Développé sous la houlette de Sony, Lost Soul Aside, premier jeu du studio chinois Ultizero Games, se veut comme la rencontre entre Final Fantasy et Devil May Cry. Son gameplay bancal, sa narration insipide et sa direction artistique sans âme le confinent à un mariage raté. Notre test, après près de 15 heures d'ennui.

[Deal du jour] Si votre temps n'est pas (encore) consacré à jouer à Hollow Knight: Silksong, cette offre de rentrée sur l’eShop de Nintendo pourrait bien vous intéresser.

Cet article a été réalisé en collaboration avec Orange

Tout juste annoncé, le nouveau Samsung Galaxy S25 FE arrive chez Orange avec une belle offre de lancement comprenant jusqu’à 200 euros de remise et un stockage doublé. Voici comment l’obtenir dès 549 euros.

Cet article a été réalisé en collaboration avec Orange

Il s’agit d’un contenu créé par des rédacteurs indépendants au sein de l’entité Humanoid xp. L’équipe éditoriale de Numerama n’a pas participé à sa création. Nous nous engageons auprès de nos lecteurs pour que ces contenus soient intéressants, qualitatifs et correspondent à leurs intérêts.

En savoir plus

Is there a good reason for Synology to change the support of “Unverified Drives” in DSM?

Synology has long been regarded as one of the most user-friendly and reliable NAS brands in the market, balancing intuitive software with a wide hardware range that appeals to both home and business users. However, in recent years the company has taken an increasingly controversial path by enforcing strict compatibility requirements for hard drives and SSDs. Beginning with DSM 7 and escalating into the 2025 generation of devices, Synology now only certifies and supports its own branded storage media, effectively locking out many widely used alternatives from Seagate, Western Digital, and Toshiba. While Synology positions this move as a way to ensure system stability and consistency, the decision has sparked significant backlash among users who feel restricted in their options and burdened by higher costs. As competitors expand their ecosystems with more openness and flexibility, this proprietary approach risks damaging Synology’s reputation, raising questions about whether the company has prioritized profit margins over user choice.

What is the MAIN PROBLEM(s) with this decision by Synology?

The most immediate problem with Synology’s hard drive policy is the loss of flexibility that once made their systems so appealing. For years, customers could select from a wide range of industry-standard drives from Seagate, Western Digital, or Toshiba, tailoring storage to their budget, performance requirements, or regional availability. This freedom not only allowed users to balance cost and capacity, but also gave small businesses and home enthusiasts the ability to reuse existing drives, upgrade incrementally, or take advantage of promotions from different vendors. By restricting DSM compatibility to Synology-labelled drives, that flexibility is gone. For many users outside major markets, Synology’s drives are harder to source, priced higher than the competition, or limited in available capacities. What once felt like an open platform now increasingly resembles a closed ecosystem, where users must accept the vendor’s terms even if it means compromising on affordability or performance.

Another dimension of the problem lies in how Synology has communicated these changes, which many see as evasive or disingenuous. Officially, the company justifies the restriction as a move toward greater reliability and predictable system performance. The argument is that by narrowing the range of drives tested and supported, Synology can optimize DSM to work seamlessly with drives that have firmware tailored for its environment. In practice, though, the same underlying hardware often originates from Seagate or Toshiba, with only minor firmware adjustments and new branding. This creates a perception that Synology is overstating the technical benefits while quietly using the policy to secure higher margins. For long-time users, the contrast is stark: older models happily ran third-party drives with few issues, which makes the sudden insistence on “certification” seem less like an engineering requirement and more like a business maneuver. The result has been a significant erosion of trust between the company and its community.

The wider impact of this strategy has also been felt across the storage industry. Resellers have reported declining sales of Synology’s Plus series devices as customers explore alternatives such as QNAP, TrueNAS, or newer entrants like UGREEN and UniFi. For Synology, this shift is particularly damaging because its reputation has historically rested on attracting less technical buyers who value simplicity and reliability over DIY solutions. Now, even these entry-level and mid-range users are questioning whether they should commit to an ecosystem that limits their choice of drives and increases their costs. At the same time, hard drive manufacturers like Seagate and Western Digital are also affected, as Synology’s decision reduces the number of channels through which their products reach end customers. The ripple effect is therefore twofold: Synology risks alienating its base of loyal customers, while storage vendors lose a once-reliable partner, creating tension that could ultimately push more buyers toward competing NAS brands.

How Can Synology Solve This (if they want to)?

One path forward for Synology would be to adopt a hybrid compatibility model, where its own branded drives remain the recommended or default choice but third-party alternatives are still officially supported. This compromise has been proven by other vendors such as UniFi and QNAP, who sell their own labelled drives while maintaining compatibility lists for major manufacturers like Seagate, Western Digital, and Toshiba. By following this model, Synology could continue promoting the reliability benefits of its branded hardware without alienating customers who prefer flexibility. In practice, this would preserve a sense of choice for users while ensuring Synology can still highlight its “optimized” solutions as the safer, supported route.

Finally, Synology could address the availability and pricing concerns around its own branded drives. In many regions, these drives are either difficult to source or significantly more expensive than equivalent Seagate or Western Digital models. Improving distribution channels, ensuring consistent stock, and narrowing the price gap would make the transition more palatable to users who are willing to adopt Synology’s ecosystem but feel penalized by limited access. By focusing on accessibility and fairness rather than exclusivity, Synology could rebuild goodwill while still driving revenue from its hardware strategy. Taken together, these steps would not fully reverse the controversy but would demonstrate responsiveness and provide a clearer path to balancing stability, customer choice, and profitability.

Is there a way to FORCE a Synology NAS to accept unverified Hard Drives and SSDs in DSM?

For users unwilling to accept Synology’s restrictive stance on storage media, the community has developed reliable workarounds that re-enable full functionality for third-party hard drives and SSDs. The most widely adopted method involves injecting a script into the NAS system that bypasses DSM’s compatibility database, allowing otherwise unsupported drives to be used for installation, storage pools, caching, and expansion. Synology’s 2025 Plus-series models, such as the DS925+, block DSM installation if only unverified drives are present and issue constant warnings in Storage Manager. To overcome this, users first employ a Telnet-based flag during initial setup that tricks DSM into accepting the installation, followed by a more permanent fix applied through SSH. At the heart of this solution is Dave Russell’s (007revad) GitHub project Synology_HDD_db, which modifies DSM’s internal drive compatibility files. Once downloaded and executed via SSH, the script detects the NAS model, DSM version, and connected drives, then patches the system to treat them as officially supported.

The process is reversible, non-destructive, and works across multiple DSM versions, including DSM 7.2 and later. Additional features allow removal of persistent warning banners, full use of NVMe drives as storage volumes, and optional disabling of intrusive monitoring services like WDDA. To ensure ongoing stability, users can also configure a scheduled task in DSM’s Task Scheduler that re-applies the script at every boot, guaranteeing compatibility survives updates, reboots, or new drive insertions. While the script is robust and actively maintained, there are clear disclaimers: using it involves modifying system files, may void official Synology support, and should only be attempted by users confident with SSH and terminal commands who have reliable data backups. Nonetheless, for advanced users, system integrators, and enthusiasts, this community-driven solution has become the de facto method of restoring the freedom to use affordable and widely available third-party drives in modern Synology NAS systems.

Example of a 30TB Seagate HDD visible and functioning inside a Synology DS925+

Note – You can follow my guide on how to use this script modification (as well as outlining the pros and cons) HERE on the blog, or watch the video below:

The Future of Synology in the eyes of new and old buyers?

Synology’s decision to enforce exclusive support for its own branded hard drives and SSDs marks one of the most controversial shifts in the company’s history, transforming how both long-time customers and potential buyers view the brand. For over a decade, Synology’s appeal rested on a combination of intuitive software, solid hardware, and flexibility in allowing users to choose their own storage media from trusted vendors like Seagate, Toshiba, and Western Digital. By removing that choice in the 2025 generation, Synology has fundamentally altered the value proposition of its systems, making them appear less like open storage platforms and more like tightly controlled appliances. While the company justifies the policy by citing stability, predictability, and reduced support overhead, many users interpret it as a profit-driven attempt to push proprietary drives into the market, especially since these are often rebranded versions of third-party disks with modified firmware and higher price tags.

The backlash has been considerable, with resellers and community forums reporting falling interest in Synology’s Plus-series devices, particularly among home and small business users who previously embraced them for affordability and ease of expansion. Competing NAS providers such as QNAP, TrueNAS, UGREEN, and UniFi have been quick to capitalize on the discontent, positioning themselves as more open alternatives that maintain compatibility with industry-standard drives. At the same time, the growth of unofficial solutions like Dave Russell’s compatibility script demonstrates how determined users are to regain control over their hardware, even at the risk of voiding warranty or stepping outside official support. This dynamic reflects a widening gap between Synology’s official direction and the needs of its customer base, many of whom would prefer to accept a disclaimer about using unverified drives rather than being forced into a closed ecosystem.

Ultimately, Synology now stands at a crossroads that will define its reputation in the storage industry for years to come. If it continues to double down on a closed, proprietary model, the company may secure short-term revenue through drive sales but risks long-term damage to its image and market share. On the other hand, reintroducing a more flexible, transparent approach—such as allowing user consent for unsupported drives or improving global pricing and availability of its own disks—could restore trust and preserve its standing as the NAS brand of choice for both novices and professionals. The availability of community workarounds ensures that frustrated users are not entirely locked out of their systems, but the very existence of these tools highlights how far Synology has drifted from its once customer-first ethos. The next few years will be crucial, as the company either adjusts course and strikes a balance between profitability and user freedom, or risks ceding ground to rivals who are eager to embrace the openness Synology has chosen to leave behind.

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...WHY Synology Changed Support oWeek 33 Tech Roundup – TerraSynology AI Console ReviewSynology AI Console Review - GDS1825+ vs DXP8800 PLUS NAS - Synology DS1825+ vs UGREEN DXPWeek 31 Tech Roundup – 245TBUsing Unverified HDD/SSD on a How to Use Unverified HDDs andSynology DS425+ 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

Après un mois d'absence, la fille de la famille Addams est enfin de retour sur Netflix pour dévoiler la fin de la saison 2. Mais Mercredi est-elle toujours à la hauteur de l'engouement qu'elle suscite partout où la série passe ? Voici notre avis, sans spoilers.

Découvrez notre test du Geekom XT13 Pro : un mini PC puissant, économe en énergie, silencieux et compact, idéal pour la bureautique et le multimédia.

The post Test du Geekom XT13 Pro : un mini PC à 549 euros avec un Intel Core i9 first appeared on IT-Connect.

Jeu d'horreur développé par le studio Bloober Team, Cronos: The New Dawn déborde finalement plus du côté de la survie sous haute tension. Après quelques heures rebutantes, on finit par être captivé par son ambiance originale, en pleine Pologne. Notre test.

Après avoir conquis le monde des jeux vidéo en 2023, Exit 8 s'infiltre désormais dans les salles obscures, grâce à un film japonais, dont la sortie est prévue le 3 septembre 2025. Et le moins que l'on puisse dire, c'est que le réalisateur Genki Kawamura a tout compris au concept d'adaptation. Voici notre critique sans spoilers.

Ou comment je suis devenu malgré moi le VRP d'une marque d'aspirateur que je ne connaissais pas il y a 9 mois. Avec son Floor One S7 Stretch Ultra, Tineco frappe fort dans la catégorie des balais aspirateurs-laveurs qui a le vent en poupe.

Après près de trente heures d'exploration, de réflexions et de combats acharnés, le générique de fin de Hell is Us s'est affiché sur ma vieille Panasonic. J'ai relancé ma sauvegarde aussitôt. Je n'étais vraiment pas encore prêt à quitter cet univers si singulier et étrangement envoûtant. C'est plutôt bon signe, non ? Notre test de ce jeu signé Nacon.

Sur Vinted, de plus en plus de photos de vêtements proposés à la vente n'existent pas. Elles sont générées par l'intelligence artificielle (IA) et pullulent en toute impunité sur la plateforme.

Le mini PC Geekom IT12 2025 Edition se décline en 4 versions, avec un rapport qualité/prix attractif et de bonnes performances. Voici notre avis complet.

The post Test Geekom IT12 2025 Edition – Mini PC first appeared on IT-Connect.

Test du NAS ASUSTOR Lockerstor 4 Gen3 (AS6804T) : un modèle puissant avec processeur Ryzen, RAM DDR5 ECC, et 4 interfaces réseau, y compris du 10 GbE.

The post Test NAS ASUSTOR Lockerstor 4 Gen3 (AS6804T) : réseau 5 GbE et 10 GbE, USB4, et SSD NVMe first appeared on IT-Connect.

N7 AMD 8845HS 2x 10GbE NAS Motherboard Review

The MINIROUTE N7 NAS motherboard, also sold under the CWWK brand, is a compact Mini-ITX board built around the AMD Ryzen 8845HS processor, targeting power users and professionals seeking a dense, high-performance platform for NAS or compact server deployments. With its Zen 4 architecture, integrated AMD Ryzen AI NPU (delivering up to 16 TOPS), and 8-core/16-thread configuration, the board aims to bridge the gap between consumer-grade ITX systems and commercial turnkey NAS solutions. It supports up to eight SATA drives via dual SFF-8643 ports, offers dual 10GbE RJ45 connections using Aquantia AQC113 controllers, and features modern expansion options including PCIe Gen 4, USB4 (40Gbps), and dual NVMe M.2 slots. The system is designed to accommodate DDR5 SO-DIMM memory up to 96GB (2×48GB), and includes support for triple 4K/8K video output. With a retail price of around $489–$509 depending on configuration, the N7 represents a fully DIY-focused solution, delivering a dense hardware feature set for users willing to assemble and fine-tune their own NAS stack. This review evaluates its physical design, storage implementation, hardware layout, connectivity, system performance under various workloads, and its broader viability as a platform for UnRAID, Proxmox, or ZimaOS deployments.

N7 AMD 2x 10GbE NAS Motherboard Review – Quick Conclusion

The MINIROUTE N7 (also marketed under the CWWK brand) delivers an unusually comprehensive blend of performance, connectivity, and storage capacity within the compact constraints of a Mini-ITX form factor, positioning it as one of the most capable motherboards in the DIY NAS and small-server market segment. Centered around the AMD Ryzen 8845HS processor, it provides 8 high-performance Zen 4 cores and 16 threads, along with full PCIe Gen 4 support, dual independent 10GbE RJ45 ports, native 8-bay SATA connectivity via SFF-8643, and dual M.2 NVMe slots running at full PCIe 4.0 ×4 speeds. This combination allows users to build a system capable of high-throughput file sharing, virtualized infrastructure, Docker containers, multimedia handling, and even AI-enhanced workloads if supported by the chosen software environment. Its inclusion of USB4 (40Gbps), bifurcation-ready PCIe x16 slot, and triple display outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C with DP Alt Mode) gives it rare versatility, allowing it to serve simultaneously as a NAS, hypervisor, and local-access media or control interface. These features, delivered without the need for PCIe add-in cards or external HBA controllers, simplify the build process and reduce total system cost when compared to equivalent prebuilt systems or workstation boards.

However, these strengths come with notable considerations. The board’s baseline power consumption is significantly higher than what one might find in ARM-based or low-power x86 embedded solutions, and thermals can become a concern under sustained load unless paired with an appropriate LGA1700-compatible cooler and adequate case airflow. Official ECC memory support is absent, which may limit its suitability for enterprise deployments requiring strict data integrity, even though ECC modules are detected in BIOS and several Linux-based NAS OS environments. The SFF-8643 connectors, while efficient and space-saving, add complexity for first-time builders who are unfamiliar with breakout cables or SAS-style drive setups. Despite this, experienced users will find the trade-offs acceptable in light of the raw capability the board offers. Whether you’re deploying TrueNAS SCALE with multiple VMs, using Proxmox for containerized services, or running UnRAID with GPU pass-through and AI indexing, the N7 provides enough bandwidth, I/O, and compute power to support demanding workloads in a footprint small enough to fit in virtually any modern NAS enclosure. For builders who prioritize flexibility, performance, and dense integration over energy efficiency or plug-and-play simplicity, the N7 emerges as one of the most forward-looking DIY NAS platforms currently available.

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 8/10

PRICE - 8/10

VALUE - 8/10

8.4

PROS

High-Performance CPU: Ryzen 8845HS offers 8 cores, 16 threads, and strong single/multi-thread performance suitable for VMs and containers.
Dual 10GbE Ports: Independent 10GbE NICs with full PCIe Gen 4 ×1 allocation allow high-throughput networking without contention.
Support for 8 SATA Drives: Native 8-bay SATA support via dual SFF-8643 eliminates the need for add-on HBA cards in most NAS builds.
Dual NVMe Gen 4 Slots: Two M.2 2280 slots support full PCIe Gen 4 ×4 speeds for fast boot, cache, or tiered storage.
PCIe Gen 4 x16 Slot: Full-length slot with x8 signal and BIOS bifurcation enables GPU, RAID, or multi-NVMe card expansion.
USB4 Support: Includes one 40Gbps USB-C port for high-speed external storage or passthrough options in advanced OS setups.
Triple Display Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C (DP Alt Mode) support up to 8K for local GUI or media server applications.
Compact ITX Layout: All features integrated into a 17cm × 17cm form factor, compatible with standard NAS and SFF cases.

CONS

No Official ECC Support: ECC DIMMs are detected but error correction is unverified, limiting its appeal in critical data environments. (correction, 8845HS Pro CPU DOES support ECC, not this one)
Moderately High Power Consumption: Idle power (~25W) and load (>60W) exceed typical low-power NAS boards, requiring active cooling.
SFF-8643 Complexity: Requires breakout cables and familiarity with SAS-style connectors, which may confuse first-time NAS builders.

N7 AMD 2x 10GbE NAS Motherboard Review – Design and Storage

The MINIROUTE N7 adheres to the Mini-ITX standard with a footprint of 17 × 17 cm, making it compatible with a wide range of compact NAS and SFF (Small Form Factor) enclosures. Despite its small size, the board manages to integrate an unusually dense set of components, routing power and data traces efficiently around the central CPU socket and key interface headers. The board requires both a standard 24-pin ATX and 4-pin CPU power connector, which is a practical choice for users reusing off-the-shelf ATX PSUs. The component layout is designed for vertical airflow, which aligns well with tower-style NAS chassis using top-down cooling. Passive heat dissipation is supplemented by a large copper heatsink preinstalled over the CPU and chipset area, although users will need to add a compatible LGA1700 cooler for effective thermal management in prolonged workloads.

Drive connectivity on the N7 is handled via two onboard SFF-8643 ports, each supporting up to four SATA 3.0 devices through breakout cables. These mini-SAS connectors route through onboard ASMedia ASM1164 controllers and offer up to 6Gbps per port, enabling up to eight storage devices across a single board without the need for a separate HBA card. Each SFF-8643 port is linked to a PCIe Gen 3 x1 lane, which limits peak throughput to just under 1GB/s per group of four drives.

While this isn’t a bottleneck in typical NAS workloads involving sequential reads/writes from hard drives, it may constrain performance with large SSD arrays or heavy mixed IOPS usage. Included in the box are two breakout cables for converting the 8643 ports to 4 × SATA each, streamlining setup and making the N7 more appealing for users assembling 6- to 8-bay NAS systems without additional add-ons.

The N7’s decision to use SFF-8643 instead of individual SATA headers is a deliberate choice that favors a clean internal cable setup, particularly in compact NAS cases with limited clearance or rear-mounted drive cages. This design also supports the use of add-on expansion modules such as CWWK’s 6-bay carrier boards or U.2 and M.2 SATA-to-SFF adapters, adding deployment flexibility for those planning to use a mix of HDDs and SSDs.

During physical inspection and test installation, the SATA connectors routed cleanly to the front of the board, minimizing crossflow interference for cooling and allowing for unobstructed access to RAM and NVMe slots. This layout, while compact, doesn’t obstruct airflow or block RAM or PCIe slot access even when all drive connections are populated.

Storage expansion is also supported via two M.2 NVMe slots: one mounted on the top side of the board and one underneath. Both slots support 2280-length drives at PCIe Gen 4 x4 speeds, providing ample bandwidth for SSD caching or fast boot devices. These NVMe drives are independent of the SATA controller and do not share lanes with the PCIe or USB4 ports, according to observed behavior during SSD testing. Read speeds on Gen 4 drives approached 5.1 GB/s, while write speeds hovered around 4.6 GB/s under sequential workloads. Thermals for these slots will depend on case design and airflow, as there are no included heatsinks for the M.2 bays—something users building 24/7 systems will want to address through motherboard-side or chassis-side cooling accessories.

The storage layout and capacity potential make the N7 particularly well suited for software-defined storage platforms like TrueNAS SCALE, UnRAID, and ZimaOS. RAID arrays, SSD cache pools, and hybrid tiered storage setups can all be constructed using the eight SATA and two NVMe interfaces. Although bandwidth on the SFF-8643 links is limited compared to dedicated HBA cards, the simplicity and integration on a Mini-ITX board are notable advantages. For users building an 8-bay NAS that includes SSD-based caching or boot storage, the N7’s native options reduce both hardware complexity and overall build cost. The only notable storage-related limitation is the lack of support for hardware RAID or U.2 ports natively, but given its price and form factor, the board aligns well with the needs of most advanced DIY NAS builders.

N7 AMD 2x 10GbE NAS Motherboard Review – Hardware

At the center of the N7 motherboard is the AMD Ryzen 8845HS processor, a Zen 4-based 8-core, 16-thread CPU designed for high-efficiency performance in mobile and embedded systems. With a base clock of 3.8GHz and a maximum boost clock of 5.1GHz, this chip provides considerably more computational headroom than most processors found in pre-built NAS devices or ITX boards at this price point. Its multithreaded performance is particularly well-suited for tasks like virtualization, multi-user services, parallel Docker workloads, and software-defined storage management.

The CPU also integrates AMD’s Radeon 780M graphics engine, based on RDNA 3 architecture, with 12 GPU cores clocked at up to 2.7GHz, which is more than adequate for media playback, transcoding, or even light GPU-accelerated applications under supported environments.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the AMD Ryzen AI engine adds another dimension to its capabilities, offering up to 16 TOPS of local inference performance—opening the door for AI-driven surveillance, metadata tagging, and potentially video analytics if supported by the NAS OS or containers used.

Memory support is provided through two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, with default 5600MHz support and capacity up to 48GB per stick, enabling a maximum of 96GB of RAM. This high memory ceiling is advantageous for power users running memory-intensive services such as RAM-cached storage, ZFS-based deduplication, large-scale container deployments, or multiple virtual machines. Although the board does not officially support ECC memory, testing on platforms such as UnRAID and ZimaOS showed that ECC modules are recognized and initialized, albeit without clear confirmation of active error correction.

Later investigation showed that the PRO version of the 8845HS CPU does in fact support ECC, whereas the standard 8845HS here does not – which is a shame that there is not a separate configuration that includes this CPU available from the brand at an additional cost for users who consider ECC support a ‘deal breaker’. The SO-DIMM slots are well-positioned and unobstructed, allowing for tool-free upgrades or swaps without removing other components, which is especially important given the compact ITX layout and potential space constraints in NAS enclosures.

What sets the N7 apart from most Mini-ITX NAS boards is its thoughtful PCIe lane distribution, which takes full advantage of the 20 available PCIe Gen 4 lanes provided by the Ryzen 8845HS.

The full-length PCIe slot operates at Gen 4 x8 by default, but also supports bifurcation into dual x4 via BIOS for users installing expansion cards like dual-NVMe adapters or multi-port network cards.

Each M.2 NVMe slot is also connected via a dedicated PCIe Gen 4 x4 lane, ensuring maximum bandwidth of up to 8GB/s for modern SSDs, without any shared bandwidth with SATA or network interfaces.

The two onboard 10GbE RJ45 ports are served by separate Aquantia AQC113C controllers, each connected via their own PCIe Gen 4 x1 link, giving up to 2GB/s per port and ensuring full-duplex throughput without crosstalk.

This dedicated lane allocation across network, storage, and expansion interfaces is rare in compact boards and critical for users seeking consistent performance under concurrent high-load scenarios like multi-user file access, SSD-based caching, and active VM hosting.

Category	Specification
Model	MINIROUTE N7 / CWWK N7 NAS ITX Motherboard
Form Factor	Mini-ITX (17 × 17 cm)
Processor	AMD Ryzen 8845HS (8 cores / 16 threads, Zen 4, up to 5.1GHz)
GPU	AMD Radeon 780M (12 cores, up to 2.7GHz)
AI NPU	AMD Ryzen AI Engine (up to 16 TOPS)
Chipset	SoC (Integrated, no discrete chipset)
Memory Support	2 × DDR5 SO-DIMM (up to 96GB total, 5600MHz, non-ECC officially)
M.2 Slots	2 × M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe Gen 4 ×4 each; top + rear-mounted)
SATA Ports	2 × SFF-8643 (8 × SATA 6Gb/s total via included breakout cables)
SATA Controller	2 × ASMedia ASM1164 (PCIe Gen 3 ×1 each)
PCIe Slot	1 × PCIe x16 (Gen 4 ×8 signal; bifurcation to 2 × x4 supported)
Ethernet Ports	2 × 10GbE RJ45 (Aquantia AQC113C-B1, auto-negotiating 10/5/2.5/1GbE/100M)
USB Ports	1 × USB4 Type-C (40Gbps), 3 × USB 3.2 Gen1 (5Gbps)
Internal USB	1 × USB 3.0 header, 1 × USB 2.0 header, 1 × Type-E header
Audio	1 × 3.5mm combo audio jack
Display Output	1 × HDMI, 1 × DisplayPort, 1 × USB-C (Alt Mode); up to 8K supported
Power Input	24-pin ATX + 4-pin CPU
Cooling	Passive copper heatsink (LGA1700-compatible; cooler not included)
Package Includes	2 × SFF-8643 to 4×SATA cables, I/O shield, screws, warranty card

N7 AMD 2x 10GbE NAS Motherboard Review – Ports and Connections

The MINIROUTE N7 motherboard delivers a well-rounded set of connectivity options, with a clear emphasis on high-speed networking and data transfer—features that are increasingly essential in modern NAS environments. Dominating the rear I/O are two 10GbE RJ45 ports, each backed by an Aquantia AQC113C-B1 controller and connected via independent PCIe Gen 4 ×1 lanes. This design ensures that each network interface operates without contention, allowing for sustained full-duplex bandwidth on both ports simultaneously.

The ports support all major Ethernet standards from 100M up to 10Gbps, enabling the board to adapt to diverse infrastructure including SMB networks, prosumer switches, and enterprise environments with 10GBase-T. For users setting up link aggregation (LACP), isolated network zones (i.e., separation of iSCSI and SMB), or even point-to-point replication between servers, these dual interfaces offer deployment flexibility typically absent on most consumer-grade ITX boards. While copper 10GbE does introduce higher thermal output compared to SFP+, the choice improves compatibility for users relying on standard RJ45 cabling and avoids the cost of optical transceivers.

On the USB front, the N7 integrates a versatile mix of legacy and next-generation interfaces to accommodate a range of peripheral scenarios. The single USB4 Type-C port supports up to 40Gbps data throughput, enabling fast access to NVMe-class external storage or high-resolution display output via DP Alt Mode. It also opens the door for emerging use cases such as external GPU enclosures, dock expansion, or USB4-to-10GbE adapters—particularly valuable for users running Linux distributions like ZimaOS or Proxmox, where hardware passthrough and device mapping are becoming more accessible.

Three additional USB 3.2 Gen1 (5Gbps) Type-A ports are located on the rear I/O and work as expected for more common devices like USB storage drives, UPS interfaces, or external backup systems. Internally, the board offers a USB 3.0 header for front-panel case ports, a USB 2.0 header for basic boot/recovery drives, and a Type-E header compatible with front-panel USB-C or TPM modules. During testing, USB Ethernet dongles including Realtek-based 2.5GbE and 5GbE models were recognized immediately under supported NAS OS environments, and native USB boot was stable across ZimaOS, UnRAID, and TrueNAS.

Display and peripheral audio output are also included, which broadens the board’s versatility beyond a pure headless NAS application. The board features three display output options: HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C via DP Alt Mode, all of which are powered by the integrated Radeon 780M GPU. These outputs can drive up to three displays concurrently, with resolutions up to 4K on all three or up to 8K on select single-display configurations.

This makes the board suitable for tasks like media center builds, HTPC-NAS hybrids, or running direct-access GUIs for NAS software like UnRAID’s web dashboard or Proxmox’s virtual console. The inclusion of these outputs also benefits users setting up the board as a temporary workstation or using the NAS in roles that require visual monitoring, such as security recording or local video playback via Jellyfin. Finally, a 3.5mm combo audio jack is available for users needing direct analog audio output—for example, for alerts, monitoring systems, or simple desktop playback. While not essential for most server roles, these extras enhance the board’s adaptability for multi-role deployments.

N7 AMD 2x 10GbE NAS Motherboard Review – Heat, Power and Speed Tests

The N7 motherboard, powered by the Ryzen 8845HS, exhibits performance characteristics closer to high-end desktop platforms than typical NAS or embedded ITX systems. Under idle conditions with no SATA drives connected, the system consumed around 25W of power—measured with the CPU utilization below 5%, one 10GbE port active but unused, and two NVMe SSDs idle. This baseline power draw is significantly higher than what one would expect from Intel N-series or low-wattage embedded solutions, but within expectations for an 8-core Zen 4 processor with multiple PCIe 4.0 devices powered.

During light workloads—such as file transfers, basic Docker container activity, and periodic system logging—power consumption rose to 35–40W, depending on active network interfaces and connected USB peripherals. Once under sustained load, such as running active VMs, accessing both NVMe drives simultaneously, and saturating both 10GbE ports, power consumption reached 62–64W, and could climb higher when SATA HDDs were connected. With full 8-bay drive setups, users should expect total system draw to increase by an additional 40–80W depending on drive type and workload.

Thermal performance remained acceptable, but adequate cooling is essential. The preinstalled copper heatsink provides passive thermal coverage over the SoC, but a dedicated LGA1700-compatible active cooler is required for stable operation. During high CPU utilization tasks (including transcoding and virtualized workloads), the Ryzen 8845HS reached 75–85°C using a standard Jonsbo low-profile air cooler in a ventilated test chassis. NVMe thermals also hovered between 55–65°C under sustained read/write conditions, especially in the rear-mounted slot with limited airflow.

While the chipset and PCIe controllers did not show signs of throttling, compact case designs with poor airflow could reduce long-term reliability unless additional ventilation or targeted airflow is introduced. Thermal probes placed near the SFF-8643 headers showed localized warmth, but no hotspots significant enough to warrant concern, assuming the system is housed in a well-ventilated NAS chassis.

In real-world bandwidth testing, both 10GbE ports were able to sustain near line-rate transfers using iperf3 and large file transfers via Samba and NFS. When paired with two PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs, the system consistently achieved 5.0–5.1GB/s reads and 4.5–4.6GB/s writes under sequential file operations, using CrystalDiskMark and Linux-based fio. When both 10GbE ports were active and transferring simultaneously, total throughput approached 2.8–3.0GB/s across both interfaces, depending on storage configuration and NIC drivers.

The M.2 slots did not exhibit thermal throttling in short bursts, though write-heavy tasks over time may benefit from passive heatsinks or motherboard padding to manage drive temperatures. Notably, a minor anomaly was observed during direct SSD-to-SSD transfers within the system: despite both NVMe drives supporting Gen 4 x4, inter-drive transfers capped at ~900MB/s, suggesting a potential shared PCIe switch limitation or OS-layer bottleneck. However, this did not impact external transfer speeds or typical NAS operations.

For virtual machines and multimedia, the N7 showed strong capabilities. The Ryzen 8845HS handled 6 mixed windows and ubuntu simultaneous VMs with steady responsiveness and no observable instability in both Proxmox and UnRAID and could very easily have been scaled further, up to double figures with ease. CPU utilization remained below 60% during combined 6xVM and 2x 4K converted Jellyfin media playback testing. The integrated Radeon 780M GPU enabled smooth 1080p and 4K media playback using Jellyfin via hardware-accelerated rendering.

8K native playback was supported, though transcoding large 8K files pushed the CPU above 80% utilization, and real-time conversion proved unreliable. Light 4K transcoding was possible, though not as efficient as Intel Quick Sync or NVIDIA NVENC-based solutions. Still, for native playback and lightweight transcodes in a home or SMB setup, the board performs well. Combined with Docker and AI acceleration for metadata tagging or face recognition, the N7 can act as a capable hybrid NAS/media server platform when deployed with suitable software.

N7 AMD 2x 10GbE NAS Motherboard Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The MINIROUTE N7 (also known as the CWWK N7) establishes itself as one of the most functionally complete and performance-oriented Mini-ITX NAS motherboards currently on the market, delivering a dense hardware feature set typically reserved for much larger or more expensive systems. Featuring the AMD Ryzen 8845HS with Zen 4 architecture, dual 10GbE ports, PCIe Gen 4 expansion, and native support for up to eight SATA drives via onboard SFF-8643, the N7 is aimed squarely at users building serious NAS and virtualization setups from the ground up. The inclusion of dual NVMe slots, USB4 support, and bifurcation-ready PCIe x16 further positions this board as a future-ready platform for mixed storage, networking, and container workloads. Unlike many boards in this category, which sacrifice PCIe allocation or require additional HBAs for full drive connectivity, the N7 manages to deliver everything natively within a compact 17 cm × 17 cm layout. Compatibility with UnRAID, Proxmox, TrueNAS SCALE, and ZimaOS means that users have a wide selection of operating environments to choose from, whether prioritizing containerized applications, VM infrastructure, or ZFS-based data integrity.

However, the board’s capability comes with caveats that will be more apparent to experienced system builders. Idle and load power consumption are significantly higher than N-series Intel or ARM SoCs, which may not suit deployments aiming for low-energy, 24/7 operation with minimal thermal output. Thermal demands on the CPU and M.2 storage require effective active cooling, particularly in enclosed NAS cases with limited airflow. Officially, there is no ECC memory support, and although the board recognizes ECC DIMMs in BIOS and some operating systems, the absence of validated error correction will deter users in environments where data integrity is mission-critical. Additionally, while the SFF-8643 layout enables clean cabling for up to eight SATA drives, it assumes familiarity with breakout cables or SAS-style enclosures—potentially adding complexity for users migrating from consumer-oriented boards with standard SATA headers. That said, for advanced NAS builders, home lab enthusiasts, or small-scale professionals seeking a board that combines workstation-grade power, native 10GbE networking, and dense storage connectivity, the N7 represents a well-balanced and highly flexible foundation. Its price may be higher than entry-level ITX boards, but for those seeking high-throughput and virtualized workflows in a compact format, it is one of the most capable DIY platforms currently available.

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...GL.iNet Comet Pro Review - TheGL.iNet Comet Pro ReviewTerramaster D1 SSD ReviewTerramaster D4 SSD USB4 Box ReTerramaster D4 SSD ReviewTerramaster D1 SSD ReviewSynology AI Console ReviewSynology AI Console Review - GTerramaster F4 SSD NAS ReviewGMKTec G9 Ver.2 NAS Review - C 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

Use Whatever Hard Drives or SSDs on Your Synology NAS (2025 Guide)

Note – there is a YouTube tutorial version of this guide HERE on the NASCompares YouTube Channel

Synology’s 2025 generation of NAS systems, such as the DS925+ and other Plus series models, introduced a more restrictive approach to drive compatibility. Unlike previous generations, these devices enforce a compatibility check that blocks or limits functionality when non-Synology hard drives or SSDs are used. As a result, users are unable to install DSM, create storage pools, or configure caching volumes using unverified drives. Even drives that work in earlier Synology models are now flagged as unsupported, resulting in persistent alerts or outright refusal to function. This guide provides a complete walkthrough for users who want to bypass those restrictions and enable full usage of third-party SATA and NVMe drives, including for pools, volumes, hot spares, and cache. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to install DSM with only unverified drives, how to remove system warnings, and how to automate the process for future updates or drive additions. The solutions here rely on trusted scripts developed by the Synology community and require minimal system modification, allowing users to regain control over their own hardware.

Special Thanks to Dave Russell

The ability to bypass Synology’s restrictive drive compatibility checks would not be possible without the extensive work of Dave Russell, widely known in the Synology community as 007revad. His GitHub project, Synology_HDD_db, is the basis for all the procedures outlined in this guide. The script he developed modifies DSM’s internal compatibility database, enabling full functionality for otherwise unsupported HDDs, SSDs, and NVMe drives. Dave has not only written and maintained this complex script, but also ensured that it works across different NAS models and DSM versions, including DSM 7.2 and newer. He continues to improve the tool in response to Synology firmware changes, regularly providing updates and extended options such as M.2 volume support and WDDA disablement. Users are strongly encouraged to consult the official GitHub repository, follow the provided documentation, and, where possible, support his ongoing work HERE, which remains freely available to the broader NAS community.

MASSIVE Disclaimer

Modifying your Synology NAS to allow the use of unverified drives is not officially supported by Synology. By applying the changes described in this guide, you will be altering system files and bypassing built-in compatibility checks within DSM. While these changes are reversible and have been widely tested, doing so may void your Synology warranty or affect your ability to receive technical support from the manufacturer, even in cases unrelated to storage. Additionally, although the script-based method described here is non-destructive and has proven safe for many users, there is always a minimal risk of issues following DSM updates or hardware changes. You should not proceed unless you have full backups of your data and are comfortable with SSH and terminal operations. This guide is intended for advanced users, system integrators, or home NAS enthusiasts who understand the risks and accept responsibility for operating outside of official Synology support channels.

How to Set Up a Synology NAS with No Drives Installed to Allow DSM Installation

Synology’s 2025 and later Plus-series NAS systems will not allow DSM installation if only unverified drives are present. However, it is possible to bypass this limitation and install DSM without using any Synology-branded or officially supported drives. The method involves enabling Telnet access and overriding the drive compatibility check during the DSM installation process.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Physically set up your NAS

  • Connect the NAS to your local network using Ethernet.

  • Ensure the device is powered on, even if no drives are installed or only unverified drives are present.

• Attempt initial DSM setup

  • Use Synology Assistant or go to http://find.synology.com to locate your NAS.

  • Proceed through the DSM installation wizard. You will likely encounter an error indicating that the inserted drive(s) are unsupported.

• Enable Telnet access

  • In a browser, navigate to:
    http://<NAS-IP>:5000/webman/start_telnet.cgi
    Replace <NAS-IP> with the actual IP address of your NAS.

• Connect via Telnet

  • Open a Telnet client like PuTTY.

  • Enter your NAS IP address and connect via Telnet.

  • When prompted, use:

    • Username: root

    • Password: 101-0101 (default for this Telnet interface)

• Bypass installation check

  • Enter the following command into the Telnet window:

    while true; do touch /tmp/installable_check_pass; sleep 1; done


  • This creates a temporary flag that bypasses the system’s compatibility verification loop.

• Return to the DSM install page

  • Refresh the browser window where you began the DSM setup.

  • DSM will now allow installation to proceed, even on unverified drives.

• Finish DSM setup

  • Complete the DSM installation.

  • Create your admin user account when prompted.

  • You can now access the full DSM interface.

Once DSM is installed, you can proceed to apply the permanent drive compatibility fixes, create storage pools, and remove warning banners—all covered in the next section.

How to Allow Unverified HDDs or SSDs to Be Used for Storage Pools, Volumes, and Caching (and Remove Warnings)

Once DSM is installed, unverified drives will still be blocked from creating storage pools, volumes, or caches. Even if the system boots, Storage Manager will display warnings or greyed-out options. To unlock full functionality, you must apply a community-developed script that updates DSM’s internal drive compatibility database. This section outlines how to download, apply, and validate that change.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Enable SSH on your NAS
  • In DSM, go to Control Panel > Terminal & SNMP > Terminal.
  • Enable SSH service and click Apply.

• Prepare SSH access
  • Use PuTTY (or your preferred SSH client) to connect to your NAS.
  • Log in using your DSM administrator username and password (not root at this stage).
• Create working directory
  • Once connected, elevate to root:

    sudo -i
    

  • Create the required folder:

    mkdir -m775 /opt
    cd /opt
    

• Download the required scripts
  • Run the following commands to download the latest versions directly from Dave Russell’s GitHub:

    curl -O "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db/refs/heads/main/syno_hdd_db.sh"
    curl -O "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db/refs/heads/main/syno_hdd_vendor_ids.txt"
    chmod 750 /opt/syno_hdd_db.sh
    

• Run the script
  • Execute the script to patch the drive database:

    /opt/syno_hdd_db.sh
    

  • The script will detect your NAS model, DSM version, and connected drives. It will then add those drives to the compatibility database and back up the original files.

• Check Storage Manager
  • Return to DSM’s Storage Manager.
  • If changes are not immediately visible, reboot your NAS.
  • You should now be able to create storage pools, volumes, and SSD caches with unverified drives, without warning messages.
• Optional: Disable compatibility warnings completely
  • To stop future drive alerts from DSM, you may also want to run:

    /usr/syno/bin/synosetkeyvalue /etc.defaults/synoinfo.conf support_disk_compatibility no
    

At this point, all third-party drives currently installed in the system will be fully usable and recognized as supported. The next section explains how to add additional unverified drives later and have them automatically accepted.

What to Do When Adding New HDDs or SSDs Later for Expansion, Replacement, or Hot Spares

After your initial setup and database modification, any newly added unverified drives will still appear as unsupported in DSM until they are explicitly added to the modified compatibility database. This section outlines how to safely introduce new drives for RAID expansion, hot spare assignment, or disk replacement without encountering blockages or warning messages.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Physically install the new drive(s)
  • Power down your NAS if required (for systems that don’t support hot-swapping).
  • Insert the new unverified HDDs or SSDs into available bays.
  • Power the NAS back on and log in to DSM.
• Check Storage Manager
  • Go to Storage Manager > HDD/SSD.
  • Newly added drives will appear but will be marked as “Not supported” or “Unverified.”
  • They will not be usable for volume expansion or as hot spares until added to the compatibility list.
• Reconnect via SSH
  • Use PuTTY or your SSH client to log into DSM with your admin credentials.
  • Elevate to root access:

    sudo -i
    

• Navigate to the working directory
  • Assuming you previously created /opt and stored the script there:

    cd /opt
    

• Run the update script again
  • This re-applies the database patch and includes newly inserted drives:

    ./syno_hdd_db.sh

1. Verify drive status
   • Go back to Storage Manager.
   • Refresh the page or reboot the NAS if needed.
   • The newly added drives should now appear as compatible and can be used for expansion, drive replacement, or assigned as hot spares.

This process can be repeated anytime new unverified drives are introduced. However, to avoid having to manually re-run the script every time, the next section covers how to set up a scheduled task that automates this during every system boot.

How to Set Up a Scheduled Task to Re-Apply the Fix on Every Reboot

Synology DSM updates or certain system operations can overwrite or reset the internal compatibility database, especially after version upgrades or service restarts. To ensure that unverified drives remain recognized and fully functional even after a reboot, you can configure a scheduled task that automatically re-applies the compatibility script at every startup.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Log in to DSM and open Task Scheduler
  • Go to Control Panel > Task Scheduler.
  • Click Create > Triggered Task > User-defined script.
• Configure the general settings
  • Task Name: Name it something descriptive like Drive Compatibility Patch.
  • User: Select root from the dropdown (this is essential for full system access).
  • Event: Select Boot-up so the script runs every time the NAS starts.
  • Leave Enabled checked.

• Set the script action
  • Click on the Task Settings tab.
  • In the User-defined script box, enter the following command:

    mkdir -m775 /opt
    cd /opt || (echo "Failed to CD to /opt"; exit 1)
    curl -O "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db/refs/heads/main/syno_hdd_db.sh"
    curl -O "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db/refs/heads/main/syno_hdd_vendor_ids.txt"
    chmod 750 /opt/syno_hdd_db.sh
    /opt/syno_hdd_db.sh -e
    

  • This ensures the script is always downloaded fresh and applied with the -e flag for compatibility with scheduled tasks and email output (if enabled).
• Optional email notifications
  • Still under Task Settings, you can enable email alerts to be notified if the script fails or terminates abnormally.
• Save and test
  • Click OK to save the task.
  • You can manually run the task to confirm it executes correctly.
  • Reboot the NAS to ensure the script is applied at boot and unverified drives remain fully usable.

This scheduled task ensures long-term reliability and reduces the need for manual intervention whenever DSM is restarted, updated, or new drives are introduced.

Synology’s decision to restrict drive compatibility in its 2025 and later NAS models has complicated matters for users who prefer flexibility in their storage choices. However, through a combination of Telnet access, SSH scripting, and community-built tools like Dave Russell’s syno_hdd_db.sh, it is entirely possible to restore full drive functionality—even when using completely unverified SATA or NVMe devices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can install DSM on unverified drives, create storage pools, use SSDs for caching, and expand or modify their RAID configurations without limitations. Setting up an automated scheduled task further ensures these capabilities persist through reboots and DSM updates. While Synology may eventually broaden official support, this method provides a reliable and reversible way to maintain full control over your hardware today.

Should You Buy the Synology DS925+ NAS?

In practical terms, the DS925+ is the stronger out-of-the-box choice, especially for users who value simplicity, improved default performance, and do not anticipate needing higher-than-2.5GbE networking down the line. However, the long-term value proposition becomes murkier when you factor in the DS923+’s PCIe expansion, broader drive compatibility, and the potential price drops that will follow its ageing status in Synology’s lineup. In short, the DS925+ is the better NAS on day one—more powerful, faster, and quieter. But if you’re planning for day 1,000, it’s worth pausing to consider whether the expandability and media flexibility of the DS923+ may be a better fit for your storage and networking needs over the next five to seven years.

Synology DS925+ NAS		Synology DS923+ NAS
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology DS925+ NAS	Check B&H for the Synology DS925+ NAS	Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology DS923+ NAS	Check B&H for the Synology DS923+ NAS

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Why is 10GbE STILL NOT EverywhQNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAQNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAWHY Synology Changed Support oWHY Synology Changed Support oWeek 33 Tech Roundup – TerraSynology AI Console ReviewSynology AI Console Review - GDS1825+ vs DXP8800 PLUS NAS - Synology DS1825+ vs UGREEN DXP 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 M8 MITX 10GbE NAS Motherboard & CPU Review

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

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Quick Conclusion

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

BUILD QUALITY - 9/10

HARDWARE - 9/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 10/10

9.0

PROS

10GbE RJ45 port (AQC113C) with full Gen3 x2 bandwidth
Dual 2.5GbE Intel i226-V ports with wide OS compatibility
Supports up to 8 SATA drives via dual independent SFF-8643 ports
Includes 2× M.2 NVMe 2280 slots, suitable for cache or boot use
Very low power draw (~20W under load with 10g+2xM.2, ~31W idle fully populated with HDDs)
Compact Mini-ITX form factor with well-organized layout
Exceptional Price vs H/W Level
Broad OS support (TrueNAS, Unraid, PVE, Linux, Windows, etc.)

CONS

PCIe slot and M.2 E-Key share a lane—only one usable at a time
M.2 NVMe slots limited to PCIe Gen3 x1 speeds
Single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot (no dual-channel support)

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Design

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Ports and Connections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Internal Hardware

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Performance and Power Tests

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

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

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

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

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

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

CWWK M8 10GbE NAS Mobo – Verdict and Conclusion

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

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

Join Inner Circle

Want to follow specific category? Also Read...Why is 10GbE STILL NOT EverywhQNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAQNAP Qu405, Qu605 and Qu805 NAGL.iNet Comet Pro Review - TheGL.iNet Comet Pro ReviewWeek 33 Tech Roundup – TerraTerramaster D1 SSD ReviewTerramaster D4 SSD USB4 Box ReTerramaster D4 SSD ReviewTerramaster D1 SSD 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

L'avis complet sur le fat bike électrique ENGWE EP-2 Boost : montage, performances, autonomie, confort et verdict final sur ce vélo.

The post Test ENGWE EP-2 Boost : un vélo électrique pliant, tout-terrain et homologué en France first appeared on IT-Connect.

Test du KTC H27E6 : un écran 27" QHD 300 Hz performant et abordable, idéal pour les gamers à la recherche d’un excellent rapport qualité/prix.

The post Test KTC H27E6 : écran gamer 27″, 2K, 300 Hz à moins de 290 euros first appeared on IT-Connect.

Le détective privé Charles Berthinier était spécialisé en terrain lorsque le covid l’a amené à se former à l’OSINT. Il s’en sert aujourd’hui pour toutes ses enquêtes, et n’a parfois même pas à se déplacer pour les résoudre. Récit.