The Intel 3 N355/N305/N150/N100 Pocket NAS Computer is a compact, high-performance device designed for network storage, firewall setups, and lightweight computing. With 4x M.2 NVMe slots, dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, DDR5 RAM, and energy-efficient Intel processors, it balances power and efficiency for home labs, small businesses, and edge computing. Its modular design supports RAID configurations and low-power operation.
What Are the Key Features of the Intel 3 N-Series Mini PC?
This mini PC includes four M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed storage, dual Intel i226-V 2.5G Ethernet ports for fast networking, DDR5-4800 RAM for smooth multitasking, and USB 3.2/HDMI 2.0 ports for peripherals. The Intel N-series CPUs (N100/N150/N305/N355) offer 6-10W TDP, making it ideal for 24/7 NAS or firewall deployments. Its fanless design ensures silent operation.
How Does This Mini PC Compare to Traditional NAS Devices?
Unlike prebuilt NAS systems, this device provides customizable storage via 4x NVMe slots, supports open-source software (TrueNAS, pfSense), and offers superior network speeds with 2.5G ports. Its x86 architecture allows broader software compatibility compared to ARM-based solutions. However, it requires manual setup for RAID or firewall configurations, making it better suited for tech-savvy users.
| Feature | Intel 3 Mini PC | Traditional NAS |
|---|---|---|
| Max Storage Speed | 14,000 MB/s (4x NVMe) | 600 MB/s (HDD RAID) |
| Network Ports | Dual 2.5Gbe | Single 1Gbe |
| Software Flexibility | Any x86 OS | Vendor-Locked OS |
For small businesses requiring high-speed access to project files or video editors working with 4K footage, the mini PC’s NVMe array delivers 23x faster read speeds than mechanical drives. The 2.5G Ethernet enables full utilization of this speed across networks – a 100GB project backup completes in under 5 minutes versus 28 minutes on 1Gbe systems. While lacking hot-swap bays, the M.2 slots support hardware RAID configurations through BIOS or software solutions like mdadm.
Ryzen 7 vs i5 Gaming Performance
Why Choose DDR5 RAM and NVMe Storage in a Mini PC?
DDR5-4800 RAM delivers 50% higher bandwidth than DDR4, reducing bottlenecks in multi-drive NAS setups. NVMe SSDs provide sequential read/write speeds up to 3,500 MB/s, crucial for handling 2.5G network traffic. Combined, these features enable seamless 4K video editing, virtualization, and real-time data backups without throttling.
| Component | Performance Benefit | Use Case Impact |
|---|---|---|
| DDR5-4800 | 38.4 GB/s Bandwidth | Supports 40+ simultaneous users |
| NVMe SSD | 0.07ms Latency | Real-time database queries |
The DDR5 memory’s on-die ECC corrects single-bit errors automatically, critical for 24/7 NAS operations. When paired with NVMe storage, metadata operations accelerate by 400% compared to SATA SSDs – a 50,000-file directory listing completes in 2 seconds instead of 8. This combination allows the mini PC to handle mixed workloads like simultaneous video surveillance recording (4x 4K streams) and Plex transcoding without frame drops.
What Are the Power Consumption and Cooling Requirements?
The N100 CPU consumes 6W under load, with full system draw ≤25W. Passive cooling works for NAS use, but sustained firewall workloads may require a low-noise fan. A 65W PD-compliant USB-C adapter is recommended. Energy costs average $3-$5/month for 24/7 operation, 50% lower than desktop-based NAS builds.
Expert Views
“This mini PC bridges the gap between SOHO and enterprise gear. The quad NVMe slots are a game-changer—imagine running Ceph storage clusters on a device this small. Pair it with 2.5G LAN, and you’ve got a pocket-sized powerhouse for edge AI inference or distributed databases.” — Data Center Architect, TechNova Solutions
Conclusion
The Intel 3 N-series mini PC redefines compact computing with enterprise-grade storage and networking. Whether as a NAS, firewall, or edge server, its modularity and efficiency make it a versatile choice for DIY enthusiasts and small businesses. While setup requires technical skill, the performance-per-watt ratio justifies the learning curve.
FAQs
- Does It Support 10G Networking?
- No, but USB-to-10G adapters can be used. The built-in 2.5G ports are sufficient for most home/office backups.
- Is the RAM Upgradeable?
- Yes, it uses standard DDR5 SODIMMs (up to 32GB). Ensure modules are 4800MHz for optimal performance.
- Can It Run Virtual Machines?
- Yes, with Proxmox or ESXi. Allocate 2-4 cores/VMs for smooth operation. NVMe storage minimizes latency.