Should You Buy the Jonsbo N5, N4, N3, or N2 for your NAS DiY Build?
Building your NAS has certainly become more accessible in recent years, mainly due to the availability of NAS-specific components that take the guesswork out of setting up a private cloud or network server from scratch. However, when it comes to finding a NAS enclosure or case, the options are far more limited than you might expect. Unlike traditional PC cases, NAS cases must focus more on storage capacity, efficient cooling for 24/7 use, and flexibility for NAS-optimized components like NAS-focused CPUs and motherboards. This is where Jonsbo steps in with a range of NAS-oriented enclosures that have become quite popular with DiY enthusiasts and home labbers. With the release of the new Jonsbo N5, it’s time to revisit the differences between Jonsbo’s popular NAS cases—N5, N4, N3, and N2—to see how they stack up for various use cases. Each case has distinct strengths and weaknesses, including varying capacities, cooling options, and motherboard compatibility, making the decision between them all the more nuanced. Let’s dive in and compare the Jonsbo N5 vs N4 vs N3 vs N2 to help you choose the best one for your NAS build!
While all four Jonsbo NAS cases share a common goal—maximizing storage and cooling in compact and well-designed chassis—their specifications and features vary widely. From the relatively budget-friendly and compact N2 to the spacious and versatile N5, each case targets different types of users. The N5, for instance, offers the most expansion potential with its support for larger motherboards, GPU compatibility, and ample cooling options, while the N4 combines aesthetics and storage in a slightly smaller footprint with its hybrid steel and wood design. On the other hand, the N3 is geared more toward users who need high storage capacity without sacrificing airflow or CPU cooler size. Finally, the N2 stands out as the smallest and most efficient option, perfect for low-energy NAS builds where space is at a premium. With these differences in mind, let’s take a closer look at each model and figure out which one will best suit your needs.
Where to Buy Jonsbo NAS Cases?
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Here is my Jonsbo N2 vs N3 vs N4 Case Comparison from YouTube:
Jonsbo N5 vs N4 vs N3 vs N2 – TLDR
The Jonsbo N5, N4, N3, and N2 are all designed with specific use cases in mind, making them suitable for different kinds of NAS builds depending on your priorities. For instance, the Jonsbo N5 is ideal for more advanced users who need more versatility and room for components like larger motherboards (including E-ATX), graphics cards, and better cooling systems. It’s the most spacious of the bunch and is particularly suitable for users who anticipate expanding their NAS with more advanced hardware in the future. Meanwhile, the Jonsbo N4 offers a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Its unique steel-and-wood design makes it stand out visually, while it still provides decent storage and cooling capabilities, albeit not as extensive as the N5. The N4 supports both ITX and M-ATX motherboards, making it a versatile mid-range option that still caters to users looking for more compact builds without compromising on storage
Feature | Jonsbo N5 | Jonsbo N3 | Jonsbo N2 | Jonsbo N4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price (not inc. shipping) | $149-200 Aliexpress | $139-150 Aliexpress | $99-120 Aliexpress | $100-139 Aliexpress |
Drive Bays | 2x 2.5″ SSD, 12x 3.5″ HDD | 1x 2.5″ SSD, 8x 3.5″ HDD | 1x 2.5″ SSD, 5x 3.5″ HDD | 2x 2.5″ SSD, 6x 3.5″ HDD |
Motherboard Support | ITX, M-ATX, ATX, E-ATX | ITX | ITX | ITX, M-ATX |
Cooling Support | Up to 6 fans (multiple fan slots) | 2x 80mm (main compartment), 2x 100mm (HDD compartment) | 1x 120mm fan (built-in) | 1x 120mm fan (built-in), space for more fans |
Max CPU Cooler Height | ≤ 160mm | ≤ 130mm | ≤ 65mm | ≤ 70mm |
Max GPU Length | ≤ 350mm | ≤ 250mm | ≤ 197mm (low profile) | ≤ 230mm |
Material | Aluminum Alloy + Steel | 2.0mm Aluminum (external), 1mm Steel (internal) | 2.0mm Aluminum (external), 1mm Steel (internal) | 0.7mm Steel + Wood |
Expansion Slots | 7 PCIe | 2 PCIe | 1 PCIe (low profile) | 4 PCIe |
Cooling Focus | High (maximum fan support for cooling) | High (multiple fan slots for optimal airflow) | Moderate (built-in fan, passive cooling) | Moderate (built-in fan, optional additional cooling) |
Best For | Large NAS builds, high cooling, and expandability | High storage and cooling needs, compact yet powerful NAS builds | Small, quiet, energy-efficient NAS builds | Stylish, moderate storage, and compact NAS builds |
Use Case | Advanced users needing extensive expansion and cooling | Power users needing high performance and cooling | Home users with basic NAS needs | Aesthetic-focused users wanting decent performance |
For those seeking even more compact and quiet solutions, the Jonsbo N3 and Jonsbo N2 come into play. The N3 is the largest of these smaller cases, supporting up to 8 3.5″ HDDs and offering the most airflow and cooling potential of the compact models, making it suitable for users who need higher storage capacity but don’t require the massive expansion options of the N5. The N2, by contrast, is the most space-efficient and energy-saving option, supporting ITX motherboards and up to five 3.5″ HDDs. It’s ideal for users looking to build a quiet, low-power NAS that can still handle moderate storage needs. In short, if you’re after a powerhouse build with future-proofing in mind, the N5 is your best bet, while the N4 offers a middle ground of functionality and design. The N3 is best for those who need more storage in a compact space, and the N2 is perfect for small, low-energy builds.
N2 | N3 | N4 | N5 |
Jonsbo N5 vs N4 vs N3 vs N2 – Size and Physical Footprint
In terms of physical size and footprint, the Jonsbo N5 stands head and shoulders above the rest, literally and figuratively. The N5 measures 325mm to 350mm in length, depending on your GPU, which is significantly larger than the N4, N3, or N2. The extra space in the N5 allows for more advanced cooling options, greater storage, and compatibility with larger motherboards like ATX or even E-ATX. It’s built for users who want to pack as much hardware as possible into their NAS, whether it’s for video editing, gaming, or more intensive AI tasks. In contrast, the Jonsbo N4 measures a slightly more modest 286mm by 300mm by 228mm, offering enough space for ITX or M-ATX motherboards without being overly bulky. Its footprint strikes a nice balance for users who want versatility in motherboard selection and decent cooling without going too big.
Feature | Jonsbo N5 | Jonsbo N4 | Jonsbo N3 | Jonsbo N2 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price (not inc. shipping) | $149-200 Aliexpress | $100-139 Aliexpress | $139-150 Aliexpress | $99-120 Aliexpress |
Dimensions (W x D x H) | 240mm x 473mm x 501mm | 286mm x 300mm x 228mm | 233mm x 262mm x 298mm | 222.5mm x 222.5mm x 224mm |
Material (External/Internal) | 1.0mm Steel (External), 1.0mm Steel (Internal) | 0.7mm Steel + Wood (External/Internal) | 2.0mm Aluminum (External), 1.0mm Steel (Internal) | 2.0mm Aluminum (External), 1.0mm Steel (Internal) |
Weight | 7.8kg | 3.75kg | 3.9kg | 2.9kg |
Drive Bays | 2x 2.5″ SSD, 12x 3.5″ HDD or 4x 2.5″ SSD, 12x 3.5″ HDD | 2x 2.5″ SSD, 6x 3.5″ HDD | 1x 2.5″ SSD, 8x 3.5″ HDD | 1x 2.5″ SSD, 5x 3.5″ HDD |
Motherboard Support | ITX, M-ATX, ATX, E-ATX | ITX, M-ATX | ITX | ITX |
Max GPU Length | 325mm – 350mm | ≤ 230mm | ≤ 250mm | ≤ 197mm (low profile) |
Max CPU Cooler Height | ≤ 160mm | ≤ 70mm | ≤ 130mm | ≤ 65mm |
Expansion Slots | 7 PCIe slots | 4 PCIe slots | 2 PCIe slots | 1 PCIe slot (low profile) |
Cooling Options | Multiple fan configurations, large space for airflow | 1x 120mm fan (built-in), space for more fans | 2x 80mm (main compartment), 2x 100mm (HDD compartment) | 1x 120mm fan (built-in) |
Use Case | High-end NAS builds with extensive storage needs | Moderate NAS builds with aesthetic focus | Compact NAS with higher cooling needs | Small, quiet NAS for basic storage |
Moving to the Jonsbo N3, its dimensions are 233mm by 262mm by 298mm, making it taller and slightly bulkier than the N2 but still compact compared to the N5 or N4. This size allows the N3 to house up to 8 HDDs and offer more room for cooling, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize storage but still want a manageable footprint. Finally, the Jonsbo N2 is the smallest of the group at 222.5mm by 222.5mm by 224mm, making it perfect for users with limited space or those who prefer a minimalist setup. The N2’s smaller footprint makes it an excellent option for more efficient builds, especially in environments where space is at a premium, such as small offices or media rooms. The size differences across these models clearly indicate that users can select a case based on their available space and expansion needs, from the massive N5 to the compact N2.
Jonsbo N5 vs N4 vs N3 vs N2 – Storage Capacity
When it comes to storage capacity, the Jonsbo NAS cases offer a wide range of options to cater to different needs. At the top end, the Jonsbo N5 supports up to 12 3.5″ HDDs or a mix of 2.5″ SSDs and HDDs, making it ideal for users with massive storage needs. Whether you’re setting up a media server, handling large databases, or using your NAS for backup and redundancy, the N5 can handle it all with ease. The Jonsbo N4, by comparison, supports up to 6 3.5″ HDDs and 2 SSDs, providing a solid middle-ground for users who need a decent amount of storage without going overboard. The N4’s storage configuration makes it suitable for home or small business NAS solutions that require a good mix of storage and performance but don’t need the expansive capabilities of the N5.
Feature | Jonsbo N5 | Jonsbo N4 | Jonsbo N3 | Jonsbo N2 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price (not inc. shipping) |
$149-200 Aliexpress | $100-139 Aliexpress | $139-150 Aliexpress | $99-120 Aliexpress |
Max 3.5″ HDD Capacity | 12x 3.5″ HDD | 6x 3.5″ HDD | 8x 3.5″ HDD | 5x 3.5″ HDD |
Max 2.5″ SSD Capacity | 2x 2.5″ SSD (optional) or 4x 2.5″ SSD | 2x 2.5″ SSD | 1x 2.5″ SSD | 1x 2.5″ SSD |
HDD/SSD Combination Support | 12x 3.5″ HDD + 2x 2.5″ SSD or 12x 3.5″ HDD + 4x 2.5″ SSD | 6x 3.5″ HDD + 2x 2.5″ SSD | 8x 3.5″ HDD + 1x 2.5″ SSD | 5x 3.5″ HDD + 1x 2.5″ SSD |
Total Storage Capacity | Up to 144TB (using 12TB HDDs) | Up to 72TB (using 12TB HDDs) | Up to 96TB (using 12TB HDDs) | Up to 60TB (using 12TB HDDs) |
Hot-Swappable Bays | No | No | No | No |
Drive Accessibility | Front-accessible | Front-accessible | Front-accessible | Front-accessible |
Best Use Case | High-capacity NAS for large media libraries or data centers | Mid-range NAS for smaller setups | Compact NAS with good balance of storage and size | Small NAS for basic home storage or light usage |
Meanwhile, the Jonsbo N3 ups the ante for compact builds, with support for up to 8 3.5″ HDDs and a single SSD, making it a powerhouse for users who need a lot of storage without sacrificing too much space. It’s perfect for DiY NAS builders who prioritize storage over aesthetics and want to fit as many drives as possible into a smaller case. On the other hand, the Jonsbo N2 is the most modest in terms of storage, supporting only 5 3.5″ HDDs and one SSD. However, its small size and efficient design make it an excellent choice for users who don’t need a ton of storage but still want a capable NAS system. Whether you’re looking for massive storage options or more compact, efficient builds, Jonsbo offers a range of cases to meet your specific storage requirements.
Jonsbo N5 vs N4 vs N3 vs N2 – Motherboard, PCIe, and Cooler Support
When choosing the right Jonsbo NAS case, it’s essential to consider motherboard compatibility, PCIe expansion, and cooling support. The Jonsbo N5 offers the most flexibility in this regard, supporting ITX, ATX, and even E-ATX motherboards, making it ideal for users looking to expand their system with high-end CPUs, GPUs, and other components. The N5 is also designed with future-proofing in mind, featuring up to 12 drive bays, support for full-sized GPUs, and excellent cooling options. For users who plan on using their NAS for demanding tasks like AI processing, 3D rendering, or large-scale data management, the N5 is the clear winner in terms of versatility and expansion.
Feature | Jonsbo N5 | Jonsbo N4 | Jonsbo N3 | Jonsbo N2 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price (not inc. shipping) |
$149-200 Aliexpress | $100-139 Aliexpress | $139-150 Aliexpress | $99-120 Aliexpress |
Motherboard Support | ITX / M-ATX / ATX / E-ATX | ITX / M-ATX | ITX | ITX |
Max PCIe Expansion Slots | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 (Low profile) |
Max CPU Cooler Height | 160mm | 70mm | 130mm | 65mm |
Max GPU Length | 325-350mm | 230mm | 250mm | 197mm (Low profile) |
PSU Support | ATX | SFX (≤ 125mm) | SFX (≤ 105mm) | SFX (≤ 150mm) |
Cooling System | Optional cooling for HDD and main compartments | 120mm fan x1 (included) | Optional 100mm fans x2 for HDD compartment, optional 80mm fans x2 for motherboard | 12015mm fan x1 (included) |
Best Cooling Performance | High-performance setups, large coolers, and long GPUs | Compact builds with moderate cooling | Balanced airflow for NAS and ITX systems | Small form factor with low-profile components |
On the other hand, the Jonsbo N4 strikes a balance by supporting both ITX and M-ATX motherboards, offering more flexibility than the smaller N2 and N3 models. While it may not be as expansive as the N5, the N4 still offers room for additional PCIe cards and a reasonable selection of cooling options. The Jonsbo N3 is more limited in terms of motherboard support, only accommodating ITX motherboards, but it compensates with better airflow and the ability to house larger CPU coolers (up to 130mm). Lastly, the Jonsbo N2 is the most restrictive, supporting only ITX motherboards and featuring just a single PCIe slot. While this limits expansion, the N2 is still an excellent option for users focused on creating a low-power, compact NAS solution. Ultimately, your choice will depend on how much expansion and future-proofing you want in your NAS build. The N5 offers the most flexibility, while the N2 is best for simple, efficient setups.
Jonsbo N5 vs N3 vs N2 vs N4 – Cooling and Ventilation
The cooling and ventilation strategies employed by the Jonsbo N5, N3, N2, and N4 cases are critical to their design, influencing not only their thermal management capabilities but also their aesthetic appeal and functionality.
The Jonsbo N5 stands out in this category with its large chassis and comprehensive ventilation system. It features side vents, rear exhausts, and top panel ventilation, ensuring ample airflow through its larger internal space. The N5 is designed to handle higher thermal loads, making it an ideal choice for users who plan to fully load the case with a significant number of drives or more powerful components. The cooling system supports multiple fans and larger components, making it highly customizable for cooling solutions. The larger chassis provides more room for air circulation, which, combined with optional fan configurations, offers effective temperature management even in demanding setups.
The Jonsbo N2 case, on the other hand, features ventilation on the side panels, a considerable vent panel on the top, and additional venting on the rear, facilitating multidirectional airflow that supports effective heat dissipation from internal components. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for maintaining optimal operating temperatures within the compact confines of the case, ensuring that even when fully loaded with storage drives, airflow remains unimpeded. The inclusion of a large top vent is noteworthy, as it capitalizes on the natural rise of hot air, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency without the need for excessive fan use, which can be beneficial for users seeking quieter operation.
The Jonsbo N3 extends the ventilation scheme to include vents on the sides, back, and notably, a ventilated front panel. This comprehensive approach to airflow management ensures that cool air can be drawn in from the front and expelled through the side and rear vents, creating a constant flow of air through the chassis. The ventilated front panel not only contributes to cooling efficiency but also adds to the case’s visual identity, merging functional design with aesthetic considerations. The ability to intake air from the front is particularly beneficial for systems with multiple drives, as it helps to mitigate heat buildup around the storage bays, maintaining optimal performance of the drives and other internal components.
The Jonsbo N4 adopts a similar ventilation strategy to the N2, with vents on the side panels, a large top vent, and rear ventilation, ensuring ample airflow through the case. However, it distinguishes itself with a wooden front panel that covers half of the front, adding a unique aesthetic touch while still allowing for air intake through the lower half of the front panel. This design choice strikes a balance between form and function, offering effective cooling by combining the benefits of the N2’s ventilation pattern with a stylistic differentiation. The wooden panel adds a touch of elegance and natural texture to the case, setting it apart visually from many other NAS and PC cases on the market, without compromising on the thermal management aspect.
Model | Cooling System | Ventilation Features | Strengths | Weaknesses |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jonsbo N5 | Supports up to 4 fans (2x 120mm, 2x 140mm) | Vents on front, sides, and top; Rear fan mount; Larger airflow paths | Superior airflow for high-performance builds | Bulkier design, higher noise potential |
Jonsbo N3 | 2x 100mm HDD compartment fans (optional) | Vents on sides, back, and ventilated front panel | Effective air intake from front, great for larger cooling setups | Can be noisy due to larger airflow, especially under heavy loads |
Jonsbo N2 | 120mm built-in fan at the top | Vents on sides, top, and rear | Excellent for compact builds, passive air from top vent | Limited fan support, less effective with higher-end components |
Jonsbo N4 | 120mm fan (built-in) | Vents on sides, rear, and partially ventilated wooden front panel | Elegant design with functional airflow, ideal for ITX and M-ATX | Front airflow somewhat restricted by wooden panel |
Across all four models, the use of rubber pull handles on the drive bays instead of trays not only simplifies the installation and removal process but also reduces vibration transmission, contributing to quieter operation. This design choice reflects a thoughtful consideration of usability and noise reduction, further enhancing the user experience. Additionally, the flexibility in fan configurations across the models allows users to adjust their cooling setups based on their specific requirements, whether prioritizing silence or performance.
Jonsbo N5 vs N3 vs N2 vs N4 – Conclusion and Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
The Jonsbo N5, N3, N2, and N4 NAS cases offer a wide range of features catering to various user needs, from compact and efficient storage solutions to highly customizable, performance-oriented systems.
The Jonsbo N5 stands out as the most expansive and capable of the lineup, offering superior airflow, larger internal space, and the ability to accommodate more storage drives and larger cooling systems. It’s ideal for users with advanced requirements who need ample space for high-performance builds with additional components like GPUs or large cooling systems. While the N5 is the bulkiest of the four, it compensates for this with top-tier functionality and versatility, making it a perfect choice for those looking to build a high-performance NAS or even a hybrid NAS-PC setup.
The Jonsbo N2 is the most compact of the lineup, making it ideal for users who prioritize space-saving designs without sacrificing essential storage capabilities. Its cooling is efficient for a small form factor, and it’s perfect for users looking for a quiet, minimalistic NAS solution that fits into tight spaces. The N2 is especially suitable for environments where noise levels and available space are major considerations, such as home offices or media rooms.
The Jonsbo N3 is a step up in terms of storage capacity and ventilation, offering a balance between a compact form and advanced storage capabilities. With its larger cooling options and full-size PCIe card support, the N3 is aimed at prosumers and power users who need more than just basic NAS functionality. It can house bigger components like CPUs with larger coolers, making it a versatile option for users needing both storage and performance, though this comes at the cost of increased size and noise.
The Jonsbo N4 offers the most flexibility when it comes to motherboard compatibility, supporting both ITX and M-ATX configurations. It combines the compactness of the N2 with additional features like enhanced cooling and PCIe expandability, all wrapped in a stylish design with a wooden front panel. This balance of form and function makes the N4 a great choice for users who want an aesthetically pleasing NAS system without compromising on performance. Its ability to support more PCIe cards than the N2 or N3 makes it particularly appealing for users looking to expand their system with additional components.
Across all models, Jonsbo’s commitment to quality, innovation, and user-centered design is evident. Whether you need a compact, quiet NAS system or a more powerful, versatile setup, the N5, N3, N2, and N4 provide thoughtfully crafted options to meet various needs. The N2 is perfect for users focused on space efficiency and quiet operation; the N3 caters to prosumers needing extra storage and cooling; the N4 balances form and function with a stylish twist; and the N5 is the go-to choice for users requiring maximum expandability and performance.
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I went with the N4.
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Why wood
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Bro getting fired up about those hdd bays
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i prefer Silverstone CS382’s design, and regarding OS i like the simplicity of owncloud better.
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none of theses are designed for ssd unfortunately. silverstaone cs280 and cs01-hs will never gets old.
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the problem is that manufacturer don’t do low profile gpu anymore, not even short lenght itx, because it’s costly, so to reduce costs, computers are turning bigger and bigger. technology improvements? who cares! this is just about profit!
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11:00 What i want is a wider N3, call it an N5, and rather than built in bays(or maybe an optional variant without drive bays), it just has 6×5.25 bays so you can install your own drive cages.
Want 10×3.5 drives? Get a pair of those silverstone drive enclosure 3×5.25 into 5×3.5 No tools whatsoever to use those, just pop the drive in and out no screws, no trays no rubber bumpers. Want a mix of SATA bulk storage and SATA SSDs? Get one of those silverstone enclosures, then one of those 16 bay ICYDOCK enclosures, and the last 5.25 bay could be for an actual optical drive.
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6:00 To be fair, if this had more HDDs, i would actually use a 15mm 2.5 inch drive bay, but i’d like 3 of them, for 3 of those Optane 905P drives.
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N5 should be a larger N3. Thanks for the review
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Considering it’s only 5mm..say maybe 7mm taking into account metal thickness, difference in the case size versus ATX mb you should see if it’s possible to shoehorn one on there. Yeah you’d have to use half height cards but all 4 rear slots should work(I bet most boards could be carefully shaved along the edges to take out the extra size for the N4 nas case
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The N5
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Did prices increase alot recently? I can’t find any N3 for less than $145
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why are my replies being deleted, i try telling a guy that was asking me what to do and my comments are gone after a few seconds, what gives?
shit antibot reply filters, I can’t even tell the guy to email me instead, what a joke
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Is there a web site where someone can buy a custom built jonsbo NAS?
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so basically wait for the N5 (or whatever they plan to call it)that is an improvement on the N3 to be wider to allow for more pcie slots, bigger motherboards ???? this is the only thing holding me back from buying for now. Will stick to my current nas for now until there is something more interesting to perk my interest.
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They botched the N4 hard. So much opportunity to make it great and they make it worse than the N3. What we need is an N5 with 10X hotswaps, room for a proper ATX, and full PCIe slots.
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NVMe SSD in NAS with even 10GbE it’s wasted potential, single drive capabel to read/write even 6000MB/s is limited to 1000MB/s and they works in raid xD. I have DS220+ and I replace two 4TB ironwolf with 2TB sata ssd for system and VM, and for quieter operations and 12TB Toshiba HDD for storage, two replaced ironwolfs are for backup
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Can someone please suggest motherboard with built in CPU for N2
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I still like 2.5″ drives. Primary reason, so I can use the NVMe slot for expansion and boot off the 2.5″ SSD if needed. 2.5″ are still SATA too, so no need for a bunch on PCIe lanes. I agree with the rubber straps though, those are annoying.
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Can you mod n4 to accept 8 hdds?
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semi off topic but when do you think we can expect core ultra cpu+mobo combos from china? thinking about waiting for one of those.
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Hate to disagree because your reviews are great, but the N3 has a lots of issue you dismissed. first these 2 x 100mm stupid that you you have to replace (noisy and bad) adds to the price, also its is a big fat case. I agree on the pros but these cons are what make the N2 a great deal (cheaper, smaller) so unless you really need to put a gpu or need 8 drives, I would go with the n2. the n4 is just a dumb idea
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Does anyone else hear a squeak when he gets animated?
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I still don’t get why you want to put a nice piece of WOOD on a NAS, whilst you use RUBBER bands to pull out the HDD’s…
I’d prefer the money invested in wood, to have real HDD bays with buttons!
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The N4 landed like a wet fart.
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Hopefully they fix everything on the N4 and launch it as a N5.
6x 3.5″ + 2x 2.5″ + possibly 2x M.2 on the board, mATX, ATX PSU, full height PCIe, all sata drives hot swappable on a back plate… probably the competition already has something like that surely.
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How about Kotumy (seems present also with different names) 6 or 8 bay cases? They have proper hdd caddies, they can fit mATX mobo with 4 full slot PCIe. Looks like it ticks all the boxes. I’d welcome review of this case. Look is not the best but maybe repaint will help.
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I’ve already ordered my N4 because I’m repurposing my matx gaming hardware as i upgrade away from it. I’m using a Thermalright AXP90-X53 with a Silverstone 180mm Penetrator instead of the coolers own fan probably mounted diagonal with rubber fan mounts.(going to be snug) grabbed a PSU from wolfgang’s database of good idle PSU’s, my intention is to use the gaming matx boards pcie to add a few nvme for read/write caching, I’m also eyeballing the intel a380 low profile, but honestly, I’m not sure i even want to fall down the transcoding rabbit hole
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I bought the N2, mainly for the compact footprint and, because I have a lot of 2.5″ SSDs, I’m in the middle of swapping out the 5 disk backplane for a IBM 69Y0650 8×2.5-inch backplane, just spending a bit of time building a custom power cable for the new backplane as it uses a 16 pin to 14 pin cable. The width is identical to the 5×3.5″ board, so it’ll fit without any serious case modding and I can print a guide for inserting SATA SSDs. It uses a pair of SFF-8087 connectors, so I’ll probably grab a IT mode HBA card.
Using SSDs also lets me bring the backplane forward to create more space at the black for a bigger fan and better cable management.
Well, that’s the plan anyway.
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N3 FTW
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Do a Jonsbo N3 vs Silverstone CS382 video, both are eight 3.5″ bays NAS cases.
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Regarding Chapters! YouTube is not indexing the chapters for this video correctly. You can find the correct chapters linked in the description, or the time stamps below:
00:00 – The Start
00:18 – Why Jonsbo?
01:08 – Price and Value
02:28 – Design
05:06 – Storage
08:30 – Internal Hardware
12:51 – Conclusion
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Love the petulance. Don’t put it aside. Great overview – does the YouTube algorithm tell you this was just the comparison review we all needed?
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Hello, Does an storage external HHD only powered up every 6 months have to be refreshed to another HHD every 3 to 5 years to prevent data loss? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.????????
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Do I win a prize for having the most disks inside a Jonsbo N3 Case – 18?
8 x 3.5″ HDDs, 4 x NVMe SSDs (PCIe x16 slot – quad NVMe card) plus 6 x 2.5″ SATA SSDs (2 using the upper case supports, 2 using a dual-bay expansion slot bracket and 2 stuck on top of the PSU).
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Thanks to your channel and excellent videos I chose the N2 case 2-3 months ago and I’m very happy with it.
In it I built the following:
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sata card —- MZHOU ASM1166 6xSATA PCIe 3.0 x4
cpu —- Raptor Lake i5-14500T + Termalright LGA1700 Frame
cpu cooler —- Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1 Edition
motherboard —- ASRock Z790M-ITX WiFi
ram —- Kingston FURY Beast RGB 64GB DDR5
ZFS Mirror —- 2x Kingston FURY Renegade 500GB
ZFS Raidz2 —- 5x Western Digital Red Plus 6TB
case —- Jonsbo N2 White
psu —- HDPLEX 250W GaN Passive
case cooler —- Noctua NF-A12x25
Some notes:
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– the 25mm case cooler fitted perfectly with right angled Sata power and data cables
– it’s currently running proxmox with multiple services on the mirrored zfs
– the cpu is a 14 core, 20 thread beast and zfs keeps my ram usage busy
– the rgb ram was on sale, so don’t judge me lol
– i do wish it were 6 bay at least, that would have been perfect for raidz2
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after few good months of using my N3 what I can say:
1- with 5 Noctua fans inside, I have temperature of HDDs always around 35C (I can set this up anything between 30 adn 50C from my Home Assistant) and that is with around 25% of the fans speed
2- similarly CPU and NVMe – very low temperatures – actually NVMe are around 25C and CPU around 40C
3- the bays… hmm, that was ONE TIME issue while putting the disks, after that… install and forget
4- I put inside: 4x WD and 2x… 2.5″ Crucial SSD – yeap, the m2 slots on my mobo are used as boot disks (in mirror) so no way of reusing them for fast storage
5- storage speed: my mobo has 4x 2.5Gbps NICs, and I connected 2 of them – from my SSD pool I can copy with around 230MB/s, from my HDD pool: … 230MB/s – cannot see the difference 😉
6- power consumption: average 40W
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If you have to go with MATX or ATX, don’t even consider Jonsbo, there are much better choice for just 30 bucks more.
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10:30 Jonsbo shows an image of the N3 with a de-branded MSI RTX 3070 Ventus OC 2X inside the case in their website, so you might be able to fit some mid to mid-high end cards in there providing they’re not longer than 250mm. Though the best card to go with it IMO would be the RTX 4000 Ada SFF, which is only slightly worse than the RTX 4090 but is a half height 2 slot card which requires no PCIe power connectors.
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Bought an Supermicro CSE-721TQ-350B2 with 350w gold psu and 4 hotswap bays for 250,-
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Thanks for all your hardwork – playing the waiting game now went for the erying i5-12500H 12C16T DDR4 board in jonsbo n3.
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Hate to be that guy, but your chapters don’t match your video at all.
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and you always say: “I hate seagulls!” 😉
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