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Introducing ZimaCube: A 6-Bay NAS and Networking Device with N100 or Core i5-1235U

The maker of the ZimaBoard and ZimaBlade single-board computers, Icewhale Technology, is set to launch a new product called the ZimaCube. The ZimaCube is a “personal cloud” computer that functions as a network-attached storage (NAS) device, offering users a choice between two processor options: N100 or Core i5-1235U.

The ZimaCube boasts several special features that make it more than just a NAS device. It supports up to six hard drives, up to four 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports, and up to 64GB of RAM. The retail prices for the ZimaCube are expected to start at $699, but Icewhale Technology will be launching a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign on November 3, with Early Bird rewards starting at $499 for an entry-level model.

The starting price of $499 is for a model equipped with an energy-efficient 6-watt N100 chip based on Alder Lake N architecture. Customers who want a higher-performance version, the ZimaCube Pro, with a 15-watt Core i5 chip will have to pay $899 or more during the crowdfunding campaign, or $1,199 at retail.

The ZimaCube Pro not only features a more powerful processor but also supports up to twice as much RAM, has twice as many Ethernet ports, supports PCIe Gen 4, and includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, among other things.

The ZimaCube is more expensive than entry-level QNAP or Synology NAS devices, but it offers a high level of flexibility in terms of storage, expansion options, and software support.

Here are the specifications for the ZimaCube and ZimaCube Pro:

ZimaCube:

  • Processor: N100 (4-cores / 4-threads, up to 3.4 GHz, 6W TDP)
  • RAM: 8GB DDR4 (included), 32GB max (16GB x 2)
  • Storage: 256GB SSD (included), 6 x SATA III bays (2.5" or 3.5" drives), 2 x M.2 2280 PCIe NVMe slots
  • PCIe: 1 x PCIe Gen 3 x4
  • USB: 1 x USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-C, 4 x USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A
  • Ethernet: 2 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet
  • Video out: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4
  • Power: 220W (100V - 240V)
  • OS: TrueNAS, ZimaOS
  • Cooling: Active cooling, 2 x 80 x 80mm fans
  • Dimensions: 240 x 221 x 220mm, 9.45" x 8.7" x 8.7"
  • Weight: 5.4 kg, 11.9 pounds

ZimaCube Pro:

  • Processor: Core i5-1235U (10-cores / 12-threads, up to 4.4 GHz, 15W TDP)
  • RAM: 16GB DDR5 (included), 64GB max (32GB x 2)
  • Storage: 256GB SSD (included), 6 x SATA III bays (2.5" or 3.5" drives), 2 x PCIe NVMe SSD slots, 4 x additional NVMe slots
  • PCIe: 1 x PCIe Gen 4 x16, 1 x PCIe Gen 4 x4
  • USB: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C, 6 x USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A
  • Ethernet: 4 x 2.5 GbE Ethernet
  • Video out: HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4
  • Power: 220W (100V - 240V)
  • OS: TrueNAS, ZimaOS
  • Cooling: Active cooling, 2 x 80 x 80mm fans
  • Dimensions: 240 x 221 x 220mm, 9.45" x 8.7" x 8.7"
  • Weight: 5.4 kg, 11.9 pounds

The ZimaCube offers a compelling option for users interested in servers, Linux, DevOps, and home labs. With its range of features and storage options, it provides a versatile solution for personal cloud computing and networking needs.

Source: Liliputing.

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