Reviewing the Beelink ME Mini NAS – Flashy Brilliance

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

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

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

Beelink ME Mini NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

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

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

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

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Design and Storage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Internal Hardware

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Ports and Connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beelink ME Mini NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

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

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

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Is This The Beginning of the End of PLEX – Is It Jellyfin Time?

After more than a decade of keeping its Lifetime Plex Pass at $119.99, Plex has officially announced a significant price increase—raising the cost to $249.99 starting April 29, 2025. This announcement, delivered through a press release on March 19, also outlined several additional changes to Plex’s pricing structure and feature availability. While price increases are common in the subscription space, this is Plex’s first major change of its kind in over ten years. It affects not just future subscribers, but the entire conversation around personal media platforms and the value Plex provides in 2025. As someone who has tested and covered Plex across various NAS platforms over the years, I think it’s important to break this all down clearly—and fairly.

Note – at the time of writing, April 5th, the old prices from Plex Pass are still available and a Lifetime Plex Pass purchased now will be no different than one purchased after April 29th 2025)

The TL;DR – Plex Just Raised Prices and Paywalled Remote Streaming

Plex is doubling the price of its Lifetime Pass from $119.99 to $249.99 starting April 29, 2025—its first increase in over a decade. At the same time, remote streaming will no longer be free, now requiring either a Plex Pass or a new $1.99/month Remote Watch Pass. While Plex has removed mobile app unlock fees and teased new features like a Common Sense Media integration, users are frustrated that core features are being moved behind paywalls. Open-source alternatives like Jellyfin are gaining traction, though they lack Plex’s polish and easy remote access. Emby sits awkwardly between the two, offering both paid and free tiers but without a clear value advantage. If you’re a regular Plex user, now is likely the last chance to grab the Lifetime Pass at its original price—after that, the equation changes.

Why is PLEX Increasing Prices and Changing their Software Services?

Plex has positioned this move as a necessary step toward long-term sustainability and innovation, citing rising infrastructure and development costs. Alongside the new Lifetime price, the monthly subscription will increase to $6.99 (up from $4.99), and the annual plan will rise to $69.99 (from $39.99). That’s a considerable leap across the board. If you’re currently on the fence about investing in a Lifetime Pass, the window is closing quickly. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—if Plex is part of your day-to-day setup, especially with multiple users or remote access needs, now is the most sensible time to act. Once the new pricing kicks in, the Lifetime tier may lose its appeal for newer users, especially when compared to other one-time license models in the tech space.

More controversial than the price hike, though, is the newly introduced limitation on remote streaming. As of late April, remote access will no longer be included in the free version of Plex. This means that if you want to stream media from your home server while away—say on a mobile device or at work—you’ll now need a Plex Pass or a new tier called Remote Watch Pass, which is priced at $1.99/month or $19.99/year. This shift marks a pretty significant change in Plex’s philosophy. Previously, you could set up a NAS, install Plex Media Server, and stream remotely with minimal friction. Now, that experience is essentially paywalled. While the company has clarified that users with an existing Plex Pass won’t be affected, new users and guests who rely on remote access will need to consider this new fee model.

In his own coverage of the news, Alex from the KTZ Systems YouTube channel offered a measured but critical response. He highlighted the underlying tension many feel: “You’re paying Plex to access your own files, on your own hardware, over your own network and internet connection.” It’s a fair point—and while I can understand Plex’s need for sustainable revenue, the optics of charging for what many considered a core, previously-free feature are less than ideal. In our recent joint podcast, Alex and I both agreed that if Lifetime Passes are no longer financially viable, Plex should have either phased them out or significantly increased the cost to signal their rarity. Instead, the $249.99 price tag sits in an odd middle ground—too high to feel like a deal, too low to feel truly premium.

(From official Plex Pages) IMPORTANT NOTE FOR CURRENT PLEX PASS HOLDERS:
For users who have an active Plex Pass subscription, remote playback will continue to be available to you without interruption from any Plex Media Server, after these changes go into effect. When running your own Plex Media Server as a subscriber, other users to whom you have granted access can also stream from the server (whether local or remote), without ANY additional charge—not even a mobile activation fee.

Could PLEX Have Approached Funding and Sustainability Better?

Rather than placing long-standing features behind a paywall, Plex had several other options for becoming more financially sustainable—many of which were discussed across the community in recent weeks:

• Introduce a “Plex 2.0” Premium Tier: Instead of retroactively limiting features, Plex could have rolled out a major version update with enhanced capabilities—such as native audiobook support, advanced download controls, or multi-user analytics—reserved for paying users, while leaving existing features intact for legacy users.

• Cap Lifetime Passes and Shift Focus to Recurring Tiers: Rather than awkwardly doubling the Lifetime price, Plex might have opted to discontinue Lifetime entirely and focus on expanding the value of annual/monthly subscriptions through regular feature rollouts or exclusive integrations, as seen in platforms like Roon or UnRAID.

• Use a “Freemium Scaling” Model: By allowing remote access for a limited number of external users or devices on the free tier (e.g., “first one’s free”), Plex could have maintained goodwill while encouraging heavier users to upgrade organically—similar to how many SaaS platforms incentivize scaling through added value, not restriction.

What Else is Changing in Plex?

To their credit, Plex has removed one of the more annoying barriers from its platform—the mobile app unlock fee. Previously, streaming via the Android or iOS app was limited to one minute unless you paid a small one-time fee or had a Plex Pass. With the rollout of their new mobile client experience, this limitation is going away. Local streaming—meaning within the same network—will now be completely free on mobile. This is undoubtedly a welcome change, especially for users who run everything locally and don’t rely on remote features. However, for those who previously enjoyed full functionality across networks without a subscription, this small improvement may not offset the new restrictions.

Plex also used the announcement to preview some upcoming features for Plex Pass subscribers, including an integration with Common Sense Media aimed at improving parental control tools, a new server management app (separate from Plex Dash), and a long-requested open API for metadata agents and custom integrations. While these additions have genuine value, their timing—bundled with a price increase and feature restrictions—makes it harder for users to assess whether Plex is giving more or simply charging more. Alex pointed out in our podcast that innovation, not restriction, should drive paid feature rollouts. It’s a sentiment I tend to agree with: adding new tools rather than paywalling old ones is the path that generates goodwill and long-term user engagement.

Is Now the time to Ditch PLEX, and Opt for Jellyfin or Emby Media Server?

Naturally, this news has reignited interest in Jellyfin, the most well-known open-source alternative to Plex. Jellyfin remains free, with no subscriptions or data collection, and offers solid core media server functionality. However, as Alex and I discussed in our joint video, Jellyfin comes with its own set of trade-offs. While it nails the fundamentals—smooth playback, broad codec support, and responsive local streaming—it lacks polish in its client apps, and remote access typically requires self-configuration through a VPN or mesh network like Tailscale. For tech-savvy users, that’s a worthwhile trade. But for those who rely on Plex’s seamless, cross-platform access, Jellyfin may still feel like a step backward in convenience.

Emby, once considered a middle ground between Plex and Jellyfin, is rarely mentioned in this conversation anymore—and there are reasons for that. Emby straddles an awkward line between open-source philosophy and commercial aspirations. It still charges for features like hardware transcoding and has moved away from its open development roots. In our podcast, Alex shared his own frustrations with Emby’s shift to closed source shortly after he purchased a Lifetime license. Combined with a smaller user base, inconsistent app support, and limited visibility in NAS ecosystems, Emby struggles to be either the budget-friendly choice or the polished premium one. In short, it’s not that Emby is bad—it’s that it’s not compelling enough to compete meaningfully right now.

Are We Seeing the End of PLEX on the Horizon?

One key issue here isn’t just the new pricing or paywalled features, but how Plex has communicated these changes. As we discussed in the podcast, the rollout feels rushed and reactive, missing an opportunity to reframe this as a strategic step forward—say, through a “Plex Plus” or “Plex Lite” tier with exclusive new tools, or by versioning changes the way other platforms (like UnRAID or even macOS) handle major updates. Instead, moving features behind a paywall post-launch risks alienating loyal users. Plex’s assertion that these changes won’t affect existing Plex Pass holders is reassuring, but it doesn’t help new users discovering Plex for the first time—and realizing that what used to be free is now a subscription service.

Ultimately, I don’t believe Plex is on the brink of collapse—as some dramatic headlines might suggest—but I do think this moment marks a turning point. If you’re a regular Plex user who streams remotely or shares content with others, the Lifetime Pass at $119.99 (until April 29) remains a solid investment. After that, the value calculus shifts dramatically. For new users, the free tier will still work well for local-only setups, and the Remote Watch Pass provides a budget-friendly option. But the days of a completely free, fully featured Plex experience are clearly behind us.

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

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

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Visiting a NAS Production Facility in Shenzhen, China – The CWWK Factory and Office Tour

As part of a broader effort to explore the landscape of Chinese tech manufacturers, I recently visited the facilities of CWWK (ChangWang) in Shenzhen, China. CWWK is best known in enthusiast circles for producing NAS motherboards and compact computing solutions, often associated with budget-friendly, DIY network storage builds. My visit aimed to independently assess the scope and structure of their operations. What made this particular tour notable was the access I was granted: no NDAs were signed, there were no editorial restrictions placed on what I could film or ask, and I was permitted to record freely inside their production and R&D spaces.

This is uncommon, particularly in the tech hardware space, where many brands—especially in Asia—are typically guarded about internal processes, even when media are invited. The open format allowed for a more thorough and independent evaluation, without needing to speculate based on secondhand reports or promotional material.

It’s important to contextualize how the visit came about. CWWK did not arrange or sponsor my trip to China in any way. I was in the region for a series of self-funded visits to multiple tech companies, looking to gain a clearer understanding of how various hardware brands operate behind the scenes. The idea was to go beyond spec sheets and product listings and see what real infrastructure, if any, stood behind companies whose products are often marketed under many different brand names on platforms like AliExpress, Amazon, and Alibaba.

I reached out to CWWK on short notice—roughly 10 to 14 days prior—and they agreed to the visit. The fact that they were able to accommodate the tour with minimal lead time is worth noting. It doesn’t rule out the possibility of some presentation enhancements being made in preparation, but it does suggest that the company was not reliant on elaborate staging to present a working production environment.

The first location I visited was a mixed-use building that included administrative offices, logistics personnel, and access to part of the factory floor. Externally, the building bore no clear CWWK branding, which initially raised questions about ownership or exclusivity. Inside, however, the picture was more cohesive: staff wore uniforms bearing CWWK logos, and product runs on the factory floor featured motherboards that matched CWWK’s catalog.

While I wasn’t given lease documentation or corporate records, the volume of CWWK-branded activity suggested the company either occupies a substantial portion of the facility or has secured long-term, semi-exclusive use of the space. Several floors were accessible, and the presence of both production and support teams indicated that this was more than a satellite or temporary operation. Even so, it’s likely this building is part of a larger industrial complex shared with other tenants, which is common practice in Shenzhen’s manufacturing zones.

One of the key questions I brought to the visit concerned product design and IP ownership—specifically, whether CWWK truly engineers its own hardware or rebrands ODM (original design manufacturer) platforms that are available generically to other companies. In a formal meeting with several members of their team, facilitated by a translator, I was told that all motherboard designs are created in-house.

The company emphasized that while many of their designs do appear under other brand names, including through known resellers or system integrators, the core engineering and schematics originate from their internal teams. Some of these designs, they explained, are distributed under license or through contract manufacturing relationships.

While I wasn’t shown the full design pipeline or documentation for each SKU, I was given access to product schematics, test rigs, and development areas. Based on what I observed, it’s reasonable to conclude that CWWK controls the design process and that their platforms are later distributed—often without clear attribution—by partner companies.

Technical support and warranty policies are often ambiguous when it comes to imported tech from overseas sellers, so I took the opportunity to ask about their post-sales procedures. According to CWWK staff, customers who purchase through major e-commerce channels like AliExpress and Alibaba are serviced directly by the company’s internal support team. This contradicts the assumption that resellers handle all inquiries. They described a standard one-year warranty policy, during which defective products are repaired where feasible rather than replaced outright.

While this approach may not satisfy buyers expecting instant replacements, it aligns with broader industry trends aimed at reducing e-waste and extending hardware lifespans. I observed a dedicated support office where staff were responding to issues, many of which involved firmware or BIOS concerns. The responses to my questions were generally clear but did follow a templated structure, which made it difficult to determine how adaptable their support might be in complex cases.

Moving onto the factory floor, I was able to observe multiple stages of the production workflow. The environment combined automated processes—such as SMT (surface mount technology) component placement and soldering—with manual checkpoints, where staff would verify board integrity, inspect connector alignment, and move products between stations. The factory space showed signs of active use: floor scuffing, desk wear, and tooling marks suggested long-term operation rather than short-term setup.

Workers were equipped with anti-static wrist straps, and safety protocols appeared to be in place, though a few inconsistencies were observed. For instance, not all staff were wearing the full lab coats or coverings that I was required to wear as a visitor. While that’s not uncommon in similar facilities, it’s worth noting in the context of manufacturing discipline. Overall, the workflow followed a logical structure, and there were observable quality checks along the line, including one instance where a misaligned port was flagged and redirected for correction.

Direct interaction with factory personnel was limited, mainly due to language barriers and the guided nature of the tour. I attempted brief conversations, but most staff were focused on their tasks and understandably uninterested in lengthy exchanges with a foreign visitor.

I did not observe any signs of distress or visible overwork, but equally, I did not have enough time or context to draw firm conclusions about working conditions. The facility walls displayed motivational signage, some of which featured quite stern phrasing around responsibility and company reputation.

These types of messages—such as “Your mistakes are our mistakes”—may reflect common workplace culture in the region rather than specific managerial attitudes. In contrast, a separate building used for research and marketing featured more aspirational language. These environmental details may offer some insight into the tone and structure of the company, although they should be interpreted cautiously.

A portion of the facility was allocated to repairs and technical diagnostics. I observed several staff members actively responding to customer-reported issues and working on returned products. Desks were equipped with diagnostic tools and some BIOS interfaces were visible on screens.

In a nearby room, technicians were repairing or reworking boards—examples included reseating CPUs, correcting poorly soldered connectors, and inspecting DIMM slots.

Although the scale of this area was not massive (around six to eight desks), it indicated an operational RMA process. I did not assess how quickly repairs are processed or whether every return is examined manually, but the team appeared to be addressing real customer issues, not simply staging activity for the tour. Staff in this area were dressed more casually than the production line workers, likely due to the nature of their tasks involving pre-owned or defective components.

The second facility, located in the Beta Industrial Park, was clearly identified as a CWWK property. Unlike the first building, this one included prominent company branding, product showcases, and internal signage referencing CWWK’s development roadmap.

The upper floors were used by the R&D and marketing teams. In a dedicated product room, I was shown nearly every motherboard they’ve developed, including legacy models and upcoming releases. Several new boards were in early development, featuring high-density SATA fan-outs via SFF-8654 and NVMe expandability.

Designs ranged from micro-ITX to mATX, with plans to scale modularly using add-on cards for storage and connectivity. I also viewed design schematics and 3D renderings used to plan component layout and case compatibility. CWWK is working on 10GbE-capable models using newer Intel and AMD platforms, including boards with ECC memory support and USB4 integration. While I was not permitted to document everything in detail, the scope and clarity of the development process suggested an active, technically capable engineering team.

After spending a full day across both facilities, my overall impression of CWWK was that of a mid-sized but competent hardware developer with a growing international presence. While the first building’s exact ownership remains somewhat ambiguous, the second building was clearly operated and branded by CWWK, housing their product, development, and marketing teams. More significantly, based on my observations and the responses given, it is clear that CWWK designs and owns the intellectual property behind their motherboards.

There were also strong indications that they serve as an upstream supplier for other brands—likely including companies like Topton, MrRoute, and similar resellers often seen on Chinese e-commerce platforms. Whether these partners act as distributors, integrators, or white-label resellers wasn’t explicitly stated, but the relationship appears to exist.

CWWK is not a shell company or brand-only operation; it is a functioning developer and manufacturer of computing hardware with its own IP, infrastructure, and personnel. For buyers, this doesn’t automatically guarantee performance or support satisfaction, but it does lend some credibility and traceability to a product category often dominated by opaque supply chains and unbranded goods.

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GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash NAS Review – Insane Value?

The GMKtec NucBox G9 represents the brand’s first attempt to transition from the mini PC market into the world of network-attached storage (NAS). This 4-bay, SSD-only system targets entry-level users and light workloads, offering affordability and versatility in a compact form factor. Designed as a hybrid between a mini PC and a NAS, the G9 comes with pre-installed dual operating systems—Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu—and a range of features aimed at balancing performance, cost, and functionality.

At its core, the G9 is powered by Intel’s efficient N150 processor, a quad-core chip designed for low-power applications. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, it’s clear the system isn’t intended for heavy-duty tasks but rather for home use, backups, and small-scale media hosting.

The reliance on M.2 NVMe SSDs rather than traditional hard drives results in silent operation and faster performance, albeit at a higher cost per terabyte.

While it offers an impressive range of connectivity options, the lack of 10GbE networking and its reliance on PCIe Gen 3 x2 lanes for storage performance may limit its appeal to users with more demanding needs. This review dives deep into the GMKtec NucBox G9 to explore its design, features, and performance, and determine whether it’s worth considering as an entry-level NAS.

GMKTec NucBox G9 NAS Review – Quick Conclusion / TL;DR

The GMKtec NucBox G9 is an affordable, compact NAS system that doubles as a mini PC. With support for up to 32TB of SSD storage across four M.2 NVMe slots, it’s designed for quiet and efficient operation. It’s powered by an Intel N150 processor and features dual 2.5GbE ports, multiple USB connections, and dual HDMI outputs. While the system is cost-effective, it has limitations in thermal management and external connectivity. This device is ideal for home users and small-scale setups that prioritize affordability and low noise over raw performance. However, the reliance on plastic for the chassis, lack of SSD heatsinks, and PCIe Gen 3 x2 lanes limit its appeal for heavy workloads. Users should also be prepared to configure third-party NAS software, as the pre-installed operating systems are not optimized for NAS-specific functionality. If you’re looking for an entry-level, SSD-only NAS with minimal noise and power consumption, the GMKtec NucBox G9 is a compelling option. However, power users or those requiring advanced features like 10GbE or robust thermal performance may find it restrictive. It’s a promising debut for GMKtec in the NAS market, but with room for improvement in future iterations.

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

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Component	Details
CPU	Intel N150 (Quad-Core, 3.6GHz)
Memory	12GB LPDDR5-4800
Storage	4 x M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen 3 x2)
Networking	2 x 2.5GbE LAN
Ports	3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB-C (data & video), 1 x USB-C (power), 2 x HDMI (4K 60Hz)
Pre-Installed OS	Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux
Power Consumption	19-30W
Chassis Material	Plastic
Price	Starting at $169 ($216 for 1TB SSD Model)

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GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash Review – Design

The GMKtec NucBox G9 features a compact, lightweight plastic chassis, which contributes to its affordability but comes with certain drawbacks. While the design is minimalistic and functional, the reliance on plastic for the panel covering the four M.2 NVMe slots raises concerns about thermal performance. Metal would have been a better choice to aid heat dissipation, particularly in an SSD-only system where temperatures can rise quickly under load.

Inside, the system accommodates up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs, each operating at PCIe Gen 3 x2 speeds. This configuration supports up to 32TB of total storage, providing flexibility for users with varying needs.

However, the Gen 3 x2 limitation caps throughput at 2GB/s per drive, which may bottleneck performance in high-demand scenarios. While the system can handle basic RAID configurations, its performance in RAID setups is limited by the hardware.

The absence of heatsinks for the SSDs is a notable oversight. Although pre-configured models with SSDs include basic heatsinks, users adding their own drives will need to invest in aftermarket cooling solutions. The plastic panel covering the storage bays further exacerbates heat dissipation challenges, as it traps heat rather than dispersing it effectively. This is really only noticeable when the system was a especially high use, but it did give me pause for thought. (Thermal test with HikMicro Mini v2 Thermal Camera on Amazon HERE )

Despite these limitations, the G9’s storage configuration is impressive for its price range. SSD-only setups ensure silent operation and faster performance compared to traditional hard drives, making it ideal for environments where noise and energy efficiency are priorities.

GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash Review – Connections

The G9 offers a solid selection of connectivity options for a device in its class. It includes two 2.5GbE LAN ports, allowing users to link aggregate bandwidth or set up separate networks. During testing, these ports easily reached their full potential, delivering consistent performance for both independent and linked configurations. However, the absence of 10GbE networking may deter users with more demanding network requirements.

In addition to networking, the system provides four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports—three Type-A and one Type-C—offering up to 10Gbps of data transfer per port. The USB-C port doubles as a video output, complementing the two HDMI 2.0 ports that support 4K resolution at 60Hz. These features make the G9 versatile for dual roles as a NAS and a lightweight desktop workstation.

Power input is handled via a dedicated USB-C port connected to an external 65W power supply. This compact power solution aligns with the G9’s low-power design, but it also means there’s no internal power redundancy, which might concern users deploying the device in mission-critical environments.

While the ports and connections are adequate for most use cases, the lack of expandability—such as PCIe slots for adding 10GbE or other features—limits its future-proofing. Users seeking advanced connectivity options may need to consider alternatives or rely on external adapters.

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

GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash Review – Internal Hardware

The Intel N150 processor is the heart of the GMKtec NucBox G9. This quad-core chip operates at a base clock of 1GHz, with a boost clock of 3.6GHz. Designed for efficiency, it features a 6W TDP, making it well-suited for low-power applications like home NAS setups. While not a powerhouse, it handles light workloads effectively, including file sharing, backups, and media streaming.

Feature	Details
Architecture	Intel Twice Lake
Cores / Threads	4 Cores / 4 Threads
Base Clock Speed	1.0 GHz
Boost Clock Speed	Up to 3.6 GHz
TDP (Thermal Design Power)	6W
Cache	6MB Intel Smart Cache
Memory Support	LPDDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 (dual-channel)
Graphics	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
Graphics Frequency	Up to 1.0 GHz
Max Display Resolution	4K @ 60Hz (via HDMI/DisplayPort)
PCIe Version	Gen 3 (Up to 9 lanes)
Instruction Set	64-bit
Special Features	Intel VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, Intel Speed Shift
Manufacturing Process	10nm Intel Process
Release Date	Q1 2025

Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5-4800 memory, the system offers a decent amount of RAM for its intended purposes. However, the memory is soldered onto the board, meaning it cannot be upgraded. This limitation may frustrate users who anticipate scaling up their usage over time. The LPDDR5 memory’s efficiency helps offset this drawback by delivering faster performance compared to older DDR4 standards.

Storage capabilities are impressive, with support for up to four M.2 NVMe drives. These slots operate at PCIe Gen 3 x2, which, while adequate for most entry-level NAS tasks, may bottleneck performance in more demanding scenarios.

The system’s internal hardware also includes an eMMC drive for the pre-installed operating systems, but its limited 64GB capacity may prompt many users to replace it or install a new OS on an M.2 SSD.

The hardware design prioritizes cost-efficiency, which is evident in the lack of ECC memory support and limited thermal management. While these decisions align with the device’s target audience, they reinforce its position as an entry-level solution rather than a high-performance NAS. In other words – KEEP YOUR EXPECTATIONS RELATIVE!!!

GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash Review – Software

The G9 is marketed as a “dual-system” NAS, shipping with Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu Linux pre-installed. This flexibility allows users to operate the device as a mini PC or a lightweight NAS out of the box. However, neither OS is tailored for NAS-specific functionality, and users seeking advanced features like RAID management or robust file sharing will need to install third-party software.

Popular NAS operating systems such as TrueNAS, Unraid, or OpenMediaVault are compatible with the G9, but they require manual installation and configuration. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it may deter users unfamiliar with NAS software or those seeking a plug-and-play solution. Ubuntu, while functional, lacks the intuitive tools and features found in dedicated NAS systems.

The inclusion of a Windows 11 Pro license is a welcome addition for users who may want to use the device as a general-purpose PC. However, this feature feels somewhat misplaced in a NAS-focused product, as most users will likely replace the OS with something more suited to storage tasks. Additionally, the 64GB eMMC drive hosting the OS is insufficient for many use cases, necessitating an upgrade to an M.2 SSD.

Overall, the software experience is mixed. While the dual OS option adds versatility, the lack of NAS-specific tools and reliance on user-driven configuration highlight the device’s limitations as a turnkey NAS solution.

GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash Review – Performance & Tests

In performance testing, the G9’s storage read speeds peaked at 1.4–1.5GB/s per drive, which is respectable for its hardware. Write speeds were less consistent, averaging 400–500MB/s under sustained load.

Interestingly (and still being checked into since this review was started), the system features multiple ASM1182e Gen 2 packet switches to carve up the downstream of the PCIe lanes internally (understandable for a modest CPU to require PCIe switches to allow for so many M.2s), but I suspect that THIS is why the write performance was so low. Still checking and will update ASAP here and/or in the video.

The dual 2.5GbE ports delivered solid external performance, easily saturating their bandwidth in both independent and aggregated configurations.

Thermal management proved to be a challenge. Without included SSD heatsinks and with a plastic panel covering the storage bays, temperatures rose quickly under load. Idle temperatures were manageable, but sustained use resulted in throttling, emphasizing the need for aftermarket cooling solutions. This is especially important for users planning to use the device in environments with higher ambient temperatures.

Noise levels were impressively low, even with all three fans running. During idle, the system operated nearly silently, while under load, noise levels remained below 40dB. Power consumption ranged from 19–20W at idle to 28–30W under load, making it an efficient option for users concerned about energy usage.

Overall, the G9 performs well for an entry-level system but struggles in scenarios requiring sustained performance. Its thermal limitations and PCIe bottlenecks make it better suited for light to moderate workloads rather than demanding applications.

GMKTec NucBox G9 Flash Review – Conclusion & Verdict

The GMKtec NucBox G9 is an ambitious first step for the brand into the NAS market, blending elements of mini PCs with network-attached storage. Its compact, lightweight design, combined with the use of M.2 NVMe SSDs, makes it an efficient, quiet solution for home users or small-scale deployments. With a competitive starting price of $150-199 and dual operating systems pre-installed, it offers value for users who are comfortable setting up their own NAS software. The inclusion of dual 2.5GbE ports, multiple USB connections, and support for up to 32TB of SSD storage ensures it caters to a wide variety of use cases, from media hosting to backups. However, its reliance on plastic for the chassis and the absence of SSD heatsinks highlight thermal management as a weak point, making it less suitable for sustained or intensive workloads without additional investment in cooling solutions.

While the device performs well in basic NAS tasks, its hardware limitations, such as PCIe Gen 3 x2 slots and a non-upgradable memory configuration, may leave power users wanting more. The lack of 10GbE networking and limited built-in NAS software tools further cement its position as an entry-level system rather than a fully-featured solution. Ultimately, the NucBox G9 is a solid choice for users seeking an affordable, low-power NAS for quiet environments but less ideal for those with advanced needs or performance-intensive requirements. As a debut NAS product, it succeeds in offering value within its scope while leaving room for refinement in future iterations.

Pros	Cons
Affordable starting price ($150-199 for base model)	Limited to PCIe Gen 3 x2 lanes for M.2 NVMe slots
Compact and lightweight design	Plastic chassis reduces thermal efficiency
Quiet operation, even under load	No SSD heatsinks included
Dual 2.5GbE ports with solid performance	Lacks 10GbE networking
Supports up to 32TB of SSD storage	Pre-installed OS (Windows/Ubuntu) not NAS-optimized
Low power consumption (19–30W)	Non-upgradable 12GB LPDDR5 memory
Pre-installed dual operating systems	Not a true turnkey NAS solution
Flexible connectivity options (USB, HDMI, etc.)	Thermal throttling under heavy loads

Where to Buy? GmkTec G9 NAS (AliExpress) – HERE GMKTec NucBox G9 NAS (Amazon) – HERE

 

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

WE LOVE COFFEE