AOOSTAR, a Chinese mini PC manufacturer, has unveiled the AOOSTAR PRO 4 Bay NAS, a new network-attached-storage system. The device, set for pre-order availability in early January 2023, provides users with a choice of three different processors. The NAS system boasts a metal chassis and offers options for barebones or fully configured models. Configured versions come with pre-installed memory and storage.

While the company has not yet disclosed the price of the AOOSTAR PRO 4-Bay NAS, some specifications have been provided:

• Processor options: N100, N305, or Ryzen 7 5700U
• RAM: DDR4-3200 single-channel or DDR4-3200 dual-channel
• HDD storage: 4-bays for 2.5 or 3.5" hard drives
• SSD storage: Up to 2 x M.2 NVMe
• Ethernet: 2 x 2.5 GbE
• Wireless: WiFi 6 and BT 5.2
• USB: 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A

More details about the AOOSTAR PRO 4-Bay NAS are expected to be revealed closer to the launch date.

Source: Liliputing.

AOOSTAR, a Chinese PC maker known for its attractively-priced hardware, has announced that it is developing a powerful and versatile network attached storage (NAS) system set to launch early next year. The upcoming NAS will be a compact computer powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor, featuring 8 Zen 3 CPU cores and Radeon Vega graphics, offering the performance of a decent 2021-era laptop.

What sets this NAS apart is its impressive specifications:

• 6 x 3.5 inch hard drive bays
• 6 x slots for PCIe NVMe SSDs
• 1 x 10 GbE Ethernet port
• 2 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports

The upcoming AOOSTAR NAS is reminiscent of the ZimaCube Pro, with its similar shape and support for up to 6 SATA connectors for 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch hard drives, as well as multiple Ethernet ports. However, the ZimaCube Pro features an Core i5-1235U processor, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a total of four Ethernet ports. The retail price for the ZimaCube Pro is expected to be $1,199, while AOOSTAR’s NAS is expected to have a lower price tag due to the company’s focus on budget computers.

AOOSTAR does not provide software with its NAS; customers are expected to provide their own software. However, there are several compatible options, such as TrueNAS, OpenMediaVault, Unraid, or even building a CasaOS system by installing Ubuntu, Debian, or CentOS and then loading the CasaOS user interface.

While AOOSTAR’s NAS systems offer competitive pricing, some users may prefer more well-known brands like Synology or QNAP for a hassle-free experience. However, for those who have the time and interest in configuring a DIY solution, AOOSTAR’s NAS systems provide powerful features and customization options.

More details about AOOSTAR’s upcoming 6-bay NAS will be available closer to its launch.

Source: Liliputing.

The AOOSTAR R1 is a small and affordable computer with a 6-watt N100 quad-core processor. It stands out from other mini PCs with its support for up to two 3.5 inch hard drives and two 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports, making it an ideal choice for building a network-attached-storage (NAS) device or media server. The AOOSTAR R1 is available for purchase from the AOOSTAR website for $319, and it will soon be available on Amazon as well.

The base model of the AOOSTAR R1 comes with 16GB of DDR4-3200 memory and a 512GB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD. However, users have the option to add their own memory and storage as well. The system has two M.2 2280 slots for solid state storage and two SODIMM slots for memory. The top cover of the computer can be removed to access the two 3.5 inch drive bays, allowing for easy installation of high-capacity hard drives or SSDs.

In terms of other features, the AOOSTAR R1 includes dual fans for cooling, support for up to three 4K displays through HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and two USB 3.x ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a microSD card reader. The system also features dual 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports with I226-V controllers and supports WiFi 6.

The AOOSTAR R1 is powered by an Alder Lake-N processor, which offers improved performance compared to previous-generation Celeron and Pentium chips based on Atom architecture. However, considering the price difference between the AOOSTAR R1 with an N100 processor and the AOOSTAR R7 with a Ryzen 7 5700U processor, some users may find the AMD Ryzen model to offer better value for their money.

While the design of the AOOSTAR R1 is not entirely new, as similar systems have been released in the past, this model stands out for its use of an Alder Lake-N processor. Overall, the AOOSTAR R1 offers a compact and energy-efficient solution for those looking to build a DIY NAS or media server.

Source: Liliputing.