Which Storage Configurations Are Possible with Dual M.2 NVMe and Six SATA3.0 Ports?
The quad Intel i226-V 2.5G NICs provide aggregate bandwidth up to 10Gbps, reducing bottlenecks in multi-user environments. Features like Jumbo Frames, VLAN tagging, and QoS prioritization optimize throughput for NAS applications, ensuring seamless 4K media streaming, backup synchronization, and virtualization.
| RAID Level | Performance | Redundancy | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAID 0 | High | None | Temp Data Cache |
| RAID 1 | Medium | Mirrored | Critical Backups |
| RAID 5 | Balanced | Single Parity | Media Storage |
Advanced users can combine the six SATA ports with dual M.2 NVMe slots for hybrid storage architectures. For instance, deploying a RAID 10 array across four SATA SSDs delivers 1.2GB/s sequential reads, while dedicating one M.2 slot to ZFS L2ARC caching reduces metadata latency by 55% in multi-user scenarios. The second NVMe drive can host virtual machines or Docker containers, isolating them from bulk storage operations. This setup is particularly effective for video editors working with 8K RAW files, as the NVMe tier provides 3,500MB/s scratch space while the SATA array serves as long-term archival storage.
How Does the Mini ITX Design Benefit NAS Builds?
The 170mm x 170mm Mini ITX footprint allows installation in compact cases like Fractal Design Node 304. Despite its size, it retains full NAS functionality, including PCIe bifurcation for dual NVMe drives and passive cooling options for silent operation.
| Case Model | Dimensions | Drive Bays |
|---|---|---|
| Fractal Node 304 | 250 x 374 x 210mm | 6 HDD + 2 SSD |
| SilverStone DS380 | 284 x 223 x 290mm | 8 HDD + 4 SSD |
| Cooler Master Elite 110 | 260 x 280 x 210mm | 3 HDD + 1 SSD |
The Mini ITX layout enables deployment in unconventional spaces like network closets or living room cabinets without sacrificing thermal performance. By utilizing the motherboard’s 4-pole fan headers and PWM control, builders can create sub-25dB systems using Noctua NH-L9i coolers. The design also supports PCIe riser cables for horizontal GPU mounting in slim cases, though this is more relevant for hybrid gaming/NAS setups. For enterprise environments, multiple i3-N305 N100 units can be rack-mounted using StarTech 4U chassis adapters, achieving density of 8 nodes per standard rack shelf.
Expert Views
“The i3-N305 N100 redefines entry-level NAS boards by merging desktop-grade connectivity with server-tier reliability,” says a storage solutions architect. “Its quad 2.5G NICs eliminate the need for add-on cards, while DDR5 future-proofs builds against evolving data demands. For homelabs or SMEs, it’s a cost-effective powerhouse.”
FAQ
- Q: Does this motherboard support ECC RAM?
- A: No, the i3-N305 N100 supports non-ECC DDR5 memory.
- Q: Can I use this for a gaming PC and NAS combo?
- A: Yes, the HDMI 2.0 and DP outputs allow dual use, though prioritization of NAS tasks is recommended.
- Q: What OS is best for this motherboard?
- A: TrueNAS Scale, UnRAID, and OpenMediaVault are optimized for its hardware.