The ZimaCube Pro: High-End NAS with Outstanding Hardware for Aficionados
In the dynamic realm of network-attached storage (NAS), the ZimaCube Pro emerges as a top-tier, feature-packed solution specifically designed for power users, content creators, and technology aficionados. Although it carries a premium price, the ZimaCube Pro justifies its expense with state-of-the-art hardware, extensive connectivity options, and a sturdy construction that meets the needs of demanding storage and streaming tasks.
An Elevated Successor
The ZimaCube Pro serves as the upgraded iteration of IceWhale’s inaugural ZimaCube, which launched in late 2023. Initial impressions of the standard version acknowledged its potential but pointed out drawbacks in both hardware and software. Fast forward to now, and the Pro model has rectified numerous issues, emerging as a far more capable and refined NAS solution.
Superior Hardware
At the core of the ZimaCube Pro lies a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor, a 10-core unit that offers outstanding performance for multitasking, media streaming, and operating virtual machines or containers. It is equipped with 16GB of DDR4 RAM (comprising two 8GB modules) and houses a pre-installed 256GB SSD, providing a robust foundation for a variety of NAS tasks.
The ZimaCube Pro accommodates up to 10 drives — featuring six 3.5-inch bays and four M.2 NVMe SSD slots — making it perfect for users with substantial storage needs. Whether you’re constructing a media server, a personal cloud, or a backup solution, the ZimaCube Pro offers the versatility and capacity to manage it all.
Unrivaled Connectivity
A key highlight of the ZimaCube Pro is its extensive connectivity options. It has:
– Dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
– One 10 Gigabit Ethernet port
– Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
– HDMI output
– USB-A and USB-C ports
Such connectivity is uncommon in consumer NAS devices, positioning the ZimaCube Pro as a future-ready choice for rapid data transfers, direct-attached storage, and even video output for media viewing or system monitoring.
Design and Build Quality
The ZimaCube Pro shares its aesthetics with the standard model, showcasing a sleek, minimalist metal chassis that radiates durability. The front panel includes a magnetically attached mesh door that hides the drive bays. While the design is aesthetically pleasing, it has insufficient ventilation, potentially affecting thermal performance.
A downside is the built-in cooling fan, which can be quite loud — even during idle operations. Users sensitive to noise may wish to replace the fan with a quieter aftermarket version.
Software Experience
Operating on ZimaOS, IceWhale’s proprietary system, the ZimaCube Pro has seen improvements over the past year, yet still falls short of more established NAS ecosystems like Synology’s DSM or QNAP’s QTS. ZimaOS provides basic functionalities such as Docker support, system monitoring, and a modest app store, but it lacks advanced backup solutions and seamless media management.
A significant limitation is the setup process. ZimaOS does not automatically format drives during installation, which can perplex users transitioning from other NAS platforms. Drives must be wiped manually before installation, a step that most rival NAS systems automate.
Nonetheless, one of the ZimaCube Pro’s major benefits is its open architecture. Users can easily install alternative operating systems like TrueNAS Scale, making it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer open-source solutions or desire greater control over their NAS setup.
Pricing and Value
The ZimaCube Pro is listed at $1,099, positioning it in the premium NAS market. While this price may deter casual users, it is well-founded for those requiring high-speed networking, Thunderbolt 4 support, and multi-drive expandability in a single unit.
For those on a tighter budget, the standard ZimaCube is available for $519. It features an Intel N100 processor, 8GB of RAM, and does not support 10GbE or Thunderbolt — yet retains the same chassis and drive layout. It’s a viable option for users who do not require the Pro’s advanced capabilities.
Final Verdict
The ZimaCube Pro is a compelling NAS choice for users who value hardware performance and connectivity over software finesse. Its powerful Intel CPU, ample RAM, and unmatched I/O options make it ideal for demanding tasks such as 4K media streaming, virtualization, and large-scale backups.
That said, it is not without drawbacks. The loud fan, limited ventilation, and subpar software experience may be deal-breakers for some. However, if you’re comfortable installing your own operating system and are seeking one of the most formidable NAS hardware platforms available, the ZimaCube Pro is difficult to surpass.
Pros:
– Outstanding hardware performance
– 10GbE and Thunderbolt 4 support
– Expandable to
