+- ASK NC (https://ask.nascompares.com)
+-- Forum: Q&A (https://ask.nascompares.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Before you buy Q&A (https://ask.nascompares.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=2)
+--- Thread: Board recommendations (/showthread.php?tid=12604)
Board recommendations - Enquiries - 01-04-2026
Hello boys,
I’m just interested in a board recommendation, preferably that it’s got a socketed processor, three SSD slots, and at least eight data ports. I was considering the CWWK Q670-8Bay NAS Mini ITX motherboard, but reviews on their site seem to be lacking.
I’d prefer four RAM slots too, Intel over AMD, but I’m not locked in. Just looking for long-term and decent power as I've been using an CWWK N355 and it’s a bit gutless, sadly.
Regards John
and happy new year
RE: Board recommendations - ed - 01-04-2026
The ASRock Rack W680D4U line is the strongest fit. It gives you a full socketed Intel chip, ECC support, eight SATA via onboard and SlimSAS, and enough PCIe lanes to add more NVMe through an adapter. It is also much more stable long term than the CWWK Q670 boards, which tend to have inconsistent firmware and mixed reliability.
A very solid alternative is the Supermicro X13SAE family. It also offers a socketed Intel CPU, four RAM slots, eight SATA ports and multiple PCIe slots for expanding NVMe. It is extremely dependable and well supported.
If you want something a bit more affordable while still hitting your requirements, the ASUS Pro WS W680M ACE is another good option. It includes three M.2 slots, four RAM slots and eight SATA without the compromises you see on cheaper boards.
Any of these will give you a big leap in power over the N355 and will hold up well for a long-term NAS build.