Topton N100 10GbE NAS Motherboard Review (MW-N100-NAS)

Topton MW-N100-NAS ITX DiY NAS Board Review

The Topton MW-N100-NAS motherboard is a budget-friendly ITX solution aimed at users seeking a compact and low-power network-attached storage (NAS) setup. Priced at around $139 for the motherboard and CPU alone, or $183.88 with an 8GB DDR5 SODIMM and a 128GB SSD, this board is built around the Intel Alder Lake-N N100 CPU. This processor, part of Intel’s low-power N-series lineup, features a 4-core, 4-thread architecture with a 3.4 GHz turbo frequency, 6W TDP, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics.

NOTE 1 – A version of this motherboard has appeared that features a x4 PCIe slot, but it is shared with the 2nd M.2 slot. You can learn more about it HERE on the Amazon listing

NOTE 2 – The review of the N100 version of this motherboard is now live and HERE on YouTube and HERE on the blog

 

While the CPU is not designed for high-performance processing tasks, it is suitable for general NAS functions such as file storage, backup, and moderate media streaming. Its low power requirements and passive cooling capability make it an energy-efficient choice for users who prioritize minimal power consumption in a home NAS environment, as well as a compact form factor that allows for versatile placement options.

UPDATE – There is a new N305 i3 8 Core version of this motherboard now available HERE for $284.77 (Inlcudes 8GB DDR5 RAM and 128GB OS SSD)

Where to Buy the 10GbE N100 NAS MoBo?

Aliexpress $138.96 (N100 10GbE, No Memory or SSD) – HERE Aliexpress $181.99 (N100 10GbE, 16GB Memory) – HERE Check Amazon HERE

Topton MW-N100-NAS ITX DiY NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

The Topton MW-N100-NAS motherboard is an affordable ITX option for basic NAS setups, featuring a low-power Intel N100 CPU, dual 2.5GbE ports, and a rare built-in 10GbE port for faster data transfer. With six SATA ports and two M.2 slots, it offers versatile storage options, although the M.2 slots are limited to PCIe Gen 3 x1, restricting maximum speeds. While the lack of a PCIe slot and ECC support may limit its appeal for advanced users, the MW-N100-NAS performs reliably for general NAS tasks like file storage, backups, and moderate streaming. It’s best suited for budget-conscious users who need a compact and low-power NAS with decent networking options, though not for those requiring extensive expandability or high-speed processing.

BUILD QUALITY - 8/10

HARDWARE - 8/10

PERFORMANCE - 7/10

PRICE - 10/10

VALUE - 9/10

8.4

PROS

👍🏻Affordable price for an ITX motherboard with 10GbE networking capabilities.
👍🏻Built-in 10GbE port (Marvell AQC113C) and dual 2.5GbE ports (Intel i226-V) for versatile networking options.
👍🏻Low power consumption (6W TDP for CPU), suitable for continuous 24/7 operation.
👍🏻Six SATA 3.0 ports and two M.2 NVMe slots, providing flexible storage configuration options.
👍🏻Compact form factor, making it ideal for small NAS builds and limited-space installations.
👍🏻Supports up to 32GB of DDR5 memory, which is adequate for general NAS use.
👍🏻Low heat output with stable thermal performance, reducing the need for extensive cooling.
👍🏻User-friendly BIOS with customization options for PCI and USB settings.

CONS

👎🏻No PCIe slot, limiting expansion options for additional hardware like GPUs or other high-speed components.
👎🏻Lacks ECC memory support, which is often preferred in NAS setups for data integrity.
👎🏻M.2 slots are limited to PCIe Gen 3 x1 lanes, restricting maximum speed for high-performance applications.
👎🏻Requires a 300W power supply despite low power demands, adding potential extra cost and size requirements.

---

Topton MW-N100-NAS ITX DiY NAS Review – Hardware Design

One of the most notable aspects of the MW-N100-NAS is its networking features, which include a 10GbE port, powered by the Marvell AQC113C chipset, alongside two 2.5GbE ports using Intel’s i226-V chipset. This array of network options offers considerable flexibility for users who may need fast data transfer rates across multiple networked devices or even redundancy configurations.

The 10GbE port is rare for a budget NAS board in the ITX form factor, adding significant appeal to this motherboard. However, the board’s lack of a PCIe slot is a potential drawback for users who may wish to add high-speed components, such as dedicated graphics or additional networking cards.

For NAS applications, this limitation may affect performance expansion, as it restricts the motherboard’s capacity for future upgrades. For users needing extra customization, the lack of PCIe could be a significant constraint, especially for those interested in expanding their setup beyond standard NAS functions.

In terms of storage options, the MW-N100-NAS offers an array of SATA and NVMe configurations. It includes six SATA 3.0 ports and two M.2 slots for NVMe storage, which should be sufficient for users with diverse storage requirements. However, the M.2 slots are limited to PCIe Gen 3 x1 lanes, resulting in a maximum throughput of roughly 1,000 MB/s per slot.

This bandwidth limitation is adequate for general NAS storage tasks, such as storing and accessing personal files or streaming media files over a network, but may be restrictive for more demanding applications that require sustained high-speed data access.

Below is a table summarizing the board’s hardware specifications, offering a clear view of its components and supported configurations:

Component	Specification
CPU	Intel Alder Lake-N N100
Cores/Threads	4 / 4
Max Turbo Frequency	3.4 GHz
Cache	6 MB Intel Smart Cache
TDP	6 W
LAN Ports	2 x i226 2.5G, 1 x 10G Marvell AQC113C
Memory Slot	1 SO-DIMM DDR5 (up to 32 GB)
SATA Ports	6 x SATA 3.0
M.2 Slots	2 x PCIe Gen 3 x1 NVMe
USB Ports	1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB 2.0
Display Ports	1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort

One feature some users may miss is ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory support, often desired in NAS environments for data integrity. Instead, the board provides a single SO-DIMM slot that supports up to 32GB of non-ECC DDR5 memory. While this capacity is adequate for most home NAS applications, it may be limiting for advanced setups involving heavier workloads or virtualization, where additional memory or ECC support could enhance performance and data reliability.

The BIOS offers various options for customization, allowing users to adjust settings such as PCI and USB controls, which is beneficial for users looking to optimize the motherboard’s performance based on specific NAS use cases or stability requirements. The lack of ECC support, however, may limit its appeal for users who prioritize maximum data integrity, especially in a NAS configuration where consistent data transfer and storage reliability are critical.

Power efficiency is another key feature of the MW-N100-NAS. During testing, idle power consumption was recorded at around 28.2W with drives connected, and the motherboard’s power draw under load conditions reached a peak of 55W.

These low power consumption figures are advantageous for a NAS system expected to run continuously, reducing electricity costs and lowering heat output, which is essential in confined spaces. This efficiency is further supported by the Intel Alder Lake-N N100 CPU’s low 6W TDP, which enables it to operate reliably without requiring intensive cooling.

However, the board’s power requirements specify a 300W power supply, which may seem excessive for a board designed for modest performance. This is likely to ensure stable power delivery, particularly with the 10GbE network port under load.

Additionally, the board is shipped without a CMOS battery, so users will need to source one separately to maintain BIOS settings over time. These requirements add minor extra costs and may necessitate careful planning, especially for users unfamiliar with NAS builds.

Performance testing showed that the MW-N100-NAS delivered reliable but moderate results. When transferring files through the 10GbE connection, speeds peaked at around 750 MB/s, with average speeds of about 305–320 MB/s. These results, while not close to full 10GbE bandwidth, are within expectations for a budget NAS motherboard equipped with a low-power CPU and are suitable for typical NAS uses, such as file sharing and moderate streaming.

For internal data transfers, such as moving files between SSDs, read speeds reached approximately 795 MB/s, while write speeds topped out around 688 MB/s. Though these speeds are acceptable for standard NAS usage, they do fall short of full-speed potential, likely due to the board’s limited PCIe lane allocation and modest CPU capabilities.

Thermal performance was stable during testing, with temperatures peaking at around 49°C after prolonged operation under load. The MW-N100-NAS uses a low-profile fan that provides adequate cooling without generating excessive noise.

However, for users who intend to utilize all six SATA ports or both M.2 slots with continuous, high-demand workloads, additional cooling solutions may be worth considering. The board’s efficient thermal management makes it suitable for users seeking a system that can run continuously without extensive cooling modifications, although configurations involving numerous high-speed drives may benefit from enhanced cooling.

Overall, the Topton MW-N100-NAS is a solid choice for those seeking a straightforward NAS setup without extensive customization needs. Its key strengths are its networking capabilities, including the rare addition of a 10GbE port alongside dual 2.5GbE ports, providing flexible network options for data sharing, backup, and streaming tasks.

However, limitations such as the absence of a PCIe slot, limited M.2 slot speeds, and lack of ECC memory support may deter users seeking a more advanced NAS configuration or those with specific performance or data integrity requirements. These factors indicate that this board is best suited for users who primarily need reliable file storage and moderate transfer speeds rather than high-end processing or customization.

Topton MW-N100-NAS Motherboard Review – Conclusion

The MW-N100-NAS motherboard from Topton is a practical option for NAS users who prioritize cost-effectiveness, compact form factor, and low power usage over advanced performance features. This board is positioned well for users who need a simple, dedicated NAS with solid networking options, allowing for versatile configurations that don’t require high-powered components or extensive customizability. The inclusion of 10GbE is a significant advantage, providing a notable boost in transfer speeds over standard Ethernet, which is beneficial for small offices or households with moderate data-sharing needs. However, potential buyers should consider its limitations in terms of expandability and memory capabilities, as these may impact its long-term viability for more advanced NAS applications. For those focused on basic file storage and network sharing, the MW-N100-NAS is an appealing choice with a balanced mix of essential features and cost-efficiency. Nevertheless, for users anticipating heavier workloads, or those looking to future-proof their NAS setup, it may be worth exploring more advanced options that offer better expandability, ECC support, or higher sustained performance capabilities.

---

 

PROS	CONs
Affordable price for an ITX motherboard with 10GbE networking capabilities. Built-in 10GbE port (Marvell AQC113C) and dual 2.5GbE ports (Intel i226-V) for versatile networking options. Low power consumption (6W TDP for CPU), suitable for continuous 24/7 operation. Six SATA 3.0 ports and two M.2 NVMe slots, providing flexible storage configuration options. Compact form factor, making it ideal for small NAS builds and limited-space installations. Supports up to 32GB of DDR5 memory, which is adequate for general NAS use. Low heat output with stable thermal performance, reducing the need for extensive cooling. User-friendly BIOS with customization options for PCI and USB settings.	No PCIe slot, limiting expansion options for additional hardware like GPUs or other high-speed components. Lacks ECC memory support, which is often preferred in NAS setups for data integrity. M.2 slots are limited to PCIe Gen 3 x1 lanes, restricting maximum speed for high-performance applications. Requires a 300W power supply despite low power demands, adding potential extra cost and size requirements.

📧 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 🔔

🔒 Join Inner Circle

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions   Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕