In the world of compact computing and network-attached storage (NAS) solutions, the AOOSTAR WTR Pro NAS Mini PC stands out as a versatile and powerful option. Combining the efficiency of an Intel Alder Lake N100 processor with extensive storage capabilities, this mini PC is designed for professionals, home users, and tech enthusiasts who need a reliable, space-saving system for data management, media streaming, and multitasking.
Let’s dive into what makes the AOOSTAR WTR Pro a compelling choice.
Key Features at a Glance
- Intel Alder Lake N100 Processor – A quad-core, low-power CPU ideal for NAS and light computing tasks.
- 16GB DDR4 RAM + 512GB SSD – Ensures smooth multitasking and fast boot times.
- 4 Hot-Swap HDD Bays – Supports up to 90TB of storage (4x 22TB HDDs).
- Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports – Enables high-speed network transfers and link aggregation.
- Windows 11 Pre-Installed – Ready to use out of the box.
- 4K Triple-Screen Support – HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for multi-monitor setups.
- Compact & Efficient Design – Small footprint with a robust metal chassis for durability.
Design & Build: Compact Yet Expandable
The AOOSTAR WTR Pro features a sleek, all-metal chassis that ensures durability while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Its hot-swappable drive bays make upgrading or replacing HDDs effortless, eliminating the need for shutdowns. The compact size (approx. 22.8 x 15 x 18.5 cm) makes it ideal for home offices, media centers, or small business environments where space is a premium.
Ports & Connectivity
- Dual 2.5G Ethernet – Perfect for high-speed NAS operations and network redundancy.
- USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort – Supports multiple peripherals and displays.
- 3.5mm Audio Jack & MicroSD Card Slot – Adds extra versatility for media applications.
Performance: A NAS & Mini PC Hybrid
1. Intel N100 Processor – Efficient & Capable
The quad-core Intel N100 (4 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) provides enough power for:
- File storage & sharing (via SMB, FTP, or cloud sync).
- Media streaming (Plex, Jellyfin, Emby).
- Light virtualization (Docker, lightweight VMs).
- Office tasks & web browsing.
While not designed for heavy workloads like video editing, it excels as a 24/7 NAS or home server.
2. Storage Flexibility – Up to 90TB Capacity
With four hot-swappable 3.5″ HDD bays, the WTR Pro supports:
- RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 for data redundancy or performance optimization.
- SSD caching (via the included 512GB NVMe SSD) for faster access to frequently used files.
This makes it ideal for:
- Backup solutions (Time Machine, rsync).
- Media libraries (4K video storage & streaming).
- Surveillance storage (via NVR software like Synology Surveillance Station).
3. Dual 2.5G Networking – Faster File Transfers
The dual 2.5G Ethernet ports allow:
- Link aggregation (for ~5Gbps combined throughput).
- High-speed backups & large file transfers.
- Seamless 4K media streaming across multiple devices.
Software & Use Cases
Pre-Installed Windows 11
Unlike many NAS devices that rely on Linux-based OSes, the WTR Pro comes with Windows 11 Pro, offering:
- Full desktop functionality (run any x86 software).
- Remote Desktop access for easy administration.
- Compatibility with Windows-based NAS apps (e.g., StableBit DrivePool, Plex).
Alternative OS Options
For users preferring a traditional NAS experience, the WTR Pro supports:
- TrueNAS Core/Scale (ZFS file system for advanced storage management).
- UnRAID (flexible storage with Docker & VM support).
- OpenMediaVault (Debian-based NAS solution).
Who Should Buy the AOOSTAR WTR Pro?
- Home Users – Centralized storage for photos, videos, and backups.
- Small Businesses – Affordable NAS with Windows compatibility.
- Media Enthusiasts – Plex/Jellyfin server with 4K transcoding.
- Tech Tinkerers – A compact platform for Docker, VMs, and homelab experiments.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- High storage capacity (90TB max).
- Hot-swap HDD bays for easy upgrades.
- Dual 2.5G Ethernet for fast networking.
- Windows 11 pre-installed for flexibility.
- Compact, durable metal design.
❌ Cons:
- Intel N100 is not ideal for heavy workloads.
- No built-in Wi-Fi (requires USB/Wi-Fi dongle).
- Limited GPU power for gaming or video editing.
Final Verdict: A Great All-in-One Mini NAS PC
The AOOSTAR WTR Pro NAS Mini PC strikes an excellent balance between storage capacity, networking speed, and compact design. Its hot-swap bays, dual 2.5G Ethernet, and Windows 11 support make it a standout choice for users who want a versatile, plug-and-play NAS with desktop functionality.
If you need a budget-friendly, high-capacity storage solution that can also function as a lightweight desktop, the WTR Pro is a fantastic pick.