Tag: N5 Pro

July 1, 2025

Minisforum Launches N5 NAS with Unique AMD Ryzen APU Under $550

Key Takeaways

1. Minisforum has launched the N5 and N5 Pro, with the N5 featuring a less powerful AMD Ryzen 7 255 APU compared to the Pro model.
2. The Ryzen 7 255 has 8 Zen 4 CPU cores, operates between 3.8 GHz and 4.9 GHz, and has a TDP of 45 W, but lacks advanced NPU capabilities found in the Ryzen 7 260.
3. The N5 supports dual DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, allowing up to 96 GB of RAM, but does not support ECC RAM unlike the N5 Pro.
4. Both models feature similar I/O options, including 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps LAN connections, and compatibility with Linux, MinisCloud OS, or Windows 11 Pro.
5. The starting price for the Minisforum N5 is $553, with an option for 16 GB of pre-installed RAM for an additional $48.

Minisforum has launched the N5 globally, alongside the more robust N5 Pro. As indicated by their names, the N5 is equipped with a less potent APU compared to the Pro version. At this time, the N5 can only be set up with the AMD Ryzen 7 255, which Minisforum describes.

Ryzen 7 255 Specifications

The Ryzen 7 255 is also found in the Minisforum AI X1 (currently priced at $377.90 on Amazon). However, it does not appear on AMD’s global site. Instead, it is listed on the Chinese website as the Ryzen 7 H 255, featuring 8 Zen 4 CPU cores that operate between 3.8 GHz and 4.9 GHz. The Ryzen 7 255 falls under the Ryzen 200 and Hawk Point series, boasting a default Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 45 W, which can be adjusted by manufacturers within a range of 35 W to 54 W.

Performance Considerations

Interestingly, the Ryzen 7 255 lacks the 16 TOPS NPU that AMD provides with the Ryzen 7 260. This suggests that the Ryzen 7 255 may be a rebadged version of the Ryzen 7 8745HS, which is a lower wattage variant of the Ryzen 7 8745H, available only in China. Consequently, the Ryzen 7 255 is expected to perform notably worse in artificial intelligence tasks. Additionally, a 100 MHz downclock could lead to minor performance reductions in CPU and GPU operations compared to the Ryzen 7 260.

Features of the Minisforum N5

In other aspects, the Minisforum N5 shares core components with the more powerful N5 Pro model. For example, the N5 includes dual DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum of 96 GB of 5,600 MT/s RAM. One key difference is that the N5 does not support ECC RAM, unlike its Pro version.

The other I/O options remain largely the same, featuring 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps LAN connections, a PCIe x16 (PCIe 4.0 x4) slot, and OCuLink connectivity. Additionally, the N5 is compatible with Linux, MinisCloud OS, or Windows 11 Pro. As of now, the Minisforum N5 starts at $553 with the coupon code NAS30 at checkout, which does not include RAM but does come with 64 GB of storage. Alternatively, there is a version available with 16 GB of pre-installed RAM for an additional $48. For further information, visit Minisforum’s website.

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Tags: N5 Pro
July 1, 2025

Minisforum N5 Pro Launches with AMD Ryzen AI HX 370 and PCIe 4.0

Key Takeaways

1. The N5 Pro features the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU with 12 Zen 5 CPU cores and a Radeon 890M iGPU.
2. It supports up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 ECC memory and has multiple storage options, including three M.2 SSD slots and five 2.5/3.5-inch bays.
3. The device includes both 5 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports for enhanced connectivity.
4. The N5 Pro has a compact design, weighing 5 kg and measuring 199 x 202 x 252 mm.
5. Pre-orders for the N5 Pro will start shipping by the end of the month, with a $30 discount available using coupon code NAS30.

The N5 Pro has made its debut after several months of official previews. Alongside the more affordable N5, the N5 Pro utilizes the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, similar to the previously released AI X1 Pro (currently priced at $1,009.99 on Amazon). This model boasts 12 Zen 5 CPU cores, a Radeon 890M iGPU, and a powerful 50 TOPS NPU.

Impressive Memory and Storage Options

Moreover, Minisforum has incorporated a duo of SO-DIMM slots that officially allow for up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 ECC memory. In addition, there are three M.2 SSD slots and five 2.5/3.5-inch storage bays. Furthermore, the N5 Pro is equipped with both 5 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, as well as several other connection options.

Compact Design and Shipping Plans

For context, Minisforum has designed this system to fit into a casing that weighs 5 kg and has dimensions of 199 x 202 x 252 mm. The company plans to start shipping pre-orders for the N5 Pro by the end of this month. At present, customers can choose from five different memory configurations, with specifics provided below. Don’t forget, the coupon code NAS30 can be used at checkout to get a $30 discount on all models.

Minisforum is available in regions including the US, UK, EU, France, South Korea, and Japan.

Source:
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Tags: Minisforum, N5 Pro
June 30, 2025

Minisforum N5 Pro Launch Confirmed: Compact NAS Solution Coming Soon

Key Takeaways

1. Pre-sales for the N5 Pro will begin on July 1 at 07:00 UTC, despite earlier indications of a release this month.
2. The N5 Pro supports up to 96 GB of DDR5 EEC RAM and offers 144 TB of storage, powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU.
3. It features 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps LAN connections, and a PCIe x16 slot, providing more flexibility than other Minisforum mini-PCs.
4. The N5 Pro can function as a mini-PC and will support NAS applications with FreeBSD, TruNas, and Unraid images.
5. Minisforum will host a live stream with exclusive discounts and giveaways starting at 07:00 UTC, likely coinciding with the pre-sales.

It appears that Minisforum is getting ready to launch the N5 Pro after showcasing its network-attached storage (NAS) solution earlier this year. To summarize, the company introduced the N5 Pro in January but held off on providing more information until the end of April.

Pre-Sales Timing

Minisforum has now announced that pre-sales for the N5 Pro will begin at 07:00 UTC on July 1, even though they had previously mentioned that the device would be released this month. Nonetheless, the N5 Pro is expected to support up to 96 GB of DDR5 EEC RAM and a whopping 144 TB of storage at its launch, along with AMD’s robust Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU.

Connectivity and Versatility

The N5 Pro will also come equipped with 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps LAN connections, in addition to a PCIe x16 slot. In this regard, the N5 Pro offers more flexibility compared to Minisforum’s other Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 mini-PCs, such as the X1 Pro (currently priced at $999.99 on Amazon). Also, while the N5 Pro can function as a mini-PC, Minisforum plans to provide FreeBSD, TruNas, and Unraid images specifically for NAS applications.

Live Stream Event

Interestingly, Minisforum will host a live stream tomorrow featuring ‘exclusive’ discounts and giveaway items. The live stream is expected to start at 07:00 UTC, and it seems likely that pre-sales will follow soon after.

Source:
Link

Tags: Minisforum, N5 Pro, Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
April 30, 2025

Minisforum N5 Pro: Compact NAS with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370

Key Takeaways

1. Minisforum has launched the MS-A2 mini workstation with early discounts, replacing the MS-A1 priced at $239.99.
2. The new N5 and N5 Pro mini-PCs will feature AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU and support up to 96 GB of DDR5 EEC SO-DIMM RAM.
3. Both models will allow for the addition of a discrete GPU via a PCIe x16 slot or OCuLink.
4. The upcoming NAS devices will include 5 Gbps and 10 Gbps LAN ports, five drive slots, and dual rear fans operating at around 42 dB.
5. The N5 and N5 Pro are expected to launch in June, with a 30% discount available for users who sign up on the Minisforum website.

Minisforum has just launched the MS-A2 mini workstation, offering early discounts to replace the MS-A1, which is currently priced at $239.99 on Amazon. In addition, the company has revealed some preliminary details about a new line of network attached storage (NAS) devices slated for release later this season. The Minisforum N5 and N5 Pro are expected to be quite powerful mini-PCs.

Specifications and Performance

Minisforum has confirmed that the N5 and N5 Pro will come equipped with up to AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU and can support up to 96 GB of DDR5 EEC SO-DIMM RAM, with 128 GB being “unofficially” possible. A representative from the company mentioned in a video that there is an option to add a discrete GPU through a PCIe x16 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4) or OCuLink.

Features and Design

The new NAS from Minisforum includes 5 Gbps (RTL8126) and 10 Gbps (AQC113) LAN ports, along with five drive slots in a compact 199 × 202 × 252 mm chassis. The device is designed with dual 92 mm rear fans that should operate at around 42 dB, even when under maximum load. Furthermore, Minisforum has stated that the N5 and N5 Pro will be compatible with various operating systems such as FreeBSD, TruNAS, and Unraid, among others.

Release Information

Currently, pricing and availability details are still unspecified. However, Minisforum has indicated that the N5 and N5 Pro are expected to launch in June. By providing an email address on the company’s website, users may also receive a 30% discount coupon before the official release.

Source:
Link

Tags: Minisforum, N5 Pro, NAS