According to Liliputing, the Topton N11 mini-ITX motherboard, designed primarily for NAS builds, networking, and storage solutions, is now available. It incorporates a high-performance AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and offers expansive storage and networking capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those interested in servers, Linux, DevOps, and home labs.

Specifications of the Topton N11 include:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS with 8 Zen 4 CPU cores, 16 threads, up to 5.1 GHz speeds, and a TDP range of 35-54W.
• Graphics: AMD Radeon 780M integrated graphics with 12 RDNA 3 GPU cores.
• AI Processing: AMD Ryzen AI neural processing unit with up to 10 TOPS.
• Memory: 2 x DDR5-5600 SODIMM slots (dual-channel), supporting up to 64GB total.
• Storage:
  • 2 x M.2 2280 slots for PCIe 4.0 x2 NVMe SSDs.
  • 1 x SATA 3.0 socket.
  • 2 x SFF-8643 sockets for 1 to 4 SATA 3.0 cables each, allowing up to 9 SATA drives in total.
• Networking: 4 x Intel i226-V 2.5 Gbps RJ45 Ethernet ports.
• Expansion: 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 socket (PCie x8 signal).
• Display Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0.
• USB Ports: 1 x USB4, 3 x USB 3.2 Type-A, plus internal USB 2.0 ports and a USB 3.2 signal pin.
• Audio: 1 x 3.5mm audio jack.
• Other Features: Support for up to three displays and up to 11 storage devices using M.2 slots and SATA connections. Includes an RTC battery.

The Topton N11 is currently retailing on AliExpress starting at $489. It measures 170 x 170mm, providing a compact yet powerful solution for various computing needs, particularly in networking and storage-focused setups. There’s also a hint of a forthcoming Ryzen 9 7940HS model, expanding options for users seeking even greater performance.

Source: Liliputing.

UGREEN is expanding into the network attached storage (NAS) hardware market. The company is showcasing its first models in the UGREEN NASync lineup at CES 2024 and plans to launch them soon through a crowdfunding campaign.

The entry-level NASync DXP2800 features an N100 Alder Lake-N processor, 32GB of eMMC onboard storage, two SATA drive bays for 3.5-inch hard drives or SSDs, two M.2 slots for PCIe NVMe SSDs, 8GB of upgradeable DDR5 memory (expandable to 16GB), a 2.5 GbE Ethernet port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, and an HDMI port with 4K display support.

The NASync DXP4800 is similar to the DXP2800 but offers four SATA drive bays, two 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports, and an SD card reader.

UGREEN’s NASync DXP4800 Pro is an upgraded version with an Pentium Gold 8505 processor, a 128GB SSD for storage, support for up to 32GB of RAM, one 10 GbE connector, and one 2.5 GbE Ethernet port.

The NASync DXP6800 and DXP880 Plus models support 6 and 8 hard drives, respectively. They are powered by Core i5-1235U processors, feature 128GB SSDs, support up to 32GB of RAM, and have dual 10 GbE network ports. These models also include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, HDMI ports capable of driving displays up to 8K, and PCIe x4 expansion slots.

The final model, the UGREEN NASync DXP480T Plus, is a compact all-flash storage system without any hard drive bays. It features four M.2 slots for solid-state storage, an Core i5-1235U processor, a 128GB SSD, support for up to 32GB of RAM, a 10 GbE network port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an 8K-ready HDMI connector, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port. It is also the only model in the lineup with integrated WiFi.

For more information, refer to the press release.

Source: Liliputing.

Terramaster, a NAS maker, has introduced three new models featuring Alder Lake-N processors. The Terramaster F2-424 and F4-424 are 2-bay and 4-bay network attached storage systems respectively, while the Terramaster F4-424 Pro is touted as the “most powerful 4-bay NAS in the industry to date.” These NAS systems offer significant performance improvements over previous models, with the Alder Lake-N processors delivering around 25% faster CPU performance and even higher graphics performance compared to older chips. The F2-424 and F4-424 come with 8GB of DDR5 memory, while the F4-424 Pro includes 32GB of RAM.

The specifications for the Terramaster NAS systems are as follows:

• Terramaster F2-424 and F4-424:
  • Processor: 15-watt N95 CPU with 4 cores, 4 threads, CPU speeds up to 3.4 GHz, and 1.2 GHz UHD integrated graphics
  • Memory: 8GB DDR5 (supports up to 32GB)
• Terramaster F4-424 Pro:
  • Processor: 7-watt Core i3-N300 CPU with 8 cores, 8 threads, speeds up to 3.8 GHz, and a 1.25 GHz UHD GPU with 32 execution units
  • Memory: 32GB RAM

Prices for the Terramaster NAS systems start at $380 for the 2-bay F2-424 and $500 for the 4-bay F4-424. The high-performance F4-424 Pro is priced at $700. However, it’s important to note that the price does not include hard drives for storage.

In addition to the powerful processors, the new Terramaster NAS systems also offer other notable features. They come with two M.2 2280 slots for PCIe NVMe storage, allowing users to use SSDs for cache or primary storage. The networking features include two 2.5 Gbe Ethernet ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.

While these Terramaster NAS systems offer impressive performance, there are some factors to consider. The Asustor AS5402T, for example, has two SODIMM slots for memory, making it more cost-effective and easier to add memory compared to the Terramaster models. The AS5402T also has four M.2 slots for PCIe NVMe storage, providing more storage expansion options. Other options to consider include Synology and QNAP models.

Source: Liliputing.

TrueNAS, the open-source storage platform developed by iXsystems, has announced the release of TrueNAS 13.0-U6.1. This update is expected to be the final version of TrueNAS 13.0, following a series that has been recognized for its stability and quality.

Incremental Improvements and Bug Fixes

TrueNAS 13.0-U6.1 includes updates to OpenZFS, addressing approximately 20 bug fixes and security improvements. Notably, this release incorporates OpenZFS 2.1.14 to correct a rarely-occurring upstream ZFS bug. The incremental improvements aim to enhance the overall performance and reliability of the platform.

Transition to TrueNAS 13.1

With TrueNAS 13.0-U6.1 serving as the concluding chapter of the 13.0 series, the development focus will shift to TrueNAS 13.1, scheduled for release in early 2024. The upcoming version is expected to maintain storage-focused features with updates to FreeBSD, OpenZFS, Samba, and other key components.

Recommendations for Users

TrueNAS recommends that existing users of TrueNAS 12.0 and TrueNAS 11.3 update their systems to TrueNAS 13.0-U6.1. This step is advised not only for resolving any software or performance issues but also to prepare for future updates, including the transition to TrueNAS 13.1 in 2024.

Current TrueNAS 13.0 users can update to U6.1 directly from the TrueNAS web UI by navigating to the System -> Update page. New users can get started by downloading the TrueNAS CORE installation media from the official website.

Looking Ahead

As TrueNAS continues to evolve, the focus remains on providing a reliable and efficient storage solution. TrueNAS Enterprise users will have the option to sidegrade to TrueNAS SCALE Enterprise 23.10 and other SCALE-based releases, catering to specific functionality requirements.

For detailed recommendations and updates, users are encouraged to refer to the TrueNAS Software Status page, which provides the latest information on stability and security releases.

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.