CWWK: New mainboard with Intel processor is particularly suitable as the basis for a DIY NAS

CWWK has a new motherboard on offer with an Intel Celeron J6413, which is not exactly a high-performance computing chip. However, it should offer sufficient performance for a network storage system, with local media playback also being possible. Both an HDMI 2.0 and a DisplayPort 1.4a interface are available, each of which can output 4K material at 60 Hz.

Up to 32 gigabytes of DDR4 RAM with a maximum clock frequency of 3200 MHz can be installed; only ECC memory is supported. Up to six classic magnetic hard disks or SSDs in 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch format can be connected - one SATA port is available for each. The installation of two SSDs in M.2 2280 format is supported, whereby the flash memory can then be accessed via NVMe.

Unsurprisingly, a connection to the network itself is also relevant for a network storage device. A total of three Ethernet ports are installed, each with a maximum data transfer rate of 2.5 Gbit/s per second, which should make possible the transfer of large amounts of data without issue. Two USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports are installed, and additional USB 2.0 ports can be accessed via a header. Several fans can also be installed on the 17 x 17 cm mainboard, which complies with Mini-ITX specifications. Expansion cards can be connected via the one and only PCIe lane, such as the installation of an additional network card. Lastly, the processor is directly equipped with a cooler and fan. 

The model is currently available from AliExpress at a price of just under $175; simple network storage units from major providers are already available at such prices.