Minisforum is expanding its lineup with the new Minisforum N5 Air, a device designed to blur the line between a traditional network-attached storage (NAS) system and a full Windows-capable mini PC. If you’ve been looking for a compact setup that can centralize storage for your home or office while still acting like a desktop computer when you need it, the N5 Air is built for exactly that kind of dual-purpose role.
At the heart of the Minisforum N5 Air is an AMD Ryzen 7 255 processor, giving it enough performance to handle typical PC workloads while it manages network storage duties in the background. Minisforum positions the N5 Air as a practical NAS/mini PC hybrid: you can keep your files on the system and access them from other devices on your network, while also using the same box as a regular computer for productivity or media tasks. Out of the box, it includes a 64 GB SSD with MinisCloud OS preinstalled, so you can get started quickly on the storage side.
For display and general PC flexibility, the N5 Air includes one HDMI port and two USB-C ports, enabling 4K output to multiple monitors at refresh rates up to 144 Hz. That monitor support is a standout for a NAS-style product, and it reinforces the idea that this isn’t just a storage appliance tucked away in a closet—it can sit on a desk and function like a daily-use mini PC depending on your setup.
Storage expandability is a major focus. The Minisforum N5 Air comes with five bays for standard hard drives, ideal for large-capacity NAS builds where you want plenty of room for backups, media libraries, or shared project folders. On top of that, there are three M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, and Minisforum includes an adapter that allows U.2 drives to be installed via those M.2 slots. That mix of HDD and high-speed SSD options makes it easier to balance bulk storage with fast caching or ultra-quick working drives.
Network speed is equally serious. The system features dual Ethernet ports, with one rated up to 5 Gbit/s and the other up to 10 Gbit/s. It also supports Link Aggregation, which can improve throughput and redundancy in the right environment—though to benefit, you’ll need compatible network gear (such as a switch and cabling) that won’t bottleneck the connection elsewhere.
Memory starts at 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, and users can upgrade it up to 96 GB. That headroom is useful if you plan to run heavier workloads, multiple services, or more demanding storage tasks. Expansion goes further with an OCuLink interface for connecting an external GPU or extra storage devices, plus an included PCIe slot—features that are uncommon in many consumer NAS boxes and can open the door to more specialized configurations.
In the US, the Minisforum N5 Air is priced at about $1,174. Buyers comparing options may also want to look at the Minisforum N5 Pro as a potential alternative, depending on their preferred mix of features and value.
Overall, the Minisforum N5 Air targets users who want more than a simple NAS: it’s for those who like the idea of a single compact machine that can host shared storage, deliver fast networking, and still step in as a capable Windows mini PC when the situation calls for it.
