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I am looking for a very quiet home linux server (bit more than a NAS, could be a web server for outer world, running something like Piwigo etc., also ssh server etc. -- probably on the higher end wrt. CPU power
For the moment I am eyeing fanless mini pcs with N305 / N355 processor, by CWWK, SJRC, AdvanElink... typically on Amazon, I even noticed a good local offer on an MSI Cubi 5 12M-001BEU with i7- 1255U CPU but it is not fanless unfortunately.
I travel occasionally to other EU countries, could get a delivery to a hotel if planned in advance.
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If you want a quiet, low-power Linux server that can still handle web hosting, photo sharing (like Piwigo), and SSH access, you’re thinking in exactly the right direction.
The Intel N305 or N355 fanless systems from CWWK or AdvanElink are great options. They offer solid performance for web and media workloads, and with proper thermal design, they stay silent under normal load. These boards usually include dual 2.5GbE, NVMe + SATA storage support, and up to 32GB DDR5 RAM, which gives you more flexibility than prebuilt NAS systems at the same price.
If you want something prebuilt and ready to go, the CWWK N305 fanless mini server is ideal — available on Amazon EU and AliExpress. It’s passively cooled, supports NVMe SSDs, and can easily run Ubuntu Server, Debian, or TrueNAS SCALE.
The MSI Cubi 5 i7 you mentioned is powerful, but since it’s not fanless, it’ll make noticeable noise under load. You could reduce fan noise with an external fan curve controller, but it won’t match a fully passive N305 unit.
In short, I’d recommend:
• CWWK N305 or N355 fanless mini PC (best value, fanless, expandable)
• Kingnovy or AdvanElink N305 if you prefer EU shipping options
• Add a PCIe or USB NVMe enclosure for external storage expansion if needed
This setup will be completely silent, energy-efficient, and easily capable of serving web apps, databases, and remote access.
