best motherboards for nas
The network-attached storage, or NAS, is a type of storage that can store a lot of data and be easily accessed due to its network connectivity. In order to make sure you have the right motherboard if you plan to build your own NAS, we have listed the best motherboards that are selected based on the following criteria:
Form Factor: You should first check the form factor of a NAS motherboard before you purchase it. It will not only let you know whether it is compatible with your cabinet, but it will also tell you how many connectivity options it has. ATX, micro ATX, and mini ITX are the main form factors in this category. ATX is the largest form factor and mini ITX is the smallest.
Socket for CPU: When buying a motherboard, check the CPU socket to ensure you can connect your CPU to it. NAS motherboards typically come with AMD AM4 and Intel LGA 1151 CPU sockets.
Chipset: A motherboard’s chipset can also be used to determine whether it is compatible. You can find out what features your motherboard supports and if it is compatible with other motherboards. There are many chipset models which offer better performance, including the A320, B450, X570, and others. A chipset must also be compatible with your CPU to be fully effective.
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Best Motherboards for NAS Reviews
GIGABYTE GA-A320M-S2H Motherboard for NAS
GIGABYTE H610M S2H DDR4
The Gigabyte GA-A320M-S2H motherboard is offered at a great value to those who are on a budget and are looking for high-quality computing products.
In terms of chipsets, this micro ATX motherboard uses the AMD A320 chipset, which is quite common for affordable options in the market. For those who have never built NAS systems, the Gigabyte GA-A320M-S2H motherboard can be a great entry-level option. This motherboard has a total of two memory slots that can accommodate 64 GB of memory. AMD AM4 processors can be used with this motherboard, making it very compatible with AMD AM4 CPUs. Read more on Best H410 motherboards for Intel 10th gen processors
A variety of connectivity options will be available to you because of the 3 PCIe slots on this motherboard for NAS. A M.2 slot is included in this entry-level NAS motherboard, along with four SATA ports. This motherboard features 4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, one Ethernet, one HDMI, and audio ports, all of which are very good for a motherboard of such size.
Best Features:
Powered by the AMD A320 chipset and AMD AM4 processor
The form factor is Micro ATX
Provides 3 PCIe expansion slots
Up to 64 GB of RAM can be installed in two memory slots
Four SATA ports and one M.2 slot
It has four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one Ethernet port, one HDMI port, and one audio port
Warranty of 3 years
Pros:
NAS motherboard that is a great entry-level option
Price and size-friendly connectivity options
Provides fast caching in NAS systems using NVMe SSDs
Cons:
This motherboard is not recommended for high-end NAS applications
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ASUS Prime B450M-A-II AMD AM4 Motherboard for NAS
ASUS Prime B450M-A II AMD AM4
Motherboard Asus Prime B450MIf you’re looking for a high-performance computer component that’s both highly reliable and high-quality, consider Asus.Prime B4 50M-A II motherboards from Asus provide excellent performance for NAS, especially for their prices. To begin with, it is another micro ATX motherboard that supports overclocking for CPU and RAM using the AMD B450 chipset. With regards to RAM and CPU, you can install up to 128 GB of memory on this motherboard thanks to its AMD AM4 socket and 4 memory slots, which allow you to install up to 512 GB of RAM.
In fact, you also get a total of 3 expansion slots with this motherboard. It is a good choice for anyone looking for a NAS motherboard because it has 6 SATA ports and 1 M.2 SSD slot, which is quite good for the price. It has four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, one HDMI port, audio ports and more, so you can connect any device that you like.
Best Features:
Compatible with AMD AM4 socket with AMD B450 chipset
MicroATX form factor
Provides 3 PCIe expansion slots
Up to 128 GB of RAM can be installed in 4 memory slots
6 SATA ports and 1 M.2 slot
The device has 4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Ethernet port, 1 HDMI port, and audio ports
Warranty of 3 years
Pros:
With overclocking support, this card performs pretty well
In a NAS, high memory capacity is essential for heavy usage
It has a micro ATX form factor that is relatively compact for given its performance
Cons:
An expansion slot or two could have been added
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MSI Z390-A Pro Gaming Motherboard for NAS
MSI MPG Z390 Gaming Pro Carbon ATX
It’s not just that MSI makes laptops, but it also makes motherboards for NAS that are perfect for high-end users. MSI Z390-A PRO Motherboard for NASMSI is better known for its laptops, but it also manufactures motherboards for NAS as well.
If you want to build an Intel-powered NAS without compromising performance, this MSI Z390-A Pro motherboard is the ideal choice. You receive a Z390 chipset with this ATX motherboard, since it is an Intel-based motherboard made for high-end CPUs. Besides the Intel LGA 1151 socket, you will also find 4 memory slots on this motherboard, allowing you to install 64 GB of memory. Next to its socket, you will find a total of 4 memory slots.
The motherboard also offers 6 PCIe expansion slots, which are one of the highest in the industry, which allows you to overclock for excellent performance. The motherboard also has 6 SATA ports and 2 M.2 SSD slots, which make it superior to the competition. As a premium motherboard, it also comes with standard connectivity options such as four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one ethernet, one HDMI port, audio ports, and several others.
Best Features:
With the LGA 1151 socket, it uses the Intel Z390 chipset
Form factor is ATX
Six expansion slots for PCIe
Up to 64GB of RAM can be installed in its four memory slots
Two M.2 slots and six SATA ports are included
A total of four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, and an audio port are included
Warranty of 3 years
Pros:
Enhances Intel CPU performance
Connectivity options for storage are numerous
Easy upgradeability and versatility with multiple PCIe expansion slots
Cons:
A little pricey
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GIGABYTE B365M DS3H Motherboard for NAS
If you are interested in building a NAS, you can also consider the GIGABYTE B365M DS3H motherboard from Gigabyte if you are looking for motherboards built on the Intel platform instead of AMD.Users looking for motherboards made for Intel that don’t cost a premium are best served by the Gigabyte B365M DS3H motherboard for NAS. Due to its low price, this motherboard uses Intel’s B365 chipset, which does not support overclocking. With this motherboard, you’ll still be able to enjoy the highly popular Intel LGA 1151 socket and its 4 memory slots, which support up to 64 GB.
This motherboard has only 3 expansion slots because it is a micro ATX motherboard. Due to its wide range of storage connectivity options, this motherboard is a great choice for a NAS motherboard since it still has 6 SATA ports and 1 M.2 SSD slot. It also offers 4 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x Ethernet port, 1 x HDMI port, audio ports, and some other connections on the back.
Best Features:
The Intel LGA 1151 socket is used with the Intel B365 chipset
MicroATX form factor
Three expansion slots for PCIe
Up to 64GB of RAM can be installed in its four memory slots
6 SATA ports and 1 M.2 slot
A total of four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, and an audio port are included
Warranty of 3 years
Pros:
This motherboard is compact, versatile, and budget-friendly
Drives are connected in a variety of ways
Memory sticks can be installed in multiple slots
Cons:
There is no support for overclocking on this CPU
MSI ProSeries AMD A320 Motherboard for NAS
MSI ProSeries AMD Ryzen A320 DDR4 VR Ready HDMI USB 3 micro-ATX Motherboard (A320M PRO-VH PLUS)
The MSI ProSeries AMD A320 Motherboard is an affordable option if you need a motherboard that performs well for building a NAS system but is not too pricey. Thanks to its many features and options, the MSI ProSeries A320M-A Pro motherboard can be a great entry-level option for many. A micro ATX motherboard with the AMD A320 chipset offers a micro ATX form factor, as one would expect from an AMD-based motherboard. The motherboard comes with an AMD AM4 CPU socket. In addition to 2 memory slots, you can also add up to 64 gigabytes of RAM to your system.
Although this motherboard has four SATA ports, it does not include any M.2 SSD slots, which are crucial for high-speed drives. The only drawback is that it only comes with 2 PCIe expansion slots, which is a bit limited compared to other micro ATX motherboards. On the back, you still get 4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Ethernet, 1 HDMI, audio, and more ports.
Best Features:
With AMD AM4 socket, it uses the AMD A320 chipset
MicroATX form factor
Provides two PCIe expansion slots
Up to 64 GB of RAM can be installed in two memory slots
There are four SATA ports on this device
A total of four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one ethernet port, one HDMI port, and an audio port are included
Warranty of 3 years
Pros:
NAS motherboards that are affordable and budget-friendly
AMD Ryzen CPUs are compatible with decent processors
The back of the device has a fairly diverse selection of ports and connectivity options
Cons:
Slots for PCIe expansion are limited
It does not have a slot for M.2 SSDs
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ASRock AMD Ryzen AM4 Motherboard for NAS
ASRock B550M PRO4 Supports 3rd Gen AMD AM4 Ryzen
Asrock is still a good choice if you want a budget-friendly motherboard for your NAS even if Asrock is not as popular as other motherboard vendors. This A320M-HDV R4.0 motherboard from Asrock is another entry-level NAS motherboard option that is suitable for those looking for low-cost motherboards. Like most other affordable options, this motherboard is also built on AMD’s A320 chipset, making it a micro ATX motherboard as well. With its dual RAM support, which supports 32 GB of RAM, this chipset offers excellent performance when paired with an AMD AM4 CPU socket.
Although its RAM capacity is limited, it has only two PCIe expansion slots, which can be a bit restrictive for some users. The motherboard, however, still has 4 SATA ports and 1 M.2 SSD slot, making it comparable to other budget motherboards. In addition to four USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports, the back is equipped with one Ethernet port, one HDMI port, an audio port, and other handy ports so that most devices and peripherals can easily be connected.
Best Features:
Based on AMD’s A320 chipset and AMD’s AM4 platform
MicroATX form factor
The device offers two PCIe expansion slots in total
Up to 32GB of RAM can be installed in two memory slots
Four SATA ports and one M.2 slot
It has four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one Ethernet port, one HDMI port, and one audio port
Warranty of 3 years
Pros:
Budget-friendly NAS motherboard
AMD CPUs are supported with decent performance
NVMe SSD support
Cons:
Slots for PCIe expansion are limited
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Gigabyte A520I AC Motherboard for NAS
Gigabyte A520I AC (AMD Ryzen AM4/Mini-ITX/Direct 6 Phases Digital PWM with 55A DrMOS/Gaming
When talking about NAS motherboards, Gigabyte also offers a few highly specialized and unique products that are perfect for specific applications. As it is the smallest option in this list, the Gigabyte A520I AC motherboard is perfect for compact NAS systems. As this is an AMD A520 based motherboard, you get the AM4 chipset on it. It comes in a mini ITX form factor which makes it ideal for compact NAS systems. You can still use up to 64 GB of memory on this motherboard, despite its compact size with just two memory slots.
However, you do get four SATA ports and one M.2 SSD slot with this motherboard. Even so, this motherboard does not come with a PCIe expansion slot, which can be very frustrating for some users. Apart from its 4 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 Ethernet, 2 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, and audio ports, this motherboard also has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Also related: best motherboards for Ryzen 7000
Best Features:
AMD AM4 socket with AMD A520 chipset
Form factor is Mini ITX
It has one PCIe expansion slot in total
Up to 64 GB of RAM can be installed in two memory slots
Four SATA ports and one M.2 slot
The device is equipped with four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one Ethernet port, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort port, two audio ports, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
Warranty of 3 years
Pros:
NAS motherboard with small form factor and high compactness
Wireless connectivity options are available
For a given size, pretty decent performance numbers
Cons:
Expansion via PCIe is not recommended
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Buying Guide for the Best Motherboards for NAS
In order to ensure that you have enough storage capacity, you must connect many hard drives to your computer if you are familiar with NAS units. A motherboard with multiple ports and all the desired features can only allow you to do this.
As an example, we have already discussed a few of the best NAS motherboards in our article above. You can also find all of their features and specifications with these various NAS motherboards. For those of you who are interested in learning even more, you can also review this detailed buying guide for the best NAS motherboards.
- Form Factor
The first and most important factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing your motherboard for NAS is the form factor. It tells you about the overall form factor of your motherboard, which is quite crucial to know.
Because larger motherboards usually have more features and connectivity options, they can also affect the overall functioning of your motherboard, in addition to checking its compatibility with your computer case. As a result, a Micro ATX motherboard will be more versatile than a mini ITX motherboard, while an ATX motherboard is the smallest.
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CPU Socket
To determine whether your CPU can work properly with your motherboard, it is vital that you check its CPU socket for NAS before choosing any motherboard for your computer. For starters, you should check the CPU socket on your motherboard. When you buy a NAS motherboard, you’ll mostly find AMD AM4 and Intel LGA 1151 sockets, which are both excellent for recent CPUs. Since the sockets of your CPU and motherboard must match, you can choose either of these CPU sockets based on the CPU that you want to use.
- Chipset
In addition to the CPU socket, the motherboard’s chipset also influences performance and compatibility for NAS devices. You should make sure that the motherboard’s chipset is compatible with your CPU, just as it is with the CPU socket. A higher-end chipset model will typically offer better performance and features in terms of overclocking, PCI-E lanes, and compatibility with newer CPUs. When it comes to NAS motherboard chipset options, you can choose from A320, B450, X570, and others, with higher chipset models offering better performance.
Storage Options
For a motherboard designed specifically for NAS, you will want to make sure it offers as many storage options as possible. The two most important connectors you must search for in a motherboard are the SATA connectors and the M.2 SSD slots.
The majority of motherboards offer 4 to 6 SATA slots that are perfect for connecting 2.5 inch and 3.5-inch hard drives, which makes them perfect for larger hard drives with high capacities. A M.2 slot can be used to install a boot drive as well as a cache drive for better speed with your motherboard if you use either SATA or NVMe SSD drives. A majority of motherboards feature at least one M.2 slot, but some may have as many as three, which is always nice to have.
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Memory Support
Your computer’s memory is not used for storage, but your NAS’ memory is crucial if you are going to handle a lot of users at once and access large amounts of data at the same time. For this reason, it is vitally important to check how much memory your motherboard supports. To begin with, you should look at the number of memory slots available on your motherboard.
There may be just two memory slots on entry-level models, but most high-end models offer 4 memory slots, which should be sufficient for most users. Besides the physical slots, you should check your motherboard’s maximum memory capacity, which is usually 64 GB or 128 GB. As another great idea, check the maximum support for clock speeds, as 3200 MHz RAM performs much better than 2400 MHz RAM if you want the best possible performance.
- PCI-E and Expansion Slots
You need enough PCI-E and expansion slots on your motherboard to be able to build a high-performance NAS regardless of whether you want a graphics card to output video, a network card to speed up your networking, or a SATA card to connect more hard drives. ATX motherboards offer 3-6 slots of different sizes, which should be enough even for heavy-duty usage, which is why going with a larger form factor can be a great option.
Connectivity and Ports
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The external connectivity and port options of your motherboard for NAS should also be checked in addition to its internal connectors. The first thing you should look for is the physical connections, such as USB, HDMI, Ethernet, audio, and other features that you’d expect from any other computer. In order to get the best performance, it is always good to have multiple ports of the latest version when looking for such ports. Wireless connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, are also useful if your motherboard has more than physical connectors.
- Warranty
A motherboard for NAS should last as long as possible just like any other component in your computer. Therefore, you should always review the warranty offered by your motherboard. Since all of the motherboards discussed above are offered by highly reputable manufacturers of computer components, they are all covered by a 3-year warranty, which is more than sufficient to build a NAS for your storage needs.
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FAQs about the Best Motherboards for NAS:
- Is a NAS the same as a server?
Answer. A NAS has very limited features, even though both NAS and servers have similar functionality and have large amounts of storage. As a result, NAS is better suited for smaller networks, while servers are better suited for large-scale applications that need to connect to the internet.
- Can I upgrade the storage of a NAS once it has been built?
The NAS drives are all user-replaceable since they are all manually installed, which means that you can upgrade the storage in the future as well. It may be necessary to replace your current hard drive or buy an expansion card if you run out of SATA connectors or M.2 SSD slots.The NAS drives are all user-replaceable since they are all manually installed, which means that you can upgrade the storage in the future as well. It may be necessary to replace your current hard drive or buy an expansion card if you run out of SATA connectors or M.2 SSD slots.
- What is RAID configuration for NAS computers?
The hard drives in your NAS can be configured in RAID to enhance performance or reliability in addition to setting them up directly. RAID configurations allow NAS to share data between hard drives so that the data can be improved, either in terms of speed or reliability.
Final thoughts on best motherboards for nas
Building your own NAS unit can be highly cost-effective, while also giving you a wide range of choices in terms of components you can use, while you can find various pre-built units available. Your NAS build will only work if it is equipped with the right motherboard.
This listicle has already provided information on the best motherboards for NAS. Additionally, you can find a detailed analysis of each of these motherboards for NAS as well as a comprehensive buying guide for each of them. Our picks for the best motherboards for NAS have been derived from all of these factors:
A great option for budget NAS builds is the Asus Prime A320M-K motherboard, which happens to be one of the lowest-priced motherboards for NAS. With its dual memory slots, it can be combined with up to 32 GB of RAM as it is an AMD motherboard that uses the AMD AM4 socket. There are also 3 PCI-E expansion slots, which is quite impressive considering its Micro ATX size. Regarding storage, there are 4 SATA ports and 1 M.2 SSD port.
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