When most people think of servers, they imagine massive towers or stacks of rack servers filling up a room. For most home users, the last thing you want is a large, power-hungry server taking up room. This is where the ZimaBoard, a micro-sized single-boardhome media server, comes into play.
TheZimaBoard media serveris so small and portable that it actually fits into the palm of your hand. But even with its small size, it’s still a powerhouse that will offer enough versatility for most users, especially thanks to its additional ports and PCIe x4 interface.
What Can the ZimaBoard Do?
The ZimaBoard is a one size fits all server. It can be used as a Plex media server, FTP server, personal server, and for the gamers out there, you’re able to even use it as a Minecraft server. It comes with Linux pre-installed (CasaOS), or if you prefer, it is Windows compatible too.
CasaOS, a Linux-based operating system, based on Debian comes pre-installed on the ZimaBoard, which offers plenty of options for both advanced and basic users. Although it might feel a little overwhelming at first, it certainly opens up the opportunity to configure this single-board server perfectly to suit your needs. But if you prefer, you can easilyinstall another Linux distro, or Windows.
With Linux preinstalled and support for Windows, OpenWrt, pfSense, Android, and Libreelec, theZimaBoard media serverboasts a healthy selection of operating systems for you to consider:
It also comes with plenty of room to expand:
While the 32GB eMMC storage doesn’t offer a huge amount of storage, you can easily expand the storage thanks to the two USB 3.0 ports, or by adding an M.2 NVMe to PCIe adapter and installing an M.2 NVMe SSD, not only expanding your storage but also offering exceptional read and write speeds too.
You don’t need to worry about noisy fans or additional cooling with the ZimaBoard, as this micro-server comes wrapped in a stylish case and heat sink which offers impressive passive cooling, without the need for noisy fans.
If you’re an advanced user, you can upgrade to theZimaBoard Development Kit, which offers expansion cards, cables, power adapters, and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E network card, giving you everything you need to set up multiple configurations.
Key Features of ZimaBoard
The ZimaBoard is a low-cost option in the form of a single-boardhome media server. No matter if it’s a personal or company project you’re working on, you won’t have to fork out a load of your hard-earned cash on the ZimaBoard.
Additionally, it comes in super handy if you want to expand your personal cloud with over 36TB of disk space. Better yet, there’s no subscription, so you’ll have 100% control over your data.
The ZimaBoard supports OpenWRT and pfSense. You can also set up your own VPN to ensure your data is kept secure. And, if you want to have a go at extending your existing ZimaBoard, you’ll be pleased to know that it supports a wide range of accessories including NVMe, Wi-Fi, and more.
ZimaBoard’s open-source approach will appeal to many; just another reason to invest if this is your jam.
Model Variations
Depending on your needs, there are three different ZimaBoards you’re able to choose from. These range from $119.90 to $199.99:
ZimaBoard 232
ZimaBoard 432
ZimaBoard 832
No matter whether you want to use the ZimaBoard for personal cloud storage, as a software router, a Plex server, a personal server, or for file sharing, there’s a model available to suit your needs.
Is the ZimaBoard Worth It?
With its palm-fitting micro size, and external PCIe, theZimaBoardis certainly a unique piece of kit, that is powerful enough for even some of the most advanced users. While the built-in eMMC storage could be bigger, with the built-in SATA ports, as well as USB 3.0, it opens up a wide net of possibilities for those wanting to expand their storage.
If you’re looking for a small single-board server, with passive cooling and powerful, expandable specs, the ZimbaBoard is an impressive choice that comes in at a reasonable price.
