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 |
Where to Buy a Product | |||
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