Link Plus S1

Link Plus S1 NAS Review: Powerful, Efficient, and User-Friendly Storage Solution

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An in-depth review of the Link Plus S1 NAS, featuring easy component access, low power consumption, and robust performance with Unraid OS.

The Link Plus S1 is a new Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that promises to deliver powerful performance in a compact and user-friendly package. This review will explore the key features, setup process, and real-world performance of the Link Plus S1, helping you determine if it’s the right storage solution for your needs.

Hardware Specifications and Design

Storage Capacity and Expansion

The Link Plus S1 offers impressive storage capabilities:

  • 4 x 3.5-inch SATA drive bays
  • 2 x M.2 NVMe SSD slots
  • Maximum raw capacity of 112TB (using 28TB drives)

This configuration allows for a flexible storage setup, combining high-capacity hard drives with fast SSD caching or tiered storage.

Connectivity and Ports

The NAS provides ample connectivity options:

  • 2 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port (10Gbps)
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port (10Gbps)
  • 1 x HDMI port

The dual 2.5GbE ports support link aggregation out of the box, potentially offering up to 5Gbps of network throughput.

Processor and Memory

At the heart of the Link Plus S1 is an Intel N97 processor:

  • 4 cores
  • 3.6 GHz clock speed
  • 12W TDP

The NAS comes with 8GB of DDR5 RAM, which is easily upgradeable if needed.

Design and Build Quality

The Link Plus S1 features a thoughtful design that prioritizes ease of use and maintenance:

  • Tool-less drive bays for quick and easy drive installation
  • Magnetic covers for easy access to internal components
  • 1.7-inch LCD screen on the front for system information and management
  • Customizable LED lighting

Setup and Installation

Drive Installation

Installing drives in the Link Plus S1 is remarkably simple:

  1. Remove the magnetic front cover
  2. Pull out the drive tray
  3. Insert the 3.5-inch drive into the tray
  4. Push the tray back in until it clicks

For 2.5-inch SSDs, there are mounting holes in the trays, and screws are provided.

M.2 SSD Installation

Installing M.2 NVMe SSDs is equally straightforward:

  1. Remove the magnetic top cover
  2. Locate the M.2 slots
  3. Insert the SSD at an angle
  4. Push down and secure with the provided clip

Initial Setup

The Link Plus S1 comes pre-installed with Unraid OS:

  1. Power on the NAS
  2. Connect to the web interface using the IP address displayed on the LCD screen
  3. Follow the Unraid setup wizard to configure your array and shares

Software and Features

Unraid OS

The Link Plus S1 comes with a licensed copy of Unraid OS, offering:

  • Flexible storage pooling
  • Data protection with parity
  • Docker container support
  • VM capabilities
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem

Docker and VM Support

Setting up Docker containers and VMs is straightforward:

  • Docker containers can be deployed with a few clicks
  • VMs can be created using downloaded ISO images
  • Both Docker and VMs perform well on the Intel N97 processor

The NAS supports link aggregation out of the box:

  • LACP (802.3ad) mode is available
  • Easy to configure in the Unraid network settings

Front Panel Display

The 1.7-inch LCD screen provides quick access to system information:

  • Product information
  • System status (CPU, memory, temperature)
  • Disk status and temperatures
  • Network interface details

Also Check: Unify Network 9.1: Key Updates and New Features Explained

Performance

Network Performance

The Link Plus S1 delivers solid network performance:

  • Consistent 2.5Gbps speeds in file transfers
  • Link aggregation works well, potentially doubling throughput

Storage Performance

Storage performance varies depending on the drives used:

  • NVMe SSDs: ~5000 MB/s read speeds (limited by PCIe x2 lanes)
  • Mechanical HDDs: ~736 MB/s cached reads

Power Consumption

The Link Plus S1 is remarkably power-efficient:

  • Idle: ~42W
  • Under load: 50-58W
  • Maximum observed: ~58W during stress testing

Noise Levels

The NAS operates quietly:

  • No significant increase in ambient noise levels when running
  • Brief increase in fan noise during startup, quickly settling down

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy drive and component installation
  • Low power consumption
  • Quiet operation
  • Included Unraid OS license
  • Versatile with Docker and VM support
  • Informative front panel display
  • Link aggregation support

Cons

  • NVMe SSDs limited to PCIe x2 lanes
  • Maximum network speed of 5Gbps (with link aggregation)

Conclusion

The Link Plus S1 NAS is an impressive storage solution that combines ease of use, efficient performance, and versatility. Its tool-less design and easy-access components make it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced users. The included Unraid OS license adds significant value, providing a powerful and flexible software platform.

While the NVMe SSD performance is slightly limited by the PCIe lanes, and network speeds top out at 5Gbps with link aggregation, these limitations are unlikely to be deal-breakers for most users. The low power consumption and quiet operation make it an excellent choice for home or small office environments.

Overall, the Link Plus S1 offers a compelling package at a competitive price point. It’s well-suited for users looking for a capable, expandable NAS solution with the added benefits of Docker and VM support. Whether you’re a media enthusiast, a small business owner, or a tech hobbyist, the Link Plus S1 is definitely worth considering for your storage needs.

Image Credit : Linkplus

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