The N17 Gaming NAS Motherboard with AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS ES or R7-7840HS ES processors is designed for enthusiasts needing dual-purpose hardware for gaming and network-attached storage (NAS). It features 2xNVMe slots, 4xSATA ports, PCIEx8 support, DDR5 compatibility, and dual 2.5G LAN ports, offering a blend of speed, expandability, and multitasking prowess for demanding workloads and gaming rigs.
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
How Does the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS ES Enhance Performance?
The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS ES is an engineering sample CPU with 8 cores/16 threads, optimized for high-clock speeds (up to 5.2GHz). Its Zen 4 architecture ensures efficient multitasking for gaming, virtualization, and NAS operations. The ES variant allows early testing of thermal and power dynamics, making it popular among custom build enthusiasts.
Beyond raw clock speeds, the Zen 4 architecture introduces advanced power management through Adaptive Power Tracking. This feature dynamically allocates thermal headroom between CPU cores and integrated graphics, ensuring stable performance during mixed workloads like game streaming while running a Plex server. The chip’s 16MB L3 cache also minimizes latency during data-intensive NAS operations. Enthusiasts can leverage Precision Boost Overdrive to push sustained clock speeds beyond stock settings, though adequate cooling is critical. In stress tests, the 7940HS ES maintains 4.8GHz across all cores under a 140mm AIO cooler, making it viable for 24/7 NAS deployments.
What Are the Key Storage and Expansion Features?
With 2xNVMe Gen4 slots (up to 64Gbps) and 4xSATA III ports, the N17 supports RAID configurations for both SSDs and HDDs. The PCIEx8 slot accommodates GPUs or additional storage controllers, while dual DDR5 DIMM slots enable up to 64GB of 5600MHz RAM, ensuring rapid data access for gaming libraries or NAS file servers.
| Interface | Max Speed | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| NVMe Gen4 | 64Gbps | OS/Games/4K Video Editing |
| SATA III | 6Gbps | HDD RAID Arrays/Backups |
| PCIe 4.0 x8 | 128Gbps | GPU/Storage Controllers |
Why Does Dual 2.5G LAN Matter for NAS and Gaming?
Dual 2.5G Ethernet ports enable link aggregation (2.5Gbps x2) or failover redundancy, critical for NAS setups requiring uninterrupted data access. Gamers benefit from reduced latency via teaming modes, while firewall/NAS users gain enhanced network security through isolated traffic routing.
How Does the ITX Form Factor Optimize Space and Cooling?
The Mini-ITX design (17x17cm) suits compact cases but requires strategic cooling for the Ryzen 9’s 65W TDP. The board includes reinforced VRM heatsinks and supports liquid cooling setups. Its layout prioritizes airflow around the PCIe and NVMe slots, reducing thermal throttling risks during extended gaming or data transfers.
What BIOS and Software Customization Options Exist?
The N17 uses a custom BIOS with overclocking profiles for Ryzen ES CPUs, RAM timing adjustments, and fan curve optimization. Preinstalled utilities include RAID management tools, LAN teaming software, and hardware monitoring dashboards. Open-source NAS OSes like TrueNAS and UnRAID are fully compatible.
Can This Motherboard Handle 4K Gaming and 10Gbps NAS Simultaneously?
Yes. The Ryzen 9’s RDNA 3 iGPU supports 4K@120Hz output, while the PCIEx8 slot can host a mid-tier GPU. NVMe RAID-0 configurations achieve read/write speeds over 12GBps, sufficient for 10Gbps network saturation. Resource allocation tools let users prioritize gaming or NAS tasks dynamically.
Expert Views
“The N17 bridges a niche between hardcore gaming and enterprise storage,” says a hardware engineer from a leading NAS solutions firm. “Its dual LAN with failover support and PCIe Gen4 x8 flexibility is rare in Mini-ITX boards. While ES CPUs require careful thermal management, the performance-per-watt here is unmatched for hybrid builds.”
FAQ
- Is the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS ES overclockable on the N17?
- Yes, the BIOS supports voltage and multiplier adjustments, though ES chip stability varies.
- Does the board support ECC RAM for NAS use?
- No, DDR5 non-ECC only. ECC support requires workstation-grade chipsets.
- Can I use this for a Proxmox or VMware server?
- Yes, but ensure proper driver support for Ryzen ES CPUs and LAN controllers.