The MW-100-NAS mini-ITX motherboard is powered by an Intel Processor N100 Alder Lake-N CPU and seems especially suited for NAS (networked-attached storage) applications with six SATA connectors, two M.2 Key-M sockets for NVMe drivers, one 10GbE port, and two 2.5GbE RJ45 jacks.
The motherboard supports up to 32GB DDR5 memory, features HDMI and DisplayPort video output ports, a COM port header, and plenty of external and internal USB interfaces. It takes power from a standard ATX connector.
NW-N100-NAS motherboard specifications:
- SoC – Intel Processor N100 quad-core Alder Lake-N processor @ up to 3.4 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel HD graphics @ up to 750 MHz; TDP: 6W
- System Memory – Up to 32GB DDR5-4800 via SO-DIMM socket
- Storage
- 2x M.2 sockets for NVMe SSDs onboard
- 6x SATA connectors
- MicroSD card slot
- Video Output – 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort
- Networking
- 2x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports via Intel i226-V controllers
- 1x 10GbE RJ45 port using Marvell AQC113C controller
- USB
- 1x USB 3.0 port, 1x USB Type-C port, 2x USB 2.0 ports
- 2x USB 2.0 via internal header, 2x internal USB 2.0 Type-A ports
- Serial – COM port header
- Misc
- Front panel header
- TPM header
- LAN LED header
- System fan connector
- CPU fan connector
- Watchdog timer
- Power Supply
- 24-pin ATX connector
- 4-pin ATX connector
- Dimensions – 17 x 17 cm (Mini-ITX form factor)
- Weight – N/A
The specifications also list the Intel Core i3-N305 octa-core CPU as an option, but it’s not for sale yet. Vendors offer it as a barebone model, or with up to 32GB DDR5 memory and up to a 2TB NVMe SSD, but we are not told anything about software support. Provided all drivers are there, Windows 11, Linux and BSD distribution should all work on the motherboard.
It’s not the first time we have written about Intel N100 hardware for NAS applications, and if you don’t feel like DIYing your own NAS, the Zimacube 6+1-bay NAS is another option that should work out of the box, but it does not include a 10GbE interface. A system built around the MW-100-NAS mini-ITX motherboard could end up being cheaper as the barebone model is sold for about $130 and up on AliExpress from several vendors such as Topton, Kingnovy, and SZBOX.
Via Liliputing
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
