8 hours ago
Your idea of an offsite secondary backup using an N100-based setup is solid, especially considering your technical knowledge and the flexibility it gives you.
Regarding your main question: yes, most Topton N100 boards (including the MW-N100 model) do support RTC wake-up, but not all BIOS firmware versions expose the setting clearly. Users have had mixed experiences depending on the board variant and BIOS version, but generally, the RTC wake-up option is under the “Power Management” section of the BIOS. If it’s not visible, a BIOS update (from Topton or the board OEM) can sometimes enable it.
Here are a few points to consider when building your setup:
1. Motherboard & CPU (Topton N100):
• Low power draw (as low as 6–10W idle), passively cooled, fanless or silent depending on case.
• More than capable of rsync and Borg-related tasks, even with SSH encryption.
• Often includes dual or even 2.5GbE LAN if needed later.
2. Case Recommendation:
• Look at the Jonsbo N1 or N2, SilverStone CS381, or Fractal Node 304 for something that fits a single 3.5” drive and has decent airflow. The Kuxyun K2 or K3 mini ITX enclosures with external power supplies are also good for compact, quiet builds.
3. Power Supply:
• Aim for a DC-ATX or PicoPSU with an external 12V brick for maximum efficiency and silence.
4. OS:
• A minimal Debian or Ubuntu Server install with systemd timers for RTC-based wake/sleep schedules will handle your use case well. Add ethtool and systemd-suspend for precise control of network and sleep behavior.
5. Wi-Fi Option:
• If you want Wi-Fi later, use a low-power USB adapter with native kernel support (e.g., based on Intel AX200 or Realtek 8811CU) or a mini PCIe/NGFF Wi-Fi card depending on the board’s slot availability.
If you’re not locked to the Topton, you could also consider a secondhand Intel NUC with SATA bay, or even a fanless Odroid H3+ with 3.5” support and confirmed RTC wake—though prices may push above €400 with HDD included.
Regarding your main question: yes, most Topton N100 boards (including the MW-N100 model) do support RTC wake-up, but not all BIOS firmware versions expose the setting clearly. Users have had mixed experiences depending on the board variant and BIOS version, but generally, the RTC wake-up option is under the “Power Management” section of the BIOS. If it’s not visible, a BIOS update (from Topton or the board OEM) can sometimes enable it.
Here are a few points to consider when building your setup:
1. Motherboard & CPU (Topton N100):
• Low power draw (as low as 6–10W idle), passively cooled, fanless or silent depending on case.
• More than capable of rsync and Borg-related tasks, even with SSH encryption.
• Often includes dual or even 2.5GbE LAN if needed later.
2. Case Recommendation:
• Look at the Jonsbo N1 or N2, SilverStone CS381, or Fractal Node 304 for something that fits a single 3.5” drive and has decent airflow. The Kuxyun K2 or K3 mini ITX enclosures with external power supplies are also good for compact, quiet builds.
3. Power Supply:
• Aim for a DC-ATX or PicoPSU with an external 12V brick for maximum efficiency and silence.
4. OS:
• A minimal Debian or Ubuntu Server install with systemd timers for RTC-based wake/sleep schedules will handle your use case well. Add ethtool and systemd-suspend for precise control of network and sleep behavior.
5. Wi-Fi Option:
• If you want Wi-Fi later, use a low-power USB adapter with native kernel support (e.g., based on Intel AX200 or Realtek 8811CU) or a mini PCIe/NGFF Wi-Fi card depending on the board’s slot availability.
If you’re not locked to the Topton, you could also consider a secondhand Intel NUC with SATA bay, or even a fanless Odroid H3+ with 3.5” support and confirmed RTC wake—though prices may push above €400 with HDD included.