Gen3 x1 slots built-in Requires optional PCIe card 2 × M.2 PCIe Gen3 x2 built-in
Ports
PCIe Expansion Slot None (lanes redirected to onboard features) 1 PCIe slot for network/storage cards None
USB Connectivity USB 3.2 Gen2: 1 front Type-C (one-touch), 2 rear Type-A USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, front/rear, no one-touch copy USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports
HDMI Output HDMI 2.0/2.1, 4K60 depending on SKU HDMI 2.0 or none (model dependent) Dual HDMI 1.4b, 4K30
Cooling / Design Redesigned airflow and thermal efficiency Traditional chassis design Traditional chassis design
Power Consumption (Typical) Qu405 ~63 W; Qu605 ~84 W; Qu805 ~103 W (fully populated) TS-464 ~44 W, TS-664 ~70 W (approximate) TS-453E ~36 W typical

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)

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CWWK M8 N150/N355 10Gbe NAS Board Combo Review

Par : Rob Andrews
1 août 2025 à 18:00

CWWK M8 MITX 10GbE NAS Motherboard & CPU Review

The CWWK M8 NAS motherboard, equipped with either the Intel Twin Lake N150 or N355 processor, is a compact Mini-ITX platform aimed at advanced home NAS builders and small office users looking for a cost-effective alternative to branded NAS systems. Measuring just 17 x 17 cm, it combines several high-end features such as an onboard 10GbE RJ45 LAN (via the AQC113C controller), dual 2.5GbE Intel i226-V ports, and support for up to eight SATA drives through dual SFF-8643 ports. The board also integrates two M.2 NVMe slots, a DDR5 SO-DIMM memory slot supporting up to 48GB, and a PCIe Gen3 x1 slot for modest expansion. Unlike many low-power ITX boards, the M8 includes support for Wake-on-LAN, PXE boot, and hardware monitoring, which makes it a viable candidate for 24/7 operations and remote deployment scenarios. With its efficient lane distribution—critical for balancing 10GbE, NVMe, SATA, and PCIe simultaneously—it delivers a level of I/O flexibility not commonly found at this price point, particularly in the sub-$300 range.

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Quick Conclusion

The CWWK M8 NAS motherboard strikes a practical balance between performance, expandability, and power efficiency, making it a compelling choice for DIY NAS builders looking for 10GbE capability without the complexity or cost of larger platforms. With support for up to eight SATA drives via dual SFF-8643 connectors, dual NVMe slots, and a DDR5 SO-DIMM socket (up to 48GB), it delivers a surprising level of storage flexibility in a compact Mini-ITX form factor. Performance across the 10GbE port is strong—achieving near-saturation read speeds and respectable write throughput—while NVMe and SATA access remain consistent thanks to a careful PCIe lane allocation strategy. Power draw remains modest, even when fully populated with drives and expansion cards, reinforcing its suitability for 24/7 deployments. However, limitations like Gen3 x1 NVMe speeds, a single RAM slot, and shared PCIe/E-Key lane usage should be considered by those seeking maximum expansion or high-end performance. Still, for its price, pre-installed CPU, and strong open-source OS compatibility, the M8 offers an unusually capable base for home servers, backup targets, or even Plex and Proxmox environments.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10
HARDWARE - 9/10
PERFORMANCE - 7/10
PRICE - 10/10
VALUE - 10/10


9.0
PROS
👍🏻10GbE RJ45 port (AQC113C) with full Gen3 x2 bandwidth
👍🏻Dual 2.5GbE Intel i226-V ports with wide OS compatibility
👍🏻Supports up to 8 SATA drives via dual independent SFF-8643 ports
👍🏻Includes 2× M.2 NVMe 2280 slots, suitable for cache or boot use
👍🏻Very low power draw (~20W under load with 10g+2xM.2, ~31W idle fully populated with HDDs)
👍🏻Compact Mini-ITX form factor with well-organized layout
👍🏻Exceptional Price vs H/W Level
👍🏻Broad OS support (TrueNAS, Unraid, PVE, Linux, Windows, etc.)
CONS
👎🏻PCIe slot and M.2 E-Key share a lane—only one usable at a time
👎🏻M.2 NVMe slots limited to PCIe Gen3 x1 speeds
👎🏻Single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot (no dual-channel support)

Where to Buy?
  • CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Board on Amazon (£174) HERE
  • CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Board on AliExpress ($166) HERE
  • N355 CWWK NAS Motherboard on AliExpress ($249) – HERE

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Design

The physical design of the CWWK M8 motherboard is centered around the Mini-ITX standard, maintaining a compact 17 x 17 cm footprint that caters to space-conscious NAS builds. Despite its small form factor, the layout is methodically structured to maximize accessibility and airflow. Key components such as the dual SFF-8643 ports, NVMe slots, and RAM socket are positioned for easy cable routing and minimal overlap.

The CPU arrives pre-installed with a low-profile ball-bearing cooler, which is sufficient for the low 6W TDP of the N150 processor. There’s also a system fan header onboard with PWM support, allowing for basic thermal management in enclosed NAS chassis. The board is finished in a neutral white PCB, aligning with recent CWWK trends that blend aesthetic minimalism with function-first engineering.

Storage expansion is one of the most defining elements of the M8. It features dual SFF-8643 ports that, with breakout cables, provide connectivity for up to eight SATA III (6Gbps) drives.

These connectors are routed through independent ASM1164 controllers, each on a dedicated PCIe Gen3 x1 lane, ensuring that drive traffic is not bottlenecked through a single controller.

This separation also means users can confidently deploy SSDs or mixed SSD/HDD arrays without major performance drops under load. The board supports RAID configurations at the OS level via TrueNAS or Unraid, and is capable of delivering reliable throughput for multi-drive setups including RAID-Z, RAID5, or JBOD.

In addition to traditional SATA storage, the board includes two M.2 NVMe 2280 slots, each operating at PCIe Gen3 x1. While this limits peak performance to around 900MB/s per slot, it is sufficient for cache drives or SSD-based boot volumes, especially in NAS environments where latency and parallel IOPS matter more than raw sequential throughput. The placement of the NVMe slots, one top-side and one underside, helps distribute heat and gives builders flexibility in cooling strategy. Both slots are directly accessible, and installation doesn’t require removing other components, which is particularly useful during upgrades or replacements.

Storage scaling is enhanced through the modularity of the board’s SFF-8643 interfaces. As discussed in your review, these ports can be adapted not just to standard SATA breakouts but also to additional M.2 or U.2 devices with the correct adapter cards. This creates potential for hybrid NAS setups—using SATA for bulk data storage and NVMe for hot data or VM usage. Such versatility in drive mapping is rarely offered at this price point, and makes the board viable not only for home media servers but also for lab environments or light virtualized storage nodes.

One lesser-known but practical addition is the inclusion of a MicroSD (TF) slot on the PCB. While it’s not ideal for installing major OS platforms like TrueNAS Core, it can be useful for loading bootloaders such as Unraid or for system config backups. Importantly, the TF slot is recognized natively by most operating systems and appears as a usable storage device without requiring extra drivers. It also enables simple out-of-band recovery or local snapshot scripts in more advanced workflows. Combined with the available internal USB port, the board allows multiple low-impact boot or recovery paths to coexist alongside primary storage deployments.

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Ports and Connections

The CWWK M8 motherboard is equipped with a well-rounded selection of external and internal I/O ports that support a broad range of NAS and server use cases. Most notably, it includes one 10GbE RJ45 port powered by the AQC113C controller and two additional 2.5GbE ports via Intel i226-V chips.

These networking options allow the board to operate in multiple roles simultaneously, such as high-speed file sharing over 10GbE while maintaining service management or redundancy via the dual 2.5GbE ports. The inclusion of Intel network controllers ensures wide compatibility with open-source operating systems like TrueNAS and Unraid, as well as ESXi and PVE, making it a suitable base for software-defined networks, VLAN tagging, or bonded interface configurations.

On the USB front, the M8 provides a combination of high-speed and legacy options. It includes 1× USB Type-C (10Gbps) and 1× USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (10Gbps) ports for external storage or fast USB peripherals. There are also 2× USB 2.0 Type-A ports located at the rear I/O and an internal USB 2.0 header, which is useful for OS boot drives such as Unraid.

Internally, the board also features a USB 3.0 header and a Type-E header, allowing front-panel USB 3.x support if the chassis includes such connectors. These ports give builders the flexibility to attach boot media, backup targets, or even USB-based UPS management tools without additional hardware.

For video output and direct display use, the M8 includes 1× HDMI 2.0 and 1× DisplayPort 1.4, both capable of 4K@60Hz output. These are connected via the integrated UHD graphics included with the N150/N355 CPU. While these outputs are generally not essential in a headless NAS environment, they provide value in cases where the system is used as a hybrid HTPC/NAS, or when diagnostics and BIOS access are needed without SSH or remote management tools. The GPU is also supported for hardware video decoding, making the board a viable base for light Plex or Jellyfin deployments that rely on integrated graphics acceleration.

Internally, the board features several headers that further expand its flexibility. Alongside the previously mentioned USB and fan headers, there’s an M.2 E-Key slot for wireless modules, which shares PCIe lanes with the x1 PCIe slot and cannot be used simultaneously. The board also includes an SD card (TF) slot which appears natively in supported OSes—suitable for bootloaders or small backup tasks.

While not suited to high-throughput use, it does provide an alternative storage option in embedded or recovery scenarios. The arrangement and accessibility of these ports are well considered for such a small form factor, ensuring that builders can access almost all essential functionality without relying on riser boards or USB hubs.

Interface Type Details
Ethernet Ports 1× 10GbE RJ45 (AQC113C), 2× 2.5GbE RJ45 (Intel i226-V)
USB Ports (Rear) 1× USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (10Gbps), 1× USB-C (10Gbps), 2× USB 2.0 Type-A
USB Ports (Internal) 1× USB 2.0 (boot drive), 1× USB 3.0 header, 1× USB 3.0 Type-E header
Display Outputs 1× HDMI 2.0, 1× DisplayPort 1.4 (both support 4K@60Hz)
PCIe Slot 1× PCIe Gen3 x1 (x4/x8 slot compatible, shared with M.2 E-Key)
M.2 Slots 2× M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x1), 1× M.2 E-Key for WiFi/BT
SD Card Slot 1× TF (MicroSD) slot (appears as storage device)
Fan and Headers 1× PWM fan header, various USB/F_USB headers for front I/O

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Internal Hardware

At the heart of the M8 motherboard lies a choice between two Intel Twin Lake processors: the N150 and the N355. The N150 is a quad-core, four-thread CPU with a base architecture derived from the Alder Lake-N family, running at up to 3.6GHz and featuring a modest 6MB cache. It operates at a remarkably low TDP of 6W, making it suitable for passive or semi-passive cooling environments.

The N355, on the other hand, doubles the thread count and bumps performance further, albeit at a slightly higher price. Both CPUs are pre-soldered to the board and arrive with a compact, ball-bearing fan assembly that supports quiet, efficient cooling. These processors are not meant for heavy computation but offer enough power for file server duties, light containerization, and even modest Plex media serving—with the N150 proving capable of 4K playback in testing.

Memory support is handled via a single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot, officially supporting up to 48GB at 4800MHz. While dual-channel operation is not available, DDR5’s higher base bandwidth helps compensate for this limitation in real-world usage. The board accepts standard non-ECC modules and will clock down any faster memory to the platform’s 4800MHz limit.

For NAS and virtualization users, this constraint is acceptable, though power users may note that memory upgrades are capped to a single slot. That said, 32GB or 48GB configurations are more than adequate for common use cases like running TrueNAS Scale with Docker containers, or spinning up a few VMs in Proxmox.

The board’s PCIe lane distribution is particularly deliberate given the constraints of the Twin Lake architecture, which provides just 9 usable PCIe lanes. Despite this, the M8 balances connectivity by allocating PCIe Gen3 x2 bandwidth to the 10GbE port, ensuring full 10Gbps throughput with bandwidth overhead. The SATA controllers each receive dedicated PCIe Gen3 x1 lanes, and each M.2 NVMe slot is similarly mapped at x1 speed.

The remaining lane is shared between the M.2 E-key (for Wi-Fi/BT modules) and the physical PCIe x1 expansion slot. This means that users must choose between Wi-Fi upgrades or additional PCIe peripherals—a typical tradeoff on ITX boards, but worth noting during build planning.

From a system management perspective, the board supports UEFI-only boot modes and includes features such as Auto Power-On, Scheduled Power-On, PXE boot, Wake-on-LAN, and Secure Boot, making it suitable for remote deployment or integration into managed environments. The board includes thermal monitoring via BIOS and OS-level tools, with fan control limited to one system fan header supporting PWM. These features, while basic, are sufficient for home server use or edge deployment in micro data centers. The compact ITX layout also makes the board a candidate for embedded use in custom NAS chassis or OEM enclosures with constrained airflow or proprietary mounting.

Component Details
CPU Options Intel N150 (4C/4T, 3.6GHz, 6W TDP), Intel N355 (8C/8T, higher performance)
Memory 1x DDR5 SO-DIMM, up to 48GB (4800MHz), non-ECC
Chipset/Lanes Intel Twin Lake SoC, 9 PCIe Gen3 lanes total
NVMe Storage 2x M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x1 each)
SATA Support 2x SFF-8643 (8x SATA III via breakout cables, each on ASM1164 controller)
PCIe Expansion 1x PCIe Gen3 x1 slot (shared with M.2 E-Key)
WiFi Module Slot 1x M.2 E-Key (2230) for Wi-Fi/BT (shares lane with PCIe slot)
Boot Features UEFI-only, Auto Power-On, Wake-on-LAN, PXE boot, Secure Boot
Fan Support 1x PWM system fan header, bundled CPU fan

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Performance and Power Tests

During benchmarking and real-world tests, the N150-based M8 motherboard demonstrated performance levels consistent with expectations for an ultra-low-power NAS platform. Sequential read speeds over the 10GbE interface approached saturation during synthetic ATTO Disk Benchmark tests, particularly with a 256MB block size, where throughput consistently exceeded 950MB/s.

Write performance, however, plateaued slightly lower, averaging between 650–700MB/s for 1GB and 4GB file tests. These figures are typical for systems utilizing Gen3 x1 NVMe SSDs and efficiency-focused CPUs like the N150, where write-intensive operations are more limited by CPU capability than disk throughput. Larger transfers or workloads involving compression will see slightly more variation, but in most scenarios, read performance remained stable and consistent.

Using a RAID 1 array of Seagate IronWolf drives connected via the dual SFF-8643 SATA ports, the board achieved average write speeds of 550–580MB/s, with occasional peaks in read performance reaching up to 800MB/s, though these were not sustained.

These results reflect the benefit of having each SATA group routed through a separate ASM1164 controller, ensuring that bandwidth isn’t choked under RAID configurations or multi-drive reads. In practical terms, this makes the board well-suited for file-serving tasks, Time Machine backups, or media library hosting, with no obvious contention across interfaces during simultaneous read/write operations.

NVMe performance was constrained by the PCIe Gen3 x1 link per M.2 slot, which limited theoretical throughput to under 1GB/s. Tests confirmed read speeds of around 720MB/s and write speeds of approximately 520MB/s in sustained transfers. While not ideal for high-performance VM storage or video editing scratch disks, these speeds are more than adequate for cache duties or container storage. Importantly, the board maintains predictable performance across both NVMe slots, and thermals were manageable under active load without throttling, thanks in part to the pre-attached CPU cooler and accessible airflow pathways on the board’s surface.

In terms of power efficiency, the system consumed approximately 19–20W under load when configured with the N150 CPU, 8GB of DDR5, two NVMe SSDs, and a 10GbE connection in active use. When idle but fully populated with four SATA drives and an expansion card installed (but unused), power draw settled at around 31.4W. This confirms the board’s suitability for 24/7 operation without requiring high-capacity PSUs or custom thermal management.

For edge computing, offsite backup, or low-power homelab deployments, this balance of power efficiency and consistent I/O throughput is a key strength of the M8.
Test Category Result (N150 Model)
10GbE Read (ATTO, 256MB) ~950MB/s (near saturation)
10GbE Write (1–4GB) ~650–700MB/s
RAID 1 HDD (SATA) Write: 550–580MB/s, Read Peak: up to 800MB/s (occasional spikes)
NVMe (Gen3 x1) Read: ~720MB/s, Write: ~520MB/s
Power Draw (Load) ~19–20W (N150, 2× NVMe, 10GbE active)
Power Draw (Idle, full config) ~31.4W (4× HDD, PCIe card, NVMe, no I/O)
Thermals Stable under load; no active throttling observed

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Verdict and Conclusion

The CWWK M8 motherboard delivers a rare combination of high-speed networking, broad storage expandability, and low power consumption, all within a Mini-ITX footprint. It manages to balance PCIe lane allocation across 10GbE, dual NVMe, and eight SATA drives without compromising basic performance, thanks to deliberate hardware pairing and thoughtful board layout. The use of separate SATA controllers, a well-provisioned 10GbE controller on Gen3 x2 lanes, and native UEFI support reflects a clear intent to make this a serious option for NAS enthusiasts and advanced home users. Its ability to sustain near-saturation speeds on the 10GbE connection and provide usable NVMe throughput makes it a capable base for TrueNAS, Unraid, or Proxmox environments—whether for home backup, Plex media hosting, or light VM workloads.

However, there are trade-offs. The limited PCIe expandability, single RAM slot, and Gen3 x1 constraints on NVMe performance may not meet the needs of high-end workstation builders or enterprise deployments. Additionally, the shared PCIe lane between the M.2 E-key and the PCIe slot limits simultaneous use of both interfaces, which could affect those hoping to add both Wi-Fi and a PCIe peripheral. Still, for its price point and target use case, the M8 delivers well above average. It avoids many of the bottlenecks seen in competing low-power boards and manages to do so at under $300 with a pre-installed CPU. For users building a power-efficient, high-bandwidth DIY NAS with flexible drive options and capable base specs, the CWWK M8 stands out as a strong contender.

 

Where to Buy?
  • CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Board on Amazon (£174) HERE
  • CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Board on AliExpress ($166) HERE
  • N355 CWWK NAS Motherboard on AliExpress ($249) – HERE

Pros Cons
10GbE RJ45 port (AQC113C) with full Gen3 x2 bandwidth PCIe slot and M.2 E-Key share a lane—only one usable at a time
Dual 2.5GbE Intel i226-V ports with wide OS compatibility M.2 NVMe slots limited to PCIe Gen3 x1 speeds
Supports up to 8 SATA drives via dual independent SFF-8643 ports Single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot (no dual-channel support)
Includes 2× M.2 NVMe 2280 slots, suitable for cache or boot use
Very low power draw (~20W under load, ~31W idle fully populated)
Compact Mini-ITX form factor with well-organized layout
Pre-installed CPU and active cooling fan included
Broad OS support (TrueNAS, Unraid, PVE, Linux, Windows, etc.)

 

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