Ugreen AI NAS Pro adds touchscreen and OCuLink port for external GPU support
Ugreen’s latest AI‑focused network‑attached storage unit is turning heads simply because it packs more memory than a typical desktop. The AI NAS Pro, positioned as an open‑source‑friendly appliance, promises to handle machine‑learning workloads that would otherwise chew through a home PC’s resources. Early reviewers note the chassis feels more like a mini‑server than a consumer gadget, and the added RAM gives it a clear edge for data‑intensive inference tasks.
While the base model already offers a solid foundation for developers tinkering with open‑source frameworks, Ugreen has pushed the envelope further with two features that could change how hobbyists expand their rigs. Those additions aren’t just cosmetic; they speak to a growing demand for on‑the‑fly performance tuning and hardware acceleration. The question now is whether these tweaks make the Pro a practical stepping stone toward more serious AI experiments, or simply a niche add‑on for enthusiasts looking to squeeze every ounce of compute out of a compact box.
But the Pro additionally has a small touchscreen to monitor usage and an OCuLink port for a faster dedicated connection to an external GPU -- in case you want one of those for an additional AI boost. In fact, Ugreen is announcing its own first eGPU enclosure at CES alongside the AI NAS boxes, one wh
But the Pro additionally has a small touchscreen to monitor usage and an OCuLink port for a faster dedicated connection to an external GPU -- in case you want one of those for an additional AI boost. In fact, Ugreen is announcing its own first eGPU enclosure at CES alongside the AI NAS boxes, one which it's marketing toward gaming handhelds as well and which will apparently offer a USB-C connection too. We don't have a price or release date for the eGPU yet, but the iDX6011 and 6011 Pro themselves are already on preorder with some huge early-bird discounts -- as low as $999 for the entry-level model.
These aren't the only AI NAS you can buy. Zettlab kickstarted a whole range of AI NAS last year, and Minisforum has a pair of 5-bay AI NAS too. Most Popular - Lego announces Smart Brick, the 'most significant evolution' in 50 years - The best tech announced at CES 2026 so far - CES 2026: all the news, gadgets, and innovations from the biggest tech show - That viral Reddit post about food delivery apps was an AI scam - Lego's Smart Bricks aren't just an experiment -- and they aren't just for kids
Will a local AI‑powered NAS truly replace cloud services for everyday users? The Ugreen AI NAS Pro arrives with a small touchscreen that lets owners watch resource use in real time, and an OCuLink port that promises a dedicated link to an external GPU. The device ships with more RAM than a typical desktop, positioning it as a high‑end storage solution rather than a simple file server.
Ugreen also unveiled its first eGPU enclosure at CES, suggesting a bundled ecosystem for users who want extra AI horsepower. Yet the price point sits at desktop‑PC levels, raising the question of whether the performance gains justify the cost. It remains unclear how much the external GPU will improve AI tasks such as image search, or whether the added complexity will deter casual users.
For those comfortable keeping their memories on local hardware, the Pro offers a compelling feature set; for others, the trade‑off between price, convenience, and uncertain performance still needs careful weighing.
Further Reading
- CES 2026: UGREEN Announces New NAS Systems, Desktop Chargers, and Security Solutions - CG Magazine Online
- UGREEN AI NAS with Intel Core Ultra 7 | Local AI & 96 TOPS Power - UGREEN Official
- The next generation NAS: smart sorting, helpful searching, and super fast connection - PhoneArena
- UGREEN AI NASync iDX Series: The Future of Creative Storage Powered by Intel - UGREEN Official Blog
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Common Questions Answered
What new hardware features does the Ugreen AI NAS Pro include compared to the base model?
The AI NAS Pro adds a small touchscreen for real‑time monitoring and an OCuLink port that provides a dedicated high‑speed link to an external GPU. These upgrades differentiate it from the base model, which lacks both the display and the specialized GPU connection.
How does the OCuLink port improve the AI NAS Pro’s performance for machine‑learning workloads?
The OCuLink port enables a direct, faster connection to an external GPU, allowing the NAS to offload intensive inference tasks. This dedicated link can significantly boost AI processing speed beyond what the internal CPU and RAM alone can achieve.
What is the purpose of the small touchscreen on the Ugreen AI NAS Pro?
The touchscreen serves as a local interface that lets owners watch resource usage, such as CPU, RAM, and GPU load, in real time. It provides quick visual feedback without needing to access the device remotely via a computer or mobile app.
What complementary product did Ugreen unveil at CES, and what connectivity does it offer?
Ugreen introduced its first eGPU enclosure, marketed toward gaming handhelds, as a companion to the AI NAS Pro. The enclosure features a USB‑C connection and is designed to pair with the NAS’s OCuLink port for an expanded AI and graphics acceleration setup.