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
![]()
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
![]()
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?
Leave your feedback...