LincStation N2 6-Bay NAS Storage - Intel N100 4-Core Processor, 10GbE, 16GB LPDDR5, 128G eMMC, 2x2.5 SATA HDD + 4xM.2 NVMe Slots, 2-Year Warranty, 4K HDMI | Network Attached Storage (Diskless)
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AI Verdict
This 6-bay NAS with an Intel N100, 10GbE, and 16GB LPDDR5 is for tech enthusiasts building a fast, flexible home server or small office storage.
The LincStation N2's Intel N100 processor, 16GB LPDDR5, and 10GbE port provide a robust foundation for demanding NAS tasks like 4K media serving and virtualization. Its 6-bay configuration with four NVMe slots offers high-speed storage flexibility for various applications.
If you need more raw storage capacity for archival purposes, look for NAS units that offer more 3.5" drive bays.
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Pros
- Intel N100 4-core processor with 16GB LPDDR5 supports smooth 4K streaming and multitasking.
- 10GbE port enables ultra-fast file transfers and high-resolution video editing.
- Flexible 6-bay storage configuration includes 2x2.5" SATA and 4xM.2 NVMe slots.
- Includes an Unraid OS Starter License, offering flexible drive mixing and access to community applications.
- Compact metal design features 4K HDMI output and a USB-C (10G) port for versatile connectivity.
- Supports AV1 decoding, enhancing its capabilities for modern media playback.
Cons
- RAM is soldered to the motherboard, preventing any future memory upgrades.
- The Intel N100 processor may act as a bottleneck for demanding 10GbE workloads.
- Diskless configuration means storage drives must be purchased separately.
- Only two 2.5" SATA bays limit traditional HDD capacity compared to units with 3.5" bays.
- Lacks a Kensington Security Slot for physical theft prevention.
Dimension Scores
The 10GbE port combined with four M.2 NVMe slots allows for extremely fast data transfer rates, especially when utilizing NVMe SSDs.
The Intel N100 is a modern, low-power processor with a 6W TDP, and the metal shell with strategically placed cooling vents aims for optimal thermal management during 24/7 operation.
The combination of two 2.5" SATA bays for capacity and four M.2 NVMe slots for high-speed storage offers a balanced and flexible capacity solution, supporting up to 48TB total storage.
It supports various client devices and is explicitly designed for popular applications like media servers, Docker, Plex, and Jellyfin, with the included Unraid OS.
Best For
- Plex or Jellyfin media servers requiring 4K streaming capabilities.
- Running Docker containers and virtual machines.
- Centralized photo/video backups needing fast access.
- Small offices requiring collaborative file sharing with 10GbE speeds.
Not Recommended For
- Users seeking an out-of-the-box, pre-configured NAS solution with included drives.
- Budget-conscious buyers who haven't factored in the additional cost of storage drives.
- Users needing large capacity 3.5" HDDs for extensive cold storage.
Watch Out For
- The 16GB LPDDR5 RAM is soldered, so you cannot upgrade it if your needs grow beyond that capacity.
- The Intel N100 CPU, while efficient, might limit the full potential of the 10GbE port during intense, sustained data transfers.
- The included Unraid OS Starter License supports a maximum of six storage devices, potentially requiring a $59 upgrade to a Plus license if you need more.
- There is no Kensington Security Slot, which means you can't easily secure the physical device against theft.
- The 128GB eMMC is relatively small if you plan to install an alternative operating system directly onto it, though Unraid typically boots from USB.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0F4QDKR2T |
| Size | 5.9 x 8.2 x 1.5 inches |
| Brand | LincPlus |
| Material | Metal |
| Item Weight | 1.76 pounds |
| Manufacturer | LincPlus |
| Item model number | N2 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop, Server |
| Product Dimensions | 5.91 x 8.27 x 1.38 inches |
What Buyers Say
Professional reviewers who received early units found the LincStation N2 to be a compelling option for a budget-friendly, all-SSD capable NAS, praising its 10GbE and flexible storage. Some noted the N100 processor could be a bottleneck for intense workloads and that the RAM is soldered. One reviewer appreciated the ease of setting up personal cloud storage for large files.
“This little box is a beast for the price, especially with that 10GbE and NVMe slots, but seriously, why solder the RAM? Makes me nervous about future-proofing.”
Common Praise
- The upgrade from 2.5GbE to 10GbE provides a significant boost in network speed.
- Supports AV1 decoding, enhancing its media playback capabilities.
- The included Unraid license is considered a significant value add, offering storage flexibility.
- Its compact design is smaller than many average NAS units, making it space-efficient.
- Setup is straightforward with Unraid preinstalled on the internal flash disk.
- Users can easily access files remotely via phone, effectively creating personal cloud storage.
Common Complaints
- The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, meaning it cannot be upgraded in the future.
- The Intel N100 processor might become a bottleneck for hardcore NAS workloads, potentially limiting peak 10GbE performance.
- The absence of a Kensington Security Slot is a drawback for physical device security.
- The Unraid Starter License limits the system to six storage devices, which might necessitate an upgrade for some users.
Ownership Tips
- The external power supply design helps in reducing excess heat inside the NAS unit.
- LED indicators for connectivity and SSD storage drives are effective for quick status checks.
- The unit is relatively light at 920g without drives but feels sturdy.
- Unraid OS allows for mixing different drive sizes and types without traditional RAID restrictions.
- The N100 processor offers improved efficiency and lower power consumption, suitable for 24/7 operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it come with hard drives?
No, the LincStation N2 is a diskless unit, meaning you need to purchase your own 2.5" SATA HDDs/SSDs and M.2 NVMe SSDs separately.
What operating system does it use?
It includes a starter license for Unraid OS, which enables flexible storage configurations and access to community applications. You also have the option to install other NAS operating systems like TrueNAS or Xpenology.
Can I stream 4K video with this NAS?
Yes, the Intel N100 processor and 16GB LPDDR5 memory are designed to handle smooth 4K media streaming, including support for AV1 decoding.
What kind of network connection does it have?
It features a single 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) port, allowing for ultra-fast network transfers.
How many drives can I install?
The NAS supports a total of 6 storage devices: 2x2.5" SATA drives and 4xM.2 NVMe SSDs.
Is the RAM upgradeable?
No, the 16GB LPDDR5 RAM is soldered directly to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
Buying Guide
When buying a NAS like this, you're essentially building your own private cloud and media server. You'll need to buy storage drives separately, and the included Unraid OS means you'll be configuring it yourself, which offers huge flexibility but isn't plug-and-play. Think about what you'll store and how fast you need to access it.
Intel N100 4-Core Processor, 16GB LPDDR5
This is the brain of your NAS; a faster processor and more RAM mean it can handle more tasks simultaneously, like streaming 4K movies to multiple devices or running several applications without slowing down.
10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE)
This is how fast data moves between your NAS and your other devices. 10GbE is like having a super-wide highway for your data, letting you transfer huge files in seconds instead of minutes, especially important for video editing or large backups.
2x2.5" SATA HDD + 4xM.2 NVMe Slots
These are the slots for your storage drives. The 2.5" SATA slots are for smaller, often quieter SSDs or laptop-sized hard drives, while the M.2 NVMe slots are for incredibly fast SSDs, perfect for applications that need instant access to data.
Alternatives
If you need more raw storage capacity for archival, look for NAS units with more 3.5" drive bays; if you want a simpler, pre-configured system, search for models that come with drives and a proprietary OS.
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