Cette semaine il y a beaucoup de choses à lire et à découvrir chez nos partenaires. Cela va de l'immatériel ou matériel en passant par Windows 11

Cet article Core Ultra, RTX 5060 Ti 8 Go et performance test, tous les dossiers à ne pas manquer ! a été publié en premier par GinjFo.

UGREEN a eu une idée pour accompagner ses NAS : proposer un UPS (onduleur) pour protéger le matériel et les données en cas de problème électrique.

Le post Test UGREEN NAS UPS 120W : une protection idéale pour votre NAS ? a été publié sur IT-Connect.

Minisforum N5 AIR NAS Review – A Lighter Better Way?

Minisforum entered the NAS market in Summer 2025 with the N5 and N5 Pro, 2 closely related 5 bay systems that stood out for combining a compact desktop form factor with relatively high-end AMD hardware, 10GbE plus 5GbE networking, and less common expansion features such as OCuLink and a PCIe slot. Between the 2, the N5 Pro drew more attention for its Ryzen AI CPU and ECC memory support, while the standard N5 was generally the more accessible option because it retained most of the same chassis design and connectivity at a much lower entry price. That first generation also established the basic identity of the range, namely a compact 5 bay NAS platform aimed more at prosumer and homelab users than at the usual entry-level turnkey NAS audience (albeit, with some bumps along the road in the first wave of devices – more on that in a bit).

The N5 Air now appears to take over that lower tier position in the lineup, sitting beneath the N5 Pro and alongside the higher end N5 Max that Minisforum previewed more recently. In practical terms, the N5 Air does not radically change the formula of the original N5, because it keeps the same Ryzen 7 255 CPU class, the same broad 5 bay plus NVMe storage approach, and the same expansion-minded design philosophy. What it changes is the balance of cost, materials, and positioning. The result is a system that looks intended to preserve the strengths of the original N5 platform while making the entry point slightly lower and the product identity within the range a little clearer.

Minisforum N5 AIR Review – Quick Conclusion

The Minisforum N5 Air is best viewed as a lower-cost refinement of the original N5 rather than a major new generation. It keeps the same core strengths that made the 2025 N5 notable, including a compact 5 bay design, Ryzen 7 255 CPU, Radeon 780M graphics, 10GbE plus 5GbE networking, 3x internal NVMe slots, OCuLink, and a PCIe x16 physical slot running at PCIe 4.0 x4, which still gives it a broader hardware feature set than many similarly sized NAS systems. The main changes are in positioning and materials, with a lighter plastic-led chassis, a more practical matte finish, and a lower entry price, making it easier to see as the current entry point in the N5 family. Storage flexibility remains one of its strongest points, with 5 SATA bays for bulk capacity and 3 NVMe slots for cache, containers, VMs, or faster working storage, while the slide-out internal design and socketed DDR5 memory up to 96 GB help keep the platform user-serviceable and upgrade-friendly. Performance appears solid for the class, with enough CPU and storage headroom for multi-hundred MB/s file operations, easy saturation of 10GbE from NVMe storage, reasonable idle power draw for an AMD-based NAS, and enough media capability for direct playback and general multimedia duties, even if AMD still lacks the same simple transcoding appeal as Intel in some setups.

The weaker side remains MinisCloud OS, which is functional and includes ZFS snapshots, compression, Docker, remote access, media tools, and mobile apps, but still does not feel as polished or mature as the hardware deserves, making the N5 Air easier to justify as a hardware-first purchase than as a fully rounded turnkey NAS appliance. That distinction matters, because buyers planning to use TrueNAS, Unraid, or another third-party NAS OS will likely find the value proposition much stronger than buyers expecting a highly refined out-of-box software experience. There is also some broader platform context, as early N5 and N5 Pro units drew user discussion online around first-wave storage and controller-related issues on some systems, though later production appeared more stable and there is no basis to treat that as a confirmed N5 Air problem. Overall, the N5 Air is a practical and well-specified NAS platform that retains most of what made the original N5 relevant, and while it is not the most polished turnkey NAS in software terms, it remains a strong option for users who prioritise compact size, flexible storage, multi-gig networking, and expansion over software maturity alone.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 8/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.2

PROS

5 bay SATA design in a relatively compact desktop footprint, in a space you would normamlly find 4x SATA
3x internal NVMe slots for cache, apps, VMs, or faster storage tiers
10GbE + 5GbE networking included as standard
PCIe x16 physical expansion slot wired at PCIe 4.0 x4
OCuLink support for external PCIe or eGPU expansion
User-upgradeable DDR5 SO-DIMM memory up to 96 GB
Lower entry price than the earlier N5 while keeping most of the same core hardware
Slide-out internal design makes memory and SSD upgrades easier than on many compact NAS systems
 Change in design has resulted in a price drop vs the original N5 Model and noticably cheaper than N5 Pro (2025)

CONS

MinisCloud OS still feels unfinished compared with more established NAS software platforms
Plastic-led chassis may be seen as a downgrade in build feel versus the earlier metal-heavy N5 design
No ECC memory support, unlike the N5 Pro
Included 64 GB OS drive occupies part of the internal SSD footprint

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Minisforum N5 AIR Review – Design & Storage

At a glance, the N5 Air remains very close to the chassis concept established by the earlier N5 and N5 Pro. It uses the same compact 199 × 202 × 252 mm footprint, the same 5 bay desktop layout, and the same slide-out internal assembly that allows access to memory, NVMe storage, and internal expansion without dismantling the whole enclosure. That layout still makes the system easier to service than many compact NAS designs in this size class, particularly for users who expect to upgrade memory or flash storage after purchase. Minisforum has kept the internal structure largely unchanged, so the Air still feels more like a revision of an existing platform than a ground-up redesign.

The main physical change is in the external construction. Where the earlier N5 and N5 Pro leaned more heavily on a metal outer shell, the N5 Air shifts to a more plastic-heavy chassis and a revised front finish. That change reduces the quoted weight from 5 kg to 4 kg, which is significant in relative terms for a desktop NAS of this size, but it also changes the character of the system.

The original front panel treatment on the N5 generation was prone to showing fingerprints quite easily, so the move to a more matte presentation is arguably more practical. At the same time, the change away from a more metal-heavy enclosure may lead some buyers to question long-term thermals and overall build perception, even if the basic form factor remains the same.

In storage terms, the N5 Air continues to offer 5 SATA drive bays for 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch media, with Minisforum quoting support for up to 30 TB per bay and a total raw HDD capacity of up to 150 TB. Alongside that, it includes 3 internal M.2 NVMe slots, with a claimed ceiling of up to 8 TB per slot, taking total flash capacity to a further 24 TB. As with the earlier N5 platform, the design is clearly intended to separate bulk storage and faster flash tiers in a flexible way, whether that is for caching, containers, VMs, or all-flash working datasets alongside larger HDD pools. The preinstalled 64 GB OS storage also occupies 1 of those internal SSD positions, which remains a practical inclusion for a turnkey setup but does still consume part of the internal flash footprint.

Minisforum continues to position the N5 Air around mixed media deployment and ZFS-oriented storage management, with support listed for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 or RAIDZ1, RAID 6 or RAIDZ2, snapshots, and LZ4 compression within MinisCloud OS. The system is therefore being presented less as a fixed-purpose home NAS and more as a compact storage platform that can be adapted for archive storage, media serving, backup tasks, and lighter virtualization.

It is also worth noting, as platform context rather than as a direct criticism of this model, that some early N5 and N5 Pro units drew user complaints online around SATA-side stability and storage behavior under certain workloads, although those reports appeared inconsistent across users and later production units seemed to fare better. That background does not confirm any equivalent issue on the N5 Air, but it remains part of the lineage around this hardware family.

Minisforum N5 AIR Review – Internal Hardware

The N5 Air is built around the AMD Ryzen 7 255, an 8-core, 16-thread processor with boost up to 4.9 GHz and a stated 45 W to 55 W operating range. In practical terms, this places it in the same compute tier as the original N5 rather than the N5 Pro, which used the more capable Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370. That distinction matters because the N5 Air is not trying to move upmarket on raw CPU throughput. Instead, it keeps the same general processing profile as the earlier standard model, which is still relatively strong for a 5 bay NAS in this size class and substantially above the level of entry ARM or Intel N100 based systems.

Graphics are handled by the integrated Radeon 780M, again matching the original N5 and sitting below the Radeon 890M found in the Pro model. For NAS duties, that matters less in terms of display output and more in relation to media handling, accelerated workloads, and light edge compute. Minisforum continues to market the platform around AI-adjacent use cases, Docker deployments, and media serving, but the Air is clearly the more modest version of that vision. It can still support eGPU expansion over OCuLink and accepts a PCIe add-in card internally, so the compute story here is less about the onboard silicon alone and more about the range of hardware paths the system leaves open.

Memory remains user-upgradeable through 2 DDR5 SO-DIMM slots with support for up to 96 GB at 5600 MT/s, but unlike the N5 Pro there is no ECC support listed. That keeps the Air aligned with the original N5 and preserves one of the more important practical differences between the standard and Pro classes. In a market where some newer compact NAS systems are moving toward soldered memory, Minisforum retaining socketed DDR5 remains relevant because it gives buyers flexibility over cost and capacity at the point of purchase and later on. That said, buyers specifically looking for ECC-backed storage integrity or heavier VM density will still view the N5 Pro as the more appropriate tier in the lineup.

From a platform perspective, the N5 Air also appears to keep the same broad internal topology as the earlier N5 generation, including the split NVMe lane arrangement and the dedicated SATA controller architecture behind the 5 drive bays. That continuity is useful for understanding where the Air sits, but it also means some of the discussion around the earlier units still forms part of the background. In particular, some first-wave N5 and N5 Pro users reported online issues around controller behavior, power management, and storage-side stability under certain operating conditions, although those reports did not appear universal and later units seemed to be less affected. For the N5 Air, the important point is not to assume the same fault is present, but to recognise that this is still an evolution of an existing hardware platform rather than a completely new internal design.

Minisforum N5 AIR Review – Ports and Connections

The N5 Air keeps the same broad external I/O philosophy as the earlier N5 and N5 Pro, which is to say it offers a level of connectivity that is notably more flexible than most compact 5 bay NAS systems in this price bracket. On the rear, it includes 1x 10GbE RJ45 port, 1x 5GbE RJ45 port, 1x OCuLink port, 1x HDMI 2.1 output, 1x USB4 port, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, and 1x USB 2.0 port. On the front, there is an additional USB4 port and a further USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Taken together, that gives the Air a more workstation-like I/O profile than a conventional closed NAS appliance.

Networking remains one of the more important features of the system. The N5 Air uses a 10GbE port based on the Realtek RTL8127 and a 5GbE port based on the Realtek RTL8126. Compared with the earlier N5 and N5 Pro, which paired the 5GbE port with Realtek but often used an AQC113 controller for 10GbE, this means the Air moves to a more consistent dual-Realtek controller setup. Functionally, the headline remains the same, namely that the system can support multi-gig client access well beyond standard 2.5GbE NAS territory, whether for direct workstation links, faster switch uplinks, or more demanding shared file workloads.

The USB4 and OCuLink support continue to define the range more than any of the USB-A ports do. Minisforum still positions the USB4 implementation not just as a display or peripheral connection, but also as part of direct host connectivity and higher speed external workflows. Alongside that, OCuLink remains unusual in a NAS at this level and gives the system a route toward external PCIe-based expansion such as eGPU support or other bandwidth-sensitive devices. Internally, the machine also retains a PCIe x16 physical slot wired at PCIe 4.0 x4, which means the external I/O is only part of the expansion story, not the whole of it.

Video output support is also unchanged in broad terms, with HDMI and USB4 both listed for high resolution display output, including up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 144 Hz. For most NAS buyers this will not be a deciding factor in itself, but it does align with Minisforum’s attempt to present the N5 family as more than simple storage boxes. The Air can be used as a direct-attached media endpoint, a light desktop-style appliance, or a hybrid storage and compute system in ways that many traditional NAS systems do not attempt. Whether that added flexibility is necessary will depend on the deployment, but in terms of raw connectivity the N5 Air remains unusually well equipped for its class.

Minisforum N5 AIR Review – Noise, Heat, Power Use and Speed Tests

In testing, the N5 Air broadly behaves as expected for a NAS built around the same Ryzen 7 255 platform as the earlier N5. In day to day storage tasks, its behaviour is less defined by the CPU alone and more by the mix of storage media and network configuration being used. With HDD storage in place, the system was able to deliver around 650 MB/s read and roughly 500 to 525 MB/s write in RAID-based testing with 4 Seagate 4 TB drives, which is consistent with a multi-bay SATA array operating below the ceiling of the available 10GbE connection. When the system was tested with SATA SSDs instead, throughput moved closer to 800 MB/s in both directions, showing that the platform itself is not especially constrained at the CPU level in routine NAS workloads.

The internal NVMe storage naturally sits above that level and has little difficulty saturating the 10GbE interface. That is not especially surprising given the lane arrangement already seen in the earlier N5 generation, but it does reinforce the intended role of the 3 M.2 slots inside the Air. Used as fast working storage, cache, or application space, those slots allow the system to do more than simply serve as a 5 bay archive NAS. At the same time, buyers should remain realistic about the PCIe layout, because while the presence of 3 NVMe slots is useful, the available bandwidth is still split across x1, x1, and x2 links rather than full x4 across all slots. For NAS tasks that is generally acceptable, but it remains a design tradeoff rather than a fully unrestricted flash platform.

On acoustics and thermals, the N5 Air appears reasonably controlled. With SATA SSDs used to remove the variable of mechanical drive noise, idle noise was reported at around 35 to 38 dBA, while under higher CPU load and more aggressive fan settings this rose to around 46 to 48 dBA. Those figures place it in a fairly typical range for a compact performance-oriented desktop NAS, though not a silent one. Thermal imaging during testing showed mostly moderate external surface temperatures, generally in the high 20s to high 30s Celsius depending on area, which suggests that the cooling design remains broadly competent despite the move from a more metal-heavy chassis to a lighter plastic-led enclosure. Even so, the long-term thermal behaviour of the plastic revision is something that only extended real-world use will fully answer.

Power draw is one of the more practical areas where the N5 Air remains competitive. With SATA SSDs installed and the system otherwise idle, power use was around 26 to 27 W, rising to around 81 to 83 W under full CPU load. As always, those figures need context because populated HDD bays will raise the baseline by several watts per drive, especially with larger enterprise-class disks. Still, the base system draw is reasonable for this class of AMD-based NAS. In performance terms, media playback also looked acceptable for direct play workloads, with an 8K 60 fps test file reportedly using only around 9 to 11 percent CPU in playback, though transcoding remains a less clear-cut strength on AMD than on current Intel NAS platforms. The practical reading is that the N5 Air has enough performance for file serving, containers, lighter VMs, and media duties, but it is the storage and expansion balance that defines it more than any single benchmark figure.

Minisforum N5 AIR Review – Miniscloud OS NAS Software

The N5 Air ships with MinisCloud OS preinstalled on the included 64 GB system SSD, continuing Minisforum’s approach of treating the software stack as part of the out-of-box experience rather than expecting every buyer to start immediately with a third-party NAS OS. In practical terms, the platform remains centred on a ZFS-based storage model with built-in snapshots, LZ4 compression, multi-user account separation, remote access features, and container deployment. The interface is available across desktop, mobile, and local system access, and it is clearly intended to present the N5 Air as a turnkey NAS rather than only as bare hardware for TrueNAS, Unraid, or OpenMediaVault users.

In general use, MinisCloud OS appears functional but still not especially mature. Core tasks such as pool creation, snapshot management, file access, user permissions, and backup jobs are present and reasonably straightforward to work through, but the overall design still lacks the consistency seen in more established NAS platforms. Different parts of the interface can feel as though they were developed with different design priorities, and the result is a system that works in broad terms without always feeling cohesive. That does not make it unusable, but it does make it harder to treat the software as a primary buying reason in the same way buyers might with Synology DSM or QNAP QTS.

The feature set itself is relatively broad on paper. MinisCloud OS includes Docker deployment, VM tools, AI-assisted photo indexing, media playback, Time Machine support, remote sharing, and mobile-led backup functions, along with HDMI output management for local media use. Some of these features are more convincing than others.

The mobile application appears more polished and coherent than the desktop client in several areas, and basic backup or file access tasks seem better aligned there. By contrast, some system-level controls still feel incomplete, with examples including missing fan control in software, uneven interface presentation, and gaps around security and broader service maturity that make the platform feel like an actively developing beta rather than a fully settled NAS OS.

That remains the main software conclusion for the N5 Air just as it was for the earlier N5 and N5 Pro. MinisCloud OS is useful as an included baseline and may be enough for buyers who want simple storage, remote access, and a handful of bundled services without much setup effort.

However, it still feels secondary to the hardware rather than central to the value of the product. Most buyers considering this system are likely to be doing so because of the chassis, networking, expansion, and CPU platform first, with the included OS treated as a starting point rather than the final destination.

Minisforum N5 AIR Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The Minisforum N5 Air does not substantially reinvent the N5 formula, but that appears to be a deliberate choice rather than a limitation in itself. In hardware terms, it keeps most of what made the original N5 relevant, including the Ryzen 7 255 platform, 5 bay storage layout, 3 NVMe slots, 10GbE plus 5GbE networking, OCuLink support, and the internal PCIe expansion slot. What has changed is mostly around materials, controller choices, and pricing. The move to a lighter plastic-led chassis and a revised front finish helps separate it physically from the earlier model, while the controller revisions and lower asking price make it easier to position as the more accessible member of the current range. In that sense, the N5 Air is best understood as a practical rework of the standard N5 rather than a major new generation, and for many buyers that may be enough.

That said, the balance of this system depends heavily on what the buyer expects from it. The hardware remains the strongest part of the package, particularly for users who value expandability, multi-gig networking, and a compact chassis that does more than a conventional 5 bay NAS in the same price range. At the same time, the software side still feels less mature than the hardware deserves, and the shift away from the older metal-heavy chassis may not appeal to everyone. Buyers planning to install a third-party NAS OS will likely view the N5 Air as a strong value-oriented platform with relatively few direct alternatives at this size and price. Buyers looking for a polished turnkey NAS with refined software, longer platform maturity, and fewer open questions may take a more cautious view. Overall, the N5 Air is a capable and well-specified NAS platform with a clear use case, but it remains easier to recommend on hardware merits than as a fully rounded appliance.

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L’actualité hardware et tech continue de tourner à plein régime. Au programme cette semaine une belle dose de lecture avec en tête d’affiche un triple test consacré au nouveau boîtier 3200D RS de Corsair.

Cet article boîtiers Corsair, carte mère MSI, astuces Windows 11 et bons plans Steam, tous les dossiers à ne pas manquer ! a été publié en premier par GinjFo.

UniFi and the Airwire – Did Ubiquiti just SOLVE Everyone’s WiFi MLO Issue?

Ubiquiti has introduced the UniFi AirWire, a WiFi 7 client adapter designed to address one of the more limited areas of current WiFi 7 deployment: the client side. While WiFi 7 access points and routers have been marketed heavily around Multilink Operation, many currently available client devices still rely on single-radio implementations that switch between bands rather than maintaining simultaneous links. The AirWire is positioned as a dedicated external client that aims to deliver true STR MLO operation across 5 GHz and 6 GHz, with Ubiquiti claiming improved throughput, lower latency, and better resilience than conventional integrated client hardware.

At a hardware level, the AirWire is a USB-C connected WiFi 7 adapter with a 4-stream design, support for 5 GHz and 6 GHz 2 x 2 MU-MIMO operation, and a quoted uplink capability of up to 5.8 Gbps on 6 GHz and 4.3 Gbps on 5 GHz. It also adds a high-gain antenna design and a dedicated scanning radio for real-time spectrum analysis. At $199, this places it well above the cost of generic USB wireless adapters, but it is also targeting a more specific role: enabling multi-gigabit wireless client connectivity in environments that already have the access point infrastructure to support it.

You can buy the Airwire via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

UniFi Airwire – Design

The UniFi AirWire has a noticeably different physical design to the compact USB WiFi adapters that are typically associated with desktop or laptop client upgrades. At 117 x 117 x 42.5 mm and 537 g, it is much closer in appearance to a standalone wireless bridge or directional client than a conventional dongle. That larger enclosure is directly tied to its intended function, as Ubiquiti is clearly building around higher power operation, larger antenna structures, and the thermal requirements that come with sustained WiFi 7 activity across multiple radios.

The housing is made of polycarbonate and includes a fold-out top section that appears to be part of the antenna assembly and directional positioning of the unit. This gives the AirWire a more deliberate deployment profile, where placement and orientation are likely to matter more than they would with an internal laptop radio or a low-profile USB adapter. On the front, there is also a 0.96-inch status display, which provides at-a-glance information during setup and operation without needing to rely entirely on software feedback from the host system.

From a practical standpoint, the design reflects that this is not intended to be an invisible add-on for casual wireless use. It is an external client device built to sit on a desk or near a workstation, with a form factor that prioritizes radio performance and signal handling over portability. That makes it less discreet than mainstream client adapters, but it also aligns with the product’s stated purpose as a high-performance WiFi 7 endpoint for users trying to push beyond the limitations of standard integrated wireless hardware.

UniFi Airwire – Internal Hardware

Internally, the UniFi AirWire is built around a dual-band WiFi 7 architecture that focuses entirely on 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation, without any 2.4 GHz support. Ubiquiti rates the device as a 4-stream client, split across 2 x 2 MU-MIMO on 5 GHz and 2 x 2 MU-MIMO on 6 GHz.

This layout is central to its stated role as an STR MLO client, allowing both bands to be active simultaneously rather than relying on the more common single-radio behaviour seen in many current WiFi 7 client devices.

Ubiquiti also specifies a high-gain antenna design, with 11 dBi quoted on both 5 GHz and 6 GHz, which is significantly more aggressive than the antenna arrangements found in most integrated laptop or mobile WiFi hardware. Alongside this, the AirWire includes a dedicated scanning radio for real-time spectral analysis. That separate scanning capability is notable because it suggests the unit is not just focused on link speed, but also on monitoring local RF conditions and interference in parallel with normal client operation.

The trade-off for that hardware approach is power and thermals. Ubiquiti lists maximum power consumption at 18 W, with USB PD 5/9/12V support and separate normal and performance power profiles. In practical terms, that places the AirWire closer to a compact external network appliance than a typical USB wireless adapter. It also helps explain the larger chassis, the need for external power flexibility, and the expectation that sustained performance operation will demand more cooling headroom than a smaller bus-powered client device could realistically provide.

UniFi Airwire – Connectivity

The UniFi AirWire connects to the host system over USB-C, but from a networking perspective it is presented as a 5 GbE interface over USB 3.2 Gen 2. That distinction matters, because although the wireless side of the device is rated far higher in combined theoretical bandwidth, the host connection places an upper practical ceiling on what can be delivered to the attached PC, laptop, or workstation. In effect, the AirWire is designed to behave more like an external multi-gig network adapter than a conventional USB WiFi dongle.

On the wireless side, the AirWire operates on 5 GHz and 6 GHz only, with support for WiFi 7, WiFi 6, WiFi 5, and 802.11n data rates across a wide range of channel widths. Ubiquiti lists support for EHT 20/40/80/160/240/320 MHz, alongside HE, VHT, and HT modes on earlier standards. The maximum quoted link rates are 5.8 Gbps on 6 GHz using 320 MHz bandwidth and 4.3 Gbps on 5 GHz using 240 MHz bandwidth, though actual results will depend heavily on access point capability, spectrum availability, regional channel restrictions, and signal conditions.

Power delivery is also part of the connection design. Ubiquiti specifies USB PD 5/9/12V support, with 15 W in normal mode and 20 W in performance mode, while maximum device power consumption is listed at 18 W. This means that, depending on how the host system is connected and powered, full performance operation may require more than a single low-power USB port can reliably provide. That makes cable quality, port specification, and available USB power budget more relevant here than they would be for standard client adapters.

The AirWire also includes support for wireless meshing and real-time spectral analysis, which extends its connection role beyond basic client access. In a UniFi environment, setup is intended to be handled through UniFi AutoLink for rapid onboarding, reducing the need for separate client-side software installation. Even so, the broader connection experience will still depend on the surrounding infrastructure, particularly whether the connected UniFi access point supports the required WiFi 7 and 6 GHz features needed for the AirWire to operate in the way it is being marketed.

Specification	Details
Product Name	UniFi AirWire
Model	U-AirWire
Price	$199.00
Dimensions	117 x 117 x 42.5 mm
Dimensions (Imperial)	4.6 x 4.6 x 1.7 in
Weight	537 g
Weight (Imperial)	1.2 lb
WiFi Standard	WiFi 7
Spatial Streams	4
Uplink	WiFi
MIMO 6 GHz	2 x 2 (DL/UL MU-MIMO)
MIMO 5 GHz	2 x 2 (DL/UL MU-MIMO)
Max Data Rate 6 GHz	5.8 Gbps (BW320)
Max Data Rate 5 GHz	4.3 Gbps (BW240)
Antenna Gain 6 GHz	11 dBi
Antenna Gain 5 GHz	11 dBi
Max TX Power 6 GHz	20 dBm
Max TX Power 5 GHz	25 dBm
Supported Standards	802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n
802.11be Data Rates	7.3 Mbps to 5.8 Gbps
802.11ax Data Rates	7.3 Mbps to 2.4 Gbps
802.11ac Data Rates	6.5 Mbps to 1.7 Gbps
802.11n Data Rates	6.5 Mbps to 300 Mbps
Wireless Meshing	Yes
Real-Time Spectral Analysis	Yes
Max Power Consumption	18 W
Power Supply	USB PD 5/9/12V, 15 W normal mode, 20 W performance mode
Networking Interface	1 x 5 GbE port (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
Management	USB-C
Enclosure Material	Polycarbonate
Display	0.96 in status display
Channel Bandwidth	HT 20/40, VHT 20/40/80/160, HE 20/40/80/160, EHT 20/40/80/160/240/320 MHz
NDAA Compliant	Yes
Certifications	CE, FCC, IC
Operating Temperature	-10 to 40 °C
Operating Humidity	5 to 95% non-condensing

UniFi Airwire – Verdict?

The UniFi AirWire is a more specialised product than its USB-C connection initially suggests. Rather than serving as a low-cost way to add basic WiFi 7 support to a system, it is designed to address a specific gap in the current client ecosystem: the lack of widely available true multi-radio MLO hardware on the device side. Its value therefore depends less on headline wireless specifications alone and more on whether the surrounding network environment is already capable of taking advantage of simultaneous 5 GHz and 6 GHz operation, wider channel support, and multi-gigabit client throughput.

On that basis, the AirWire appears to be an interesting but clearly targeted piece of hardware. The larger chassis, higher power requirements, directional design, and likely dependency on a strong WiFi 7 6 GHz deployment mean it is not a universal client upgrade for every user. However, for users already invested in UniFi WiFi 7 infrastructure and looking for a higher performance external client than the current mainstream market provides, it introduces a form factor and feature set that are still relatively uncommon. Whether that translates into a meaningful real-world advantage will depend on testing, particularly around sustained throughput, latency behaviour, thermal limits, and the practical impact of STR MLO outside of ideal conditions.

You can buy the Airwire via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

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The Terramaster F2-425 – Should You Buy This NAS?

The TerraMaster F2-425 takes the same underlying hardware platform as the F4-425 and adapts it to a smaller 2 bay format aimed at simpler home and small office environments. With the same Intel Celeron N5095 processor, 4GB of upgradeable DDR4 memory, and single 2.5GbE connection, it delivers comparable compute capability in a more compact enclosure that prioritizes quiet operation and minimal physical footprint. The appeal of the F2-425 is less about expansion and more about practicality, targeting users who want centralized storage, backups, and media services without managing a larger multi drive system. It fits particularly well in scenarios where space, noise, and cost matter more than raw throughput or long term capacity growth. Rather than competing with higher end 2 bay NAS units that include NVMe caching or faster networking, the F2-425 focuses on providing a straightforward Intel based NAS experience that covers common use cases while leaving room for memory upgrades or alternative operating systems if requirements change later.

SOFTWARE - 8/10

HARDWARE - 6/10

PERFORMANCE - 6/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 9/10

7.8

PROS

Accessible Entry Into Intel NAS for Smaller Setups in the F2-425
Simplified Capacity Planning for Home Users on the F2-425
Quiet, Consistent Performance in a Compact Chassis of the F2-425
Straightforward Management for Individual and Family Use with the F2-425
Long Term Flexibility Beyond the Default Software of the F2-425

CONS

Network Bandwidth Ceiling Reached Quickly in the F2-425
No SSD Cache or High Speed Tier Options on the F2-425
Limited Headroom for Future Software Demands of the F2-425
Hardware Feature That Adds Little Day to Day Value in the F2-425
Narrow Upgrade Path Compared to Nearby Alternatives of the F2-425

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Accessible Entry Into Intel NAS for Smaller Setups in the F2-425

The F2-425 stands out by bringing an Intel x86 platform into the more compact and cost sensitive 2 bay NAS category. Many 2 bay systems at this size and price rely on ARM processors, which can limit software compatibility and long term flexibility. By contrast, the F2-425 provides an Intel based environment that supports a broader range of applications, containers, and services, while remaining relatively affordable for home and small office users. Its value is less about raw performance and more about flexibility, giving users access to an x86 ecosystem without stepping up to more expensive 2 bay models that add NVMe caching or higher speed networking. For buyers who want a simple, compact NAS that can comfortably handle file sharing, backups, and media services, but who also want the option to expand functionality through third party applications or alternative operating systems, the F2-425 offers a balanced and practical entry point.

Simplified Capacity Planning for Home Users on the F2-425

On the F2-425, TRAID plays a slightly different role and aligns more closely with simplicity than scale. In a 2 bay NAS, users are often limited to RAID 1 or single disk configurations, which can make capacity upgrades feel restrictive. TRAID allows the F2-425 to handle mismatched drive sizes more gracefully, reducing the penalty of upgrading one drive at a time. This is particularly useful for home users who may start with smaller disks and later replace them individually rather than investing in a matched pair upfront.

The system abstracts much of the complexity away from the user, making storage expansion more approachable for those who do not want to manually manage RAID levels or rebuild arrays. While the absolute capacity ceiling is lower than on the 4 bay model, the F2-425 benefits from a storage system that prioritizes ease of use and gradual growth rather than strict optimization.

Quiet, Consistent Performance in a Compact Chassis of the F2-425

The F2-425 emphasizes steady and predictable performance rather than raw throughput, which aligns well with its smaller enclosure and typical use cases. With fewer drive bays and a lower likelihood of simultaneous high demand from multiple users, the Intel Celeron N5095 is generally sufficient for file serving, media playback, and routine background tasks. Hardware assisted video decoding allows the system to handle 4K media streaming with reduced CPU load, helping maintain responsiveness even during playback. The smaller chassis and lower overall thermal output also contribute to consistent behavior under everyday workloads, without aggressive fan ramping in most scenarios. For users placing the NAS in a living space or home office, this balance between performance and noise control can be more relevant than peak throughput figures.

Straightforward Management for Individual and Family Use with the F2-425

On the F2-425, the same TOS 6 platform is presented in a context that favors simplicity and accessibility. The interface is largely self contained and can be managed through a browser or the TNAS mobile application, which is useful for users who want basic control without learning advanced system administration. Features such as automated photo backups, shared folders, and user account isolation are easy to configure and align well with typical home usage.

In a smaller NAS, the emphasis is less on complex workflows and more on reliability and ease of access, and TOS 6 supports this by consolidating most tasks into a single interface. For users moving from external drives or cloud storage, the software environment on the F2-425 provides a relatively gentle transition into centralized network storage.

Long Term Flexibility Beyond the Default Software of the F2-425

The F2-425 also benefits from its openness as an x86 based system, which can be especially relevant in a smaller NAS that may change roles over time. While many users will initially deploy it as a simple file server or media box using TOS 6, the ability to switch to a different operating system later allows the hardware to be repurposed rather than replaced. This could include running a lightweight home server, experimenting with container workloads, or using it as a learning platform for NAS and Linux based systems. In a compact 2 bay device, this flexibility helps offset the more limited expansion options by giving the hardware multiple potential use cases across its lifespan. For users who want a small NAS that is not locked into a single software path, the F2-425 offers a degree of freedom that is less common in this size and price range.

Network Bandwidth Ceiling Reached Quickly in the F2-425

On the F2-425, the same single 2.5GbE port presents a different but still relevant constraint. Although a 2 bay NAS is less likely to push extreme throughput compared to a 4 bay system, even a pair of modern hard drives in RAID 0 or during parallel access can approach the limits of a 2.5GbE connection. This reduces the benefit of faster drives and makes performance gains from certain configurations less noticeable in real world use.

For users who plan to use SSDs or who already have a multi gigabit home network, the absence of faster native networking may feel restrictive. As with the F4-425, expansion via USB adapters is possible, but it adds another dependency rather than providing a clean, integrated solution. For a device positioned as an Intel based NAS, the networking capabilities may feel conservative relative to current expectations.

No SSD Cache or High Speed Tier Options on the F2-425

On the F2-425, the lack of NVMe support affects usability in a more subtle but still meaningful way. A 2 bay NAS often benefits from SSD caching to compensate for limited drive count, improving responsiveness during file browsing, small file access, and application use. Without NVMe slots, users are restricted to SATA based storage, and dedicating a drive bay to an SSD for caching or fast storage comes at the cost of usable capacity or redundancy. This reduces flexibility, especially for users who want to mix performance and safety in a compact system. While the F2-425 can still perform well for basic file serving and media playback, it does not offer a clear upgrade path for users who later want faster storage tiers without replacing the system entirely. In this size class, the absence of NVMe support reinforces its role as a straightforward storage appliance rather than a performance tunable platform.

Limited Headroom for Future Software Demands of the F2-425

In the F2-425, the same N5095 processor is generally adequate for its intended use cases, but it still represents a compromise when viewed against newer entry level Intel CPUs. For a compact NAS, the processor is sufficient for file sharing, backups, and media playback, but it offers less margin for expanding into additional services or more demanding applications. As operating systems and third party tools evolve, performance expectations tend to rise, and the older architecture may reach its limits sooner than more recent alternatives. This does not prevent the F2-425 from performing its current role effectively, but it does mean that users planning to grow their usage beyond basic tasks may encounter constraints earlier in the system’s lifespan. The CPU choice reinforces the device’s position as an entry level Intel NAS rather than a long term performance platform.

Hardware Feature That Adds Little Day to Day Value in the F2-425

On the F2-425, the HDMI port has even less practical relevance for most users. Given the device’s smaller size and typical placement in home environments, it is unlikely to be connected directly to a display for regular interaction. As with the larger model, the HDMI output does not provide access to a graphical interface or media center functionality under the default operating system. This limits its usefulness to diagnostics or alternative OS installation scenarios.

For users expecting local playback or direct control via a monitor and keyboard, the presence of HDMI may create expectations that are not met in practice. In everyday use, the port remains largely unused, making it more of a technical inclusion than a functional feature for the target audience.

Narrow Upgrade Path Compared to Nearby Alternatives of the F2-425

The F2-425 faces a similar issue within TerraMaster’s broader range, particularly when compared to other compact Intel based NAS models that include NVMe slots or more efficient processors. While the initial cost is lower, the lack of internal expansion options means users are largely locked into the performance profile they purchase on day 1. For buyers who later decide they want faster storage tiers, improved networking, or more responsive application performance, there is limited scope to evolve the system without replacing it entirely. In this context, the F2-425 works best for clearly defined and stable use cases, but it is less forgiving if requirements change. The presence of more flexible alternatives nearby in the lineup makes this limitation more noticeable when evaluating long term ownership.

Conclusion and Verdict of the F2-425 Review – Should You Buy?

The TerraMaster F2-425 offers a compact and accessible route into Intel based NAS ownership, focusing on everyday storage, backups, and media services rather than advanced performance tuning. Its smaller form factor, quieter operation, and simpler capacity planning align well with home and small office environments where space and ease of use matter more than throughput. The inclusion of TOS 6 and support for alternative operating systems provides flexibility at the software level, helping extend the usefulness of the hardware across different roles over time. However, like its 4 bay counterpart, the F2-425 has clearly defined limits. The lack of NVMe support and faster native networking means there is little room to grow into more demanding workloads, and the aging processor reinforces its position as an entry level Intel NAS. For users with modest, stable requirements, it can serve reliably as a central data hub. For those who anticipate expanding performance needs or experimenting with higher speed storage and networking, nearby alternatives may offer better long term value, even if they come at a higher initial cost.

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Le récap tech de la semaine s’annonce plus court que d’habitude, mais certainement pas moins dense. Voici les tests à ne pas manquer !

Cet article Speedrunner, boîtiers, carte graphique et Windows 11, tous les dossiers à ne pas manquer ! a été publié en premier par GinjFo.

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The Lincstation E1 Review

The LincStation E1 is a compact 2-bay NAS from LincPlus aimed at users who want a simple way to move file storage, backups, and basic media access off third-party cloud services and onto local hardware. It is built around an ARM platform and combines 2 x SATA drive bays with 2 x NVMe slots, which gives it a433 storage layout that is more flexible than many entry-level NAS units in this price class. Rather than targeting enthusiasts who want extensive customization from day 1, the E1 is positioned as a ready-to-use system with LincPlus’s own LincOS software, desktop and mobile apps, and a feature set focused on everyday tasks such as file sharing, photo backup, remote access, and media browsing. From a review perspective, the main appeal of the E1 is not that it competes directly with higher-end NAS systems on raw performance or software maturity, but that it tries to offer a broad hardware and feature package at a very low entry cost. The combination of 1GbE networking, dual NVMe support, and a compact chassis makes it an interesting option for first-time NAS buyers, light home users, or anyone looking for a secondary backup device with low power usage. At the same time, its value depends heavily on expectations, especially around software polish and the realities of buying storage media separately, so it is best evaluated as a budget-oriented turnkey NAS with clear strengths and equally clear limitations.

Kickstarter Disclaimer!!! This is NOT traditional retail

At the time of review, the LincStation E1 is positioned as a crowdfunding product rather than a standard retail NAS, which means buyers should treat it differently from an item sold through normal retail channels with established return policies and support expectations. LincPlus is not an unknown brand and has released other NAS and computing products, but crowdfunding still carries delivery, software maturity, and post-launch support risks, so any purchase decision should factor in the reduced consumer protections compared with conventional retail.

Lincstation E1 NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The LincStation E1 is a low-cost, compact 2-bay NAS that stands out mainly because it combines 2 x SATA bays and 2 x NVMe slots in a small ARM-based enclosure while still aiming to be a turnkey product rather than a DIY project, which makes it an appealing option for first-time NAS buyers or users who want a simple local backup/file server with low power draw and basic private cloud-style features; the hardware package is strong for the price category, the included accessories are unusually complete, and the overall design is practical for light home storage, media access, and phone backup use, but the key caveat is that the software experience (LincOS) is still developing, with the mobile app appearing more mature than the desktop and web interfaces and some expected security and usability features not yet fully in place in the reviewed build, so the E1 makes the most sense if it is judged as a budget-oriented NAS with good hardware value and a work-in-progress software platform rather than a polished replacement for established NAS ecosystems.

SOFTWARE - 5/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 9/10

7.6

PROS

Very low entry price (crowdfunding positioning) for a turnkey NAS-class device
Compact chassis with a small desktop footprint and low overall weight
Flexible storage layout with 2 x SATA bays + 2 x M.2 NVMe slots
Low-power ARM platform that supports relatively modest power consumption in real use
2.5GbE-class networking referenced in review testing (strong value if confirmed in final retail spec)
Front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port for faster external drive imports/backups
Good in-box accessory bundle (cables, screwdriver, screws, thermal pads, PSU)
LincOS includes a broad feature set for entry users (SMB sharing, backups, remote access, media features, mobile app control)

CONS

Software maturity is still a concern, especially desktop and web UI polish
Crowdfunding purchase model adds risk compared with normal retail buying
Single LAN port only, so no link aggregation or failover
Some expected NAS security/admin features were missing or underdeveloped in the reviewed build (for example, 2FA)

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Lincstation E1 NAS Review – Design & Storage

The LincStation E1 uses a compact vertical desktop chassis with a plastic outer shell and a front panel that keeps visible hardware elements to a minimum. At 218.5 x 88 x 140 mm and 907 g, it is physically smaller and lighter than many conventional 2-bay NAS systems, which affects both placement and cooling design. The front panel includes status LEDs for the 2 SATA bays (S1, S2), 2 NVMe slots (M1, M2), network activity/status, and the power button LED, so users can check basic drive and network state at a glance without opening the software interface. There is no front display panel, and the clean exterior design is clearly focused on compactness and low manufacturing complexity rather than service indicators or advanced controls.

The primary storage section is built around 2 top-loading drive trays that support both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD media. These trays are accessed from the top of the chassis and use integrated pull handles that sit relatively flush when closed, which helps reduce accidental snagging and keeps the top surface visually tidy. The supplied accessory pack includes mounting screws and a screwdriver, which is relevant here because 2.5-inch drives require screw mounting rather than tool-less insertion. The tray design is simple and functional, but there is no locking mechanism, no front latch key, and no hot-swap enterprise-style caddy system, so the emphasis is clearly on basic home use rather than secure or high-frequency drive replacement.

A secondary storage layer is provided by 2 underside M.2 ports, both supporting M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs. These slots are located under the bottom panel rather than on an internal motherboard tray accessed from the side, which means initial installation is straightforward but drive swaps are less convenient than the top SATA bays. The box contents include 2 thermal pads for SSDs of different thicknesses, which is a notable detail at this price point because it indicates the NVMe area was designed with at least basic thermal contact in mind rather than treating the slots as purely optional expansion. Functionally, these NVMe slots can be used for cache or as storage pools, which gives the system more deployment flexibility than a standard 2-bay HDD-only NAS.

The storage layout is technically more ambitious than many entry-level NAS devices because it combines 2 x SATA bays for bulk capacity with 2 x NVMe slots for faster storage tiers in a very small chassis. Based on the provided CPU/PCIe layout, the system is built around the RK3568 platform with PCIe and SATA resources split across NVMe and SATA connectivity, with the SATA side also involving a JMB575 SATA controller path for the drive bay implementation. In practical terms, this means the E1 is designed to support mixed workloads such as HDD-based backups plus SSD cache, or separate SSD-backed application/media indexing storage alongside larger mechanical drives. This is still a consumer NAS layout, but from a hardware planning perspective it gives more options than a basic ARM 2-bay design that only exposes SATA.

From a mechanical and thermal design perspective, the main compromise is internal space density, especially around the underside NVMe area and the airflow path shared across the enclosure. The chassis uses a single base-mounted fan and passive ventilation openings around multiple sides, with the SATA bays above and the NVMe slots below, so the internal airflow strategy is relatively simple and constrained by the compact dimensions. This approach is consistent with the low-power RK3568 platform and the intended use of 2 local drives plus optional NVMe, but it also means there is limited room for large heatsinks, cable routing, or internal upgrades beyond the defined storage slots. As a result, the E1 offers a technically flexible storage layout for its class, but it remains a tightly integrated, compact NAS design rather than a modular enclosure built for extensive hardware modification.

Lincstation E1 NAS Review – Internal Hardware

The LincStation E1 is built around the Rockchip RK3568, a quad-core ARM SoC (Cortex-A55 class) running at up to 2.0 GHz. This is a low-power embedded platform commonly used in compact network and edge devices, and it is a practical fit for a NAS that prioritizes basic file services, light media tasks, and low idle power over high parallel compute performance. In this system, the RK3568 is paired with 4 GB of embedded DDR4 memory, with no indication of user-upgradeable RAM, which places the E1 firmly in the entry-level category for multitasking and container-heavy workloads.

From an architecture standpoint, the E1’s hardware is more interesting than a typical low-cost 2-bay ARM NAS because it exposes both SATA and NVMe storage within a single compact design. The provided block layout shows the RK3568 distributing PCIe lanes across NVMe connectivity and additional controller paths, while the SATA bays are implemented through a JMB575 SATA controller stage. This matters because the system is not simply attaching 2 SATA drives directly to a minimal embedded board, but instead using a more layered I/O design to support 2 x SATA bays plus 2 x NVMe slots within the limits of the SoC’s available interfaces.

The hardware platform also includes a 1GbE network interface, HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) output, and a mix of USB connectivity, which indicates that the E1 is designed as more than a headless file box even if its primary role is NAS storage. The CPU/PHY layout also reflects the shared nature of resources in compact ARM systems, where PCIe, USB, and SATA connectivity are allocated carefully to balance cost and capability. In practical terms, the hardware specification is broad for the class, but users should still view it as a constrained embedded platform, not as a substitute for x86 NAS hardware with higher throughput ceilings or large virtualization headroom.

At a system design level, the internal hardware choices are clearly optimized around low power draw, compact thermals, and cost efficiency. The RK3568 platform, embedded memory, and compact board-level integration reduce complexity and help keep the device small, while the storage expansion is pushed into the defined SATA and M.2 bays rather than broader internal upgrade options. This makes the E1 a purpose-built appliance with a relatively fixed hardware profile: flexible in storage configuration, but limited in CPU and memory scalability once deployed.

Lincstation E1 NAS Review – Ports and Connections

The LincStation E1 provides a basic but functional I/O layout split across the front and rear panels. On the front, there is 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, which is the highest-speed external USB connection on the unit and the most practical port for temporary storage imports, external backup drives, or direct file transfers. The front panel also includes the status LEDs for both SATA bays, both NVMe slots, network activity, and the power button with integrated LED, so operational state is visible from the main user-facing side of the device.

On the rear panel, the E1 includes 1 x RJ-45 LAN port, 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A ports, 1 x HDMI 2.1 (TMDS) port, a reset button, and a 12V/5A DC power input jack. The rear USB ports are limited to USB 2.0, which is sufficient for low-speed peripherals or occasional backup devices, but they are not ideal for sustained high-speed external storage workflows. The HDMI output is an important inclusion in specification terms because it expands potential use cases beyond standard NAS access, although the practical value of that port depends on software support and feature maturity.

In networking terms, the hardware specification lists 1 x Gigabit RJ-45, while the review transcript references 1GbE operation during testing and performance discussion, so this is an area where buyers should verify the final shipping specification and campaign listing before purchase. Regardless of the final Ethernet speed, the E1 only provides a single wired LAN port, which means no link aggregation, no failover path, and no dual-NIC network segmentation. The system does, however, also support Wi-Fi connectivity according to the review material, which may help with placement flexibility or initial setup, but wired Ethernet remains the primary connection for NAS use.

Lincstation E1 NAS Review – Software and Services

The LincStation E1 runs LincOS, which is positioned as an integrated NAS platform for file access, backup, remote connectivity, and media services rather than a bare system that requires users to install a third-party OS. Based on the provided feature overview, the core service set includes LincAccess for remote access without manual port forwarding, System Upgrade for background firmware updates, Secure Space for encrypted storage, Local Share over SMB, Backup Disk and Sync Disk for scheduled backup/sync tasks, Remote Download, Smart Album for local photo analysis/tagging, and Video Center for media browsing and playback. On paper, this gives the E1 a broad set of consumer NAS functions, especially for users who want a single interface for files, phone backups, and basic media management.

In practical use, the software experience appears to vary significantly depending on whether the system is accessed via desktop client, web browser, or mobile app. The review transcript describes the desktop client as functional but visually and structurally closer to a mobile-first interface, with some sections feeling sparse or less optimized for larger screens. The mobile application is described as the more mature experience, with better flow for common tasks such as file access, photo backup, service control, and SMB management. By contrast, the browser-based interface is described as much more limited, which is relevant because web UI access remains a standard workflow for many NAS users.

The main issue at the time of review is software maturity rather than feature absence alone. The transcript indicates that newer builds added functions that were missing in earlier testing, which suggests active development, but also confirms that the platform is still evolving and not yet fully polished. Specific concerns raised include weak desktop/web UX consistency, limited clarity in some backup/sync terminology for less experienced users, and missing or underdeveloped areas in security and administration workflows (for example, the absence of 2FA and other standard NAS security tooling in the tested build). As a result, the E1 software stack is best understood as a usable but still developing platform that may improve over time, but should not be evaluated as equivalent in maturity to long-established NAS operating systems.

Lincstation E1 NAS Review – Noise, Temp and Power Performance Tests

Testing in the review focused on real-world NAS usage with 2 x 4TB Seagate IronWolf HDDs installed in the SATA bays and 2 x 1TB NVMe SSDs in the M.2 slots. In this configuration, the unit was used for file transfers, mobile backups, and sustained read/write activity to observe behavior under load rather than synthetic benchmark-only results. The review also notes that the NVMe slots were constrained in practical throughput relative to full higher-lane NVMe operation, with observed expectations around a capped transfer range consistent with the platform and lane allocation.

Acoustically, the measured noise level was reported at around 41 to 43 dB at idle, and remained in a similar 42 to 43 dB range under heavier activity. That indicates a relatively stable acoustic profile during testing, likely due in part to the inability (at the time of recording) to directly tune fan behavior in the software build initially tested. The result is not silent, and the plastic chassis plus compact internal layout may contribute to audible drive and airflow presence, but the unit also did not show a major noise spike during CPU and storage activity in the tested setup.

Thermally, the system was run for about 4 hours under sustained read/write activity, including transfers involving attached USB storage and mobile device backup traffic. Reported external surface temperatures were around 38 to 41°C on the chassis sides, with perforated ventilation areas reaching about 43 to 44°C. The hottest areas were around the underside NVMe region and between the installed drives, which is consistent with the compact internal layout and base-mounted cooling approach. With the 4TB HDDs used in testing, the reported drive temperature was around 51°C during this sustained activity period, while other external port-side areas remained around the low-to-mid 40°C range.

Power consumption results were in line with a low-power ARM NAS platform. With low CPU utilization (below roughly 15%) and drives/SSDs in idle or light activity states, the measured draw was around 12 to 12.2 W. Under heavier use, with CPU utilization above roughly 75% and simultaneous HDD/NVMe read/write activity, reported power draw increased to about 19.4 to 19.7 W. SMB transfer performance over the network was reported at roughly 180 to 200 MB/s on HDD-based access, while NVMe-backed activity was described as saturating the available network path in testing, which is broadly consistent with the stated Ethernet and storage configuration constraints.

Lincstation E1 NAS Review – Conclusion & Verdict

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If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

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Découverte du NAS UGREEN DH4300 Plus, équipé de 4 baies, de 8 Go de RAM, d'un processeur ARM avec 8 cœurs et d'une interface réseau à 2.5 GbE. Avis complet.

Le post Test UGREEN DH4300 Plus : un NAS 4 baies à moins de 400 euros a été publié sur IT-Connect.

La MAG CoreLiquid A15 360 est un Watercooling AIO équipé de trois ventilateurs de 120 mm promettant un look, des performance et un petit prix

Cet article Test MAG CoreLiquid A15 360 de MSI a été publié en premier par GinjFo.

UniFi UNAS 4 NAS Review – Simple Safe Storage?

The UniFi UNAS 4 is Ubiquiti’s desktop 4 bay NAS and part of the company’s growing UniFi storage portfolio. Positioned as a compact network storage appliance, it is designed to provide centralized file storage, backups, and shared access within a local network, while also integrating with the wider UniFi management platform. The 4 bay form factor is widely considered a practical starting point for NAS deployments, offering enough capacity for RAID redundancy while maintaining a relatively small physical footprint suitable for offices, home labs, and small business environments. At $379, the UNAS 4 enters the market as a relatively affordable turnkey NAS that includes both hardware and the UniFi Drive software platform. The system combines traditional SATA storage bays with NVMe SSD caching support and 2.5GbE networking, while also introducing PoE+++ power as a deployment option. On paper, the device aims to deliver a straightforward storage solution that focuses on core NAS functionality rather than attempting to compete directly with more feature heavy platforms.

UniFi UNAS 4 Review – Quick Conclusion

TLDR: The UniFi UNAS 4 is a compact $379 4 bay NAS aimed at straightforward file storage and backups, with a clean UniFi oriented deployment that includes PoE+++ power plus data over a single cable and a bundled 90W adapter for non PoE setups. It combines 4 SATA bays with 2 M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching, simple click and load drive trays, and a small front status display, while UniFi Drive provides the expected NAS services such as SMB and NFS access, RAID options, snapshots, encryption, share links, and multi user management, plus backup support that can include other UNAS targets, SMB destinations, and several cloud providers. The main compromises are the single 2.5GbE port that caps throughput and offers no redundancy, NVMe trays not being included despite the slots being present, and a USB C port that currently functions mostly for basic external storage rather than broader expansion, so it fits best when the goal is uncomplicated storage within a UniFi managed environment rather than a more flexible, performance oriented NAS platform.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 7/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.2

PROS

$379 pricing is competitive for a turnkey 4 bay NAS with UniFi Drive included
4 bay 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch SATA support for flexible capacity planning
2 x M.2 NVMe slots for read and write SSD caching
PoE+++ support enables single cable power plus data deployment
90W PoE+++ mains adapter included, so PoE infrastructure is optional
Simple click and load HDD trays with straightforward access for drive installs and swaps
Front 1.47 inch color LCM display provides basic status and activity visibility
UniFi Drive software includes RAID options, snapshots, encryption, share links, and user management

CONS

Single 2.5GbE port limits throughput and provides no network redundancy or aggregation
M.2 NVMe trays not included, adding cost to use SSD caching
USB C port is currently limited in utility beyond basic external storage attachment

You can buy the UniFi UNAS 4 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

UniFi UNAS 4 Review – Design & Storage

The UniFi UNAS 4 uses a compact desktop chassis that differs from the more traditional box shaped NAS designs seen from many competing brands. The enclosure is relatively narrow and deep, giving it a vertical appearance that resembles some earlier consumer NAS designs. The casing itself is constructed from polycarbonate rather than metal, which keeps overall weight down to around 2.6 kg without drives installed. Ventilation is primarily handled through openings along the upper portion of the chassis, with airflow directed toward a rear mounted cooling fan.

At the front of the unit is a small 1.47 inch color LCM display that provides basic system information. This panel is not touch enabled but can show details such as drive activity, network activity, and general system status. It acts primarily as a quick visual reference rather than a full control interface. For most configuration and monitoring tasks, the system is intended to be managed through the UniFi Drive interface via a web browser or mobile application.

The primary storage configuration consists of 4 drive bays supporting either 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch SATA drives. Each drive uses an individual tray that slides into the chassis and clicks into place without requiring screws for 3.5 inch drives. The trays are ventilated and designed for relatively straightforward installation or replacement, although they are not lockable. Compared with earlier UniFi NAS designs that grouped multiple drives into a single tray, the use of separate trays simplifies drive access and improves hot swap usability.

In addition to the main hard drive bays, the system includes 2 M.2 NVMe slots intended for SSD caching. These slots are located in a separate compartment on the base of the device and can be accessed by removing a small cover using the included key. Once installed, these SSDs can be used to provide read and write caching to improve responsiveness when working with frequently accessed data. At the time of writing, these NVMe drives cannot be used as independent storage pools and are limited to caching roles.

One design choice that may affect installation is that the trays required to hold the NVMe SSDs are not included in the retail package. Instead, they must be purchased separately or obtained as part of pre populated SSD modules from Ubiquiti. While the M.2 slots themselves are built into the device, the lack of included trays adds an additional step and cost for users who intend to make use of SSD caching alongside the main hard drive storage.

UniFi UNAS 4 Review – Internal Hardware

Internally, the UniFi UNAS 4 is built around a quad core ARM Cortex A55 processor running at 1.7 GHz. This type of processor is commonly used in embedded networking hardware and lower power storage appliances, where efficiency and reliability are prioritized over raw processing performance. Ubiquiti has extensive experience deploying ARM architectures across its networking and infrastructure products, and the choice here aligns with the system’s intended role as a dedicated storage appliance rather than a general purpose server platform.

The system includes 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory, which is fixed and not user upgradeable. For the core functions the device is designed to handle, such as file transfers, backups, and storage management, this amount of memory is generally sufficient. However, the fixed memory configuration does place a ceiling on how much additional functionality the hardware could realistically support in the future, particularly if the software platform expands with additional services or heavier workloads.

From a power perspective, the system is designed to operate within a relatively modest power envelope. The maximum system power consumption is rated at 90 W, with a maximum drive power budget of 80 W. Power delivery is handled through PoE+++, allowing both data and power to be carried through the same Ethernet connection when used with compatible infrastructure. For deployments without PoE support, the device ships with a 90 W PoE+++ adapter, allowing it to be powered from a standard mains outlet while still maintaining the same connection layout.

UniFi UNAS 4 Review – Ports and Connections

The UniFi UNAS 4 keeps connectivity simple, with a single 2.5GbE RJ45 port handling both network data and PoE+++ power delivery. This allows the unit to be deployed with a single cable when used with compatible switches or injectors, which can reduce cable clutter and simplify placement compared with NAS systems that require separate power and network connections. The port supports 2.5G, 1G, 100M, and 10M link speeds, so it can operate in mixed networks even if 2.5GbE infrastructure is not available.

The main limitation is that there is only 1 network interface, with no secondary port for link aggregation, redundancy, or dedicated management traffic. In practical terms, this reduces options for failover and makes the network connection a single point of dependency. It also places a hard ceiling on throughput, which is relevant on a 4 bay system where aggregate drive performance can exceed what a single 2.5GbE link can sustain in some workloads.

For external expansion, the device includes a 5 Gbps USB C port intended for attaching external storage. In its current form, it functions primarily as a straightforward way to connect a USB drive for basic transfers rather than as a broader expansion interface. The hardware capability suggests potential for wider use cases, but the available functionality is mainly determined by what UniFi Drive supports at the software level.

UniFi UNAS 4 Review – Software and Services

The UNAS 4 runs UniFi Drive and is managed through the same UniFi style web interface used across the wider portfolio, with system status, storage, backups, and user access presented through a single dashboard. For typical NAS use, the core functions are in place: initializing drives, building RAID storage, creating shared and personal drives, enabling file services, and checking drive health information. The interface is mostly structured around completing common tasks quickly and keeping administration consistent with other UniFi products, rather than exposing a long list of granular configuration controls. That approach makes initial setup and day to day management relatively straightforward, but it also means experienced NAS users may notice limits in how far the system can be tuned.

File access is centered on SMB and NFS, with browser based file management available for basic upload, download, and folder navigation. The web file manager covers essential functions and includes share link creation plus thumbnail and preview handling, but it is not designed as a full productivity layer with collaborative editing or advanced file workflow tools. Client access is largely built around standard network shares and UniFi’s account-driven identity layer, and while the system can be deployed locally without relying on a UniFi account, the most integrated remote workflow is clearly designed around UniFi’s own UI and identity services rather than third party remote networking options.

Data protection features cover most of what is expected for a general purpose file NAS. UniFi Drive supports snapshots, encrypted storage, and configurable retention policies, which covers common rollback needs and basic ransomware recovery strategy when paired with sensible scheduling. Backup tooling is one of the stronger areas in terms of scope, supporting tasks to another UniFi NAS, to SMB targets, and to cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, and Wasabi. Time Machine support is also present for macOS environments, and Microsoft 365 backup is part of the broader UniFi Drive direction, even if the overall feature set remains more storage and protection focused than application focused.

The limitations are consistent with the UNAS 4’s role and its hardware profile. There is no iSCSI target support, which restricts certain virtualization, hypervisor, and block storage workflows, and there is no container or VM layer intended for running third party services directly on the device. NVMe support remains limited to SSD caching rather than separate pools, and on the UNAS 4 that caching is also constrained by the single 2.5GbE connection, which can cap how much of the cache benefit is visible over the network in sustained sequential transfers. More broadly, system level configuration remains relatively contained, with fewer advanced networking and scheduling controls than many established NAS platforms provide.

Client side tooling is also still relatively limited compared with ecosystems that offer a more developed sync, selective download, and offline pinning experience across desktop and mobile. UniFi Drive does provide client app support and identity driven access, but the overall workflow remains closer to traditional network share usage than to a full cloud drive style experience. As it stands, the software aligns with the UNAS 4’s positioning as a storage and backup appliance with a clean management layer, rather than a platform intended to replace a more feature dense NAS operating system.

UniFi UNAS 4 Review – Noise, Temp, Temp & Performance

In practical use, performance on the UNAS 4 is largely shaped by its single 2.5GbE connection. With mechanical drives, the system can deliver consistent transfer rates that sit within the expected ceiling of a 2.5GbE link, but it does not have the networking headroom to take full advantage of what a 4 drive array can potentially deliver under sustained sequential workloads. This is most noticeable when using higher capacity 7200 RPM drives, where the combined throughput of multiple disks can exceed the network limit even before SSD caching is factored in.

Testing with mixed file transfers showed typical throughput in the range of roughly 180 to 250 MB/s depending on file type and workload, with higher results generally observed once NVMe caching was enabled. A 50 GB Windows transfer completed at a pace that aligned with these figures, with sustained rates remaining stable rather than spiking briefly and then dropping sharply. The overall behaviour suggests that the device can maintain steady network limited transfers, but it is not designed to chase peak throughput beyond what 2.5GbE allows.

NVMe caching improved responsiveness and helped maintain higher sustained transfer speeds, particularly during repeated reads and writes where the cache could play an active role. However, the caching implementation is limited to acceleration rather than acting as a separate storage tier, and the benefit is workload dependent. Large sequential transfers still remain constrained by the network port, while smaller or more frequently accessed data sees more practical gains from the cache layer.

From an operational standpoint, power draw remained relatively modest for a 4 bay system. A baseline measurement with no drives installed was around 14.1 W. With 4 HDDs and 2 NVMe SSDs installed, idle power use was observed at around 46 W, rising to roughly 50 to 51 W under active read and write workloads with moderate CPU and memory utilization. The relatively small gap between idle and active indicates that drive idle draw forms a significant portion of the total consumption in typical day to day use.

UniFi UNAS 4 Review – Conclusion & Verdict

The UniFi UNAS 4 is a compact 4 bay NAS that prioritizes straightforward storage deployment, particularly for users already running UniFi hardware and UniFi management. Its pricing, PoE+++ support with an included adapter, NVMe caching capability, and generally simple physical drive access make it a practical option for core NAS tasks such as shared folders, backups, and centralized file storage. The hardware choices are consistent with that goal, and the platform is best assessed as a storage appliance rather than a general purpose server. On the software side, UniFi Drive provides the expected baseline services for this category, including SMB and NFS file access, RAID options, snapshots, encrypted storage, share links, and multi user management. Backup support is broader than the basics, with options that can include remote UNAS targets, SMB destinations, and several mainstream cloud services, along with Time Machine support for macOS. Management is clearly aimed at keeping configuration simple through a unified interface, but it also remains more limited than mature NAS platforms in areas such as deeper system tuning, third party remote access alternatives, and broader application style features.

The trade offs are easy to identify. A single 2.5GbE port limits peak throughput and removes options such as link aggregation or network failover, which matters more on a 4 bay system than it would on a smaller unit. The NVMe slots are limited to caching rather than independent pools, and using them adds cost due to trays not being included. Cooling behaviour can become more noticeable if fan speed increases, and the USB C port currently operates mainly as an external drive attachment point rather than a broader expansion interface. Overall, the UNAS 4 makes the most sense when its role is kept narrow, and when UniFi Drive’s storage and backup feature set, alongside UniFi ecosystem integration, is a meaningful part of the purchase decision.

You can buy the UniFi UNAS 4 NAS via the link below – doing so will result in a small commission coming to me and Eddie at NASCompares, and allows us to keep doing what we do! 

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Cette semaine, le “petit” est à l’honneur. Mini-boîtiers, alimentations compactes, PC ultraportables… sans oublier un clavier mécanique carrément coupé en deux.

Cet article La sélection matos de la semaine (mini-PC, SFX musclées, périphériques gaming) a été publié en premier par GinjFo.

Avec son grand panneau en verre trempé courbé, ses ventilateurs aRGB et son support des GPU jusqu’à 420 mm, le Prime AP202 vise clairement les configurations gaming. Mais vaut-il vraiment le détour ?

Cet article Le Prime AP202 est-il le boîtier Micro-ATX aquarium pour le gaming du moment ? a été publié en premier par GinjFo.

Gl.iNet Slate 7 vs Beryl 7 Travel Router – Which Should You Buy?

At first glance, the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) and the GL.iNet Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) appear very closely matched. Both are compact dual band WiFi 7 travel routers, both include dual 2.5GbE ports, USB 3.0 expansion, OpenWrt based firmware, and support for VPN client and server deployment. They are designed for similar use cases such as securing public WiFi in hotels and airports, creating a private subnet for multiple personal devices, or acting as a portable gateway for temporary work setups. On paper, their wireless speed ratings are identical, and their overall feature sets overlap significantly. However, there is a clear price separation, with the Beryl 7 typically retailing at $139.99 and the Slate 7 positioned higher at $169.99. Given how similar they appear in specification tables, this comparison focuses on what justifies that difference, looking beyond headline WiFi 7 support and examining hardware platform choices, memory configuration, interface design, performance ceilings, and overall positioning within the travel router lineup.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Travel Router		Gl.iNet Slate 7 Travel Router
Buy From Gl.iNet	Buy From Amazon	Buy From Gl.iNet	Buy From Amazon

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Slate 7 – Wireless Connectivity

Both the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) and the GL.iNet Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) are dual band WiFi 7 routers operating across 2.4GHz and 5GHz, with identical rated wireless speeds of 688Mbps on 2.4GHz and 2882Mbps on 5GHz, for a combined 3600Mbps class rating. Neither device includes 6GHz support, which means both are technically WiFi 7 implementations without access to the expanded 6GHz spectrum or 320MHz channel widths. Instead, they focus on delivering WiFi 7 features such as improved OFDMA efficiency, 4K QAM, preamble puncturing, and Multi Link Operation within the existing 2 band framework.

In practical use, this means the wireless experience between the two routers is very similar when connecting modern WiFi 7 client devices. Multi Link Operation allows compatible devices to aggregate traffic across 2.4GHz and 5GHz simultaneously rather than choosing a single band. This can improve stability and reduce latency under load, particularly when multiple devices are active. However, because neither router supports 6GHz, both are limited to 160MHz channels, which caps the theoretical advantage compared to tri band WiFi 7 platforms. For most travel environments where surrounding networks are congested and spectrum is shared, the absence of 6GHz may not be the primary limiting factor.

It is also relevant that WiFi 7 client adoption is still developing, and many connected devices will continue to operate using WiFi 6 or earlier standards. In those cases, both routers fall back to backward compatible modes with similar performance characteristics. Since their radio specifications are aligned and both omit 6GHz, there is no material wireless generation advantage of one over the other. The distinction between these two models therefore lies less in raw WiFi 7 capability and more in the hardware platform and resource allocation that supports that wireless layer.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Slate 7 – Wired Connectivity

From a wired networking perspective, both the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) and the GL.iNet Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) are equipped with dual 2.5GbE ports. Each device includes 1 port typically designated as WAN and 1 as LAN, but both allow role reassignment within the software. This means either router can be configured to accept a multi gigabit internet uplink while simultaneously providing a 2.5G wired connection to a local client such as a workstation, NAS, or switch. In contrast to earlier travel routers limited to 1G LAN outputs, both of these models are capable of sustaining multi gigabit throughput on both ingress and egress.

In practical deployment, this gives both devices flexibility in scenarios where internet speeds exceed 1Gbps or where high speed local transfers are required. For example, a user connecting to a fiber service above 1G can feed that into the WAN port and still provide full 2.5G bandwidth to a wired LAN device. This configuration also supports load balancing or failover setups when combined with USB tethering or repeater modes. Since both routers share this dual 2.5G configuration, there is no structural limitation on either side in terms of raw Ethernet throughput.

The differences in wired behavior emerge more subtly in how the internal hardware handles sustained traffic across those ports, rather than in port specification alone. On paper, the Ethernet configuration is effectively matched between the two models. Both remove the earlier compromise seen in WiFi 6 travel routers where users had to choose between multi gigabit WAN or LAN, and both provide the same baseline flexibility for wired high speed connectivity in a compact travel format.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Slate 7 – Internal Hardware

Although their wireless ratings and Ethernet layouts are nearly identical, the internal hardware platforms of the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) and the GL.iNet Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) are based on different SoCs with distinct design goals. The Beryl 7 uses a MediaTek quad core processor operating at 2.0 GHz per core, paired with 512 MB of DDR4 memory and 512 MB of NAND flash. The Slate 7 instead uses the Qualcomm IPQ5018 platform, which integrates a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU running at about 1.0 GHz with additional packet processing and network subsystem features, and pairs that with 1 GB of DDR4 memory and 512 MB of NAND flash.

In real-world router workloads, CPU architecture and memory allocation each play a role. A higher clock speed like that in the Beryl 7 tends to benefit single threaded tasks such as some encryption operations and packet inspection. The Qualcomm IPQ5018’s emphasis on networking, hardware acceleration, and integrated network subsystem may offset its lower clock speed, particularly in tasks like NAT, traffic classification, or other system-level switching operations, and the doubled memory of the Slate 7 provides more space for concurrent services, queuing, and package expansions without immediate memory contention. In practice, the two platforms reflect different design priorities rather than a simple faster/ slower division.

Both devices provide a single USB 3.0 port for data expansion alongside a USB Type-C port for power input, meaning external storage, USB tethering, or a cellular dongle must share the same data port; using one function prevents the simultaneous use of the others. The Slate 7 also includes an integrated touchscreen display that provides real-time status information and direct toggling of features such as VPN or network mode, while the Beryl 7 relies solely on web and mobile app based controls. Internally, the distinction therefore is not just MediaTek versus Qualcomm, but a trade-off between frequency-focused CPU design, expanded system memory, and user interface enhancements.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Slate 7 – Deployment

When translating specifications into practical deployment behavior, the most measurable difference between the GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) and the GL.iNet Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) appears in VPN throughput. The Beryl 7 is rated at up to 1100Mbps with WireGuard and up to 1000Mbps with OpenVPN DCO in client mode. The Slate 7, powered by the Qualcomm IPQ5018 platform, is rated at up to 490Mbps with WireGuard and up to 385Mbps with OpenVPN DCO. Although the Qualcomm platform is well optimized for routing and packet handling, the higher clock speed MediaTek processor in the Beryl 7 provides substantially more headroom for encrypted throughput. In scenarios where the internet connection exceeds 500Mbps and VPN encryption is permanently enabled, the Beryl 7 is less likely to become the limiting factor.

In raw LAN and WiFi performance, both devices operate within a similar ceiling due to identical wireless radios and dual 2.5GbE ports. Real world file transfers over 2.5GbE typically settle below theoretical maximums, often in the 230MB/s to 240MB/s range depending on workload and protocol overhead. Neither device consistently saturates the full 2.5GbE line rate under mixed routing and wireless conditions, which reflects internal processing overhead rather than port limitation. From a pure switching and routing standpoint without heavy encryption, both platforms are capable of sustaining high multi gigabit traffic within expected travel router boundaries.

Both units are rated to support up to 120 concurrent devices, which exceeds typical travel usage but provides insight into scheduler and resource allocation capacity. The Slate 7’s 1GB memory pool may provide additional stability when multiple OpenWrt services, monitoring tools, DNS filtering, and USB storage sharing are active simultaneously. The Beryl 7, meanwhile, demonstrates a clear advantage when encrypted traffic volume is high relative to available WAN bandwidth. As a result, the performance distinction depends less on wireless speed and more on whether the primary workload is VPN intensive broadband use or service heavy multi feature deployment.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 vs Slate 7 – Which One Should You Buy?

The GL.iNet Beryl 7 (GL-MT3600BE) and the GL.iNet Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) are closer in capability than their price difference might initially suggest. Both deliver dual band WiFi 7 across 2.4GHz and 5GHz, both provide dual 2.5GbE ports, both support OpenWrt with extensive plugin flexibility, and both are designed for securing public internet connections while travelling.

From a purely wireless and Ethernet standpoint, they are effectively matched. The practical separation appears in internal resource allocation and user interface design. The Beryl 7, priced at $139.99, offers significantly higher rated VPN throughput and a faster clocked processor, making it better suited to users with high speed broadband connections who intend to run persistent encrypted tunnels. The Slate 7, priced at $169.99, provides double the system memory and integrates a touchscreen interface that allows direct device control without relying entirely on a browser or mobile app.

The decision therefore depends on workload priorities rather than headline WiFi generation. If the primary requirement is maximizing encrypted throughput over fast WAN connections, the Beryl 7 presents stronger performance value at a lower price. If the focus is on memory headroom for multiple services, a more integrated on device interface, and a Qualcomm based networking platform, the Slate 7 may justify its higher cost. Neither device includes 6GHz support, meaning both are dual band WiFi 7 implementations rather than full tri band models.

For users specifically seeking 6GHz spectrum and 320MHz channel capability, a different tier of hardware would be required. Within the compact dual band travel router segment, the distinction between these two models is defined less by WiFi 7 itself and more by how each device balances CPU performance, memory allocation, and interface design within a portable form factor.

Gl.iNet Beryl 7 Travel Router		Gl.iNet Slate 7 Travel Router
Buy From Gl.iNet	Buy From Amazon	Buy From Gl.iNet	Buy From Amazon
PROs	CONs	PROs	CONs
+ Cheaper + Smaller & Lighter + Lower Power Consumption	– Less RAM – Lesser CPU	+ LCD Control Screen + Better Hardware Inside + Better Build Quality	– More Expensive – Larger – Slate Pro Model Coming Soon

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UniFi Dream Router 7 – ONE YEAR LATER

A lot can change in 12 months with a router, especially one that launched with strong hardware and a lot of software ambition behind it. The UniFi Dream Router 7 (UDR7) arrived in February 2025 at $279 and immediately stood out on paper, but a year later the more useful question is not what it promised at launch, it is what it actually delivers now: is it better, worse, or largely the same after a full year of real-world use and updates? In this 1 year later review, I am looking at that from 3 angles: my own experience of using the UDR7 in a live home setup over the last 12 months, the wider experience of other users in home and business environments, and how Ubiquiti has supported the platform through UniFi OS and router software updates since release. The goal is to move beyond launch-day specs and first impressions and answer the more practical question for anyone considering an upgrade today: in early 2026, is the UniFi Dream Router 7 still worth $279?

My Own 12 Month Experience of the UniFi Dream Router 7

My own experience with the UDR7 over 12 months is slightly different from a short test bench review because this unit stayed deployed in my home for most of that time. After the original review, I kept it and ran it in a real environment rather than treating it as a temporary test device.

It was not my only wireless setup, so there was some unavoidable radio overlap in the house, and I was also running the UDR7 with 4 additional access points placed across different rooms. It was positioned behind a TV rather than in an ideal open location, which is worth stating because that kind of placement can affect both wireless behavior and thermals.

In terms of reliability, my own results were stable across the year. The UDR7 was set to install updates automatically, so it received every update as it arrived, and outside of planned interruptions for filming, firmware reboots, and a reprofile/reset around October for remote access preparation, it remained in service continuously.

Across that period it handled a regular set of around 12 active devices, while interacting with roughly 20 to 25 devices over time.

I did not run UniFi Protect on this unit in my own setup, so my long-term comments are focused on routing, wireless management, and day to day network operation rather than surveillance recording. In that role, it was dependable and I did not encounter recurring crashes or operational failures.

Resource use and thermals were also within a reasonable range for the way I deployed it. Internally, the system generally sat around 61 to 67°C depending on load, with CPU utilization commonly around 20 to 25% and RAM usage often around 40 to 50% when more security features and logging were enabled.

External temperatures were warmer than ambient but not excessive for a compact desktop gateway placed in a less than ideal location: roughly 48 to 49°C on the outer body, around 51°C near the top ventilation strip at peak use, and around 43 to 45°C at the base.

The copper ports remained cooler, while the SFP side ran hotter when used. None of this pointed to a thermal problem in my deployment, but it does reinforce that placement and ventilation still matter.

Traffic volume across the test period also helps frame the result. I put roughly 1.25TB of internet traffic through the unit, with just over 1TB downloaded and around 204GB uploaded, while also testing PoE output with a few APs.

The only PoE limitation I ran into was with a higher draw AP that exceeded what the port is designed to provide, which matched the published power limits rather than indicating a fault.

Taken strictly from my own 1 year usage, the UDR7 did what it was supposed to do at $279 in a mixed home environment with multiple APs, automatic updates, and steady day to day load. My experience was not a stress test of every feature, but as a long-running gateway deployment it remained reliable.

The Community Feedback on the UniFi Dream Router 7 in 1 Year

Looking at wider user feedback over the last 12 months, the most consistent pattern is that early criticism focused less on the hardware itself and more on launch readiness. Across UniFi Community threads, Reddit posts, and ISP forum discussions, many users described the UDR7 as capable hardware paired with software that felt immature in the first weeks and months after release. The phrase “unfinished at launch” appears repeatedly in community discussions, particularly from users who deployed it as a primary gateway rather than a simple single room router.

The most widely reported issue was selective connectivity behavior, especially on PPPoE connections using the RJ45 WAN port. Users reported situations where speed tests looked normal but specific services failed or behaved unreliably, including video calls, social media video loading, live camera feeds, and some VPN apps. Multiple threads also repeated the same temporary workarounds: moving WAN to the SFP+ port or enabling Smart Queues, with users noting the tradeoff in cost, added hardware, or reduced throughput. This issue appears frequently enough across separate threads and forums to be treated as a recurring launch-period problem rather than isolated misconfiguration.

A second recurring theme was inconsistent WiFi behavior in more demanding or more complex deployments. Community reports described unstable wireless performance, intermittent disconnects, poor range relative to expectations, and in some cases daily reboots or loss of connectivity requiring a full restart. Not every report points to the same root cause, and some users specifically tied their issues to WAN mode, AP combinations, or feature settings, but the overall pattern is clear: setups with heavier tuning, multiple APs, or more demanding coverage expectations were more likely to expose weaknesses during the early firmware cycle. Also, there was the expensive testing of ‘REAL’ MLO support by RTINGS last month, where the marketing materials around WiFi 7 routers and the level of currently MLO abilities vs the reality of client and router support.

By early 2026, community sentiment appears more mixed than uniformly negative. The strongest complaints are still easy to find, but there are also repeated updates from users saying behavior improved after firmware updates, manual upgrades, or configuration changes, especially in threads that started during the launch period. The broad shift is not that all criticism disappeared, but that the conversation moved from “basic reliability concerns” toward “specific deployment and tuning limitations,” which is a materially different position for a product that had a rougher first impression for many early adopters.

Changes, Fixes, Improvements on the UDR7 over 1 Year

The clearest difference between the UDR7 at launch and the UDR7 after 12 months is software maturity. Over the March 2025 to February 2026 period, UniFi OS and the router platform received a substantial number of additions, improvements, and fixes that changed the practical experience of using the device. This was not just a case of minor UI clean-up. The update history shows ongoing work across setup flow, backup and restore behavior, WAN resiliency, WiFi stability, VPN reliability, logging, storage handling, and administrative tooling. In simple terms, the software stack was actively developed throughout the year, which supports the wider view that the product improved materially after release.

The additions also indicate that Ubiquiti treated the platform as something to expand, not only stabilize. Over that period, support was added for features such as custom certificates, custom SMTP, packet captures, Hotspot 2.0/PassPoint, IPv6 traffic identification and DNS Shield support, SIEM integration, advanced mDNS options, Alarm Manager, CNAME DNS records, and additional identity and directory integration options. Some of these are more relevant to business or managed environments than typical home users, but they still matter in the context of value because the UDR7 is sold as a UniFi cloud gateway, not just a domestic WiFi router. The result is that 1 year later, the software feature set is broader and more aligned with the hardware’s original positioning.

Just as important are the fixes that directly overlap with common launch-era complaints. These include a specific fix for wireless throughput issues when using PPPoE on the RJ45 WAN port, fixes for MLO and guest portal interaction, WiFi and RF scanning related issues, stability improvements when using MLO, improved 2.4GHz client resiliency, improved minimum RSSI stability, and a long list of VPN, routing, and policy-based routing fixes. There were also repeated improvements to backup/restore resiliency, web UI stability, speed test stability, and hardware offloading. Taken together, this update history does not prove every user issue is resolved in every deployment, but it does show a sustained effort to address exactly the types of faults and inconsistencies that shaped the early reputation of the UDR7.

Is the UniFi Dream Router Better, Worse or the Same Value at $279 1 Year Later? (Verdict)

1 year on, the UniFi Dream Router 7 is easier to recommend than it was at launch, but for a different reason than the original review. The core hardware value proposition remains largely the same: at $279, it still offers an unusual combination of WiFi 7, multi-gig copper, 10G SFP+, 1 PoE output, UniFi application support, and a compact all-in-1 gateway design that many competing devices at this price either do not match or only match in narrower areas. What changed over the last 12 months is the software side. Early concerns around stability, selective connectivity, and inconsistent behavior in more demanding deployments were significant enough to affect the product’s reputation, and that criticism was not unreasonable. However, the volume and direction of updates over the year indicate that Ubiquiti has spent that time closing the gap between what the hardware promised and what the software delivered in practice.

The most accurate verdict in early 2026 is that the UDR7 is not a fundamentally different product than it was in February 2025, but it is a more complete one. In straightforward home and small business use, especially where the buyer wants a UniFi-managed gateway with room to scale, it now presents a stronger case than it did for early adopters. At the same time, buyers with more complex AP layouts, aggressive tuning requirements, or very specific expectations around WiFi 7 MLO behavior should still approach it with realistic expectations and pay attention to current firmware state and client compatibility. On balance, based on the hardware, the year of software support, my own long-term deployment experience, and the broader community trajectory, the UDR7 remains a valid purchase at $279 in 2026.

What I originally said about the UniFi Dream Router 7 in my Feb 2025 Review:

As appealing as the UniFi router and network software that this system is bundled with are, the main praise I have to give the UDR 7 is that everyone is going to feel the benefits of this router in their network at this price point. The small compromises it has compared to the previous UDR system (such as fewer PoE ports) are immediately outweighed by its versatility, which would be hard to find at a better price elsewhere. The fact that all LAN ports are 2.5G and that the two WAN/LAN ports are 2.5G and 10G SFP+ respectively puts this router massively ahead of most competitors in the sub-$300 market. Equally, support for the UniFi Protect surveillance software and the included WD Purple SD card storage are nice extras that you don’t commonly find elsewhere—let alone the inclusion of a PoE 2.5G port. The router and network management software is, of course, quintessentially UniFi in its presentation. Striking a balance between usability and information is a tough challenge, and the UniFi software almost succeeds. It excels in its presentation and management via the mobile app, though the desktop UI could be a touch more intuitive. How could you make wireless and wired network management truly user-friendly?

That said, the UDR 7 is a genuinely WiFi 7-ready router, offering 2×2 6GHz coverage and taking advantage of all the frequency and bandwidth benefits afforded to true WiFi 7 6GHz clients. Add a simple $20 USB WiFi 7 adapter to your system, and you can immediately enjoy base-level 2.8Gbps wireless connectivity, scaling this up substantially with the right WiFi 7 wireless NICs. Even if you’re not in love with the UniFi software platform or handing management of your services over to Ubiquiti’s remote services, you can still set up the device without a UI.com account. You do not need to deploy it with UniFi Network equipment, and VPN and encrypted protocol services can still be managed via popular third-party options if preferred. Buying a router for your home or business instead of relying on the one supplied by your ISP can often feel like an unnecessary expense. However, considering the price point and the network advantages the UDR 7 provides, I believe this system is worth it. Some of its services might require additional polish over time, and greater network capabilities on this router will be realized as technology progresses, but I wholeheartedly recommend the UDR 7 for the majority of setups.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 9/10

PRICE - 8/10

VALUE - 9/10

9.0

PROS

WiFi 7 Support – Offers Genuine 6GHz connectivity with 320MHz channels, enabling faster speeds and lower latency.
Multi-Gig Networking – Includes three 2.5GbE LAN ports and a 10GbE SFP+ WAN/LAN port, making it highly future-proof.
Comprehensive UniFi Software – Provides robust network management features, including VLANs, QoS, IDS/IPS security, and VPN support.
Integrated UniFi Protect Support – Comes with a pre-installed 64GB WD Purple SD card, allowing local video storage for security cameras.
Flexible WAN/LAN Configurations – Supports dual WAN for failover or load balancing, or repurposing the 10GbE SFP+ port as LAN.
High Customization & Security – Offers advanced firewall controls, application-aware filtering, and in-depth traffic analytics.
User-Friendly Mobile App – Easy setup and management via the UniFi mobile app, with intuitive controls and real-time monitoring.
No UI.com Account Required – Can be set up locally without requiring an online UniFi account, providing more control over network privacy.

CONS

Limited PoE Support – Only includes one PoE-enabled 2.5GbE port, which may be a drawback for users looking to power multiple UniFi cameras or access points.
6GHz Band Availability Varies by Region – While WiFi 7 delivers significant improvements, the 6GHz spectrum and 320MHz channels may not be fully available in all areas, limiting real-world performance.
Not the Most Budget-Friendly Option – Although competitively priced for a WiFi 7 router, there are still more cost-effective alternatives on the market, especially for users who don’t need UniFi’s ecosystem.
The MLO architecture is currently E-MLSR MLO (Enhanced Multi-Link Single Radio Operation Mode), which lacks the true aggregation of Sync MLMR (Synchronous Multi-Link Multi-Radio) MLO

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