The Lincstation S1 NAS Review – REAL Turnkey UnRAID NAS?
The network-attached storage (NAS) market continues to expand, with an increasing number of brands stepping into the space with new and innovative solutions. One such emerging brand is Lincplus, known for its affordable tech offerings, including the Lincstation N1 released in 2024. Now, they are back with the Lincstation S1, a four-bay SATA NAS with additional M.2 NVMe support and an integrated UnRAID license. The S1 is designed to offer an accessible, compact, and efficient NAS solution for home users, enthusiasts, and small businesses. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s take a deep dive into this new NAS device and see how it stacks up.
Lincstation S1 NAS – Specifications
The Lincstation S1 features an Intel Alder Lake-N N97 processor, designed to balance efficiency and performance for NAS applications. It comes with 8GB of DDR5 SODIMM memory, which is upgradeable for users needing additional RAM for virtualization or heavy workloads. The system also includes 128GB of eMMC storage for the operating system, ensuring quick boot-up and consistent system performance. For primary storage, the Lincstation S1 has four SATA 3.0 bays, supporting both 3.5-inch hard drives and 2.5-inch SSDs for flexible configurations. Additionally, it has two M.2 NVMe slots, allowing users to leverage high-speed SSDs for caching or fast-access storage. These storage options make the device suitable for users looking to balance capacity, performance, and affordability in a NAS system. The system provides two 2.5GbE LAN ports, which offer faster network speeds compared to standard Gigabit Ethernet connections. It also features multiple USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and two USB 2.0 for external storage and peripheral connectivity. Additionally, the inclusion of an HDMI 2.0 port enables direct output, which can be useful for multimedia applications, direct system access, or virtual machine monitoring.
| Specification | Lincstation S1 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Alder Lake-N N97 (Quad-Core, up to 3.6GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB DDR5 SODIMM (Upgradeable) |
| Storage (OS) | 128GB eMMC |
| Storage (SATA) | 4 x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA III bays |
| Storage (NVMe) | 2 x M.2 NVMe 2280 SSD slots (PCIe Gen 3 x1) |
| Networking | 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB Type-C 10Gbps, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Video Output | 1 x HDMI 2.0 (4K 60Hz) |
| Cooling | Active Cooling System with Bottom Fan |
| Power Supply | 120W External PSU (Barrel-type Connector) |
| Operating System | UnRAID (Pre-installed, 1-year license included) |
| Chassis Material | Metal & Plastic Hybrid |
| Dimensions | Compact Desktop Form Factor |
| Weight | TBD |
Lincstation S1 NAS – Quick Conclusion
The Lincstation S1 NAS aims to provide a versatile and cost-effective NAS solution, particularly for those interested in an UnRAID-based system. It delivers solid hardware specifications, particularly with its dual M.2 NVMe support, 2.5GbE networking, and modular expandability. While the device lacks 10GbE and PCIe expansion, its efficient design and bundled UnRAID license make it an appealing option for both beginners and experienced users.
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Lincstation S1 NAS – Packaging
Since the Lincstation S1 is still in its prototype stage, the final retail packaging is yet to be confirmed. However, the unit reviewed included the S1 NAS device itself, a 120W external power supply, a first-time setup guide, and an UnRAID license scratch card. While the absence of an Ethernet cable might be a minor inconvenience for some users, the packaging remains minimalist and functional.
The external power supply is well-built and designed for efficient heat dissipation, reducing the likelihood of overheating. Unlike some NAS devices with internal power supplies, the external design of the S1’s PSU helps maintain a cooler overall system temperature. This approach is particularly beneficial for compact NAS units, where space constraints and airflow management are crucial considerations.
Although the packaging is simple, it is clear that Lincplus has focused on practicality and efficiency rather than elaborate retail presentation. The compact nas box ensures minimal wasted space,. As the device nears final production, there may be some refinements in the retail kit, such as additional accessories or improvements to setup documentation. It’s still to early to judge!
Lincstation S1 NAS – Design & Build
The Lincstation S1 sports a modern and compact tower design, making it distinct from traditional horizontal NAS enclosures. It features a combination of metal and plastic construction, which enhances durability while keeping the overall weight manageable
The design also prioritizes modular access, allowing users to easily upgrade or replace components when needed.
The four SATA drive bays are located on the top of the unit, providing hot-swap functionality for easy drive replacement. On the side panel, users will find two M.2 NVMe slots, each equipped with a built-in heatsink to aid in thermal management.
The tool-less installation mechanism further simplifies the setup process, making drive installations more accessible to all users.
To support cooling efficiency, the S1 includes a large bottom-mounted system fan, which actively draws air through the chassis to maintain optimal temperatures.
The LCD panel on the front provides basic system information, though some integration issues with UnRAID still need refinement. Despite being a prototype, the build quality and design choices reflect an emphasis on functionality and long-term reliability.
Lincstation S1 NAS – Ports & Connectivity
The Lincstation S1 offers a balanced range of ports, ensuring compatibility with modern peripherals and network environments.
It features two 2.5GbE LAN ports, which allow for aggregated speeds up to 5GbE or network redundancy for failover support.
While it lacks native 10GbE, UnRAID users may be able to expand connectivity through USB-to-Ethernet or M.2 adapters.
In addition to network ports, the S1 includes multiple high-speed USB connections, supporting a variety of external storage, accessories, and direct system expansion.
With two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, users benefit from 10Gbps data transfer speeds for high-performance storage solutions for backups and connected DAS peripherals – or even 2.5/5Gbps USB Adapters.
Two additional USB 2.0 ports are included for keyboard, mouse, or low-power peripherals.
A single HDMI 2.0 port provides 4K 60Hz output, making the device suitable for media playback, VM monitoring, or direct system management.
Users who prefer manual hardware control will appreciate the physical LED and LCD control switches on the front panel.
While these features improve accessibility, some software-based controls for LEDs and the LCD panel are still in development.
Lincstation S1 NAS – Internal Hardware & Performance
The Lincstation S1 is powered by an Intel Alder Lake-N N97 processor, a four-core chip optimized for energy efficiency and moderate workloads.
It includes 8GB of DDR5 memory, which can be upgraded via a single SODIMM slot for users who need more RAM. While ECC memory is not supported, the default configuration is sufficient for most home and prosumer workloads.
The M.2 NVMe slots operate at PCIe Gen 3×1 speeds, resulting in maximum sequential read speeds of around 1.5GB/s and write speeds of 1.3GB/s.
While this may not match enterprise-grade storage solutions, it is still a notable improvement over traditional SATA SSD speeds. Performance testing showed network throughput reaching peak speeds of 550MB/s, making 2.5GbE a strong match for the device’s storage capabilities.
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Despite having modest sized CPU cooling, the S1 maintained stable operating temperatures even under sustained workloads. Idle power consumption was measured at 21–22W, with peak power draw reaching 45W under full load.
Noise levels remained within acceptable limits, fluctuating between 35–47dB depending on system activity.
Lincstation S1 NAS – Final Verdict
The Lincstation S1 NAS presents itself as a strong alternative to existing NAS solutions, offering a well-balanced blend of affordability, performance, and expandability. The inclusion of dual M.2 NVMe slots, four SATA bays, and dual 2.5GbE networking makes it suitable for home users, small businesses, and prosumers looking for an efficient storage solution. The pre-installed UnRAID license is an added bonus, making setup and system deployment more accessible, particularly for those new to NAS environments. While the Intel Alder Lake-N N97 processor and DDR5 memory provide solid performance, PCIe bandwidth limitations on the NVMe slots may restrict potential high-speed workflows. However, its low power consumption, quiet operation, and modular design make it a compelling option for users seeking a flexible and scalable NAS solution.
Despite its many strengths, the Lincstation S1 is not without limitations. The lack of 10GbE networking may be a drawback for those requiring higher network throughput, and the absence of PCIe expansion means users cannot add future network or storage controllers. Additionally, while the LCD panel offers useful system information, its integration with UnRAID remains a work in progress. Some users may also find the USB-to-Ethernet expansion workaround for additional networking cumbersome compared to native onboard support. Nonetheless, these trade-offs are expected at this price point, and for the majority of users, the included connectivity and features should be more than sufficient.
Ultimately, the Lincstation S1 NAS provides great value for its target audience, particularly for those who want an UnRAID-powered system without having to build one from scratch. It delivers decent performance, thoughtful design, and robust connectivity at an affordable price, making it an attractive option for users who want a mix of HDD and SSD storage with efficient networking. While some software refinements and additional hardware flexibility would improve the experience, the S1 is still a solid choice for home and business users alike.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable price for a hybrid HDD/SSD NAS | No 10GbE networking option |
| Includes a pre-installed UnRAID license (1-year) | No PCIe slot for expansion |
| Dual 2.5GbE ports for aggregated speeds up to 5GbE | NVMe slots limited to PCIe Gen 3×1 speeds |
| Expandable RAM (8GB DDR5 SODIMM, upgradeable) | UnRAID Hardware control is not as straightforward as some other turnkey NAS options in the market |
| Multiple high-speed USB ports (USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB-C 10Gbps) | |
| Supports both HDDs and SSDs for flexible storage configurations | |
| Low power consumption and efficient cooling system |
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