Single Board Computer NAS Helios4 Announced
Single-board computers (SBCs) are popular and utilitarian. SBCs such as the Raspberry Pi and Odroid XU4 provide a means to create various maker projects from low-powered home theatre PC (HTPC) devices to retro gaming consoles, and even robotics. An excellent use for an SBC is a networked attached storage (NAS) device. You can easily make the Raspberry Pi into a basic server with a variety of software options. Singapore-based startup Kobol is poised to offer its open-spec Helios4 single board computer NAS. Learn more about the Helios4 NAS SBC!
Kobol to Release Open-spec Single Board Computer NAS Helios4
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As Linux Gizmos reports, Kobol first announced its Helios4 SBC NAS in May, 2017. The solidly specced network attached storage device runs Debian, and derives its power from a Marvell Armada 388 system on a chip (SoC). There's a respectable 2GB ECC RAM, with two USB 3.0 ports, four SATA 3.0 ports for up to 48TB, and a Gb Ethernet port. 
The Helios4 single board computer NAS is fan-cooled. Initially, Kobol's Kickstarter campaign didn't meet its funding goal set at $110,000 USD. However, the final batch of Kickstarter orders were nonetheless fulfilled.
Now, Kobol plans to run a crowdfunding campaign for 500 units. You can grab a Helios4 Basic Kit of just the single-board computer for $176.12. The complete package with SBC, fans, and four SATA bays runs $194.46. Each kit comes complete with 2GB of DDR3.
Specs:
- 4x SATA 3.0 ports
- Marvell Armada 388 SoC
- 2GB ECC RAM
- 2x USB 3.0
- 1x GbE
- Up to 48TB HDD storage
A Single Board Computer NAS Kit: Final Thoughts
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The Helios4 from Kobol provides a comprehensive SBC NAS solution. It's more powerful than a Raspberry Pi, and its case offers plenty of room for expansion. Notably, the Odroid XU4 features a single-board computer NAS case as well for another DIY NAS set up. Notably, the Helios4 won't come close to using a dedicated server for more task-intensive operations such as video transcoding. My Plex server, a Xenon-powered ThinkServer TS140 benefits from a server-class processor and can transcode up to four 1080p streams. The Helios4 can't. Nevertheless, it's ideal as a basic file server, DIY Spotify, or even streaming video server for local playback or limited remote streams. 
Your turn: What single board computer NAS hardware and software are you using?
Moe Long is an editor, writer, and tech buff with a particular appreciation for Linux, Raspberry Pis, and retro gaming. Writing online since 2013, Moe has bylines at MakeUseOf, TechBeacon, DZone, SmartHomeBeginner, DEV.to, DVD Netflix, and Electropages. You can read his writings on film and pop culture at Cup of Moe, check out his tech reviews, guides, and tutorials at Tech Up Your Life, and hear his thoughts on movies on the Celluloid Fiends podcast. Aside from writing and editing, Moe has an online course, the Beginner's Guide to Affiliate Blogging From Scratch. When he's not hammering away at his keyboard, he enjoys running, reading, watching cinema, listening to vinyl, and playing with his dog Sebastian.
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