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Hier — 28 janvier 2026Flux principal

UnifyDrive UP6 NAS Review – a REAL Mobile NAS?

Par : Rob Andrews
28 janvier 2026 à 18:00

UnifyDrive UP6 Mobile NAS Review – And now for something completely different….

The UnifyDrive UP6 is a portable, battery-equipped mobile NAS intended for workflows that sit between direct attached storage and a traditional office NAS, particularly when backing up and moving large photo or video projects offsite. It sells for $1,599 USD and combines a compact chassis with a built-in 6-inch 2160×1080 touchscreen designed to provide basic device control and file access without needing a phone or laptop for every task. In use, the touchscreen is capable of navigation, monitoring backups, and previewing common media files, but it does not replace a full client experience for deeper system management. The UP6 is built around 6x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with a stated maximum of 48TB all-flash storage, alongside memory expansion up to 96GB DDR5, though it ships with 16GB installed. Connectivity is positioned as a major part of the product, including 2x Thunderbolt 4, a 10GbE port, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and HDMI 2.1 output. UnifyDrive also markets features such as plug-in card backup, a local AP mode for field collaboration without external Wi-Fi, and external GPU support via its high-speed USB-C connections, which places the UP6 closer to a small, portable workstation-class NAS than a basic travel backup device.

UnifyDrive UP6 Review – Quick Conclusion

The UnifyDrive UP6 is a $1,599 portable mobile NAS that combines a compact 170mm x 147mm x 43mm chassis and 6-inch 2160×1080 touchscreen with workstation-leaning hardware, including an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H (14-core), Intel Arc graphics, an 11 TOPS NPU, and support for up to 96GB DDR5 (16GB installed) plus 6x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for up to 48TB, split across 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 and 3x PCIe 4.0 x2 lanes. Its strongest points are connectivity and flexibility: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 10GbE, Wi-Fi 6 AP mode, Bluetooth, HDMI 2.1, SD UHS-II and CFexpress support, plus a plug-in, on-device backup workflow that can run without a laptop and can be verified through local file browsing and preview. The software stack is broad for a mobile NAS, with snapshots, sync and backup tooling, cloud options, encrypted secure space, media apps, AI-assisted photo organization, Docker, iSCSI, and generally strong usability, including some practical touches like built-in LAN testing. The main drawbacks are cost once SSDs and memory are added, missing SSD heat sinks despite Gen4 storage expectations, and a touchscreen interface that is useful for basic control but still falls short of a full client for deeper settings. Security is also an ongoing concern for a device designed to travel, with no standard authenticator-style 2FA and limited session control tools compared with what the platform otherwise suggests. In real testing, battery runtime varies sharply by workload: a 30-minute continuous 10GbE upload dropped the battery 42%, a 10-minute repeated read-write loop used 12%, and lighter interaction implied much longer runtime, while the battery also functions as a configurable UPS buffer. Noise and thermals were generally controlled, with roughly 37 to 38 dBA in auto fan mode under SSD access and 46 to 47 dBA at max, SSD temps briefly around 55 to 60C, and vent and surface readings mostly in the mid-30s to mid-40s C range with third-party heat sinks installed, though the CPU tends to sit around 60C in regular use. Overall, it is best viewed as a specialist tool for creators and teams who will use the mix of portable operation, fast ingest, high bandwidth connections, and feature-rich software, rather than as a value-focused alternative to a conventional desktop NAS.

SOFTWARE - 9/10
HARDWARE - 9/10
PERFORMANCE - 8/10
PRICE - 8/10
VALUE - 8/10


8.4
PROS
👍🏻6x M.2 NVMe bays with up to 48TB capacity, including 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for higher-bandwidth storage
👍🏻Intel Core Ultra 5 125H platform with 14 cores, Intel Arc iGPU, and 11 TOPS NPU for local AI and heavier NAS workloads
👍🏻Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports plus 10GbE for high-speed direct-attached and network-based workflows
👍🏻Built-in 6-inch 2160x1080 touchscreen enables basic setup, backup control, and file browsing without needing a separate device
👍🏻Strong software feature set for the category: snapshots, backup and sync tools, cloud options, encrypted secure space, media apps, Docker, and iSCSI
👍🏻Practical on-location ingest options with SD UHS-II and CFexpress support and a guided plug-in backup workflow
👍🏻Battery-backed operation that also functions as a UPS with configurable shutdown behavior
👍🏻Noise and thermals remained controlled in testing with appropriate SSD cooling, despite PCIe 4.0 storage and a mobile Intel CPU
CONS
👎🏻High entry price, with storage and memory upgrades adding significant extra cost
👎🏻No SSD heat sinks included, despite the expectation of higher temperatures with PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives
👎🏻Security expectations for a portable device are not fully met, particularly the lack of standard authenticator-style 2FA and limited session control tools

UnifyDrive UP6 Review – Design & Storage

The UP6 uses a compact, travel-friendly footprint for the class, measuring 170mm x 147mm x 43mm, with a listed weight of 1300g without the silicone case. In practice it sits somewhere between a thick portable SSD enclosure and a small desktop NAS, and it is designed to be used both on a desk and in a bag. The outer shell is plastic, while the internal structure is metal, which is relevant because the device is built around densely packed NVMe storage and a laptop-class Intel platform. The front-facing 6-inch touchscreen is a key part of the industrial design and is bright enough to remain usable in typical indoor environments, with a phone-like layout for navigation.

Access to storage is through a removable top panel that exposes the internal M.2 and memory area. The UP6 provides 6x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with a maximum stated capacity of 48TB, but the storage does not come pre-populated, so the final cost depends heavily on the SSDs chosen. UnifyDrive’s layout mixes bandwidth tiers: 3 slots are PCIe 4.0 x4 and 3 slots are PCIe 4.0 x2, which creates a performance hierarchy that matters if the array is built with mixed workloads or if certain volumes are reserved for cache, scratch, or active project storage. This 6-bay NVMe approach is consistent with the device’s mobile positioning since SSDs are less fragile in transit than hard drives and generally tolerate movement better.

One of the main design concerns is thermals around the storage bay area. In early handling, the proximity of the M.2 drives to the plastic top cover stands out, particularly for PCIe 4.0 x4 SSDs that can run hot during sustained writes. The unit does not include M.2 heat sinks in the box, which is unusual at this price and places responsibility on the user to manage temperatures through third-party heat sinks if they plan to run higher power drives. The drive slots are also positioned at differing angles relative to airflow, raising questions about how evenly heat is removed across all installed SSDs during long transfers.

Ventilation is built into multiple sides of the chassis, including a vent path that runs through the main body, and the unit incorporates dust filtration on the intake areas. Over extended use, that ventilation design appears to do meaningful work, but it also means the UP6 relies on active airflow rather than passive dissipation through a metal outer shell. For a device that may be used in the field, this approach makes cleanliness and environment more relevant than with sealed enclosures, especially when operating in dusty locations or in bags where vents can be partially obstructed.

From a storage workflow perspective, UnifyDrive emphasizes quick ingestion and verification, and the physical layout supports that by pairing internal NVMe with front-of-device status visibility. The UP6 includes SD card support and CFexpress support for direct backup operations, and the system is designed to detect media on insertion and trigger a guided backup process on the touchscreen. That structure aligns with the intended use case of returning from a shoot, inserting cards, starting a backup without a laptop, and then confirming the results using on-device file browsing and preview tools before moving on.

UnifyDrive UP6 Review – Touchscreen Controls

The UP6 includes a 6-inch 2160×1080 touchscreen that functions as a built-in local interface for the system. It is positioned on the front of the chassis and is intended to reduce dependence on a phone or laptop for basic tasks, particularly when the device is used in the field. In use, the panel is notably bright, which helps with visibility during on-site checks and quick interaction, and it provides a phone-like UI layout with app-style navigation.

Functionally, the screen allows log-in access to core controls such as Wi-Fi setup, Ethernet configuration, Bluetooth, access point creation, basic security toggles, backup settings, and system status pages. It also provides a file manager that can browse shared storage, create folders within accessible areas, view file details, and preview certain media types, including playing video files directly on the display and showing image metadata. It can also show active task status, let you monitor backup progress in real time, and offers quick controls like screen brightness and basic power actions.

As a practical tool, the touchscreen is most useful for confirming that a card ingest or USB backup has started correctly, checking that files exist after a transfer, and doing light review without pulling out another device. Its limits show up when deeper administration is needed: the settings exposed on-screen are comparatively shallow, with missing or reduced control for items like detailed fan behavior, richer hardware telemetry, and some power-management preferences. Media preview is also constrained, including no built-in audio output during playback, and the overall interface does not fully replace what the mobile app or desktop browser can do for full management.

UnifyDrive UP6 Review – Internal Hardware

At the center of the UP6 is an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H, a 14-core mobile processor paired with Intel Arc integrated graphics and an onboard NPU rated at 11 TOPS for local AI workloads. This choice places the unit closer to a compact PC platform than a typical low power NAS appliance, which helps explain why UnifyDrive positions it for heavier tasks such as media handling, indexing, and local AI analysis rather than basic file serving alone. In day-to-day use, the platform has enough headroom to keep the interface responsive while running background services, and it also supports more advanced features like virtualization and container workloads through the software stack.

Memory is DDR5 with a maximum supported capacity listed at 96GB, while the base configuration ships with 16GB installed. This matters because several of the UP6’s promoted workloads, including multi-user access, Docker, indexing, and AI-assisted photo organization, benefit directly from additional RAM. In practical terms, the shipped configuration is usable for basic storage, backup, and light services, but it is likely to be a limiting factor if the device is used as a more general-purpose NAS with multiple apps running concurrently or if it is configured to handle larger media libraries with extensive metadata work.

The UP6 also includes 32GB of onboard eMMC used for the operating system and core services, separating the boot volume from the user-installed NVMe pool. That arrangement simplifies initial setup and keeps the system functional even before storage is populated, but it also means the OS layer is tied to the internal eMMC device rather than being mirrored across the NVMe array. For a portable device, that separation can be a practical choice, but it is still a component that cannot be swapped as easily as standard SSD storage.

UnifyDrive also promotes external GPU support, enabled through the high bandwidth USB-C and Thunderbolt connections, with the expectation that a docked setup can accelerate AI tasks or other GPU-assisted workloads. In real use this feature is more relevant to stationary operation than travel, since adding an eGPU enclosure reduces portability, but it does extend the UP6 beyond the typical scope of a mobile backup unit. The result is a platform that can shift between a field device for ingest and a desk-bound system for heavier processing, depending on how it is connected and configured.

UnifyDrive UP6 Review – Ports & Connections

The UP6 is built around a mix of high-speed wired options and short-range wireless, with the headline being 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports rated at 40Gbps alongside a single 10GbE RJ-45 port. In practice, this gives it two distinct usage patterns: network-based access for multiple users over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and direct host connectivity for a single workstation that wants high bandwidth without going through a switch. In testing and general use, the Thunderbolt link is positioned as a way to treat the unit like a fast direct attached volume when needed, while still keeping its NAS features available for other connected devices.

In addition to Thunderbolt, the UP6 includes standard USB connectivity for attaching peripherals and ingest sources, with the spec listing 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 plus USB-C alongside the Thunderbolt ports. UnifyDrive’s workflow emphasis here is card and device ingestion, where the system detects inserted media and can trigger a guided backup process. The unit also includes HDMI 2.1 output rated for 4K at 60Hz, which is mainly relevant if the UP6 is being used as a stationary box where an external display is preferred over the built-in screen for navigation or review.

For removable media, the UP6 includes an SD slot with UHS-II support and a CFexpress slot that supports Type B, with Type A possible via an adapter. These slots are central to the device’s positioning for on-location photographers and video creators, since they enable direct backup without a laptop as an intermediate step. The spec sheet also lists maximum rates for the card interfaces, including 312 MB/s for SD or TF and up to 10Gb/s for CFexpress, though real-world results depend on the cards used and the backup settings configured.

Wireless support includes dual-antenna Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, and the unit can either join an existing network or create its own local access point for nearby devices. That AP mode is intended for situations where there is no reliable external Wi-Fi, allowing multiple users to connect locally for transfer and collaboration. Power delivery is also flexible: the unit ships with an external PSU for charging and sustained operation, but it can also be powered and charged over USB-C, which makes it possible to run it directly alongside a Thunderbolt laptop setup while keeping the internal battery topped up.

UnifyDrive UP6 Review – Software and Services

The UP6 runs UnifyDrive’s NAS operating system from internal storage and can be managed through a browser-based interface, a desktop client, and a mobile app. Day-to-day administration is generally handled through the web UI, with a familiar layout of system settings, storage tools, user permissions, and installed applications. The desktop client mirrors much of that structure and is used for some tasks that benefit from local responsiveness, while the mobile app provides a pared-back version of the same environment for monitoring, file access, and basic management when away from a computer.

The application ecosystem is broad by current turnkey NAS standards, with an app center that includes common functions such as snapshots, multi-device backup jobs, synchronization tasks, and cloud integration. File and folder management is presented in a way that targets non-technical users, with share creation, permission adjustment, and storage expansion tools surfaced without requiring command line work. There is also support for encrypted storage through a dedicated secure space feature, which adds an extra password gate for a defined portion of capacity rather than encrypting the entire system volume by default.

For creators, the media stack is a central part of the platform rather than an add-on. Photo management includes AI-driven categorization features that can analyze imported libraries and sort content by faces, scenes, and other detected elements, with the processing intended to run locally on the device rather than sending media to remote AI services. The media interface also supports playback and preview, along with metadata inspection, which fits the intended workflow of checking files after ingest and before moving on to the next job.

Beyond media, the UP6 includes more advanced services than many mobile-focused units. Docker is available, and virtualization support exists through a dedicated VM application, though management depth varies by client. For example, the mobile app can monitor existing containers and VMs, but it does not provide the same creation and configuration controls available through the desktop or browser tools. iSCSI is also present for users who want block-level storage presentation to a workstation or server, which positions the UP6 as more than a simple file share target.

Security features are mixed in their execution. The platform includes firewall-related options, IP blocking rules, ransomware protection settings, and audit-style logs for sign-ins and connected devices. However, local login security is limited by the absence of standard 2-factor authentication methods such as authenticator apps, and session control is less direct than it could be, with limited tools for quickly removing connected clients from within the UI. Remote assistance features are available for support access if enabled, which may be useful for diagnostics but also places importance on how tightly the device is secured and how those permissions are managed.

UnifyDrive UP6 Review – Noise, Heat, Power and Speed Tests

Battery behavior was evaluated under sustained network activity rather than light standby use. With the battery charged to 100%, the UP6 was connected over 10GbE to a Windows client and subjected to a continuous upload for 30 minutes, during which the battery dropped by 42%. In a separate test using repeated read and write operations, a 256MB AJA-style loop was run for 10 minutes against roughly 400GB of configured storage, and the battery consumption over that interval was 12%. These results suggest the internal battery can sustain meaningful transfer work for shorter periods, while heavier, continuous network activity reduces runtime quickly compared with lighter mixed use.

For more general usage, the device’s on-screen battery reporting provided a rough indication of lower-load runtime. During a recorded stretch of light interaction and file checks, the battery level fell slowly, and the observed rate was approximately 3 to 3.5 minutes per 1% in that specific scenario, implying several hours if the unit is mostly idle and not under sustained transfer pressure. This aligns with the device operating more like a small PC when pushed, and more like a low-intensity appliance when it is primarily waiting, indexing, or serving occasional file requests. The battery also functions as a UPS, with settings available to trigger safe shutdown at a defined remaining percentage and optional timers intended to prevent the unit continuing to run unattended in a bag.

Noise levels were measured with the device accessing SSD storage and using different fan behaviors. In automatic fan mode under active SSD access, the measured sound level was around 37 to 38 dBA. With the fan set to its highest level during similar activity, the noise level increased to around 46 to 47 dBA. The practical takeaway is that the UP6 does not remain silent under load, but it also does not default to maximum fan speed unless instructed or unless conditions demand it. Direct manual fan control is not consistently exposed on the touchscreen interface, but fan mode changes and broader hardware settings are available through the software environment.

Thermal behavior was tracked both during heavier access and after extended powered operation. The NAS software reported SSD temperatures that generally stayed below the mid-60s Celsius, with a brief peak in the 55 to 60C range during heavier testing. After roughly 13 days of being left on and used daily in shorter sessions, external surface readings stayed in a mid-30s Celsius range across much of the casing, while the vented airflow path showed higher readings, roughly from the high-30s into the mid-40s Celsius depending on location. The device did not ship with SSD heat sinks, so third-party heat sinks were installed for testing, and that choice is likely to influence results, particularly with higher power PCIe 4.0 SSDs.

Power draw was measured on mains power with the battery held at 100% to avoid charging behavior affecting the readings. With SSDs idle, low CPU activity, and fans running at a moderate level, power consumption sat at around 21W. With the CPU still low but the fans set higher, draw increased to around 25 to 27W. Under active SSD access and higher CPU activity, power draw moved into the low-to-high 30W range based on the recorded observations, while the CPU itself tended to sit around 60C during regular use. These figures provide a practical baseline for planning portable use, since sustained high-speed transfers and heavier CPU workloads will directly affect both heat and runtime.

UnifyDrive UP6 Review – Conclusion & Verdict

The UP6 is a mobile NAS that leans heavily into workstation-class components and connectivity, and that choice shapes both its strengths and its compromises. It combines 6x NVMe capacity potential with a 10GbE port, dual Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6, and a built-in touchscreen that supports basic local operation without immediately reaching for a separate device. The platform is capable enough to run a broad set of NAS services and applications, including media organization features that take advantage of local processing, while also supporting more advanced options such as Docker and iSCSI. As a physical product it is compact for what it offers and is packaged with accessories that reflect its intended travel and on-location role, but it also expects the buyer to supply key performance-related components like SSDs and, in practical terms, heat sinks.

In measured use, the battery behaves more like a short-duration power buffer for real work than a long-runtime field station under constant load, with runtime varying sharply depending on whether the unit is idling, serving light access, or sustaining heavy transfer activity. Noise and thermals are generally controlled for a device built around PCIe 4.0 storage and a mobile Intel CPU, but results depend on environment and storage choices, and the CPU tends to run warm during normal operation. The software offering is feature-rich and broadly competitive with modern turnkey NAS platforms, yet security expectations for a portable device are not fully met, particularly around 2-factor authentication and some aspects of session control. At $1,599 USD before storage upgrades, the UP6 is best evaluated as a specialist tool for creators and teams who will use its mix of direct connectivity, rapid ingest, and portable operation, rather than as a cost-efficient alternative to a conventional desktop NAS.

PROs of the UnifyDrive UP6 CONs of the UnifyDrive UP6
  • 6x M.2 NVMe bays with up to 48TB capacity, including 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for higher-bandwidth storage

  • Intel Core Ultra 5 125H platform with 14 cores, Intel Arc iGPU, and 11 TOPS NPU for local AI and heavier NAS workloads

  • Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports plus 10GbE for high-speed direct-attached and network-based workflows

  • Built-in 6-inch 2160×1080 touchscreen enables basic setup, backup control, and file browsing without needing a separate device

  • Strong software feature set for the category: snapshots, backup and sync tools, cloud options, encrypted secure space, media apps, Docker, and iSCSI

  • Practical on-location ingest options with SD UHS-II and CFexpress support and a guided plug-in backup workflow

  • Battery-backed operation that also functions as a UPS with configurable shutdown behavior

  • Noise and thermals remained controlled in testing with appropriate SSD cooling, despite PCIe 4.0 storage and a mobile Intel CPU

  • High entry price, with storage and memory upgrades adding significant extra cost

  • No SSD heat sinks included, despite the expectation of higher temperatures with PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives

  • Security expectations for a portable device are not fully met, particularly the lack of standard authenticator-style 2FA and limited session control tools

 

 

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À partir d’avant-hierFlux principal

UnifyDrive UP6, UC450 PRO and UC250 NAS Revealed

Par : Rob Andrews
2 janvier 2026 à 18:00

New UnifyDrive UP6 INSANE NAS + UC450 Pro and UC250 NAS Revealed

UnifyDrive has expanded its NAS portfolio with three new systems designed to cover mobile, desktop, and entry-level deployment scenarios while maintaining a consistent software experience across all models. The flagship UP6 continues the company’s focus on portable NVMe-based hardware by adding a touchscreen interface, six PCIe Gen4 M.2 slots, Intel Ultra 125H processing, dual Thunderbolt connectivity, and integrated 10GbE networking, making it a more capable successor to the original UT2 mobile NAS. The UC450 and UC450 Pro shift toward fixed desktop installations with four SATA bays, additional M.2 and U.2 expansion, and a choice between an N355-based platform or a significantly more capable Intel Ultra 225H configuration with professional-tier AI acceleration. The UC250 sits at the base of the range, offering a compact two-bay Twin Lake N150 design intended for cost-effective local storage or paired remote backup when used alongside the mobile or desktop units. Together, these systems illustrate UnifyDrive’s broader transition from a niche mobile NAS provider into a more complete ecosystem with multiple hardware tiers and shared software integration.

UnifyDrive UP6 NAS – 6x M.2, Intel 125H, 10GbE, Battery and More

The UP6 represents the most advanced portable NAS in the UnifyDrive lineup and is built around a mobile form factor that is intended for field use rather than stationary deployment. It uses the Intel Ultra 125H processor, which provides significantly higher compute capability than the earlier UT2 mobile unit and enables the use of six PCIe Gen4 M dot 2 NVMe slots. Three of these operate at Gen4 x4 speed and the remaining three at Gen4 x2, giving the UP6 a storage profile that exceeds that of most fixed desktop NAS units. The system also includes an integrated battery that supports short operational sessions without external power, although the power draw of the CPU and storage means the runtime is intended for intermittent activity rather than sustained workloads.

A key distinction of the UP6 is the inclusion of a six inch touchscreen that replaces the need for a separate client device for configuration and basic data access. Users can view files, manage wireless settings, create access points, and operate the unit in a fully headless manner directly from the display. The system also supports viewing documents such as PDFs and browsing local folders without requiring a companion app. This places the UP6 closer to a self contained workstation that can function in environments where a laptop or separate console may not be available.

Connectivity on the UP6 is more advanced than is typically seen on portable servers. The unit includes 10 gigabit Ethernet, Wi Fi 6, dual Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports, and the ability to use high speed external devices for backup or direct data transfer. This makes the system suitable for on site content ingestion from cameras, drones, or other equipment that rely on fast solid state storage workflows. Although the battery is not designed for long sessions, the combination of high bandwidth storage, high speed network access, and direct touch control allows the UP6 to support temporary production tasks that previously required full desktop hardware.

Processor Intel Ultra 125H
Memory Up to 96 GB DDR5
Storage Six M dot 2 NVMe slots, Gen4 x4 and Gen4 x2
Touchscreen Six inch display with file viewer and controls
Network 10GbE Ethernet, Wi Fi 6
Connectivity Two Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 ports
Battery Integrated unit for short runtime sessions
OS Storage Dedicated eMMC module

UnifyDrive UC450 Pro and UC450 NAS – Desktop NAS Solutions with Optional UPS

The UC450 series introduces UnifyDrive’s shift toward fixed desktop storage, with two models that share the same four bay chassis but differ substantially in internal hardware and intended workload. The UC450 uses the Intel N355 processor, which is an eight core Twin Lake architecture aimed at low power operation and predictable performance for general file serving. It includes four standard SATA bays and two M.2 PCIe three times one slots, allowing a mixed storage setup that prioritises cost efficiency. The system also provides 16GB of memory through a single SODIMM module, which matches the upper limit of the processor and positions the UC450 as a straightforward desktop NAS for small teams or home environments.

The UC450 Pro is a more advanced version of the same platform and moves into a higher performance category by adopting the Intel Ultra 225H processor. This brings significantly stronger compute capability, dedicated AI acceleration, and support for dual channel DDR5 memory up to 128GB. Storage options are also substantially expanded, with two U.2 PCIe 4×1 bays for high capacity enterprise SSDs, four M.2 PCIe four slots that include three times four and one times two lanes, and two standard SATA bays for conventional drives. This gives the Pro model a much broader range of storage configurations, including high throughput NVMe arrays and mixed media deployments suited to heavy workloads.

Both systems share the same software environment and include the UDOS operating system, which supports multi device access and Docker based services for lightweight virtualization. They each provide 10GbE alongside one gigabit connectivity, and the Pro model adds dual Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4 ports that allow faster external drives, direct high speed links to compatible workstations, and more flexible data ingest workflows. UnifyDrive has also added an optional UPS module that attaches directly to the rear of the chassis and provides short term power protection without requiring a separate external unit. This accessory uses a dedicated connector and allows the system to complete writes safely during interruptions, which is a feature not commonly found in desktop NAS hardware and is intended to supplement the capabilities of both UC450 models.

Processor UC450 uses Intel N355, UC450 Pro uses Intel Ultra 225H/125H *TBC
Memory UC450 16GB, UC450 Pro up to 128GB DDR5
Storage Bays Four SATA bays
M.2 Slots UC450 two PCIe 3×1, UC450 Pro mix of 4×4 and 4×2
U.2 Bays UC450 none, UC450 Pro two PCIe 4×1
Network 10GbE and 1GbE on both models
Connectivity UC450 standard USB, UC450 Pro includes dual Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4
OS Storage Dedicated 32GB eMMC module

UnifyDrive UC250 NAS – Budget-Friendly Option

The UC250 is the smallest and most cost-focused NAS in the new UnifyDrive range and is designed for users who want a straightforward two bay desktop system without the higher performance requirements found in the larger models. It is built on the Intel N150 processor, a low power Twin Lake architecture intended for basic file serving and simple background tasks. The unit includes 8 GB of memory with support for expansion up to 16 GB, and the operating system is stored on a separate 32 GB eMMC module, ensuring that all SATA and M.2 storage is available exclusively for user data.

Alongside its two SATA drive bays, the UC250 provides two M.2 2280 slots and supports configurations up to 76 TB of total capacity. Networking is handled by a single 2.5 GbE port, which matches the modest performance envelope of the N150 processor and keeps power and thermal requirements low. Although it does not attempt to match the capabilities of the UP6 or UC450 Pro, the UC250 benefits from running the same UDOS software platform, giving it the same interface, remote access tools, and backup features as the higher tier systems. The UC250 is positioned as an accessible entry point for users who want a secondary backup target for either the UP6 or UC450 series. Its compact size, lower price point, and simple hardware make it suitable for off site or home office deployment, where it can serve as a reliable remote backup location without requiring additional platforms or complex configuration. This allows users to build a multi tier UnifyDrive ecosystem that includes mobile, desktop, and backup nodes with minimal setup effort.

Processor Intel N150
Memory 8 GB, upgradable to 16 GB
OS Storage 32 GB eMMC V5.1 HS400
SATA Bays 2 x 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch
M.2 Slots 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe
Maximum Capacity Up to 76 TB
Network 1 x 2.5 GbE
Connectivity USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C
Software UDOS with multi device access and isolation

The new UnifyDrive lineup marks a clear expansion of the company’s hardware strategy, moving from a single mobile NAS concept toward a broader ecosystem with portable, desktop, and entry level systems that share a unified software platform. The UP6 targets users who need high speed NVMe storage and direct touchscreen access in mobile environments, while the UC450 and UC450 Pro introduce more traditional four bay designs with a choice between modest or high performance processing and a wider range of storage configurations. The UC250 sits at the opposite end of the spectrum as a compact two bay system intended for simple local storage or remote backup roles. Together, these models provide a tiered structure that allows users to match hardware to workload without leaving the UnifyDrive environment.

If you are interested in the UnifyDrive UT2 Mobile NAS, it is available below and is on special offer and you can head over to their shop (and support us at NASCompares via the affiliated link below) at $399:

IMPORTANT – Get a further 5% off using the promo code: NASCOMPARES

 

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