MinisForum N5 Pro vs AOOSTAR WTR MAX

Last updated on 17 Apr 2025 📧 Subscribe
Contents hide
1 🔧 CPU & Performance
2 🧠 Memory & Storage
3 🌐 Networking
4 🔌 Ports & Display
5 💻 Unique Features
6 💸 Pricing & Availability
7 🔍 Final Verdict

Here’s a detailed comparison of the MinisForum N5 Pro vs AOOSTAR WTR MAX, highlighting the major differences to help you decide:

🔧 CPU & Performance

 

Feature MinisForum N5 Pro AOOSTAR WTR MAX
CPU AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 370 (12C/24T, Zen 5, up to 5.2GHz) AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS (8C/16T, up to 5.1GHz)
NPU (AI Engine) ✅ Yes (Zen 5 NPU) ❌ No AI NPU
GPU Radeon 890M (iGPU) Radeon 780M (iGPU)
Performance Verdict Faster, more future-proof, supports AI workloads Slightly older architecture, still strong but less powerful overall

🧠 Memory & Storage

 

Feature MinisForum N5 Pro AOOSTAR WTR MAX
RAM Up to 128GB DDR5 ECC (2x SODIMM, 5600MHz) Same – Up to 128GB DDR5 ECC
SATA Bays 5 x SATA (Hot-swappable) 6 x SATA (Hot-swappable)
M.2 Slots 3x M.2 NVMe (2230/2280/22110) 5x M.2 NVMe (4.0 x2 x3, 4.0 x1 x2)
PCIe Expansion 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1 x OCuLink 4.0 x4 1 x OCuLink (4.0 x4) only
Storage Verdict Slightly fewer drive bays, but balanced More M.2 and SATA storage = more drive expandability

🌐 Networking

 

Feature MinisForum N5 Pro AOOSTAR WTR MAX
10GbE 1 x 10GbE RJ45 2 x 10GbE SFP+
Other LAN 1 x 5GbE RJ45 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45
Networking Verdict Strong, versatile Beast in networking for NAS/home lab (SFP+ + dual 2.5GbE)

🔌 Ports & Display

 

Feature MinisForum N5 Pro AOOSTAR WTR MAX
USB 2 x USB4, multiple USB 3.2 1 x USB4, 3 x USB 3.2
HDMI HDMI 2.0 HDMI 2.1
Other Audio out Type-C, 3.5mm jack, MicroSD
Display Output Up to triple 4K displays Triple 4K@240Hz (more future-proof for visuals)

💻 Unique Features

 

Feature MinisForum N5 Pro AOOSTAR WTR MAX
AI Engine (NPU) ✅ ❌
Custom Display ❌ ✅ Optional screen with real-time system monitoring
Included PSU 280W external External PSU, exact wattage not listed
ECC RAM Support ✅ ✅
Form Factor Compact NAS-style mini-PC Slightly bulkier due to more bays

💸 Pricing & Availability

 

Feature MinisForum N5 Pro AOOSTAR WTR MAX
Price Estimate TBA, likely higher ($800–$1,000+ depending on config) ~$699 (barebone, preorder)
Availability Likely soon or in launch Preorder only, ships around May 10th

🔍 Final Verdict

 

Use Case Recommendation
AI workloads, future-proofing, raw CPU/GPU power ✅ MinisForum N5 Pro
More storage, more LAN (great for NAS or homelab) ✅ AOOSTAR WTR MAX
Budget-conscious NAS with high expandability ✅ WTR MAX
Content creation, AI dev, desktop+NAS hybrid ✅ N5 Pro


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