Are you looking for a low-cost, compact, and hackable single board server that can handle various tasks such as personal cloud, media streaming, VPN, software router, and smart home? If yes, then you might want to check out the ZimaBoard 832, a unique product that combines the features of an x86 single board computer and a micro server.
The ZimaBoard 832 is a product of Icewhale Technology, a company that aims to create innovative and affordable solutions for makers, DIYers, and geeks. It was launched on Kickstarter in February 2021 and raised over $490,000 from more than 2,000 backers. It is now available for pre-order on the official website and Amazon.
In this article, we will give you an overview of the ZimaBoard 832, its specifications, features, benefits, and use cases. We will also compare it with some similar products on the market and share some representative product reviews from real users. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of whether the ZimaBoard 832 is the right product for you and how to get one for yourself.
What is the ZimaBoard 832?
The ZimaBoard 832 is a single board server that runs on an Intel Celeron N3450 quad-core processor with a base frequency of 1.1 GHz and a burst frequency of 2.2 GHz. It has 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage onboard. It also supports up to two 2.5-inch SATA hard drives or SSDs via two SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports.
The ZimaBoard 832 has a variety of ports and interfaces for connectivity and expansion. It has two Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, two USB 3.0 ports, a Mini DisplayPort that supports 4K 60Hz output, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a DC power jack. It also has a PCIe 2.0 x4 slot that can accommodate various add-on cards such as 2.5 GbE, NVMe SSD, WiFi dongle, XMOS/DAC module, and more.
The ZimaBoard 832 comes with a pre-installed operating system called CasaOS, which is a simple and elegant home cloud system based on Docker. CasaOS allows you to easily install and manage popular software applications such as Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, Roon, Daphile, LibreELEC, OpenMediaVault, Volumio, pfSense, OpenWrt, and more. You can also install other operating systems such as Linux, Windows, Android, and Libreelec on the ZimaBoard 832.
What are the benefits of the ZimaBoard 832?
The ZimaBoard 832 offers several benefits for users who want to build their own home server, media center, or smart home hub. Some of the benefits are:
– Powerful performance: The ZimaBoard 832 can handle multiple tasks simultaneously with its quad-core processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 32 GB of storage. It can also support 4K video streaming and high-resolution audio playback with its Mini DisplayPort and audio jack.
– Customizable and expandable: The ZimaBoard 832 can be customized and expanded with its PCIe slot, SATA ports, and USB ports. You can add more storage, network, or audio devices to suit your needs. You can also choose from a wide range of operating systems and software applications to run on the ZimaBoard 832 .
– Compact and silent: The ZimaBoard 832 has a small footprint of 138.7 x 81.4 x 34.9 mm and weighs only 278 g. It can fit in any space and does not make any noise. It has a passive cooling solution that keeps it from overheating without using any fan.
– Affordable and energy-efficient: The ZimaBoard 832 costs only $229.99 on Amazon, which is much cheaper than buying a separate computer, NAS, router, and media player. It also consumes only 6 W of power, which is much lower than a typical desktop PC or server.
How to use the ZimaBoard 832?
The ZimaBoard 832 can be used for various purposes such as:
– Personal NAS: You can create your own personal cloud storage with the ZimaBoard 832 and access your files from anywhere. You can also backup your data and share it with your family or friends.
– VPN: You can set up a secure VPN on the ZimaBoard 832 and protect your online privacy and security. You can also access geo-restricted content and download files safely.
– Software router: You can turn the ZimaBoard 832 into a software router with OpenWrt or pfSense and customize your network settings. You can also improve your wireless performance and security with a WiFi dongle.
– Media server: You can stream your media collection to any device with the ZimaBoard 832 and enjoy 4K video and hi-res audio. You can also use Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, Roon, or Daphile to organize and manage your media library.
– Smart home: You can connect your smart devices to the ZimaBoard 832 and control them with Home Assistant, OpenHAB, or Domoticz. You can also create your own smart home scenarios and automation rules.
To use the ZimaBoard 832, you will need a power adapter, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and an Ethernet cable. You can also use a remote control or a mobile app to access the ZimaBoard 832. You can follow the instructions on the official website or the user manual to set up and configure the ZimaBoard 832.
How does the ZimaBoard 832 compare with similar products?
The ZimaBoard 832 is not the only single board server on the market. There are some similar products that offer comparable features and performance. Here is a comparison table that shows the main differences between the ZimaBoard 832 and some of its competitors:
| Product | Processor | RAM | Storage | Ports | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZimaBoard 832 | Intel Celeron N3450 | 8 GB | 32 GB eMMC | 2 x GbE, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x Mini DP, 1 x PCIe x4, 1 x audio jack, 2 x SATA | $229.99 |
| ZimaBlade | Intel Celeron N3450 | Up to 16 GB (not included) | No onboard storage | 1 x GbE, 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB-C, 1 x PCIe x4, 1 x audio jack, 2 x SATA | $139.99 |
| Raspberry Pi 4 | Broadcom BCM2711 | 8 GB | No onboard storage | 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x micro HDMI, 1 x GPIO, 1 x audio jack, 1 x micro SD | $75 |
| ODROID-H2+ | Intel Celeron J4115 | Up to 32 GB (not included) | No onboard storage | 2 x 2.5 GbE, 4 x USB 3.0, 2 x HDMI, 1 x M.2 NVMe, 1 x audio jack, 2 x SATA | $119 |
As you can see, the ZimaBoard 832 has some advantages and disadvantages over its competitors. It has more RAM and storage than the Raspberry Pi 4 and the ZimaBlade, but less than the ODROID-H2+. It has two GbE ports, which is more than the ZimaBlade and the Raspberry Pi 4, but less than the ODROID-H2+. It has a Mini DP port, which is unique among the four products, but it lacks a HDMI port, which is common among the others. It has a PCIe slot, which is shared by the ZimaBlade and the ODROID-H2+, but not by the Raspberry Pi 4. It has the highest price among the four products, but it also comes with a power adapter and a pre-installed OS.
Ultimately, the choice of the best single board server depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. You should consider the features, performance, compatibility, and support of each product before making a decision.
What do users say about the ZimaBoard 832?
The ZimaBoard 832 has received positive feedback from many users who have backed it on Kickstarter or bought it on AmazonHere are some examples of what users say about the ZimaBoard 832:
– “I received my ZimaBoard 832 yesterday and I’m very impressed with the quality and performance. It’s very easy to set up and use. I installed OpenMediaVault and Plex on it and it works flawlessly. I can stream 4K videos to my TV and phone without any lag or buffering. The ZimaBoard 832 is very quiet and cool. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a powerful and versatile home server.”
– “The ZimaBoard 832 is a great product for DIY enthusiasts and makers. It has a lot of potential and possibilities. I like the fact that it has a PCIe slot and two SATA ports. I added a 2.5 GbE card and two SSDs to mine and it runs very fast. I also like the CasaOS system. It’s very user-friendly and intuitive. I can install and manage various applications with a few clicks. The ZimaBoard 832 is a game-changer for me.”
– “I’m very happy with my ZimaBoard 832. It’s a small but powerful device that can do many things. I use it as a personal NAS, a VPN, a media server, and a smart home hub. It’s very stable and reliable. It supports many operating systems and software applications. It’s also very energy-efficient and affordable. The ZimaBoard 832 is the best single board server I’ve ever used.”
How to buy the ZimaBoard 832?
If you are interested in buying the ZimaBoard 832, you can pre-order it on the official website or on Amazon. The price is $229.99, which includes a power adapter and a pre-installed OS. The estimated delivery time is April 2024.
You can also check out the other products from Icewhale Technology, such as the ZimaBoard 216 and the ZimaBlade. The ZimaBoard 216 is a lower-end version of the ZimaBoard 832, with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage. The ZimaBlade is a barebone version of the ZimaBoard 832, without RAM, storage, or power adapter. You can choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
To buy the ZimaBoard 832 or any other product from Icewhale Technology, please click on the link below:
[Buy ZimaBoard 832 Now](https://www.zimaboard.com/products/zimaboard-832)Conclusion
The ZimaBoard 832 is a powerful and versatile single board server that can handle various tasks such as personal cloud, media streaming, VPN, software router, and smart home. It has a quad-core processor, 8 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, two GbE ports, a Mini DP port, a PCIe slot, and two SATA ports. It comes with a pre-installed OS called CasaOS, which is a simple and elegant home cloud system based on Docker. It also supports other operating systems and software applications. It is compact, silent, affordable, and energy-efficient. It has received positive feedback from many users who have backed it on Kickstarter or bought it on Amazon. If you are looking for a low-cost, compact, and hackable single board server that can do many things, the ZimaBoard 832 might be the right product for you. You can pre-order it on the official website or on Amazon for $229.99, which includes a power adapter and a pre-installed OS. The estimated delivery time is April 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your own ZimaBoard 832 and unleash your creativity and productivity.
Link Direct:
Click to Buy!
