NAS Motherboard N5105 Mini ITX - 4x2.5GbE, Dual M.2, 6xSATA

In this review of the NAS Motherboard N5105 the bottom line is clear: this Mini ITX board is aimed at DIY NAS builders and compact firewall/router projects that need multiple high-speed network ports and a variety of storage options. The board's standout reason to buy is the combination of four 2.5GbE i226-V LAN ports and a low-power Intel Celeron N5105, which together deliver capable network throughput with modest power draw for always-on appliances. For those building a home or small office NAS, soft router, or OpenWrt-based gateway, it offers a rare mix of connectivity and storage expandability in a 17.0 cm x 17.0 cm footprint.

Key Features

• Processor: The Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core CPU provides low-power, multi-threaded performance suitable for file serving, light virtualization and NAT workloads.
• High-speed networking: Four i226-V 2.5GbE ports provide reliable multi-gigabit connectivity for WAN/LAN segmentation or aggregated throughput in a compact appliance.
• Storage flexibility: Two M.2 NVMe 2280 slots plus six SATA3.0 ports allow mixed NVMe and SATA arrays for fast caching and high-capacity storage pools.
• Memory support: Two DDR4 slots supporting up to 16GB of non-ECC RAM enable smooth operation of NAS services and router software.
• Video outputs and USB: HDMI2.1 and DP1.4b support dual 4K@60Hz displays for local management, while USB3.0/USB2.0 ports and onboard USB headers allow easy booting and peripheral connection.
• Industrial build: Mini-ITX 17.0 cm x 17.0 cm PCB with high-density, moisture-proof fiber board construction designed for stable long-term operation.

Who It's For

This board is best for DIY enthusiasts, home lab users and small office administrators who want a compact, energy-efficient platform for a NAS, pfSense/OPNsense firewall, or OpenWrt router that benefits from multi-gigabit LAN ports and mixed NVMe/SATA storage. It is especially useful when you need multiple independent 2.5GbE interfaces without adding separate NICs.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who need ECC memory, desktop-class single-thread maximum performance, or who prefer a fully integrated consumer NAS with bundled software and drives. Also note that some network OS installs may require up-to-date kernels for the i226-V NIC support.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Four onboard 2.5GbE ports give strong out-of-the-box networking options for routers and NAS appliances.
• Combination of two NVMe slots and six SATA3.0 ports supports fast caches and large arrays without additional controllers.
• Low-power N5105 CPU balances energy use and multi-threaded performance for always-on services.
• Mini ITX footprint fits small enclosures and custom embedded builds.

Cons

• Requires both 24-pin and 4-pin ATX power connectors, which can be overlooked during assembly.
• New i226-V NICs can need newer OS kernels; confirm OS compatibility before installation.

Specifications

Form factor	Mini ITX 17.0 cm x 17.0 cm
CPU	Intel Celeron N5105, 4 cores / 4 threads, up to 2.90 GHz
LAN	4 x Intel i226-V 2.5GbE ports
Storage	2 x M.2 NVMe 2280, 6 x SATA3.0 (6 Gbps)
Memory	2 x DDR4 slots, up to 16GB (2133/2400/2666 MHz, non-ECC)
Video & USB	HDMI2.1, DP1.4b, 2 x USB3.0, 2 x USB2.0 plus 2 onboard USB headers
Power	Requires 24-pin ATX + 4-pin 12V CPU power to boot

Our Verdict

The NAS Motherboard N5105 is a practical choice for builders who need multi-gigabit LAN and versatile storage in a small footprint; its low-power CPU and rich I/O deliver real-world value for NAS, router and compact server projects. Confirm OS driver support for the i226-V NICs and ensure you provide both required power connectors, and this board will serve as a flexible foundation for a custom appliance without unnecessary extras.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the board need special power connections?
The motherboard requires both the 24-pin ATX and a 4-pin 12V connector to power on.

Which operating systems support the i226-V NIC?
Newer kernels are recommended; compatible systems include pfSense-CE 2.7, OPNsense 23.x, OpenWrt and modern Linux distributions listed by the manufacturer.

How many drives can I attach?
You can attach two NVMe drives plus up to six SATA drives for a mix of fast and high-capacity storage.