Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now (Mid-2025) for Under $499

As of mid-2025, the sub-$499 NAS market is more competitive than ever, with several brands offering systems that deliver strong hardware, dedicated operating systems, and multiple drive bays within a modest budget. For home users, prosumers, and small teams looking to centralize data, manage backups, or stream media locally, this price bracket now includes options that would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. From rackmount storage appliances to compact flash-based servers, there are now choices to suit a wide variety of workloads and network environments.

This article examines five out-of-the-box NAS systems that are currently available for $499 or less. While each system takes a slightly different approach—whether prioritizing raw bandwidth, containerization, virtualization support, or software simplicity—they all represent viable solutions for users seeking value without compromising core functionality.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy

All of the NAS systems featured in this list are diskless, meaning they do not include storage media by default. Users will need to purchase compatible 3.5″ HDDs, 2.5″ SSDs, or M.2 NVMe drives separately depending on the system’s configuration. This significantly affects the total cost of ownership, particularly for all-flash systems where NVMe drives are required. Some devices also use onboard flash or eMMC storage to house the operating system, but this is not sufficient for general file storage. Buyers should also consider the cost of drives, RAID redundancy planning, and any accessories (e.g., cables or cooling enhancements) when budgeting for deployment.

Another consideration is the variation in NAS operating systems provided. While most models come with a vendor-specific OS—such as Synology DSM, TerraMaster TOS, UGOS, or Unraid—some platforms allow or even encourage the installation of third-party alternatives like TrueNAS or Unraid without voiding hardware warranties. However, in cases where the software stack is less mature or limited in features, users may need to invest more time configuring services such as Plex, Docker, or SMB sharing manually. As such, these systems are best suited to users who are comfortable managing basic network services or are willing to explore more advanced functionality over time.

UniFi UNAS Pro 7-Bay NAS

$499 – ARM Cortex-A57 – 8GB – 7x 3.5″ SATA – 1x 10GbE SFP+, 1x 1GbE – UniFi OS – BUY HERE

The UniFi UNAS Pro is a 2U rackmount NAS solution designed primarily for high-speed, large-scale data storage. It features seven hot-swappable 2.5″/3.5″ SATA drive bays and is built around a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor running at 1.7GHz, paired with 8GB of onboard DDR4 memory. Unlike general-purpose NAS systems that include container support or multimedia features, this device is focused purely on network file storage. It offers robust network connectivity with both a 10GbE SFP+ port and a 1GbE RJ45 port, making it suitable for use cases where bandwidth is a priority—such as centralized backups, archival storage, or high-volume file transfers within a UniFi-managed network.

The system is managed via UniFi’s Drive app within the UniFi OS ecosystem, and supports standard RAID configurations including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6. Power redundancy is provided via a dual-input system—an internal 200W AC/DC PSU and support for USP-RPS DC failover. There’s also a 1.3-inch front panel touchscreen for quick diagnostics and system status at the rack. While it lacks container support, virtualization, or media server capabilities, it integrates easily with other UniFi products or can operate as a standalone storage node in a mixed environment. For users who require reliable, scalable storage with 10GbE connectivity but can forego app extensibility, the UNAS Pro represents a straightforward, hardware-driven option in the sub-$500 space.

Component	Specification
CPU	Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A57 @ 1.7GHz
Memory	8GB DDR4
Drive Bays	7x 2.5″/3.5″ SATA HDD/SSD
Networking	1x 10GbE SFP+, 1x 1GbE
Power	200W internal PSU + USP-RPS redundancy
OS	UniFi OS / Drive App
Display	1.3″ touchscreen
Form Factor	2U Rackmount
Dimensions	442 x 325 x 87 mm
Weight	9.5 kg with brackets

---

UGREEN NASync DXP4800 NAS

$499 – Intel N100 – 8GB – 4x 3.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe – 2x 2.5GbE – UGOS Pro – BUY HERE

The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 is a desktop 4-bay NAS that combines hybrid storage architecture with modern I/O and a maturing proprietary OS. It is powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor from Intel’s 12th-gen Alder Lake-N series, paired with 8GB of DDR5 memory and 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for the operating system. In addition to its four SATA bays, it includes two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, enabling users to build a fast caching tier or SSD-only volumes for improved application performance. Network connectivity includes dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, and the system supports link aggregation for higher throughput or failover scenarios.

On the software side, the unit runs UGOS Pro, UGREEN’s in-house NAS operating system. It includes support for RAID 0/1/5/6/10, Docker containers, Plex, remote access, and cloud sync tools. While UGOS is less mature than systems like DSM or TrueNAS, it has improved over successive updates and includes a clean web UI for file sharing, snapshots, and media streaming. Front and rear USB 3.2 ports (including USB-C) and an SD 3.0 card reader add to its usability for media professionals. For users who prefer a GUI-based setup with broad feature support and hybrid storage flexibility, the DXP4800 offers substantial value in the under-$500 bracket—especially when discounted.

Component	Specification
CPU	Intel N100 (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz)
Memory	8GB DDR5 (upgradable to 16GB)
Drive Bays	4x SATA (3.5″/2.5″) + 2x M.2 NVMe
Networking	2x 2.5GbE LAN
Ports	1x USB-C (10Gbps), 2x USB-A, SD Card Reader
Video Output	1x HDMI (4K)
OS	UGOS Pro
Power Consumption	35.18W (access), 15.43W (hibernation)
Dimensions	257 x 178 x 178 mm (approx.)

LincStation N2 NAS

$399 – Intel N100 – 16GB – 2x 2.5″ SATA + 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 10GbE – Unraid OS – BUY HERE

The LincStation N2 is a compact, all-SSD NAS that delivers a high-performance spec sheet at a relatively low price. Powered by an Intel N100 processor and equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, it supports a mix of two 2.5″ SATA SSDs and four M.2 2280 NVMe drives. This six-bay design—entirely SSD-based—is geared toward users who require faster IOPS, quieter operation, and lower power draw than traditional hard drive-based systems. Network connectivity is handled by a single 10GbE RJ45 port, a rare inclusion in this price bracket and especially valuable for direct workstation or multi-client environments.

The device ships with an Unraid Starter license pre-installed, giving users access to advanced features like Docker container support, virtual machines, hardware passthrough, and flexible storage management. While Unraid requires some learning curve for new users, it offers a high degree of customization and adaptability compared with fixed software stacks. The system also includes HDMI output, USB-C, USB 3.2, and multiple USB 2.0 ports, making it suitable for use as a lightweight home server or media workstation. For users prioritizing SSD storage, 10GbE, and virtualization support, the LincStation N2 delivers a capable platform that’s uncommon at this price point.

TerraMaster F4 SSD NAS

$399 – Intel N95 – 8GB – 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 5GbE – TOS (TerraMaster OS) – BUY HERE

The TerraMaster F4 SSD is a 4-bay, all-flash NAS designed for high-speed home storage, media streaming, and photo management. It is equipped with an Intel N95 processor, an entry-level quad-core CPU from Intel’s Alder Lake-N family, and 8GB of DDR5 memory via a single SODIMM module. Storage is handled via four M.2 NVMe slots: two operating at PCIe 3.0 x2 speeds and two at PCIe 3.0 x1. These are designed for SSDs only—no support for SATA drives is provided. On the network side, the unit includes a single 5GbE port, offering a higher single-link bandwidth than systems using dual 2.5GbE, and can be directly connected to 10GbE networks at reduced speeds.

The system runs TerraMaster’s TOS operating system, which supports multimedia applications like Plex and Emby, cloud sync, photo AI tagging, user account control, and flexible backup solutions. TOS includes support for Btrfs and TRAID (TerraMaster RAID), along with remote access features and mobile apps for file synchronization and photo uploads. With three high-speed USB ports (2x Type-A and 1x Type-C), HDMI output, and low-noise fan operation (~19 dB), the F4 SSD targets users looking for a quieter, flash-based NAS for home environments. It lacks 2.5″/3.5″ bay support but offers fast SSD performance in a small form factor with minimal configuration requirements.

Synology DiskStation DS425+ NAS

$499 – Intel Celeron J4125 – 2GB – 4x 3.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe – 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE – DSM 7.x – BUY HERE

The Synology DS425+ is a 4-bay NAS designed to serve as an entry point into Synology’s DSM ecosystem, offering a balance between hardware efficiency and access to a mature, enterprise-grade operating system. It runs on the Intel Celeron J4125 processor, a quad-core chip with a base frequency of 2.0GHz and a burst frequency of 2.7GHz. The system ships with 2GB of DDR4 non-ECC memory, expandable up to 6GB, and supports both 3.5″/2.5″ SATA drives and two M.2 NVMe SSDs for caching or storage volumes. For networking, it includes one 2.5GbE port and one standard 1GbE port, giving users some flexibility depending on their switching infrastructure.

DSM (DiskStation Manager) remains one of the most advanced NAS operating systems available, offering built-in apps for file management, media streaming, surveillance, and virtualization. Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) is supported for flexible storage management, along with Btrfs file system benefits such as snapshots and data integrity checks. The DS425+ is part of Synology’s 2025 refresh lineup, which enforces stricter compatibility with Synology-branded drives. Users should confirm drive support in advance, particularly if planning to reuse existing disks. Despite these limitations, for users seeking reliability, security features, and long-term OS support, the DS425+ remains a strong choice at the $499 price point.

The NAS market under $499 in mid-2025 presents a broad spectrum of options tailored to different storage priorities and technical requirements. Whether you’re looking for high-capacity traditional RAID storage, SSD-focused performance, or a feature-rich operating system, there are viable choices within this price bracket. The UniFi UNAS Pro stands out as a pure storage appliance with 10GbE connectivity and seven bays, suited for high-throughput archival or backup scenarios. Meanwhile, the UGREEN DXP4800 and LincStation N2 offer hybrid and full-flash storage respectively, with both systems supporting modern features like Docker, virtualization, and optional third-party OS deployment. For those focused on user-friendly software ecosystems and long-term support, Synology’s DS425+ remains a leading contender, albeit with stricter drive compatibility requirements. On the other hand, the TerraMaster F4 SSD delivers compact all-SSD storage with high-speed 5GbE networking and a growing feature set in TOS, including AI photo management and multimedia tools. All five models require user-supplied storage media and, in some cases, benefit from user familiarity with setup or configuration processes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on how much weight you place on performance, expandability, software polish, and overall system control within this tightly priced segment.

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

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Best NAS for $500Best NAS for Under $249Best NAS for Under $249 in 202The Best NAS for $500 / £500 The Best NAS Hard Drive BuyersThe BEST NAS Enclosures on AliThe Best NAS Enclosure Cases oThe Best NAS for Just $100-150The Best NAS for Just $100-150Best NAS for Under $250 of 202 Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE

Reviewing the Beelink ME Mini NAS – Flashy Brilliance

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

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

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

Beelink ME Mini NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

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

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.8

PROS

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

CONS

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

Where to Buy a Product
			VISIT RETAILER ➤
			VISIT RETAILER ➤

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Design and Storage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Internal Hardware

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beelink ME Mini NAS – Ports and Connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beelink ME Mini NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

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

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

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Xyber Hydra NAS ReviewMinisforum N5 Pro NAS ReviewMinisforum N5 Pro NAS ReviewAoostar WTR Max NAS ReviewAoostar WTR Max NAS Review - NBeelink ME Mini NAS ReviewSynology DS925+ NAS ReviewSynology DS925+ NAS ReviewZettlab D6 NAS ReviewZettlab D6 NAS Review - The Fi Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE

Is the CWWK N355 Soft Router Firewall / NAS Box Worth Your Data? (Review)

DIY router boxes have gained popularity in recent years, especially those coming out of China with various hardware configurations. The CWWK N355-powered firewall appliance is an intriguing option, not just as a high-performance router but also as a potential NAS device. Unlike many reviews that focus on its networking capabilities, this review explores its viability as a compact and efficient NAS solution.

CWWK N355 DIY 10GbE Router/NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The CWWK N355 is a well-rounded and versatile device that excels in networking, virtualization, and compact NAS applications, thanks to its dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, 2.5GbE LAN, expandable DDR5 RAM, and M.2 NVMe storage support. It is a compelling choice for firewall applications, Proxmox virtualization, and even lightweight NAS or media server setups, offering a balance of performance and connectivity in a compact and durable metal chassis with active cooling. The Alder Lake-N N355 CPU delivers efficient multi-core performance, making it suitable for running multiple services, including Docker containers, VMs, and network security applications. Additionally, its expandable memory and storage options give users flexibility, though its storage implementation is somewhat restrictive due to only one native NVMe slot and a SATA port with no internal mounting space. However, its aging Intel 82599ES 10GbE controller, high idle power consumption of 21-22W, and lack of full-speed PCIe lanes limit its potential for high-performance NAS deployments. While it can handle moderate file-sharing and media streaming workloads, users who require full 10GbE speeds, extensive storage expansion, and power efficiency may find better options in dedicated NAS motherboards with PCIe slots or higher-efficiency processors. Still, for those looking for a compact, high-speed network appliance with strong customization potential, the CWWK N355 remains a solid choice for advanced home labs, small business networking, and hybrid router-NAS setups. As long as users are aware of its networking bottlenecks and storage limitations, it offers impressive versatility and performance at an attractive price point.

BUILD QUALITY - 8/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 10/10

8.6

PROS

High-Speed Networking: Equipped with dual 10GbE SFP+ ports and two 2.5GbE LAN ports, providing excellent connectivity for advanced networking setups.
Expandable Storage: Features two M.2 NVMe slots (one requiring an adapter) and a SATA 3.0 port, allowing for versatile storage configurations.
Efficient Alder Lake-N CPU: The Intel N355 (8C/8T, up to 3.8GHz) offers efficient performance for firewall applications, Proxmox, lightweight NAS, and media servers.
DDR5 Memory Support: Supports up to 48GB DDR5 RAM, enabling smooth multitasking, virtualization, and Docker/containerized environments.
Robust Build and Cooling: Full aluminum chassis acts as a heat sink, with a top-mounted active cooling fan for effective thermal management.
Wide OS Compatibility: Works with Windows 11 Pro, Linux distributions, ESXi, OPNsense, pfSense, OpenWrt, and TrueNAS, making it highly flexible.
Compact and Power-Efficient: Small form factor and 15W TDP CPU make it space-saving and relatively low-power compared to traditional rack-mounted alternatives.

CONS

Aging 10GbE Controller: The Intel 82599ES 10GbE chipset is outdated, limiting maximum network speeds and performance efficiency in high-bandwidth workloads.
Limited SATA Storage Options: While it includes a SATA 3.0 port, there is no internal mounting space for a 2.5-inch drive, requiring external solutions.
Higher Idle Power Draw: Consumes 21-22W at idle, which is higher than dedicated NAS devices, potentially affecting long-term energy costs.

Where to Buy a Product
			VISIT RETAILER ➤
			VISIT RETAILER ➤

The CWWK N355 features a robust industrial design, with an all-metal chassis that acts as a heat sink, efficiently dissipating heat from critical components. The exterior is entirely metal, including the base panel, which features mesh ventilation to enhance airflow. A top-mounted active cooling fan ensures consistent airflow across the CPU and networking components, preventing thermal throttling under sustained workloads.

Internally, copper heat plates are placed over the CPU and 10GbE controllers, allowing for direct heat transfer to the chassis. This cooling system is highly effective, maintaining temperatures within safe limits even under heavy network and storage loads. During testing, the device remained at an average of 50-55°C under full load, with the fan producing minimal noise.

The cooling implementation makes the CWWK N355 a viable option for extended use in high-performance NAS, virtualization, or firewall applications where thermal efficiency is crucial. Given its mix of powerful networking features, ample connectivity, and storage options, this device has the potential to serve a broader range of applications than just routing. However, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses is crucial before repurposing it for a NAS setup.

One of the standout features of the CWWK N355 is its impressive network connectivity. Equipped with dual 10GbE SFP+ ports and two 2.5GbE i226V LAN ports, it offers significantly more bandwidth than traditional consumer NAS devices.

These high-speed connections enable rapid file transfers, efficient virtualization networking, and multi-user simultaneous access without bottlenecks.

It also includes two M.2 NVMe slots and a SATA 3.0 port, making it highly flexible for storage configurations. This means users can integrate fast NVMe storage while still having the option to include traditional SATA drives for cost-effective capacity expansion.

The aluminum chassis with active cooling enhances its thermal efficiency, ensuring stable operation even under load, a crucial aspect for maintaining performance in continuous 24/7 operation.

The N355 CPU, an Alder Lake-N processor, brings 8 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 1.8GHz and a boost up to 3.8GHz. This processor is designed for efficiency while maintaining a respectable level of performance for various workloads.

It also features integrated Intel UHD graphics, which allows it to handle lightweight GPU tasks such as video decoding, remote desktop applications, and low-power graphical processing.

The DDR5 SO-DIMM slot supports up to 48GB RAM, although some listings mention 32GB as the maximum. This expanded memory capacity is particularly beneficial for virtualization, allowing users to run multiple lightweight VMs, containers, and even a Plex media server with modest hardware-accelerated transcoding capabilities.

The combination of efficient CPU performance and expandable RAM makes it versatile, but users should be aware of its limitations when handling resource-intensive applications.

However, storage expansion comes with some challenges. While the device technically supports two M.2 NVMe drives, only one slot is a standard 2280 interface. The second slot requires an adapter, which is included, but adds complexity to installation. This additional requirement may be a concern for users who are less experienced with hardware modifications or prefer simpler plug-and-play configurations.

The SATA drive support is somewhat limited—while the port is available, there is no dedicated internal space for mounting a 2.5-inch drive inside the enclosure, meaning external mounting is necessary. This lack of internal SATA mounting may be a dealbreaker for those who prefer a more integrated and clutter-free build. While external enclosures or adapters could be used to house SATA drives, it introduces additional complexity and potential cable management issues.

Power consumption is another area of concern. Under idle conditions, the device draws 21-22W, which is quite high compared to traditional NAS appliances. Many consumer NAS systems are designed to run efficiently at around 10W to 15W when idle, making this unit significantly more power-hungry when not under load.

Under load, with 10GbE connections active, VMs running, and storage drives in use, power consumption reaches 36W. While this is still within reasonable limits for a device offering high-speed networking and multi-core processing, it is something to consider for users prioritizing energy efficiency. Over time, the additional power draw may add up, especially for those running multiple devices in a home or small business setup. If power efficiency is a critical factor, other lower-power options might be preferable.

Performance-wise, the M.2 NVMe drives achieve read speeds of up to 720MB/s and write speeds of 690MB/s.

While SATA performance peaks at around 200MB/s with a standard HDD. These speeds are respectable but fall short of fully utilizing the available 10GbE networking potential.

While this is acceptable for most home NAS applications, the 82599ES 10GbE controller is a notable bottleneck. It is an older PCIe Gen2 x4-based controller (in this deployment at least), which limits full 10GbE speeds.

In testing, even with dual 10GbE connections active, network transfers maxed out at around 600-700Mbps per link, rather than saturating the full 10GbE bandwidth on each of them.

This suggests that while it is capable of handling high-speed transfers, it is not the ideal choice for users who need to maximize 10GbE connectivity for large-scale data transfers or enterprise workloads.

While the CWWK N355 offers excellent networking and processing power, its relatively aging 10GbE controller, high idle power consumption, and limited internal storage space make it less ideal for an all-purpose NAS. However, it excels as a high-performance firewall/router, Proxmox host, or Plex server for users who can work around these limitations.

Users interested in setting up an advanced home lab or small business server might find this device appealing due to its networking flexibility, processing capability, and virtualization potential. While it lacks native software optimization found in dedicated NAS brands, those comfortable with manual setup and open-source NAS software will find it a capable and adaptable device.

For those seeking a dedicated NAS solution with full 10GbE performance, an ITX motherboard with PCIe 3.0 slots and dedicated storage expansion might be a better alternative. Such options would provide greater flexibility for storage expansion, more efficient networking solutions, and overall better optimization for NAS workloads. But if you’re looking for a compact, all-in-one networking and storage device, the CWWK N355 is an impressive contender.

Just be mindful of the legacy components and potential bottlenecks before making your final decision. With the right configuration and expectations, it can serve as a cost-effective and powerful addition to a home lab or small business network setup.

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Here is the Weekly Tech DigestUGREEN DH4300 and DH2300 NAS RUGREEN DH4300 and DH2300 NAS RPrime Day NAS and Data StorageXyber Hydra NAS ReviewAoostar WTR Max NAS vs MinisfoWeek 27 Tech Roundup – EncryMinisforum N5 vs Aoostar WTR MMinisforum N5 Pro NAS ReviewMinisforum N5 Pro NAS Review Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE

XikeStor FS5104DH & FS510402DH: All-Flash NAS Systems with Quad 10GbE and PCIe 4.0 Expansion

XikeStor has announced two desktop NAS models: the FS5104DH and FS510402DH. These systems combine Intel Core i5 mobile-class processors with M.2 NVMe storage and multiple 10GbE ports. Both are designed for users seeking compact systems with high throughput and flash storage performance. The models differ slightly in expansion options and chassis dimensions, offering users a choice depending on capacity and connectivity requirements. While they do not include traditional 3.5″ drive bays, their full flash-based architecture and high-speed networking capabilities place them in a growing category of SSD-optimized NAS platforms.

FS5104DH & FS510402DH – Key Specifications

The FS5104DH and FS510402DH share the Intel Core i5-12450H processor (8 cores, 12 threads), which provides higher performance than typical NAS systems using lower-power CPUs. This CPU uses Intel’s Alder Lake-H architecture, with a hybrid design that includes four performance cores and four efficiency cores, offering improved multi-threaded performance and better energy efficiency. With support for DDR5 memory up to 64GB and four M.2 NVMe slots, both models are focused on SSD-based data access for tasks requiring high input/output performance. These specifications are well-suited to workloads such as real-time file sharing, virtualized services, and containerized deployments.

The FS510402DH model adds dual U.2 SSD support, providing the option to use enterprise-grade storage devices with higher endurance and sustained performance under heavy I/O loads. It also includes a PCIe 4.0 x8 expansion slot, allowing users to add specialized hardware if needed, such as GPUs for transcoding, AI acceleration, or additional high-speed network interfaces.

Hardware and Connectivity

The Intel Core i5-12450H processor used in both models is part of Intel’s Alder Lake-H series. It offers a base clock speed of 2.0GHz and turbo capability up to 4.4GHz. This CPU includes both performance and efficiency cores, supporting modern instruction sets, hardware virtualization, and AVX2. This makes the systems appropriate for users running lightweight virtual environments, media processing applications, or software containers. Hardware support for VT-x, VT-d, and AES-NI also makes these models suitable for encrypted file hosting and virtualized services with device passthrough. Memory support includes two SO-DIMM DDR5 slots, operating at up to 5200 MHz depending on configuration. Both NAS units come pre-equipped with 16GB and can be upgraded to 64GB. DDR5 memory improves bandwidth and efficiency, which may benefit users with concurrent workloads or services that rely heavily on RAM, such as metadata indexing, caching, and virtual machine hosting.

Storage is handled via four M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots. In the FS510402DH, two additional U.2 bays support enterprise SSDs. These U.2 drives, often used in data centers, offer advantages such as power loss protection, longer write endurance, and sustained IOPS performance. The inclusion of PCIe 4.0 x8 in the FS510402DH provides flexibility for those requiring additional network bandwidth or hardware acceleration. This may be important in situations where AI tasks or intensive transcoding are involved, or where multiple VMs require independent network interfaces.

10GbE Networking and Use Case Scenarios

Both models offer four 10-gigabit Ethernet ports, split evenly between RJ45 and SFP+. This allows deployment in environments that use either copper or fiber infrastructure. The FS510402DH identifies specific network controllers — Intel X550 for copper and X710 for fiber — which are widely supported across Linux, Windows, and BSD-based systems. These controllers are known for their stability and compatibility in enterprise applications. Link aggregation is supported, enabling up to 40Gbps of combined throughput when connected to a compatible switch. This allows multiple users to simultaneously access data at high speeds or enables redundant network paths for failover. Environments that could benefit from this setup include video production studios working with 4K or 8K footage over SMB or NFS, research environments handling multi-terabyte datasets, or businesses deploying virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions backed by NVMe flash storage.

Build Quality and I/O Design

The enclosures for the FS5104DH and FS510402DH are constructed from CNC-machined aluminum with an anodized finish. This design assists in passive heat dissipation and contributes to durability. A single fan is used for active cooling, and the overall noise profile is intended to be low enough for office or studio use. The metal chassis also provides a more robust build compared to consumer-grade plastic NAS devices.

Both systems include Mini DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, allowing the NAS to be accessed directly with a monitor and input devices. This may be useful for initial configuration, local GUI access, or monitoring system status without relying on remote access tools. A MiniDP to DP cable is included with the FS510402DH. USB 3.2 connectivity is also present in both models, with Type-A and Type-C ports supporting up to 10Gbps transfers for external storage devices, UPSs, or peripheral hardware. These ports enable fast offloading of data, peripheral expansion, or direct-to-NAS backups without requiring a PC intermediary.

Pricing and Availability

No official pricing or launch schedule has been provided for the FS5104DH or FS510402DH at this time. Based on component selection and feature set, the systems are positioned for small to medium business deployments and users requiring compact flash-based storage with 10GbE support. Additional announcements regarding retail availability, regional distribution, and bundled software support are expected. Once these details are confirmed, this section will be updated to reflect available SKUs, configurations, and potential comparisons with competing NAS systems

About XikeStor

Anhui Seeker Electronic Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2009, is the parent company of XikeStor. It develops both hardware and NAS operating systems with full IP ownership. The company works with component suppliers such as Intel, Western Digital, Realtek, Broadcom, and MaxLinear. It has regional offices in Shanghai, Hefei, Bengbu, and Shenzhen, along with 5,000 square meters of combined office and manufacturing space. Its presence in both consumer and enterprise markets reflects a focus on scalability and product diversity. XikeStor’s reach includes more than 60 global markets, including regions in North America, Europe, and Asia. It maintains R&D partnerships with several universities in China and has been recognized as a national high-tech enterprise. The company’s business spans NAS devices, digital communication hardware, and customized embedded software platforms. XikeStor is also involved in cross-disciplinary research and has been developing its own operating systems tailored to its hardware platforms, including software-defined storage features and NAS interfaces optimized for small and medium business use.

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...XikeStor FS5104DH & FS510402DH Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE

Synology (FINALLY) has an NVMe Flash Server – The Synology PAS7700 System

Synology are seemingly going ‘all guns blazing’ at Computex 2025 this year, with a wide array of hardware and software solutions being revealed at the event. Many of these we already know about via official and unofficial reveals over the last 6 months or so, how the PAS NVMe flash storage system is one that was actually originally shown last year at the brand’s 2024 Solution Exhibition in Taipei, this was still an early prototype system and was built using an existing 2U chassis and was much more comparable to existing SAS storage systems from the brand. However, the PAS NVMe Flash system has seemingly (and RAPIDLY) evolved since it was first revealed as an early 12 bay prototype 2U rackmount last year into a dual active 4U Behemoth solution that is significantly more focused on leveraging the performance benefits of NVMe, alongside the scale-out, redundancy and failover of other enterprise tier Synology NAS solutions.

Synology already has an existing range of SSD Flash soltuons, in their Flashstation series, but this proposed PAS7700 system is a completely different class of system against those more classic DSM hardware systems. Synology has been somewhat behind the curve when it comes to NVMe flash systems in the last few years (both entry class m.2 NVMe systems at desktop, but also larger business and enterprise class NVMe over U.2/U.3 compared with competitors such as QNAP (and their FX/FU series), but the PAS is hoping to fill this gap in the brand’s portfolio at this higher tier of buyer. So, what do we know so far?

Synology PAS7700 Hardware Specifications

The Synology PAS7700 is a 4U rackmount dual-node NVMe flash storage system engineered for high-performance, mission-critical enterprise workloads. Designed with a non-disruptive architecture, it enables active-active operations across both nodes, ensuring continuous data availability and efficient load distribution without single points of failure. Each node occupies 2U of rack space and operates independently, yet cooperatively, allowing both to concurrently handle client requests and internal processes. This design eliminates the need for manual failover while maintaining performance even during node maintenance or partial outages.

At the heart of each node lies a 24-core AMD EPYC processor, optimized for dense, multi-threaded workloads such as data analytics, database transactions, and large-scale virtualization. These processors provide ample PCIe Gen4 lanes to support high-speed interconnects, storage interfaces, and compute operations. Each node is equipped with 64GB of DDR4 ECC memory out of the box, with upgrade support up to 1TB. This high memory ceiling is particularly beneficial for large-scale caching, deduplication, and inline compression tasks in high IOPS environments. Memory cache protection mechanisms are built in to preserve data integrity during unexpected power loss, using supercapacitors or battery-backed modules.

The storage backplane supports a total of 48 U.2 or U.3 NVMe SSDs across the chassis—24 per node—maximizing both performance and density. Drive control is split between the native AMD EPYC-integrated PCIe controllers and additional PCIe switching and management provided by ASMedia Technologies, likely to balance performance across multiple backplanes and mitigate PCIe bottlenecks. This configuration ensures that each SSD can be utilized to its full potential with minimal latency and optimal throughput. Network connectivity includes a dedicated 1GbE copper port per node for management, along with dual 10GbE NICs for data operations. These ports support link aggregation and failover, with options for expansion to higher-speed interfaces expected, though not yet confirmed. The PAS7700 likely supports several PCIe expansion slots internally, allowing future upgrade paths to 25/40/100GbE if required. This flexibility positions the unit for use in diverse network topologies and high-bandwidth enterprise infrastructures.

That said, we should discuss the thorny subject of storage media. Synology has recently implemented a more stringent hardware compatibility policy, mandating the use of Synology-branded or certified storage media in its latest 2025 Plus Series NAS devices. This policy restricts full functionality and support to only those drives that have been validated by Synology, potentially limiting user flexibility and increasing costs due to reduced third-party options. Currently, Synology’s in-house SSD lineup includes SATA SSDs and M.2 NVMe SSDs, with capacities up to 800GB. This raises questions about their plans for higher-performance storage media suitable for systems like the PAS7700, which is designed for demanding enterprise workloads. As of now, Synology has not announced any U.2 or U.3 NVMe SSDs in their product range. Given the PAS7700’s reliance on high-speed NVMe storage, it’s unclear whether Synology will expand its SSD offerings to include higher-capacity and performance options or if they will certify third-party drives for use with this system. The company’s updated compatibility lists will be crucial for users to identify approved drives. Until more information is available, potential PAS7700 users may need to consider the implications of Synology’s hardware compatibility policies on their storage choices.

Synology PAS7700 Services and Flash Protocols

The Synology PAS7700 supports a diverse array of storage access protocols optimized for NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF), ensuring compatibility with modern data center architectures and latency-sensitive applications. These protocols are tailored to support high-throughput and low-latency workloads across both local and remote environments, catering to sectors such as virtualized infrastructure, high-performance computing, and real-time analytics.

Among the supported technologies are NFS RDMA, NVMe-TCP, NVMe over Fibre Channel (NVMe-FC), and NVMe over RoCE (Remote Direct Memory Access over Converged Ethernet). These protocols differ in terms of performance characteristics, implementation complexity, and deployment environments, giving administrators flexibility in aligning the system’s networking stack with existing infrastructure and performance objectives. These include:

• NFS RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access):

  • Enhances traditional NFS performance by bypassing the CPU for memory transfers.

  • Significantly reduces latency and CPU usage in environments using NFSv4.x.

  • Ideal for high-performance, low-latency use cases like virtual machines or scientific computing.

• NVMe-TCP (NVMe over TCP/IP):

  • Extends NVMe-oF across standard Ethernet networks without requiring specialized hardware.

  • Enables NVMe-level performance benefits using existing TCP infrastructure.

  • Easier to deploy in enterprise environments with mixed networking equipment.

• NVMe-FC (NVMe over Fibre Channel):

  • Combines the speed of NVMe with the reliability of Fibre Channel.

  • Suitable for enterprises already using Fibre Channel SANs.

  • Offers low-latency performance with high stability and established zoning capabilities.

• NVMe/RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet):

  • Provides near-direct memory access over Ethernet without involving the CPU.

  • Achieves ultra-low latency for applications such as real-time trading or video rendering.

  • Requires a compatible network fabric with lossless Ethernet configuration.

We are still awaiting confirmation on whether this will be running on traditional DSM, a dual controller variation (such as found on the current UC3200 0 Active/Active system), a multinode management variation (as found in the GS/GridStation system, or a brand new splinter of DSM services (as found in the DP series with Active Protect).

Synology PAS7700 Failover and Redundancy

The Synology PAS7700 is designed with full-stack redundancy to eliminate single points of failure and minimize service disruption across hardware, software, and protocol layers. Its dual-node active-active design enables uninterrupted operations even during firmware updates, system maintenance, or unplanned hardware failures. This architecture ensures that both nodes can operate independently while maintaining synchronized data access and state, effectively enabling non-disruptive service continuity in multi-user enterprise environments. Each layer of the system—from networking to storage to memory—is fortified with specific failover mechanisms. Networking is protected via IP failover configurations, allowing services to automatically reroute through a secondary interface or node should a primary link fail. The system also supports Multipath I/O (MPIO) across iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and NVMe-oF protocols, ensuring high availability and load balancing across multiple paths. On the protocol level, persistent handle support in SMB and grace periods in NFS ensure that client sessions remain intact during failovers or server transitions.

Synology further implements failover at the component and data protection level. Memory modules are equipped with cache protection to safeguard in-flight data in the event of power loss, typically via battery backup or capacitor-based retention systems. On the storage layer, support for RAID-TP (triple parity) adds an extra layer of disk fault tolerance, protecting against up to three simultaneous drive failures. Additionally, enterprise-grade SSDs used in the PAS7700 are expected to include power loss protection (PLP), preserving cached writes during sudden shutdowns.

• Protocols:

  • SMB Persistent Handles: Maintains client file handles during failover events.

  • NFS Grace Periods: Allows NFS clients to re-establish sessions without data loss.

  • MPIO: Multipath I/O for load balancing and failover across multiple transport paths.

• Networking:

  • IP Failover: Automatically reroutes network services to a standby node or NIC if a primary fails.

• System-Level:

  • Hardware Failover: One node takes over if the other becomes non-functional.

  • Upgrade Failover: Supports live system or firmware updates without downtime.

• Memory:

  • Cache Protection: Retains volatile memory contents in the event of power loss using supercaps or batteries.

• Storage:

  • RAID-TP: Triple parity RAID support for enhanced data redundancy.

  • Power Loss Protection (PLP): SSDs preserve unwritten data during power failure.

Whether other specific SSD/Flash services that are currently available on devices like the Flashstation series (such as RAID F1 for controlled and predicted NAND wearing) will also be integrated here on scale are yet to be confirmed. While the full software environment and feature set of the Synology PAS7700 are yet to be confirmed, its hardware architecture and protocol support position it as a serious entry into the enterprise flash storage segment. With dual-node active-active operation, extensive NVMe protocol compatibility, and comprehensive failover mechanisms, the PAS7700 is clearly designed for organizations that require uncompromising uptime and performance. As more details emerge at Computex 2025, the PAS7700 is expected to clarify its role within Synology’s broader storage portfolio—particularly how it compares to the UC series and where it fits in demanding environments such as virtualized infrastructure, high-frequency transactional workloads, and critical business continuity deployments.

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...I went to Synology HQ and AskeSynology Explain WHY They ChanSynology PS Series Managed 10GSynology Managed 10GbE PoE NetPromise Pegasus5 M8 NVMe ThundSynology at Computex 2025 - ALSynology at Computex 2025 - ALSynology DS725+ NAS RevealedThe Synology DS425+ NAS RevealThe Synology RS2825RP+ Racksta Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE

Minisforum MS-A2 PC Review

The Minisforum MS-A2 is the latest entry in Minisforum’s growing lineup of workstation-focused mini PCs. First shown at CES 2025, the MS-A2 builds on ideas introduced in earlier models like the MS01 and MS-A1 but shifts toward an AMD platform, offering users a choice between two high-end Ryzen 9 CPUs. Rather than aiming for the ultra-compact form factor associated with traditional mini PCs, the MS-A2 leans into expandability, performance, and connectivity. It offers multiple M.2 storage slots, PCIe expansion, dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, and a layout designed to accommodate heavier workloads. Throughout this review, we’ll take a closer look at the internal hardware, external connections, design choices, performance in benchmarks, and how it compares to the MS-01, before wrapping up with a final verdict on where it fits in today’s mini PC market.

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Quick Conclusion

The Minisforum MS-A2 is a powerful mini workstation that targets users needing high CPU performance, network scalability, and internal expandability rather than external device flexibility. Equipped with Ryzen 9 9955HX or 7945HX CPUs, up to 96GB DDR5 memory, triple M.2 slots, and dual 10GbE SFP+ ports, it offers strong capabilities for demanding workloads like virtualization, server hosting, and content creation. However, the absence of USB4/Thunderbolt 4 and observed inconsistencies in storage write speeds mean it may not fit every use case. Positioned alongside rather than as a replacement for the MS-01, the MS-A2 is best suited for buyers who prioritize multi-threaded performance and dense internal storage options in a compact form factor.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 8/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.4

PROS

High CPU performance with 16 cores / 32 threads (Ryzen 9 9955HX or 7945HX options)
Support for up to 96GB DDR5 RAM for memory-heavy workloads
Triple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with U.2 drive compatibility for large internal storage capacity
Dual 10GbE SFP+ ports and dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports for advanced networking
PCIe 4.0 x8 expansion slot for GPUs, NICs, or storage controllers
Efficient cooling design with separate fans for CPU and storage/network components
Tool-less chassis access for easy upgrades and maintenance
Strong multi-threaded performance for virtualization, server tasks, and rendering

CONS

No USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 support, limiting external expansion options
Inconsistent storage write speeds observed during testing
Large external 240W power brick, adding to desk clutter

Where to Buy a Product
			VISIT RETAILER ➤
			VISIT RETAILER ➤

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Internal Hardware

Inside the Minisforum MS-A2, users have a choice between two processors: the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX or the Ryzen 9 7945HX. Both CPUs offer 16 cores and 32 threads, with a maximum boost clock of 5.4GHz. The 9955HX uses the newer Zen 5 architecture, while the 7945HX is built on Zen 4. The two processors are close in raw specifications, but the Zen 5 variant benefits from a more efficient 4nm process and updated IPC improvements. Integrated graphics are handled by the Radeon 610M on both options, offering basic graphical capabilities suitable for general-purpose workloads, but not designed for high-end gaming or intensive GPU compute tasks.

Memory support on the MS-A2 is generous for a mini PC. It features two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, allowing up to 96GB of RAM. Systems based on the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs support memory speeds up to 5600MT/s, while Ryzen 7000 series CPUs are rated for up to 5200MT/s. This flexibility gives users room to configure the system for heavy multitasking, virtualization, or memory-hungry professional applications. However, the MS-A2 does not support ECC memory, which may be a consideration for users needing strict data integrity for server or professional workstation tasks.

Storage options are extensive, with three onboard M.2 slots available. One slot supports U.2 or standard M.2 NVMe drives up to 15TB (PCIe 4.0 x4), while two additional M.2 slots support either NVMe or SATA drives up to 4TB each.

All slots run at PCIe 4.0 speeds, ensuring strong storage performance for workflows like video editing, virtual machines, or database management. Minisforum also hints at future expandability through an optional accessory that would allow for the installation of up to six M.2 drives, although cooling for such configurations is still under development.

Cooling inside the MS-A2 is designed to accommodate the considerable thermal output of the CPUs and storage devices.

A dedicated CPU cooling system with copper piping and a 12V fan handles the processor, while a second 5V fan directly cools the SSD slots and the 10GbE controller. Despite the compact space, Minisforum has optimized airflow reasonably well, but heat sink space is limited, especially for M.2 drives, making active airflow critical.

Overall, the internal hardware layout focuses on balancing high performance with maintainability, though users planning extensive upgrades should be aware of space and thermal limits.

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Ports and Connections

The Minisforum MS-A2 is equipped with a wide range of external connectivity options aimed at both workstation and server-style deployments. On the front panel, users will find two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 Type-A port, a 3.5mm four-in-one audio jack, and the system’s main power button with integrated LED indicator. This arrangement makes it easy to quickly connect peripherals like external drives, keyboards, or headsets without reaching around to the back of the device.

The rear panel is where the MS-A2’s workstation orientation becomes more evident. It features two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with Alt Mode DisplayPort 2.0 support, a single HDMI 2.1 output capable of 8K60 video, and dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports powered by Intel controllers. More notably, the system also includes two 10GbE SFP+ ports driven by an Intel X710 controller, opening up high-speed networking options typically reserved for larger systems.

This broad mix of ports covers a wide range of use cases, from high-resolution displays to enterprise-grade network environments.

The MS-A2 also provides PCIe expansion via a PCIe Gen 4 x8 physical slot, allowing users to install low-profile cards such as additional NICs, storage controllers, or even mobile GPUs through adapters. While the slot runs at x8 electrically, it can mechanically accommodate a x16-sized card, offering some flexibility in component choice.

However, users will need to consider power and thermal requirements carefully, given the limited space and airflow in the chassis. Overall, the MS-A2 offers a strong set of external connection options that match its intended role as a workstation-class device in a small form factor.

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Design, Cooling and Power Consumption

The Minisforum MS-A2 maintains a compact footprint at 196 × 189 × 48 mm, but compared to typical mini PCs, it leans toward a small form factor workstation design rather than an ultra-portable device. Accessing the internals is straightforward thanks to a tool-less design: a single latch at the rear releases the chassis cover, making upgrades and maintenance simple. Ventilation is placed around all sides and across the base, maximizing airflow within the tight internal layout. Although densely packed, the internal component arrangement is relatively clean and accessible given the system’s size constraints.

Cooling inside the MS-A2 is split between two fans: a 12V fan for the CPU, which uses a heat pipe and fin arrangement, and a separate 5V fan cooling the storage area and 10GbE networking controller.

Minisforum has improved fan placement over the earlier MS-01 model, aiming to deliver better cooling to both the processor and critical components without introducing excessive noise.

During testing, the CPU temperatures at idle remained around 31–32°C, rising to approximately 50–52°C under sustained heavy load, including simultaneous 10GbE network activity and storage operations. SSD temperatures were also well-controlled, aided by direct airflow across the M.2 slots.

Power delivery for the MS-A2 comes through an external 240W power brick, rather than an internal PSU.

This design choice saves internal space but results in a relatively bulky external adapter. In idle conditions, the system drew between 23W and 26W, depending on network activity.

During maximum CPU load under PCMark and 3DMark testing, power consumption peaked at 129W.

Average system operation under moderate workloads saw consumption range between 60W and 80W. These figures suggest a reasonably efficient platform considering the CPU core count and networking capabilities, though users expecting true low-power behavior typical of smaller mini PCs should adjust their expectations accordingly.

Noise levels from the MS-A2 stayed moderate during most activities. Fan noise measured around 36–38 dB under light loads and rose to about 41–43 dB under heavy CPU and network utilization. This places the MS-A2 in a middle ground: quieter than larger workstations but more audible than simpler fanless mini PCs.

Overall, Minisforum’s cooling approach is effective for a compact workstation, balancing thermal performance and acoustic levels without the need for more aggressive—and louder—cooling solutions.

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Performance Testing

In general usage and synthetic benchmarking, the Minisforum MS-A2 delivered performance levels in line with expectations for a device built around high-end mobile Ryzen processors. PCMark 10 returned an overall score of 6494, with strong showings in productivity (10,353 points) and essentials tasks (11,186 points). Applications like web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing performed without issue, backed by high single-thread and multi-thread responsiveness from the Ryzen 9 9955HX. The MS-A2 consistently handled multitasking loads involving office work, streaming, and background processes without noticeable slowdown.

For more demanding tasks, the MS-A2 remained competitive but showed the limitations of relying solely on integrated graphics. Digital content creation, including tasks like photo editing and light video editing, produced a PCMark 10 sub-score of 6418, which is respectable but not exceptional. 3DMark testing confirmed the Radeon 610M’s limited capabilities for 3D rendering and gaming workloads, achieving a Steel Nomad Light score of 605. These results reaffirm that while the MS-A2 is well-suited to workstation and productivity tasks, it is not designed for gaming or heavy graphical processing without an external GPU.

CPU-centric benchmarks demonstrated the strength of the Ryzen 9 9955HX. In the 3DMark CPU Profile test, the MS-A2 achieved 10,208 points at maximum threads and 9,879 at 16 threads, with a respectable 1,235 points in single-thread performance.

These scores reflect excellent multi-threaded processing capabilities, making the MS-A2 a solid choice for parallelized workloads such as software compilation, virtualization, and data analysis. Across extended testing sessions, thermal throttling was minimal, and the system maintained consistent performance without significant drops under sustained load.

Storage performance varied depending on the drive slot used, but generally provided strong results. Read speeds were consistently high, reaching 5.5 GB/s in AJA testing and peaking at 7.3 GB/s in CrystalDiskMark. However, write speeds showed more inconsistency across different test runs, sometimes peaking near 4 GB/s but with occasional dips depending on the benchmarking tool and conditions. While read performance makes the MS-A2 well suited for workloads involving frequent large file access, users planning heavy write-intensive tasks may want to further validate storage behavior based on their specific needs.

Minisforum MS-A2 or the Minisforum MS-01 PC?

While the Minisforum MS-A2 and MS-01 share a compact workstation focus, they are built around notably different platforms and priorities. The MS-01 uses Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen Core H-series processors, with options ranging from the Core i5-12600H to the Core i9-13900H, alongside Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics. It supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at 5200MHz and offers storage flexibility with up to three M.2 SSD slots. Crucially, the MS-01 features two USB4 ports capable of 40Gbps speeds and supports external GPU connectivity, along with dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports and dual 10GbE SFP+ ports for network-heavy environments.

In contrast, the MS-A2 leverages AMD’s Ryzen 9 9955HX or 7945HX CPUs, offering more cores (16 cores and 32 threads) compared to the MS-01’s maximum of 14 cores and 20 threads. It also supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory and includes three PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots, but lacks USB4 or Thunderbolt connectivity. Instead, the MS-A2 leans on internal expandability with a full PCIe 4.0 x8 slot and places a stronger emphasis on internal compute performance rather than external device bandwidth. Users needing the fastest possible external drive support or lighter CPU performance may prefer the MS-01, while those requiring maximum multi-threaded processing power and internal storage scalability will find the MS-A2 better suited to their needs.

Minisforum MS-A2 Review – Conclusion and Verdict

The Minisforum MS-A2 offers a significant amount of performance and expandability within a relatively compact design, but it is important to recognize exactly who this system is built for. Users needing strong CPU performance for workloads like virtualization, software development, database management, or network-attached storage will find a lot to like here. The Ryzen 9 9955HX and 7945HX options deliver high core and thread counts rarely seen in mini PCs, supported by fast DDR5 memory and ample M.2 storage options. Dual 10GbE SFP+ ports and PCIe 4.0 expandability add further flexibility for networked environments or specialized hardware configurations. However, the absence of USB4 or Thunderbolt support means the MS-A2 will not suit workflows heavily reliant on high-speed external devices. Storage write performance inconsistencies observed during testing may also warrant further validation depending on the intended workload.

Compared to the MS-01, the MS-A2 trades away some external connectivity and general-purpose flexibility in favor of raw compute power and internal upgrade potential. It does not replace the MS-01, nor is it a direct successor to the MS-A1—it instead sits alongside these models, offering an AMD-based alternative better suited for users prioritizing workstation performance over consumer-grade convenience. At a price range of $639 to $839 depending on the CPU, the MS-A2 is not inexpensive, and users must weigh its strengths against what they actually need. If maximum internal power, heavy multitasking, and network scalability are the priorities, the MS-A2 justifies its cost. If external GPU use, lighter workloads, or lower noise are the focus, other options—including the MS-01—might make more sense. Overall, the MS-A2 fills an important niche in Minisforum’s lineup, provided buyers approach it with the right expectations.

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Minisforum MS-R1 POWERHOUSE AR45Drives HL8 NAS Case ReviewSynology DS925+ NAS ReviewSynology DS925+ NAS ReviewMinisforum MS-A2 ReviewWeek 17 Tech Roundup – LenovGoodtop Budget 6 Port 10GbE MaMinisForum N5 Pro vs AOOSTAR WZimaboard 2 ReviewZimaboard 2 Review Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...XikeStor FS5104DH & FS510402DHWeek 20 Tech Roundup – Gen5 Synology PAS7700 NVMe NAS SystSynology PAS7700 NVMe NAS SystSynology Beestation Plus NAS45Drives HL8 NAS Case ReviewSynology Beestation Plus MultiSynology DS1525+ vs DS1522+ NASynology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NASynology DS1825+ NAS Released Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE

Updates on the Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro NAS

Minisforum is no stranger to shaking up established markets. Known primarily for its innovative and compact mini PCs, the brand has now turned its attention to network-attached storage (NAS) solutions. Earlier this year at CES 2025, Minisforum unveiled the N5 Pro NAS — a five-bay, AI-optimized device that instantly caught the attention of NAS enthusiasts. Now, after a visit to Minisforum’s headquarters and production facilities in Shenzhen, we have a deeper look into this bold new entry into the NAS market.

The N5 Pro is confirmed to be nearing launch, and joining it is a new, more affordable sibling: the Minisforum N5. These new devices aim to strike a compelling balance between powerful performance, modular flexibility, and enthusiast-grade features. Whether you’re building a high-performance TrueNAS server, exploring AI-assisted photo management, or just want to future-proof your home media solution, the N5 Series looks like it could be one of the most exciting NAS hardware releases of 2025. To top it off, Minisforum is also experimenting with their own NAS operating system, which could give users a turnkey alternative to the usual DIY route. Let’s break down what’s been confirmed, what’s new, and why it matters.

Minisforum N5 Pro – Fully Featured and AI-Ready

The N5 Pro NAS remains the flagship of Minisforum’s 2025 storage push, and nearly all the specs shown at CES have now been fully confirmed. It arrives equipped with AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 CPU, a 12-core/24-thread processor built on the Zen 5 architecture, which includes an integrated AI engine.

The design emphasizes airflow and modularity, with a sliding motherboard tray, magnetic front bay cover, and an updated second-gen chassis with better heat dissipation. The system is designed for prosumers and power users, featuring ECC memory support (a rarity in this price segment) and up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM.

Storage-wise, it supports five hot-swappable SATA drives and three M.2 NVMe SSDs — more than enough for a complex ZFS setup or tiered storage architecture. Expansion capabilities are strong as well, with PCIe 4.0 x4, OCuLink for external GPUs or JBODs, and dual Ethernet (10GbE + 5GbE).

Minisforum is also considering offering a 64GB M.2 module preloaded with their custom OS, allowing users to keep all M.2 slots free for data.

The N5 Pro is designed as an open system: while it may ship with Minisforum’s OS on request, users can freely install TrueNAS, UnRAID, OpenMediaVault, or any OS of their choosing — with no impact on warranty.

Category	Specification
CPU	AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 (12C/24T, up to 5.2GHz, Zen 5, NPU AI Engine)
GPU	AMD Radeon 890M (Integrated)
RAM	Up to 128GB DDR5 ECC (2x SODIMM, 5600MHz)
SATA Storage	5 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (Hot-swappable, up to 22TB each)
M.2 Storage	1x 2230/2280 PCIe 4.0 x1, 1x 2280/22110 PCIe 4.0 x1, 1x 2280/22110 PCIe 4.0 x2
Expansion	1 x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1 x OCuLink 4i (PCIe 4.0 x4)
Networking	1 x 10GbE RJ45, 1 x 5GbE RJ45
I/O Ports	2 x USB4 (40Gbps), HDMI 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Audio out
Power Supply	280W PSU
Optional Add-on	64GB OS Module (TBC)

Minisforum N5 – A More Affordable, Scaled-Down Option

The new Minisforum N5 is being developed as a cost-effective alternative to the N5 Pro. It retains the same chassis and internal layout but swaps out the high-end CPU and ECC memory support in favor of more accessible hardware.

This device is still in the evaluation phase, with Minisforum considering two CPU options: the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 8645HS or Ryzen 5 7640HS. Both offer 6 cores and 12 threads, with clock speeds up to 5GHz, and may allow better PCIe lane distribution than the Pro model. Despite the lower-tier specs, the N5 is far from underpowered.

It still supports up to 128GB of DDR5 (non-ECC), the full five SATA bays, three M.2 NVMe slots, OCuLink, and even dual USB4 ports. Where it diverges is networking: the current prototypes drop 10GbE support and may ship with either dual 5GbE ports or a combination of 5GbE and 2.5GbE. For many home users, this is still more than adequate, especially if the N5 launches at a competitive price point.

Like the Pro version, the N5 may include the optional 64GB OS module and support for Minisforum’s in-house NAS OS. Alternatively, users can bring their own OS without voiding support. This flexibility means the N5 could become an attractive entry point for first-time NAS builders or budget-conscious prosumers.

MinisCloud OS – Minisforum’s In-House NAS Software

One of the most intriguing developments is Minisforum’s potential entry into the NAS software space. Internally referred to as MinisCloud OS, this new platform is based on the Siyouyun OS framework (a Debian-based system used by several emerging NAS brands). Still in early development, the OS aims to provide a balance of accessibility and advanced features for home and small business users. Minisforum is evaluating whether to offer the OS pre-installed on the 64GB module, as a downloadable image (possibly SN-locked), or as an optional add-on at checkout. Importantly, this software will be optional, and using TrueNAS, UnRAID, or any third-party OS will not affect warranty or support.

Key Features of MinisCloud OS (In Development):

• ZFS storage support (snapshots, compression, deduplication)
• Multi-user management with 2FA/MFA

• AI-based photo recognition (faces, objects)
• Docker container and App Center
• Built-in file manager & download manager

• Support for SMB, WebDAV, FTP, DLNA
• Multimedia center for streaming content

A Promising Disruption to the NAS Market

Minisforum’s bold entry into the NAS arena is more than a rehash of mini PC hardware — it’s a fresh and flexible approach to modern storage needs. With the N5 Pro targeting power users and the N5 aiming for budget-friendly builders, both models offer advanced connectivity, modularity, and optional OS features rarely seen in compact NAS systems. If pricing lands right, the N5 Series could challenge established NAS vendors and appeal to the DIY home server crowd in a big way. We’ll continue tracking release dates, pricing, and software developments — stay tuned for our full hardware reviews and performance testing. For more, check out our upcoming Shenzhen factory tour and hands-on videos at NASCompares

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...45Drives HL8 NAS Case ReviewSynology DS1525+ vs DS1522+ NASynology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NASynology DS1825+ NAS Released Synology DS1825+ NAS Released Synology DS1525+ NAS Released Synology NAS vs EVERYONE ELSE Synology DS1525+ NAS ReleasedSynology 2025 NAS Series & 3rdSynology 2025 NAS Series & 3rd Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE

CWWK N355 DIY NAS Motherboard Review

The CWWK N355 DIY NAS motherboard is a Mini-ITX board designed for users looking to build a compact yet powerful NAS system with high storage capacity and expansion potential. Featuring the Intel Twin Lake N355 processor, dual 2.5GbE networking, six SATA ports, and two NVMe slots, it balances performance and affordability. With PCIe 3.0 expansion and a power-efficient CPU, it provides a solid foundation for home lab enthusiasts and small-scale NAS builders. However, it does come with some limitations, particularly in PCIe lane allocation and component placement. This review covers design, hardware, storage, performance tests, and overall value to determine whether it’s the right choice for your next DIY NAS project.

Available in two configurations, the N150 quad-core version ($174) and the N355 octa-core version ($288), this motherboard positions itself as a budget-friendly but capable alternative to more expensive NAS solutions. While the onboard features are generous for the price, the placement of components and some design choices might limit expandability for certain users. Let’s dive deeper.

CWWK N355 NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The CWWK N355 DIY NAS motherboard provides a solid balance between affordability and performance, making it a strong option for NAS builders and home lab users. With six SATA ports and two NVMe slots, it offers flexible storage options, while dual 2.5GbE networking ensures decent network speeds. The PCIe 3.0 x4 slot allows for expansion, but lane allocation limitations could be a bottleneck for certain configurations. Power efficiency is excellent, and during testing, the N355 CPU handled multiple VMs, media streaming, and general NAS tasks well. However, thermal management and component placement could have been better, particularly around the PCIe and SATA ports.

Overall, the CWWK N355 is a capable Mini-ITX NAS motherboard, especially for those comfortable with DIY setups. The lack of ECC memory support, PCIe lane sharing, and close component placement are drawbacks, but for the price, it remains a versatile and well-featured board.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 9/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.8

PROS

Compact Mini-ITX design, ideal for NAS builds
Dual 2.5GbE ports for enhanced network performance
Six SATA ports for ample storage expandability
Two NVMe slots for high-speed SSD caching or storage
Energy-efficient Intel N355 CPU with low power draw
Good virtualization support for lightweight VMs and containers
Strong media streaming performance, including Plex compatibility
Affordable price point compared to similar NAS motherboards

CONS

PCIe slot placement may block SATA ports with larger cards
Limited PCIe lanes constrain high-speed expansion options
No ECC memory support, which may be a concern for some user

Where to Buy a Product
			VISIT RETAILER ➤
			VISIT RETAILER ➤

CWWK N355 NAS Review – Design

The CWWK N355 DIY NAS motherboard follows a compact Mini-ITX design, offering a good mix of functionality and space efficiency. Its 10-layer high-density PCB provides durability, while the standard ATX 24-pin power and 4-pin CPU power connectors make it easy to integrate into various NAS chassis. The purple PCB aesthetic is unique, setting it apart from many other DIY NAS motherboards. However, despite its compact build, some of the design choices create challenges when it comes to expandability.

One of the most noticeable issues is the placement of the PCIe 3.0 x4 slot in relation to the SATA ports. While the board allows for expansion cards like RAID controllers or 10GbE adapters, the proximity of the PCIe slot to the six SATA ports means that larger cards can obstruct some of the SATA connections.

This could force users to choose between additional network connectivity and full SATA drive support, which is an unfortunate trade-off. Ideally, an SFF-8087 or OCuLink alternative for SATA connectivity would have been a better approach, reducing port congestion.

The built-in cooling options are fairly basic, with a single CPU fan header and two system fan headers (only one supporting PWM). While the board is designed for low-power efficiency, adding high-performance storage or running multiple VMs may generate additional heat that requires better cooling.

The included stock CPU cooler is not ideal, as it sits too close to nearby components, making it harder to install without interfering with the SO-DIMM DDR5 memory slot. Users are advised to invest in a third-party low-profile cooler for better thermal management.

On the connectivity side, dual 2.5GbE network ports (Intel i226V) provide solid networking performance for most NAS use cases, with support for SMB Multichannel and link aggregation. The limited USB selection, however, could be a concern.

With only one USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports, users relying on external storage or bootable USB setups may find the available connections restrictive. That said, the internal USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 headers provide some additional flexibility for internal USB-based boot drives, but a few more rear-facing USB ports would have been welcome.

CWWK N355 NAS Review – Storage

Storage is a key strength of the CWWK N355 motherboard, with a combination of six SATA3 ports and two M.2 NVMe slots offering flexibility for different storage configurations. The ASM1166 SATA controller is responsible for managing the six SATA ports, providing stable performance for hard drives and SSDs. Users looking to build a NAS with high-capacity drives will appreciate the dedicated SATA expansion, which supports RAID configurations through software.

The two M.2 NVMe slots, while a welcome addition, are limited to PCIe 3.0 x1 speeds, meaning they can only reach maximum sequential throughput of around 780-800MB/s. This is a clear limitation compared to PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe slots found in higher-end boards. However, these slots are still useful for caching or fast-access storage, especially when paired with SATA drives for bulk data storage.

During testing, a RAID 0 setup with six 4TB HDDs achieved 650MB/s sustained throughput, showing that the ASM1166 controller handles multiple drives efficiently. Performance with SATA SSDs was better, with speeds saturating the SATA3 interface at 550-560MB/s per drive. Users expecting enterprise-level speeds may find this limiting, but for general NAS applications, it performs well.

Another consideration is PCIe lane allocation. Because the ASM1166 controller operates on a PCIe 3.0 x1 interface, total throughput is shared across all six SATA ports. This means that in heavy read/write operations across multiple drives, users might encounter bottlenecks. Those planning on maximizing SATA performance should ensure efficient data distribution across drives.

Ultimately, while the storage configuration is flexible and functional, the PCIe 3.0 x1 restrictions on both NVMe and SATA controllers present some limitations. For users needing high-speed NVMe storage, a motherboard with PCIe 3.0 x4 support per NVMe slot would be preferable, but for most NAS applications, the N355 provides good storage expandability at a reasonable price.

Interestingly, when I rand 100x 1GB File tests via terminal on each of the Gen 3×1 m.2 NVMe, the numbers were pretty good (factoring in the efficient class CPU and 1 lane of Gen 3 – so was never gonna exceed 800-900MB/s anyway).

Afterwards, I wanted to check if the PCIe slot was sharing lane space with the 2nd m.2 slot (as is the case on some of the N100/N305 NAS Moos before) and I am pleased to confirm that I was able to use terminal and 100x 1GB Read on both the 2nd M.2 NVMe slot AND another m.2 NVMe on a PCIe Card mounted on via the PCIe 3×4 slot.

So I am quite happy with the data/internal bandwidth in these tests with such a modest CPU. Let’s discuss this internal hardware and performance more.

CWWK N355 NAS Review – Tests & Performance

The Intel N355 CPU offers efficient performance for NAS-related tasks, including file sharing, virtualization, and media streaming. During testing, it handled multiple VMs running concurrently, with each assigned a virtual CPU and minimal RAM. Even under load, the CPU maintained stable performance without excessive heat generation, making it suitable for users who need a lightweight but capable processing unit for home lab applications.

Network performance was another highlight, with the dual 2.5GbE interfaces providing a combined throughput of up to 550MB/s in link aggregation mode. Real-world file transfers over SMB showed consistent multi-gigabit speeds, demonstrating the board’s ability to handle data-heavy operations effectively. However, users aiming for 10GbE connectivity will need to rely on the PCIe slot, which introduces some trade-offs in terms of expansion options.

In media applications, the N355 CPU managed simultaneous 1080p and 4K Plex streams, with CPU usage remaining under 60% during software transcoding. Native playback and direct-streaming performed significantly better, with no noticeable impact on system resources. While the board lacks dedicated hardware transcoding support, it remains a viable option for users relying on direct-play workflows.

Power efficiency remained a strong suit, with idle power consumption measuring around 9-10W with SSDs installed, increasing to 30-40W under load with multiple drives and VMs active. The low TDP ensures minimal heat output, but active cooling is still recommended for prolonged high workloads. Overall, performance results confirm that this board is well-optimized for NAS duties, though users with high-end processing needs may require a more powerful solution.

CWWK N355 NAS MITX Board Review – Verdict & Conclusion

The CWWK N355 DIY NAS motherboard is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable and feature-rich Mini-ITX solution for NAS applications. Its combination of dual 2.5GbE networking, six SATA ports, and two NVMe slots offers a strong foundation for storage and high-speed connectivity. Performance-wise, the N355 CPU handles virtualization and media streaming well, maintaining a low power draw while running multiple tasks efficiently. However, the limited PCIe lane allocation can restrict certain use cases, particularly when adding high-performance storage or networking upgrades. Despite these constraints, this motherboard delivers solid performance for users prioritizing a cost-effective and power-efficient NAS setup.

That being said, users should carefully consider their expansion needs before purchasing, as PCIe slot placement and bandwidth limitations may impact future upgrades. Additionally, the lack of ECC memory support may be a concern for enterprise-level deployments, though most home users and small-scale NAS setups will not be significantly affected. Ultimately, the CWWK N355 stands out as a capable and versatile board, offering good performance, reasonable expandability, and excellent value for money.

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

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Synology NAS vs EVERYONE ELSE Synology DS1525+ NAS ReleasedSynology 2025 NAS Series & 3rdSynology 2025 NAS Series & 3rdSynology DS925+ NAS ReviewSynology DS925+ NAS ReviewSynology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464Synology DS925+ vs DS923+ NAS Minisforum MS-A2 Review - The Minisforum MS-A2 Review Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE

Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a compact high-performance mini PC designed for users who require a balance of processing power, AI capabilities, and expandability. Featuring the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, it integrates 12 cores, 24 threads, and an AI NPU capable of up to 80 TOPS, making it suitable for AI-assisted workloads, virtualization, and content creation. The inclusion of AMD Radeon 890M integrated graphics allows for moderate gaming and GPU-accelerated tasks, while OcuLink support provides the option to attach an external GPU for additional performance. The system features three M.2 NVMe slots, dual USB4 ports, and dual 2.5GbE Ethernet, offering flexible storage and connectivity options. With a 140W internal power supply, the AI X1 eliminates the need for an external power brick, reducing cable clutter. Cooling and power efficiency have been addressed, with idle power consumption averaging between 19W and 23W and higher workloads drawing around 60W at 50% – does this sound like a min PC hybrid to a desktop solution? Let’s discuss the X1’s hardware, performance, AI capabilities, and expansion potential, assessing how well it meets the needs of AI developers, content creators, and general users seeking a high-performance compact system.

Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Quick Conclusion

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro offers a strong balance of performance, expandability, and AI acceleration in a compact form factor. It is suitable for AI-driven workloads, mid-range gaming, video processing, and professional applications. The integrated Radeon 890M GPU provides acceptable performance for gaming and AI-assisted tasks, but for more demanding graphical workloads, the inclusion of OcuLink allows users to connect an external GPU for greater flexibility. While the system includes high-speed storage options and multiple connectivity features, the lack of 10GbE networking may limit its usefulness in high-bandwidth data transfer scenarios. However, users can leverage Wi-Fi 7 or OcuLink adapters to expand networking capabilities if necessary. Overall, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a versatile mini PC with a focus on AI performance, storage expandability, and modular GPU upgrades. It is best suited for users who require a compact but powerful system for workstation tasks, AI processing, and moderate gaming, with the potential for external GPU scaling if additional performance is needed.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 10/10

PERFORMANCE - 10/10

PRICE - 7/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.8

PROS

Powerful CPU especially for a mini PC– The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is fast and handles demanding tasks well.
AI Acceleration – Built-in AI processor speeds up tasks like image recognition and automation.
Expandable Storage – Three M.2 SSD slots for fast and flexible storage upgrades.
External GPU Support – OCuLink allows for a full-sized GPU to boost graphics performance.
Fast USB4 Ports – Two high-speed USB4 ports for fast storage and external devices.
Good Cooling System – Dual fans and metal heatsinks keep temperatures in check.
Strong Connectivity – Wi-Fi 7 and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast networking.
No External Power Brick – Built-in 140W power supply keeps cables minimal.
Comes with Windows 11 – Ready to use out of the box.
VESA Mount Included – Can be attached to the back of a monitor or wall for space-saving.

CONS

Only Features Microsoft Co-Pilot out the box – Hard/impossible to easily switch to ChatGPT or DeepSeek etc
Limited OCuLink Compatibility – External GPU and storage upgrades require specific hardware.
Weird PSU Placement – The power supply sits above the SSD slots, which might affect cooling.
Price - Pricing is a little mixed at launch store-to-store

Where to Buy a Product
			VISIT RETAILER ➤
			VISIT RETAILER ➤

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? These Offers are Checked Daily

Minisforum AI X1 Pro Hardware Specifications:

The initial specifications of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro Mini PC will differ slightly depending on where you buy and the configuration you choose (i.e the base level memory and storage). Additionally, the system will always arrive with Windows 11 (officially licenced) preinstalled on an SSD in one of the M.2 NVMe Gen 4×4 slots.

Component	Specification
Processor	AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 (12 Cores / 24 Threads, Zen 5 + Zen 5c)
Base Clock	2.0 GHz (Zen 5), 2.0 GHz (Zen 5c)
Boost Clock	Up to 5.1 GHz (Zen 5), Up to 3.3 GHz (Zen 5c)
TDP	28W (Configurable 15-54W)
L2 Cache	12 MB
L3 Cache	24 MB
Memory	Dual-channel DDR5 (Up to 96GB at 5600MHz, 2 SODIMM Slots)
Included Memory	64GB (2x 32GB Crucial DDR5 SODIMM modules)
ECC Support	No ECC support
Storage (Internal)	3x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe slots – 2x Gen4 x4 (8GB/s), 1x Gen4 x1 (2GB/s)
Storage (Expansion)	Supports NVMe RAID (0,1), External USB4 SSDs, OcuLink PCIe devices
GPU	AMD Radeon 890M (16 cores, 2900 MHz)
AI Engine	AMD Ryzen AI Engine (80 TOPS total, 50 TOPS NPU)
Networking	2x 2.5GbE Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
Display Support	4 Monitors, HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1, USB4 DP Alt Mode
Max Resolution	8K @ 60Hz, 4K @ 144Hz, 1080p @ 600Hz
USB Ports	2x USB4 (40Gbps), 2x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
OcuLink Port	Yes, supports external PCIe devices (up to full-size GPUs)
Power Supply	140W Internal PSU (No external brick)
Cooling System	Metal chassis with active cooling & heat dissipation
Audio Features	Dual noise-canceling microphones, built-in stereo speakers
Security Features	Fingerprint scanner (Touch Login), AI-driven security tools
Mounting	VESA mount included for monitor mounting
Size & Weight	7” x 7” x 1.9”, ~3 lbs (~1.5 kg)

Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Design

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro features a compact, square-shaped chassis, slightly more symmetrical than other models in its category. The metal and high-quality plastic construction provides a balance of durability and heat dissipation. Ventilation grilles are positioned along the sides and top to facilitate airflow. The system also includes a built-in 140W power supply unit (PSU), eliminating the need for an external power brick, reducing cable clutter, and making it easier to mount or position on a desk.

The front panel houses a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor, allowing for biometric authentication. There is also a USB4 port, a USB 3.2 port, an audio jack, and an SD card slot for additional storage. The rear panel features multiple USB ports, dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, an HDMI output, a DisplayPort output, an OcuLink port, and a USB 2.0 port. These connectivity options provide compatibility with a range of peripherals, storage solutions, and external displays.

A key feature of the design is its internal 140W PSU, an uncommon inclusion in mini PCs. This allows for direct AC power input using a standard two-pin connector. While the PSU is custom-designed and not easily replaceable with off-the-shelf alternatives, it contributes to the unit’s compact and cable-free design.

The cooling system is designed to manage heat efficiently, with airflow distributed across the chassis. The fan noise varies based on workload, but the thermal management system keeps temperatures under control, even under sustained usage.

Power consumption varies depending on workload. In idle conditions, the system draws between 19W and 23W, which is higher than most entry-level mini PCs due to its high-performance hardware. Under moderate load, including CPU and GPU utilization, power usage rises to 59W to 63W. While this consumption is significant for a compact system, it aligns with the performance level it delivers. The internal PSU ensures stable power delivery without requiring an external adapter.

During extended testing, thermal performance remained stable. Heat distribution was well-managed, with no significant thermal spikes even under stress. When measured with a thermal camera, the heat output was lower than other nearby high-performance networking devices in the test environment. The fan system adjusts dynamically based on workload, ensuring consistent operation without excessive noise.

The retail package includes the Minisforum AI X1 Pro unit, a power cable, a VESA mounting bracket, and documentation. The VESA mount allows users to attach the system to the back of a monitor or a wall for space efficiency. The package does not include a keyboard, mouse, or pre-installed operating system, meaning users will need to supply their own peripherals and software. The combination of a built-in PSU, multiple I/O options, and compact design makes it a practical option for users seeking a high-performance mini PC with minimal cable clutter.

Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Ports and Connections

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro includes multiple high-speed and legacy connectivity options across its front and rear panels, catering to a variety of use cases. The system supports USB4, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, an SD card slot, and OcuLink, making it a versatile device for professional workloads, gaming, and AI-assisted tasks. These ports enable peripheral expansion, high-speed data transfers, networking, and external GPU connectivity, providing a range of possibilities for users who require flexible hardware configurations. The placement of these connections ensures easy access to frequently used ports on the front, while the rear panel accommodates more permanent connections for external monitors, networking, and high-bandwidth storage solutions.

The dual USB4 ports, located on the front and rear, are among the most notable features, delivering up to 40Gbps of bandwidth. This allows for high-speed external storage, video output, and docking station compatibility. During testing, a USB4 external SSD achieved over 3GB/s in read speeds, confirming that the system fully supports the high-bandwidth capabilities of USB4. Write speeds were more dependent on the SSD’s own specifications, averaging around 1.8GB/s, aligning with expected performance for a drive of that type. The USB4 ports also allow for eGPU expansion, enabling the connection of an external graphics card via an OcuLink-to-USB4 adapter, though performance in this configuration may not match that of a direct OcuLink connection.

For wired networking, the system includes dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, offering a step up from standard 1GbE connections. This provides improved network throughput, lower latency for online applications, and better support for local file transfers and virtualized environments.

Testing in a peer-to-peer direct connection resulted in speeds averaging 2.35Gbps, demonstrating reliable real-world performance. While 2.5GbE is sufficient for most users, it may not be ideal for those requiring higher bandwidth network-attached storage (NAS) solutions or extensive multi-user workloads.

Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 7, which supports the 6GHz spectrum and 320MHz channel width, providing increased speeds and reduced interference compared to previous wireless standards. When paired with a compatible Wi-Fi 7 router, the system achieved peak throughput of over 2Gbps, depending on environmental factors such as network congestion and signal strength.

Wi-Fi 7 allows for low-latency wireless networking, making it a viable option for high-speed transfers in environments where wired networking is impractical. Wireless performance remained stable across multiple test scenarios, demonstrating consistent connectivity and minimal packet loss.

The video output options include HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1, allowing for multi-monitor setups with support for up to four simultaneous displays. The system can handle 4K at 240Hz, 1440p at 480Hz, and 8K at 60Hz, ensuring compatibility with high-refresh-rate monitors and high-resolution displays. Adaptive Sync and HDR support improve overall display performance, reducing screen tearing and improving color accuracy. During testing, dual monitor configurations using DisplayPort and HDMI simultaneously worked without issue, delivering consistent video output with no visible latency.

A key expansion feature is the OcuLink port, which provides direct PCIe-based external device connectivity, offering low-latency, high-bandwidth expansion options. In testing, an OcuLink NVMe SSD enclosure was detected immediately, allowing for storage expansion without compromising performance. The system also supported an external GPU connected via OcuLink, which significantly improved gaming performance, particularly in titles utilizing ray tracing.

The external GPU used in testing was the Minisforum MGA1, an eGPU enclosure featuring a NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, PCIe Gen 4 connectivity, and dedicated cooling for high-performance graphics processing. With the MGA1 connected, games that previously struggled with ray tracing saw substantial performance improvements, demonstrating the viability of OcuLink as a direct GPU expansion solution.

The USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 2.0 ports serve as additional expansion options, providing 10Gbps and 480Mbps transfer speeds, respectively. While USB 3.2 Gen 2 offers sufficient bandwidth for external drives and accessories, the USB 2.0 port is more suited to lower-priority peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and older external devices that do not require high-speed connectivity. Testing showed that USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports delivered consistent performance when used with high-speed external storage, achieving expected speeds for 10Gbps-rated SSDs.

Overall, the port selection provides a balance between modern and legacy interfaces, ensuring compatibility with a range of peripherals and expansion options. The inclusion of USB4, OcuLink, dual Ethernet, and multiple display outputs allows for high-speed data transfer, wired and wireless networking, and scalable performance upgrades. The lack of 10GbE may be a limitation for certain users, but the OcuLink port compensates by allowing direct PCIe expansion. With reliable wired and wireless networking, flexible video output options, and full USB4 bandwidth support, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro provides strong connectivity for a range of professional and consumer use cases.

Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Internal Hardware

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro features a compact yet high-performance internal hardware configuration, designed to balance processing power, cooling efficiency, and storage scalability within a small form factor.

At its core, the system is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a 12-core, 24-thread processor with a hybrid 4x Zen 5 and 8x Zen 5c architecture.

This CPU supports clock speeds up to 5.1GHz, with a default TDP of 28W and a configurable range of 15W to 54W, allowing users to adjust power consumption based on workload requirements. Integrated into the processor is the AMD Radeon 890M GPU, which operates at 2.9GHz and supports modern gaming, AI workloads, and media processing.

The system memory consists of two SODIMM slots, allowing for expandable RAM configurations. The reviewed model included 64GB of DDR5-5600MHz memory, with the option to upgrade to a maximum of 96GB.

Unlike some mini PCs, the RAM is user-replaceable rather than soldered to the motherboard, offering future-proofing for users who may require higher capacity memory. The lack of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) support is a limitation for users requiring data integrity features, particularly in professional environments such as virtualization or enterprise workloads.

Storage is handled via three M.2 NVMe slots, all operating on PCIe 4.0 architecture.

Two of these slots run at PCIe 4.0 x4, providing 8GB/s of potential bandwidth, while the third slot operates at PCIe 4.0 x1, limiting its performance to 2GB/s.

This configuration allows for a mix of high-speed and archival storage, with the x1 slot being more suited for less frequently accessed data. During testing, Gen 4 NVMe SSDs in the primary slots achieved full bandwidth speeds, while the third slot demonstrated the expected performance limitations.

Cooling is managed by an internal metal L-shaped cooling system, which integrates two silent operational fans. The primary fan is located above the piped CPU cooling solution, which consists of a metal heatsink with multiple heat vents to improve thermal dissipation.

This cooling system ensures sustained performance under load, preventing thermal throttling during intensive processing tasks. The second fan is positioned over the Wi-Fi card and adjacent to the internal PSU, ensuring airflow distribution across multiple components.

The internal PSU is located directly above the M.2 NVMe slots, an unconventional placement compared to traditional desktop designs. This layout reduces the need for an external power brick, making cable management more streamlined. The 140W internal power supply is a proprietary design, meaning replacement may be more complex than standard off-the-shelf units.

Despite this, the integration of an internal PSU contributes to a cleaner workspace, avoiding bulky external adapters typically associated with compact systems. Nevertheless, the PSU living DIRECTLY above the m.2 NVMe SSD bays is kinda weird. It further exacerbates the need for the SSD bays to need m.2 heatsinks to allow heat dissipation, into the fan 5-6cm away.

In terms of noise output, the cooling fans remained quiet during idle and low-power tasks, with only minor increases in noise levels under high-load scenarios. The thermal camera testing indicated that the system’s heat distribution was well-managed, with the warmest areas located around the CPU and PSU exhaust vents. The Wi-Fi card and SSD slots remained within safe temperature ranges, confirming the effectiveness of the airflow design.

The internal hardware design of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro prioritizes performance, efficient cooling, and storage flexibility. While the PSU placement above the NVMe drives is unusual, it does not appear to cause excessive heat accumulation. The combination of a high-performance processor, scalable RAM and storage, and a well-managed cooling solution ensures that the system is capable of handling a range of demanding workloads, from AI-assisted tasks to content creation and gaming.

Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Performance and Testing

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro integrates the AMD Radeon 890M GPU, which operates at 2.9GHz and features 16 compute units. While it lacks the power of a dedicated high-end GPU, it is capable of handling mid-tier gaming and graphical workloads. During testing, Call of Duty: Warzone was run on high settings, achieving playable frame rates without an external GPU. Performance remained stable, though demanding titles with ray tracing and high-resolution textures exhibited performance limitations. The system supports external GPU expansion via OCuLink, and testing with the Minisforum MGA1 eGPU—equipped with an AMD Radeon 7600M XT (32 compute units, 8GB GDDR6 memory, 120W TDP)—significantly enhanced graphical capabilities, particularly for ray tracing and high-resolution gaming.

The OCuLink expansion port enables a direct PCIe-level connection to external GPUs, providing higher bandwidth than Thunderbolt-based solutions. When using the MGA1 eGPU, performance improvements were immediately evident, with games running at higher frame rates and improved graphical fidelity.

This configuration allows users to scale graphical performance without replacing the base system, making it an efficient option for users requiring additional power for AI tasks, rendering, or high-end gaming.

However, OCuLink accessories are currently less common than standard eGPU enclosures, which may limit hardware compatibility options.

In terms of using the Minisforum X1 Pro in more NAS deployment utilities, the testing is still in progress (and I will make a separate video and article soon), but early testing has been very positive. Uutilized half of the available threads as vCPUs in 12 Windwos 11 VMs (each with 2GB Memory) and they ran great (at that point, my own recording machine and the UI itself became the only limitation.

Likewise, with PLEX Media server, I was able to stream 8x 1080p 100Mb (bitrate) video files at once without stressing the CPU, then 10x 4K 60Mb – still positive. Finally, I went into 8K media (something that PLEX itself is poorly optimized for) and streamed 5x 8K High end files at once (mixed native and on-the-fly conversions). In all cases, the Minisforum X1 Pro worked like a charm!

The rest of the performance benchmarks on the individual m.2 slots are still undergoing testing, as well as connecting a 4x M.2 NVMe SSD expansion device from Aoostar via Oculink.

These will be published on the YouTube channel soon.

AI processing is a core feature of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, which boasts up to 80 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) and a dedicated 50 TOPS NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI-assisted tasks. Benchmarks using Geekbench AI indicated strong performance in OpenVINO-based workloads, with a 5024 overall AI score.

Image-related AI tasks, including image classification, object detection, and segmentation, demonstrated higher inference speeds on OpenVINO compared to ONNX, with quantized processing delivering the best overall efficiency. AI-driven tasks such as style transfer, depth estimation, and pose estimation showed notable acceleration compared to traditional CPU-only inference. Testing with ONNX-based AI models resulted in a lower AI benchmark score of 3614, reflecting reduced optimization for this framework. Despite this, the system still delivered usable performance for machine learning inference and AI-based enhancements, though OpenVINO remained the preferred framework for faster execution times and more efficient workload handling. AI-assisted image enhancement and real-time video analysis tasks performed well, making the system suitable for workflow acceleration in content creation and automated AI-based applications.

Category	Specification
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro (64-bit) (Linux support: Ubuntu, RHEL)
CPU Architecture	AMD Zen 5 / Zen 5c (TSMC 4nm FinFET)
PCIe Support	PCIe 4.0 (16 lanes total, usable for NVMe, OcuLink, USB4 SSDs)
Native USB Support	2x USB4 (40Gbps), 3x USB 3.2 (10Gbps), 3x USB 2.0
Max Memory	96GB DDR5 (dual-channel, 5600MHz)
Storage Performance	Up to 7,000 MB/s (PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs)
AI Engine	80 TOPS total (50 TOPS NPU)
Geekbench AI Score (OpenVINO)	5024
Geekbench AI Score (ONNX)	3614
Power Consumption (Idle)	19-23W
Power Consumption (Load)	59-63W (CPU & GPU at 50% load)
Cooling & Thermal Performance	Efficient airflow, low thermal footprint (lower heat than UniFi Wi-Fi 7 AP)
AI Performance Metrics (Benchmark Results)
Image Classification (SP)	OpenVINO: 549 IPS, ONNX: 512 IPS
Object Detection (Q)	OpenVINO: 7400 at 593 IPS
Pose Estimation (SP)	OpenVINO: 7072 at 8.25 IPS
Style Transfer (AI Filters)	OpenVINO: 72K IPS, ONNX: 30K IPS
Super Resolution (Upscaling)	OpenVINO: 3969 IPS, ONNX: 2235 IPS
Machine Translation (AI Text Processing)	OpenVINO: 4351 at 74.9 IPS
Gaming Performance
Call of Duty Warzone (Native, No eGPU)	Playable at High Settings
Cyberpunk 2077	Limited without eGPU, decent with OcuLink external GPU
External GPU (OcuLink, eGPU tested with Minforum eGPU)	Massive improvement in ray tracing performance
Best Use Cases
AI-powered Video & Image Processing	Great for 4K upscaling, AI-style transfer, motion tracking
AI-assisted Creative Workflows	Optimized for Adobe AI tools, DaVinci Resolve AI features
Real-time AI Automation & Security	Object recognition, face detection, smart surveillance
AI-assisted Audio & Text Transcription	Speech-to-text, real-time subtitle generation
Gaming (Casual to AAA, with eGPU Support)	Decent native performance, great with eGPU via OcuLink
Limitations
✘ Not Ideal for LLM Model Training	Lacks high-end CUDA acceleration for AI model training
✘ ONNX Performance is Weaker	Better results using OpenVINO for AI inference
✘ No Built-in 10GbE	Only 2x 2.5GbE, no native 10GbE option
Connectivity & Expansion
eGPU Support	OcuLink, USB4 (Supports external RTX 4090 or similar GPUs)
Max Displays	4 Monitors (4K/8K multi-monitor setup)
External USB4 Storage	Achieved 3GB/s read speeds (USB4 SSD tested)

The X1 delivers capable performance in graphical processing, AI workloads, and high-speed storage applications. While the integrated GPU is suitable for mid-range tasks, external GPU expansion significantly enhances performance. AI capabilities, particularly with OpenVINO, demonstrate strong inference speeds for image processing, object detection, and machine learning inference. Storage performance meets expectations, with Gen 4 speeds available on the primary slots and USB4 providing high-speed external storage options. These features position the system as a versatile solution for power users, AI developers, and content creators. But keep your expectations realistic and in perspective for a mini PC nonetheless!!!

13/02/25 Update from Minisforum, re: AI local Deployment:

Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – Conclusion and Verdict

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a compact but powerful mini PC designed for users seeking a balance of CPU performance, AI acceleration, and expandability. It features the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which delivers strong multi-core performance with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a 50 TOPS NPU for AI workloads. The integrated AMD Radeon 890M GPU provides adequate graphical performance for mid-tier gaming and GPU-accelerated applications, though it benefits significantly from external GPU expansion via OCuLink. With support for up to three M.2 NVMe drives, dual USB4 ports, and dual 2.5GbE networking, the system is versatile in both storage and connectivity. While the lack of native 10GbE may be a drawback for high-bandwidth network users, the Wi-Fi 7 support provides a wireless alternative with high-speed connectivity options.

In terms of real-world performance, the system delivers strong results in AI-driven applications, particularly those optimized for the OpenVINO framework, where it achieved higher inference speeds compared to ONNX-based workloads. Gaming performance is reasonable on the integrated GPU, but ray tracing and high-end graphical tasks require an external GPU, such as the Minisforum MGA1 eGPU with an AMD Radeon 7600M XT, which was tested and demonstrated significant performance improvements. The internal 140W PSU eliminates cable clutter, but its placement above the M.2 slots is unconventional and may require additional SSD heatsinks for efficient cooling. Thermal management is well-executed, with a dual-fan system and metal heatsink design keeping temperatures stable during sustained workloads.

The Minisforum AI X1 Pro is best suited for AI developers, content creators, and users requiring a small yet powerful workstation. It provides AI acceleration, high-speed storage, and expandable graphics options, making it a versatile hybrid between a mini PC and a desktop-class solution. While not ideal for intensive LLM training or high-end gaming without an external GPU, it excels in AI-assisted workflows, video processing, and multi-tasking applications. The inclusion of OCuLink for PCIe expansion allows for long-term scalability, giving users the option to upgrade GPU or storage performance as needed. For those seeking a high-performance compact system with AI processing capabilities, the Minisforum AI X1 Pro is a capable and well-rounded option.

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...MinisForum N5 Pro vs AOOSTAR WI Visited the Minisforum HQ inMinisforum N5 and N5 Pro NAS -Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro NAS -Minisforum AI X1 Pro ReviewThe Minisforum MS-A2 WorkstatiThe Minisforum MS-A2 WorkstatiMinisforum N5 Pro NAS RevealedMinisforum MGA1 7600M XT eGPU Minisforum MGA1 Docking Statio Subscribe You can also follow specific search terms:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

TRY CHAT

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  

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US

    

 

WE LOVE COFFEE