Minisforum Launched N5 Air-7640 NAS Variant
The new storage unit swaps to a Ryzen 5 7640HS processor to lower the entry price for high-capacity systems.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Computers
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Minisforum has announced the N5 Air-7640, a new network-attached storage (NAS) variant that replaces the Ryzen 7 255 processor with a Ryzen 5 7640HS. The barebones model is expected to ship in late October.
Why it matters
By adopting a lower-cost processor option, Minisforum is targeting a more accessible entry price for users requiring high-capacity local data management. The device balances significant storage density with flexible expansion options for professional or prosumer setups.
The unit supports a maximum capacity of 174 TB through five SATA bays for drives up to 30 TB each and three M.2 slots totaling 24 TB. Users can install up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 memory across two SO-DIMM slots.
The players
Minisforum
A hardware manufacturer known for its compact desktop computers and small-form-factor servers.
The details
The N5 Air-7640 features a slide-out internal chassis design to provide access for memory and SSD upgrades. It supports standard RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) levels 0, 1, 5, and 6 to manage data redundancy across drives. Connectivity options include 10 Gbps and 5 Gbps network ports, with further expansion supported via an internal PCIe x16 slot and OCuLink, a specialized interface for connecting external PCIe devices.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Minisforum launched the N5 Air-7640 NAS variant.
Late October 2026: Configurations are expected to ship to customers.
The Tech Race
This development marks an iterative update to the Minisforum N5 Air series rather than a full platform redesign. It follows a competitive trend of downsizing storage controller hardware costs while maintaining high-speed network and expansion interfaces.
The device will be available to customers starting in late October, offering a more affordable base configuration for home or office storage needs. Prospective users should ensure their current drive inventory is compatible with the unit's 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch SATA mounting bays.
The takeaway
Minisforum is actively repositioning its NAS lineup to prioritize a lower barrier to entry for high-capacity storage. Watch for initial user-generated thermal and performance reviews once units ship to confirm if the Ryzen 5 7640HS maintains efficiency under heavy drive loads.
Further reading
For more on the current state of small-form-factor hardware, explore our Computers section.
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