New Lincstation S1 and N2 NAS Revealed
It seems like yesterday that we were talking about the chinese laptop and tablet brand Lincplus, and their intentions to extend their business into the world of NAS with their Lincstation N1 flash solution. However, in reality, that was all the way back in October 2024 in their crowdfunding campaign and since then, the brand has not appeared to slow down. Their crownfunding campaign went on to succeed, the N1 ended up landing on traditional retail outlets like Amazon etc in Spring 2023, and now the brand is on the verge of lanching two new NAS solutions – The LIncstation N2 and the Lincstation S1. One a refresh fo the original N1 with improved hardware in a bunch of areas, the other a completely new INtel N97 powered 4 Bay desktop NAS solution. Still arriving with that great UnRAID License partnership in place, the S1 in particular is an impressive move to challenge turnkey solutions from Synology, QNAP, Asustor, Terramaster and UGREEN – as thanks to the included UnRAID license, the Lincstation S1 will complete on their level! The N2 system appears to be largely based on feedback from users over the last year, but still seems to be build to a specific tier of value and scale as the N1 was – i.e AFFORDABLE FLASH NAS for the home/enthusiast/prosumer. So, let’s discuss the Lincstation N2 and S1 NAS, coming later in 2025.
Last Years Lincstation N1 (from our review HERE)
Lincstation S1 and N2 Specifications (so far)
The Lincstation N2 and Lincstation S1 are compact and powerfully efficient devices tailored for diverse computing needs. There specifications have been confirmed as follows:
Model | LINPLUS S1 | LINCPLUS N2 |
CPU | Intel Alder Lake-N N97 | Intel Alder Lake-N 100 |
OS | UnRAID | UnRAID |
Memory | DDR5 SODIMM, 8G | On-board LP DDR5, 16G |
Storage (0S) | 128G eMMC | 128G eMMC |
Storage (SATA) | 4-bay, SATA3.0 port, supports 3.5-inch HDD and 2.5-inch HDDs/SSDs | 2-bay, SATA3.0 port, supports 2.5-inch HDDs within a 9.5mm thickness |
Storage (m.2 NVMe) | 2-bay, M.2 port, supports M.2 2280 SSD, NVMe protocol | 4-bay, M.2 port, supports M.2 2280 SSD, NVMe protocol |
USB Ports | 2x USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A | 1x USB Type-C, 2x USB 2.0 (Full function, 10G), 1x USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-A |
HDMI | 1x HDMI 2.0, Type A | 1x HDMI 2.0, Type A |
RJ45 | 2x RJ45 (2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Controller) | 1x RJ45 (10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller) |
The Lincstation N2 is powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N 100 CPU, supported by 16GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory, ensuring efficient performance for multitasking and demanding workloads. For storage, it features a flexible setup with 128GB of eMMC storage, a 2-bay SATA3.0 port supporting 2.5-inch HDDs, and a 4-bay M.2 port compatible with NVMe SSDs. This setup makes the N2 an excellent choice for users prioritizing high-speed storage solutions and scalability. The Lincstation S1, in comparison, is designed with a similar emphasis on versatility but with a more streamlined feature set. Powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N N97 CPU, it offers 8GB of DDR5 SODIMM memory, striking a balance between performance and affordability. The storage options are robust, with 128GB of eMMC, a 4-bay SATA bays supporting both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, and 2x M.2 slot supporting NVMe SSDs.
Both models feature a range of connectivity options to suit modern demands. The N2 comes with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet controller and an array of USB ports, including USB Type-C and USB3.2 Gen 2, making it ideal for high-speed networking and peripheral connectivity. The S1, while slightly less advanced with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, compensates with its intuitive design and extensive storage expandability. These devices are encased in durable materials, combining lightweight plastic with metal accents for a balance of portability and durability, appealing to tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Intel Alder Lake-N N97 and N100 CPUs, respectively, are designed to deliver reliable performance for modern computing tasks. The N97 in the S1 offers a quad-core architecture with energy-efficient processing, making it ideal for workloads that prioritize power efficiency, such as home servers or light virtualization. Meanwhile, the N100 in the N2 takes a step up with slightly higher clock speeds and improved single-core performance, making it well-suited for more demanding applications like content creation or multitasking. Both processors leverage Intel’s hybrid architecture, balancing performance cores and efficient cores to optimize workload distribution, ensuring smooth operation under varying conditions. This makes the systems highly adaptable for both casual and professional users.
Lincstation N2 vs N1 NAS – Much Better?
The Lincstation N1 was (and still is!) a sleek, all-SSD NAS device optimized for home and small office environments. Powered by an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core CPU, it offers strong performance for multitasking, with a base frequency of 2.0 GHz and a burst frequency of 2.9 GHz. The N1 includes 16GB of soldered DDR4 RAM, making it well-suited for tasks such as media streaming, data backup, and personal cloud storage. Its storage capabilities stand out with four M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots and two 2.5-inch SATA SSD slots, enabling up to 48TB of total storage capacity. Connectivity options include a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB Type-C port, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Additionally, the N1 features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for virtual machine-based wireless applications. This fanless, compact NAS offers silent operation and efficient performance, making it ideal for users who prioritize storage versatility and quiet environments.
The Lincstation N2, while featuring upgraded internal hardware, maintains the same compact chassis, fanless cooling system, and wireless capabilities as the N1. It is powered by the Intel Alder Lake-N N100 CPU, which delivers higher clock speeds and improved processing performance compared to the N5105 in the N1. Like its predecessor, the N2 includes 16GB of memory, though it uses faster onboard LPDDR5 RAM for enhanced multitasking capabilities. Storage options remain the same, with four M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots and two 2.5-inch SATA SSD slots, supporting up to 48TB total capacity. Connectivity is also consistent with the N1, featuring two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB Type-C port, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack, alongside Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The key differentiator for the N2 is its 10 Gigabit Ethernet port, which significantly enhances networking performance for users with demanding data transfer needs.
Specification | Lincstation N1 | Lincstation N2 |
---|---|---|
Processor | Intel Celeron N5105 (2.0 GHz base, 2.9 GHz burst) | Intel Alder Lake-N N100 |
Memory | 16GB DDR4 RAM (soldered, non-upgradable) | 16GB LPDDR5 RAM (TBC) |
Storage Bays | 4x M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots, 2x 2.5-inch SATA SSD slots | 4x M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots, 2x 2.5-inch SATA SSD slots |
Total Storage | Up to 48TB (6x 8TB SSDs) | Up to 48TB (6x 8TB SSDs) |
Networking | 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port | 1x 10 Gigabit Ethernet port |
USB Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB Type-C | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB Type-C |
HDMI | 1x HDMI 2.0 | 1x HDMI 2.0 |
Cooling | Fanless design | Fanless design |
Operating System | Unraid (includes Docker and virtualization support) | Unraid (includes Docker and virtualization support) |
Dimensions | 21 cm (L) x 15 cm (W) x 3.5 cm (H) | 21 cm (L) x 15 cm (W) x 3.5 cm (H) |
Power Supply | External 60W adapter (12V/5A) | External 60W adapter (12V/5A) |
Launch | Crowdfunding initially, retail in Spring 2024 ($349–$399) | Details pending: launch price and crowdfunding unconfirmed |
Interestingly, the Lincstation N1 first gained attention through a crowdfunding campaign, where its combination of features and value attracted early adopters. Following the success of this campaign, the N1 became available through traditional retail channels in Spring 2024, priced at $349–$399, depending on configuration. In contrast, details about the Lincstation N2 remain uncertain, with no confirmed launch price or retail availability. It is also unclear whether the N2 will follow the crowdfunding route for its initial launch or opt directly for retail distribution. This uncertainty adds to the anticipation surrounding the N2, with many eager to see how it will complement the existing N1. Realistically the differences can be boiled down to an improved CPU, higher performing RAM and a single 10G NIC as opposed to 2x 2.5GbE. On that latter point, as good as 1000MB/s+ of network bandwidth sounds, keep in mind that this means only a single network connection and a lack of any failover or physical NIC assignment support (unless you opt for an UnRAID supported USB-to-2.5/5GbE adapter. There is no arguing that the new N2 will allow you to enjoy more of the performance potential of the 4X M.2 and 2x SATA SSD – but still only 1GB per second max, and as the CPU is a 9 lane processor, that means that most likely those M.2 are going to either be Gen 3×1 or (hopefully) Gen 3×2 – but my gut tells me the former!
When will the Lincstation N2 and S1 NAS Be Released and Price?
Pricing is still yet to be confirmed for either device, however it is looking likely that both solutions will be landing on Kickstarter (or similar crowdfunding sites) in Q1 2025 (i.e Jan-March), but this is still MASSIVELY TBC. The included UnRAID software licence that these systems will arrive with will be included in the kit price (just like the N1) and although using 3rd party OS (such as TrueNAS and OMV) are supported, the fact that the N2 6 Bay SSD NAS and 4+2 Bay S1 NAS arriving with fully licensed and officially partnered UnRAID OS onboard is HUGELY appealing and definitely raises the stakes when comparing them to other mini PC manufacturers that are trying to enter the NAS space, but are reliant on more technically minded users installing their OS of choice!
Bottom line, the LIncstation N2 and S1 are definitely,. definitely NAS to keep an eye on. I will always highlight that any NAS that arrives on the scene via crowdfunding needs to be looked at with that clear distinction between Crowdfunding and traditional retail – as backing ‘an idea’ is not the same as buying a product! Nevertheless, this is a brand with a successful campaign under it’s belt and a clear willingness to expand further into this market space!
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