The FWS-2370 is a network appliance powered by the Intel Atom C Series “Parker Ridge” or P Series “Snow Ridge” processor family (Atom C5315 by default), tailored for SD-WAN and uCPE applications. It incorporates Intel QAT and Intel VT-d/VT-x to accelerate encryption, decryption, and virtualization tasks. The system supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory (ECC/Non-ECC) through dual SODIMM slots and offers onboard eMMC storage options up to 128 GB. Networking capabilities include four 2.5GbE RJ-45 ports (Intel I226-V), four gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports (Marvell 88E1543), and four 10GbE SFP+ ports, with optional PoE af/at support for enhanced deployment flexibility. For connectivity, the FWS-2370 features two M.2 B-Key slots for 5G/LTE modules, one M.2 E-Key slot for Wi-Fi, and two Mini Card slots with SIM support. This expansive configuration ensures seamless wired and wireless networking. Designed to manage high data throughput and multi-threaded workloads, the FWS-2370 is ideal for applications [...]

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The Jetway MF30 is a 3.5-inch subcompact board powered by 13th-generation Intel Core Raptor Lake-P U-series processors, including the Intel Core i5-1335U and Core i5-1335UE. Designed for embedded applications such as digital signage, control systems, gaming setups, and transportation hubs, the board supports versatile high-definition multi-screen configurations with two HDMI ports, two DisplayPorts, one Type-C DP, and one LVDS/eDP interface. For connectivity, the MF30 offers dual 2.5GbE ports, three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and a USB Type-C port, while storage options include SATA III port and M.2 (2242/2280) sockets. Jetway is well known for its SBCs, and we’ve previously covered products like the JMTX-ADN8, JNUC-ADN1 mini-ITX motherboard, and JF35-ADN1 3.5-inch motherboard all powered by the Intel N97 CPU. Additionally, we’ve explored other SBCs and Mini PCs featuring 13th-gen Raptor Lake SoCs, including the iBASE IB961, GEEKOM GT13 Pro, Cincoze DV-1100, and LattePanda Sigma. If you’re interested [...]

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The Protectli VP32XX is a family of Alder Lake-N network appliances for high-performance applications. This compact device comes in two variants: the VP3210, powered by a quad-core Intel N100 processor, and the VP3230, built around an eight-core Intel Core i3-N305 processor. Both support up to 16GB of DDR5 RAM and the company mentions that they have tested it with up to 48 GB. They also include 32GB of eMMC storage with dual 2.5GbE. Storage options include dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots and an expansion bay that supports up to four 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, making them ideal for NAS applications. Additionally, they have various I/O options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, multiple USB ports, and a PCIe slot, making them compatible with multimedia workstations or networking hubs. Protectli VP3200 specifications: Processor VP3210 – Intel Processor N100 quad-core Alder Lake-N processor @ up to 3.4 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel HD graphics @ 750 MHz; [...]

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I’ve already gone through the specifications, an unboxing, and a teardown of the GEEKOM GT1 Mega AI mini PC powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H “Meteor Lake” processor with 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD in the first part of the review. I’ve now had more time to play with the GEEKOM GT1 Mega, so I will report my experience with Windows 11 Pro operating system in the second part of the review testing features, running benchmarks including an AI benchmark, evaluating networking and storage performance, testing the thermal design while under stress, and taking measurements for fan noise and power consumption. Software overview and features testing Going to the System->About window in the Settings confirms we have a GT1-Mega mini PC powered by a 2.50 GHz (base frequency) Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor with 32GB of RAM running Windows 11 Pro 23H2 build [...]

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Radxa Palmshell SLiM X4L is a low-cost, ultrathin mini PC powered by an Intel N100 Alder Lake-N SoC, equipped with 8GB to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM and a 128GB to 1TB NVMe SSD, and with a design that somewhat reminds me of the MeLE Quieter4C fanless mini PC. It’s also an update of the Palmshell SLiM X2L based on the Radxa X2L SBC powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core Gemini Lake Refresh processor and the X4L features the exact same port layout with two USB ports on the side, a USB-C port for power, a low-profile Ethernet RJ45 port, two more USB 3.2 Type-A ports on the rear panel, two HDMI outputs, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock. Palmshell SLiM X4L specifications: SoC – Intel Processor N100 CPU – Quad-core Alder Lake-N processor @ up to 3.4 GHz (Turbo) GPU – 24EU Intel HD Graphics @ up to [...]

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AMPCOM has launched an inexpensive, fanless 8-port 2.5GbE managed switch with one 10GbE SFP+ cage that sells for less than $60 on Aliexpress with free shipping and before taxes (if you live in Europe). Upgrading your local networking to 10GbE (10 Gbps Ethernet) can still be relatively expensive, and when I look at 10GbE switches on Amazon, most are sold for $200 to $400, and the cheapest models cost around $120. But if you don’t need multiple 10GbE ports on your switch, I’ve been informed about an inexpensive 8-port 2.5GbE managed switch with a single 10GbE SFP+ cage. And as we’ve just seen it’s possible to purchase a dual 10GbE mini PC/router for $299 (barebone), so it’s becoming more affordable than ever to switch to 10GbE networking even though not everybody may benefit from the higher speeds. AMPCOM ZX-SWTGW218AS managed switch specifications: Ports 8x 100M/1000M/2500M RJ45 ports 10GbE SFP+ port [...]

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The Radxa X4L, also known as the Palmshell SLiM X4L, is a compact device powered by Intel’s quad-core N100 processor. With features like a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6E, and dual 4K@30Hz display support, it’s well-suited for multimedia and general-purpose use. Unlike the Palmshell SLiM X2L released this year, the X4L integrates the Intel Alder […]

Radxa recently introduced a compact networking device powered by the hexacore Rockchip RK3582 System-on-Chip. This new model builds on the design of the previous Radxa E20C but features dual 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, enhancing its networking capabilities. The Radxa E52C is built on the Rockchip RK3582 SoC, which includes a 6-core CPU composed of a dual-core […]

Let’s end CNX Software’s Giveaway Week 2024 with a bang! The last prize is an iKOOLCORE R2 mini PC and router powered by an Intel Core i3-N300 Alder Lake-N CPU, equipped with 8GB RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, and featuring four 2.5GbE ports. The tiny PC also comes with HDMI and USB-C ports for dual 4K video output, an M.2 E-Key socket to install a wireless module for WiFi and Bluetooth, two USB 3.1 Gen 2 (5 Gbps) Type-A ports, a USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt. mode, and a not-so-useful USB-C audio port using Realtek ALC987 codec. My review of the iKOOLCORE R2 last year was a learning experience as it was the first time I used Proxmox VE and pfSense, and since I wanted to use the system both as a mini PC running Ubuntu 22.04 desktop and a router/firewall running pfSense [...]

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We’ve already checked out the hardware of the Maxtang T0-FP750 mini PC with an unboxing and a teardown in the first part of the review, before thoroughly testing the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS mini PC in Windows 11 Pro. The time has now come to report our experience with Ubuntu 24.04, and more exactly Ubuntu 24.04.1 “dot” release, with the Maxtang T0-FT750 mini PC in the final part of the review. This will include a software overview, feature tests, benchmarks, storage and USB performance evaluation, 2.5Gbps Ethernet and WiFi 6 network performance tests, a stress test to check for thermal and/or power throttling, and fan noise and power consumption measurements. We will also compare the results of the Maxtang T0-FP750 mini PC in Ubuntu 24.04 against the ones for the earlier Maxtang MTN-FP750 mini PC using AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU which we tested with Ubuntu 22.04. Ubuntu 24.04 system [...]

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Radxa E52C is a compact router based on Rockchip RK3582 hexa-core Cortex-A76/A55 SoC and featuring two 2.5GbE ports, a USB 3.0 port, and a USB-C port for serial console access which will make some readers happy… It’s an update to the earlier Radxa E20C “Mini Network Titan” router, which was limited to two Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB 2.0 port, and powered by an entry-level Rockchip RK3528A quad-core Cortex-A53 SoC. The Radxa E52C is better in every way with a much faster CPU, higher maximum memory and flash storage capacities, faster networking, and support for USB 3.0 storage or wireless dongles leading the company to call it an “Enhanced Mini Network Titan”. Radxa E52C specifications: SoC – Rockchip RK3582 CPU Dual-core Cortex-A76 with up to 2.4 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A55 at up to 1.8GHz GPU – None (all good since we are talking about a router here…) AI accelerator – 5 [...]

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iKOOLCORE R2 Max is an Alder Lake-N mini PC, server, and soft router equipped with two 10GbE and two 2.5GbE ports and offered with either an Intel Processor N100 quad-core CPU, or a more powerful Intel Core i3-N305 octa-core processor. When iKOOLCORE offered me an R2 Max sample for review, I explained I did not own any 10GbE networking gear. So the company decided to send me two samples for testing 10 Gbps Ethernet networking: a fanless Intel N100 model and an actively-cooled Core i3-N305 model. Since we’ve already gone through the specifications in the first article, I’ll start the iKOOLCORE R2 Max review with an unboxing, a teardown, and a first boot. In the second part of the review, I’ll use Proxmox, OpenWrt, Ubuntu, and/or other operating systems to test the devices using one as a DUT (Device Under Test) and the other as a 10GbE server. iKOOLCORE R2 [...]

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The Lanner NCA-1050 is a fanless desktop network appliance by Intel Atom Amston Lake processors (X7835RE, X7405C, X7203C) for efficient, low-power performance. Designed for edge deployments, branch offices, and retail environments, it supports up to 16GB of DDR5 4800MHz memory and M.2 SATA storage. With versatile connectivity options, the NCA-1050 features one 2.5GbE RJ45 port, four GbE RJ45 ports, a console port, a USB 3.1 port, DisplayPort, and optional PoE+ support. It also offers two M.2 slots (PCIe/USB3.1), two Nano-SIM slots, and six antenna holes, allowing for flexible expansion and wireless configurations, making it adaptable to various network setups. Lanner NCA-1050 specifications: SoC NCA-1050A – Intel Atom x7835RE 1.3GHz octa-core processor with 6MB cache, 32EU Intel UHD graphics; TDP: 12W NCA-1050B – Intel Atom X7405C 2.2GHz quad-core processor with 6MB cache; TDP: 12W NCA-1050C – Intel Atom X7203C 2 GHz dual-core processor with 6MB cache; TDP: 12W System Memory – [...]

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GEEKOM GT1 Mega is an AI mini PC based on the latest Intel Core Ultra 5/7/9 Meteor Lake processor. We received a review sample from the company with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H SoC, 32GB DDR5 memory, and a 2TB NVMe SSD as well as an Intel BE200 WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 module. As usual, we’ll do a three-part review starting with an article with the specifications, an unboxing, and a teardown followed by a thorough review with the pre-installed Windows 11 Pro operating system, and finally with the latest Ubuntu 24.04.1 OS. GEEKOM GT1 Mega specifications GEEKOM provides the following specifications for the GT1 Mega mini PC and motherboard: Meteor Lake SoC (one or the other) Intel Core Ultra 9 185H 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) processor @ 2.5 / 3.8 / 5.1 GHz (Turbo) with 24MB cache, 8x Xe-cores Intel Arc graphics @ 2.35 GHz, Intel AI Boost NPU; [...]

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Intel Processor N150, Processor N250, and Core i3-N355 new Alder Lake-N processors have recently shown up in the upcoming ASUS NUC 14 Essential mini PCs and offer a small performance boost compared to existing variants such as the N100, N200, and Core i3-N305. The upcoming NUC 14 Essential family also includes one model with the existing Processor N97 CPU, supports up to three 4K displays via HDMI, DP, and USB-C connectors, offers 2.5 GbE networking, six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and a single USB 2.0 port. ASUS NUC 14 Essential (NUC14MNK) specifications: Alder Lake-N SoC Intel Processor N97 quad-core processor @ up to 3.4 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel UHD graphics; TDP: 6W Intel Processor N150 quad-core processor @ up to 3.6 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, Intel graphics; TDP: 6W Intel Processor N250 quad-core processor @ up to 3.8 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, Intel graphics; [...]

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MSI MS-CF16 is a fanless single board computer (SBC) in the Pico-ITX form factor powered by low-power Intel Alder Lake-N or Amston Lake series processors. It features up to 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, offers dual independent display support via HDMI and LDVS/eDP connectors, and integrates other peripherals such as 2.5GbE and 1GbE LAN ports, multiple USB 3.2 and USB 3.0 ports, and two M.2 (B-Key and E-Key) sockets. The MS-CF16 is a smaller and more power-efficient alternative to the MS-CF17 3.5-inch SBC which we covered previously. It is perfect for industrial and embedded applications such as industrial automation, edge computing, medical devices, outdoor signage, and general computing in demanding conditions. It’s far from the first Alder Lake-N or Amston Lake Pico-ITX single board computer we’ve written about, and competing solutions include Jetway’s JPIC-ADN1, AAEON’s PICO-ASL4, DFI’s RPP051, and Kontron 2.5”-SBC-AML/ADN Alder Lake-N/Amston Lake Pico-ITX SBC covered by Sayantan earlier today. MSI [...]

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Portwell’s WEBS-21J0-ASL is a fanless, rugged embedded system with a Nano-ITX motherboard powered by an Intel Atom x7000RE Series processor and optimized for industrial IoT applications. It features two 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, dual 4K display support (DP/HDMI), and a serial port as well as M.2 E and B Key sockets for wireless and storage expansion. Designed for harsh environments, the WEBS-21J0-ASL operates in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C. The system is equipped with DDR4 SO-DIMM memory (up to 16GB and 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. It has passed vibration and shock tests for durability in rugged applications making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and automation systems. The WEBS-21J0-ASL also supports optional integration with the Hailo-8 AI acceleration module delivering up to 26 TOPS of AI performance for applications requiring advanced AI capabilities. This makes it an ideal solution for robotics, medical equipment, outdoor gateways, and [...]

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The Banana Pi BPI-M1S, also known as the ArmSoM-Sige1, is a low-profile single board computer (SBC) based on the Rockchip RK3528 quad-core Cortex-A53 SoC initially designed for entry-level 4K TV boxes. Contrary to the two other RK3528(A) SBCs we’ve covered, namely the Radxa Rock E20C and FriendlyELEC NanoPi Zero2 focusing on low-cost and small footprint for headless networked applications, the Banana Pi BPI-M1S integrates more features such as HDMI 2.0 for 4K video output and audio, 2.5GbE and WiFi 6 networking, and a 40-pin GPIO header for expansion. Banana Pi BPI-M1S specifications: SoC – Rockchip RK3528 CPU – Quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 @ 2.0 GHz GPU – Arm Mali-G450 GPU with support for OpenGL ES1.1, ES2.0, and OpenVG 1.1 APIs VPU H.264, H.265, and AVS2 decoder up to 4Kp60 H.264 and H.265 encoder up to 1080p60 Memory – 4GB LPDDR4x Storage 32GB eMMC flash (by default) MicroSD card slot Video Output – [...]

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The ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI is a powerful, compact mini PC featuring the Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2), which integrates CPU, GPU, and NPU architectures to deliver up to 120 platform TOPS for AI processing. It is designed for consumer, commercial, and edge computing applications. According to the Asus product announcement earlier last […]

AAEON has recently released the FWS-2290, an Intel N97 network appliance. This is not quite the first network appliance launched by the Taiwanese company. Back in 2018, they launched the AAEON FWS-2360 designed for wireless gateway, SD-WAN, IPS, WAN Optimization, NFV, and vCPE applications. In 2020, they followed up with the FWS-2275 rugged network appliance for Secure industrial IoT networks, and then, in 2021, they introduced the FWS-2280 Elkhart Lake network appliance designed for UTM (Unified Threat Management), firewall, SD-WAN (Software-defined Wide Area Network), VPN, and other applications. Compared to all the previous network appliances the new FWS-2290 features a newer generation and more powerful Intel Alder Lake-N processor, faster DDR5 memory, 2.5GbE Ethernet compared to GbE Ethernet on the previous models, an M.2 slot for storage, and to top it all off the device is now more compact than the previous ones. AAEON FWS-2290 network appliance specification SoC Intel [...]

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