Minisforum N5 Max: Network storage and mini-PC combo for large storage systems comes with powerful AMD APU

The Minisforum N5 Max emerges as a compelling convergence of network-attached storage and desktop computing, targeting users requiring substantial local storage without sacrificing processing power. Slated for CES 2026 alongside its sibling N5 Air, this hybrid solution integrates AMD's Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU featuring Radeon 8060S graphics—delivering unexpected computational muscle for a storage-focused device.

Measuring 199 x 202.4 x 25.3 mm, the aluminum chassis packs enterprise-level storage flexibility. Its primary function as a NAS is enhanced by support for five simultaneous drives: accommodating both 3.5-inch HDDs for bulk storage and 2.5-inch SSDs for faster access, plus M.2 2280 NVMe slots for caching or tiered storage. The inclusion of a PCIe 4.0 x4 expansion slot allows adding dedicated network cards, supplementing the dual onboard Ethernet ports rated at 10GbE and 5GbE respectively.

What distinguishes the N5 Max from conventional NAS units is its full Windows compatibility. The soldered 128GB LPDDR5x RAM (versus 96GB in the N5 Air) enables serious multitasking, while display outputs via HDMI 2.1 and USB-C transform it into a standalone workstation. This dual-role capability proves valuable for media editors needing local project storage or IT administrators managing local servers.

Compared to Minisforum's existing N5 Pro (available via Amazon), the Max variant offers significant generational improvements. The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU outperforms previous mobile processors in both CPU and GPU tasks, while the expanded PCIe bandwidth supports faster storage configurations. Against competitors like QNAP or Synology NAS devices, the N5 Max's x86 architecture provides broader software compatibility, though dedicated NAS solutions may offer more specialized management tools.

For homelab enthusiasts, the device presents intriguing possibilities. The combination of ECC memory support, hardware-accelerated transcoding via Radeon graphics, and flexible drive configurations makes it suitable for Plex servers, virtualization hosts, or backup repositories. Thermal management remains the critical unknown, as compact enclosures housing multiple drives and a 65W TDP APU require sophisticated cooling—details Minisforum has yet to disclose.

With pricing and availability pending, the N5 Max positions itself as a niche solution for power users seeking consolidation. As storage demands grow exponentially, such hybrid devices could redefine expectations for compact computing infrastructure.