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Hier — 14 juillet 2025Flux principal

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 NAS

Par : Rob Andrews
14 juillet 2025 à 18:00

The Synology DS925+ versus QNAP TS-464 – Buy NEW or Buy QNAP?

Every so often in the NAS market, a new model arrives that challenges not just its predecessors but also its closest competitors. With the 2025 release of the Synology DS925+, buyers now face an interesting dilemma: go with Synology’s latest compact powerhouse, or choose QNAP’s TS-464—a device that has already proven itself since its release in 2022/2023 and offers a wide array of features at a competitive price. The DS925+ brings notable upgrades to CPU architecture, system memory scalability, and integration within Synology’s tightly controlled ecosystem. Meanwhile, the TS-464 has spent years benefiting from firmware maturity, PCIe expandability, and a more open hardware approach that appeals to power users and tinkerers alike. But which device is ultimately the better buy in 2025? Should you embrace Synology’s ecosystem with its newer, high-performance release, or does QNAP’s more versatile and budget-friendly offering still hold strong in the face of newer competition? Let’s dive into the details to help you decide which NAS deserves your next investment.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Hardware Specifications

When placing the 2025 Synology DS925+ alongside the 2022/2023 QNAP TS-464, one might expect the newer model to clearly dominate in every area. But hardware comparisons in the NAS market are rarely so simple. While both units are aimed at tech-savvy home users and small businesses looking for reliable, always-on storage solutions, their approaches to hardware—and the user needs they prioritize—are noticeably different. The DS925+ emphasizes streamlined performance, reduced noise, and integration within Synology’s tightly managed ecosystem. The QNAP TS-464, meanwhile, leans into raw hardware flexibility, DIY expandability, and a more open feature set for power users. Below is a detailed hardware breakdown of both NAS devices, showing where each shines and where compromises were made.

Category Synology DS925+

QNAP TS-464

Advantage / Notes
CPU Model AMD Ryzen V1500B Intel Celeron N5105 Different architectures; depends on workload
CPU Cores / Threads 4 Cores / 8 Threads 4 Cores / 4 Threads DS925+ has more threads
CPU Frequency 2.2 GHz 2.0 GHz (base) / 2.9 GHz (turbo) TS-464 has higher clock speeds
Architecture 64-bit 64-bit
Hardware Encryption Engine Yes Yes
Memory (Pre-installed) 4 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM 4 GB DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM DS925+ uses ECC memory
Total Memory Slots 2 2
Max Memory Capacity 32 GB (2x 16 GB ECC) 16 GB officially, 32 GB unofficially DS925+ officially supports more RAM
Drive Bays 4 4
Max Drive Bays (with Expansion) 9 (DX525) Up to 8/12/16 (TL-D800S or TL-D1600S) TS-464 supports more total drives
M.2 Drive Slots 2 x NVMe (cache only, unless you use Synology SSDs) 2 x NVMe (cache or storage) TS-464 offers more flexibility
Supported Drive Types Synology-only verified HDD/SSD Full third-party drive compatibility TS-464 supports Seagate, WD, Toshiba, Kingston, Samsung, etc.
Hot Swappable Drives Yes (SATA only) Yes (SATA only)
LAN Ports 2 x 2.5GbE 2 x 2.5GbE
USB Ports 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A TS-464 has faster and more versatile ports
Expansion Port Type USB Type-C (for DX525 only) USB Type-C / USB-A (for TL & TR series) TS-464 supports more expansion chassis
PCIe Slot None 1 x PCIe Gen3 x2 TS-464 allows 10GbE or AI/GPU card upgrades
Dimensions (HxWxD) 166 x 199 x 223 mm 168 x 170 x 226 mm Virtually the same size
Weight 2.26 kg 2.18 kg TS-464 is slightly lighter
System Fans 2 x 92mm 1 x 120mm DS925+ may offer better airflow; TS-464 is quieter
Fan Modes Full-Speed, Cool, Quiet Smart Fan Control Comparable flexibility
LED Brightness Control Yes Yes
Power Recovery Yes Yes
Noise Level (Idle) 20.5 dB(A) 18.6 dB(A) TS-464 is quieter
Power Supply 100W External Adapter 90W External Adapter TS-464 is more power efficient
Power Consumption (Access / Hibernate) 37.91W / 12.33W 26.08W / 9.48W TS-464 uses less power
BTU (Access / Hibernate) 129.27 / 42.05 89.03 / 32.38 TS-464 generates less heat
Operating Temp 0°C to 40°C 0°C to 40°C
Storage Temp -20°C to 60°C -20°C to 70°C TS-464 is rated for slightly higher extremes
Humidity 5% to 95% RH 5% to 95% RH
Warranty 3 years (extendable to 5) 3 years (extendable with license or bundle)

The DS925+ delivers a refined hardware experience out of the box, with its newer AMD Embedded Ryzen V1500B 4 Core/ 8 thread processor, dual 2.5GbE ports for faster LAN connectivity, and modern I/O including USB-C. It features two M.2 NVMe slots (for cache only, unless you use the Synology SNV3400 drives from Synology), dual memory slots supporting up to 32GB of ECC DDR4 RAM, and a compact metal chassis designed for quiet, efficient operation. It also runs cooler and quieter than many of its rivals, making it an ideal fit for environments where noise levels matter—such as living rooms, home studios, or small offices. This makes the DS925+ a “plug-and-play” NAS with premium internal components and minimal need for user intervention.

By contrast, the QNAP TS-464 takes a more modular, expandable approach. Powered by the Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 CPU (a quad-core processor with integrated graphics, but only 4 threads), it offers HDMI 2.0 output, two M.2 PCIe Gen3 x1 slots (which can be used for either caching or storage pools), and a PCIe Gen3 x2 slot for optional 10GbE or more M.2s, USB expansion, or even GPU cards. QNAP also includes dual 2.5GbE ports, putting it on par with the DS925+ in terms of network speed, but it edges ahead in overall hardware adaptability. Want multimedia output via HDMI? QNAP has it. Want to add NVMe storage pools or real-time transcoding? QNAP supports that too. That said, the TS-464 is based on a slightly older CPU architecture, lacks ECC memory support, and typically generates more fan noise under load. Additionally, its OS and ecosystem are broader in scope but often require more manual setup. Ultimately, the DS925+ is purpose-built for those who prioritize a quiet, polished, and simplified experience with modern performance. The TS-464, on the other hand, remains an excellent choice for users who prefer control, multimedia support, and greater hardware flexibility. Choosing between them largely depends on whether you value Synology’s stability and turnkey design, or QNAP’s freedom and potential.

AMD V1500B vs Intel N5105 – CPU Specifications (Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464)

In any NAS system, the processor plays a pivotal role in determining the scope of functionality—whether it’s managing multiple concurrent users, running virtual machines, powering AI-driven applications, or simply handling encrypted transfers and background tasks efficiently. The Synology DS925+ and the QNAP TS-464 take noticeably different approaches in this regard. The DS925+ features the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B, a server-grade SoC designed for sustained multi-threaded workloads. The TS-464, on the other hand, runs on the Intel Celeron N5105, a more consumer-oriented chip that prioritizes integrated multimedia support and power efficiency. While both CPUs are quad-core, their architecture, instruction set, and target use cases diverge sharply—affecting not only raw processing, but also the capabilities unlocked within DSM and QTS/QuTS, respectively.

Category AMD Ryzen V1500B

Intel Celeron N5105

Advantage / Notes
Architecture Zen (1st Gen) Tremont (10nm) N5105 uses newer fabrication process
Core / Thread Count 4 Cores / 8 Threads 4 Cores / 4 Threads V1500B has SMT (hyperthreading) support
Base Clock Speed 2.2 GHz 2.0 GHz V1500B slightly faster base
Boost Clock Speed N/A (fixed clock) Up to 2.9 GHz N5105 has dynamic boost for single-thread performance
TDP (Thermal Design Power) 16W 10W N5105 is more power efficient
L2 Cache 2 MB 1.5 MB V1500B has more L2 cache
L3 Cache 4 MB 4 MB Same
Integrated Graphics None Intel UHD Graphics (24 EUs @ 800 MHz) N5105 supports HDMI, video decoding, and light GPU tasks
PCIe Version PCIe 3.0 PCIe 3.0
Max Memory Supported 32 GB ECC DDR4 16 GB officially (32 GB unofficially) V1500B supports higher, ECC-capable memory
Memory Type DDR4 ECC DDR4 / LPDDR4x (non-ECC) V1500B supports ECC, better for critical NAS use
Virtualization Support Yes (AMD-V) Yes (VT-x, VT-d) Both CPUs support virtualization features
AES-NI (Encryption) Yes Yes Both support hardware encryption
Target Use Case Embedded systems / Business NAS Low-power desktops / SMB NAS / IoT V1500B is more server/NAS-specific
Release Year 2020 2021 N5105 is newer

In terms of raw specs, the V1500B offers 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 2.2GHz and support for ECC memory—a key advantage for mission-critical environments. This CPU is built for multitasking and thrives in scenarios involving virtual machines, container services, and intensive file indexing or backup operations. As a result, the DS925+ supports up to 8 concurrent virtual machines, 8 virtual DSM instances, and higher thresholds for connected users across Synology apps. It is better suited to offices or power users who rely on services like Synology Office, Drive, or Surveillance Station running in tandem. The system handles up to 150 Synology Chat users, 80 Office users, and 80 Drive users, offering excellent multitasking performance with low overhead.

The QNAP TS-464’s Intel N5105 is a 10nm Jasper Lake processor, also quad-core but without hyper-threading and with a slightly lower base clock (2.0GHz). However, it includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics, giving it one key advantage the DS925+ lacks: hardware-accelerated video transcoding via QNAP’s own QuMagie, Video Station, and especially Plex Media Server with support for on-the-fly 1080p and 4K decoding when paired with proper client-side licensing. This makes the TS-464 ideal for multimedia-heavy environments. Beyond media, the N5105 powers QTS and QuTS hero with access to QNAP’s broader and often more modular ecosystem. This includes Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS 3) for unified backup and disaster recovery, QuDedup for deduplicated snapshot replication, QVR Elite and QVR Pro for professional-grade surveillance (supporting multiple IP camera licenses natively), and AI Core features like face recognition and event detection when paired with the QuMagie or QVR Human apps. The TS-464 also supports Virtualization Station, enabling users to run lightweight Linux or Windows VMs with direct passthrough access to USB or PCIe devices, and Container Station, which offers both Docker and LXC container compatibility with GPU passthrough for NPU-based AI inference workloads. Thanks to the included PCIe Gen 3 x2 slot, the system supports optional upgrades like 10GbE NICs, QM2 expansion cards (for M.2 SSD or additional 2.5GbE/10GbE ports), or even Wi-Fi 6 cards, something entirely absent in the DS925+. Additionally, QNAP allows direct output to an external display via HDMI 2.0, enabling standalone use of HD Station apps like Chrome, LibreOffice, Kodi, and even Linux desktop environments — a feature highly prized in HTPC and security NVR deployments. Users can leverage Linux Station to run full Ubuntu VMs locally, or install Ubuntu Core through the App Center for custom development or edge AI inference scenarios.

Taken together, the TS-464 may not support the same high virtual machine/user count as the DS925+, but it compensates with a broader set of integrated appliances catering to power users, home labs, edge AI, and media-heavy deployments. It’s a more “tinker-friendly” platform, favoring flexibility and breadth over centralized system control and vertical integration. If you need an appliance that works across entertainment, security, and hybrid cloud workflows, with room for add-on functionality via hardware or apps, the TS-464 is hard to beat for the price. That said, the Synology DS925+ ultimately offers greater headroom for enterprise workflows, heavier VM usage, and large-scale hybrid deployments. It sacrifices media transcoding and graphical acceleration, but gains a server-class CPU that ensures consistent performance under heavier load conditions. Meanwhile, the TS-464 excels in edge-case versatility, offering more multimedia flexibility and richer expansion potential via PCIe. If your priorities lie in business-class performance, ECC memory support, and robust multi-user capacity, the DS925+ is the clear winner. But for media streaming, home lab tinkering, and a wider hardware feature set, the TS-464 remains a very compelling alternative.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Software Specifications

When it comes to NAS platforms, hardware is only half the story—what truly determines a system’s long-term value is the strength, maturity, and flexibility of its software. Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) and QNAP’s QTS/QuTS Hero are two of the most advanced NAS operating systems available today, offering extensive suites of services for backup, virtualization, hybrid cloud, media streaming, and AI-assisted surveillance. But while both OS platforms cover similar ground, their design philosophies, application depth, and supported workloads differ substantially. The Synology DS925+ and QNAP TS-464, though comparable in price and both aimed at prosumers and SMBs, unlock very different software experiences depending on the deployment goals—be it centralized IT infrastructure, media-rich home labs, or container-based edge computing.

With the DS925+, Synology leans into its strength in unified management and vertical integration. DSM 7.2 is optimized for reliability, simplicity, and scalability within Synology’s ecosystem. The DS925+ supports up to 8 virtual machines and 8 Virtual DSM instances through Virtual Machine Manager, offers extensive group and user quotas, and enables full integration with Synology’s cloud services (such as Synology C2 Backup, C2 Identity, and Hybrid Share). Its higher hardware ceiling allows for more active users: 150 on Synology Chat, 80 on Synology Drive and Office, and up to 8 simultaneous VPN connections. Backup capabilities are similarly robust, with a higher threshold of shared folder sync tasks and superior support for incremental snapshot replication. Surveillance Station on the DS925+ supports up to 40 IP cameras and benefits from reduced CPU overhead during continuous recording, even while handling concurrent backup or media indexing operations. DSM’s elegant UI, consistent updates, and tightly integrated packages make it ideal for organizations that value centralized IT administration and long-term platform stability.

On the other hand, the QNAP TS-464 running QTS 5 or QuTS Hero offers a more open and modular software ecosystem. While the Intel N5105 CPU imposes lower multitasking ceilings than the V1500B, QNAP compensates with a broader set of feature-specific applications and customization paths. The TS-464 supports virtualization through Virtualization Station (for VMs) and Container Station (for Docker + LXC), and unlike the DS925+, can output video directly via HDMI 2.0—allowing the NAS to act as a standalone Linux desktop, NVR, or HTPC via HybridDesk Station. QNAP also differentiates itself with Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS3), which enables multi-destination sync, deduplicated backup via QuDedup, and real-time disaster recovery tools not found in DSM. QVR Pro and QVR Elite offer an expansive surveillance suite with optional AI-powered analytics (e.g., face recognition, people counting) when paired with compatible QNAP AI apps. The inclusion of ZFS with QuTS Hero (an optional OS for the TS-464) enables inline compression, self-healing file systems, and block-level snapshots, which can be critical for data integrity in business scenarios.

QNAP also encourages expansion through its App Center, which includes over 150+ native and third-party apps, from Node.js and GitLab to Home Assistant, Ubuntu Station, and even Mattermost for self-hosted chat. While the system supports fewer concurrent users and VMs than the DS925+, its strength lies in feature breadth and system-level flexibility. Add-ons like 10GbE NICs, QM2 SSD accelerators, or Wi-Fi 6 cards via PCIe further extend its versatility, especially for hybrid edge workloads or multi-role deployments that evolve over time. In short, the Synology DS925+ is designed for administrative simplicity and long-term scaling, excelling in consistent performance across multi-user deployments with deep DSM integration. The QNAP TS-464, meanwhile, is a powerful sandbox for customization, offering greater freedom, multimedia functionality, and third-party integration—at the cost of some operational polish and software limits. Choosing between them depends on whether your priorities lie in predictable enterprise-grade execution or a more adaptable, feature-dense platform.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Hard Drive and SSD Compatibility

In 2025, Synology has taken its most aggressive step yet toward locking down hardware compatibility, and nowhere is this more evident than in the DS925+. Following years of gradual restrictions—starting with warnings for unverified drives and progressing to default white-listing only Synology-branded media—the DS925+ now represents a firm line in the sand. At the time of writing, this system will not allow DSM initialization if it detects hard drives or SSDs that are not officially listed on Synology’s compatibility list. This list includes exclusively Synology HAT5300/HAT3310 HDDs and SAT5200 SSDs, with no third-party Seagate, WD, Toshiba, Samsung, or Kingston media currently supported. Regardless of drive quality or performance, unsupported models will be outright blocked during system setup. While Synology claims this guarantees optimal reliability and performance within DSM 7.2, the move drastically reduces flexibility for users and integrators alike.

In stark contrast, the QNAP TS-464 embraces an open compatibility philosophy. It supports virtually all major consumer and enterprise drives—from Seagate IronWolf and Exos, to WD Red, Red Plus, and Ultrastar, as well as Toshiba N300/X300 and Samsung/Kingston SSDs—up to 24TB per drive (or higher as of late 2025). QNAP also maintains a regularly updated compatibility list, but crucially, this list is advisory rather than mandatory. Users can install any 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD, and as long as it meets the physical and electrical standards, the TS-464 will initialize without issue. This means integrators, home users, or small businesses can reuse existing drives or select from the most cost-effective options in their region—something that’s increasingly difficult to do on newer Synology units. Moreover, QNAP allows mixing and matching of drive brands and capacities within the same storage pool (especially under QuTS hero’s ZFS environment), giving users granular control over redundancy, performance tuning, and cache layering with non-proprietary M.2 NVMe SSDs. This openness also applies to QNAP expansion units, many of which continue to work even with completely mixed-brand storage configurations—something Synology’s newer expansion policies have started to restrict.

For users in regions where Synology-branded media is expensive, hard to find, or simply not justified for non-critical applications, this policy shift on the DS925+ can be a deal-breaker. It positions the system closer to an appliance model, where Synology controls not only the hardware and software, but the storage medium itself. While that vertical integration may improve long-term reliability for some enterprise users, it’s difficult to reconcile with the broader DIY NAS community that values choice and modularity. Ultimately, this creates a philosophical divide: QNAP remains open, modular, and adaptable, trusting users to make informed decisions about their storage media. Synology, in contrast, is consolidating control, with the DS925+ exemplifying a move toward a closed ecosystem—potentially alienating users who previously praised DSM for its balance of simplicity and flexibility. Prospective buyers need to weigh not just performance and features, but how tightly they want to be tied to a single vendor’s hardware roadmap.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 NAS – Which Should You Buy?

The Synology DS925+ is a 2025 refresh designed with clear intent: push performance, tighten control, and streamline the out-of-box experience. In contrast, the QNAP TS-464—released in late 2022—is a Swiss Army knife of NAS flexibility, packed with customization options, open compatibility, and enough horsepower to meet the needs of both power users and small business deployments. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to what kind of NAS experience you’re after: a controlled, polished, and tightly integrated environment, or an open, adaptable, and hardware-friendly platform. On raw performance, the DS925+ has the edge. Its quad-core, 8-thread AMD V1500B CPU delivers higher throughput for multitasking, virtual machines, and heavier concurrent services, and DSM’s user/service thresholds are notably higher as a result. Add in dual 2.5GbE ports by default, and it’s clearly a step ahead of the DS923+ predecessor 1GbE-only base configuration, and you are looking at a healthy upgrade in several ways in this refresh. However, QNAP claws back ground with its PCIe Gen3 x2 slot, allowing 10GbE upgrades, Wi-Fi cards, and even GPU acceleration in select use cases—something Synology removed entirely from the DS925+. In QNAP’s favor is also its support for real-time hardware transcoding, HDMI 2.0 video output, and direct-attached monitor access—making it a better fit for media-centric environments where local playback, Plex, or Kodi usage matters.

Synology DS925+ NAS

QNAP TS-464 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 QNAP TS-464 NAS

Check B&H for the QNAP TS-464 NAS

But perhaps the most significant dividing line is drive compatibility. The DS925+ will only initialize DSM with Synology-validated drives—locking out nearly all third-party HDDs and SSDs unless explicitly approved. This hardline stance means limited flexibility for users wanting to build using existing drives or regional market alternatives. Meanwhile, the TS-464 supports virtually all consumer and enterprise drives, from Seagate to Toshiba to Kingston, giving users total control over their storage budget and deployment roadmap. This open-ecosystem approach extends to M.2 NVMe usage too, where QNAP allows storage pool creation, caching, and tiering with off-the-shelf modules, while Synology restricts pool creation to only their branded NVMes. If you’re an IT administrator, content creator, or SMB looking for a polished, performance-forward NAS and you’re fully on board with Synology’s ecosystem—including its branded drives—then the DS925+ offers a streamlined, high-ceiling experience with excellent multitasking potential and cleaner UI/UX polish under DSM 7.2. But if you’re someone who values flexibility, upgrade paths, media support, or simply wants to control your storage choices without vendor lock-in, the QNAP TS-464 is an incredibly compelling alternative—offering strong performance for its price, an open architecture, and a deeper toolbox under QTS/QuTS Hero.

NAS Solutions

NAS Solutions

+ Better Software (In almost every respect!)

+ Much Better Global Support Presence

+ More business desirable

+ Larger Range of solutions

– Compatibility restrictions on HDD and Upgrades More and more

– Underwhelming hardware (comparatively)

+ Better Hardware for Price

+ Wider Variety of Solutions and Hardware Profiles

+ Supports ZFS and/or EXT4 (with ZFS platform now available on latest Intel Celeron Systems)

+ Wide accessory range and compatibility

– Software can often feel inconsistent

– Hit by Security Issues if the past

Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

The Synology DS925+ is the better plug-and-play NAS for prosumers and SMBs who want a high-performance, low-maintenance experience—provided they’re comfortable buying into Synology’s tightly controlled ecosystem of software and storage hardware. On the other hand, the QNAP TS-464 remains the better choice for users who value flexibility, hardware freedom, and scalability—especially if media features, drive compatibility, or future upgrades are part of the plan. Ultimately, the DS925+ is the sharper tool, but the TS-464 is the more versatile one.

 

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À partir d’avant-hierFlux principal

45Drives HL8 NAS Case Review

Par : Rob Andrews
25 juin 2025 à 18:00

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Case Review

The 45Drives HL8 is an 8-bay desktop NAS chassis developed for users who want professional-grade storage hardware without committing to the rigid ecosystems of traditional NAS vendors. Designed and manufactured in North America, the HL8 is available in several configurations, with this review focusing specifically on the chassis, backplane, and power supply model. This version includes a precision-built steel enclosure, a direct-wired 8-bay SATA backplane, and a 500W 80 Plus Gold-rated Flex ATX power supply. It omits bundled motherboards, CPUs, and pre-installed operating systems, appealing to users who prefer to build or customize their NAS hardware environment while still benefiting from an integrated power and storage foundation. The HL8 aims to bridge the gap between low-cost DIY NAS enclosures, which often suffer from poor thermals and awkward layouts, and locked-down consumer appliances that limit software choices and upgrade potential. With a hinged open-frame design, support for full-height PCIe cards, and internal layout optimized for accessibility and cooling, the HL8 is positioned as a platform for long-term use and adaptability rather than a quick-start solution. While its price point is significantly higher than generic imported chassis, its construction and modular focus suggest it’s intended for serious users seeking more control, not simply more convenience.

Who Are 45Drives?

45Drives is a Canadian storage hardware manufacturer based in Nova Scotia, operating as a division of Protocase, a custom enclosure and prototyping company. The brand has built a reputation among system integrators, IT professionals, and homelab enthusiasts for delivering modular, open-platform storage solutions. Unlike many NAS vendors that focus on vertically integrated ecosystems, 45Drives offers systems built around industry-standard components, designed to be user-serviceable and adaptable. Their catalog includes high-density rackmount systems like the Storinator, hybrid flash-HDD systems such as the Stornado, and more recently, a range of compact desktop NAS chassis under the “HL” or HomeLab label. The HL8, HL4, and HL15 models are part of this effort to scale down enterprise-grade build quality into a form factor more appropriate for deskside or small office deployment.

A core part of 45Drives’ identity is its commitment to open-source principles, not just through hardware compatibility but also in software tooling and education. The company develops and maintains Cockpit-based management modules—such as their ZFS and Samba interfaces—for Linux distributions like Rocky Linux, which they often preinstall with their systems. These modules are freely available on GitHub, and the company encourages users to modify, self-host, or adapt them as needed. In addition to their software work, 45Drives actively engages with the community through regular YouTube content, documentation portals, and technical support that continues even when customers deviate from default hardware or software configurations. This combination of enterprise durability, user empowerment, and open development has earned 45Drives a dedicated following among those who want to retain full control over their infrastructure without sacrificing reliability or support.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10
NOISE - 8/10
COOLING - 8/10
PRICE - 6/10
VALUE - 8/10


8.0
PROS
👍🏻1. Exceptional build quality using 2mm thick powder-coated steel
👍🏻2. Unique hinged design allows full interior access without disassembly
👍🏻3. Integrated 12Gb/s SATA/SAS-compatible hot-swap backplane
👍🏻4. Designed for Mini-ITX motherboards with full PCIe x16 slot suppor0t
👍🏻5. Tool-less and tray-less drive bays improve maintenance and upgrades
👍🏻6. Outstanding documentation and support from 45Drives
👍🏻7. Fully open-source-friendly chassis with non-proprietary layout
CONS
👎🏻1. Significantly more expensive than typical DIY NAS cases
👎🏻2. No native 2.5\" SSD bays included (requires 3D-printed or addon tray)
👎🏻3. Only compatible with Flex ATX PSUs, limiting choice and increasing cost

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – External Design

The HL8’s exterior sets it apart from typical consumer NAS enclosures through its bold and unique industrial construction – practically enterprise grade, at a homelab and desktop level. Built from 16-gauge powder-coated steel, the chassis weighs approximately 22 lbs even before drives are installed, conveying a sense of structural rigidity that clearly aligns more with enterprise hardware than with mass-market desktop cases.

The finish is matte and durable, avoiding cheap plastics or decorative panels. Buyers can choose between metal and acrylic front plates, and several color options are available, offering some degree of personalization—something rarely seen at this tier. Branding is subtle, with the HL8 model designation etched into the top panel and a logo plate on the front face.

Unlike most enclosures that rely on removable panels or sliding trays, the HL8 features a hinged “clam shell” design. The entire upper shell lifts open via captive thumb screws, granting immediate access to internal components without needing to remove the drives or disconnect cabling.

This mechanism provides real-time visibility into the system’s interior during operation, making it easier to perform diagnostics, replace fans, or adjust cabling. It’s particularly helpful for users who regularly service or upgrade their systems, and it avoids many of the frustrations associated with cramped or tool-dependent access panels.

The front of the case houses eight hot-swap 3.5” bays in a vertical arrangement, accessible without tools and pre-wired via the internal backplane. These bays are trayless and rely on drive guides for alignment, secured by the structural frame rather than individual plastic sleds. This design allows for rapid drive installation and removal while minimizing potential points of mechanical failure. The front ventilation is cut directly into the steel fascia, and airflow is directed through the drive bays by internal Noctua fans located behind them. There are no visible indicators or LCD panels on the front panel—minimalism is favored over visual clutter.

Around the rear, the layout remains conventional but clean. The rear I/O cutout accommodates standard mini-ITX motherboard layouts, and the single expansion slot supports a full-height PCIe card up to 72mm in height. The integrated Flex ATX power supply sits beside the motherboard area with its own exhaust fan, and ample passive ventilation is provided via additional steel cutouts. While visually understated, the HL8’s outer design prioritizes durability, accessibility, and functional airflow—traits that reflect its enterprise lineage more than its homelab label might suggest.

Category HL8 (Chassis + Backplane) HL8 (Chassis + Backplane + PSU)
Model Name HL8 HL8 with PSU
Drive Bays 8x 3.5″ Tool-less, Trayless Bays 8x 3.5″ Tool-less, Trayless Bays
Drive Compatibility SATA & SAS (12Gb/s) via backplane SATA & SAS (12Gb/s) via backplane
Hot-Swap Support Yes Yes
Backplane Interface Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643) Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643)
Motherboard Support Mini-ITX Mini-ITX
PCIe Expansion Slot 1x Full-height, full-length 1x Full-height, full-length
PSU Form Factor Not included Flex ATX (pre-installed)
PSU Rating 500W, 80 Plus Gold (SilverStone FX500)
Cooling 3x 80mm Noctua Fans (pre-installed) 3x 80mm Noctua Fans (pre-installed)
CPU Cooler Clearance Approx. 75mm (depends on board layout) Approx. 75mm (depends on board layout)
GPU Length Support Up to ~270mm Up to ~270mm
Chassis Material 2mm Powder-Coated Steel 2mm Powder-Coated Steel
Front I/O None (uses motherboard rear I/O) None (uses motherboard rear I/O)
Drive Activity LEDs Optional (headers on backplane) Optional (headers on backplane)
Tool-less Design Yes – Hinged Folding Design Yes – Hinged Folding Design
Dimensions (W x D x H) ~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx.) ~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx.)
Weight (Unpopulated) ~7.8kg ~9.5kg (with PSU)
Made In Canada (Chassis), USA (via Protocase partner) Canada (Chassis), USA (via Protocase partner)
Typical Price (USD) $599 $799

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Internal Case Design

Internally, the HL8 case is engineered for both accessibility and structured airflow, with a layout that avoids many of the compromises found in smaller or mass-produced enclosures. The most notable feature is its fully hinged body, which allows the entire top and side panel assembly to lift upward without removing the drives. This open-access approach separates the drive chamber from the motherboard compartment without creating restrictive airflow barriers. It’s a significant advantage for users who need to inspect, troubleshoot, or upgrade internal components, especially when working with larger cooling units or dense cable configurations.

The motherboard area is positioned on the right side of the chassis, aligned horizontally to the drive plane, which prevents any obstruction by drive trays or cabling. This layout supports standard mini-ITX boards and allows full visibility of memory slots, M.2 sockets, and power headers even with drives installed. The motherboard is flanked by routing space that supports organized cabling, including SATA or power leads. This spacing is particularly useful when working with non-modular PSUs or when routing SATA cables from alternative controllers or add-in cards. The case does not limit users to any specific board vendor or layout beyond the mini-ITX size constraint.

Cabling for the backplane is pre-installed in the PSU model, which simplifies setup considerably. The backplane itself is a direct-wired design supporting up to eight SATA drives without requiring SAS expander cards or proprietary interfaces. This approach ensures compatibility with a wide range of consumer and enterprise SATA drives and avoids the long-term risks of vendor-specific drive bay lock-ins. It also makes replacing or troubleshooting individual cables far easier than in systems using multipath or bundled connectors. Power and data connections are cleanly routed through the side of the case, keeping airflow clear and minimizing vibration interference.

The Flex ATX PSU sits at the rear left and is mounted horizontally, drawing air through its own intake and exhausting separately from the main airflow path. This compact configuration leaves the bulk of the case’s lower chamber available for future expansion or airflow tuning. Additional internal fan mounts and brackets are preinstalled, and 45Drives includes all necessary mounting screws and documentation—even down to port-specific manuals for the pre-installed PSU. The internal design of the HL8 shows clear thought toward ease of maintenance and modularity, reflecting an expectation that users will revisit and modify their system over time rather than treat it as a sealed appliance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Noise and Cooling

The HL8’s cooling design reflects a balance between thermal efficiency and acoustic performance, especially in its PSU-included configuration. By default, this model ships with multiple Noctua fans—specifically, two NF-A12x15 fans for intake and one NF-A4x10 for exhaust—which are widely regarded for their low noise output and long-term reliability.

Combined with the direct airflow path created by the open drive cage layout, the HL8 maintains effective cooling of both hard drives and system components without requiring high-RPM, high-noise fan profiles. Even under load, thermal tests show the drive temperatures hovering around 50°C in a 20°C ambient environment—well within safe operating margins for mechanical disks.

In real-world usage, the system produces around 33–34 dBA at idle and 42 dBA under full fan load during tasks such as ZFS pool creation or sustained disk activity. These levels are consistent with what you would expect from a quiet desktop PC and are significantly lower than typical rackmount systems or budget enclosures using unbranded high-speed fans.

The use of steel panels throughout the chassis also contributes to noise dampening, reducing vibration resonance from spinning drives. Overall, the HL8’s thermal and acoustic profile is well-suited for deployment in office or home environments where audible noise is a concern, without sacrificing long-term cooling performance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay Case vs the Jonsbo N3 Case

The 45Drives HL8 and the Jonsbo N3 both offer 8-bay NAS enclosures for mini-ITX builds, but they cater to very different tiers of the DIY NAS market. The HL8 is positioned as a premium, enterprise-grade enclosure built entirely from 16-gauge steel and manufactured in Canada. It includes a fully integrated backplane, Noctua fans, and a Flex ATX PSU—features aimed at maximizing serviceability, thermal control, and long-term reliability.

Priced at roughly $880 USD for the chassis, backplane, and PSU combo, it targets users who demand industrial standards in a desktop form factor. The Jonsbo N3, in contrast, is a Chinese-manufactured enclosure constructed from 2.0mm aluminium alloy with 1.0mm steel internals.

It focuses on maximizing functionality in a compact and aesthetically refined format, with average retail pricing ranging between $150–$170 USD, though occasional sales and unpredictable shipping costs on platforms like AliExpress can make pricing volatile.

Category 45Drives HL8

 

Jonsbo N3

 

Drive Bays 8x 3.5″ (tool-less trays, SATA/SAS via backplane) 8x 3.5″ (hot-swap, SATA only via passive backplane)
Backplane Type Integrated 12Gb/s SATA/SAS backplane Passive SATA backplane (individual ports)
Motherboard Support Mini-ITX Mini-ITX, DTX
PCIe Slots 1x Full-height, full-length (up to ~270mm) 2x expansion slots (supports 1x double-width card)
PSU Support Flex ATX SFX (≤105mm) with internal extension cable routing
CPU Cooler Clearance Up to 75mm (depends on board layout) Up to 130mm
GPU/PCIe Card Clearance Up to ~270mm (1 slot) Up to 250mm (double-width supported)
Construction Material 2mm Powder-Coated Steel 2mm Aluminium (exterior), 1mm Steel (interior)
Cooling 3x 80mm Noctua fans included (chassis & CPU area) 2x 100mm fans included (HDD area), 2x 90mm optional
Front I/O Ports None (depends on motherboard I/O) USB 3.0 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, Audio Combo
LED Indicators Optional drive activity LEDs 8x front panel drive activity LEDs
Toolless Access Yes – hinged “flower” folding design No – top secured by Allen screws
Chassis Dimensions (WxDxH) ~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx., rectangular shape) 233mm x 262mm x 298mm
Weight ~9.5kg (with PSU and backplane) 3.9kg (no PSU)
Hot Swap Support Yes Yes
Price (avg.) $658 (chassis + backplane) $150–$170 USD (no PSU, varies by seller/region)
Manufacturing Origin Canada (with some imported components IN PRE-BUILT NAS models) China

In terms of hardware layout and user experience, the HL8 emphasizes modularity and ease of access. Its unique “flower-style” hinged chassis allows for complete servicing of drives, motherboard, cabling, and PSU without disassembly. The built-in backplane supports both SATA and SAS, reducing the need for messy cabling or additional HBA cards unless required for scale-out. Meanwhile, the Jonsbo N3 offers a two-chamber design separating drives and the motherboard/PSU area, supporting 8 hot-swap drives via an included SATA-only backplane. However, the power delivery system relies on two Molex and one SATA connector—an odd combination that may require more planning for power distribution. The N3 also employs a PSU passthrough cable from the back to a front-mounted internal SFX PSU, saving space but potentially restricting airflow and complicating installation. Unlike the HL8’s enterprise cable routing, the N3 requires tight cable management due to its smaller internal volume, and is more prone to cable congestion near the motherboard tray.

Where the HL8 wins in build quality and professional usability, the N3 counters with surprising features at its price point. The N3 includes dual rear fans, 8 LED indicators for drive activity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C front I/O, and support for large PCIe GPUs or network cards up to 250mm. However, it uses rubber grommet-mounted drive holders instead of trays—a cost-saving measure that may reduce vibration but introduces concerns about long-term durability and ease of drive removal. It also lacks tool-less panels for the main lid, requiring an Allen key for access, which, while flush and neat, isn’t practical for regular service. By comparison, the HL8 is fully toolless throughout. Ultimately, the HL8 is ideal for users who prioritize low-maintenance reliability and modular enterprise design in a desktop form, while the N3 offers excellent value for cost-conscious DIY builders willing to trade some serviceability and airflow flexibility for size, aesthetics, and affordability.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – The Pre-Built AMD Model

In addition to offering the HL8 as a chassis with backplane and power supply, 45Drives also sells a fully assembled, tested, and burn-in validated configuration for users who prefer a turnkey deployment. The current prebuilt model typically includes a Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX mini-ITX motherboard, paired with either an AMD Ryzen 5 5500GT (6-core, 12-thread) or Ryzen 7 5700G (8-core, 16-thread) processor. These CPUs offer solid single- and multi-threaded performance, integrated graphics for transcoding or light GUI workloads, and efficient power profiles.

The build also comes with up to 64GB of DDR4 UDIMM memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD (typically Gen 4), Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 low-profile CPU cooler, and factory-installed Noctua case fans. All internal wiring is professionally routed, and the system arrives with Rocky Linux and the Houston UI preinstalled for immediate setup.

Category HL8 Prebuilt Model (Full Configuration)
Model Name HL8 (Prebuilt by 45Drives)
Chassis Material 2mm Powder-Coated Steel (Same as enterprise rackmount line)
Motherboard Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX (Mini-ITX)
CPU AMD Ryzen 5 5500 GT (6 cores / 12 threads, Zen 3, 3.6GHz base, 4.4GHz boost)
Memory (Default) 16GB DDR4-3200 Unbuffered ECC (Expandable to 64GB)
SSD (OS Drive) 1TB Kingston NVMe Gen 4 x4
Drive Bays 8x 3.5″ Trayless Tool-less Bays (SATA/SAS 12Gb/s Backplane)
Hot-Swap Support Yes
Backplane Interface Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643 to SATA breakout)
PSU SilverStone FX500 (500W Flex ATX, 80 Plus Gold)
Cooling Fans 3x 80mm Noctua (pre-installed) + CPU: Noctua NH-L9a cooler
Expansion Slot 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (Supports full-height, full-length GPU or NIC)
M.2 Slots 2x (One used for OS drive, One used with SATA controller)
SATA Ports (Onboard) 4x SATA III (From motherboard)
Additional SATA 4x via M.2 SATA controller (occupies second M.2 slot)
Networking 1x 2.5GbE (Realtek 8125B) + Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
USB Ports (Rear) 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (1x Type-A, 1x Type-C)
Audio Ports 3.5mm Mic In / Line Out / Line In
Dimensions (W x D x H) ~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx.)
Weight (Unpopulated) ~9.5kg
Operating System OS not included by default; compatible with TrueNAS, Rocky Linux + Houston UI, Proxmox
Typical Price (USD) $1,399 (at time of writing)

At the time of writing, the total cost of the prebuilt HL8 with the Ryzen 5700G configuration is $1,538 USD. In contrast, a self-built system using comparable off-the-shelf components can be assembled for approximately $875–$900. A rough cost breakdown would be: Ryzen 7 5700G and B550I motherboard combo ($260), 64GB DDR4 UDIMM ($103), 1TB NVMe SSD ($60), 500W Flex ATX Gold PSU ($90), Noctua CPU and case fans ($75), plus an equivalent MITX 8-bay chassis with SATA backplane ($159–$180). While this approach offers clear cost savings, it comes with multiple delivery sources, fragmented warranties, and no factory testing—factors that may be important to users prioritizing reliability and vendor accountability over price.

The prebuilt model is best suited to users who want predictable performance, reduced setup time, and consolidated post-sale support. It removes the need for component sourcing, physical assembly, and initial troubleshooting. However, it also imposes some limitations, such as the use of a single 2.5GbE network port and lack of configuration flexibility. Users requiring more advanced networking or GPU options will need to expand via the PCIe slot manually. Overall, the prebuilt HL8 fills a niche for those who want an enterprise-adjacent storage server without the learning curve or integration work required by a ground-up build, but it may be over-specified or overpriced for more self-sufficient users.

The 45Drives Houseton UI Software – Any Good?

The Houston UI platform from 45Drives is built on top of the open-source Cockpit Project, designed to offer users a web-based server management interface with a lightweight footprint.

Its browser-based GUI makes it accessible from any device on the network, and it supports multiple Linux distributions, including Rocky Linux, which is often used as the default OS with Houston UI.

One of the primary strengths of Houston UI is its ZFS management interface. Users can easily create, modify, and monitor ZFS storage pools without needing to interact directly with the command line.

The system allows for selection of RAID types (RAIDZ1, Z2, etc.), VDEV expansion, record size configuration, deduplication, encryption, and adjustable compression — all accessible within a guided, GUI-based setup.

System monitoring is a central feature of Houston UI, with a real-time dashboard showing CPU, memory, network throughput, and active services. It includes disk status indicators, smart monitoring tools, and hardware detail pages.

Some of which include visual layouts depending on motherboard detection. While the graphical presentation is basic compared to Synology DSM, it does provide sufficient system insight for regular administration.

Houston UI also includes a modular service control center, where administrators can enable or disable a wide range of server services such as Samba (SMB), NFS, SSH, and rsync.

Each module is toggleable, and users can configure individual services with editable configuration files directly from the browser. This brings flexibility, while still maintaining visual accessibility for basic tasks.

The task scheduler in Houston UI provides an easy way to set up automated jobs — including backups, updates, power cycling, and network interface toggling.

Unlike many systems that hide these functions under multiple wizards, Houston offers a unified “Tasks” area for managing all routine automations, including custom scripts and cron-based tasks.

A standout feature is the cloud synchronization and backup module, which offers connectivity to cloud platforms such as Amazon S3 and Backblaze B2, as well as support for local-to-remote rsync and FTP targets. It allows users to control bandwidth, frequency, and folder mappings from a single-pane interface — something that’s typically fragmented in competing platforms.

For users running virtual machines, Houston UI includes a KVM-based virtualization manager. This allows the creation and monitoring of guest VMs directly through the browser, including storage provisioning, image selection, CPU/memory configuration, and console access. While not as feature-rich as Proxmox, it’s suitable for lightweight VM workloads and container testing.

Finally, Houston supports module extensions, with 45Drives publishing their own file sharing and ZFS modules via GitHub. These can be installed on any compatible Linux system running Cockpit. This open approach allows users to build their own UI extensions or pull from the community, avoiding platform lock-in and enabling customization well beyond the factory defaults.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The 45Drives HL8, when configured as a chassis with backplane and PSU, represents a refined and deliberate approach to small-form NAS deployment. Priced around $880 USD, this configuration sits well above entry-level alternatives, but the investment is clearly reflected in its enterprise-grade construction, serviceable layout, and attention to detail. With a robust 16-gauge steel chassis, direct-wired SATA backplane, and a high-efficiency 500W Flex ATX PSU pre-installed, it offers an ideal base for users who plan to build a serious and scalable NAS solution without locking themselves into restrictive ecosystems.

The hinged body design, tool-free drive access, and Noctua fan integration show a strong understanding of real-world usability, especially for those who perform ongoing maintenance, upgrades, or hardware experimentation. In that sense, it’s less a typical “consumer NAS case” and more a modular platform intended for long-term infrastructure use in homelab and small business environments.

That said, this is not a universal fit for all users. The HL8’s exclusive support for mini-ITX motherboards imposes limitations on connectivity and expansion, especially for those needing multiple PCIe lanes or additional SATA ports without relying on adapters. And while the internal layout is clearly optimized, buyers still need to be comfortable sourcing and configuring their own motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage—something that could be daunting for beginners or those seeking simplicity over flexibility. In markets where similar 8-bay enclosures from lesser-known brands can be found for half the price, the HL8’s value lies more in its physical build quality, localized production, and long-term viability rather than raw cost efficiency. Users comparing it to entry-tier rackmount gear or compact server cases will need to weigh whether the HL8’s refinement and modularity justify the premium.

Ultimately, the HL8 is a product with a clearly defined audience: self-hosters, IT professionals, and technical users who understand the value of vendor-agnostic hardware and want to retain full control over their system’s lifecycle. It offers a rare middle ground between low-cost DIY setups that require piecemeal integration and fully locked turnkey NAS systems from mainstream brands. For those who are willing to invest not only financially but also in the time and knowledge needed to assemble and manage their NAS environment, the HL8 stands out as one of the most thoughtfully engineered and supportable 8-bay NAS chassis currently on the market.

Pros Cons
1. Exceptional build quality using 2mm thick powder-coated steel 1. Significantly more expensive than typical DIY NAS cases
2. Unique hinged design allows full interior access without disassembly 2. No native 2.5″ SSD bays included (requires 3D-printed or addon tray)
3. Integrated 12Gb/s SATA/SAS-compatible hot-swap backplane 3. Only compatible with Flex ATX PSUs, limiting choice and increasing cost
4. Designed for Mini-ITX motherboards with full PCIe x16 slot support
5. Tool-less and tray-less drive bays improve maintenance and upgrades
6. Outstanding documentation and support from 45Drives
7. Fully open-source-friendly chassis with non-proprietary layout

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Synology NAS vs EVERYONE ELSE – Which Is Best?

Par : Rob Andrews
20 juin 2025 à 18:00

If Not Synology? Which Other NAS Brand Should You Choose?

It’s an odd question, but with Synology arguably making some rather higher business and enterprise decisions in recent years, there have been increasing queries about who would fill the void if they moved onwards and upwards. As Synology holds such a powerful position in the NAS market, their absence would certainly lead to quite the battle of strength from other players. The obvious answer would be QNAP, a brand that has a similar history to Synology (over two decades in the business, Taiwan-based, in-house OS, numerous 1st-party tools, home and business solutions, etc.), but in 2025, the reality is nowhere near as clear-cut. Younger established brands that have jockeyed for 3rd position, such as Asustor and Terramaster, have been challenged by several startups (ZimaCube and Zimaboard 2, Orico’s Cyberdata Vault, to name just two) entering the fray, as well as established brands like UGREEN, which are expanding their business into the NAS sector. If Synology, for whatever reason, ceased to occupy this important user class of private turnkey server ownership, who would be best placed to occupy it?

How, Where and Why Has Synology Changed?

Synology’s rapid change in business stance to be more enterprise/hyperscale-focused comes at the same time as their frequency of more entry-level, small business, prosumer, and enthusiast solutions has dropped. The regularity of smaller 2-Bay and 4-Bay solutions has noticeably decreased, and the hardware they feature has changed to accommodate more business-type use. This by no means suggests that the brand is making moves to exit these user groups (indeed, support of DSM and the latest revision DSM 7.2.2 extends to all existing users up to many systems released in the late 2010s). However, there has been plenty of user outcry from existing users and potential customers on the architecture of both DSM and the recent releases that exacerbate users to move away from the brand and spend their allocated budgets elsewhere. Synology still comfortably sits ahead of its competitors in terms of software, features, and the UX of their platform, but many changes in policy and support mentioned below have started this trend:

  • Changes in 3rd-party HDD compatibility on systems above the 8-Bay scale, prioritizing their own 1st-party labeled HDDs and SSDs, as well as reducing the presentation and compatibility listings on their site significantly.
  • Changes in the choice of internal hardware featured in their systems to be more focused on business file processes and less on multimedia use.
  • Comparatively smaller increases in base hardware between refreshes of individual series (e.g., J4125 and V1500B CPUs in 2024 launch devices, despite first appearing in 2019/2020).
  • Considerable increased focus on software enhancements over hardware (not a bad thing, but an undeniable fact).
  • Increased proprietary hardware support over 3rd-party (e.g., Synology-only Memory modules, custom 10GbE adapters like the E10G22-T1, Synology-only M.2 SSDs for Pool Use).
  • An increasing number of cloud subscription services getting newer features, while local services remain secure and stable but static.
  • New product focus shifting towards newer larger-scale solutions like the evolving GridStation series, Active Protect subscription system, and C2 innovations.
  • The predicted elimination of the J entry-level series in favor of the pre-populated and software-streamlined BeeStation.

All of the above are small factors in themselves, but add them all up, and you see small but important stepping stones toward a gear shift in Synology’s target demographic. So, if Synology were to intentionally or inadvertently begin to move outside of these user groups of home, small business, and enthusiast, who stands to fill this space and grow?


QNAP vs Synology?

As mentioned earlier, QNAP stands to be the most likely contender to fill this space. With over 20 years of history, a larger range of hardware solutions than Synology, and software that does pretty much everything Synology’s does, they have been consistent competitors. However, inconsistencies in user experience, conflicting UIs, and a tendency to try to do “too much” have resulted in their losing ground to Synology in terms of software. Add to this the negative brand impact of security incidents in 2020-2022, which tarnished their reputation around security and safety, requiring serious improvement. To the brand’s credit, they have made considerable internal culture changes on this subject, adding bounty programs, tightening system defaults, increasing pen testing, introducing several system security scanning tools, disabling things like SSH and admin super user accounts as standard, and more.

Value Series Best All Rounder Prosumer NAS
   
TS-233 2-Bay NAS TS-464 4-Bay NAS TVS-h874 8-Bay NAS
$189 on Amazon (Check Here)

$549 on Amazon (Check Here)

$2499 on Amazon (Check Here)

In terms of hardware, they have mostly stuck to what works, refreshing existing product families at the same rate of 2.5-3 years for desktop small-medium scale, and 3-5 years for larger scale. They have also introduced significantly more recent CPUs from both Intel and AMD, as well as 2.5GbE as standard on their solutions at the same price point as 1GbE. If it weren’t for the damaging brand harm caused by the Deadbolt/QSnatch/Qlocker ransomware attacks, I think Synology would have been significantly challenged by QNAP in the last 2-3 years across all fronts. However, the setback to QNAP’s reputation reduced this growth potential significantly, and in the last two years, we have seen an increasing number of new names pop up in NAS that have also harmed QNAP’s appeal to users in terms of hardware value, the thing they could always be relied upon to beat Synology on. QNAP would still stand to become the ‘top dog’ in the event of a Synology exit (Synexit?) from the low-to-medium tiers of NAS storage, but many new players have entered the field, such as…


UGREEN vs QNAP?

Largely known for their power adapters and PC accessories, a year ago UGREEN had practically no real presence in the world of NAS. They had a smaller scale and more entry-level range of solutions that were limited to the East, but aside from that, they were complete outsiders. Fast forward to now, and following a successful and well-marketed Kickstarter campaign that raised millions of dollars, they are now a provider of genuinely impressive turnkey NAS solutions—the NASync series. The key word there is “turnkey”, as in they are providing both the hardware and the software. They could have just rolled out their hardware and made it OS-free (i.e., “Here’s a ready-built server, now go install UnRAID or TrueNAS”), but instead, they opted to produce and include an impressively responsive NAS OS in UGOS. Genuinely challenging the feature set of the likes of Asustor and Terramaster, as well as the design of Synology and the hardware level of QNAP, UGREEN has made a rapidly growing name for itself in the small-to-medium NAS sector.

Value Series Best All Rounder Prosumer NAS
DXP2800 2-Bay NAS DXP4800 PLUS 4-Bay NAS DXP8800 PLUS 8-Bay NAS
$399 on Amazon (Check Here)

$699 on Amazon (Check Here)

$1499 on Amazon (Check Here)

They definitely lack the range of solutions that those other brands offer, with only 6 solutions currently available (the DXP2800, DXP4800/PLUS, DXP6680, DXP8800, and DXP480T), and no rackmount solutions yet, but it’s a solid start. Equally, their software, although fluid and responsive in nailing down the NAS fundamentals, lacks many of the more impressive AAA+ solutions that are offered by the bigger brands. Lastly, although they raised a considerable sum during the crowdfunding, they do not have the global support, offices, or availability of their long-running NAS competitors—with solutions only being available in two regions, the US and Germany. All of these factors add up to a brand that is poised to make even bigger splashes in the years to come but is perhaps not quite ready to replace the big dog, Synology, just yet!


ASUSTOR vs Synology?

Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride, Asustor is a brand that has been around in the world of NAS in one shape or form for quite a few years. They are one of the mainstream Taiwanese brands in NAS that has always ‘been there’, but it is only in the last 4-5 years that they have been making sizable moves to take on both Synology and QNAP. One of the main ways in which they pursued this is by developing numerous features in both hardware and software that are available from their competitors individually. So features such as M.2 NVMe-focused storage systems, BTRFS support, WORM locking, 2.5GbE/5GbE support, HDMI output via a dedicated GUI, and more are features available on Synology and QNAP to some extent, but only Asustor rolls them under one brand umbrella. So, how poised are they to fill a void if Synology moved out of this space?

Well, from a hardware standpoint, Asustor is in a very good position. Them being Taiwan-based will certainly soothe concerns that have grown around Chinese companies and data storage solutions. Equally, their hardware has evolved rapidly in their last two generations to feature some genuinely unique solutions that are either specific to the platform or priced at a level that makes them genuinely competitive against DIY and BYO solutions. Systems such as the Flashstor series, Lockerstor series, and even value offerings like the Drivestor are surprisingly well equipped. They are not quite on the same level of hardware as QNAP (who have a significantly more diverse hardware portfolio), but they are fleshing it out very well.

Value Series Best All Rounder Prosumer NAS
Nimbustor Gen 2 2-Bay NAS Flashstor Gen 1 12-Bay NAS Lockerstor Gen 3 8/10-Bay NAS
$369 on Amazon (Check Here)

$449-749 on Amazon (Check Here)

$1999 on Amazon (Check Here)

However, it is the software of Asustor (ADM) that is unfortunately where the brand is a little more timid. They have a NAS OS, numerous client tools for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android—and they nail down the bulk of the application fundamentals for storage management, multi-site backup handling, multimedia playback, containers, and more. But the platform lacks a few of the more AAA/desirable services, such as AI-powered photo recognition, a 1st-party VM tool, ZFS support, and ultimately is a little more reliant on 3rd-party applications to fill the gaps. They have recently countered this by officially detailing that they support users who buy Asustor hardware to go ahead and install 3rd-party NAS software like TrueNAS or UnRAID without it harming your warranty—so they know they are not leading the pack in terms of their own ADM NAS software but do make noticeable user concessions. With new hardware on the horizon in the Lockerstor Gen3 and Flashstor Gen2 (both of which see a significant bump in hardware profiles), we might see some impressive moves from Asustor in 2025. I just think they still have some ways to go before they can fill any potential void that Synology might leave.


TERRAMASTER vs Synology?

Terramaster has been jockeying for the NAS 3rd place spot with Asustor for well over a decade at this point, and much like their opponent, they have been good at integrating individual features from both QNAP and Synology into their own NAS hardware and TOS platform, but to a larger degree than Asustor. For example, their OS provides largely everything that Asustor ADM does (including TrueNAS/UnRAID support without voiding your warranty) but adds to this with an AI photo recognition platform, their own VM tool, and an impressive Isolation Mode that can sever the system at the click of a button from remote access, 3rd-party PHP, and any external requests (necessitating a restart to disable). However, as this brand is a Chinese brand, there will always be question marks raised by users about how this system compares with Taiwanese-based systems. This is a little unfair, given that Terramaster, Asustor, and QNAP were all successfully hit by the same ransomware attack (Deadbolt) a few years back, so there was plenty of ‘vulnerability’ to spread around!

In terms of hardware, Terramaster has been making some impressive and aggressive strides in this area—with the recent launch of their 3-part F4-424 Intel NAS series (Standard, Pro, and MAX), the release of two 8-bay M.2 NVMe 10GbE equipped systems (the F8 PLUS and F8 SSD PLUS), and new desktop and rackmounts hot on their heels. They have also scaled up the design to better improve cooling, efficiency, and just general visual appeal.

Value Series Best All Rounder Prosumer NAS
 
F2-424 2-Bay NAS F4-424 Max 4-Bay NAS T9-500 Pro 9-Bay NAS
$369 on Amazon (Check Here)

$819 on Amazon (Check Here)

$1499 on Amazon (Check Here)

However, much like Asustor, their software is just not able to challenge the standard that Synology has set. For buyers looking for smooth and easy utilization like Synology, Terramaster’s TOS has the danger of feeling a little clunky. Their latest release, TOS6, brings new features, software standards, and design to the mix, but it lacks the range of mobile applications, desktop client tools, and consistent UX/presentation that Synology seems to do so well. Terramaster is a fantastic value-for-money choice, and I would argue they have significantly scaled up the level of hardware and software utility they provide year on year. But they still have a way to go before they can hit the same notes as Synology DSM yet.


WD / Netgear vs Synology?

This is a pretty short one! The answer is no! Both WD and Netgear have regularly reduced their hardware ranges and the frequency of software updates these last few years, and although there are a decent range of business file server systems still being released, the general home/enthusiast/prosumer level of hardware is pretty poor and uninteresting compared to everyone else on this list so far. I cannot help but get the feeling that, aside from some basic backup NAS systems that are still listed at the majority of retailers, the bulk of their range has been in circulation for 5-6 years now without any refresh in sight. For basic target file/folder storage, these systems still provide some limited modern NAS utility, but overall, they are a fairly weak alternative to Synology’s offerings in 2025.


A UniFi NAS?

With increased mentions and leaks online towards a potential NAS in the works from UniFi, this could be a very credible alternative to Synology in terms of software UX and presentation. UniFi, and its incredibly user-friendly UX featured on their Switch, Router, NVR, and Dream Machine combination systems, is where UniFi shines. No doubt any UniFi NAS solution would need to similarly blend into their ecosystem to the same degree. That said, if they were to launch a system, all their experience in the fields of network management, router security, and surveillance systems might not necessarily translate into a similar pedigree in network-attached storage. It’s hard to discuss how or if UniFi could fill any market space that a potential Synology absence would create, as they do not have any systems out in the market to make an informed decision. This is for the “To Be Continued…” pile!


Drobo vs Synology?

No…just…no. See Video Below:


IceWhale / ZimaCube

This is a very interesting one. 2023 and 2024 saw several companies arrive in the turnkey NAS space via the crowdfunding route (we already discussed UGREEN as the biggest example), wanting to break into the market. However, IceWhale benefits from having already launched two previous successfully fulfilled campaigns and is just completing their third one with the ZimaCube NAS system. Arriving with the lightweight containerized platform Zima OS (a modified version of their existing Casa OS), this new series is pretty impressive for its scale and price point at launch. Add to that the significantly unique design, impressive use of 10GbE and Thunderbolt over IP, and a 6x HDD / 4x NVMe system in a compact case, and you can see why they have made a fairly significant splash for a brand that is comparatively unheard of compared to Synology, QNAP, etc.

However, as robust as their range of solutions is (ZimaBoard, ZimaBlade, and ZimaCube), the software is still very rudimentary compared to the bulk of other browser GUI and more “operating system”-stylized UX. There are virtually no client applications, except for their own system search and connection client tools. An eventual successor to Synology, if they moved upwards toward bigger and more business-oriented solutions, would need to hit the software functionality and user experience exceedingly early and exceedingly well.

Mini PC Brands – Lincplus, Aoostar, etc.

This is an odd one. There have been a large number of solutions appearing on sites such as AliExpress that arrive as “OS-Free” services, allowing a user to get a pre-built NAS hardware solution (i.e., no need to build one yourself, which takes longer and requires a degree of technical understanding). The end user can then choose to install popular and well-established solutions like TrueNAS, UnRAID, OpenMediaVault, and more.

Value Option Best All Rounder SSD Focused NAS
Aoostar WTR Pro 4-Bay NAS Minsiforum MS-01 3/6-Bay NAS Lincplus Lincstation N1 6-Bay NAS
$399-799 on Amazon (Check Here)

$399 on Amazon (Check Here)

$399 on Amazon (Check Here)

This serves as an impressively economical solution and has significantly grown in popularity in 2023/2024, but these 3rd-party software platforms lack a lot of the ease of use and quality of life client tools for modern devices that Synology features. Indeed, despite efforts like UnRAID 7 making its day-to-day use much easier, and TrueNAS working with HexOS for a more user-friendly output, these still pale in comparison to DSM and will also require a greater degree of technical user input in the long term to maintain stability, versus Synology’s rather more “it takes care of itself” design.


Synology vs EVERYONE ELSE – Conclusion and Verdict

If Synology were to leave the home/enthusiast/prosumer/small business tier very soon, I do think QNAP would stand to reoccupy this ground. However, give it 2-3 years, and I do think players like Terramaster, Asustor, and yes—even UGREEN—are poised to give QNAP some serious consumer competition. No doubt Synology is still keeping an eye on their competition (big and small) and would not willingly or easily give up this sector without a fight. However, there is no denying that the turnkey NAS industry is no longer the 2-3 horse race it was just five years ago!



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Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Which Should You Buy?

Par : Rob Andrews
18 juin 2025 à 18:00

Synology VS Terramaster NAS Drives in 2025 – Which One Deserves Your Data?

Synology and TerraMaster are two well-established brands in the network-attached storage (NAS) industry, each targeting a range of users from home enthusiasts to small and medium-sized businesses. Synology, a Taiwanese company with over two decades in the field, is widely recognized for its DSM (DiskStation Manager) software, which emphasizes stability, security, and integration within a tightly controlled ecosystem. TerraMaster, while newer to the market, has steadily gained ground by offering hardware-focused, cost-effective solutions with increasing software support via its TOS (TerraMaster Operating System) platform.

I want to provide a side-by-side comparison between Synology and TerraMaster as they stand in 2025, focusing on the real-world differences in hardware, storage, software, and security. The goal is to outline the practical strengths and weaknesses of each brand without leaning heavily toward subjective preferences or historical bias. This is especially relevant for users reevaluating Synology due to recent policy shifts, or for those considering TerraMaster as a flexible and affordable alternative.

Area Synology DSM TerraMaster TOS
OS Flexibility Locked DSM ecosystem Allows TrueNAS/Unraid without voiding warranty
RAID System SHR Hybrid RAID TRAID Hybrid RAID
AI & Surveillance DVA Series supports real-time AI detection Surveillance App still in beta
Virtual Machines VMM with full GUI VirtualBox-based, less integrated
Deduplication Btrfs-based, native to DSM Supported with “Dedup Manager”
Media Streaming No native Jellyfin, Video Station discontinued Jellyfin included natively
Security Malware, ransomware, firewall + audit Includes Isolation Mode, detailed scanner
Mobile/Remote Tools Broadest mobile app suite + QuickConnect Core mobile app + TNAS.online DDNS

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Hardware Solutions Compared

When evaluating Synology’s hardware catalog, the company demonstrates a clear strategy of segmenting performance tiers through tightly integrated systems. The FS (FlashStation) series targets ultra-low latency workloads with powerful multi-core CPUs and all-flash designs. For instance, the FS6400 and FS3600 offer 240,000 and 195,000+ 4K random write IOPS respectively, built for high-throughput environments. The HD series goes a different direction, pushing density with up to 300 drives in models like the HD6500, which pair with dual 10-core CPUs and provide over 6,600 MB/s throughput. Meanwhile, the SA and XS/XS+ series address scalable performance and redundancy needs, offering dual-controller setups, high RAM ceilings, and optional Fibre Channel or 25/40GbE expansion. Synology’s Plus and Value series provide consumer-grade flexibility, but these are becoming increasingly closed ecosystems with limited hardware compatibility and optional expansion cards restricted to specific interfaces or models.

Category Synology Example Models TerraMaster Example Models CPU & RAM Range Typical Use Case
Entry-Level (2-4 Bay) DS223, DS423, DS224+, DS423+ F2-212, F4-223, F4-210 Quad-core 1.7–2.2GHz, up to 32GB ECC Personal cloud, backups, media streaming
Mid-Range (4-6 Bay) DS1621+, DS1522+, DS1821+ F4-424, F6-424, F4-424 Pro Quad-core 2.2GHz, up to 32GB ECC, NVMe cache SOHO/SMB file sharing, light virtualization
Performance Tier (6-8 Bay) RS1221+, RS2423+, DS3622xs+, DS1823xs+ U4-423, T6-423, T9-423 Quad to Octa-core Xeon, up to 64GB+, 10GbE support Heavy multi-user access, surveillance, VM use
Enterprise / Rackmount RS4021xs+, SA6400, SA3610, UC3200 U12-500 Plus, U16-722-2224, T12-450 10–12 core CPUs, 128GB+ RAM, SAS, PCIe expandability Virtualization clusters, iSCSI SAN, backups at scale
All-Flash / NVMe Focused FS2500, FS3600, FS6400, SA3400D F8 SSD Plus, U8-522-9400, U24-722-2224 8–24 cores, all-SSD, 10/25/40GbE, NVMe-only storage High IOPS databases, virtualization, low-latency workloads

TerraMaster, in contrast, focuses its value proposition heavily on maximizing hardware capabilities per dollar. Even in their midrange, systems like the F6-424 Max or F4-424 Pro include Intel Celeron or i3 CPUs, 2.5GbE or 10GbE connectivity, NVMe SSD support, and upgradeable RAM—all within sub-$700 price ranges. Larger units like the T12-500 Pro or U24-722-2224 scale storage up to 24 bays or beyond, while still offering competitive CPUs and abundant connectivity options. TerraMaster also maintains a vast lineup of hybrid RAID-capable DAS and NAS systems, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 enclosures for fast, direct-attached storage. Unlike Synology, TerraMaster maintains open compatibility with third-party drives and offers more consistent support for M.2 NVMe storage expansion, SSD caching, and even integrated GPU support in some models.

Synology DS925+ NAS

Terramaster F4-424 / Max / Pro

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology NAS Solutions

Check B&H for the Synology NAS Solutions

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster NAS Solutions

Check B&H for the Terramaster NAS Solutions

Overall, while Synology’s premium hardware—especially in enterprise segments like FS, HD, and SA series—is clearly capable and built with specific high-performance use cases in mind, the general direction of the brand has shifted toward tightly controlled environments with gradual upgrades. In contrast, TerraMaster’s approach offers broader hardware scalability and modularity across more price points, with emphasis on high-speed networking and expansive storage configurations. For users who prioritize full hardware utilization, third-party component compatibility, or budget scalability, TerraMaster offers more flexibility. Meanwhile, users looking for tightly integrated, support-rich systems—especially in enterprise workloads—may lean toward Synology, albeit at a higher cost per feature.

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Storage, Compatibility and Scalability

Storage functionality is a critical part of any NAS system, and both Synology and TerraMaster offer a wide range of capabilities here—but with distinct philosophies. Synology employs its own hybrid RAID system known as Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), which provides flexibility in mixing different drive sizes while still maintaining redundancy. SHR is available in both single- and dual-disk fault-tolerant configurations and is fully integrated with their Btrfs-based file system, offering advanced features like snapshots, deduplication, and WORM (Write Once, Read Many). Their enterprise-class devices also support more traditional RAID configurations (RAID 0/1/5/6/10) and incorporate proprietary features like Synology RAID F1 for flash endurance. However, Synology has increasingly restricted drive compatibility on newer models such as the DS925+, requiring only their own branded HAT or SAT series drives for initialization or full functionality—a move that limits storage choices for end users.

Feature Synology TerraMaster Notes
Drive Compatibility Limited to Synology-branded drives on newer models (e.g. DS925+) Open support: WD, Seagate, Toshiba, Samsung, etc. Synology enforces verified drive policy; TerraMaster is open
RAID Support RAID 0/1/5/6/10, SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) RAID 0/1/5/6/10, TRAID (TerraMaster RAID) Both offer flexible hybrid RAID options
File Systems Btrfs and EXT4 (model-dependent) Btrfs and EXT4 (model-dependent) Parity here; both support snapshotting on Btrfs
Snapshots Supported on all Btrfs-enabled models, with versioning & scheduling Supported on Btrfs-enabled models; varies by model Synology has more mature snapshot UI
Deduplication Btrfs-native deduplication on select models GUI-based “Dedup Manager” app available Both platforms now offer this
WORM (Write Once Read Many) Supported on all recent DSM models Available on compatible TOS models Important for compliance environments
SSD Caching Available via M.2 or 2.5” SSD (read/write) Available via M.2 or 2.5” SSD (read/write) Hardware support needed on both
Storage Pool Creation via M.2 SSDs DSM 7.2+ allows with Synology-branded SSDs only TOS 5.x+ allows with most 3rd-party M.2 SSDs TerraMaster has more flexibility here
Expansion Units Proprietary only (e.g. DX517, DX525 via eSATA/USB-C) Wider variety including hybrid M.2/HDD enclosures Synology expansion limited to official units
Third-Party Expansion Enclosures Not supported or blocked in DSM Fully supported via USB or DAS TerraMaster supports open expansion ecosystem
Max Capacity (Consumer Units) Up to 180–300TB on XS+/SA series (w/ expansions) Up to 264TB+ on Pro/Enterprise systems Similar potential; depends on model
Storage Protocols iSCSI, SMB Multichannel, NFS, AFP, WebDAV iSCSI, SMB Multichannel, NFS, AFP, WebDAV Parity on protocols
Storage Analytics / Monitoring Detailed UI with health, lifespan & usage stats Less polished UI, but includes drive info & warnings Synology more user-friendly; TerraMaster more technical

TerraMaster offers a more open storage environment, supporting standard RAID types (RAID 0/1/5/6/10) and introducing its own hybrid RAID option, TRAID, designed to dynamically balance storage allocation when using mismatched drives. Like Synology, TerraMaster has implemented Btrfs in its newer systems and supports snapshots, volume encryption, and deduplication (via its Dedup Manager) across many models. However, unlike Synology, TerraMaster places no restrictions on drive brands or third-party SSDs—users are free to populate their systems with Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, Kingston, or Samsung drives without concern for compatibility blocks. This openness extends to M.2 NVMe support, where TerraMaster allows NVMe drives to be used not only for cache but also for primary storage pools, something Synology currently reserves for specific enterprise-class devices or limits to caching only in most consumer models.

Where Synology shines is in the management and monitoring of storage. DSM’s Storage Manager provides a clean, user-friendly interface with visualized health metrics, smart monitoring, and snapshot replication tools. Advanced features such as scheduled integrity checks, automatic repair routines, and near-seamless volume expansion contribute to its appeal in professional environments. TerraMaster’s storage UI is functional but somewhat less polished; it provides access to core tools like volume creation, SMART diagnostics, and snapshot management, but lacks some of the refined monitoring granularity found in DSM. Still, for users who prioritize freedom of storage deployment, drive variety, and full hardware utilization, TerraMaster’s openness may outweigh DSM’s slightly more mature GUI design. Ultimately, the storage advantage between the two depends on whether the user values tight software integration or broader hardware flexibility.

Synology DSM vs Terramaster TOS NAS – Software Comparison

Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) remains one of the most mature NAS operating systems available today, known for its polished interface, smooth navigation, and deep integration across features. DSM offers a fully modular, desktop-like GUI accessible through a browser, with a broad suite of first-party applications such as Synology Drive for file synchronization, Hyper Backup for multi-destination backups, and Active Backup for Business, a highly regarded solution for PC, server, and VM backups.

These tools often match or exceed the capabilities of dedicated commercial backup solutions. DSM also includes native virtualization (Virtual Machine Manager), Docker container support, surveillance management (Surveillance Station), and numerous file-sharing services including WebDAV, FTP, iSCSI, and SMB multi-channel. Overall, DSM’s ecosystem is not just well-developed—it is increasingly self-contained, with Synology focusing on reducing third-party dependencies by developing in-house alternatives for productivity, security, and media apps.

Category Feature Synology DSM (7.2) TerraMaster TOS (5.1 / optional 6.x) Notes
Core OS OS Version DSM 7.2 TOS 5.1 standard, TOS 6 optional on newer models TOS 6 has refreshed UI and app changes
Alternate OS Install ❌ Not supported ✅ Allows Unraid, TrueNAS without voiding warranty Huge flexibility advantage for TerraMaster
Web Interface ✅ Polished, modern DSM interface ✅ Modern but simpler UI DSM is more mature
Mobile Apps ✅ Many DS apps across mobile platforms ✅ TNAS Mobile, limited scope Synology has broader mobile toolset
File Services SMB/NFS/AFP/WebDAV ✅ Full support ✅ Full support Core services present on both
iSCSI Support ✅ Native GUI-based iSCSI manager ✅ iSCSI support available Parity here
RAID & Storage RAID Options ✅ RAID 0/1/5/6/10 + SHR (Hybrid RAID) ✅ RAID 0/1/5/6/10 + TRAID (TerraMaster Hybrid RAID) Both support flexible hybrid RAID
Snapshots ✅ Btrfs with scheduling/versioning ✅ On Btrfs-capable models Model-dependent on TOS
Deduplication ✅ Btrfs-based dedup ✅ With Dedup Manager Available on both with GUI
Encryption ✅ Volume/folder/drive encryption + WORM ✅ Volume encryption + WORM TerraMaster supports WORM as well
SSD Caching ✅ Read/write SSD caching ✅ SSD caching supported Hardware-dependent for both
Virtualization & Containers Virtual Machines ✅ Synology VMM (Virtual Machine Manager) ✅ VirtualBox-based VM manager Less integrated in TOS but available
Docker Support ✅ Full Docker with GUI ✅ Available via App Center Equal in function
GPU Passthrough ❌ Not supported ❌ Not supported Absent on both platforms
AI & Surveillance AI Features ✅ Facial/object detection via DVA models ✅ Facial/object detection DSM AI Services in NVR/CCTV xclusive to DVA NAS models or their own cameras
Surveillance Suite ✅ Surveillance Station with licensing ✅ Surveillance App (Beta) TOS app is newer and evolving
Media & Streaming Plex Media Server ✅ Native app ✅ Native support No difference
Jellyfin ❌ Docker/homebrew ✅ Native Jellyfin app Edge to TerraMaster
Video Player App ❌ Video Station EOL ❌ No official native player Use Plex/Jellyfin on both
Backup & Sync Backup Solutions ✅ Hyper Backup, Active Backup, USB/Cloud ✅ TerraSync (Synology Drive-like), Rsync, USB, Cloud Backup TOS has clear parity now
Cloud Sync ✅ Native Cloud Sync app ✅ CloudSync app Supported on both
Remote Access DDNS + Tunnel ✅ QuickConnect ✅ TNAS.online Both offer simplified remote access
Security & Access Security Scanner ✅ Malware, ransomware, audit, firewall tools ✅ Full scanner + Isolation Mode Both systems offer advanced security
VPN Server ✅ OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP via GUI ✅ OpenVPN/L2TP support GUI VPN tools available
SSL Certificates ✅ Let’s Encrypt + custom certs ✅ Let’s Encrypt + certs Equal support
2FA Support ✅ TOTP, authenticator app, email ✅ TOTP 2FA Parity on login security
App Ecosystem App Center ✅ Extensive native apps and 3rd party ✅ App Center with essential tools Synology has a larger catalog
Package Manager ✅ synopkg CLI + GUI ✅ App Center (GUI only) CLI package management is a Synology edge

 TerraMaster’s TOS (TerraMaster Operating System), currently in version 5.1 with version 6 available on select systems, has seen rapid growth in capabilities and usability over the last few years. While it doesn’t yet match DSM’s polish, it has made significant strides in offering equivalent functionality. TOS supports Btrfs-based snapshots, Rsync and CloudSync for cloud backup, Docker container deployment, and VirtualBox-based virtualization. While the latter is less tightly integrated than Synology’s VMM, it does allow for third-party VM deployment in a usable way.

TerraMaster has also developed TerraSync, a synchronization tool designed to rival Synology Drive, and supports both media management and AI-enhanced photo sorting with apps like Terra Photos. However, many of TOS’s functions rely more heavily on community-driven or open-source third-party applications, resulting in a slightly less unified experience overall.

In terms of application ecosystems, Synology’s App Center clearly offers the broader and deeper catalog, particularly for business users. First-party applications such as Synology Office, Chat, MailPlus, and Note Station deliver a productivity-focused alternative to cloud services, and their Surveillance Station software stands out as one of the most powerful NVR platforms in the NAS market.

TerraMaster’s App Center includes essential tools but lacks the same level of first-party development. However, it makes up for this in openness: TerraMaster supports a wide array of third-party and open-source platforms more freely, including Jellyfin and Unraid. Moreover, TerraMaster allows alternative operating systems like TrueNAS to be installed without voiding the warranty, which adds considerable flexibility for tech-savvy users. Overall, Synology delivers a more unified and polished software experience, while TerraMaster emphasizes adaptability, freedom, and cost

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Security and Safety

Synology has long maintained a strong reputation in the NAS sector for prioritizing system security, and this is evident in how thoroughly security is integrated throughout DSM. Synology’s Security Advisor provides active scanning for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and password weaknesses, while its firewall, account protection, and IP auto-blocking features offer practical layers of defense against unauthorized access. Synology also supports comprehensive SSL certificate management via Let’s Encrypt and offers two-factor authentication (2FA) with TOTP and hardware key support. From a business continuity perspective, DSM includes native WORM (Write Once Read Many) capabilities and encrypted shared folders to protect sensitive data from tampering or deletion. Perhaps most critically, Synology operates a dedicated PSIRT (Product Security Incident Response Team), frequently publishes security advisories, and participates in high-profile vulnerability testing events like Pwn2Own—demonstrating a serious commitment to vulnerability discovery and remediation.

TerraMaster’s security offering has become more robust over recent years, particularly with the development of Isolation Mode—a unique feature allowing users to instantly sever all external access and remote services with a single click. This acts as a kill switch in the event of a suspected breach or malware event. TOS also includes a system-level security scanner that checks for basic vulnerabilities and enables 2FA, SSH restrictions, and SSL certificate deployment. While TerraMaster’s platform does not offer as many granular policy tools as DSM, it supports core protocols like OpenVPN and L2TP for secure remote access and regularly issues firmware updates in response to new threats. The company also now provides greater transparency regarding CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), though its advisory frequency and scope remain smaller than Synology’s.

Security Feature Synology DSM TerraMaster TOS Notes
System Hardening Proactive hardening (limited root access, secure defaults) Moderately hardened; more configurable access Synology limits risky configurations by design
Security Scanner Built-in DSM Security Advisor with customizable scan depth TOS Security Center (less detailed on TOS 5.x) Synology provides more actionable alerts
2FA Support TOTP-based (authenticator apps, email) TOTP-based Parity on two-factor authentication
SSL Certificate Support Native Let’s Encrypt + custom certs via GUI Let’s Encrypt + custom certs via GUI Equal support, easy HTTPS setup
Firewall Management GUI-based port/IP firewall with profiles Firewall settings available (less granular) Synology allows more granular firewall policy creation
Isolation Mode / Kill Switch ❌ Not available ✅ Isolation Mode disables all external access with one click Advantage: TerraMaster for emergency lockdowns
Vulnerability Response (PSIRT) Dedicated PSIRT, public advisories updated monthly Less frequent disclosure, fewer details published Synology actively discloses and patches
Security Bug Bounty Program ✅ Yes – active white-hat reward program ❌ No public bounty program known Synology engages with global researchers
Third-Party App Restrictions Limited for security; sandboxed services More open but requires user discretion Synology prioritizes closed ecosystem safety
Remote Access Protection QuickConnect includes traffic relay + DDNS + 2FA TNAS.online DDNS with isolation toggle Both offer encrypted remote access, but Synology uses multiple layers
Malware Detection Real-time malware scanner, browser warnings Included scanner, but simpler in scope DSM scanner is more active and integrated
Backup Verification Integrity verification in Active Backup TerraSync + cloud/USB support (manual checks) DSM offers automated backup health reports
Surveillance Hardening Encrypted video storage + HTTPS + IP blocklist Surveillance App with HTTPS, still evolving Synology Surveillance Station is more mature and secure
Ransomware History 2014 “SynoLocker” (quickly patched) 2021–22 “Deadbolt” attacks (multiple waves) TerraMaster more affected in recent years
Update Frequency Frequent monthly patches Less frequent, varies by model DSM has a consistent schedule and transparency

Despite these advancements, TerraMaster’s security record has faced scrutiny in the past due to incidents like the Deadbolt ransomware attacks. These incidents, which also affected other NAS vendors, prompted significant user backlash and a push for more proactive security updates and faster patching. TerraMaster has since responded by improving software integrity and introducing layered protection features, but the lingering perception remains that Synology maintains a stronger and more proactive security posture overall.

This perception is reinforced by Synology’s investment in ongoing vulnerability research, bug bounty programs, and a broader portfolio of security-focused tools. As it stands in 2025, Synology continues to lead in NAS security maturity, while TerraMaster has made meaningful progress—especially with unique features like Isolation Mode—but still has ground to cover in enterprise-level protections and threat response.

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Conclusion and Verdict

Comparing Synology and TerraMaster in 2025 ultimately highlights a clear philosophical divide between the two NAS brands. Synology continues to build upon a long-standing focus on refined software, tight integration, and enterprise-grade security. Its DSM platform remains one of the most polished and feature-rich operating systems in the NAS space, offering a wide selection of first-party tools for backup, surveillance, virtualization, and secure access. However, this ecosystem is increasingly closed, with stricter hardware compatibility requirements and limited support for third-party drives, SSDs, and expansions. For users who prioritize reliability, ease of use, and support from a mature software ecosystem, Synology remains a compelling—if sometimes restrictive—option.

Synology NAS– 5 Strengths vs TerraMaster in 2025

  • ✅ Superior software polish: DSM offers a more consistent, responsive, and user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners and pros alike.

  • ✅ Better security infrastructure: Features like a dedicated PSIRT, frequent vulnerability disclosures, and a bug bounty program give Synology the edge in system safety.

  • ✅ Mature first-party apps: Key tools like Active Backup for Business, Surveillance Station, and Synology Drive are more refined and feature-rich than their TOS counterparts.

  • ✅ Streamlined management: Built-in tools for snapshots, monitoring, and backup offer a more centralized and automated experience.

  • ✅ Longer ecosystem stability: Greater long-term support for software versions and consistent patch cycles provide peace of mind for business use.

Cons:

  • ❌ Strict hardware compatibility: Recent models (e.g., DS925+) restrict use of non-Synology drives and SSDs, frustrating users seeking flexibility.

  • ❌ Less hardware value per dollar: Generally more expensive for equivalent CPU, RAM, and port configurations.

TerraMaster, by contrast, leans into flexibility and hardware value. Its broad portfolio includes NAS units ranging from entry-level to high-performance multi-bay SSD systems, often at lower price points than Synology’s equivalents. TOS 5.1 and the newer TOS 6 have brought meaningful improvements in UI and functionality, while still maintaining a more open approach to compatibility and user customization. Features like native Jellyfin support, VirtualBox VM deployment, and the ability to install TrueNAS or Unraid without voiding warranty make TerraMaster a standout for DIY-leaning users or those with niche requirements. However, its software, while improving, does not yet match the polish or depth of Synology DSM, especially in areas like virtualization, surveillance, and enterprise security.

TerraMaster NAS – 5 Strengths vs Synology in 2025

  • ✅ Better hardware value: Offers more powerful CPUs, RAM, M.2 slots, and 10GbE in the same or lower price bracket.

  • ✅ Flexible OS options: Users can install TrueNAS, Unraid, or other OSes without voiding the warranty, offering unmatched flexibility.

  • ✅ Open storage support: No restrictions on drive brand or SSD use, supporting Seagate, WD, Toshiba, Samsung, and more.

  • ✅ More aggressive expansion options: TOS systems often support more USB and hybrid expansion units across the portfolio.

  • ✅ Integrated Jellyfin support: TerraMaster includes native Jellyfin installation without relying on Docker or community packages.

Cons:

  • ❌ Less mature software ecosystem: TOS apps are less polished and lack some advanced features found in DSM tools.

  • ❌ Weaker track record on security: Past vulnerabilities (e.g. Deadbolt) and slower public patching place more responsibility on the user for hardening.

In the end, choosing between Synology and TerraMaster depends heavily on user needs and expectations. Synology suits users who want a highly stable, all-in-one solution with minimal configuration and long-term support. TerraMaster offers greater adaptability and value for power users who are comfortable managing third-party apps and want to stretch their hardware investment further. Neither approach is inherently better—each has its strengths and trade-offs. Buyers seeking a tightly controlled, secure environment may gravitate toward Synology, while those who value hardware scalability, open software choices, and affordability may find more freedom with TerraMaster.

Synology DS925+ NAS

Terramaster F4-424 / Max / Pro

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology NAS Solutions

Check B&H for the Synology NAS Solutions

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Check B&H for the Terramaster NAS Solutions

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Orico Cyberdata Vault NAS (Early) Review

Par : Rob Andrews
13 juin 2025 à 18:00

Does the Orico Cyberdata Vault CF56 and CF56 Pro Deserve Your Data?

IMPORTANT – This is a review of two early prototypes of the Orico Cyberdata Vault NAS devices that will be launching on crowdfunding in July, and likely will see improvement and optimization as time and development continue. I provide this rolling/dynamic review as an indication of what the system is aiming fo ran a full and detailed review of the final product will arrive much closer to launch.

The Orico CyberData Vault CF56 and CF56 Pro NAS systems are part of a newly developed six-model lineup that will be launched via Kickstarter, aimed squarely at prosumers, media professionals, and small business environments in need of hybrid local storage with higher bandwidth connectivity and ZFS support. Both systems are built around the same chassis design but differ significantly in internal capabilities: the CF56 features an Intel Core i3-N305 processor (8-core, 8-thread), while the CF56 Pro steps up to an Intel Core i5-1240P (12-core, 16-thread). The units combine traditional 3.5-inch HDD storage (five bays) with six M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching or tiered storage configurations, housed within a structure that offers magnetic access panels and multi-zone active cooling.

These models also introduce Orico’s new CyberData OS, a ZFS-based operating system featuring snapshots, real-time media indexing, and AI photo recognition—although in its current form it remains incomplete and in early development. With features such as dual 10GbE on the Pro model, USB4 connectivity, and flexible expansion via a GPU dock or RAID cabinet, these NAS systems reflect Orico’s shift from accessory brand to full-scale storage solution provider. While still prototype units, the CF56 and CF56 Pro demonstrate hardware ambition aligned with recent trends in semi-professional NAS design, echoing earlier moves from competitors like UGREEN, Aoostar, and Minisforum.

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Quick Conclusion

The Orico CF56 and CF56 Pro offer a promising blend of modern hardware, hybrid storage design, and ZFS-based data protection aimed at prosumers and small creative teams seeking high-speed, subscription-free private cloud solutions. With a total of five 3.5” HDD bays and six M.2 NVMe SSD slots, both units provide considerable flexibility for building tiered or cache-accelerated storage environments, while their use of efficient Intel processors—the N305 in the CF56 and the more powerful i5-1240P in the Pro—positions them for a wide range of workflows from basic file serving to heavier tasks like 8K transcoding, Docker hosting, and AI media indexing. The CF56 Pro, in particular, stands out with its dual 10GbE networking, USB4 ports, GPU dock support, and multi-zone cooling—placing it closer to workstation-class NAS territory. However, both models are currently limited by the early state of their CyberData OS software, which, while promising in features like snapshots, AI recognition, and mobile integration, suffers from missing essentials such as two-factor authentication, a complete app ecosystem, and consistent language localization. Performance results also reflect this unfinished software layer, with SMB transfer speeds and transcoding performance falling short of the hardware’s full potential. Concerns like elevated NVMe temperatures on the Pro model and the lack of ECC memory support—despite ZFS being the default file system—underscore the need for careful expectations among more advanced users. Nonetheless, as hardware platforms, the CF56 and CF56 Pro are well-designed and competitive, particularly if Orico can deliver on its planned optimizations and enhancements by the time of full release.

BUILD QUALITY - 8/10
HARDWARE - 8/10
PERFORMANCE - 7/10
PRICE - 8/10
VALUE - 8/10


7.8
PROS
👍🏻Hybrid storage: 5x HDD + 6x M.2 NVMe SSD (flexible ZFS configurations)
👍🏻Dual 10GbE on CF56 Pro for high-speed networking
👍🏻Modern CPUs: Efficient N305 and powerful i5-1240P
👍🏻Expandability via GPU dock (CF56 Pro only) and USB4 RAID cabinet
👍🏻Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM with dual-channel (CF56 Pro)
👍🏻Multi-zone active cooling and manual fan profiles
👍🏻HDMI + DisplayPort output with 4K/8K support
👍🏻Integrated AI media management and Docker support
CONS
👎🏻No ECC memory support
👎🏻USB4 ports lack network-over-USB functionality (Coming Later Apparently)
👎🏻Early firmware lacks optimization (e.g. SMB transfer speeds)
👎🏻CyberData OS lacks two-factor authentication and app store currently
👎🏻Top NVMe region on CF56 Pro runs hot under load (80°C) on this protoype
👎🏻Localization/UI inconsistencies in current OS build (still pre-launch) and Software still in development; not final at time of review
👎🏻Crowdfunding is Not For Everyone

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Design

The exterior design of the CF56 and CF56 Pro is clearly built around practical serviceability and visual minimalism, with both devices using a shared chassis that prioritizes easy access to internal components. The most distinctive feature is the magnetic front panel, which is removable without tools and serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. This panel provides ventilation along the sides and top edges, as well as system information through onboard LED indicators.

Behind it, the five 3.5-inch drive bays are arranged vertically on a dedicated SATA backplane, pre-wired for direct access to the internal storage controller. This layout streamlines maintenance and makes drive replacement relatively simple, although hot-swap capability has not been officially confirmed in the prototype documentation.

Above the HDD area, users will find four top-facing M.2 NVMe SSD slots located beneath a secondary magnetic lid, which includes a washable mesh dust filter. This dual-layered design gives quick tool-less access to the upper SSDs, and the system provides enough internal clearance to accommodate full-height heatsinks.

Underneath the chassis are two additional M.2 NVMe slots, accessed by removing the base plate, which is secured with standard screws. Combined, this provides a total of six M.2 bays, enabling hybrid storage setups where SSDs can be allocated for cache, metadata pools, or as part of a tiered ZFS configuration. While the layout appears consistent across both models, there are minor internal structural differences, especially in the power and thermals between the N305 and i5 variants.

Build quality varies slightly depending on perspective. The chassis exterior is predominantly plastic for reduced weight and cost, but the internal structure—such as drive cages, shielding, and board mounting points—is fully metal, contributing to better durability and heat dissipation.

Ventilation is managed by a single large rear fan, with the Pro variant including additional improvements in thermal zoning. Noise levels remained within reasonable limits during testing, with the CF56 model averaging 29–31 dBA in quiet mode and the CF56 Pro rising to 46–47 dBA under full load. This suggests that although the design is visually consistent, thermal demands increase substantially with the i5-1240P model under sustained workloads or dense NVMe configurations.

One notable design concern relates to the temperature observed in the upper M.2 bay region of the CF56 Pro. During extended stress testing, the top section of the chassis reached temperatures close to 80°C, prompting early correspondence with Orico about hardware revision plans. According to the brand, this issue has already led to a second- and third-generation PCB redesign, aiming to reduce thermal concentration around the CPU and top NVMe slots. It’s expected that the final retail revision of the CF56 Pro will include enhanced heat dissipation features in that area, potentially including better ventilation cutouts or redesigned passive cooling components on the board level.

Lastly, the system’s approach to internal power delivery differs subtly between models. Both the CF56 and CF56 Pro use an external PSU that connects via a barrel plug, but the wattage and thermal ceiling requirements are significantly higher on the Pro due to its 12-core CPU and expanded 10GbE networking. These differences also manifest in fan curve behavior and system-wide power consumption. Under light but active load (including live network activity and idle CPU), the CF56 consumed around 45–46W. In contrast, the CF56 Pro peaked at 79–81W during 8K transcoding and full NVMe/HDD population. This further emphasizes how both models share a common enclosure but diverge internally to meet their respective performance tiers.

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Internal Hardware

Internally, the CF56 and CF56 Pro share a similar board layout, but the differences in their processors define the target use case and overall capabilities of each unit. The CF56 is powered by the Intel Core i3-N305, an energy-efficient 8-core/8-thread processor based on the Gracemont architecture. This CPU is commonly used in fanless mini PCs and excels in multi-threaded workloads at low power consumption, making it suitable for light-to-moderate NAS tasks such as SMB file serving, local backups, Docker containers, and light Plex usage. Meanwhile, the CF56 Pro features the Intel Core i5-1240P, a significantly more powerful 12-core/16-thread processor with four performance cores and eight efficiency cores. This hybrid architecture provides greater burst throughput and a better foundation for AI-enhanced services, real-time media indexing, and virtualization tasks.

Specification i5-1240P i3-N305 N150 N355
Total Cores 12 (4P + 8E) 8 (Efficient only) 4 8
# of Performance-cores 4
# of Efficient-cores 8 8 4 8
Total Threads 16 8 4 8
Max Turbo Frequency 4.40 GHz 3.80 GHz 3.6 GHz 3.9 GHz
Performance-core Max Turbo Freq. 4.40 GHz
Efficient-core Max Turbo Freq. 3.30 GHz
Cache 12 MB Intel® Smart Cache 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache 6 MB Intel® Smart Cache
Processor Base Power 28 W 6 W 15 W
Maximum Turbo Power 64 W
Minimum Assured Power 20 W 9 W
TDP 15 W
Configurable TDP-down 9 W
GPU Name Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics eligible Intel® UHD Graphics Intel® Graphics Intel® Graphics
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency 1.30 GHz 1.25 GHz 1 GHz 1.35 GHz
Microprocessor PCIe Revision Gen 4 Gen 3 Gen 3 Gen 3
Chipset / PCH PCIe Revision Gen 3 Gen 3 Gen 3 Gen 3
Max # of PCI Express Lanes 20 9 9 9

Both systems come with DDR5 memory pre-installed—16GB in the prototype units—but with different slot configurations. The CF56 includes a single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot, limiting it to a maximum of 32GB of memory and restricting dual-channel capability. In contrast, the CF56 Pro includes two SO-DIMM slots, supporting up to 64GB DDR5 and enabling dual-channel operation, which offers a notable performance uplift in workloads such as memory-intensive VMs or media databases. However, ECC memory is not supported on either model, due to both CPUs lacking ECC validation. This may concern users intending to rely on ZFS for mission-critical operations, as ECC is typically recommended in those scenarios to prevent silent data corruption.

Storage throughput is also heavily influenced by the PCIe lane allocation on each model. In the CF56, all six M.2 NVMe SSD slots operate on Gen 3 lanes, with those on the top four slots running at PCIe 3.0 x1 speeds and the bottom two reaching PCIe 3.0 x4. While this limits maximum per-slot bandwidth to around 1 GB/s on the upper four, it allows for cost-effective use of Gen 3 drives, which remain widely available and affordable. The CF56 Pro offers higher total bandwidth, with its top four M.2 slots upgraded to PCIe 3.0 x2, and the bottom two retaining PCIe 3.0 x4. Despite the i5-1240P supporting Gen 4 PCIe, Orico appears to have intentionally limited all M.2 slots to Gen 3 to manage thermals and ensure system stability under prolonged load.

An unexpected discovery during prototype testing revealed a possible seventh internal M.2 slot in the CF56 Pro, presumed to host the system boot drive or be reserved for future expansion. However, due to the lack of SSH access in the prototype firmware, further validation was not possible at the time of recording.

Regardless, the six main M.2 slots and five SATA drive bays offer ample storage configurability, especially when paired with the ZFS features of CyberData OS. System cooling, power delivery, and memory configuration all reflect Orico’s attempt to match their component selection with real-world use cases—balancing between hardware headroom, affordability, and the needs of semi-professional users handling mixed media workflows.

Component CF56 CF56 Pro
CPU Intel Core i3-N305 (8C/8T) Intel Core i5-1240P (12C/16T)
CPU Base/Boost 1.8 GHz / 3.8 GHz 1.7 GHz / 4.4 GHz
Architecture Gracemont (Intel 12th Gen E-cores) Alder Lake (4P+8E Hybrid)
Memory Configuration 1x DDR5 SO-DIMM (up to 32GB) 2x DDR5 SO-DIMM (up to 64GB, dual-channel)
ECC Support No No
Boot Storage 64GB eMMC 128GB SATA SSD
M.2 NVMe Slots 6x (Top: 4x PCIe 3.0 x1, Bottom: 2x PCIe 3.0 x4) 6x (Top: 4x PCIe 3.0 x2, Bottom: 2x PCIe 3.0 x4)
3.5″ HDD Bays 5x SATA 5x SATA
GPU Dock Support Optional Supported
Max Power Use (Observed) ~46W (light load, populated) ~81W (8K transcoding, fully populated)
Cooling System Single-zone active cooling Multi-zone advanced cooling

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Ports and Connections

The CF56 and CF56 Pro both offer a broad selection of ports, but the Pro model significantly extends external connectivity, particularly in terms of networking and high-speed data interfaces. On the CF56, the rear I/O includes a standard 2.5GbE LAN port alongside a single 10GbE RJ45 connection, suitable for most users looking to transfer large media files or operate light virtual environments. The CF56 Pro upgrades this to two dedicated 10GbE ports, allowing for simultaneous high-throughput tasks or link aggregation configurations. This networking setup makes the Pro variant especially attractive for multi-user environments, such as small studios, where heavy media file access and backups may occur concurrently across devices.

Both models include a similar array of USB ports on the rear and front panels. This consists of two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for high-speed peripheral or DAS connectivity, and two legacy USB 2.0 ports suitable for input devices or basic accessories. The CF56 Pro goes a step further by incorporating dual USB4 ports—though in testing, these were not available for direct network interface (as is possible on some modern NAS with Thunderbolt or USB-C network tunneling), but functioned as general-purpose USB interfaces. According to Orico, future firmware revisions may unlock additional functionality, but as of the current prototype, USB4 is primarily used for connecting high-speed external drives or expansion units.

Video output is supported across both systems, which include an HDMI 2.0 port and a DisplayPort 1.4 connection on the CF56, and upgraded HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a outputs on the CF56 Pro. These allow users to output up to 8K display resolution, enabling the NAS to function as a lightweight desktop, digital signage server, or direct-play multimedia center. Integration with CyberData OS supports media playback and basic interface control over HDMI, though there are some limitations in UI optimization for direct screen navigation, especially in the current prototype firmware. Still, the availability of dual video outputs on both models reflects a growing trend in hybrid NAS/HTPC design.

Power input is provided via a barrel connector on both models, though the CF56 Pro uses a higher-wattage external PSU due to the increased demands of its CPU and dual 10GbE networking. Internal power distribution appears to be cleanly handled, and the systems remained electrically stable during tests. One area of future interest will be how Orico handles expandability. While Thunderbolt or USB4-based RAID cabinets are planned for the series, support was not fully implemented in the prototype stage. GPU dock support is also present only on the larger devices in the product family, leveraging the i5’s PCIe expansion capability for dedicated GPU tasks such as video rendering, AI inference, or VM acceleration.

Interface Type CF56 CF56 Pro
Ethernet 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 10GbE 2x 10GbE
USB 3.2 Gen2 2x 2x
USB 2.0 2x 2x
USB4 None 2x
HDMI Output 1x HDMI 2.0 1x HDMI 2.1
DisplayPort Output 1x DP 1.4 1x DP 1.4a
Power Connector Barrel plug (standard PSU) Barrel plug (higher-watt PSU)
GPU Dock Support Optional (undocumented) Supported
Expansion Cabinet Via USB4 or future RAID interface Via USB4 or future RAID interface

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Performance, Heat and Power Tests

Initial performance evaluations of the CF56 and CF56 Pro revealed that while the underlying hardware is capable, real-world throughput is currently constrained by early-stage software optimization. During SMB file transfer testing over 10GbE, both models struggled to reach expected performance levels, with the CF56 averaging below 500 MB/s and the CF56 Pro rarely breaking 1 GB/s, even under favorable conditions. Orico acknowledged this limitation and confirmed that software-level optimization was ongoing. As such, these figures should be treated as provisional and not reflective of the final product performance. In both models, ZFS was used as the underlying file system, configured in a hybrid tiered setup with HDDs for capacity and NVMe for metadata and caching.

Transcoding tests were particularly revealing of the CPU differences between the models. The CF56 managed basic 1080p and some 4K H.265 transcodes via software decoding, but exhibited signs of strain under higher bitrates or simultaneous streams. In contrast, the CF56 Pro with its i5-1240P processor handled up to eight 8K transcodes concurrently during one benchmark, maintaining responsiveness while CPU usage hovered around 30%. Despite this impressive processing ability, peak system power draw climbed to 81W, highlighting the thermal and energy trade-offs required for sustained performance. Notably, neither system offers hardware transcoding via Intel Quick Sync, as support for it was not accessible in the current CyberData OS build.

Thermal management remained mostly acceptable, though not without concern on the CF56 Pro. Under stress, the top M.2 bay area reached 80°C, and while no thermal throttling occurred, prolonged exposure could reduce SSD lifespan or stability. Orico responded that this issue was already being addressed through a revised internal board layout and enhanced venting. The CF56 maintained lower temperatures during the same tests, remaining between 38–46°C under average usage. The difference is largely attributable to the lower TDP of the N305 CPU and reduced overall system throughput, which in turn generated less heat throughout the chassis.

Noise levels were measured in all three fan modes (Quiet, Standard, and Turbo) to assess usability in home or small office settings. In Quiet mode, the CF56 registered 29–31 dBA, making it suitable for desktop deployment or living room environments. The CF56 Pro remained silent under light use, but escalated to 46–47 dBA under Turbo mode, with fan noise becoming noticeably audible. Most of the ambient sound during low to moderate use came from HDD activity, rather than the cooling fans. The OS includes manual fan control and profile scheduling, allowing users to balance performance and acoustics based on workload and time of day.

Test Category CF56 CF56 Pro
SMB Transfer (10GbE) ~400–500 MB/s (unoptimized) ~800–950 MB/s (unoptimized)
Transcoding Capability 1x 4K or 2x 1080p (software only) Up to 8x 8K (software only)
CPU Load (During Test) ~15% (light load) ~30% (under 8K transcode load)
Max Power Draw (Observed) ~46W (fully populated) ~81W (fully populated)
Thermal Range 38–46°C average 70–80°C peak in top M.2 bay
Noise Level (Quiet Mode) 29–31 dBA 31–35 dBA
Noise Level (Turbo Mode) 38–41 dBA 46–47 dBA
Fan Control Options Quiet, Standard, Turbo Quiet, Standard, Turbo

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Software and Services

The desktop client software included with the Orico CF56 and CF56 Pro NAS systems is built on fnOS, a closed-source NAS operating system developed in China and increasingly licensed by various hardware brands. In its current state, the desktop interface provides access to all core storage functions, including RAID management, user permissions, snapshot control, and file operations, but it clearly reflects a system still undergoing development.

While the application is responsive and offers real-time monitoring of CPU, memory, and storage activity, it lacks polish in both design layout and localization. Several UI elements remain inconsistently translated, and some modules—such as the multimedia suite and AI functions—exhibit a mixture of English and untranslated Chinese text even when the system language is set to English.

Functionally, the OS supports the major protocols expected from a ZFS-based platform, including SMB, NFS, FTP, and Time Machine backup for macOS. File-level encryption, inline deduplication, and snapshot creation are all available within the storage management interface, with options for cache acceleration using the M.2 NVMe drives.

However, the absence of certain administrative features—most notably two-factor authentication, SSH access, and a dedicated app store—limits its appeal for security-conscious users or those looking to expand functionality via community-developed tools.

The system does include Docker support with a container manager interface, but VM deployment and third-party service integration (e.g., Plex, Jellyfin) are currently unavailable or not pre-installed.

The file management system in the desktop client is functional but basic, offering drag-and-drop file operations, preview support for common file types, and options for setting sharing permissions. Remote access features rely on a relay service provided by Orico, and while this worked reliably during testing, there was no visible option for configuring custom domain access, HTTPS certificates, or firewall profiles—features typically expected in more mature NAS operating systems.

Some of the advanced AI features, such as facial recognition and semantic photo tagging, are accessible through this desktop interface, but their functionality is inconsistent due to metadata scraping issues and interface reliability.

On the mobile side, the fnOS-derived application shows greater completeness. The Android client used during testing allowed for quick setup, user management, remote file access, and snapshot control. Photo and video libraries are indexed automatically and presented with timeline views, location tags, and album sorting. The app also supports real-time uploads, camera roll backups, and basic editing metadata tagging.

AI recognition features such as object detection and face grouping are available, although semantic search accuracy remains mixed.

Remote control of HDMI playback from the phone is supported, allowing content streaming directly to a connected display, but the controls remain basic and lack the refinement of dedicated media remote interfaces.

Overall, while the mobile app appears more polished and covers most core user needs, both desktop and mobile software clients reflect a platform that is not yet feature-complete. The reliance on fnOS gives Orico a functional foundation with native ZFS support and UI consistency across devices, but the closed nature of the system, combined with the lack of extensibility and incomplete localization, may limit its immediate appeal outside of its domestic market.

If Orico follows through on promised optimizations and expands the software stack with a proper app ecosystem and advanced security controls, the platform could become more viable in international NAS markets. Until then, the software should be considered a work-in-progress that supports basic NAS tasks but may fall short for more demanding or technical deployments.

Orico Cyberdata Vault Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The Orico CF56 and CF56 Pro represent a calculated step into the semi-professional NAS market by a brand historically known for accessories and external storage enclosures. By leveraging Intel’s N305 and i5-1240P processors, DDR5 memory, and a mix of HDD and NVMe storage options, Orico offers a compelling hardware platform on both models—especially in terms of expandability and bandwidth potential. The CF56 is well-suited for users who require reliable local storage with some containerization and light media usage, while the CF56 Pro pushes into territory typically occupied by entry-level rackmounts or high-end desktop NAS systems, thanks to its dual 10GbE ports, USB4 support, and improved thermal zoning. While the lack of ECC memory may deter more cautious enterprise buyers, most of the design trade-offs appear intentional and aligned with prosumer priorities.

That said, both units remain in a pre-release state at the time of writing, and their software platform—CyberData OS—is clearly still under development. While the ZFS integration, AI media indexing, and snapshot management show promise, issues such as language inconsistencies, incomplete feature sets, and missing essentials like two-factor authentication may limit early adoption. File transfer and multimedia performance also require further optimization, with current speeds falling short of the hardware’s capabilities. As prototypes, the CF56 and CF56 Pro demonstrate strong hardware foundations, and if the OS matures as expected by launch, these units could become legitimate alternatives to mainstream NAS systems in the increasingly crowded hybrid storage space.

Pros Cons
Hybrid storage: 5x HDD + 6x M.2 NVMe SSD (flexible ZFS configurations) No ECC memory support (despite using ZFS)
Dual 10GbE on CF56 Pro for high-speed networking USB4 ports lack network-over-USB functionality
Modern CPUs: Efficient N305 and powerful i5-1240P Early firmware lacks optimization (e.g. SMB transfer speeds)
Expandability via GPU dock (CF56 Pro only) and USB4 RAID cabinet CyberData OS lacks two-factor authentication and app store
Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM with dual-channel (CF56 Pro) Top NVMe region on CF56 Pro runs hot under load (80°C)
Multi-zone active cooling and manual fan profiles Localization/UI inconsistencies in current OS build
HDMI + DisplayPort output with 4K/8K support No official hot-swap confirmation for HDD bays
Integrated AI media management and Docker support Software still in development; not final at time of review

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

 

CWWK N355 10×2 NAS/Router Box Review

Par : Rob Andrews
6 juin 2025 à 18:00

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
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amzamexmaestrovisamaster 24Hfree delreturn VISIT RETAILER ➤

Where to Buy?
  • CWWK N355 2x10GbE Box Router/NAS ($304 AliExpress) – HERE
  • CWWK N355 2x10GbE Firewall Box U.S ($460 Amazon) – HERE
  • CWWK N355 2x10GbE Firewall Box U.K (£304 Amazon) – HERE
  • CWWK N355 MITX NVMe NAS ($184-295 AliExpress) – HERE
  • DIY N355 NAS Products ($254-349 Amazon) – HERE

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.

Component Specification
Processor Intel Alder Lake-N N355, 8 Cores / 8 Threads, 1.8GHz base, 3.8GHz boost
Graphics Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
Memory 1 x DDR5 SO-DIMM slot, up to 48GB (some listings state 32GB max)
Storage 2 x M.2 NVMe (one requires adapter), 1 x SATA 3.0 (no internal mounting)
Networking 2 x 10GbE SFP+, 2 x 2.5GbE i226V LAN
Power Consumption 21-22W idle, up to 36W under load
Cooling Aluminum chassis with active cooling fan
Ports 1 x Type-C, 1 x USB 3.2, 4 x USB 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.0, TF Card Slot
Operating System Support Windows 11 Pro, OPNsense, Linux, ESXi, OpenWrt
Dimensions 12.7 x 17.8 x 5.5 cm
Weight 1.3 kg

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.

PROs of the CWWK N355 DIY 10GbE Box CONs of the CWWK N355 DIY 10GbE Box
  • 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.

  • 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?
  • CWWK N355 2x10GbE Box Router/NAS ($304 AliExpress) – HERE
  • CWWK N355 2x10GbE Firewall Box U.S ($460 Amazon) – HERE
  • CWWK N355 2x10GbE Firewall Box U.K (£304 Amazon) – HERE
  • CWWK N355 MITX NVMe NAS ($184-295 AliExpress) – HERE
  • DIY N355 NAS Products ($254-349 Amazon) – HERE

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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Synology vs QNAP in 2025

Par : Rob Andrews
30 mai 2025 à 11:30

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Which Should You Buy in 2025?

When choosing a NAS solution in 2025, two brands dominate the conversation: Synology and QNAP. These Taiwan-based companies have evolved their offerings significantly over the years, adapting to changing user needs in backup, multimedia, virtualization, and enterprise storage. Synology, with a strong emphasis on software polish and ecosystem integration, continues to appeal to users who prioritize stability and consistency. QNAP, by contrast, leans into offering higher-spec hardware, customization, and flexibility, targeting tech-savvy users who want granular control over their system. This article explores how the two compare across hardware, storage capabilities, software platforms, security, pricing, and overall value. Both Synology and QNAP share a lot of baseline features: multi-platform support across Windows, Mac, and Linux; mobile apps for Android and iOS; web-based GUIs; encryption; multi-user access; and strong community ecosystems. Yet important distinctions emerge as you look deeper. These differences often boil down to Synology delivering a more consistent, “appliance-like” experience, while QNAP offers broader hardware choices and wider compatibility. Neither brand is universally better, but each fits different user priorities. Let’s break down how Synology and QNAP stack up in detail for 2025.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Hardware Comparison

In terms of hardware variety and specification, QNAP clearly maintains an advantage in 2025. QNAP offers a wider range of NAS models across every price tier, providing more options for users looking for features like 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports, Thunderbolt connectivity, PCIe expandability, and support for AI or GPU cards. Many QNAP systems at even mid-tier levels offer multi-core CPUs, 2.5GbE as a minimum, and M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage pools. Synology, while offering a hardware range from ARM-based entry units to Xeon-powered enterprise models, typically emphasizes efficiency and stability over raw horsepower, often shipping systems with lower-core-count processors and 1GbE networking by default.

Hardware Feature Synology QNAP
M.2 NVMe SSD Slots
Dedicated Flash/SSD NAS Systems ✓ (Only in Rackmount)
PCIe Expansion Slots
10GbE / 25GbE Network Support
Thunderbolt Connectivity
Dual-Controller NAS Models
Support for SAS Drives
ZFS File System Support
Btrfs File System Support
Flexible/Hybrid RAID ✓ (SHR) ✓ (QTier)
HDMI Output for Direct Media Playback
Tool-less Drive Installation
Integrated GPU for Media Transcoding ✓ (only on the low tier PLUS range)
External GPU Support (PCIe GPU Expansion)
U.2 NVMe SSD Support
Redundant Power Supply Options
High-Capacity Scalability (Over 1PB)
Dedicated Out-of-Band Management (IPMI/iKVM)
USB 4.0 Ports
2.5GbE ✓ (But only on x25 Models)
5GbE LAN Support
Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet Bridging
M.2 NVMe Storage Pool Creation (only on new models) ✓
Hot-Swappable Drives
AI Accelerator Card Support (TPU/NPU cards)
Edge AI/Surveillance AI Built-in Modules (only DVA series) ✓

However, Synology’s hardware strategy is tightly coupled to its software-first philosophy. Devices are designed to maximize compatibility, power efficiency, and seamless operation with DSM. Some newer 2025 Synology models do offer improvements — such as M.2 NVMe storage pools and optional 10GbE upgrades — but their pace remains slower compared to QNAP’s frequent hardware refresh cycles. For users whose priority is high performance, customization, or bleeding-edge hardware, QNAP offers far more compelling options. For those seeking low-power, quiet, turnkey systems, Synology still provides highly reliable appliances.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Storage Services and Scalability 

Storage capabilities represent a growing area of divergence. Synology’s storage ecosystem emphasizes stability and data integrity through Btrfs file systems, SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID), fast RAID rebuilds, and snapshot technology. However, Synology has dramatically tightened its drive compatibility rules from 2025 onwards, particularly in the Plus series and higher, limiting users to certified Synology drives for initialization. This hardline approach restricts flexibility, as users cannot freely install third-party HDDs or SSDs. Meanwhile, users still benefit from technologies like SHR, making mixed-drive RAID arrays easier to manage, though concerns remain about SHR’s future viability under Synology’s evolving drive policies.

  SERVICE SYNOLOGY QNAP Notes
File Services SMB, AFP, NFS ✅ ✅ Cross-platform sharing
WebDAV ✅ ✅ Remote access
FTP/FTPS ✅ ✅ Standard protocols
Rsync/Remote Sync ✅ ✅ Sync across systems
RAID & Storage Basic, JBOD, RAID 0/1/5/6/10 ✅ ✅ Core RAID support
SHR (Hybrid RAID) ✅ ❌ Synology-exclusive
Qtier Auto-Tiering ❌ ✅ QNAP-exclusive SSD/HDD tiering
ZFS Support ❌ (DSM 7.2+ select models) ✅ (QuTS hero) Synology uses Btrfs more widely
Storage Pools ✅ ✅ Pool-based management
Thin Provisioning ✅ ✅ On supported file systems
Storage Snapshots ✅ (Btrfs-based) ✅ (ZFS/ext4-based) Both support snapshot schedules
Inline Deduplication ✅ (Btrfs) ✅ (ZFS) Both support dedup, method differs
SSD Cache (Read/Write) ✅ ✅ Model-dependent
Encryption (AES-256) ✅ ✅ Volume/folder-level encryption
Backup & Sync Hyper Backup / HBS3 ✅ (Hyper Backup) ✅ (Hybrid Backup Sync 3) Functionally equivalent
Active Backup for Business ✅ ❌ Enterprise-grade backup (free)
Snapshot Replication ✅ ✅ Data versioning support
Cloud Sync ✅ ✅ Multi-cloud sync integration

QNAP’s storage flexibility is far greater. Users can utilize almost any NAS-rated or server-class drive from vendors like Seagate, Toshiba, and WD, without vendor lock-in. Beyond standard RAID levels, QNAP offers Qtier for intelligent auto-tiering between SSDs and HDDs and supports ZFS through its QuTS hero operating system. ZFS integration introduces enterprise-grade features such as inline deduplication, compression, triple-parity RAID options, and even faster rebuilds. Expansion is another strong suit for QNAP, with broad support for external expansion enclosures over USB and PCIe, while Synology supports far fewer expansion units. In short, QNAP offers a more powerful, flexible storage environment but demands more technical knowledge to manage effectively.

Synology DSM vs QNAP QTS/QuTS  – Software Compared

Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) remains the benchmark for NAS operating systems in terms of polish, consistency, and ease of use. Its streamlined UI, consistent app design, and stable system management tools make it highly user-friendly. DSM’s integration with Synology Drive, Hyper Backup, Active Backup for Business, and its Office suite provide turnkey productivity and backup solutions. However, Synology is moving increasingly toward a closed ecosystem, prioritizing first-party apps and services over broader third-party integration. Applications like Surveillance Station remain best-in-class, but recent trends — such as discontinuing Video Station — indicate Synology’s increasing control over its ecosystem.

Category Feature Synology QNAP Notes
Core OS OS DSM (DiskStation Manager) QTS / QuTS hero QuTS hero is ZFS-based
Web GUI Dashboard ✅ ✅ Both have polished interfaces
Mobile Apps ✅ ✅ DS apps (Synology), Qfile/Qmanager (QNAP)
Virtualization & Containers Docker Support ✅ ✅ QNAP supports LXC too
Virtual Machines ✅ (VMM) ✅ (Virtualization Station) QNAP offers GPU passthrough
GPU Passthrough ❌ (limited) ✅ QNAP supports more virtualization use cases
AI / Surveillance Surveillance Station ✅ ✅ (QVR Pro/Elite) QNAP includes more free camera licenses
AI Facial Recognition ✅ (DVA series) ✅ (QVR Face Tiger) Hardware-dependent
Smart Object Detection ✅ ✅ Both support this in premium models
Media Services Plex Media Server ✅ ✅ Supported by both
DLNA/UPnP Streaming ✅ ✅ Basic media server support
Video Transcoding (HW Acceleration) ✅ (some models) ✅ (broader support) QNAP supports external GPUs
Audio Station / Music Station ✅ ✅ Web/mobile access to music
Cloud & Remote Access QuickConnect / myQNAPcloud ✅ (QuickConnect) ✅ (myQNAPcloud) Brand-specific DDNS/remote access services
HybridShare / HybridMount ✅ (HybridShare) ✅ (HybridMount) Mount cloud storage as local; brand equivalent
Productivity & Apps Synology Office (Docs, Sheets, Slides) ✅ ❌ Google Docs-like suite for Synology only
Notes / Tasks / Calendar ✅ ✅ Productivity tools
Mail Server & Chat ✅ ✅ Business collaboration tools
App Ecosystem App Center ✅ ✅ QNAP has a broader variety
Package Manager CLI ✅ (synopkg) ✅ (qpkg) Command-line support for installs

QNAP’s QTS and QuTS hero systems offer greater flexibility and third-party support at the cost of consistency. Users can deploy a much wider range of apps, including those for AI recognition, media streaming, and backup tasks, often with deeper customization options. QNAP’s app ecosystem embraces both QNAP-native and third-party applications, with tools like HybridMount and Hybrid Backup Sync offering robust cloud and backup integrations.

However, design inconsistencies and a more complex setup process make QNAP platforms better suited to technically proficient users. QNAP systems offer more functionality out of the box but can feel less cohesive than Synology’s more curated environment.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Security 

Synology continues to lead in NAS security in 2025. The company’s multi-layered approach — including an in-house Security Response Team, bug bounty programs, pen-testing partnerships, and rapid patching policies — maintains its reputation as one of the most secure NAS ecosystems. Security Advisor, SSL certificate management, encrypted folders, and proactive system audits are standard across DSM systems. Remote access via QuickConnect is tightly controlled to minimize exposure. This emphasis on hardening and responding quickly to vulnerabilities makes Synology a strong choice for users prioritizing security with minimal manual intervention.

Service Synology QNAP Notes
Security & Access 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) ✅ ✅ User-level protection
VPN Server (OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP) ✅ ✅ Standard features
Firewall + IP Blocking ✅ ✅ Security policy management
SSL Certificate Management ✅ ✅ Let’s Encrypt, custom certs
Security Advisor ✅ ✅ Built-in vulnerability scanner

QNAP has made substantial strides in recent years to bolster its security posture, responding to earlier criticisms following ransomware incidents. The introduction of its own PSIRT team, participation in Pwn2Own, and improvements to myQNAPcloud services represent real progress. However, QNAP’s security tools, like Security Counselor, often need to be manually installed and configured. While they now offer multi-factor authentication and SSL options, the user experience around setting up and maintaining a secure environment still lags slightly behind Synology. Power users comfortable with managing network-level protections can achieve strong security on QNAP, but casual users may find Synology’s default setup safer out of the box.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Price Point and Value 

QNAP consistently offers better raw hardware value for the price across its product range. A mid-tier QNAP NAS typically features higher-core CPUs, 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking, and expandability features like PCIe slots and multiple M.2 NVMe slots — features that, with Synology, are only available at much higher price points.

Additionally, QNAP’s lack of strict HDD compatibility listing (as currently the case for the Synology 2025 series, at the time of writing) and broader compatibility with storage and memory components can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership for DIY-minded users. Synology’s pricing, while generally higher, reflects its software development investment and the overall polish of its systems.

Buyers are paying for a more turnkey experience, better documentation, and consistent performance across the board. Moreover, Synology’s inclusion of powerful free tools like Active Backup for Business and Synology Drive adds enterprise-grade features without additional licensing costs, which in some cases offsets the hardware premium. Nonetheless, for users whose priority is maximum hardware performance and component freedom, QNAP usually offers a stronger return on investment.

Synology vs QNAP NAS – Conclusion and Verdict 

Choosing between Synology and QNAP in 2025 depends largely on user priorities. Synology remains the best choice for users seeking a polished, consistent, stable, and secure NAS experience. Its streamlined DSM platform, reliable first-party apps, and strong support infrastructure make it ideal for small businesses, prosumers, and general users who want a “set it and forget it” solution. However, Synology’s movement toward hardware and software lock-in may be off-putting to users who value flexibility or those unwilling to buy only Synology-branded components. QNAP, by contrast, excels in offering more powerful hardware, greater configuration freedom, and broader third-party app support. Users who want to customize, expand, virtualize, and maximize their system’s capabilities — and who are comfortable managing more complex setups — will find QNAP to be the more empowering platform. While its software consistency and security history lag slightly behind Synology, the gap has narrowed considerably. Ultimately, Synology is the stronger pick for users valuing simplicity and long-term stability, while QNAP offers more opportunities for those willing to trade simplicity for flexibility and raw performance.

NAS Solutions

NAS Solutions

+ Better Software (In almost every respect!)

+ Much Better Global Support Presence

+ More business desirable

+ Larger Range of solutions

– Compatibility restrictions on HDD and Upgrades More and more

– Underwhelming hardware (comparatively)

+ Better Hardware for Price

+ Wider Variety of Solutions and Hardware Profiles

+ Supports ZFS and/or EXT4 (with ZFS platform now available on latest Intel Celeron Systems)

+ Wide accessory range and compatibility

– Software can often feel inconsistent

– Hit by Security Issues if the past

Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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Minisforum MS-A2 Review – The MS-01 Killer?

Par : Rob Andrews
30 avril 2025 à 18:00

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


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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.

Specification Details
CPU Options AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (Zen 5) or Ryzen 9 7945HX (Zen 4)
Cores/Threads 16 cores / 32 threads
GPU AMD Radeon 610M Integrated Graphics
Memory Up to 96GB DDR5 (2 x SO-DIMM slots)
Memory Speed 5600MT/s (Ryzen 9000) / 5200MT/s (Ryzen 7000)
Storage 1x M.2 2280/U.2 (up to 15TB, PCIe 4.0×4) + 2x M.2 2280/22110 (up to 4TB each)
Wireless Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.2 (via M.2 2230 E-Key)
Video Outputs 1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB-C (Alt DP 2.0)
Networking 2x 2.5GbE RJ45, 2x 10GbE SFP+ (Intel X710 controller)
Front Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x Audio Combo Jack
Rear Ports 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (Alt DP), 2x USB-A (1x Gen2, 1x Gen1), 1x HDMI 2.1
PCIe Expansion 1x PCIe 4.0 x8 Slot
Cooling 1x CPU Fan (12V), 1x SSD/Network Fan (5V)
Power Adapter External 240W DC (19V/12.63A)
Dimensions 196 × 189 × 48 mm
OS Support Windows 11, Linux

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.

Metric Measurement
Idle Power Consumption 23W to 26W (single 2.5GbE connection)
Boot-Up Power Consumption 35W to 75W (fluctuating during initial 5 minutes)
Moderate Load Power Consumption 60W to 80W (around 50% CPU utilization)
Full Load Power Consumption 129W (CPU and system fully stressed)
Idle CPU Temperature 31°C to 32°C
Sustained Load CPU Temperature 50°C to 52°C (during 10GbE network + CPU tests)
Front of Chassis Temperature 41°C to 43°C (after 1 hour of 10GbE activity)
Rear of Chassis Temperature 50°C (near 10GbE ports under load)
Idle Noise Level 36–38 dB
Load Noise Level 41–43 dB (during 3DMark and dual 10GbE network tests)

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.

Test Result
PCMark 10 Overall Score 6494
Essentials 11,186
Productivity 10,353
Digital Content Creation 6,418
App Start-Up 15,370
Web Browsing 10,809
Spreadsheets 13,458
Writing 7,965
Video Conferencing 8,425
Photo Editing 7,216
Rendering and Visualization 7,016
Video Editing 5,224
3DMark Steel Nomad Light (GPU) 605
3DMark CPU Profile (Max Threads) 10,208
CPU Profile (16 Threads) 9,879
CPU Profile (8 Threads) 7,941
CPU Profile (4 Threads) 4,594
CPU Profile (2 Threads) 2,440
CPU Profile (1 Thread) 1,235
Storage Read Speeds (Peak) 5.5 GB/s to 7.3 GB/s
Storage Write Speeds (Peak) Up to 4 GB/s (inconsistent)

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.

Feature Minisforum MS-A2 Minisforum MS-01
CPU Options Ryzen 9 9955HX / 7945HX (16C/32T) Intel i5-12600H, i9-12900H, i9-13900H (up to 14C/20T)
GPU AMD Radeon 610M Integrated Intel Iris Xe Integrated
Max Memory 96GB DDR5 64GB DDR5
Memory Speed 5600MT/s (9000 series), 5200MT/s (7000 series) 5200MT/s
Storage Slots 3x M.2 (U.2 support) 3x M.2 (or 2x M.2 + 1x U.2 option)
PCIe Expansion PCIe 4.0 x8 Slot PCIe 4.0 x8 Slot
Networking Ports 2x 2.5GbE + 2x 10GbE SFP+ 2x 2.5GbE + 2x 10GbE SFP+
USB Ports USB 3.2 (no USB4/Thunderbolt) 2x USB4 (40Gbps) + USB 3.2
Video Output HDMI 2.1 + 2x USB-C (DP 2.0) HDMI 2.0 + 2x USB4 (DP 1.4)
Wireless Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2
Target Use Case High CPU, networking, internal expansion External device flexibility, mixed workloads


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.

PROs of the Minisforum MS-A2 CONs of the Minisforum MS-A2
  • 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

  • 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

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Minisforum MS-A2

Check B&H for the Minisforum MS-A2

Check the Official Site for the Minisforum MS-A2


 

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Synology verrouille ses NAS encore un peu plus

Par : Korben
22 avril 2025 à 10:25

Si vous aviez prévu d’acheter un nouveau NAS de la marque Synology cette année, vous allez peut-être déchanter car ces derniers viennent d’annoncer une mauvaise nouvelle. Hé oui, restriction des pools de stockage, perte de la déduplication, de l’analyse de la durée de vie et même plus de mises à jour du firmware… Ouiiiin. Hé non, ce ne sont pas les symptômes d’un RAID qui se dégrade, mais bien les fonctionnalités que l’entreprise va désactiver si vous n’utilisez pas leurs disques durs “propriétaires” ou marques tierces “autorisées par eux” dans leurs prochains NAS série Plus.

I Visited a Chinese NAS Factory – And Here is What I Saw…

Par : Rob Andrews
7 avril 2025 à 18:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro NAS – NEW UPDATE, NEW VERSION, NEW OS?

Par : Rob Andrews
28 mars 2025 à 16:00

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.

Category Specification
CPU AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 8645HS and/or Ryzen 5 7640HS (6C/12T, up to 5.0GHz)
GPU AMD Radeon 760M (Integrated)
RAM Up to 128GB DDR5 (2x SODIMM, 5600MHz, non-ECC)
SATA Storage 5 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (Hot-swappable, up to 22TB each)
M.2 Storage 1x 2230/2280 PCIe 4.0 x4, 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 2x 5GbE (UPDATE – Confirmed)
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)


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

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

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CWWK N355 DIY NAS Review

Par : Rob Andrews
21 mars 2025 à 18:00

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.

Component Details
Processor (SoC) Intel Twin Lake N355 (8 cores, 8 threads, 3.9GHz max turbo)
Memory 1x SO-DIMM DDR5 4800 MHz (up to 48GB, Non-ECC)
Storage Slots 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x1 (2280)
SATA Support 6x SATA3.0 ports (ASM1166 controller)
Networking 2x 2.5GbE RJ45 (Intel i226V controllers)
USB Ports 1x USB 3.0, 3x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0 internal header, 1x USB 2.0 internal header
Video Output 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DP 1.4 (4K@60Hz)
Expansion 1x PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
Power Supply 24-pin ATX + 4-pin CPU power connector
BIOS Features Auto Power On, Wake-on-LAN (WoL), PXE Boot
Form Factor Mini-ITX (17 x 17 cm)

Where to Buy?
  • CWWK N355 MITX NVMe NAS ($184-295 AliExpress) – HERE
  • CWWK x86 P6 NVMe NAS Box ($160 AliExpress) – HERE
  • DIY N355 NAS Products ($254-349 Amazon) – HERE

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
amzamexmaestrovisamaster 24Hfree delreturn VISIT RETAILER ➤ 
amzamexmaestrovisamaster 24Hfree delreturn 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.

PROs of the CWWK N355 NAS MoBo CONs of the CWWK N355 NAS MoBo
  • 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
  • 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?
  • CWWK N355 MITX NVMe NAS ($184-295 AliExpress) – HERE
  • CWWK x86 P6 NVMe NAS Box ($160 AliExpress) – HERE
  • DIY N355 NAS Products ($254-349 Amazon) – HERE

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

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

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

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

 

Terramaster TrueNAS Scale/Core Installation Guide (2025)

Par : Rob Andrews
17 mars 2025 à 18:00

How to Install TrueNAS Scale/Core on a Terramaster NAS

If you’re new to private server storage, you’ve probably heard the phrase “everything runs on Linux.” While that’s not entirely true (many other platforms exist with their own foundations), Linux remains the dominant base for much of the software we use daily—including Network Attached Storage (NAS). When it comes to NAS, most new or less experienced users fall into two main categories:

  1. DIY Enthusiasts – Those who prefer to build their own systems, optimizing costs and flexibility with open-source platforms like TrueNAS Scale (the Linux-based counterpart to the popular TrueNAS Core on FreeBSD).
  2. Turnkey Buyers – Those willing to pay extra for a prebuilt system, even if it means dealing with some software limitations.

But what if you want the best of both worlds? Good news—you can have it! In this guide, I’ll show you how to transform TerraMaster’s highly affordable NAS solutions (arguably the best value on the market right now) into a TrueNAS -powered, ZFS-backed NAS system. Even the 2024/2025 models come well-equipped with multiple NVMe support (the F8 SSD PLUS as a particular stand out device), 2.5GbE networking, embedded graphics CPUs, and more, making them a fantastic base for a Linux NAS.

Best of all, setting this up is much easier than you might think, completely reversible, and provides you with the customization and flexibility of TrueNAS while still benefiting from a prebuilt 24/7 server at an unbeatable price. Sounds great, right? Let’s get started with the step-by-step guide!

Note – You can watch my FULL 30 Min+ beginners Guide to installing TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS Here

TrueNAS on Terramaster – What You Need?

Before you begin, it’s important to note that simply owning a TerraMaster NAS isn’t enough. To get TrueNAS up and running, you’ll need to complete a few preliminary checks and have a few extra items—many of which you may already have at home or in the office. If not, a quick $10 purchase online should cover it.

To upgrade your TerraMaster NAS to TrueNAS , make sure you have the following:

 

  • I recommend not using a USB larger than 32GB, due to the constraints of 1st party software to format larger than this in FAT32. Don’t be tempted to spend like $2 more for a 64GB, as the TrueNAS installation will occupy the full USB space (as you will create a system-image-USB) and space is utterly irrelevant when the TrueNAS installation is so small
  • A Disk Image to USB conversion too. I recommend ‘Rufus’, currently in ver 3.19 and can be run in a portable .exe form that doesn’t require installation – DOWNLOAD
  • A basic USB Keyboard (example HERE but really, any will do) and an HDMI Monitor (or simply any device that has an HDMI input – NOT output) such as a TV or Capture card
  • Hard Drive and/or SSD media (you should already have these, but just in case) for your storage
  • OptionalDownload Advanced IP Scanner HERE, as it is a really useful tool for analyzing your network and finding your new TrueNAS NAS for remote access

That is about it. Most of these (maybe not the USB drive at that physical size) you will almost certainly already have to hand.

Can I Reverse the TrueNAS Installation back to Terramaster TOS?

Almost certainly, yes! However, there is one key consideration. When switching from TerraMaster’s TOS to TrueNAS , the internal drives (HDDs and/or SSDs) will be formatted to ZFS, meaning they won’t be recognized by TOS if you choose to switch back later.

The good news? Reverting back is incredibly easy—all you need to do is replace the internal USB drive and reboot the system. However, switching between NAS operating systems will wipe the data on the drives, so be sure to back up your important files elsewhere before proceeding.

Now that you’re ready, let’s move on to installing TrueNAS on your TerraMaster NAS!

TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS – Step 1, Download TrueNAS

Head to the TrueNAS website HERE and download the latest stable release of the software to your local PC, Linux or Mac system. Make sure to remember where you downloaded it.

TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS – Step 2, Download Rufus USB Image Tool

Head to the Rufus website and download the latest version of that tool – I recommend downloading the standalone executable file here, as then it will immediately run when you double click the file, without installation etc. It may redirect you to Github, but it will be the same executable file. Once again, remember where you downloaded it.

TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS – Step 3, Preparing the USB

Connect the small form factor USB Drive to your system (again, this is the one I used from Sandisk) and after a few seconds, it should appear as an available USB Drive. The drive MAY need formatting (you will be prompted to do so), if that is the case, then you can format it via the system prompts and by default, it will format it to FAT32 (as long as your USB is less than 32GB). If you are not presented with a system prompt to format your USB, then you can head into My PC, or My Computer via a windows computer and right-click the drive, select ‘format’ and format it that way.

If you have used the USB for other things previously, there is a chance that the drive has existing partitions in place. For that, the quickest way to completely remove any partitions is to open up the bottom-left windows system menu as normal, and then just type diskpart and open the command-line GUI tool. From there, use the command list disk to show the available drives that are connected, you will see your USB (normally disk 1 or 2, but can differ depending on your system layout and can be spotted by the storage amount). From there, type select disk # (where # is the drive number that your USB is shown as) and then type clean, which which will then remove any index structure for the drive (i.e the partitions and existing format) and then you can go back to the My Computer/My PC page and format the drive to FAT 32 as normal.

TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS – Step 4, Creating a USB Installer Image of TrueNAS

Open the Rufus application and from there you will see the USB Drive (listed as NO NAME, or ‘UNTITLED’, ETC) at the top. From there, look to the select image/find image option (depending on the ver. of Rufus or your USB Image Creator tool of choice) and find the TrueNAS disk image you downloaded earlier). If the drive is not listed, it may have downloaded as a compressed/archive file. If that is the case, head to the location of where you downloaded TrueNAS (in your file explorer, not in Rufus) and right-click the file you downloaded. If the option to ‘extract‘ is visible, then you can extract it (i.e unpack it to the original form) in that same download directory. From there, head back into RUFUS and then the TrueNAS system image should be visible. Select it, then run the Rufus System image creator tool and create your USB bootable TrueNAS disk image.

REMEMBER! This will completely format your USB drive and any files that are on that USB will be destroyed. The system image creator tool will turn the USB into a pure boot image tool – the USB will not be usable for traditional storage again unless you completely format it again.

TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS – Step 5, REMOVE THE USB FROM YOUR PC!!!!!!!!!

Really, really important and sometimes overlooked. Once the USB creation is completed, you need to remove the USB (using the eject hardware safely option at the bottom right of your windows machine taskbar as normal). DO NOT accidentally leave the USB in your USB Ports for any longer than necessary. If you leave it in and your system reboots at any point (eg in a normal ‘end of day shut down, go home, reboot tomorrow’ scenario), then the system might boot directly into the TrueNAS installation and although it is easy to exit from, it can change your system default boot preferences, maybe even remove your primary boot drive as the OS drive – requiring a little messing with a windows installation disk to change it back. The odds of this are very small, but not zero, so make sure to safely remove your USB drive when the TrueNAS system image creator tool is completed.

TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS – Step 6, Opening up your Terramaster NAS

This next step is going to differ depending on the Terramaster NAS Drive you are choosing to use. For this guide, I am using a 2022/2023 generation F4-423 4-Bay NAS, but the general steps are the same for any Terramaster NAS (though the location of the USB will differ) (the F8 SSD PLUS for example has a particularly secluded USB key internally). With the Terramaster NAS disconnected from the network and from any power source. From there you will need to remove the external casing. In the case of most Terramaster NAS, the chassis is held by 4-6 screws on the rear of the casing that, when removed, allow you to remove the rear pannel+fans and slide the internal framework out the front of the casing (be sure to check the fans are not disconnected accidentally in this process). IMPORTANT – Remove any HDD/SSD Media during the dismantling of the Terramaster NAS chassis, as it would be so, SO easy to harm these with accidentally dropping/motion damage. No need to remember the order of the drives when you re-install them, as they are going to be formatted during the TrueNAS installation.

Now, if you take a closer look at the main controller board of the Terramaster NAS (the one with network/USB ports attached, not the one that the HDD/SSD bays are on), you will spot a VERY small USB module in a tiny USB port. It should look something like this:

Now, THIS is where the default Terramaster TOS NAS software installation is kept. This is NOT where the OS actually runs from, but this is where the system checks in it’s BIOS when booting to find installation media (IF the system does not already have an active OS on the drives). Very delicately (as it IS a small USB and likely tucked in next to some other delicate components) remove the USB there is there, put it somewhere safe (as you will need this if you ever want to return the Terramster back to a TOS software system) and then replace it with the USB from earlier that has the TrueNAS system image you created in Rufus. THIS is why you needed a very small USB, as otherwise there is simply no way you would fit a traditional USB flash stick in the space provided.

That is pretty much it. This only other thing to factor in here is IF your Terramaster NAS does NOT have an external HDMI port. Most Terramsater NAS released in 2020-2025 have an HDMI port on the rear that although largely useless in TOS, is still accessible (something you will need for TrueNAS initialization. However, some Terramaster NAS with Intel Processors have the HDMI Port located INSIDE the main chassis (especially the older great box 2019-2020 gen devices). So, IF your NAS has an inside HDMI port, you are going to need to connect an  HDMI monitor to it and run the initial installation (covering in a bit) with the chassis in this open state. After installation is complete, you can close the Terramaster NAS chassis up. Otherwise, if your NAS already has an external HDMI port, you can go ahead and reconstruct the NAS chassis. Essentially, if you NAS has integrated graphics (Intel Celeron, Pentium, N100, N305, Core, etc), you will have an HDMI output.

NOTE – If you plan on upgrading the memory of your NAS to 8GB-16GB (in order to use ALL of the features of TrueNAS to their fullest extent), I would recommend doing so at this point before rebuilding the physical chassis again, as many Terramaser NAS have the 2nd SODIMM memory slot in really tight locations.

TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS – Step 7, Accessing the HDMI Port and Keyboard Control

Next, you need to start getting the system ready for Initialization and Setup. I would strongly recommend running the first-time installation via a direct interface with the Terramaster NAS. You will need to connect an HDMI Monitor/TV/Capture Card to the HDMI port of the NAS, a Keyboard (and/or mouse) to an available USB port) and then connect the power/network connections to the NAS and boot the device up.

After a few minutes, the TrueNAS GUI/Command will appear on your monitor and all you need to do is navigate the config choices to set up your TrueNAS NAS the first time.

Important – TrueNAS Scale/Core runs at its best when it is run on a separate drive from your storage. Much like an Operating System, you can install TrueNAS on an available SSD in a SATA or NVMe SSD slot in the Terramaster NAS, then (after initialization) you can go into the TrueNAS > Storage area and create a pool of storage using the available storage media bays,

It is NOT recommended that you install it on a USB drive, for reasons of speed and power-connections.

After you have completed the setup and are back at the initial TrueNAS boot menu, select the ‘SHUTDOWN‘ option (not reboot/restart, for reasons I will explain in a moment).

TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS – Step 8, Remove the Boot USB Drive

Once your Terramaster NAS has fully powered down, you need to disconnect the storage, power and any other cables, then open up the Terramaster NAS again (if it was re-constructed from earlier) and then remove the USB drive you installed earlier with TrueNAS boot loader on it. You need to do this as otherwise, when you reboot the Terramaster NAS, it will reboot into the bootloader again. You can skip past this and/or it will not action a reinitialization without your input, but better to remove the USB and therefore allow the system to always immediately boot into the TrueNAS system. After you have reconstructed the terramaster NAS, you can go ahead and connect all the cables and power on the device.

Note – Do NOT replace the USB with the original Terramaster USB Drive that it arrived with, or the system will auto boot into the Terramaster TOS Installation setup.

TrueNAS on a Terramaster NAS – Step 9, Reboot the NAS

Upon rebooting the Terramaster into TrueNAS (can take up to 5 mins, but usually much quicker). You have two options with how to access the configuration and controls. You can use the HDMI+Keyboard if you choose for console/command level access, but it will be ALOT higher a learning curve than the network GUI.

Alternatively (much more recommended), use a program such as Advanced IP Scanner, which is free and VERY useful anyway, or even network command prompt) to scan your local area network and find where the Terramaster with TrueNAS is located (i.e it’s IP). This IP (eg 192.168.1.111) is what you put into the URL bar ofay web browser and it will load into the login GUI for TrueNAS . From here you will need to use the username ‘root’ in combination with the password that you created during initialization.

And that is about it. You now have TrueNAS installed as the default OS of your Terramaster NAS. From here you can do anything and everything that his highly regarded ZFS powered server software offers. Head into the Storage area and start creating pools, as well as areas for caching and lots more features.

TrueNAS Core was recently updated to ver.13 in a stable release of the FreeBSD format, as well as new improvements in the Linux-based version ‘TrueNAS ‘. The first thing you are going to need to do when setting up your TrueNAS > Terramaster NAS server is set up your storage. Do this by heading into the storage tab and following the handy steps on screen. After that, you can pretty much do anything on your new ZFS NAS!

You can find out more about TrueNAS in my full review below that covers everything I like and dislike about the platform:

Thanks for reading! I hope this guide has helped you make the most of your storage setup. If you’d like to support my work and help me create more guides, reviews, and tutorials on NAS and related topics, there are several ways to do so—I’d truly appreciate any support!

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Thank you again for your support, and have an amazing week!


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Minisforum AI X1 Pro Review – A REAL Mini PC for Modern Gaming?

Par : Rob Andrews
7 mars 2025 à 18:00

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


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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:

Our AI X1 Pro can support Deepseek local deployment.
img_v3_02j7_9d54a3a2-d438-41eb-a9ec-640d7da2debg.jpg


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.

PROS of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro CONS of the Minisforum AI X1 Pro
  • 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.
  • 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

 

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You DO NOT Need a NAS – Here is Why

Par : Rob Andrews
24 février 2025 à 18:00

Why NAS Drives are NOT for Everyone – 5 Reasons You Do Not Need a NAS

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is often promoted as the ideal solution for data management, offering advantages like local control, redundancy, and flexible access. However, while NAS has many benefits, it is not the right choice for everyone. Depending on individual needs, alternatives such as cloud storage or Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) may provide a simpler, more cost-effective, or more practical solution. This article explores five key reasons why a NAS may not be the best choice for certain users. From the convenience of cloud storage to the high upfront costs of NAS devices, we will break down the potential drawbacks and alternative solutions that might better fit specific use cases. Understanding these factors can help users make an informed decision about their storage needs.

Disclaimer – NAS devices provide a robust and flexible storage solution, but they are not necessary for all users. Those with simpler storage needs—such as single-device backups or direct file access—may find that a Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) device better meets their requirements. External hard drives and SSDs offer straightforward, cost-effective alternatives without the complexity of network management. Cloud storage remains a convenient and accessible option, particularly for those who need remote access without dealing with hardware setup. While it comes with long-term costs and data security considerations, cloud services offer ease of use and automation that may be preferable for some users. Additionally, a hybrid NAS and cloud approach can provide the best of both worlds, allowing users to maintain local storage while leveraging cloud redundancy for added backup security and accessibility. Choosing the right storage solution depends on specific use cases, technical expertise, and long-term data management goals.


1. The Convenience of Cloud Storage is Unquestionable

One of the primary reasons a NAS may not be necessary for some users is the convenience of cloud storage. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud offer instant accessibility, making it easy to store, sync, and retrieve files from any internet-connected device. Unlike NAS, which requires setup, configuration, and ongoing maintenance, cloud storage is designed to be user-friendly. Users can simply sign up, upload files, and access them from anywhere, without needing to worry about network configurations, remote access tunnels, or firewall adjustments. This simplicity makes cloud storage an appealing option for users who want a hassle-free experience without managing hardware.

Beyond ease of use, cloud services are also optimized for redundancy and failover protection, ensuring that data remains safe and accessible even if hardware failures occur on the provider’s end. Large-scale cloud platforms have multiple data centers worldwide, meaning that even in the event of a regional outage, files remain available from alternative locations. Cloud storage is particularly advantageous for those who travel frequently or work remotely, as accessing a NAS over the internet can introduce latency, security challenges, and connectivity issues. For example, transferring large files to a NAS while on the road may require complex VPN configurations and reliable internet access, whereas cloud storage offers seamless access without any additional setup. This makes cloud storage a more practical choice for users who prioritize mobility and convenience over local ownership.

Example of the complexity of a NAS to Cloud Sync:


2. Simplicity of Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) for Single Users vs NAS is Indisputable

For individuals who primarily work from a single device, a NAS may be unnecessary and even overcomplicated. A Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) device—such as an external hard drive, SSD, or even a RAID-configured DAS—provides a more straightforward and often more cost-effective solution. Unlike NAS, which requires a network connection and some level of system administration, a DAS device simply connects directly to a computer via USB, Thunderbolt, or eSATA and is ready to use instantly. This plug-and-play functionality makes DAS ideal for users who just need additional storage or a backup solution without any complexity.

DAS also offers direct hardware integration with professional applications, making it a preferred choice for photographers, video editors, and graphic designers. Many creative professionals rely on high-speed DAS devices because they provide lower latency and faster data transfer rates than a network-based NAS. A high-speed Thunderbolt RAID array, for example, can provide much faster read and write speeds than a NAS connected via 1GbE or even 2.5GbE networking. Additionally, for users who need to transfer large amounts of data quickly, physically shipping an external drive remains a viable and often faster option than uploading terabytes of data to a NAS remotely. If a user primarily works from one computer and does not need network-based file access, a DAS setup can be a much more practical and efficient choice than investing in a NAS.


3. Cloud and DAS = Lower Power Consumption and Long-Term Operating Costs

One often overlooked factor when deciding on a NAS is its ongoing power consumption. Unlike DAS devices, which only require power when in use, a NAS typically runs 24/7, constantly consuming electricity even when idle. While modern NAS devices offer power-saving features such as scheduled shutdowns and sleep modes, they still draw more power than a simple external hard drive. This can be a concern for users in areas with high electricity costs, those who live in mobile homes, or people who rely on solar or backup power sources. Over the course of a year, the difference in power consumption between a NAS and a simple external drive can add up, making it an important consideration for budget-conscious users.

Example of Power Consumption of a 6-Bay NAS with 6x HDD and 2x SSD (Intel N305 i3 CPU):

Beyond electricity costs, there’s also the issue of long-term maintenance. Hard drives inside a NAS are designed to run continuously, meaning they wear out faster compared to drives that are powered on only when needed. Each mechanical hard drive has a limited number of operational hours before failure becomes more likely. In contrast, an external hard drive that is only used periodically for backups can last much longer. Additionally, NAS devices require ongoing software updates, security patches, and general monitoring to function optimally. For users who do not want to deal with the responsibility of maintaining a dedicated storage system, a NAS may be more trouble than it’s worth, especially when compared to simpler alternatives like external hard drives or cloud storage.

Example of Noise Level of a 4x HDD and 2x SSD NAS (Lincstation S1 NAS):


4. Cloud Mean Avoiding Vendor Lock-in and Data Migration Challenges

NAS systems operate as full-fledged computing devices with their own proprietary operating systems, which can make migrating data between different NAS brands or platforms a challenge. For example, if a user sets up a Synology NAS and later wants to switch to a QNAP or another brand, they may encounter significant roadblocks in moving their existing file structures, metadata, and system settings. Unlike traditional external storage solutions that use universal formats like NTFS, exFAT, or APFS, NAS devices often use specialized file systems optimized for their specific ecosystems. This means that simply swapping out drives between NAS brands is not always possible without extensive data transfers and reconfigurations.

In contrast, DAS devices and cloud storage solutions provide more flexibility for users who may need to migrate their data in the future. A USB hard drive can be connected to any computer with minimal effort, and cloud services typically offer built-in tools to migrate data between providers. Additionally, NAS users often rely on specific applications and configurations tied to their system, making it more difficult to transition to a different storage solution later. While there are workarounds—such as using standard file transfer protocols like SMB or FTP—these solutions require extra time and effort, which may not be practical for users who need a simple and easily portable storage option. For those who value long-term flexibility, avoiding NAS vendor lock-in may be a more prudent choice.


5. NAS = High Initial Costs and Uncertain Return on Investment for Some

Perhaps the most significant reason some users should avoid a NAS is the cost. Compared to external storage solutions, NAS devices are considerably more expensive, especially when factoring in the price of both the NAS enclosure and the hard drives required to populate it. Even budget NAS devices start at a few hundred dollars, and higher-end models with advanced features can cost well over $1,000, not including the drives. When comparing cost per terabyte, NAS drives are generally more expensive than external USB drives due to their enhanced durability and NAS-optimized firmware. For users who do not need advanced features like RAID redundancy, Docker applications, or network-wide accessibility, the extra cost of a NAS may not be justifiable.

Beyond the initial purchase, users must also consider the long-term costs associated with NAS ownership. Hard drives wear out over time and will eventually need to be replaced, adding to the overall expense. Additionally, while NAS devices provide a wide range of powerful features, many users may not fully utilize them. If someone only needs basic storage and backup capabilities, a NAS might be an unnecessary investment, and they may be better off with a simple DAS setup or cloud-based storage solution. Before committing to a NAS, potential buyers should carefully evaluate whether they will take full advantage of its features or if a more affordable and straightforward alternative would better suit their needs.


While NAS devices offer powerful features and advantages for data management, they are not always the most practical option. For users who prioritize convenience, cloud storage may be a better fit. Those who work primarily from a single device may find a Direct-Attached Storage (DAS) setup more efficient. Additionally, factors such as power consumption, vendor lock-in, and long-term costs should all be carefully considered before investing in a NAS. Ultimately, the best storage solution depends on individual requirements. A NAS can be a great investment for those who need centralized, multi-user access and advanced functionality, but it is not the only option. Evaluating storage needs based on cost, performance, and ease of use will help determine whether a NAS is the right fit or if an alternative solution would be more suitable.

Recommended NAS Solutions Based on Data Storage Needs:

Budget NAS for a Family or Small Data Storage Solution – The Synology BeeStation 4TB

What We Said in our review HERE:

YouTube Review HERE

Synology has clearly done their homework on the development and presentation of the BeeStation private cloud. They are targeting a whole new audience with this system, and therefore, criticisms based on experiences with their other hardware are likely to fall on deaf ears. The BeeStation is probably one of the best middle grounds I have ever seen between an easy-to-use and exceptionally easy-to-set-up private cloud system, while still managing to provide smooth and seamless features for accessing and sharing your private cloud’s storage securely. Looking at this system with a more network-savvy microscope kind of defeats the point, and I’ve tried to be fair in my assessment. The lack of LAN access by default seems a little odd, and launching the BeeStation series in this single-bay, 4TB-only fashion may be a bit of a marketing misstep, but overall, what you’re seeing here is an effectively priced and scaled private cloud system. It’s a fantastic alternative to third-party clouds and existing simplified NAS systems. With many users keeping an eye on their budgets and tightening costs, Synology, known for its premium position in the market, had a challenge scaling down to this kind of user. However, I have to applaud Synology’s R&D for creating a simple and easy-to-use personal cloud solution that still carries a lot of their charm and great software reputation. It may not be as feature-rich as DSM, but BSM does exactly what it says it will do, and I think the target audience it’s designed for will enjoy the BeeStation a great deal!

Buy HERE on AmazonBuy HERE on B&H

Best Value Business NAS – The UniFi UNAS Pro 10GbE Rackmount

What We Said in our review HERE:

YouTube Review HERE

I feel like a bit of a broken record in this review, and I keep repeating the same two words in conjunction with the UniFi UNAS Pro—fundamentals and consistency! It’s pretty clear that UniFi has prioritized the need for this system to perfectly complement their existing UniFi ecosystem and make it a true part of their hardware portfolio. In doing so, it has resulted in them focusing considerably on the fundamental storage requirements of a NAS system and making sure that these are as good as they possibly can be out of the gate. To this end, I would say that UniFi has unquestionably succeeded. The cracks in the surface begin once you start comparing this system with other offerings in the market right now—which is inevitably what users are going to do and have been doing since the first indications of a UniFi NAS system were being rumored. It may seem tremendously unfair to compare the newly released UniFi NAS with solutions from vendors that have had more than 20 years of experience in this field, but for a business that wants to fully detach themselves from the cloud and wants true user-friendly but highly featured control of their network operations, comparison is inevitable!

 

 

A solid, reliable, and stable system that will inevitably grow into a significant part of most UniFi network users. The problem for many, however, is going to be how long it takes UniFi to reach that point where this system can be software competitive with its rivals. If you are a die-hard UniFi ecosystem user and you are looking for stable, familiar, easy-to-use, and single ecosystem personal/business storage, you are going to love everything about the UniFi UNAS Pro. But just be aware that this is a system that prioritizes storage and is seemingly at its best within an existing UniFi network architecture, and if removed from that network, you are going to find a system that at launch feels quite feature-light compared with alternatives in the market. Pricing for the system is surprisingly competitive, given its position as the launch NAS—unusual when you look at the pricing philosophy of numerous larger-scale systems like the UniFi Dream Machine and UNVR from the brand.

Hopefully, over time we are going to see UniFi build upon the solid fundamentals that they have designed here and create a more competitive solution on top of this. I have no doubt that UniFi will commit to software and security updates for this system, but it would be remiss of me to say that this is the best NAS solution for your network. Right now, it just happens to be the most user-friendly and most UniFi-ready one. Bottom line: this will probably tick a lot of boxes.

Buy HERE on AmazonBuy HERE on UI.com (Official Site)

Best Value Content Creator NAS for Photo and Video EDITING – The Terramaster F4-424 Max

What We Said in our review HERE:

YouTube Review HERE

The TerraMaster F4-424 Max is a standout NAS system in TerraMaster’s lineup, offering impressive hardware specifications and solid performance at a price point of $899.99. For users who need high-speed data transfers, intensive compute power, and flexibility in storage configurations, the F4-424 Max is an excellent option. The combination of the Intel i5-1235U CPU, dual 10GbE ports, and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe support ensures that the NAS can handle even the most demanding tasks, whether it’s virtualization, media transcoding, or large-scale backups.

That said, when compared to the F4-424 Pro, which is priced at $699.99, the Max model offers significantly more networking power and potential for speed. However, the Pro model still provides fantastic performance for most home and small office users, making it a more budget-friendly alternative for those who don’t require 10GbE or advanced NVMe functionality.

In terms of software, Synology DSM and QNAP QTS are still more evolved, offering richer multimedia experiences and better integration for business applications. However, TOS 6 continues to improve with every iteration, closing the gap between TerraMaster and these larger players. With new features like TRAID, cloud sync, and improved snapshot management, TOS is becoming more user-friendly and robust. For users prioritizing performance, flexibility, and future-proofing, the F4-424 Max is a strong contender and offers excellent value for money. While there are areas where TerraMaster could improve, such as the lack of PCIe expansion and front-facing USB ports, the F4-424 Max delivers on its promise of high performance and scalable storage solutions.

Buy HERE on AmazonBuy HERE on AliExpress

Best NAS for Photo and Video EDITING – The QNAP TVS-h874 / TVS-h874T

What We Said in our review HERE:

YouTube Review HERE

In summarizing the capabilities and potential of the QNAP TVS-h874T NAS, released as a late 2023 update to its predecessor, it’s clear that this system represents a significant leap forward in desktop NAS technology. Priced over £2500, it’s a substantial investment, designed with future-proofing in mind. The TVS-h874T not only maintains the longevity and high-end status of the TVS-h874 but also brings to the table enhanced direct data access through Thunderbolt 4 integration. This advancement, supporting IP over Thunderbolt protocol, significantly boosts connectivity and speed, making the system an ideal choice for demanding tasks such as 8K video editing and high-performance computing needs in business environments. However, the question of whether Thunderbolt NAS is the right fit for all users remains. For those requiring high-speed, multi-user access and scalability, the TVS-h874T is a strong contender. Its support for the latest PCIe 4 standards ensures compatibility with high-performance upgrades, reinforcing its position as a future-proof investment. The software, featuring QTS and QuTS, might require some acclimatization, particularly for those familiar with simpler systems like Synology’s DSM. Yet, the benefits, especially for ZFS enthusiasts, are undeniable, offering advanced RAID management and a plethora of applications and services.

The TVS-h874T’s stance on open hardware and software compatibility is a significant plus in an industry increasingly leaning towards proprietary systems. It accommodates a range of third-party hardware and software, adding to its versatility. In the face of growing concerns over NAS security, the system is well-equipped with comprehensive tools and settings for enhanced security and data protection, addressing the pressing issue of ransomware attacks. In conclusion, the QNAP TVS-h874T stands out as an exceptional choice for businesses and power users who require a robust, scalable, and secure NAS solution. It offers an excellent balance of price, performance, and features, making it a worthy investment for those seeking top-tier server-side capabilities. However, for users with simpler storage needs or those not requiring the advanced features of Thunderbolt NAS, traditional Thunderbolt DAS devices might be a more suitable and cost-effective option. The TVS-h874T, with its advanced capabilities, is undoubtedly a powerhouse in NAS technology, but its full benefits will be best realized by those whose requirements align closely with what this advanced system has to offer.

Buy HERE on AmazonBuy HERE on B&H

Budget NAS for Multimedia / PLEX – The Terramaster F4-424 Pro

What We Said in our review HERE:

YouTube Review HERE

The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro NAS is a powerful 4-bay turnkey NAS system that offers competitive pricing and robust hardware. With its Intel i3 N300 CPU, 32GB DDR5 memory, and 2x M.2 NVMe SSD bays, it provides excellent performance for various tasks, including Plex media streaming and hardware transcoding. In terms of design, the F4-424 Pro features a sleek and modern chassis with improved cooling and hot-swapping capabilities. It represents a significant step forward in design compared to TerraMaster’s older 4-bay models, aligning more closely with industry leaders like Synology and QNAP. The addition of TOS 5 software brings significant improvements in GUI clarity, backup tools, storage configurations, and security features. However, the absence of 10GbE support and limited scalability in this regard might disappoint advanced users. Additionally, while the hardware exceeds Intel’s memory limitations, full utilization of the 32GB DDR5 memory is reliant on Terramaster’s own SODIMM modules, and this could be a limitation for some users. Overall, the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro NAS offers excellent value for its price, with competitive hardware and software features. It positions itself as a strong contender in the 4-bay NAS market, particularly for those looking for an affordable yet capable private server solution.

Buy HERE on AmazonBuy HERE on B&H

 

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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
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