Network-attached storage (NAS) is a wonderful tool for storing a substantial amount of data and enabling quick access to it since it is linked to the network. However, if you’re constructing a NAS at a home server, verifying that the best motherboard for NAS is included in the setup is essential. When constructing a DIY network-attached storage device, selecting the right motherboard should be the initial step.
The benefit of building your own NAS is that you can customize it to your needs, picking out the storage drives, processor, RAM, and other hardware you want. This may be more cost-effective and powerful than a pre-made NAS.
The motherboard also features Intel Optane Memory support, allowing you to store more data and access it quickly. Additionally, it is equipped with a dual Gigabit LAN port and two SATA3 ports, ensuring you get the most out of your NAS system. For those looking to build a Plex media server, the Best Motherboard for NAS is a perfect choice, as it is also equipped with an integrated graphics processor, allowing you to decode HD and 4K videos easily.
When constructing a NAS device for a home or office environment, there are certain factors that the majority of DIY specialists take into account. In the following, we will be looking at these considerations. This article will cover the 6 top motherboards for NAS and provide tips and guidance for constructing your own NAS.
Top 6 Best Motherboard For NAS:
Here are our recommendations for the Best Motherboard for NASP:
- ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard
- Gigabyte A520I AC (AMD Ryzen
- MSI MAG B660M Mortar
- ASUS Prime Z690-A LGA 1700
- ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme
If you’re looking for a motherboard perfect for NAS Server, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero might be worth checking out! This motherboard is the middle child of the Crosshair family, and it boasts the latest features coupled with ASUS’s famous reliable build.
The Crosshair lineup has been around for over a decade, expanding from a single motherboard to a range of Hero, Extreme, and Gene models. The newest addition to the lineup is the X670E Extreme, which takes things up a notch with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 technology, and Intel’s JHL8540 controller for 40Gbps USB4, which also doubles as a display output.
If you’re building a Ryzen 7000 system For NAS, the X670E Hero motherboard might be the perfect fit. This board has covered you with a sleek updated design, two PCIe 5.0 M.2 sockets, 12 USB ports, top-notch audio with a DAC, Wi-Fi 6E, and a 2.5 GbE port.
What sets the X670E Hero apart from its less expensive cousin, the Asus X670E Strix, is the features that improve your overall I/O experience. Plus, it looks great with its mirror-like surfaces and metallic accents that are super durable. So even if most of the board is covered by a GPU, the X670E Hero still adds a touch of greatness and is sure to be a captivating addition to any high-end build.
Specifications:
- RAM: 128GB DDR5
- Chipset: AMD X670
- Brand: ASUS
- SATA Ports: 6 SATA ports
- USB Ports: 12 USB ports
MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard
If you’re looking for a NAS Server with an appealing design, the MAG B550 Tomahawk from MSI might fit the bill. It features a sleek combination of black and gray tones, which means enough variation to prevent it from looking boring. Yet, if you want to add extra flair, add some RGB LED lights around the chipset heatsink.
But the design isn’t the only impressive thing about this motherboard. Also, The MSI B550 Tomahawk comes with 10 digital power phases for the best CPU performance in a NAS, along with three additional phases for other components. In addition, there are two large heatsinks to keep everything cool.
While it doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi, the MAG B550 Tomahawk has two LAN controllers, making it a great choice for those people who prefer an Ethernet connection. In addition, the main networking controller, a Realtek RTL8125B chip, is particularly powerful. In short, the motherboard can support internet speeds of up to 2.5Gbps which is missing some midrange, and high-end boards offer.
In addition to its impressive specs, the MAG B550 Tomahawk is a relatively compact midrange motherboard, making it a great choice for those who want a high-quality NAS Server without breaking the bank. Its chipset heatsink may not be as large as those found on some high-end boards. In short, MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a great choice for those looking to build a powerful NAS Server.
Specifications:
- RAM: 128GB DDR4
- Chipset: AMD B550
- Brand: MSI
- SATA Ports: 3 SATA ports
- USB Ports: 9 USB ports
Gigabyte A520I AC (AMD Ryzen
If you are building a Small Form Factor (SFF) PC that uses AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors for your NAS Home Media Server, you should know that this will be a substantial financial outlay. The Ryzen 5000 series processors are expensive, and the motherboards based on the X570 and B550 chipsets are also expensive. The release of the A520 chipset has enabled the construction of a budget-friendly system based on the newest Ryzen processors.
The AMD A520 chipset is the successor to the A320 and is designed to support the newest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors based on the Zen 3 architecture and the older Ryzen 3000 series. However, the Ryzen 3000 series APUs (with the Zen+ architecture) are not supported. Compared to the A320, the A520 has a USB 3.2 10Gbps port from the CPU, along with the addition of 4 PCIe 3.0 lanes instead of 4 PCIe 2.0 lanes. Gigabyte’s A520I AC is one of the few Mini-ITX motherboards for NAS available with the A520 chipset, making it an ideal choice for budget SFF PC builders looking to use the Ryzen 5000 series processors.
To cool the chipset and the NVMe PCIe SSD, GIGABYTE uses a single heatsink where the A520 chip is situated at the base of it, and the M.2 SSD sits on top. However, this could cause thermal and performance issues if the heat isn’t dissipated efficiently. In addition, the motherboard also has 4 ports for SATA 6Gbps. Most Mini-ITX motherboards for NAS do not have many fan connectors. Gigabyte had to turn to an alternate solution to fit an extra fan header into the board, as there is only a standard CPU combo fan and one system fan header. This was accomplished by providing a cable in the box to connect an additional fan header, resulting in 3 fan headers on the motherboard.
Specifications:
- RAM: 1GB DDR4
- Chipset: AMD A520
- Brand: Gigabyte
- SATA Ports: 3 SATA ports
- USB Ports: 2 USB ports
MSI MAG B660M Mortar
Are you a photographer or do video editing and looking for the exclusively budget NAS solution for picking up Intel’s newest 12th Gen processors? Then the MSI MAG B660M is what you are looking for. This is NAS B660M Motherboard partially true, but it is worth noting that the B660 chipset also offers numerous mid-level and even premium options.
The MAG B660M from MSI is the perfect choice for those who want a board with more features than budget boards but is still inexpensive compared to the Z690 options. This motherboard includes integrated IO armor, 2.5 Gigabit LAN, WiFi, and USB ports that are fast and abundant so that you won’t miss out on any features.
The main thing to remember about B660 boards is that they don’t officially support CPU overclocking. While they include many of the features and capabilities of the Z690 chipset, such as SATA ports, USB 3 Gen 2, and PCI-E Gen 4 SSD slots, they have a limited number of PCI-E lanes, and therefore, you can expect a lesser quantity of these features. Additionally, these boards might come with other amenities, such as PCI-E 5.0 support, DDR5 memory, and an integrated IO shield or WiFi capability.
The MAG B660M Mortar is a visually pleasing motherboard, with its black PCB complemented by an extended heatsink for an extra touch of ‘pazzaz’. It is also equipped with several heatsinks and an array of features, which makes it appear more full than other motherboards in its B660 category. Moreover, the contrast between the silver, steel heatsink, and black PCB further adds to its attractiveness.
Specifications:
- RAM: 2133MHZ DDR4
- Chipset: Intel
- Brand: MSI
- SATA Ports: 3 SATA ports
- USB Ports: 2 USB ports
ASUS Prime Z690-A LGA 1700
A pleasing variation of the typical blacked-out motherboard from Asus stands out in a black case. Put together a system with it and you’ll be able to find lost screws more easily than with a dark interior. This model’s black PCB, white silk screening, and matte blasted aluminum heatsinks create a pleasing contrast. An RGB strip along the top VRM heatsink adjacent to the rear I/O cover adds a touch of glamour.
The Asus Prime Z690-A provides plenty of bang for your buck with its spacecraft-inspired design, improved power delivery, and enhanced connectivity. Built upon the already costly Z690 platform, the Prime Z690-A offers an excellent ATX motherboard for your Alder Lake processor, offering great value and performance for its price.
The large heatsink surrounding the CPU isn’t only for appearances, as it conceals a significant 16+1 VRM and two eight-pin power inputs showing at the top. The design can handle heavy CPUs, making it great news for overclockers. As with its ROG Maximus Z690 Hero relative, the Prime has attachment points for both LGA1700 and LGA1200 coolers for enhanced compatibility. However, when using an LGA1200 mount, double-check that your cooler has the correct standoff elevation for sufficient installation force before setting it up.
This best motherboard for home servers packs several features, such as PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, four M.2 sockets with Q-Latch, an audio codec from the last generation, a 20 Gbps Type-C port, and a 2.5 GbE. However, the absence of integrated Wi-Fi is noteworthy. The rocket-themed design and the limited number of USB Type-A ports on the back might not suit everyone.
Specifications:
- RAM: 128GB DDR5
- Chipset: Intel
- Brand: ASUS
- SATA Ports: 5 SATA ports
- USB Ports: 8 USB port
ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus
At a budget-friendly cost, the Asus TUF Gaming X570 board offers several great features, including a USB Type-C port, Wi-Fi, and RGB LED illumination. In addition, we found its stock performance to be on par with other models, and it overclocked flawlessly in our review. This is the best yet budget-friendly solution for Synology NAS Server.
The Asus TUF Gaming X570-Plus Wi-Fi has transformed from its historically strong, protective chassis to a gaming-focused best server motherboard that protects individual components such as the PCIe and DIMM slots. Despite the lighter armor, ESD protection, surge control, and military-grade parts remain in the TUF series. Regrettably, these adjustments mean that the Asus TUF Gaming X570-Plus Wi-Fi falls just short of our top budget X570 pick in Asus’ X570 product stack as the second-most-cheap board.
For those interested in getting the most out of the flagship AMD chipset, the TUF Gaming X570-Plus Wi-Fi is a great way to do so without breaking the bank. It allowed us to overclock our Ryzen 7 3700X easily and had no issues with stock speeds when it came to benchmarks. Additionally, Asus decided not to include features such as an integrated rear IO plate or RGB lighting to keep the cost low, which can be allocated elsewhere to complete the system.
Specifications:
- RAM: 128GB DDIM
- Chipset: AMD 570X
- Brand: ASUS
- SATA Ports: 3 SATA ports
- USB Ports: 1 USB port
Buyers Guide: How To Choose the Best Motherboard for NAS?
Navigating the sometimes-confusing array of features and prices for motherboards, especially the more expensive ones, can be tricky. We are here to help you choose the correct option for your requirements without spending too much of your budget. Prices of these boards can vary from less than $60 (£50) to $1,000 or even more.
- You need to buy the right type of CPU combo for your NAS. Intel and AMD both make good CPUs. You must also ensure your computer board has the right socket to support it. The latest CPUs from Intel and AMD have different types of sockets.
- The motherboard size affects the number of slots and features available, with the smallest motherboards having the least. ATX has the largest size and the most slots and features, while Micro-ATX comes in second and Mini-ITX third.
- You can typically purchase a satisfactory motherboard for a budget of $150 or below. If you use a wired connection, don’t pay extra for wireless. However, if you need built-in Wi-Fi or high-end ports, consider investing in them.
- Basics: If you want to brush up on the essentials of NAS motherboards, such as the variations between chipsets, sizes, connectors, ports, and RAM slots, our Motherboard Basics article will provide you with all the information you need.
Why Your CPU Must Be Motherboard Supported?
Choosing the correct CPU for your board will significantly limit your options since the socket on a particular motherboard only works with a specific chip line. For Intel processors, the 10th and 11th Generation Cores require an LGA 1200 socket, with older 9th Generation CPUs needing an LGA 1151 socket. With AMD parts, the AM4 socket is used for all of their current-gen mainstream chips, ranging from Athlon to the 16-core Ryzen 9. Although, you may encounter difficulties in installing newer CPUs in previous-generation motherboards.
Are you curious about what size motherboard to get?
Our Motherboard Diagram feature has covered the details, but most modern motherboards come in three sizes.
- ATX is the most commonly used and has the greatest level of space for plugs and slots.
- Micro-ATX is shorter by 2.4 inches, which equates to fewer expansion slots.
- Mini-ITX provides a compact PC, though usually, there is only space for one additional card and a limited amount of storage and RAM connectors.
What chipset for NAS should you get?
For the highest-end Intel and AMD CPUs (Core X or Threadripper), your compatible chipset option is limited to X299 for Intel or X399 for AMD. However, if you are a mainstream user who only plans on using a single graphics card and a few drives, other chipsets (lower than Intel’s Z590 or X570 for AMD) may better suit your needs.
If you desire to overclock, AMD chipsets such as B550 and B300 are still compatible. You can expect to lose some USB ports, SATA Ports, and PCIe lanes compared to an X570 chipset. However, these connectivity options should still be enough to handle the majority of mainstream computing. If you need more ports and drives, it may be worth investing in an X570 board, as many are fairly priced compared to higher-priced B550 boards.
Overclock
If you’re looking for the Best CPU For NAS, go for the works that operate above its original clock speed; you may need to purchase an advanced cooling system and a high-end motherboard, which can increase your overall costs. Alternatively, it may be more beneficial to dedicate an extra $50-$100 (£40-80) to buy a CPU with a higher clock speed.
What level of importance do aesthetics have to you?
If your system’s side panel is off, getting RGB lights or flashy I/O covers and heatsinks is unnecessary. However, if your case has a window, consider getting a board you like to look at, with lights, if you prefer. As a beginner builder, getting a dark board is better since the labels on the board will be more challenging to spot. For a system with as few visible wires as possible, look for a board with fan and USB headers around the edges and SATA/USB 3 ports towards the sides rather than pointing up.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the ideal Motherboard for NAS?
Gigabyte’s X570 is the best option for AAMD-based motherboards if you are interested in the best Motherboard for NAS.
What processor is best for NAS to build?
If you are looking for a processor, the Pentium processor is best for NAS and has enough memory to handle file storage.
What components are needed to build a NAS?
To construct a NAS (Network Attached Storage), you will need a NAS hard drive, router, cables, and a computer. The particulars of the hard drive, router, and cables will depend on the size of the NAS. Moreover, some NAS systems may necessitate extra equipment, such as a RAID controller, more RAM, and a CPU.
What are the different motherboard sizes?
The majority of modern motherboards are available in three different sizes. ATX, micro ATX, and mini ITX.
Conclusion
This article discusses some of the best available motherboards, considering the most important factors for a DIY setup. Altogether, setting up your NAS does not cost you a fortune. In the case of a simple NAS, a budget motherboard with a low-end processor should do the trick.