6 Best Mini PCs for NAS, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need high storage expandability for a home NAS Beelink ME Mini PC Intel N95 NAS It offers six drive bays and dual 2.5G networking for dedicated home storage.
• You want a compact model with internal SATA expansion Beelink Mini S12 Pro N100 Mini PC It provides an internal SATA port for quiet, small form factor file serving.
• You prioritize fast 5G networking and easy maintenance Beelink ME Pro NAS Mini PC It features strong networking capabilities and accessible maintenance for speed-focused users.
• You require a ready-to-use NAS with 1TB storage Beelink ME Intel N95 Mini PC It includes dual 2.5G LAN and 1TB SSD storage for home servers.
• You want to build a custom NAS with high capacity AOOSTAR WTR PRO NAS Mini PC It is a barebone Ryzen 7 unit with dual 2.5G networking for custom builds.

Our 6 picks

1 Best overall

Beelink ME Mini PC Intel N95 NAS

Best for: Home NAS with high storage expandability

Use

NAS (what this guide is about)

Processor

Intel N95

Installed RAM

12GB

Storage Capacity

64GB

Memory Type

LPDDR5

Ethernet Ports

Dual 2.5G

View on Amazon: Beelink ME Mini PC Intel N95 NAS Affiliate link

The Beelink ME Mini PC is a desktop NAS built around the Intel N95 processor. It includes 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. The chassis features six M.2 NVMe SSD slots, supporting up to 24TB of total capacity. Dual 2.5G LAN ports and WiFi 6 provide robust networking. It runs TrueNAS or UNRAID, making it a capable home media server for your files.

Pros

• Six M.2 NVMe SSD slots for up to 24TB storage
• Dual 2.5G LAN ports with soft routing support
• Intel N95 processor with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM
• Quiet operation at 33-35 dB during use

Cons

• Only 64GB of built-in eMMC storage
• LPDDR5 RAM is not user-upgradable
• No dedicated GPU for hardware transcoding

Good fit if

• You need a compact NAS with high storage capacity
• You want to run TrueNAS or UNRAID
• You require dual 2.5G Ethernet connectivity

Skip if

• You need to upgrade the system RAM later
• You require more than 24TB of storage
• You want a pre-loaded operating system

Verdict: Beelink ME Mini PC Intel N95 NAS offers six drive bays and dual 2.5G networking for dedicated home storage. It suits users who prioritize expandable NVMe capacity and network flexibility over plug-and-play simplicity.

2 Best budget

Beelink Mini S12 Pro N100 Mini PC

Best for: Users needing internal SATA drive expansion

Use

NAS (what this guide is about)

Processor

Intel Alder Lake-N100

Installed RAM

16GB

Storage Capacity

500GB

Memory Type

DDR4-3200MHz

Graphics

Intel UHD Graphics

View on Amazon: Beelink Mini S12 Pro N100 Mini PC Affiliate link

The Beelink Mini S12 Pro uses the Intel N100 processor for NAS duties. It includes 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 500GB SSD. The chassis has one SATA3 port for a 2.5-inch drive. This adds capacity for your files. It supports dual 4K displays. The unit is small and quiet. It suits users who need reliable storage expansion without a bulky tower.

Pros

• Intel N100 processor with 4 cores
• 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth operation
• Internal SATA3 port for 2.5-inch drive
• Dual HDMI 2.0 ports for 4K displays
• WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity

Cons

• Single 1000Mbps Ethernet port limits throughput
• Plastic chassis feels less durable than metal
• Only one internal drive bay for expansion

Good fit if

• You need extra storage via a SATA drive
• You want a compact unit for daily tasks
• You require dual monitor support for your setup

Skip if

• You need multi-gigabit networking speeds
• You prefer a metal build for heat dissipation
• You require multiple internal drive bays

Verdict: The Beelink Mini S12 Pro N100 16GB is a practical NAS option for users who value expandable storage through its internal SATA port. It fits those who need a quiet, small form factor that handles basic file serving and media playback without demanding a large footprint.

3 Best premium

Beelink ME Pro NAS Mini PC

Best for: Users needing fast 5G networking and easy maintenance

Use

Office, NAS (what this guide is about)

Processor

Intel N150

Installed RAM

16GB

Storage Capacity

1TB

Memory Type

LPDDR5

Graphics

Intel Graphics

View on Amazon: Beelink ME Pro NAS Mini PC Affiliate link

The Beelink ME Pro N150 is a compact NAS built around the Intel N150 processor. It includes 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD. You get dual Ethernet ports for 2.5G and 5G connections. The drawer design allows easy access to storage bays. This setup supports multiple hard drives for reliable home data storage.

Pros

• Intel N150 processor with 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
• 1TB PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD included
• Dual 2.5G and 5G Ethernet ports
• Drawer-style design for easy maintenance

Cons

• Uses PCIe 3.0 SSD instead of faster PCIe 4.0
• Only four internal drive bays total
• Intel Graphics performance is basic

Good fit if

• You need high-speed 5G network connectivity
• You want easy access to internal components
• You require ample RAM for virtualization tasks

Skip if

• You need PCIe 4.0 storage speeds
• You require more than four drive bays
• You need discrete graphics processing power

Verdict: The Beelink ME Pro N150 Mini NAS offers strong networking and easy maintenance for users who prioritize speed and accessibility over maximum storage capacity or top-tier graphics.

4 Also great

Beelink Intel N100 2.5G LAN Mini PC

Best for: Compact NAS with 2.5G LAN and expandable storage

Use

NAS (what this guide is about)

Processor

Intel Alder Lake-N N100

Installed RAM

16 GB

Storage Capacity

512 GB

Memory Type

DDR4-3200 MHz

Ethernet Ports

1x 2.5G LAN

View on Amazon: Beelink Intel N100 2.5G LAN Mini PC Affiliate link

The Beelink Mini S12 Pro uses an Intel Alder Lake-N100 processor with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD. It includes a 2.5G LAN port and WiFi 6 for reliable network connectivity. This compact unit supports dual 4K displays and offers storage expansion via dual M.2 slots. It suits users needing a capable home server or NAS with solid networking speeds.

Pros

• Intel N100 processor up to 3.4 GHz
• 16GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
• 2.5G LAN port for fast wired speeds
• WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
• Dual M.2 slots for storage expansion

Cons

• DDR4 RAM is slower than the LPDDR5 in competitors
• Only one 2.5G LAN port limits multi-gigabit setups
• 512GB SSD is smaller than the 1TB option in the list

Good fit if

• You need a compact NAS with fast wired networking
• You want to expand storage with multiple drives
• You prefer DDR4 RAM for cost efficiency

Skip if

• You require dual 2.5G LAN ports
• You need LPDDR5 memory for maximum bandwidth
• You want at least 1TB of pre-installed storage

Verdict: The Beelink Mini S12 Pro fits users who need a compact NAS with fast wired networking and expandable storage. It is a solid choice for home servers that prioritize network speed over maximum memory bandwidth.

5 Best 1tb ssd

Beelink ME Intel N95 Mini PC

Best for: Home NAS with dual 2.5G LAN

Use

NAS (what this guide is about)

Processor

Intel N95

Installed RAM

12GB

Storage Capacity

1TB

Memory Type

LPDDR5

Graphics

Intel UHD Graphics

View on Amazon: Beelink ME Intel N95 Mini PC Affiliate link

This Beelink ME mini PC uses an Intel N95 processor with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD. It features dual 2.5G LAN ports and Wi-Fi 6, making it a solid choice for home NAS setups. The system runs Windows 11 Home and includes HDMI output for 4K video playback. You get a compact unit with built-in power, suitable for soft routing or daily office work.

Pros

• Intel N95 processor for efficient performance
• 12GB LPDDR5 RAM for smooth multitasking
• 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD for ample storage
• Dual 2.5G LAN ports for fast networking
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity

Cons

• Only four storage expansion options available in the lineup
• No mention of USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt ports
• LPDDR5 RAM is soldered and not upgradeable

Good fit if

• You need a dedicated NAS with fast dual Ethernet ports
• You want a pre-installed Windows 11 system
• You require a compact unit with built-in power

Skip if

• You need upgradeable RAM beyond 12GB
• You prefer a Linux-only environment
• You require Thunderbolt connectivity for high-speed peripherals

Verdict: Beelink ME Intel N95 Mini PC fits users who need a ready-to-use NAS with dual 2.5G LAN and 1TB storage. It is ideal for home servers and soft routers that require Windows 11.

6 Best ryzen 7

AOOSTAR WTR PRO NAS Mini PC

Best for: custom NAS builds with high storage capacity

Use

Home, NAS (what this guide is about)

Processor

AMD Ryzen 7 5825U

Installed RAM

Barebone

Storage Capacity

Barebone

Graphics

Radeon Vega

Ethernet Ports

Dual 2.5G Intel I226-V LAN

View on Amazon: AOOSTAR WTR PRO NAS Mini PC Affiliate link

This AOOSTAR barebone NAS uses an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor for strong multitasking. It features four SATA and two M.2 NVMe bays for up to 96TB of storage. Dual 2.5G LAN ports support robust networking. You get a metal chassis with silent cooling. You must install your own RAM, drives, and operating system to use it.

Pros

• AMD Ryzen 7 5825U 8-core processor
• 4+2 drive bay design with 96TB max capacity
• Dual 2.5G Intel I226-V LAN ports
• Supports Windows, Linux, and virtualization

Cons

• Sold as a barebone system with no RAM or SSD included
• Linux SATA link power management may cause speed reduction under heavy load
• Requires manual configuration of udev-rules for optimal performance

Good fit if

• You want to build a high-capacity NAS with your own drives
• You need dual 2.5G Ethernet for fast local transfers
• You are comfortable installing RAM and configuring Linux or Windows

Skip if

• You need a ready-to-use system with pre-installed storage and memory
• You prefer a plug-and-play appliance without manual setup
• You require guaranteed SATA performance without custom driver configuration

Verdict: AOOSTAR WTR PRO Ryzen 7 NAS Mini PC is a powerful, expandable foundation for users who want to build a custom home lab or storage server with high-end components and dual 2.5G networking.

Specifications side by side

Is a dedicated NAS mini PC worth the upgrade?

A NAS-focused mini PC changes how you manage data. You gain direct access to drive bays or SATA ports for expandable storage. Models like the Beelink ME Pro offer fast 5G networking, while others provide dual 2.5G LAN for reliable transfers. You handle file serving and media playback locally. This setup removes reliance on cloud services. You control your own backups and privacy. The hardware supports Windows 11 or custom Linux builds for home lab tasks.

Worth it if

• You need high storage expandability with multiple drive bays
• You want fast wired networking for large file transfers
• You prefer local file serving over cloud storage

Skip it if

• You only store small amounts of personal photos
• You rely entirely on cloud-based document services
• You have no interest in managing local network storage

How we picked these NAS

We selected products from Amazon listings that explicitly state Use: NAS in their titles or feature lists. This ensures each Mini PC is designed for home storage and file serving tasks. We only included one size or variant per product family to keep the comparison clear and focused on your specific needs.

The list is ordered by availability first, then by the listing's overall rating weighted by review count. Finally, we ranked items by how many of our key criteria the published specifications meet. All details come directly from the product listings. We do not handle or test these units ourselves.

Choosing the Right Mini PC for NAS

1. Check processor performance

   Your processor handles file serving and media transcoding. The Intel N100 in the Beelink Mini S12 Pro offers solid performance for basic tasks. For heavier workloads, the AOOSTAR WTR PRO with a Ryzen 7 provides more power. The Intel N95 in the Beelink ME is efficient for light use. Choose a chip that matches your expected load. Higher core counts help with multiple simultaneous connections. Consider the N150 in the Beelink ME Pro for a balanced approach between efficiency and speed for your home server.

2. Verify network speed

   Network speed affects how fast you transfer files. The Beelink ME Pro features fast 5G networking for rapid data movement. Most other models, like the Beelink ME Mini PC, offer dual 2.5G LAN ports. This allows for link aggregation or separate network segments. The AOOSTAR WTR PRO also includes 2.5G LAN. Ensure your home router supports these speeds. Faster networking reduces bottlenecks when accessing large media files. Check the specs to confirm the port type and quantity available on your chosen unit.

3. Assess storage expansion

   Storage capacity is critical for a NAS. The Beelink ME Mini PC provides six drive bays for maximum expandability. The Beelink Mini S12 Pro includes an internal SATA port for adding drives. Some models, like the Beelink ME Intel N95, come with a 1TB SSD pre-installed. The AOOSTAR WTR PRO is barebone, allowing you to install your own high-capacity drives. Consider your total data needs. Plan for future growth by choosing a model with flexible storage options rather than fixed internal memory.

4. Consider form factor

   Size matters for placement. The Beelink Mini S12 Pro measures 4.01 inches wide and 1.54 inches high. It weighs 1.43 pounds, making it easy to mount or place discreetly. The AOOSTAR WTR PRO is slightly larger at 9.88 ounces for its base unit. Smaller units fit better in tight spaces. Larger chassis may offer better cooling for multiple drives. Measure your intended location before buying. Ensure the dimensions allow for adequate airflow around the device to maintain stable operating temperatures.

5. Review memory and OS

   Memory impacts multitasking capabilities. The Beelink Mini S12 Pro includes 16GB RAM. The Beelink ME Intel N95 has 12GB RAM. More memory helps when running multiple services. Some units, like the AOOSTAR WTR PRO, are barebone and require you to install RAM. Check if the OS is included. The Beelink ME Intel N95 supports Windows 11. Verify compatibility with your preferred operating system. Ensure the hardware meets the requirements for your chosen software stack for file sharing and media management.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best mini PCs under 150
• best mini PCs under 200