Did Minisforum FINALLY Go Too Far with the MS-02 Ultra?

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is positioned as a compact workstation that deliberately blurs the line between a high-end mini PC and a small server platform. While its physical footprint remains relatively small at 4.8 L, the design choices made across CPU selection, PCIe expansion, storage layout, and networking place it well beyond the scope of conventional desktop minis. During extended hands-on testing, it becomes clear that this system is not designed around a single use case. Instead, it targets users who expect to adapt the hardware over time, whether for professional content creation, software development, virtualization, NAS deployment, or mixed workloads that benefit from high I/O density. This flexibility comes with complexity, and the MS-02 Ultra expects a certain level of user familiarity with BIOS tuning, PCIe lane allocation, and thermal tradeoffs that are rarely encountered in this form factor. A key point that emerged during testing is how sharply the experience changes depending on which CPU configuration is selected. The Ultra 9 285HX variant is not simply faster than the lower-tier models. It fundamentally alters what the system can do by unlocking ECC memory support, enabling dual 25GbE SFP+ networking, and adding a PCIe combo card that expands total M.2 capacity to 4 slots. The Ultra 9 275HX and Ultra 5 235HX versions retain the same chassis and core platform, but they operate closer to a traditional high-end mini PC, with fewer storage options and reduced network throughput. As a result, the MS-02 Ultra range should be viewed less as a single product and more as a tiered platform, where hardware capability and intended role scale directly with price.

From a value perspective, pricing spans a wide range and reflects both component availability and Minisforum’s attempt to offer barebones and fully populated options. The entry barebones Ultra 9 285HX configuration sits at $1,199, while fully populated ECC-based builds can reach $2,999. During testing, it became apparent that much of the system’s long-term value is tied to its scalability rather than its out-of-the-box configuration. Users who intend to keep the system static may find better value in smaller Minisforum models, while those planning to expand storage, networking, or PCIe devices over time are more likely to benefit from the MS-02 Ultra’s architecture. This distinction frames the rest of the review, which focuses less on raw specifications and more on how those design choices behave in real-world use.

Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Quick Conclusion

The Minisforum MS-02 Ultra is best understood as a compact but highly modular platform rather than a conventional mini PC, and its design clearly reflects that intent. It delivers strong CPU performance, extensive connectivity, and an uncommon level of internal expansion for a system of this size, but it also expects the user to engage actively with its configuration, cooling behavior, and upgrade planning. The system’s real strength lies in how well it can scale over time through additional storage, PCIe expansion, or higher-speed networking, rather than in any single out-of-the-box performance metric. Its pricing and hardware complexity place it firmly in enthusiast and professional territory, making it ill-suited for users who want a simple or inexpensive desktop replacement, but a compelling option for those seeking a compact system that can grow into demanding roles such as a workstation, NAS, or virtualization host as their needs evolve.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 6/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.4

PROS

Strong multi-core CPU performance that approaches compact desktop-class systems
Unusually high internal expandability for a 4.8 L chassis
PCIe 5.0 x16 slot available for future expansion
Dual 25GbE SFP+ networking on the 285HX model
Support for ECC DDR5 memory on the 285HX configuration
Four M.2 NVMe slots available on the top-tier model
Internal 350 W PSU with auxiliary power for PCIe devices
USB4 v2 ports capable of very high external storage and docking throughput
Suitable for multiple roles including workstation, NAS, and virtualization host

CONS

High pricing for a area of the market where buyers are getting used to low, low prices, even for ECC-equipped or fully populated configurations
Limited physical space restricts larger GPU and PCIe card choices
Fan control largely confined to BIOS with limited OS-level adjustment (TBC)
Complexity and tuning requirements may deter less experienced users who want to maximize their investment in this system

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Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Design & Storage

The MS-02 Ultra immediately distinguishes itself from earlier Minisforum workstation designs by abandoning the lighter, more modular internal layout used in systems like the MS-01 and MS-S1 Max. Instead, the chassis adopts a far denser internal structure that resembles a compressed micro-tower, with components stacked tightly around a central airflow channel. While the system still uses a slide-out internal frame, the motion is more deliberate and less fluid than previous designs due to the weight and density of the installed hardware. This approach prioritizes structural rigidity and thermal containment over ease of access, signaling that the MS-02 Ultra is designed to be configured carefully rather than frequently opened.

Storage implementation is one of the defining aspects of the MS-02 Ultra, particularly on the Ultra 9 285HX configuration. In this model, storage is split across the motherboard and a dedicated PCIe combo card. Two M.2 NVMe slots are mounted directly on the board and are positioned close to the CPU and memory area, which places them inside an active airflow path but also imposes strict height limitations. SSDs with tall, pre-attached heatsinks are not practical here, and Minisforum instead supplies low-profile heatsinks intended to work within the confined space. During testing, this design proved functional, though it requires more planning than a conventional desktop layout.

The additional two M.2 slots are integrated into the PCIe card that also houses the dual 25GbE controllers. This card is exclusive to the Ultra 9 285HX version and is responsible for expanding total NVMe capacity from 2 drives to 4. Unlike typical expansion cards, this unit combines networking and storage on a single PCB and includes its own active cooling solution. In use, the card introduces noticeable power draw even when the network interfaces are idle, but it also centralizes high-speed I/O in a way that simplifies cabling and internal layout. This design choice is unusual, but it aligns with the system’s goal of maximizing capability within a small enclosure.

There are also important performance considerations tied to how storage bandwidth is allocated. The motherboard-mounted M.2 slots are specified as PCIe 4.0 x4, but during testing, lane sharing and PCIe crossover behavior resulted in scenarios where one slot operated at PCIe 5.0 x4 while others were reduced to PCIe 3.0 x4. This was not immediately obvious from the documentation and required closer inspection of the PCIe lane map and BIOS configuration to fully understand. While overall throughput remained strong across all drives, the behavior highlights that the MS-02 Ultra expects users to pay attention to lane allocation if they intend to fully populate all storage bays.

From a practical standpoint, the storage design reflects the broader philosophy of the MS-02 Ultra. It offers unusually high capacity and flexibility for a system of this size, but it does so by imposing constraints related to drive selection, thermal clearance, and PCIe bandwidth sharing. For users planning a fixed configuration, these limitations are manageable once understood. For those intending to experiment with different storage combinations over time, the layout rewards careful planning rather than casual swapping. This reinforces the idea that the MS-02 Ultra is engineered for deliberate, long-term deployment rather than frequent hardware iteration.

Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Internal Hardware

At the core of the MS-02 Ultra is Intel’s Core Ultra HX platform, with the Ultra 9 285HX representing the most complete implementation of what this chassis can support. This processor combines 8 P-cores and 16 E-cores, allowing the system to scale from low-load background tasks to sustained multi-threaded workloads without the immediate thermal collapse often seen in compact systems. In practice, the CPU feels closer to a desktop-class part than a mobile processor, particularly when sustained power limits are raised in the BIOS. That capability comes with tradeoffs in power draw and cooling demand, but it also defines the MS-02 Ultra’s positioning as something far more ambitious than a conventional mini PC.

Memory support further reinforces that distinction. The system includes 4 DDR5 SODIMM slots, but only the Ultra 9 285HX variant enables ECC functionality. During testing, ECC was supported at 4800 MT/s, and while that frequency is lower than some non-ECC DDR5 kits, the stability benefits are clearly aligned with the system’s server-adjacent ambitions. The physical layout of the memory slots is unconventional, with 2 slots positioned close to the CPU cooling path and the remaining 2 mounted on the opposite side of the board.

Minisforum has added a custom heatsink over part of the memory and nearby controllers, suggesting thermal behaviour around the DIMMs was significant enough during development to warrant dedicated mitigation.

PCIe lane availability is one of the most critical aspects of the MS-02 Ultra’s internal design. The system exposes 3 PCIe slots: 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and 1 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. Notably, the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is not occupied by the bundled 25GbE combo card, leaving it available for future expansion. This is an unusual design choice in a system of this size and points to forward-looking intent rather than immediate necessity. However, physical space limits the practicality of using this slot to low-profile, short-length cards, which significantly narrows the pool of compatible GPUs and accelerators.

Power delivery inside the chassis is handled by an internal 350 W PSU, which is uncommon for systems in this size class. During teardown and testing, it became clear that Minisforum opted for an internal unit to support higher transient loads and to provide direct power connectors for PCIe devices. While an external PSU would have simplified thermals and internal space management, the internal design enables a cleaner external setup and removes a common bottleneck seen in expandable mini PCs. The tradeoff is increased internal heat density, which places more responsibility on the cooling system to manage both CPU and power delivery components simultaneously.

Overall, the internal hardware configuration of the MS-02 Ultra reflects a deliberate shift away from simplicity and toward flexibility and scalability. Each major subsystem, CPU, memory, PCIe, and power delivery, is implemented in a way that assumes the user will actively engage with BIOS settings, lane allocation, and hardware planning.

This makes the system less forgiving for casual users but far more capable for those who intend to push it beyond default configurations. Rather than hiding complexity, the MS-02 Ultra exposes it, which is both its defining strength and a potential barrier depending on the user’s expectations.

Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Ports and Connections

The MS-02 Ultra offers a port layout that reflects its hybrid workstation and infrastructure-focused design rather than a consumer desktop orientation. On the front panel, Minisforum has placed 2 USB4 v2 Type-C ports operating at up to 80 Gbps, alongside a single USB 10 Gbps Type-A port, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and the power button. In practical use, the front USB4 v2 ports proved capable of sustained high-throughput operation, including external NVMe enclosures where transfer speeds in the 6 to 7 GB/s range were observed. This makes the front panel suitable not just for peripherals, but for temporary high-speed storage, capture devices, or docking solutions without needing to access the rear of the system.

The rear I/O panel expands connectivity significantly and is where the system’s infrastructure focus becomes clearer. It includes 1 USB4 Type-C port at 40 Gbps, 3 USB-A ports at 10 Gbps, and a full-size HDMI 2.1 port supporting high-resolution and high-refresh output. The HDMI port provides a straightforward display option for setups that do not rely on DisplayPort over USB4, which is useful in environments where compatibility or cable length is a concern. Together, these ports support multi-display configurations without requiring a discrete GPU, though display bandwidth sharing across USB4 ports should still be considered when attaching multiple high-resolution monitors.

Networking is one of the defining characteristics of the MS-02 Ultra, particularly on the Ultra 9 285HX model. This version includes the previously mentioned 2 25GbE SFP+ ports delivered via the internal PCIe combo card, in addition to a 10GbE RJ45 port and a 2.5GbE RJ45 port. Each wired interface uses a separate controller, allowing simultaneous multi-tier networking without shared bandwidth bottlenecks.

In testing, the presence of multiple active network controllers contributed to higher idle power draw, but it also enables complex routing, storage, or virtualization scenarios that would normally require a much larger system. The 2.5GbE interface also supports Intel vPro, allowing remote management and BIOS-level access in supported environments.

Wireless connectivity is handled by an onboard WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 module, with external antenna connectors located at the rear. In close-range testing, WiFi 7 throughput exceeded 5 Gbps when paired with a compatible router, making it a viable option for high-speed wireless workflows when cabling is impractical.

While wireless connectivity is unlikely to replace the wired interfaces for sustained workloads, its inclusion rounds out the system’s connectivity and reinforces the idea that the MS-02 Ultra is designed to function in a wide range of deployment scenarios, from desk-based workstations to lab or rack-adjacent environments.

Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Speed, Noise, Heat and Power Tests

In day-to-day operation, the MS-02 Ultra behaves closer to a compact desktop workstation than a typical mini PC, particularly when configured with the Core Ultra 9 285HX. General responsiveness under Windows 11 Pro was consistently strong, even with multiple background tasks running, and the system showed no signs of instability during extended uptime.

Light workloads such as desktop productivity, media playback, and development tools rarely pushed power draw beyond moderate levels, although the presence of the 25GbE combo card does raise baseline consumption compared to smaller Minisforum systems.

CPU-focused testing highlighted the platform’s ability to sustain high loads, but also underscored how aggressively the system can scale power. In Cinebench, single-core workloads typically drew around 65 to 70 W, while full multi-core runs pushed total system power beyond 200 W at peak. These figures are unusually high for a system of this size, but they align with what would be expected from a high-core-count HX processor running with elevated power limits. Despite this, the cooling system maintained control, with external chassis temperatures remaining within reasonable limits even during prolonged stress periods.

Integrated graphics performance was evaluated using a mix of synthetic benchmarks and real-world gaming tests. Cinebench GPU and PCMark scores placed the system solidly ahead of most integrated-graphics mini PCs, but well below even mid-range discrete GPUs. In practice, games such as Sons of the Forest and Street Fighter 6 were playable at 60 FPS using medium settings, confirming that casual and light gaming is viable without additional hardware.

However, more demanding benchmarks like Steel Nomad and Solar Bay Extreme demonstrated clear limitations, reinforcing that users seeking higher graphical fidelity or advanced rendering will need a discrete GPU or external GPU solution.

Where the MS-02 Ultra differentiates itself is in scalability rather than raw out-of-the-box performance. USB4 ports supported external GPUs and high-speed storage without issue, and internal PCIe expansion allowed for measurable gains when discrete graphics were introduced. Storage benchmarks showed expected scaling across PCIe generations, with PCIe 5.0 NVMe drives exceeding 12 GB/s, PCIe 4.0 drives reaching around 6 GB/s, and PCIe 3.0 drives performing in line with their specifications. Overall, performance testing confirmed that the system’s architecture prioritizes flexibility and sustained throughput over specialization in any single workload.

Disclaimer on 25GbE and NAS Testing

This review does not include full performance validation of the dual 25GbE SFP+ interfaces or in-depth NAS and virtualization benchmarking. At the time of testing, a complete 25GbE network environment was not yet in place, which prevented meaningful throughput, latency, and sustained load testing of those ports. As a result, the networking discussion in this article is limited to hardware behavior, configuration, and early observations rather than verified performance metrics. A dedicated follow-up video and article are planned that will focus specifically on deploying the MS-02 Ultra as a NAS and Proxmox host, including detailed 25GbE testing, storage performance under RAID and VM workloads, and long-term stability analysis.

Minisforum MS-02 Ultra Review – Conclusion & Verdict

After extended testing, the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra stands out as one of the most ambitious small-form-factor systems Minisforum has produced to date. It is not designed to be a simple plug-and-play mini PC, and it does not try to hide that fact. Almost every aspect of the system, from PCIe lane allocation to storage layout and cooling behavior, assumes the user will be willing to spend time understanding how the hardware fits together. In return, it offers a level of flexibility that is uncommon at this size, combining workstation-class CPU performance with expansion options that normally require a much larger chassis. The result is a system that feels closer to a modular platform than a fixed appliance.

In practical use, the MS-02 Ultra proves capable across a wide range of workloads, but its real value lies in how well it scales beyond its default configuration. CPU performance is strong enough for sustained professional tasks, integrated graphics are sufficient for light gaming and creative work, and the internal and external expansion options open the door to far more demanding roles over time. At the same time, the pricing, particularly for ECC-equipped or fully populated configurations, places it firmly in enthusiast and professional territory. Users who want something quiet, simple, and inexpensive will likely be better served by smaller Minisforum systems. For those who are comfortable tinkering, planning future upgrades, and investing in a platform that can evolve alongside their needs, the MS-02 Ultra delivers a rare combination of compact size, connectivity, and long-term adaptability that few systems currently match.

PROs of the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra	CONs of the Minisforum MS-02 Ultra
Strong multi-core CPU performance that approaches compact desktop-class systems Unusually high internal expandability for a 4.8 L chassis PCIe 5.0 x16 slot available for future expansion Dual 25GbE SFP+ networking on the 285HX model Support for ECC DDR5 memory on the 285HX configuration Four M.2 NVMe slots available on the top-tier model Internal 350 W PSU with auxiliary power for PCIe devices USB4 v2 ports capable of very high external storage and docking throughput Suitable for multiple roles including workstation, NAS, and virtualization host	High pricing for a area of the market where buyers are getting used to low, low prices, even for ECC-equipped or fully populated configurations Limited physical space restricts larger GPU and PCIe card choices Fan control largely confined to BIOS with limited OS-level adjustment (TBC) Complexity and tuning requirements may deter less experienced users who want to maximize their investment in this system

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Best NAS of the Year 2025

Network attached storage in 2025 has shifted from being a niche utility to a central part of how many homes, studios and small businesses manage data. Rising storage needs, more capable low power CPUs and a renewed interest in self hosted services have produced a wave of compact, power efficient systems alongside more traditional multi bay enclosures. This article identifies a small group of NAS devices that stood out during 2025 for their hardware design, price-to-performance balance or the specific problems they address, rather than for brand familiarity alone. To qualify for inclusion, a NAS had to be commercially available for general sale during 2025, not an older carry over model or a crowdfunded prototype. No Kickstarter, Indiegogo or pre production units were considered, and devices that only existed as region locked or short lived batches were excluded where availability could not be reasonably confirmed. Both turnkey systems with bundled NAS operating systems and OS agnostic, barebones style hardware are included, provided they offer a clear proposition for real world use in home lab, small business or mobile workflows.

Honourary Mention – The UniFi UNAS Series – $199 to $799

SPECS: Quad core ARM Cortex A55 or A57 at 1.7 to 2.0 GHz – 4 to 16 GB LPDDR4 – 2 to 8 x 3.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 / 1 x 1 GbE RJ45 / up to 3 x 10 GbE (RJ45 and SFP+) – 0 or 2 x M.2 NVMe SSD slots for cache (depending on model).

While not a single flagship unit, UniFi’s expanded UNAS NAS range in 2025 merits an honorary mention as a platform level development. Moving from a single NAS offering in 2024 to multiple UNAS models in 2025, UniFi shifted from dabbling in storage to positioning itself as a serious option for small business, UniFi centric home labs and integrators that want storage tightly aligned with existing UniFi networking and management.

The significance here is not an isolated specification or feature, but the fact that a major networking vendor is rapidly building out a NAS portfolio at a time when private data ownership, self hosted services and integrated stacks are becoming more important, adding competitive pressure on more established, slower moving NAS brands.

UNAS UNAS 2 – 2-Bay NAS – $199	UNAS UNAS Pro 8 – 8-Bay NAS – $799

#1 Aoostar WTR Max – $599-699

SPECS: AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS – up to 128 GB DDR5 ECC via 2 SODIMM slots – 6 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 / 2 x 10 GbE SFP+ – 5 x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 4.0 slots.

The Aoostar WTR Max is a prebuilt, OS agnostic NAS chassis that stands out for its hardware density at its price point. It combines 6x hard drive bays with 4x M.2 NVMe slots, dual 10 GbE networking and an AMD server grade platform with ECC memory support in a compact enclosure that has been noted for effective cooling relative to its size. Rather than tying buyers to a proprietary operating system, it is intended to run third party NAS or server platforms, which gives it flexibility but also means any software integration and management experience depends on the OS the user chooses to deploy. Throughout 2025 it has frequently been in short supply, indicating sustained demand from home lab users and small operators who want near turnkey hardware with specifications that would be expensive to replicate via a fully DIY build.

What We Said in our June ’25 review HERE: The Aoostar WTR Max stands out as a rare blend of high storage density, advanced connectivity, and raw compute performance in a compact NAS form factor, making it well-suited for experienced users seeking a versatile, self-managed platform. With support for up to 11 drives—six SATA and five NVMe Gen 4—paired with an enterprise-grade Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS CPU and ECC memory compatibility, the system offers workstation-class capabilities for storage-heavy workflows, including virtualization, multimedia processing, and hybrid file serving. Dual 10GbE SFP+ and dual 2.5GbE ports provide ample bandwidth for multi-user access or isolated subnet roles, while the OCuLink interface enables high-speed external expansion, compensating for the absence of a traditional PCIe slot. Additional benefits like a fully customizable LCD status display, low fan noise, and consistently low thermals under load reinforce the system’s value in 24/7 deployments.

However, the WTR Max does present some caveats—namely, internal NVMe cross-performance appears constrained by shared bandwidth, and the lack of an internal PCIe slot could be limiting for users requiring more conventional upgrade paths. The LCD panel’s configuration software also proved cumbersome, raising security flags and requiring manual IP client setup, which may deter less technically inclined users. Lastly, the use of an external 280W PSU—while effective—won’t appeal to those expecting internal power integration in a workstation-style chassis. Nonetheless, for users who value full control over their NAS stack and want to avoid restrictive ecosystems, the WTR Max delivers a rare combination of hardware freedom and scalability that few turnkey systems offer in this price and size category.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 10/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 9/10

9.2

PROS

High Storage Density in Compact Form
Supports up to 11 drives (6x SATA + 5x NVMe) in a desktop-sized chassis, ideal for users with large-scale storage needs but limited physical space.

Enterprise-Class CPU with ECC Support
AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS offers 8C/16T performance, ECC memory support, and integrated RDNA 3 graphics—rare at this price and size.

Dual 10GbE SFP+ and Dual 2.5GbE Networking
Provides flexible, high-throughput networking for content creators, virtual environments, or advanced home labs.

Strong Virtualization and Transcoding Performance
Smooth Proxmox VM hosting and real-time Plex 4K/8K transcoding using Radeon 780M hardware acceleration.

OCuLink PCIe Expansion Port
Enables high-speed external storage or GPU support without sacrificing internal NVMe bandwidth.

Customizable LCD Monitoring Panel
Real-time display of system metrics (CPU, RAM, network, storage) with theme options, useful for headless setups.

Robust Cooling System with Vapor Chamber
Glacier Pro 1.0 design keeps thermals in check across four fans and distinct airflow zones; low fan noise even under load.

Open Software Ecosystem
No proprietary OS or restrictions; supports TrueNAS, Unraid, Proxmox, or Linux-based setups for full admin control.

CONS

Limited Internal NVMe Cross-Throughput
Inter-M.2 transfer speeds are capped (~500–600 MB/s), possibly due to shared chipset lanes or controller design.

No Internal PCIe Slot
Expansion is limited to OCuLink; users needing traditional PCIe cards (e.g., GPUs or HBAs) may find this restrictive.

LCD Panel Software Can Be Problematic
Configuration software raised browser security flags and requires static IP client setup, making it less accessible.

External Power Brick Only
280W external PSU is functional but not ideal for rackmount or integrated enclosures; some users may prefer internal ATX power.

#2 Minisforum N5 NAS – $549-599

SPECS: AMD Ryzen 7 255 or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX Pro 370 – up to 96 GB DDR5 (ECC on N5 Pro) – 5 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA bays – 1 x 5 GbE RJ45 / 1 x 10 GbE RJ45 – 3 x M.2 NVMe slots (2 convertible to U.2, PCIe 4.0).

The Minisforum N5 is a compact 5-bay NAS that targets users who want preconfigured hardware with some workstation derived design features. It uses an x86 CPU in the same general class as the Aoostar WTR Max, paired with an internal storage module of 64 GB for the system volume, and is typically sold in the 599 to 699 USD range, with the separate Pro variant occupying a higher bracket. The chassis integrates a removable drive base section for easier maintenance, and the platform includes multi-gig networking up to 10 GbE and 5 GbE, a PCIe expansion slot and USB4 connectivity for additional bandwidth or external devices. Minisforum ships the N5 with its own NAS operating system to provide an immediate out of box experience, but the software is still relatively young and many buyers elect to overwrite the included module with a more established NAS or server OS. Throughout 2025, availability has been intermittent, reflecting a level of demand from home lab users who want higher specification NAS hardware without building entirely from individual components.

What we said in our July ’25 Review HERE:

The Minisforum N5 Pro is an impressive and highly versatile NAS platform that successfully combines the core strengths of a storage appliance with the capabilities of a compact, workstation-class server, making it suitable for demanding and varied use cases. Its defining features include a 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 24 threads and onboard AI acceleration up to 50 TOPS, support for up to 96GB of ECC-capable DDR5 memory for data integrity, and a hybrid storage architecture offering up to 144TB total capacity through a mix of five SATA bays and three NVMe/U.2 slots. Additional highlights such as ZFS file system support with snapshots, inline compression, and self-healing, along with high-speed networking via dual 10GbE and 5GbE ports, and expansion through PCIe Gen 4 ×16 and OCuLink interfaces, position it well beyond the capabilities of typical consumer NAS systems. The compact, fully metal chassis is easy to service and efficiently cooled, enabling continuous operation even under sustained virtual machine, AI, or media workloads.

At the same time, the bundled MinisCloud OS, while feature-rich with AI photo indexing, Docker support, and mobile integration, remains a work in progress, lacking some enterprise-grade polish, robust localization, and more advanced tools expected in mature NAS ecosystems. Minor drawbacks such as the external PSU, the thermally challenged pre-installed OS SSD, and the higher cost of the Pro variant relative to the standard N5 are important to weigh, particularly for users who may not fully utilize the Pro’s ECC and AI-specific advantages. For advanced users, homelab builders, and technical teams who require high compute density, flexible storage, and full control over their software stack, the N5 Pro delivers workstation-level performance and configurability in NAS form—offering one of the most forward-thinking and adaptable solutions available today in this segment.

The is now available to buy: Minisforum N5 Pro (Check Amazon) – HERE Minisforum N5 Pro (Check AliExpress) – HERE Shop for NAS Hard Drives on Amazon – HERE Shop for SSDs for your N5 Pro on Amazon – HERE

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.6

PROS

High-performance AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU with 12 cores, 24 threads, and AI acceleration (50 TOPS NPU) is INCREDIBLE for a compact desktop purchase
Support for up to 96GB DDR5 memory with ECC, ensuring data integrity and stability in critical environments
ZFS-ready storage with numerous ZFS and TRADITIONAL RAID configurations, snapshots, and inline compression
Hybrid storage support: five 3.5\\\"/2.5\\\" SATA bays plus three NVMe/U.2 SSD slots, with up to 144TB total capacity
Versatile expansion options including PCIe Gen 4 ×16 slot (×4 electrical) and OCuLink port for GPUs or NVMe cages
Dual high-speed networking: 10GbE and 5GbE RJ45 ports with link aggregation support + (using the inclusive MinisCloud OS) the use of the USB4 ports for direct PC/Mac connection!
Fully metal, compact, and serviceable chassis with thoughtful cooling and accessible internal layout - makes maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting a complete breeze!
Compatibility with third-party OSes (TrueNAS, Unraid, Linux) without voiding warranty, offering flexibility for advanced users

CONS

MinisCloud OS is functional but immature, with unfinished localisation and limited advanced enterprise features - lacks MFA, iSCSI, Security Scanner and More. Nails several key fundamentals, but still feels unfinished at this time.
Despite External PSU design (will already annoy some users), it generates a lot of additional heat and may not appeal to all users overall
Preinstalled 64GB OS SSD runs hot under sustained use and lacks dedicated cooling. Plus, losing one of the 3 m.2 slots to it will not please everyone (most brands manage to find a way to apply an eMMC into the board more directly, or use a USB bootloader option as a gateway for their OS
Premium $1000+ pricing may be hard to justify for users who don’t need ECC memory or AI capabilities compared to the standard N5 at $500+

#3 Beelink ME Mini N150 NAS – $209-299

SPECS: Intel N150 quad core Twin Lake SoC up to 3.6 GHz – 12 GB LPDDR5 (with 16 GB LPDDR5 variant announced) – 6 x M.2 2280 SSD bays – dual 2.5 GbE RJ45 / WiFi 6 – 6 x M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 slots (5 x1 / 1 x2, one slot also supporting SATA SSD).

The Beelink ME Mini N150 is an all flash, ultra compact NAS style platform built around 6x M.2 NVMe bays, an Intel N150 CPU and 12 to 16 GB of memory, aimed at low power home lab and edge storage roles. It typically ships in the 200 to 250 USD bracket depending on retailer and configuration, and includes a small amount of onboard eMMC storage intended for the operating system, with users commonly installing Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or other lightweight NAS platforms. Connectivity includes dual 2.5 GbE ports, making it suitable for multi gig networks despite its size, and its idle power draw with all slots populated has been measured in the sub 10 to 12 W range, which positions it as an efficient always on node. While comparable N150 based systems from GMKTEC and turnkey brands like TerraMaster arrived in the same period, the ME Mini gained wider attention in 2025 because its combination of price, power envelope and density is difficult to match via a conventional DIY build using standard motherboards and cases.

What we said in our June ’25 Review HERE:

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.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.8

PROS

Compact cube design (99x99x99mm) ideal for discreet home deployment
Supports up to 6x M.2 NVMe SSDs with total capacity up to 24TB
Integrated PSU eliminates bulky external power adapters
Dual 2.5GbE LAN ports with link aggregation support
Wi-Fi 6 and UnRAID7 Support means not limited to 2x2.5G
Low power consumption (as low as 6.9W idle, ~30W peak with full load)
Silent fan and effective internal thermal management via large heatsink
Includes Crucial-branded SSDs in pre-configured options for reliability

CONS

Five of the six SSD slots are limited to PCIe Gen 3 x1 bandwidth
Memory is soldered and non-upgradable
Not 10GbE Upgradable (maybe m.2 adapter - messy)
Bottom panel retains heat due to lack of active ventilation

#4 Lincplus Lincstation N2 – $399-449

SPECS: Intel N100 quad core up to 3.4 GHz – 16 GB LPDDR5 – 2 x 2.5″ SATA bays / 4 x M.2 NVMe bays (total 6 bays) – 1 x 10 GbE RJ45 – 4 x M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots.

The Lincstation N2 is a compact prebuilt NAS positioned primarily on value, combining an Intel N100 quad core CPU, 16 GB of non upgradable memory and 10 GbE networking in a small chassis. Storage is split between 4x M.2 NVMe bays and 2x 2.5 inch SATA bays, giving a mix of high speed solid state and more conventional, higher capacity drives, with visible status LEDs on the exterior. Typical street pricing in 2025 has been around 400 to 450 USD depending on tax and discounts, but its effective cost is reduced further by the inclusion of an Unraid license, which separately represents a non trivial software expense and is pre supported via a USB loader for straightforward deployment. While the N100 CPU and PCIe lane distribution place it below some competing platforms in raw performance, the combination of 10 GbE, mixed media bays, bundled software and small footprint makes it a distinct option for users who prioritise overall throughput and licensing value rather than maximum compute power.

What we said in our Jan ’25 Review HERE:

The Lincstation N2 NAS is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, the N1, offering better connectivity, improved cooling, and more efficient hardware. The inclusion of 10GbE networking makes it a more appealing option for users who require higher data transfer speeds, and the passive and active cooling improvements ensure better thermal regulation under sustained workloads. With support for four M.2 NVMe SSDs and two SATA SSDs, the N2 provides flexible storage options, allowing users to build a high-speed, all-flash NAS setup. The Intel N100 processor and 16GB LPDDR5 memory deliver decent performance for most home and small business NAS applications, but the non-upgradeable memory may be a limiting factor for more demanding users. The compact, efficient design makes it an ideal NAS for those looking for a balance between power efficiency and performance.

That being said, the N2 does have a few drawbacks that may impact users looking for greater expandability. The lack of PCIe expansion slots means users cannot add additional NICs or storage controllers, making it less versatile compared to some competing NAS solutions. Additionally, while the 10GbE port is a significant upgrade, it is limited by PCIe bandwidth constraints, meaning users may not be able to fully utilize its maximum throughput in all scenarios. The USB connectivity options are decent, but having only one high-speed USB-C 10Gbps port may feel restrictive for those wanting multiple fast external connections. Furthermore, the reliance on a barrel-type power connector instead of USB-C is another missed opportunity for modernization.

Overall, the Lincstation N2 NAS remains a good choice for UnRAID users looking for an affordable, high-speed, all-flash NAS solution. It provides great energy efficiency, a streamlined setup process, and a solid mix of connectivity options. While it lacks some scalability features, for most home and small business users, it offers a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and ease of use. If Lincplus continues refining their NAS lineup, future iterations with more robust networking, storage expandability, and minor refinements to cooling and connectivity could make it a standout competitor in the small NAS market.

SOFTWARE - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 8/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.2

PROS

10GbE networking for high-speed transfers
Compact, silent, and power-efficient
Includes 1 Year UnRAID license for easy setup
Supports four M.2 NVMe SSDs and two SATA SSDs
Low power consumption and passive+active cooling
Improved design over the N1 with better airflow

CONS

Limited PCIe lanes affecting 10GbE throughput
Non-upgradeable RAM (fixed 16GB LPDDR5)
N100 CPU has very recently seen a refresh towards the N150
Uses a barrel-type power adapter instead of USB-C

#5 UnifyDrive UT2 Mobile NAS – $399-599

SPECS: ARM 8 core processor (2 x quad core SoCs) up to 2.0 GHz – 8 GB LPDDR4X – 2 x M.2 NVMe bays – 1 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 / WiFi 6 – 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots.

The UnifyDrive UT2 is a dual M.2 NVMe mobile NAS that targets content creators and field teams who need portable, battery backed storage rather than a static rack or desktop system. It is built around an 8 core ARM platform (implemented as 2 quad core chips) with 8 GB of memory, 2.5 GbE networking, WiFi 6 support and can act as an access point, with additional connectivity via USB type C, USB type A and dual SD card slots. UniFi supplies its own NAS operating system, which covers file sharing, backup, containers and an app center but does not provide full virtual machine hosting, and the unit can also operate as a direct attached storage device over USB. An internal 2200 mAh battery provides roughly 2 hours of standalone use and the device can also be powered from an external USB power bank, allowing workflows where camera media is ingested on location, duplicated to other storage or cloud targets and then transported while tasks continue in the background. Pricing during 2025 has generally ranged between 399 and 599 USD depending on promotions, positioning the UT2 as a niche but distinct option for mobile data capture and collaboration rather than a traditional always on NAS.

What we said in our April ’25 Review HERE:

The UnifyDrive UT2 Portable NAS offers a compact, portable storage solution designed for users who need on-the-go data management. Its features include a built-in battery, Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet, HDMI output, and dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots, which together make it capable of handling media playback, file storage, and real-time collaboration. The UT2 also includes UDR selective RAID, one-touch SD card backups, and an AI-powered photo recognition system, all controlled through a user-friendly mobile app. These features position the UT2 as a versatile device for professionals such as photographers and content creators, who need portable, high-speed data storage and secure file management.

As a crowdfunded product, the UT2 is set to launch on Kickstarter, meaning there are some inherent risks associated with its development. While the hardware and software shown in the review appear polished and near completion, the final product may vary from the reviewed unit, and there is no guarantee of timely delivery or final quality. The early-bird price of $399 may appeal to those looking for a portable NAS, though the full retail price of $599 could place it in competition with larger, full-featured NAS systems. Potential backers should consider these factors when deciding whether to support the project.

+ Get a further 5% OFF with this code: NASCOMPARES

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 8/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.6

PROS

Compact and Portable: Small, lightweight design makes it easy to carry, ideal for on-the-go professionals.
Built-in Battery: The 2200mAh battery provides up to an hour of runtime without external power, offering flexibility in mobile environments.
Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet: High-speed network options ensure fast file transfers and smooth data access.
Dual M.2 NVMe SSD Slots: Supports up to two NVMe SSDs, offering high-speed storage options.
HDMI Output: Enables media playback and control via remote, supporting up to 8K video for a versatile media experience.
One-Touch Backup: Simple SD and CFe card backup with a single button, ideal for photographers and videographers.
User-Friendly Mobile App: Intuitive control via iOS and Android, with detailed system monitoring and management features.
UDR Selective RAID: Offers flexible RAID-like redundancy on a folder level, allowing selective data protection without using the full capacity.
AI-Powered Photo Recognition: Includes facial and object recognition, enhancing media organization.
Multiple Connectivity Options: USB, Ethernet, and wireless options provide flexibility for different use cases.

CONS

Heavily Dependent on Software Support: Long-term functionality and feature enhancements will rely on continuous software updates, which are not guaranteed.
Crowdfunding Risks: As a crowdfunded product, there\\\'s uncertainty about delivery timelines and the final product quality.
Non-Upgradable RAM: The 8GB of RAM is soldered, limiting future scalability as storage or performance needs grow.
Price at Full Retail: At $599, it approaches the cost of larger, more powerful NAS systems, making it less competitive for budget-conscious buyers.

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Minisforum MS-01 vs MS-A2 – Which Should You Buy?

Minisforum has steadily earned recognition in the compact workstation space, and the MS-01 stands as one of its most prominent entries. Released with a focus on balancing high-performance hardware in a small chassis, the MS-01 quickly found popularity among professionals needing powerful networking and scalable internals without the bulk of a full-sized desktop. It supports CPUs up to the Intel Core i9-13900H, includes dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, and provides expansion via a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (operating at x8 speed), giving users access to discrete graphics or high-performance cards if needed. With three internal M.2 slots and support for up to 64GB of DDR5 memory, the MS-01 became a go-to mini workstation for users who value connectivity and component flexibility at a relatively modest price point.

In early 2025, Minisforum introduced the MS-A2 — a system clearly designed as a next-generation counterpart to the MS-01, but one that leans into AMD’s latest advancements. Featuring the Ryzen 9 9955HX processor based on the Zen 5 architecture, the MS-A2 offers more cores, more threads, faster base and boost clocks, and higher supported memory capacity, reaching up to 96GB DDR5 at 5600MHz. It also brings upgrades in memory bandwidth, M.2 storage speed (with all three slots supporting PCIe 4.0 x4), and internal thermal design. From a feature standpoint, the MS-A2 is positioned to meet or exceed the MS-01 in most categories — but it does so with a noticeable bump in price. Still, for users prioritizing top-end performance and storage throughput, the MS-A2 might justify the premium. The sections below break down how these systems stack up in real-world terms — not just on paper, but in actual deployment.

Minisforum MS-A2 vs MS-01 – Hardware Specifications Compared

At a glance, both the MS-01 and MS-A2 share a near-identical chassis, measuring 196×189×48mm and following Minisforum’s signature small form factor aesthetic. Internally, however, there are several notable differences that affect both systems’ expandability and long-term utility. Both devices feature three M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs, but only the MS-A2 supports full PCIe 4.0 x4 lanes on all three slots. By contrast, the MS-01 includes a single PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and one limited PCIe 3.0 x2 slot. This directly impacts storage performance, especially for users aiming to run multiple high-throughput drives in parallel. In real terms, the MS-A2 allows up to three SSDs each capable of saturating 7,000MB/s read speeds, whereas the MS-01 will bottleneck in its second and third storage bays.

Specification	MS-01 (Intel Core i9-13900H)	MS-A2 (AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX)
CPU	Intel Core i9-13900H (14C/20T, up to 5.4GHz)	AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (16C/32T, Zen 5, up to 5.4GHz)
GPU	Intel Iris Xe (96 EUs @ 1.5GHz)	AMD Radeon 610M (2 CUs @ 2.2GHz)
RAM Support	DDR5-5200MHz, up to 64GB (2x SO-DIMM)	DDR5-5600MHz, up to 96GB (2x SO-DIMM)
M.2 Storage	1x PCIe 4.0 x4 (2280), 1x PCIe 3.0 x4 (22110), 1x PCIe 3.0 x2	1x PCIe 4.0 x4 (U.2/2280), 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 (2280/22110)
Max Storage Capacity	Up to 15TB (U.2), 4TB (each 2280/22110 slot)	Up to 15TB (U.2), 4TB (each 2280/22110 slot)
PCIe Expansion	1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x8 speed, half-height)	1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x8 speed, split support)
Ethernet Ports	2x 10Gbps SFP+, 2x 2.5GbE RJ45	2x 10Gbps SFP+, 2x 2.5GbE RJ45
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Display Output	1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB4 (Alt DisplayPort 1.4a)	1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-C (Alt DisplayPort 2.0, up to 8K@60Hz)
USB Ports (Front)	2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0	2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x Audio Jack
USB Ports (Rear)	2x USB4 (40Gbps), 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1	2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1
Audio I/O	HDMI audio + 3.5mm combo jack	HDMI audio + 3.5mm 4-in-1 combo jack (input/output)
Cooling	1x CPU fan (12V), 1x SSD fans (5V)	1x CPU fan (12V), 1x SSD fans (5V)
Power Supply	19V DC input (external adapter)	19V / 12.63A (external adapter)
OS Support	Windows 11 Pro	Windows 11 / Linux
Chassis Dimensions	196 × 189 × 48 mm	196 × 189 × 48 mm
Additional Accessories	U.2 adapter, SSD heatsink, mounting hardware	Not specified

Both systems include a PCIe 4.0 expansion slot, which is a rare and welcome inclusion in mini PCs. On the MS-01, this slot is x16 physically but electrically operates at x8 speed and is suitable for half-height, single-slot PCIe cards. The MS-A2 retains this format but introduces PCIe bifurcation support, enabling more advanced setups with compatible cards — a notable advantage for developers or users building niche use cases like NVMe RAID or multi-GPU compute tasks in an edge environment. Additionally, memory support is slightly more capable on the AMD model, with the MS-A2 supporting up to 96GB of DDR5-5600 via two SO-DIMM slots, compared to the MS-01’s 64GB ceiling at DDR5-5200. This can make a tangible difference in virtualization or memory-intensive creative workflows.

In terms of connectivity, both units are very well equipped: dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, dual 2.5GbE RJ45, HDMI output, USB 3.2 Gen1/Gen2 Type-A ports, and USB4 (or USB-C with DisplayPort alt mode). The MS-A2 takes a slight lead in display output capabilities, supporting HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 over USB-C, compared to HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4a on the MS-01. This means the AMD system supports 8K60 and 4K144 video streams natively. Wireless capability is also a step ahead on the MS-A2 with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, compared to the MS-01’s Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Altogether, while the MS-01 still holds up well a year after release, the MS-A2 offers clearly improved throughput, higher bandwidth components, and better display and wireless standards.

Minisforum MS-01 vs MS-A2 – CPUs Compared

The defining difference between the Minisforum MS-01 and MS-A2 lies in their processor choices: the Intel Core i9-13900H and the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, respectively. While both CPUs are built for high-end mobile performance and boast identical peak boost clocks of up to 5.4GHz, the underlying architecture and core configurations are markedly different. The i9-13900H uses a hybrid architecture with 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, totaling 14 cores and 20 threads. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 9955HX employs 16 full-fledged performance cores and 32 threads based on AMD’s latest Zen 5 architecture. For users engaged in parallel processing tasks—such as 3D rendering, large-scale compilation, or virtualization—the extra cores and threads in the AMD chip deliver a tangible performance uplift.

Specification	AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX	Intel Core i9-13900H	Better Performer
Architecture	Zen 5 (TSMC 4nm)	Raptor Lake (Intel 7)	AMD (newer architecture, denser node)
Cores / Threads	16C / 32T	14C (6P+8E) / 20T	AMD (more cores and threads)
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	~3.1 GHz (P-cores, estimated)	Intel (higher base for performance cores)
Boost Clock	5.4 GHz	5.4 GHz	Tie
L2 Cache	16 MB	Part of total cache (not separated)	AMD (clearly larger L2 cache)
L3 Cache	64 MB	24 MB	AMD (much larger L3 cache)
TDP (Base / Max)	55W / 75W	45W / 115W	Depends (Intel boosts higher, AMD more efficient)
Integrated GPU	Radeon 610M (2 CUs @ 2.2GHz)	Iris Xe (96 EUs @ 1.5GHz)	Intel (much better GPU performance)
Memory Support	DDR5-5600, up to 96 GB	DDR5-5200, LPDDR5x-6400, DDR4/LPDDR4x	Intel (more flexible memory support)
PCIe Support	PCIe 5.0 (28 lanes)	PCIe 5.0 (CPU) + PCIe 3.0 (Chipset)	AMD (uniform PCIe 5.0 support)
Overclocking	Yes (Unlocked, PBO, Curve Optimizer)	No	AMD
Memory Overclocking	AMD EXPO	Intel XMP	Tie
Instruction Set	x86-64, AVX512, SSE4A	64-bit, AVX2, SSE4.2	AMD (supports AVX512)
Multithreading	Yes (SMT)	Yes (Hyper-Threading)	Tie
AI Acceleration	None	DL Boost, GNA 3.0	Intel (dedicated AI features)
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d, VT-rp	Intel (more granular features)
Security Features	SHA, AES, SEV	TME, Boot Guard, Control-Flow Enforcement	Intel (broader security set)
Display Output	DP 2.0, HDMI 2.1	DP 1.4a, HDMI 2.1	AMD (newer DisplayPort version)
Graphics API Support	DirectX 12, HDMI 2.1, DP 2.0	DirectX 12.1, HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4a	Tie
USB Support	USB 3.2 Gen 2 (4), USB 2.0 (1)	Thunderbolt 4 (USB4), USB 3.2	Intel (Thunderbolt included)
RAID/NVMe Support	Boot, RAID0/1/10	Likely supported via chipset	AMD (more explicitly documented)
Thermal Headroom (TjMax)	100°C	100°C	Tie
Software Ecosystem	Windows/Linux, no vPro	Windows/Linux, vPro supported	Intel (enterprise-ready)
Smart Platform Features	SmartShift MAX, SmartAccess Memory	Thread Director, Adaptix, Speed Shift	Intel (broader platform-wide optimization)
Max Memory Speed (Type)	DDR5-5600	LPDDR5x-6400	Intel (higher speed supported)
ECC Support	Not specified	No	Tie (consumer chips)
Max Displays Supported	4	4	Tie
Target Segment	Gaming, Content Creation	AI Tasks, Office/Enterprise	Depends on use case

Zen 5 is a notable advancement over its predecessors, built on TSMC’s 4nm process and optimized for both performance and power efficiency. This gives the Ryzen 9 9955HX a structural advantage in multithreaded scenarios, with improved instruction throughput, cache handling, and memory bandwidth. The Intel Core i9-13900H, based on Raptor Lake and fabricated using Intel’s “7” process (a refinement of their 10nm SuperFin node), holds its own with mature thread management and strong single-thread performance. Its support for Intel’s Thread Director technology ensures efficient scheduling across its mixed-core layout, which can be beneficial in workloads like content creation and lightly-threaded business apps. However, the Ryzen chip’s unified core design tends to yield more predictable and consistent scaling when all threads are pushed simultaneously, reducing thermal spikes and improving overall sustained performance.

Thermal and power characteristics further highlight the gap between the two systems. Intel’s i9-13900H has a base power of 45W but can boost up to 115W under load, while AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX has a configurable TDP ranging from 55W to 75W. Although the Intel chip has a higher upper limit, in practice it tends to spike power draw during short workloads and then throttle back. In comparison, the Ryzen CPU maintains a steadier thermal and power profile over longer tasks. This behavior was reflected in sustained tests over one-hour and 24-hour windows under mixed network and compute usage: the MS-A2’s CPU performed more consistently, with lower long-term thermal build-up, aided by its upgraded internal fan design. Combined with support for up to 96GB of DDR5 memory versus 64GB on the MS-01, the MS-A2’s CPU configuration offers better overall headroom for demanding, sustained workstation use.

Minisforum MS-A2 vs MS-01 – Graphics and Processing Power Compared

Although the Minisforum MS-01 and MS-A2 are positioned as compact workstations rather than gaming rigs, integrated graphics performance still plays a role in determining their suitability for visual workloads, media playback, and GPU-accelerated tasks. The MS-01 leverages Intel’s Iris Xe graphics, which includes 96 execution units running at up to 1.5GHz. The MS-A2, on the other hand, features AMD’s Radeon 610M — a lightweight RDNA2-based iGPU with 2 compute units operating at 2.2GHz. While the AMD GPU has a higher clock speed on paper, the significantly larger number of execution units in the Iris Xe gives the Intel system a considerable edge in real-world performance. In benchmarks such as the Steel Nomad Light test, the MS-01 consistently delivered higher frame rates and better render completion times, particularly during prolonged sequences that tax the GPU.

This performance advantage was also evident in media encoding and general GPU-accelerated workloads. Intel’s integrated graphics tend to benefit from better driver maturity, wider codec support (particularly for Quick Sync Video), and improved handling in professional apps with Intel-optimized pipelines. Users working in environments involving light 3D rendering, accelerated video encoding, or virtual display compositing are more likely to see stable and consistent results from the MS-01’s iGPU. However, it’s important to note that neither device is intended to replace a discrete GPU for high-end graphical workflows. Their iGPUs are best suited for media playback, multi-monitor output, light rendering tasks, and as fallback units for headless server use.

That said, the MS-A2 reclaims ground when it comes to video output capabilities. While the MS-01 supports HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4a via USB4, the MS-A2 steps forward with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0 over Type-C. This enables support for up to 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 144Hz, offering tangible benefits for users who rely on ultra-high-resolution displays or high refresh rate monitors in productivity setups. Professionals in video editing, CAD work, or photography may find that this broader standard support gives the AMD model a longer shelf life as display technologies advance. In broader processing terms, the MS-A2’s superior CPU — the Ryzen 9 9955HX — delivers more overall compute performance, particularly in multi-threaded applications. But for users with GPU-reliant workloads or who value stability across legacy software environments, the MS-01’s Iris Xe graphics make a compelling case. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to workload distribution: CPU-heavy environments favor the MS-A2, while mixed or GPU-skewed tasks lean toward the MS-01.

Minisforum MS-01 vs MS-A2 – Conclusion and Verdict

After evaluating both systems across CPU architecture, internal connectivity, storage bandwidth, and thermal performance, it becomes clear that the Minisforum MS-01 and MS-A2 cater to slightly different segments of the same professional user base. The MS-01, despite being over a year old, still offers a well-balanced configuration with mature Intel performance, reliable thermal behavior, and excellent compatibility with existing Intel-optimized software. Its Intel Core i9-13900H processor delivers solid single-core performance and responsive handling in mixed-load scenarios, particularly when combined with Iris Xe graphics that outperform AMD’s 610M in general GPU-accelerated tasks. When paired with dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, 2.5GbE RJ45, and PCIe expansion, the MS-01 provides considerable functionality in a highly compact chassis — all at a more affordable starting price than its AMD counterpart.

However, the MS-A2’s specification gains are more than just incremental. It introduces a newer CPU platform with significantly higher multi-threaded performance, better storage throughput via triple PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, and wider memory support scaling up to 96GB at 5600MHz. These improvements position the A2 as a clear upgrade in raw compute potential. Enhanced display output support, including HDMI 2.1 and DP 2.0 over USB-C, adds flexibility for users deploying ultra-high-resolution or high-refresh-rate monitors in content creation, design, or data visualization environments. Furthermore, the updated internal cooling system — subtle in layout but effective in long-term thermal consistency — ensures the AMD-based system maintains sustained performance under extended workloads. While the MS-A2 demands a higher upfront investment, it delivers longer-term value for users running multi-threaded software stacks, high-speed storage arrays, or heavy virtual machine workloads. In essence, the MS-01 is still a dependable and well-priced workstation that meets the needs of a wide user base. But the MS-A2 redefines Minisforum’s performance ceiling with broader bandwidth, more compute power, and enhanced scalability. For users focused on future-proofing, heavier workloads, or maximizing hardware capability within a small form factor, the MS-A2 is the more capable — if more expensive — option. Your choice ultimately comes down to whether cost or capability is the higher priority in your deployment.

Minisforum MS-01 Pros and Cons	Minisforum MS-A2 Pros and Cons
Lower Price Point The MS-01 is considerably more affordable than the MS-A2, making it a better value for users with lighter or mixed workloads. → The MS-A2 demands a premium due to its higher-end specs, which may not be fully utilized in typical home or office deployments. Superior Integrated Graphics (Intel Iris Xe) With 96 execution units, the Iris Xe GPU in the MS-01 outperforms the Radeon 610M in the MS-A2 for media encoding, driver stability, and general GPU-accelerated workloads. → The MS-A2’s Radeon 610M has only 2 compute units and is weaker in rendering, encoding, and professional visual tasks. Thunderbolt 4 and Mature USB4 Support The MS-01 offers USB4 with DisplayPort 1.4a and Thunderbolt compatibility, which ensures greater peripheral compatibility and broader bandwidth for external devices. → The MS-A2 lacks Thunderbolt and uses USB-C ports with DisplayPort 2.0, which are better for displays but more limited in external expansion options. More Established Intel Software Ecosystem Features like Intel vPro, Thread Director, and DL Boost make the MS-01 better suited to enterprise, AI inference, and compatibility with legacy Intel-tuned workloads. → The MS-A2 is newer but lacks mature support for certain enterprise features like vPro or AI-specific instructions. Limited Storage Bandwidth Only one of the three M.2 slots runs at PCIe 4.0 x4; the others run at PCIe 3.0 x4 and x2. This bottlenecks multi-drive setups or RAID configurations. → The MS-A2 supports PCIe 4.0 x4 on all three M.2 slots, enabling full-speed NVMe performance on every drive. Lower Memory Capacity and Speed Supports up to 64GB DDR5 at 5200MHz. This limits RAM-heavy workloads like virtualization or large dataset handling. → The MS-A2 supports up to 96GB DDR5 at 5600MHz, giving it better headroom for demanding memory scenarios. Solid GPU Performance Stability The MS-01 performs better under GPU-accelerated tasks due to more mature graphics drivers and better software integration (Quick Sync, Adobe, etc.). → MS-A2 may suffer compatibility or driver limitations in older applications or video pipelines.	Much Higher CPU Performance The Ryzen 9 9955HX delivers 16 cores and 32 threads, far exceeding the MS-01’s i9-13900H with 14 cores (6P+8E) and 20 threads. This gives the MS-A2 a major edge in rendering, VMs, and parallel workloads. → The MS-01 holds its own in lightly threaded or bursty workloads but falls behind in sustained multi-core tasks. Full-Speed NVMe Across All Storage Bays All three M.2 slots run at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds, which is ideal for users building high-speed RAID arrays or multi-disk configurations. → The MS-01’s mixed PCIe generation slots limit throughput and performance scaling with multiple drives. Higher RAM Capacity and Bandwidth The MS-A2 supports up to 96GB DDR5-5600, making it more suitable for VM clusters, code compilation, or large creative project workflows. → The MS-01 tops out at 64GB DDR5-5200, which may become a limiting factor in future-proofing. Advanced Display Output Support The MS-A2 features HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.0, allowing up to 8K60 or 4K144Hz. Ideal for users with high-res displays or multi-monitor setups. → The MS-01 is limited to HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.4a, which caps out at 4K60 in most scenarios. Weaker Integrated GPU (Radeon 610M) The 2CU RDNA2 iGPU in the MS-A2 underperforms compared to the Iris Xe in the MS-01 in encoding tasks, graphical acceleration, and some professional media pipelines. → The MS-01 offers better iGPU performance and is more compatible with widely used software stacks. Higher Price for the Same Chassis While offering better specs, the MS-A2 comes at a significantly higher price for a similar form factor and port layout, making it less cost-efficient for users not needing its full capabilities. → The MS-01 delivers solid value for money and remains a competitive mini workstation despite being a generation older. Improved Thermal Efficiency and Sustained Load Performance A redesigned internal cooling layout in the MS-A2 provides better performance consistency under long-term stress compared to the MS-01, which can throttle during extended workloads. → The MS-01’s cooling is competent but may experience more thermal spikes under 24/7 heavy use.

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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.

BUILD QUALITY - 6/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 6/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 9/10

7.6

PROS

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.

CONS

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

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.

Port Type	Quantity	Specification
2.5GbE LAN	2	Realtek RTL8125, Link Aggregation Supported
USB-A 3.2 Gen 2	3	10Gbps, Backward Compatible
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2	1 (+1 PD)	10Gbps, DisplayPort Alt Mode
HDMI 2.0	2	4K @ 60Hz
Power Input (USB-C)	2	65W USB-C PD (Only 1 used at a time)
Wake-on-LAN	Supported	Both NICs
Audio	None	No 3.5mm jack or digital out

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.

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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.

BUILD QUALITY - 7/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.0

PROS

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.

CONS

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.

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.

Component	Specification
Processor (SoC)	Intel Twin Lake N150, 4 cores / 4 threads, 3.6GHz burst, 6W TDP
Memory	16GB LPDDR5 (4800MHz, soldered, non-upgradable)
eMMC Storage	64GB onboard, preloaded with Ubuntu OS
NVMe Slots	4x M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe 3.0 x2 per slot)
Cooling	Passive aluminum baseplate with thermal pads + dual active fans
Thermals (CPU)	~45–60°C under load depending on fan settings

Hydra’s internal hardware is clearly aimed at delivering solid performance for home and small-office NAS duties while maintaining a low noise profile and power envelope. While it is not designed for demanding enterprise workloads or highly parallelized tasks, it offers a balanced set of capabilities appropriate to its price and physical footprint.

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.

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.

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