Category: Computers

  • Sixunited Unveils XN77-160M-CS Laptop with AMD Strix Halo and OLED

    Sixunited Unveils XN77-160M-CS Laptop with AMD Strix Halo and OLED

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sixunited has launched a new laptop model, the XN77-160M-CS, featuring Strix Halo technology and Ryzen AI Max 300 series processor compatibility.
    2. The laptop boasts a 16-inch LCD/OLED display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600, peak brightness of 500 nits, and a refresh rate of 165 Hz.
    3. It includes a dual-fan cooling system and offers two configurations with thermal design power (TDP) options of 120 Watts and 85 Watts.
    4. The device supports a maximum battery capacity of 99.9 Wh and includes two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD slots, but RAM is not upgradeable due to soldered modules.
    5. Connectivity features include multiple ports such as USB 4.0, USB 3.2, an SD card reader, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5 mm audio jack; pricing details are not disclosed, and it will likely be sold through OEMs.

    Ever since AMD’s CEO Dr. Lisa Su made a promise to bring Strix Halo technology to mini-PCs, there has been a flood of new products from companies like GMKTek, BeeLink, and Minisforum. However, when it comes to laptops, options are still limited. The main choices available right now are the HP ZBook Ultra G1a 14 and the Asus ROG Flow Z13. But now, we have a new player stepping into the game with some remarkable specifications.

    New Laptop Unveiling

    Sixunited, known for previously showing off the Strix Halo-powered AXB35-02 mini-PC, has just introduced its latest laptop model, the XN77-160M-CS. This new laptop is compatible with Ryzen AI Max 300 series processors, though no specific variant has been revealed. The thermal design power (TDP) can reach up to 120 Watts, and there’s an optional configuration that limits it to 85 Watts. Both versions feature a dual-fan cooling system.

    Display and Storage Features

    The Sixunited XN77-160M-CS is equipped with a 16-inch LCD/OLED display boasting a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600, achieving a peak brightness of 500 nits and a refresh rate of 165 Hz. It can support a maximum battery capacity of 99.9 Wh, which is the highest possible for laptops. In terms of storage, the device includes two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD slots. Unfortunately, users won’t be able to upgrade the RAM since the Strix Halo uses soldered LPDDR5X modules.

    Connectivity Options and Pricing

    For connectivity, Sixunited provides a variety of ports including two USB 4.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, an SD card reader, an RJ45 Ethernet port, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. While there’s no price listed yet, it’s unlikely that this laptop will be sold directly to consumers. Sixunited mainly sells to other OEMs, who then market these products. Regardless, the specifications are impressive, and a fully equipped version of this laptop will likely demand a high price.

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  • EliteBook X G1i 14 vs. EliteBook Ultra G1i 14: Which to Choose?

    EliteBook X G1i 14 vs. EliteBook Ultra G1i 14: Which to Choose?

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dell has simplified its laptop naming system, moving from names like “XPS” and “Inspiron” to “Pro” and “Plus.”
    2. HP retains its complex naming system, but many models are becoming hard to differentiate due to similar designs and specs.
    3. Examples like the HP Envy x360 16 and HP OmniBook X Flip 16 show how different models can have nearly identical features and pricing.
    4. The HP EliteBook X G1i 14 and EliteBook Ultra G1i 14 illustrate that small differences in specs can confuse customers.
    5. HP may need to consider merging model names or types to enhance clarity for consumers during their shopping experience.

    Dell has made a significant change this year in how it names and organizes its extensive range of laptops. Famous names like “XPS” and “Inspiron” have been replaced with simpler terms like “Pro” and “Plus.” In contrast, HP continues with its existing naming system, but the growing number of laptops is making it increasingly hard to keep track, especially since many models look quite alike.

    Confusing Model Variations

    A recent example is the HP Envy x360 16 and the HP OmniBook X Flip 16. Both of these 16-inch convertibles have identical ports, the same battery capacity, and very similar sizes and weights. Their differences are mainly in the keyboard frames, minor design elements, selection of processors, and display types. One might think that one model would be priced significantly higher than the other, yet they typically fall within the same price range of around $1000 USD during sales.

    Similar Yet Different

    Another case is the HP EliteBook X G1i 14 alongside the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i 14. These two 14-inch models are also very alike in appearance and internal specs. The “X” version offers a 1200p IPS touchscreen, while the “Ultra” provides a superior 1800p OLED touchscreen. There are tiny differences in battery capacities (64 Wh versus 68 Wh), weight (2.60 lbs compared to 2.63 lbs), and thickness (0.48 inches against 0.59 inches).

    For many customers looking for a new HP laptop, distinguishing between certain models can be tough without closely examining the specs or images. The names “Ultra,” “X,” “Envy,” and “OmniBook” don’t effectively highlight the differences between entry-level and premium models. HP might want to think about combining some names or models to make the shopping experience easier for everyday consumers.

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  • Core 5 210H vs 120U: Minimal Upgrades in H-Series Processor

    Core 5 210H vs 120U: Minimal Upgrades in H-Series Processor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s Core-H CPUs generally outperform Core-U CPUs, with the Core i7-13700H showing 30-60% higher performance in multi-thread tasks compared to the Core i7-1355U.

    2. The performance gap between the Core 5 210H and Core 5 120U is less significant, with the 210H being only about 10% faster in multi-threaded tasks.

    3. The Core 5 120U has better single-thread performance and superior integrated graphics compared to the Core 5 210H.

    4. Both CPU models have similar power consumption, around 38 W when fully utilized, making performance-per-watt a non-distinguishing factor.

    5. For budget-conscious buyers, the Core 5 120U may be the better choice, as the Core 5 210H does not offer significant advantages in performance.

    Typically, Intel’s Core-H CPUs are much quicker than their Core-U counterparts from the same generation. For instance, the Raptor Lake-H Core i7-13700H delivers up to 30 to 60 percent higher performance in multi-thread tasks compared to the Raptor Lake-U Core i7-1355U. Sadly, this performance gap isn’t clear-cut when comparing the Raptor Lake-H Core 5 210H and the Raptor Lake-U Core 5 120U, which makes it hard to distinguish between the H-series and U-series.

    Performance Comparison

    Our comparison data indicates that the Core 5 210H is just about 10 percent quicker than the Core 5 120U regarding multi-threaded tasks. On the other hand, the Core 5 120U has a slight edge in single-thread performance and even outperforms in integrated graphics as well.

    Power Consumption

    The power usage of these CPUs is nearly the same, sitting at approximately 38 W each when fully utilized or during gaming sessions. Thus, performance-per-watt doesn’t really stand out as a key factor between the two processors. Although the Core 5 210H might achieve higher Turbo Boost clock speeds than the Core 5 120U, it is typically found in lower-end laptop models that aren’t designed to handle significant Turbo Boost performance to begin with.

    If you’re planning to buy a laptop with either the Core 5 210H or Core 5 120U, it may be wise to lean towards the more affordable Core 5 120U, since the Core 5 210H doesn’t provide any significant advantages.

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  • Lyra Pi: Affordable LTE Micro Development Board Beats Raspberry Pi

    Lyra Pi: Affordable LTE Micro Development Board Beats Raspberry Pi

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lyra Pi is a new single-board computer introduced by Luckfox, available in four models and compatible with an LTE modem.
    2. All models feature three Cortex-A7 cores running up to 1.2 GHz and a Cortex-M0 core, with RAM fixed at 512 MB DDR3L.
    3. The Lyra Pi A has 8 GB of eMMC storage, while the Pi B model uses a memory card and lacks eMMC; both A versions do not have a memory card slot.
    4. Connectivity options include two USB 2.0 ports, MIPI DSI support, and two Ethernet ports (max 100 MBit/s); HDMI is not available.
    5. The board with the 4G module kit and 8 GB eMMC storage retails for $67, with the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module available separately for an additional $3.

    The variety of single-board computers and development boards has grown significantly in recent times, with the Raspberry Pi leading the pack, now in its fifth generation. Recently, Luckfox introduced a new option called the Lyra Pi, which comes in four different models and can be paired with an LTE modem. The SIM7600G-H-M.2 LTE Cat 4 module supports LTE-TDD, LTE-FDD, HSPA+, GSM, GPRS, and EDGE, making installation a breeze.

    Hardware Specs

    No matter which model you select, all of them come equipped with three Cortex-A7 cores that can run up to 1.2 GHz, along with a Cortex-M0 core. The Lyra Pi A features 8 GB of eMMC storage, whereas the Pi B model does not include eMMC and utilizes a memory card instead. Notably, the two Pi A versions lack a memory card slot. Both the Lyra Pi A W and Lyra Pi B W are fitted with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 capabilities.

    Connectivity Options

    All models offer 512 MB of DDR3L RAM. While HDMI connections for screens are not available, MIPI DSI connections are supported. The board is equipped with two USB 2.0 ports, and extra USB ports can be accessed through headers. The two built-in Ethernet ports do not reach Gigabit speeds; they max out at 100 MBit/s. The SIM card slot is conveniently located next to the M.2 slot for the mobile modem, and there’s a combined jack for audio output or microphone connection. Like many single-board computers, a color-coded GPIO pin header is included, allowing for easy connection of sensors and actuators via UART.

    Pricing Details

    The board, including the 4G module kit and 8GB of eMMC storage, measures 85 x 56 millimeters and is priced at $67. However, the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module is sold separately for an additional $3, which buyers can opt to purchase.

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    Lyra Pi: Affordable LTE Micro Development Board Beats Raspberry Pi

     

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  • Astromers Discover 2 Galaxies with 3 Black Holes for First Time

    Astromers Discover 2 Galaxies with 3 Black Holes for First Time

    Key Takeaways

    1. Researchers discovered the Infinity Galaxy, formed from the collision of two galaxies, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope.
    2. An active supermassive black hole was found floating between the two galaxies, rather than at their centers.
    3. This black hole supports the heavy seed theory of black hole formation, suggesting massive gas clouds can collapse directly into giant black holes.
    4. Observations show the black hole’s speed matches the gas cloud’s speed, indicating it likely formed in its current location rather than being expelled from another galaxy.
    5. The Infinity Galaxy is unique as it hosts three active supermassive black holes, including those in both original galactic nuclei.

    Researchers who are looking at public data from the James Webb Space Telescope have stumbled upon a peculiar object called the Infinity Galaxy. It seems to be the outcome of a direct collision between two galaxies. An even more astonishing find was made — an active, supermassive black hole that’s not located in the center of either galaxy, but instead floating in the large volume of gas that lies between them.

    New Insights on Black Hole Formation

    This black hole, which is not at the center, could be the strongest evidence for the heavy seed theory regarding the formation of black holes. This idea suggests that a huge cloud of gas can collapse directly into a giant black hole. This process might explain how the massive black holes spotted by Webb in the early universe became so large at such a rapid pace.

    “We believe we are observing the creation of a supermassive black hole – something never seen before,” says Pieter van Dokkum from Yale University, who is the main author of a paper discussing this discovery.

    Confirming the Findings

    The research team utilized Webb to carry out additional observations to verify their theory. The fresh data indicated that the speed of the black hole aligns perfectly with the speed of the gas cloud around it. This crucial finding makes it very unlikely that the black hole is a runaway object that was expelled from another galaxy; rather, it strongly hints that it formed right there from the collapsing gas.

    To make this discovery even more remarkable, the researchers also found out that both of the initial galactic nuclei have their own active supermassive black holes. This makes the Infinity Galaxy a unique system, hosting three such black holes. While the team notes that they cannot definitively assert they have found a black hole formed by direct collapse, they mention that the new data bolsters their argument while ruling out other possible explanations.

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    Astromers Discover 2 Galaxies with 3 Black Holes for First Time
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  • Arrow Lake Refresh: More Disappointing Than Anticipated

    Arrow Lake Refresh: More Disappointing Than Anticipated

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, is implementing operational changes to improve the company’s performance.
    2. The Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs are expected to have quicker clock speeds but will continue using the outdated NPU 3, rather than upgrading to NPU 4.
    3. The updates for the Arrow Lake Refresh are minor, with no changes to core counts and only specific SKUs (‘K’ and ‘KF’) expected to receive enhancements.
    4. Intel will not introduce a new series name for the Arrow Lake Refresh; it will remain within the Core Ultra 200 series.
    5. The exact increase in clock speeds for the refreshed CPUs is unclear, with the launch expected in the latter half of the year.

    Intel has been facing challenges for some time, but new CEO Lip-Bu Tan is making efforts to improve the situation. Significant changes in operations have occurred since his leadership began, impacting future product launches. The company plans to update its Arrow Lake range of CPUs, but if the latest leaks are correct, the upgrades may be less significant than what was initially anticipated.

    Upcoming Changes

    A report from early July indicated that the Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs would feature quicker clock speeds and an updated NPU. The Arrow Lake chips, which include the Core Ultra 200S desktop CPUs, currently utilize NPU 3—an older version that debuted with Meteor Lake chips in late 2023. This particular NPU has a performance capability of just 11.5 TOPS, which makes it ineligible for Copilot+ certification. The report suggested that the Arrow Lake Refresh would introduce NPU 4, similar to the Lunar Lake chips, which can achieve 48 TOPS. However, it seems that Intel will continue using NPU 3 for the refresh instead.

    Leaker Insights

    Known leaker Jaykihn has been providing updates about the Arrow Lake Refresh for some time. In his most recent post, responding to one of his earlier insights, he claims neither the desktop nor the high-end laptop CPU SKUs will see any changes to the NPU. This implies that the new CPUs will merely receive a boost in clock speeds, resulting in yet another minor update. It also indicates that the core counts will likely stay the same.

    Naming and Specifications

    Regarding naming conventions, Intel is not expected to introduce a new series for the Arrow Lake Refresh, meaning it will still fall under the Core Ultra 200 series. Additionally, it’s disappointing that not all SKUs in the lineup will be updated; only the ‘K’ and ‘KF’ SKUs are anticipated to receive the special enhancements.

    The exact increase in clock speeds remains uncertain. For context, the flagship Arrow Lake processor, Core Ultra 9 285K, has a boost clock of 5.5 GHz, which is lower than that of the 14th Gen Core i7 and Core i9 processors. Nonetheless, Intel is projected to unveil the refreshed lineup sometime in the latter half of this year, although a specific date has yet to be confirmed.

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  • ASUS Router Vulnerabilities Exposed by Gamers Nexus in 2025

    ASUS Router Vulnerabilities Exposed by Gamers Nexus in 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. ASUS routers are under threat from the “AyySSHush” campaign, with attackers exploiting vulnerabilities for persistent SSH backdoors.
    2. A zero-click remote code execution flaw in ASUS DriverHub and hardcoded admin credentials in MyASUS/RMA expose sensitive user information.
    3. ASUS’s response to vulnerabilities, including patches, lacks effective bug bounty programs to encourage better security practices.
    4. Armory Crate has kernel-level vulnerabilities that allow low-level hardware access, and it tends to reinstall itself, posing ongoing risks.
    5. Users should proactively update firmware, remove unnecessary ASUS utilities, and disable bloatware features to reduce security risks.

    Gamers Nexus highlights four key security threats: ASUS routers, DriverHub, MyASUS/RMA, and Armory Crate. The “AyySSHush” campaign, also known as Ace Hush, is particularly targeting ASUS routers. GreyNoise’s analysis indicates that attackers are employing brute-force techniques, bypassing authentication, exploiting CVE‑2023‑39780 for command injection, and leveraging ASUS’s built-in AiProtection settings to implant SSH backdoors in non-volatile memory. This means these backdoors persist even after reboots and firmware updates. As a result, there are urgent calls for users to update their firmware and perform factory resets.

    Security Vulnerabilities Found

    Security researcher Paul “Mr. Bruh,” mentioned by Gamers Nexus, uncovered a zero-click remote code execution flaw in ASUS DriverHub, along with hardcoded admin credentials in MyASUS and the RMA portal. This vulnerability exposes sensitive user information, including names, birthdates, addresses, and phone numbers. Even though ASUS released patches in May 2025, Gamers Nexus criticizes the response as mere acknowledgements, lacking any substantial bug bounty programs to incentivize further security improvements.

    Ongoing Risks with Armory Crate

    Cisco Talos researcher Marson Icewall Noga has also reported two kernel-level vulnerabilities in Armory Crate’s ASIO3 driver, which allow for physical memory mapping and access to low-level hardware. Despite available security updates, Gamers Nexus warns that Armory Crate tends to reinstall itself through BIOS settings and Windows firmware updates, functioning like elevated-risk bloatware. The suggestion is clear: users should uninstall any non-essential ASUS utilities, turn off BIOS installation options, and ensure their firmware is up-to-date.

    Gamers Nexus argues that ASUS’s ongoing release of motherboard-level utilities, combined with neglected software and router vulnerabilities, creates a dangerously large attack surface. Users need to take action by proactively removing risky applications, disabling bloatware features, and updating their router and system firmware right away—especially since some vulnerabilities continue to be active despite official patches.

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  • EVO-T1 Mini PC by GMKtec Launches Globally with Discounts

    EVO-T1 Mini PC by GMKtec Launches Globally with Discounts

    Key Takeaways

    1. GMKtec has launched the EVO-T1 mini PC globally, with promotional pricing: $999.99 for the 1 TB model (down from $1,299.99) and $1,079.99 for the 2 TB version.

    2. The EVO-T1 is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM.

    3. It features three PCIe 4.0×4 slots, allowing for a maximum storage capacity of 8 TB.

    4. The mini PC includes USB4 and OCuLink ports for enhanced compatibility with external GPUs, and the integrated Intel Arc 140T GPU can handle AAA games at 1080p.

    5. Notable features include three performance modes, a VC cooling system with a silent fan, and support for four-display output.

    Shortly after GMKtec introduced the EVO-T1 in China, the company has now made the Arrow Lake mini PC available to consumers worldwide. There’s a special deal going on too, which has slashed the price of the base model with 1 TB of storage to $999.99 from its original price of $1,299.99. Meanwhile, the 2 TB version is now priced at $1,079.99 after the promotional reduction.

    Specifications of the EVO-T1

    The GMKtec EVO-T1 is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, which is a high-performance processor from the Arrow Lake series. It is complemented by 64 GB of DDR5 RAM operating at 5600 MT/s. The manufacturer also points out that this system can support up to 128 GB of DDR5 RAM running at 6400 MT/s.

    Storage and Ports

    Moreover, the EVO-T1 features three PCIe 4.0×4 slots, which allow for a maximum total storage of 8 TB (currently, a 4 TB Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD is available for $251.91 on Amazon). The mini PC also comes with a good variety of connectivity options, including:

    When it comes to the port layout, the addition of both USB4 and OCuLink ports increases the mini PC’s compatibility with external GPUs. Additionally, the Intel Arc 140T integrated GPU of the Core Ultra 9 285H can manage AAA games with good frame rates at 1080p.

    Additional Features

    Among the other notable features of the EVO-T1 are three performance modes, a VC cooling system with a “silent” fan, and support for four-display output. You can find more information about this Intel Arrow Lake mini PC in the attached video below.

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  • Minisforum NAB9 Mini-PCs Recalled for Boot and Shutdown Issues

    Minisforum NAB9 Mini-PCs Recalled for Boot and Shutdown Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Minisforum NAB9 series is a budget-friendly mini-PC priced at $319.99, with a newer NAB9 Plus model featuring OCuLink connectivity.
    2. Some NAB9 units shipped with incorrect capacitor materials, leading to issues like unusual shutdowns or failure to start.
    3. Affected units were made between September 19, 2024, and March 14, 2025, identifiable by specific serial number ranges.
    4. Minisforum will replace faulty NAB9 units within the serial number range that experience issues, offering a new device with an extra 12-month warranty.
    5. Only the NAB9, not the NAB9 Plus, is affected, and details on improved quality control measures and return shipping costs remain unclear.

    The Minisforum NAB9 series is a budget-friendly choice for people looking for a reasonably powerful mini-PC, currently priced at $319.99 on Amazon. Since its launch in March, the NAB9 has been accompanied by the NAB9 Plus, which features OCuLink connectivity.

    Issues with Certain Units

    Recently, Minisforum found that some NAB9 models were shipped with incorrect capacitor materials. This mistake means that some devices could experience unusual shutdowns or even fail to start at all. A blog post from Minisforum states that the problematic units were made between September 19, 2024, and March 14, 2025. You can identify these affected mini-PCs if the first three digits of the serial number are between 017 to 117 or 386 to 526.

    Replacement Offer

    Minisforum has announced that it will only replace units that fall within the defined serial number range and are having issues with startup or shutdown. If your NAB9 meets these conditions, the company promises to swap it for a new device that comes with an extra 12-month warranty. However, keep in mind that when you receive a replacement, you probably won’t get your data back.

    At this point, it seems that only the NAB9 is impacted by this situation, and not the NAB9 Plus. While Minisforum has stated that it has ‘improved quality control measures’ to prevent this from happening again, it hasn’t shared specific details about the changes made. Additionally, it’s uncertain whether users need to pay for return shipping to have their NAB9 checked. For further information, you can check out Minisforum’s blog post.

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    Minisforum NAB9 Mini-PCs Recalled for Boot and Shutdown Issues
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  • MaiYunda Y104A: Affordable NAS with 112 TB Storage Support

    MaiYunda Y104A: Affordable NAS with 112 TB Storage Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. MaiYunda has released the budget-friendly Y104A NAS with a stylish aluminum chassis and good airflow design.
    2. The Y104A features a four-bay configuration with a total storage capacity of up to 112 TB when combining HDDs and M.2 slots.
    3. It is powered by an Intel N150 processor and supports a maximum of 48 GB of DDR5 RAM, although limited to a single-channel configuration.
    4. The NAS includes various ports for versatility, status indicators on HDD bays, a compact design, and tool-free drive installation.
    5. The base model is priced at $345, with a higher-end version available for $504, including 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD.

    MaiYunda has launched a new budget-friendly NAS, called the Y104A. This system is not only economical considering the storage capacity it offers, but also sports an elegant aluminum chassis. The company emphasizes that the front and back of the device have a sufficient number of vents to ensure good airflow.

    Storage Capacity

    The Y104A features a four-bay configuration, with each bay able to accommodate either a 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch HDD. Each bay can support drives up to 20 TB, like the Toshiba N300, which is currently priced at $349 on Amazon. Thus, with all four bays combined, you can achieve a total storage capacity of up to 80 TB. Additionally, there are four 2280 M.2 slots that can provide an extra 32 TB of storage. Altogether, this means the total storage capability can reach as high as 112 TB.

    Performance Specs

    Inside the MaiYunda Y104A, you’ll find the Intel N150 processor from the Twin Lake series. This CPU can work with a maximum of 48 GB of DDR5 RAM that runs at 4800 MHz. However, it’s important to remember that there is only one SO-DIMM slot. This limits the memory to a single-channel configuration. On the positive side, the NAS comes with a variety of ports, which adds to its versatility.

    Additional Features

    Some other notable features of this cost-effective NAS include status indicators located on the HDD bays, a compact form factor, and a tool-free design for the bays. The barebone model is currently available for $345 on AliExpress, while a version equipped with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD is priced at $504. For further details, you can check the full specifications provided below regarding this mini PC.

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    MaiYunda Y104A: Affordable NAS with 112 TB Storage SupportMaiYunda Y104A: Affordable NAS with 112 TB Storage Support
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