According to a recent TechRadar review, the IceWhale ZimaCube 2 offers strong improvements over its Kickstarter predecessor, presenting a modern NAS platform outfitted with Intel's 12th Gen Core i3 processor, DDR5 memory support, and versatile PCIe expansion slots. With its ability to accommodate multiple SATA and NVMe drives and compatibility with both ZimaOS and TrueNAS, the device appeals to users needing expandable storage and robust performance in a personal cloud NAS.
- Supports up to six SATA and six NVMe drives for extensive storage capacity
- Includes two free PCIe slots for network cards or GPU upgrades
- Compatible with both ZimaOS and TrueNAS for flexible software choices
Product angle
The TechRadar review highlights the ZimaCube 2 as a significant upgrade from its Kickstarter debut, focusing on improved processing power and expanded hardware options. Powered by Intel’s Core i3-1215U with DDR5 support and multiple PCIe lanes, the device enables users to build scalable and high-speed storage solutions. Its design prioritizes flexibility, with six SATA bays and four additional M.2 slots allowing a mixture of traditional hard drives and fast NVMe SSDs. This approach caters to users requiring both capacity and performance in a compact personal cloud NAS.
On the software front, ZimaCube 2 ships with ZimaOS, a Linux-based platform tailored for NAS functions, but also supports TrueNAS as an alternative. This dual-software compatibility broadens appeal by catering to differing user preferences and expertise. Additionally, the inclusion of free PCIe slots for upgrades like 10GbE networking or GPU cards differentiates the device from many competitors, offering significant room for personalized enhancement.
Best for / avoid if
The ZimaCube 2 targets prosumers, small businesses, and tech-savvy individuals who seek higher performance and scalability beyond typical home NAS devices. It suits buyers looking for multi-drive flexibility, fast internal storage options, and optional network speed or computational enhancements through PCIe expansion. Those enthusiastic about experimenting with NAS operating systems or requiring TrueNAS compatibility will find this device appealing.
Conversely, the ZimaCube 2 may not be the best fit for traditional home users or small businesses on a tight budget, as competing mainstream NAS units from Synology and QNAP offer easier setup and less hardware upgrade complexity at similar or slightly higher prices. Additionally, buyers who want seamless support for proprietary drives or integrated Thunderbolt connectivity should consider alternatives, as the ZimaCube 2 lacks these features and requires manual upgrades.
Pricing and alternatives to check
IceWhale’s ZimaCube 2 is priced at $799, which places it above mainstream six-bay NAS from brands like Synology and QNAP but below their higher-end models with similar processor classes. It ships with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB NVMe SSD pre-installed, with options to upgrade the RAM and install additional drives.
Alternatives include the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Pro that costs over $1,000 with an i5-class CPU, offering stronger out-of-the-box performance but less PCIe upgrade flexibility. Synology’s offerings such as the DS1525+ provide comparable processing power and RAM at similar price points but impose software and hardware restrictions, notably on added NVMe storage due to proprietary SSD requirements. Asustor’s Lockerstor 6 Gen3 offers high-end features with a higher price tag, appealing to users prioritizing integrated 2.5GbE and USB4 support. Buyers should weigh these options based on upgrade needs, software preferences, and budget.