The WTR PRO Intel N100/N150 Mini PC combines NAS functionality, gaming versatility, and compact design. Its 4-bay storage support, DDR4 RAM (16GB/32GB), NVMe SSD options, and 2.5G LAN enable efficient multitasking, high-speed data transfers, and 1080p gaming. With dual 2.5/3.5″ HDD compatibility, it’s optimized for home servers, media centers, and lightweight gaming setups.
How Does the WTR PRO Mini PC Enhance NAS Capabilities?
The 4-bay NAS design supports RAID 0/1/5/10 configurations, enabling up to 64TB storage. Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports provide 2.5Gbps throughput for simultaneous data transfers and streaming. Pre-installed NAS software like TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault simplifies setup, while hot-swappable drive bays ensure seamless storage upgrades without downtime.
For media enthusiasts, the WTR PRO’s hardware transcoding capabilities allow smooth 4K video playback across multiple devices. The Intel Quick Sync Video technology embedded in the N100/N150 CPUs reduces CPU load during Plex or Jellyfin streaming by up to 60% compared to software-based decoding. Users can configure automated backup schedules through the NAS software, with snapshot technology protecting against accidental file deletions. The dual Ethernet ports support link aggregation when paired with compatible switches, doubling potential bandwidth to 5Gbps for high-demand scenarios like 8K video editing workflows.
Can the WTR PRO Mini PC Handle Gaming Efficiently?
While not designed for AAA gaming, the Intel UHD Graphics (16 EUs) supports indie titles and older games at 720p-1080p. Emulation for consoles up to PS2/GameCube runs smoothly. The 2.5G LAN reduces online gaming latency, and the NVMe SSD minimizes load times. Upgrading RAM to 32GB enhances performance in memory-heavy indie games like Minecraft.
| Game Title | Resolution | Avg FPS | Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft Java | 1080p | 60 | High |
| Rocket League | 720p | 45 | Medium |
| Stardew Valley | 4K | 120 | Ultra |
What Hardware Configurations Are Available for the WTR PRO?
Configurations include DDR4 16GB/32GB RAM, 500GB/1TB NVMe SSD boot drives, and optional SATA HDD expansions. The Intel N100 (6W TDP) and N150 (8W TDP) CPUs offer 4-core processing with Intel UHD Graphics, supporting 4K decoding. Dual 2.5G LAN ports and Wi-Fi 6 ensure low-latency connectivity for gaming and NAS operations.
How Efficient Is the Power Consumption of the WTR PRO?
The N100/N150 CPUs consume 6-12W under load, with idle power as low as 4W. A 65W GaN power adapter ensures energy efficiency, costing ~$15/year for 24/7 NAS use. Passive cooling and aluminum chassis dissipate heat silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments like home theaters or offices.
What Expansion Options Does the WTR PRO Support?
Beyond the 4 drive bays, it includes two M.2 2280 slots (PCIe 3.0 x1 for SSDs/Wi-Fi cards) and dual USB 3.2 Gen2 ports. Users can add external GPUs via Thunderbolt 3 (limited to N150 models) or expand RAM up to 32GB. Compatible with Proxmox and Docker for virtualization, it scales from basic NAS to a homelab server.
Which Operating Systems Are Compatible with the WTR PRO?
It supports Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Server/Desktop, and NAS-focused OS like UnRAID. Pre-installed drivers optimize performance for Linux-based media servers (Plex/Jellyfin). The UEFI BIOS allows secure boot customization, while AMT compatibility enables remote management for enterprise users.
“The WTR PRO bridges the gap between SOHO NAS and entry-level gaming. Its dual 2.5G LAN and hardware transcoding make it a cost-effective Plex server, while the modular storage appeals to data hoarders. However, the N100’s 4-core limit may bottleneck heavy VM workloads.” — Tech Analyst, ServerBuilds.net
FAQs
- Can I Use the WTR PRO as a Plex Server?
- Yes. The Intel UHD Graphics supports 4K HDR transcoding for 3-4 simultaneous streams. Install Plex on Windows/Linux, allocate 8GB RAM, and enable hardware acceleration for optimal performance.
- Does It Support 10Gb Ethernet?
- No, but dual 2.5G ports can be aggregated for 5Gbps throughput. For 10GbE, use a USB 3.2 to 10GbE adapter, though bandwidth may cap at 5Gbps due to USB limitations.
- Is the RAM Upgradeable?
- Yes. It uses DDR4-3200 SODIMMs, replaceable up to 32GB. Ensure RAM is 1.2V and JEDEC-compliant for compatibility.