JONSBO N1 Mini-ITX NAS Chassis, ITX Computer Case, 5+1 Disk Bays NAS Mini Aluminum with Steel Plate Case, Built-in 14cm Fan, Only SFX Power Bite, Support H 70mm CPU Cooler
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AI Verdict
This Mini-ITX NAS chassis packs 5x 3.5-inch hot-swappable HDD bays and 1x 2.5-inch SSD bay into a compact aluminum frame.
This chassis is a strong contender if your primary goal is a compact, multi-bay NAS with hot-swap functionality. However, its tight internal clearances for CPU coolers, GPUs, and cables, combined with reported thermal issues for drives, mean it's not a plug-and-play solution for everyone. It demands careful component selection and potential modifications.
If you need better thermal performance for your drives or more flexible expansion options, look for NAS cases with dedicated drive cooling channels or support for larger fans and more standard PCIe slots.
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Pros
- Accommodates 5x 3.5-inch hot-swappable HDD bays and 1x 2.5-inch SSD bay for substantial storage in a small footprint.
- Compact dimensions (W170 x D354 x H217mm) allow for flexible placement, including vertical or horizontal orientation.
- Constructed with 3mm brushed aluminum exterior and 1mm steel internal structure, providing a premium feel and durability.
- Features a built-in 14cm fan for cooling, though its effectiveness is debated by users.
- Includes a modern front I/O panel with Type-C (20PIN), USB3.0*1, and combined audio/mic jacks.
Cons
- CPU cooler height is limited to 70mm, severely restricting cooler choices.
- GPU support is restricted to single low-profile cards up to 180mm in length, making it unsuitable for most modern GPUs.
- Users report poor airflow to the hard drives, leading to high temperatures, especially for inner drives, often necessitating removal of the front panel.
- Internal space for cable management is extremely limited, making builds challenging, particularly with multiple SATA cables.
- The single low-profile PCIe expansion slot is often impractical for use due to severe space constraints, even for small cards.
Dimension Scores
The case efficiently houses 5x 3.5-inch HDDs and 1x 2.5-inch SSD in a compact Mini-ITX form factor, providing high storage density.
While it has a built-in 14cm fan, user complaints about high drive temperatures suggest the fan may need to run at higher RPMs or be replaced, potentially increasing noise.
The chassis is constructed with 3mm brushed aluminum and 1mm steel, with users praising its 'solid quality' and 'no flaws in manufacturing'.
Internal space for cable routing is 'tremendously limited,' making cable management very challenging, especially with multiple SATA drives.
Best For
- Building a dedicated home network-attached storage (NAS) server with multiple 3.5-inch drives.
- Users prioritizing a compact, space-saving NAS solution with hot-swappable drive capabilities.
- Media server builds where high storage capacity and a small footprint are key.
- Small office/home office (SOHO) environments needing centralized file storage.
Not Recommended For
- Gaming PCs or workstations requiring powerful, full-sized graphics cards or large CPU coolers.
- Users sensitive to high hard drive temperatures or who demand optimal thermal performance without modifications.
- Anyone needing extensive PCIe expansion beyond a single, very low-profile card.
Watch Out For
- Hard drive temperatures can reach 65°C or higher, especially for inner drives, even at idle, due to insufficient airflow.
- The single low-profile PCIe slot is often unusable; one user noted that even a low-height PCIe to Oculink card was not workable due to physical space limitations.
- You'll likely need an HBA (Host Bus Adapter) card if your Mini-ITX motherboard doesn't have five SATA connectors for all 3.5-inch drives.
- Cable management is a significant challenge, with space being 'tremendously limited' for routing power and data cables for multiple drives.
- The built-in 14cm fan might not be sufficient for adequate cooling, with some users replacing it with a PWM fan for better control.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B09WZLHCZG |
| Brand | Jonsbo |
| Color | Silver |
| Series | N1 |
| Fan Size | 140 Millimeters |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Case Type | Mini-Tower |
| Model Name | N1 |
| Item Weight | 8.38 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Sibo Sitong Industrial |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | N1 |
| Product Dimensions | 6.69 x 13.94 x 8.54 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.69 x 13.94 x 8.54 inches |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 1 |
| Motherboard Compatability | Mini ITX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Business |
What Buyers Say
The JONSBO N1 is a polarizing case; people either love its compact, high-capacity storage design or are frustrated by its thermal limitations and tight build space. The biggest recurring issue is the inadequate airflow to the hard drives, causing them to run hot, with some users resorting to removing the front panel to improve cooling. While the build quality of the aluminum and steel chassis is consistently praised, the practical usability of the single low-profile PCIe slot and the struggle with cable management are frequent points of contention.
“Man, this case looks so cool and holds all my drives, but my HDDs are cooking in there! Had to pull the front off just to keep them from melting. Why is airflow so bad?!”
Common Praise
- The compact size and ability to house five 3.5-inch drives is a major draw.
- The hot-swappable drive bays are a convenient feature for NAS users.
- The aluminum and steel construction feels premium and well-made.
- The front panel includes useful I/O like USB-C and USB 3.0.
Common Complaints
- Hard drives run excessively hot, particularly the inner drives, due to poor airflow.
- The single low-profile PCIe slot is often too cramped to be practically useful for expansion cards.
- Cable management is a nightmare due to the extremely limited internal space.
- Some users found the case color to be more blue than depicted in product images.
Ownership Tips
- Many owners remove the front metal panel to significantly improve airflow to the hard drives.
- Replacing the stock 14cm fan with a higher-quality PWM fan is a common modification to better manage drive temperatures.
- An HBA card is often necessary to connect all five 3.5-inch drives, as many Mini-ITX motherboards lack sufficient SATA ports.
- Careful planning of component size, especially for CPU coolers and any potential PCIe cards, is crucial due to strict height and length limits.
- Expect to spend extra time on cable routing; zip ties and careful planning are essential to avoid obstructing what little airflow exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hard drives can this case hold?
It supports five 3.5-inch HDDs with hot-swap functionality and one 2.5-inch SSD.
What type of power supply does it use?
The case is designed for SFX power supplies only, with a maximum length of 150mm.
What is the maximum CPU cooler height?
You can fit a CPU cooler up to 70mm tall.
Can I install a graphics card in this case?
Yes, it supports a single low-profile graphics card up to 180mm in length, but internal space is very constrained.
Is the airflow adequate for the hard drives?
Many users report that the stock airflow is insufficient, leading to high drive temperatures, and suggest removing the front panel or replacing the fan.
Does it have a USB-C port on the front?
Yes, it includes a front Type-C (20PIN) port, along with a USB 3.0 port and audio jacks.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a NAS chassis like this, you're really thinking about how much data you need to store and how accessible it needs to be. Don't just count drive bays; consider if those drives are hot-swappable for easy replacement, which this case offers for its 3.5-inch bays. Also, think about the physical size and where it will sit, as compact cases can sometimes compromise on cooling or internal space for building.
5+1 Disk Bays
This tells you exactly how many storage drives you can fit. '5+1' means five larger 3.5-inch hard drives (great for bulk storage) and one smaller 2.5-inch drive (usually for a fast SSD operating system or cache). More bays mean more storage capacity for your files, photos, and videos.
Only SFX Power Supply
SFX is a smaller form factor for power supplies compared to standard ATX. This is critical because it dictates what power supply you can buy. An SFX PSU is necessary to fit into the compact chassis, but they can sometimes be more expensive or have fewer cable options than their larger ATX counterparts.
Support H 70mm CPU Cooler
This is the maximum height for your CPU cooler. 70mm is quite short, meaning you'll be limited to low-profile coolers, typically stock coolers or specific aftermarket designs. If you plan on using a more powerful CPU that generates a lot of heat, this height restriction could be a significant bottleneck for cooling performance.
Alternatives
If you need better hard drive cooling, look for cases with more direct airflow to the drive cages or larger fan support. If you require more powerful components or easier building, search for cases that support standard ATX power supplies, taller CPU coolers, or full-height PCIe cards.
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