ZimaBoard 2 is a compact Intel Processor N150 “Twin Lake” mini PC and micro server with two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, two SATA ports, two USB 3.1 ports, and a 4K-capable miniDP video output.
It built upon the company’s ZimaBoard introduced in 2021 with an Apollo Lake processor, but offers a much faster Intel N150 CPU, LPDDR5x memory, 2.5GbE networking instead of gigabit Ethernet, and a PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 slot as opposed to a PCIe Gen 2.0 x4 slot. Two variants are offered: one with 8GB RAM and 32GB eMMC flash and the other in a 16GB/64GB configuration.
Zimaboard 2 specifications:
- SoC – Intel Processor N150 quad-core “Twin Lake” processor @ up to 3.6 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel UHD graphics @ 1000 MHz; PBP: 6W (but set to 10W here)
- System Memory and Storage
- ZimaBoard 2 832 – 8GB LPDDR5X 4800MHz; 32GB eMMC flash
- ZimaBoard 2 1664 – 16GB LPDDR5X 4800MHz; 64GB eMMC flash
- 2x SATA 3.0 ports
- Video Output – Mini DisplayPort 1.4 up to 4K @ 60Hz
- Networking – 2x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports
- USB – 2x USB 3.1 Type-A ports
- Expansion
- PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- LPC connector
- Misc
- 4-pin fan connector
- Front panel connector
- Power Supply
- 12V DC Input; 5A recommended when two SATA drives are used
- 12V DC output for 3.5-inch SATA drives
- Dimensions – 140 x 83 x 17mm
It’s quite different than most other Intel Alder Lake/Twin Lake mini PCs thanks to its SATA ports and an externally accessible PCIe slot, which allows users to build a NAS, connect a powerful graphics card for gaming or AI applications, and more.
The Zimaboard 2 ships pre-installed with the Debian-based ZimaOS Linux operating system, designed for NAS applications and an evolution of CasaOS. As an x86 platform, the mini PC also works with other Linux distributions, Windows, OpenWrt, pfSense, Android, and LibreELEC.
The Zimaboard 2 thin design, SATA, and PCIe interfaces also make it suitable for clusters and installation in racks in a way similar to the Mixtile Blade 3 pico-ITX SBC with a Rockchip RK3588 octa-core Arm SoC and a U2 connector.
The community made several interesting designs based on the previous generation Zimaboard, and IceWhale Technology also showcases a 10-inch rack for Zima with a Zimaboard 2 acting as a gateway, other Zimaboard 2 micro servers, 2.5/3.5-inch SATA drives, and additional storage using parts of the ZimaCube 6+1-bay NAS.
Icewhale Technology has just launched the Intel N150 micro server and mini PC on Kickstarter with a 50,000 HKD (About $6,440 US) funding target that’s been easily surpassed within the first few hours. Rewards start at $169 for the ZimaBoard 2 832 and $249 for the ZimaBoard 2 1664. The company also offers a mini NAS Kit, a Smart Home Kit, and a Master Kit with additional accessories. Shipping adds $15 to $40 depending on the destination country, and rewards are expected to ship by August 2025 if everything goes accordingly to plan. We should also get an early prototype for review soon, although the company has yet to ship it. Most information is explained on Kickstarter, but the product page might also have a few extra details.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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