Helios64 is an upgraded version Helios4 of ARM-based NAS SBC (Single-board computer) for Linux. This NAS (Network Attached Storage) comes with 5 SATA 3.0 port, M.2 sata slot, LPDDR 4 ram, and hexacore SoC. Let us see some details about the Helios64 Arm-Based Linux NAS SBC, including pricing and hardware specs information.
Helios64 Arm-Based Linux NAS Hardware Specification
- CPU: ARM 64-bit Hexacore SoC RK3399(K) (2x Cortex A-72 and 4x Cortex-A53)
- Memory: LPDDR4 4GB
- Storage: eMMC 5.1 – 16GB
- SATA storage ports: 5x SATA 3.0
- M.2 SATA Slot: 1x (shared with one SATA 3.0)
- Ethernet: 2.5 Gbe and 1 GB Ethernet
- USB: Type-C (DP and DAS mode), 3x USB3.0
- microSD: Yes
- On-Board HDD Power
- Built-In UPS (battery in option)
- Dual DC Input
- Rich IO Interfaces (i2c, spi, uart, gpio and more…)
- 2x PWM Fan
- Heatsink included
- Nano-ITX Form factor (120 x 120mm)
Helios4 is an ARM-based device specially designed for Network Attached Storage (NAS) that will run Linux.
Helios64 case
Naturally, network-attached storage (NAS) requires enclosure. Helios64 case is a storage device that provides HDD capacity to devices connected to a network. The specs are as follows:
- HDD Support: 5x 3.5″ HDD
- Hot-Plug HDD Tray System: Yes
- Integrated Control Panel: Yes
- Front USB 3.0 Port: Yes
- Fans/Cooling: 2x 80mm PWM Fans
- Dimension : H 134mm x W 222mm x D 250mm
- Other: Easy assembly includes all wiring
Helios64 pricing
Individual components price is as follows:
- Helios64 mother board price : USD $189
- NAS (Helios64) case: USD $95
- Power Adapter 12V / 10A: USD $14
- UPS Battery Pack (2S1P pack composed of Panasonic Cell NCR18650BD): USD $12
However, one can get the Helios64 full kit bundle for USD 295 provided that you pre-order it before March 2020, you would pay USD 285. The full kit bundle includes:
- Heliso64 board + case + UPS battery pack + PSU 12V / 10A
The Helios64 kit and other parts will be ready to ship end of March 2020.
Operating system support
Apart from standard Linux distros such as Debian and Ubuntu, one can use Armbian and OpenMediaVault NAS operating system. It is not clear at this time if one can install FreeBSD/OpenBSD or FreeNAS.
Conclusion
Overall, Helios64 is a low-cost and energy-efficient SoC NAS unit for Linux operating system. However, it does not support ECC ram, and it is not clear if one can run FreeBSD with ZFS. The older model had 2GB ECC ram. I believe the ECC ram could increase the reliability of NAS for software RAID. It is also not clear if SoC support hardware-accelerated AES encryption, which is typically faster than encryption performed by pure software implementation. However, the price is competitive, and they have delivered products in the past. I am tempted to order one for just playing around and storing data locally instead of someone else computer, aka the cloud. You can find more information here.
A technology enthusiast who loves to create and break things. Love to work on Linux, technology, and Computers. I am a CyberSecurity aficionado, and wannabe wildlife Photographer constantly learning and experiencing new things.