JONSBO N3 Mini-ITX NAS Chassis - Compact 8+1 Drive Server

In this review the JONSBO N3 is presented as a compact NAS-focused chassis that targets home office builders and small network storage setups. The strongest reason to buy is its combination of genuine multi-drive capacity and a compact Mini-ITX footprint: it supports eight 3.5in HDDs plus a 2.5in SSD in a chassis roughly 9.17 x 10.31 x 11.73 in. The case is designed for straightforward DIY server builds with a removable top cover, a split top and bottom compartment, and a server-grade hot-swap backplane that simplifies drive installation and replacement.

Key Features

• 8+1 disk bays: Provides high storage density with eight 3.5in HDD slots and one 2.5in SSD slot ideal for NAS or backup servers.
• Compact Mini-ITX design: Fits an ITX motherboard and two PCI expansion slots while keeping the overall footprint small for home office placement.
• Effective drive cooling: Two built-in 10cm fans are dedicated to the HDD compartment for direct and efficient heat dissipation under sustained disk loads.
• Serviceable layout: Removable unified top cover and multi-disc pull-out structure make drive swaps and internal access more convenient.
• Modern front I/O: Front panel includes USB 3.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and combined audio/mic for easy connectivity with contemporary peripherals.
• Compact power and cooling options: Supports SFX 105mm power supplies and CPU coolers up to 130mm, allowing a capable small-server build.

Who It's For

This chassis is best for DIYers building a dedicated home NAS, a compact personal server, or a small office storage node who need many drive bays in a small footprint. It's a good fit where drive count matters more than a full tower desktop, and where the builder wants easy access for hot-swap style maintenance.

People who should look elsewhere include users who need a full ATX motherboard, very large air coolers beyond 130mm, or those demanding near-silent operation out of the box; some owners report mixed results on overall noise and cooling depending on drive and component choices.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High storage capacity in a compact Mini-ITX case that preserves desk or shelf space.
• Well thought-out internal layout with split compartments and removable top cover for easy serviceability.
• Dedicated HDD cooling with two 10cm fans and a standard server-grade backplane for reliable drive management.
• Modern front I/O including USB Type-C for fast external access.

Cons

• Cooling and noise are adequate but mixed in reports, so achieving optimal quiet operation may require tuning or fan changes.
• Limited to SFX power supplies and a 130mm CPU cooler, which constrains very high-power builds.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The JONSBO N3 is a well-considered Mini-ITX NAS chassis that puts storage capacity and serviceability first, making it a smart choice for home server builders and small office deployments. It offers good value for anyone needing eight 3.5in drives in a compact case, though buyers who need ultra-quiet operation or larger power and cooling headroom should evaluate alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this case hold a full-size GPU?
The case supports GPU lengths up to 280mm, which accommodates many mid-size cards including some RTX 4060-Ti class cards that users report fitting.

What type of power supply does it use?
The chassis accepts an SFX 105mm power supply; standard ATX PSUs will not fit without modification.

Is drive hot-swap supported?
Yes, the case uses a server-grade hot-swap backplane with dual D-type and SATA power plugs to simplify drive changes.