AOOSTAR has introduced a lower-cost Intel version of its WTR MAX NAS system, giving buyers another option below the Ryzen 7 PRO model.
The new configuration uses Intel’s Core i5-1235U, an Alder Lake-U processor with 2 Performance cores and 8 Efficient cores. AOOSTAR lists the barebone version at $559, without memory, storage, or an operating system.
That price puts the Intel model $100 below the Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS version, which has recently been listed at $659. For buyers mainly interested in storage density, networking, and expansion rather than maximum CPU performance, the cheaper model may be the more practical entry point.
Quick Comparison
| Image | Product | Best fit | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
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Crucial 32GB DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM | A barebones WTR MAX build needs DDR5 SO-DIMM memory before it can be put into service. A 32GB DDR5-4800 module is a practical starting point for NAS, Proxmox, and lightweight home server workloads. | Check Price on Amazon |
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WD Red Plus 8TB NAS HDD | The WTR MAX’s six 3.5-inch bays make NAS hard drives the core storage purchase. WD Red Plus drives are aimed at multi-bay NAS use and fit the SATA HDD role described in the system layout. | Check Price on Amazon |
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Samsung 990 EVO 2TB NVMe SSD | The five M.2 2280 slots give builders room for SSD cache, application storage, or VM disks. A 2TB NVMe SSD is a straightforward fit, though the Intel model’s PCIe 3.0 lane limits mean peak drive speeds may not be fully used. | Check Price on Amazon |
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TP-Link TL-SX105 5-Port 10G Switch | To take advantage of the WTR MAX’s 10GbE ports, the rest of the network needs matching multi-gig hardware. A compact 10G switch can connect the NAS, a workstation, and other wired devices without relying on a slower gigabit link. | Check Price on Amazon |
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Same WTR MAX Layout, Lower-Cost CPU
The Intel WTR MAX keeps the same storage-focused chassis design. It supports six 3.5-inch SATA hard drives and five M.2 2280 NVMe SSDs, making it unusually dense for a compact NAS-style system.
The main compromise appears to be PCIe bandwidth for the NVMe slots. AOOSTAR lists three PCIe 3.0 x2 slots and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for the Intel model, which means SSD throughput is lower than on the AMD version.
| Feature | Intel WTR MAX listing |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1235U |
| Hard drive bays | Six 3.5-inch SATA bays |
| M.2 support | Five M.2 2280 NVMe slots |
| Networking | Two 10GbE ports and two 2.5GbE ports |
| Starting price | $559 barebone |
AOOSTAR also lists support for DDR5-4800 memory through two SO-DIMM slots, with capacity information depending on the final configuration. Unlike the Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS model, this Intel version is not described as supporting ECC memory.
Networking and Expansion Remain the Draw
The rest of the platform remains aimed at home lab and small server users. The system includes two 10GbE ports based on Intel 82599 controllers and two 2.5GbE ports using Intel I226-V controllers.
Other listed connectivity includes USB4, OCuLink, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, microSD, and several USB 3.2 ports. The system also has a 280W power supply, a vapor chamber CPU heatsink, and three fans for the hard drive area.
Availability
AOOSTAR says the barebone Intel model is already available from its US warehouse. European availability is listed as following shortly after, with Germany expected around May 30 and EU pre-orders showing shipping from June 1, though those dates should be treated as retailer timing rather than a guaranteed delivery schedule.
For users building a NAS, Proxmox host, or compact storage server, the new Intel model keeps the WTR MAX’s biggest selling point: a lot of drive support and fast networking in one box. The tradeoff is a less powerful processor and reduced NVMe bandwidth compared with the Ryzen version.