88 TB storage monster in test: Aoostar WTR Pro is a NAS and mini PC in one

The Aoostar WTR Pro impresses as a versatile NAS server with solid performance and good energy efficiency. Depending on preference and budget, the Aoostar WTR Pro is available in two versions. However, the test shows that the disadvantages in terms of performance clearly outweigh the Intel N150 model and that the more powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5825U model is the better choice. Basic NAS tasks are possible with the economical Intel N150, while the more powerful variant with AMD Ryzen 7 5825U is suitable for more demanding applications such as virtualization and 4K streaming.

Both models offer a flexible storage solution with four 3.5-inch SATA slots and two M.2 SSD slots for quick access to data. However, the lack of software support leaves an ambivalent impression. Nevertheless, the WTR Pro allows Aoostar to freely select the software, although this requires a certain amount of knowledge. A similar approach is taken by TerraMaster takes a similar approach with the F4-424 Pro which provides the user with their own OS, but offers the user the option of installing their own operating system. In summary, however, both Aoostar WTR Pro NAS systems offer a good basis to excel in small networks without going over the top in terms of price.

The manufacturer itself sells the devices in its online store. However, availability is poor. Alternatively, you can also get the devices from Geekbuying. The Aoostar WTR Pro with Intel N150 is available for 449 euros, while the Aoostar WTR Pro with AMD Ryzen 7 5825U costs 579 euros.

Both variants are equipped with two 2.5 Gbit LAN ports, HDMI, DisplayPort and several USB ports. The choice between the models depends on individual requirements. However, Aoostar does not offer its own software solution for its NAS systems, which results in a slightly lower price compared to other NAS manufacturers such as Synology, Qnap or Ugreen. Our test samples reached us with Windows 11 Professional pre-installed. Windows as the basis for a NAS system is not the best choice, but it makes it easier for us to compare performance at this point. Alternative systems such as Linux distributions or open source NAS operating systems (TrueNAS or Unraid) are better suited to operate as a NAS server in the home network.

The more powerful version of the network storage has an 8-core AMD-based processor, while the cheaper version is only equipped with an Intel N150. In terms of performance, the two models are therefore fundamentally different, so you need to ask yourself the crucial question of what the NAS should offer before you buy it.

We tested the Aoostar WTR Pro in two different configurations. In the more expensive, but also more powerful version, an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U is installed, which is a good choice for the tasks in a NAS. The 8-core SoC delivers solid performance and offers enough reserves to even run various VM instances on the NAS. The cheaper configuration is only equipped with a less powerful Intel N150, which is technically based on an Intel N95. The difference can be seen very clearly in the performance rating, meaning that the Aoostar WTR Pro with Intel N150 can only be expected to perform light tasks.

The comparison with the Aoostar GEM12 with the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS is intended to illustrate the difference in performance compared to the Aoostar WTR Max, which can be equipped with up to 11 data carriers.

The general system performance of the two NAS systems is fundamentally different. The weaker of the two NAS systems should only be expected to perform the simplest tasks. Windows as the basis also ensures a certain base load, which often quickly overloads the weak Intel N150.

Both Aoostar WTR Pro systems are equipped with the same mass storage device, which contains the operating system. The rather unknown ASint AS806 model is a simple SSD with 512 GB of storage space, which also operates at PCIe 3.0 x4 speed. There were no problems with the mass storage during our tests. The Aoostar WTR Pro with AMD Ryzen 7 5825U also offers the option of installing an additional M.2 SSD.

The 3D performance of the two Aoostar WTR Pro is very low. Even the AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 cannot keep up with the more powerful iGPUs of current systems. The Intel UHD Graphics 24EU, which can only be used for simple image output, is even noticeably weaker.