Key Takeaways
1. The ZimaCube 2 NAS features Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs, with pre-orders starting at $799 for the base model equipped with a 6-core i3-1215U CPU.
2. Users can choose a more powerful variant with a 10-core i5-1235U CPU, offering about 23% better multi-core performance.
3. The device includes 8 GB of RAM, a 256 GB SSD, six SATA III bays, and four NVMe M.2 slots, allowing for a maximum storage capacity of 164 TB.
4. It has various expansion options, including PCIe slots and support for up to 64 GB of RAM, all within a compact size of approximately 9.45 x 8.7 x 8.6 inches.
5. While the ZimaCube 2 is suitable for home lab enthusiasts, more budget-friendly alternatives like the 4-bay Ugreen NASSync DH4300 are available for those with simpler needs.
A new NAS system has made its debut, called the ZimaCube 2. This device is powered by Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs, making it a good option for people seeking an effective personal NAS solution that won’t strain their budget too much.
Pricing and Specifications
However, it’s important to note that the ZimaCube 2 NAS isn’t exactly inexpensive. Pre-orders for the device start at $799, and it comes equipped with a 6-core Intel i3-1215U CPU. In terms of multi-core performance, the Alder Lake chip operates similarly to a modern Core Ultra 5 134U CPU, typically found in entry-level laptops.
Performance and Usability
The performance should be sufficient, and users wanting to utilize the ZimaCube 2 as a compact PC for light daily tasks can do that as well. There’s also a more powerful option featuring the 10-core Core i5-1235U CPU, which offers approximately 23% better multi-core performance.
Storage and Expansion
The base model of the ZimaCube 2 NAS includes 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. For additional storage, it boasts six SATA III bays (for both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives) and 4 NVMe M.2 slots, allowing for a total of 164 TB of maximum storage capacity. The I/O options are impressive, as outlined below:
Other expansion possibilities feature a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (with x4 lanes) for GPUs, a PCIe 3.0 x8 slot (with x2 lanes), and support for up to 64 GB of RAM. With dimensions around 9.45 x 8.7 x 8.6 inches or 240 x 221 x 220 mm, the ZimaCube 2 NAS is quite compact. The entry-level model is available in silver, while the premium model comes in black.
Overall, the ZimaCube 2 lineup seems to be a great option for home lab enthusiasts. Those with simpler needs might want to consider alternatives such as the 4-bay Ugreen NASSync DH4300, which is currently priced at $379 on Amazon, allowing them to save a few hundred bucks.
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