The LincPlus LincStation S1 is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that combines substantial storage capacity with impressive speed, all within a sleek design suitable for modern workspaces. This review delves into its hardware specifications, software capabilities, and overall performance to determine its suitability for both personal and professional use.
Design and Build Quality
The LincStation S1 features a modern, compact tower design that sets it apart from traditional horizontal NAS enclosures. Constructed with a combination of metal and plastic, it offers durability while maintaining a manageable weight. The device’s modular design allows for easy upgrades or component replacements as needed.
The top panel, secured magnetically, provides access to four SATA drive bays, supporting both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drives and SSDs via SATA 3.0. These tool-free drive sleds facilitate straightforward installation and replacement. On the side panel, two M.2 NVMe slots are available, each equipped with built-in heatsinks to ensure optimal thermal management. This side panel also houses the device’s memory, which includes an 8GB DDR5 SODIMM module that users can upgrade if necessary.
Cooling is managed by a large bottom-mounted system fan that actively draws air through the chassis, maintaining optimal operating temperatures. The front of the device features an LCD panel that provides basic system information, though some integration issues with the UnRAID operating system may require refinement. Despite being a prototype, the build quality and design choices emphasize functionality and long-term reliability.
Hardware Specifications
At the heart of the LincStation S1 is an Intel Alder Lake-N N97 quad-core processor, capable of reaching speeds up to 3.6 GHz. This processor’s 12-watt thermal design point ensures efficient performance without excessive heat generation. The device comes with 8GB of DDR5 RAM, which users can upgrade to enhance performance, especially when running virtual machines or Docker containers.
Storage options are versatile, with four 3.5-inch SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, supporting a combined storage capacity of up to 112 terabytes. This hybrid storage design allows users to prioritize speed for active tasks using SSDs while utilizing HDDs for cost-effective bulk storage. Additionally, a built-in 128GB eMMC unit is dedicated to the operating system, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
Network connectivity is robust, featuring dual 2.5-gigabit Ethernet ports. These ports can be combined using link aggregation to achieve speeds up to 5 gigabits per second, facilitating rapid data transfers and efficient network performance. However, the absence of native 10-gigabit Ethernet may be a limitation for users requiring higher bandwidth, though this omission likely helps keep the device’s price point accessible.
Software and User Interface
The LincStation S1 operates on UnRAID OS, a robust NAS platform known for its flexibility and extensive feature set. UnRAID supports storage management, backups, file synchronization, surveillance, multimedia centers, and server functionality. It also allows users to run virtual machines and Docker containers, enabling applications like Plex for media streaming.
While UnRAID offers a wide array of features, it may present a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with NAS systems. LincPlus includes a one-year UnRAID license with the device; after this period, users must pay an annual fee starting at $49 to continue receiving OS updates.
The device supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, allowing users to choose the setup that best fits their data redundancy and performance needs. Cache pools can also be configured to enhance storage efficiency.
Performance and Usability
In testing scenarios, the LincStation S1 demonstrated commendable performance. When running Plex and additional packages like Radarr and Sonarr, the device successfully streamed content while transcoding to multiple clients simultaneously. However, performance constraints were observed when hosting virtual machines, suggesting that users planning to run multiple Docker containers or virtual machines should consider upgrading the RAM to 16GB for optimal performance.
Power consumption is efficient, with the device drawing approximately 32 watts when idle and peaking at 66 watts under heavy load conditions, such as simultaneous Plex transcoding and large file transfers. This energy efficiency contributes to lower operational costs and a reduced environmental footprint.
Connectivity and Expansion
The LincStation S1 offers a balanced range of ports to ensure compatibility with modern peripherals and network environments. In addition to the dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, the device includes multiple high-speed USB connections, supporting a variety of external storage devices and accessories. Specifically, it features two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, providing 10Gbps data transfer speeds for high-performance storage solutions. Two additional USB 2.0 ports are available for peripherals such as keyboards and mice.
A single HDMI 2.0 port offers 4K 60Hz output, making the device suitable for media playback, virtual machine monitoring, or direct system management. Physical LED and LCD control switches on the front panel enhance user accessibility, though some software-based controls for these features are still in development.
Conclusion
The LincPlus LincStation S1 stands out as a versatile and efficient NAS solution, balancing substantial storage capacity with impressive speed and a user-friendly design. Its robust hardware specifications, coupled with the flexibility of UnRAID OS, make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from personal media storage to professional data management. While the software may require some acclimation for new users, and the absence of native 10-gigabit Ethernet could be a drawback for some, the device’s overall performance and design make it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and scalable NAS solution.
