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Suryasis 24.2K Views
May 8, 2026 11:02 PM

Ace Magic N3A Mini PC: Ryzen R2544, up to 64GB RAM, up to 16TB SSD, Radeon Graphics

$279

$559

50% off
+ Free S&Hat Ace Magic
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Deal Details
Ace Magic has Ace Magic N3A Mini PC on sale for $339 - $60 (enter coupon code ACEN3A in cart) = $279. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member Suryasis for finding this deal.

Specs:
  • AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 4 Cores, 8 Threads (3.35GHz Base / 3.7GHz Boost) Processor
  • 2x DDR4 SO-DIMM slots (expandable up to 64GB)
  • up to 16TB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 Solid State Drive (2x M.2 2280 slot, 2x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 ×4)
  • 4x SATA Drive Bays
  • AMD Radeon Graphics
  • Windows 11 PRO
  • Ports:
    • 2x RJ45
    • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (5 Gbps, blue connectors)
    • 2x USB 2.0 ports (grey connectors)
    • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port (Data + DP 1.4 Video Output)
    • 1x DC IN
    • 1x HDMI 2.0
    • 1x DP 1.4
    • 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack

Editor's Notes

Written by megakimcheelove | Staff
  • 2-year warranty
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by Suryasis
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Ace Magic has Ace Magic N3A Mini PC on sale for $339 - $60 (enter coupon code ACEN3A in cart) = $279. Shipping is free.

Thanks to community member Suryasis for finding this deal.

Specs:
  • AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 4 Cores, 8 Threads (3.35GHz Base / 3.7GHz Boost) Processor
  • 2x DDR4 SO-DIMM slots (expandable up to 64GB)
  • up to 16TB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 Solid State Drive (2x M.2 2280 slot, 2x M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe 3.0 ×4)
  • 4x SATA Drive Bays
  • AMD Radeon Graphics
  • Windows 11 PRO
  • Ports:
    • 2x RJ45
    • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (5 Gbps, blue connectors)
    • 2x USB 2.0 ports (grey connectors)
    • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port (Data + DP 1.4 Video Output)
    • 1x DC IN
    • 1x HDMI 2.0
    • 1x DP 1.4
    • 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack

Editor's Notes

Written by megakimcheelove | Staff
  • 2-year warranty
  • Please see the original post for additional details & give the WIKI and additional forum comments a read for helpful discussion.

Original Post

Written by Suryasis

Community Voting

Deal Score
+35
Good Deal
Visit Ace Magic

Top Comments

beersy
92Comments
50Reputation
The Aostar wtr pro for only $50 more, has a ryzen 5825 processor (Zen 3 vs Zen+) with 8 cores vs 4 cores. A better iGPU and dual 2.5gbps Ethernet vs only one 2.5gbps. The CPU alone seems like the extra $50 is worth it. And that's just Amazon pricing. Nothing amazing.
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beersy
92Comments
50Reputation
These literally just are tiny pcs that just happen to have 4 3.5" bays. They can run any OS and thus docker containers. For home use, they can do plenty: HA, Plex/Emby, etc…. And generally use less power than a full fledged desktop due to laptop CPU's.
Go to Comment
beersy
92Comments
50Reputation
Because most people will have other services they would want to support. If you have a NAS, many people also want a Plex/Emby Server. Or maybe you want to run a VPN and a torrent VM. Or maybe you want to run a VM with Blue Iris for your IP Cams? Or maybe a game server for say playing Minecraft? Or or or? It's a PC. If you have resources the skies the limit. Sure some "just want a NAS" but most will find other uses than just basic file sharing.
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36 Comments

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May 10, 2026 2:46 PM
1.1K Comments
Joined Nov 2020
DoctorAwesomeMay 10, 2026 2:46 PM
1.1K Comments
Quote from Suryasis View quoted comment :
Barebone doesn't come with any OS license for any mini PCs. However, people probably won't be using Windows for NAS steup in the 1st place.
but they might run W11 VMs for some silly reason Wink
May 10, 2026 5:01 PM
92 Comments
Joined Oct 2016
beersyMay 10, 2026 5:01 PM
92 Comments
Quote from Suryasis View quoted comment :
If you're building a basic NAS just for Storage, why you need so much processing power in the 1st place? Instead, you just need a processor which is capable enough to handle the NAS OS, good amount ports and storage options. The processor is couple of years old but it has still enough power to handle a standrad NAS setup and the benefit you'll get over Intel N series Processor based ones, are dual channel memory support, far more PCIe Lanes and way better performance, stronger integrated graphics.
Because most people will have other services they would want to support. If you have a NAS, many people also want a Plex/Emby Server. Or maybe you want to run a VPN and a torrent VM. Or maybe you want to run a VM with Blue Iris for your IP Cams? Or maybe a game server for say playing Minecraft? Or or or? It's a PC. If you have resources the skies the limit. Sure some "just want a NAS" but most will find other uses than just basic file sharing.
May 10, 2026 5:12 PM
92 Comments
Joined Oct 2016
beersyMay 10, 2026 5:12 PM
92 Comments
Quote from ZeeLobby View quoted comment :
Is kinda crazy how everyone is jumping on these "nas" boxes with a ridiculously overkill amount of power. Most dusty old home desktops can do anything you'd want a nas to do. Making sure you find a processor to support the encoding you want is basically it.
Problem is most "dusty old" do not have an iGPU capable of modern encoding. Example: you need an Intel 7000 series to get HDR10 H265 and if you want 12bit h265, you need a 12000 series or better. So now at minimum you need an Intel N100 series. AMd isn't much better. While neither the 2000 or 5000 series can do 12bit h265, the encoder in the 5000 series is vastly superior.
May 10, 2026 5:54 PM
854 Comments
Joined Aug 2011
ZeeLobbyMay 10, 2026 5:54 PM
854 Comments
Quote from beersy View quoted comment :
Problem is most "dusty old" do not have an iGPU capable of modern encoding. Example: you need an Intel 7000 series to get HDR10 H265 and if you want 12bit h265, you need a 12000 series or better. So now at minimum you need an Intel N100 series. AMd isn't much better. While neither the 2000 or 5000 series can do 12bit h265, the encoder in the 5000 series is vastly superior.
Sure but most people have a modern computer they could host Plex on with better encoding and just network host a nas. Or add a cheap arc or quadro for encoding. Like there's def just cheaper ways. More modular ways. To do it. Ways where when 16bit encoding drops or some other tech you'll only be upgrading a component. Not throwing out your presoldered box

rampocalypse has also just made me more frugal minded. so if you have the money go for it.
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May 11, 2026 4:02 AM
20.7K Comments
Joined Jul 2015
SuryasisMay 11, 2026 4:02 AM
Original Poster
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This user is an Expert in Computers
20.7K Comments
Quote from beersy View quoted comment :
Because most people will have other services they would want to support. If you have a NAS, many people also want a Plex/Emby Server. Or maybe you want to run a VPN and a torrent VM. Or maybe you want to run a VM with Blue Iris for your IP Cams? Or maybe a game server for say playing Minecraft? Or or or? It's a PC. If you have resources the skies the limit. Sure some "just want a NAS" but most will find other uses than just basic file sharing.
That's lot of may be and if people want all those, they probably know that a sub $300 NAS is not gonna cut it out. It is like saying a $600 laptop is bad because there are $2000 laptops which can do a lot of other things. Have you thought that this is probably intended for people who don't wanna all these?
And This processor is equivalent to a Ryzen 5 3500U processor and running Plex, VPN or Torrent VM running on this is perfectly fine.
1
May 12, 2026 6:14 PM
810 Comments
Joined Jan 2007
ausMay 12, 2026 6:14 PM
810 Comments
Can someone like a PC in this price range?
Even a refurb? I need a couple for the office.
2
May 12, 2026 6:33 PM
14.4K Comments
Joined May 2008
max1001May 12, 2026 6:33 PM
14.4K Comments
Seem strange to pay a premium for embedded APU. Yes, the point of these chips is that AMD promise 10 years support, but I doubt Ace Magic will be in business in 10 years.
1

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May 12, 2026 6:53 PM
1.9K Comments
Joined Aug 2007
OrangeJuliusMay 12, 2026 6:53 PM
1.9K Comments
Quote from aus View quoted comment :
Can someone like a PC in this price range?
Even a refurb? I need a couple for the office.
IT guy here, 20 years experience. Please don't use Chinese minis in a business environment.

You're better off with established brands like HP, Lenovo or Dell, who provide firmware updates for 5-7 years after market availability via automatic Microsoft Updates to deal with the multitude of security threats that have been targeting BIOS level vulnerabilities. 10 years ago, it was fairly uncommon to see a BIOS or firmware updates pushed by Microsoft Update, but now that's the expectation, at least for the big brands. Chinese OEMs... not so much. You maybe see them provide BIOS updates for a year if you're lucky, and they have to be manually installed.

Don't get me wrong, I love cheap minis as much as the next person. I personally use a Beelink Ser7 as an emulator box on my TV to play SNES, Gamecube, Xbox, Playstation 1/2/3 and PC games. I've used minis for Minecraft servers, media centers, home file/print servers, etc. They're fine for that kind of thing.

But I'd never recommend using a Chinese brand mini for business. Again, you're better off getting a decent Prodesk mini from HP, Optiplex from Dell, or ThinkCenter from Lenovo. Just order them direct from one of their sites, as retailers don't generally sell business PCs.
1
May 12, 2026 7:39 PM
125 Comments
Joined Dec 2018
3MB33Z33May 12, 2026 7:39 PM
125 Comments
Quote from beersy View quoted comment :
Problem is most "dusty old" do not have an iGPU capable of modern encoding. Example: you need an Intel 7000 series to get HDR10 H265 and if you want 12bit h265, you need a 12000 series or better. So now at minimum you need an Intel N100 series. AMd isn't much better. While neither the 2000 or 5000 series can do 12bit h265, the encoder in the 5000 series is vastly superior.
Not to mention those "dusty old" PCs are power hungry. These minis are great energy sippers.
May 12, 2026 9:47 PM
1.1K Comments
Joined Jun 2006
zyberwoofMay 12, 2026 9:47 PM
1.1K Comments
Quote from OrangeJulius View quoted comment :
IT guy here, 20 years experience. Please don't use Chinese minis in a business environment.

You're better off with established brands like HP, Lenovo or Dell, who provide firmware updates for 5-7 years after market availability via automatic Microsoft Updates to deal with the multitude of security threats that have been targeting BIOS level vulnerabilities. 10 years ago, it was fairly uncommon to see a BIOS or firmware updates pushed by Microsoft Update, but now that's the expectation, at least for the big brands. Chinese OEMs... not so much. You maybe see them provide BIOS updates for a year if you're lucky, and they have to be manually installed.

Don't get me wrong, I love cheap minis as much as the next person. I personally use a Beelink Ser7 as an emulator box on my TV to play SNES, Gamecube, Xbox, Playstation 1/2/3 and PC games. I've used minis for Minecraft servers, media centers, home file/print servers, etc. They're fine for that kind of thing.

But I'd never recommend using a Chinese brand mini for business. Again, you're better off getting a decent Prodesk mini from HP, Optiplex from Dell, or ThinkCenter from Lenovo. Just order them direct from one of their sites, as retailers don't generally sell business PCs.
I agree. Not to be cliche, but "Time is money." At least, it is when talking about businesses.
Anyone who can troubleshoot PC issues is worth at least $20/hr, if not much, much more. Any money you save buying a mini PC like this will likely get eclipsed by additional costs associated with supporting them. Plus, downtime for employee workstations is much worse than your PleX server going down for a few hours at home.
May 13, 2026 12:45 AM
1.2K Comments
Joined Oct 2016
DeC5799May 13, 2026 12:45 AM
1.2K Comments
Quote from zyberwoof View quoted comment :
I agree. Not to be cliche, but "Time is money." At least, it is when talking about businesses.Anyone who can troubleshoot PC issues is worth at least $20/hr, if not much, much more. Any money you save buying a mini PC like this will likely get eclipsed by additional costs associated with supporting them. Plus, downtime for employee workstations is much worse than your PleX server going down for a few hours at home.
Good general rule, I would add don't use them for production or mission critical or business critical roles. I think these are fine for r&d and non critical lab purposes even prototyping. Just don't put any important on these and treat these as disposable as far as data you want to put in it. (Mock data).
1
May 13, 2026 5:10 AM
297 Comments
Joined Mar 2004
VavoomMay 13, 2026 5:10 AM
297 Comments
Quote from OrangeJulius View quoted comment :
IT guy here, 20 years experience. Please don't use Chinese minis in a business environment. You're better off with established brands like HP, Lenovo or Dell, who provide firmware updates for 5-7 years after market availability via automatic Microsoft Updates to deal with the multitude of security threats that have been targeting BIOS level vulnerabilities. 10 years ago, it was fairly uncommon to see a BIOS or firmware updates pushed by Microsoft Update, but now that's the expectation, at least for the big brands. Chinese OEMs... not so much. You maybe see them provide BIOS updates for a year if you're lucky, and they have to be manually installed.Don't get me wrong, I love cheap minis as much as the next person. I personally use a Beelink Ser7 as an emulator box on my TV to play SNES, Gamecube, Xbox, Playstation 1/2/3 and PC games. I've used minis for Minecraft servers, media centers, home file/print servers, etc. They're fine for that kind of thing.But I'd never recommend using a Chinese brand mini for business. Again, you're better off getting a decent Prodesk mini from HP, Optiplex from Dell, or ThinkCenter from Lenovo. Just order them direct from one of their sites, as retailers don't generally sell business PCs.
What mini pc model/maker would you recommend to buy to run a Plex media server? Thanks!
May 13, 2026 3:37 PM
1.9K Comments
Joined Aug 2007
OrangeJuliusMay 13, 2026 3:37 PM
1.9K Comments
Quote from Vavoom View quoted comment :
What mini pc model/maker would you recommend to buy to run a Plex media server? Thanks!
N100 / N150 boxes are plenty if the box will be solely used for Plex. They can transcode 3-6 4k streams at once. Don't store your movies on an SSD; it's extremely expensive right now, up to $100 for a single 1TB NVMe on the used market. In comparison, you can get a new 4TB 2.5" hard drive for $155, and used for even less.

Most users just attach a cheap USB connected hard drive. A Seagate 8TB runs $240 on Amazon, and they're considerably cheaper on eBay for used, although you may want to extensively test those before taking the time to dump media on it.

The N100/N150 PCs used to be super cheap, but they're getting harder to find, and the prices all went up a lot. DRAM / NAND bubble I'm afraid.
Last edited by OrangeJulius May 13, 2026 at 08:40 AM.
1
May 13, 2026 6:06 PM
297 Comments
Joined Mar 2004
VavoomMay 13, 2026 6:06 PM
297 Comments
Quote from OrangeJulius View quoted comment :
N100 / N150 boxes are plenty if the box will be solely used for Plex. They can transcode 3-6 4k streams at once. Don't store your movies on an SSD; it's extremely expensive right now, up to $100 for a single 1TB NVMe on the used market. In comparison, you can get a new 4TB 2.5" hard drive for $155, and used for even less.Most users just attach a cheap USB connected hard drive. A Seagate 8TB runs $240 on Amazon, and they're considerably cheaper on eBay for used, although you may want to extensively test those before taking the time to dump media on it.The N100/N150 PCs used to be super cheap, but they're getting harder to find, and the prices all went up a lot. DRAM / NAND bubble I'm afraid.
Any particular brand? Also, what brands to avoid? Thanks!

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May 13, 2026 7:35 PM
179 Comments
Joined Jul 2018
hg4399May 13, 2026 7:35 PM
179 Comments
FYI AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544 is essentially a Zen 1+ SoC, which is way worse than N100...
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