Orico MetaBox NAS devices offer flexible storage with Intel Celeron processors

Orico has introduced two new network-attached storage devices designed to meet the needs of home offices and small businesses seeking flexible storage solutions. The MetaBox HS200 and HS400 NAS units feature aluminum bodies with rounded corners and support for multiple storage devices, making them versatile options for users who need expandable storage capacity.

The MetaBox HS200 supports up to four storage devices total, with two M.2 SSD slots and two 3.5-inch hard drive bays. The larger HS400 model expands on this with five hard drive bays plus two M.2 slots, supporting up to seven storage devices simultaneously. This configuration allows users to mix and match SSDs for speed and HDDs for capacity based on their specific needs.

Both models are powered by Intel Celeron N5105 Jasper Lake processors, a 10-watt quad-core chip that was released five years ago. While not the latest generation, this processor has proven capable in similar NAS devices. As the author notes, the same chip is used in the Asustor AS5402T NAS, which has delivered satisfactory performance for home office and entertainment purposes. The processor provides more than adequate speed for typical NAS workloads including file sharing, media streaming, and backup operations.

Memory configurations differ between the two models. The HS200 ships with 4GB of RAM pre-installed, while the HS400 comes with 8GB. Both systems feature two SODIMM slots supporting DDR4-2933 memory, allowing for future upgrades. The bottom panel of each unit is removable, providing easy access to both the memory slots and the two M.2 2280 slots that support PCIe 3.0 SSDs.

Storage expansion is straightforward with magnetically attached front panels that provide access to the hard drive bays. This design makes it simple to add or replace drives without requiring tools. The systems also include 32GB of built-in flash storage that houses Orico's proprietary CeyberData OS, the operating system that powers these NAS devices.

The CeyberData OS offers robust filesystem support, including ZFS, which provides advanced features like data integrity verification, snapshots, and compression. RAID configurations are well-supported, with both models offering RAID0, RAID1, and Basic configurations. The HS400 adds support for RAID5 and RAID10, providing more advanced redundancy options for users with larger storage arrays.

Active cooling is provided through internal fans, ensuring reliable operation even under heavy load. The port selection is comprehensive for a NAS device, including two 2.5 GbE LAN ports for network connectivity, HDMI output for direct display connection, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a DC power input.

Physically, the HS200 measures 222 x 145 x 129.5mm (8.7" x 5.7" x 5.1"), while the HS400 is taller at 231.5mm (9.1") high to accommodate the additional hard drive bays. Both units maintain a compact footprint suitable for desktop placement.

Pricing for the launch period is set at $350 for the HS200 and $420 for the HS400, representing discounts from the expected retail prices of $400 and $460 respectively. This pricing positions these devices competitively in the NAS market, particularly given their flexible storage configurations and comprehensive feature sets.

While some users might prefer newer processor options like Intel Alder Lake-N or Twin Lake, the Celeron N5105 has demonstrated reliable performance in similar applications. The combination of expandable memory, multiple storage options, robust OS features, and reasonable pricing makes the MetaBox HS200 and HS400 attractive options for users seeking versatile network storage solutions.

The launch of these devices reflects ongoing demand for flexible, high-capacity storage solutions as digital content creation and consumption continue to grow. With support for modern filesystems like ZFS and multiple RAID configurations, these NAS units offer the reliability and data protection features that both home users and small businesses require.