Comparison: TrueNAS Mini X+ vs Dell Precision 3680 Tower (2025)
| Specification | TrueNAS Mini X+ | Dell Precision 3680 Tower | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Atom C3758 (8 cores, 2.2GHz, 25W TDP) | Intel Core i7-14700 (20 cores [8P+12E], up to 5.4GHz, 65–219W TDP) | Atom is a low-power CPU (25W vs 219W); Dell’s higher wattage triggers need for higher-grade PSU, GPU, and cooling, which increases total system cost. |
| Architecture | Server-grade (Atom Denverton, low power, optimized for 24/7) | Desktop/workstation-grade (Raptor Lake 14th Gen) | Precision’s CPU architecture is workstation-class, designed for mixed workloads, not constant uptime NAS use. |
| ECC Support | Yes, supports ECC DDR4 up to 64GB | Supports ECC and Non-ECC DDR5 (up to 128GB) | Dell Precision 3680 Memory Manual — ECC-capable CPU and motherboard are expensive and enterprise-grade. |
| RAM (Included / Max) | 32GB ECC DDR4 (expandable to 64GB) | 16GB DDR5 (expandable to 128GB) | ECC memory ensures ZFS integrity and resilience; DDR5 non-ECC is faster but not fault-tolerant. |
| Storage (Base) | Diskless chassis (5x 3.5” + 2x 2.5” bays) | 256GB M.2 SSD + 2TB SATA HDD | TrueNAS Mini X+ is designed for multi-drive RAID setups; Dell is optimized for workstation OS and local storage. |
| Expansion Bays | 7 hot-swap bays total | 2 internal 3.5” bays + 1 M.2 slot | TrueNAS supports RAIDZ2 or mirrored arrays; Dell is limited for expansion. |
| Network Ports | 2x 10GbE RJ45 | 1x 1GbE RJ45 | TrueNAS provides higher throughput and redundancy for storage traffic. |
| GPU | Integrated (no GPU) | NVIDIA T400 (4GB GDDR6, 3x mDP) | GPU adds cost and power consumption but not essential for NAS workloads. |
| Power Supply | Proprietary internal PSU, 250W–300W (quiet, efficient) | Standard ATX PSU (up to 400–500W) | Precision’s power supply complexity stems from its higher CPU and GPU load. |
| Chassis Type | Small form factor NAS (whisper-quiet) | Mid-tower workstation (active cooling, louder) | Precision 3680 has more airflow but higher acoustic footprint. |
| Operating System | TrueNAS CORE/Scale (FreeBSD/Linux-based NAS OS) | Windows 11 Pro | TrueNAS is an appliance OS built for storage; Windows is general-purpose. |
| Target Use Case | Dedicated NAS / storage appliance | General workstation, can run TrueNAS in a VM | Precision is more flexible but not storage-optimized. |
| Power Efficiency | 25W CPU, typically <60W total load | 65–200W typical load depending on use | TrueNAS Mini is 3–4x more power efficient, suitable for 24/7 uptime. |
| Base Price (USD) | USD 2,000 | — | TrueNAS pricing reference: TrueNAS Mini X+ Overview |
| Converted Price (PHP) | 2,000 × 60 = ₱120,000 | ₱91,000–₱115,000 | — |
| Estimated Landed Cost (₱120,000 × 1.3) | ₱156,000 landed in PH | ₱91,000–₱115,000 (local pricing) | Landing cost includes import duties, VAT, and handling. |
| Warranty | 3 years iXsystems warranty (return to base) | 3 years ProSupport (on-site, local Dell PH service) | TrueNAS warranty requires overseas RMA; Dell is locally supported. |
| Availability / Logistics | Imported (may need stock of PSU, shipping delay for parts) | Widely available in PH (Dell-authorized service) | TrueNAS PSU and parts should be stocked locally to minimize downtime. |
Observations
- Performance: Precision 3680’s CPU and GPU make it far more powerful but also power-hungry and costly due to enterprise-class board and PSU requirements. The TrueNAS Mini X+ is slower but optimized for stability, uptime, and ZFS performance.
- ECC & Data Integrity: Both systems can support ECC memory, but TrueNAS uses it by default with ZFS, ensuring data consistency. ECC-capable Dell boards are expensive, confirming their enterprise orientation.
- Networking: TrueNAS offers dual 10GbE, vastly superior to Dell’s single 1GbE port for data transfer.
- Noise & Efficiency: TrueNAS is ultra-quiet and efficient; Dell consumes more power and generates more heat under load.
- Expandability: TrueNAS wins with more drive bays and easier RAID management.
- Supportability: Dell wins for local warranty and logistics; TrueNAS requires self-maintenance and stocking spares.
Conclusion
- For dedicated NAS / enterprise storage reliability, the TrueNAS Mini X+ is the better choice even at ₱156,000 landed.
- For workstation workloads (rendering, dev, light NAS), the Dell Precision 3680 is more flexible but costlier to operate long-term.
If Comfac plans to adopt TrueNAS Mini units, keep spare PSUs and fans locally in stock to minimize lead time and downtime.