ZimaCube Pro NAS Review

ZimaCube Pro NAS Review (i5-1235U Version) – A Crowdfunding Success Story?

The ZimaCube Pro, developed by Ice Whale Technology, is a high-performance NAS system that emerged from a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Positioned as a solution for advanced users, the ZimaCube Pro is designed to meet the needs of those requiring significant storage and processing power for a variety of demanding applications. The device is marketed towards users who require a reliable, high-performance system for tasks such as media management, content creation, and large-scale data processing. This review delves into its design, hardware specifications, connectivity options, performance metrics, and overall usability, providing a comprehensive evaluation of its strengths and limitations.

You can check Amazon for the ZimaCube Pro NAS – HERE

ZimaCube Review – Quick Conclusion / TLDR

The ZimaCube Pro stands out for its solid construction, comprehensive storage options, and advanced connectivity features, including dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and multiple Ethernet interfaces. These features make it a versatile tool for users who need high-speed data transfer and reliable connectivity.

However, the device also exhibits certain drawbacks, such as elevated noise levels, inconsistent write performance, and some software-related limitations. Although the ZimaCube Pro shows considerable promise, it requires further optimization to fully meet the high expectations set by its crowdfunding campaign and to deliver a more polished user experience.

Feature	Specification
CPU	Intel i5-1235U, 10 cores, 12 threads, 0.9-4.4GHz
Memory	16GB DDR5, upgradable to 64GB
Storage Bays	6x 3.5”/2.5” SATA bays
M.2 NVMe Slots	4 onboard, 2 additional slots
Network Ports	2x 2.5GbE, 1x 10GbE
USB Ports	4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C
Thunderbolt	2x Thunderbolt 4
Dimensions	240 x 221 x 220 mm
Power Supply	External 220W 19V PSU

ZimaCube Review – Design

The ZimaCube Pro is designed with a blend of functionality and aesthetics, focusing on both durability and efficient heat management. The device features a fully aluminum CNC chassis, which not only provides a robust structure but also aids in heat dissipation. The front panel is equipped with a plastic grille, contributing to the device’s ventilation, while the rest of the body is composed of aluminum, reinforcing its sturdy build.

The design includes a clear emphasis on space efficiency within its compact form factor. The internal layout is optimized to maximize space, allowing for extensive storage and connectivity options while maintaining effective heat dissipation. That said, there certainly was a % of users who were disappointed in the need for an external PSU (for further space-saving reasons).

It is a decent enough external PSU, but many who look at bigger solutions like the Zimacube will be less keen on ‘easy to accidentally disconnect’. The PSU aside, I have to give them enormous credit for getting SO MUCH hardware into such a compact, yet attractive frame. Despite these strengths, the design has some areas for improvement. For example, the process of removing the front panel for internal access can be cumbersome, which may be inconvenient for users who frequently need to access the internal components.

Design Features

Aspect	Details
Chassis Material	Full aluminum CNC
Front Panel	Plastic grille
Dimensions	240 x 221 x 220 mm
Weight	8.3 kg
Cooling	Dual fans, comprehensive ventilation system
Color Scheme	Black and orange accents
Build Quality	Sturdy, high-quality finish

The cooling of the system can be broken down into 2 areas. Active and Passive. Passive ventilation comprised vent holes..EVERYWHERE. For such a small case, it has ventilation on almost all sides. Really happy with this and this combined with 2 of the main vent panels being removable is a nice touch.

The inside of the system has 2 cooling systems in place. There is the expected CPU fan, and there are two rear mounted fans that are located under the rear vent panel.

Unfortunately, the system still needs optimization with regard to the reaction of these cooling systems and under even light-medium activity, these cooling systems really do ramp up in noise. Zimacube has stated that this has been acknowledged and an improved cooling system is being rolled out and supplied very soon.

But what about the default cooling fans noise?

The result of the existing fans however is that even when the system is performing very light operations, or even in ile, the system has a higher avg noise level than most other systems of the same scale. Below is the noise level of the system in low use for about 30 mins and THEN on idle afterwards:

The drive trays are much improved over those I saw in the ZimaCube N100 version (the prototype sent through at the start of 2024). They are ‘click and load’, so no tools required, slide in neatly to the bays, and hold the drives very firmly and are generally well put together. Also, I tested HDDs all the way up to 24TB (Seagate Ironwolf Pro 24TBs) and did not encounter any compatibility problems.

The Zimacube also includes quite an impressive accessory kit. Not unusual, but they have definitely taken some extra time (and budget?) towards a well put together retail kit:

Also, with regard to design. Very small differences between the N100 version prototype that we received back in Jan 2024 and the Pro model now are visible.

The colour effect of the metal external casing, the build of the m.2 7th bay (more on that later), the trays (mentioned earlier) and the ports of course, all make a difference.

Let’s discuss ‘under the bonnet’ a bit and dig into what the ZimaCube Pro brings to the party.

ZimaCube Review – Storage and PCIe Lanes

The ZimaCube Pro provides substantial storage capacity, equipped with six SATA storage bays and four M.2 NVMe slots. These features are well-suited to users who require extensive storage for large datasets or media libraries.

The device employs an ASMedia ASM2824 PCIe switch to manage the M.2 slots, offering Gen 3 x8 lanes. This setup is intended to ensure high-speed data transfers and efficient use of the available PCIe lanes, particularly for users who rely on NVMe drives for high-performance storage needs.

Additionally, the device includes the ASM1116 controller to handle SATA interfaces, providing a Gen 3 x2 connection that supports up to 2,000 MB/s. This ensures that both SATA and NVMe drives can operate at their maximum potential without bottlenecks, making the ZimaCube Pro a versatile storage solution for different types of drives and configurations.

Storage and PCIe Specifications

Component	Specifications
SATA Bays	6x 3.5”/2.5”
M.2 NVMe Slots	4 onboard, 2 additional slots
PCIe Switch	ASMedia ASM2824, Gen 3 x8 lanes
SATA Controller	ASMedia ASM1116, Gen 3 x2
Max Storage Capacity	Dependent on drive sizes, expandable
PCIe Slots	2 (1x Gen 4 x16, 1x Gen 3 x4)

The system also includes an OS SSD in an m.2 slot directly on the MoBo (not on the 7th bay slots) that is a Kingston Gen 4×4 256GB drive – when they could have EASILY just included a basic Gen3 ‘no name’ drive for ZimaOS – I really appreciate the extra effort and expense here

This combination of storage and PCIe capabilities makes the ZimaCube Pro a flexible and powerful platform for users who need to manage large amounts of data with both speed and reliability. However, the efficiency of this setup may be influenced by the overall system architecture, which can impact real-world performance. The storage bays are connected to the main motherboard via specialized DP cables. They have bolstered this to 2x connectors, as opposed to the 1x cable we saw on the N100 prototype.

It’s an inventive and rather unique solution (when a lot of brands feed a sister board directly into an angled smaller PCIe slot) and certainly assists in allowing for the greatly bandwidth needed for the M.2s in bay #7. But its still ALOT of bandwidth being fed into the system in an unconventional way.  That said, it DOES allow for creative distribution of PCIe lanes and physical PCIe slot. One interesting byproduct is that, despite this being an M-ITX board, the ZimaCube Pro features TWO PCIe slots – VERY unusual!

Whether you are looking at chunky height GFX/GPU cards or just having 2 cards that cover storage AND network improvements, its really impressive that they created this board ‘in house’ that is THIS expandable! They even managed to do this, whilst including default 10GbE connectivity, using an IOCREST 10GbE to M.2 adapter – thereby avoiding forfeiting a PCIe slot.

Overall, Icewhale has done a PHENOMENAL job cramming in THIS much hardware onto an M-ITX board, whilst also creating a great casing around it. The fan noise is kinda crazy (at least until we know if the improved cooling kit they are sending will help) and I have concerns about bandwidth throttling, but you really cannot fault the ingenuity here! Let’s discuss ports and connections.

ZimaCube Review – Ports and Connections

Connectivity is a notable strength of the ZimaCube Pro, which is equipped with a variety of ports designed to support a wide range of applications. The device includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, providing high-speed data transfer capabilities, particularly useful for content creators and professionals who need to move large files quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, the device features multiple Ethernet interfaces, including two 2.5GbE ports and one 10GbE port, offering flexible networking options for different environments and network demands.

The inclusion of four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C ports further enhances the device’s versatility, allowing for the connection of a wide array of peripherals, from external drives to media equipment. The HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs add to the device’s multimedia capabilities, making it suitable for tasks that involve video output or display connections.

One EXCELLENT piece of news is that, alongside the 2.5G and 10G network connectivity, the system also supports Thunderbolt over IP / IP over Thunderbolt, at 20Gb/s. This means that DIRECT connectivity over a Thunderbolt 4 cable is possible – with Zimacube Pro even including a TB4 cable (something that is weirdly rare, even from QNAP and their own TB4 NAS solutions)

Hell, the system even features WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth, via an internal USB Dongle. That does mean that larger scale antennae are not present, but as a direct 2nd/3rd tier access method and for easy first time setup on a mobile, this really helps.

Ports and Connectivity

Port Type	Quantity	Specification
Ethernet	3	2x 2.5GbE, 1x 10GbE
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A	4	High-speed data transfer
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C	2	Versatile connectivity
Thunderbolt 4	2	20Gbps each, supports point-to-point
HDMI	1	HDMI 2.0
DisplayPort	1	DisplayPort 1.4
Audio Jack	1	3.5mm

Overall, the ZimaCube Pro’s connectivity options are comprehensive, supporting a wide range of use cases and ensuring compatibility with various external devices and networks. The diverse port selection enhances the device’s flexibility, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of professional applications.

ZimaCube Review – Processing Hardware

The ZimaCube Pro is equipped with robust internal hardware, including an Intel i5-1235U processor and 16GB of DDR5 memory, which is expandable up to 64GB. This combination of processing power and memory is designed to handle demanding tasks, such as video editing, large-scale data processing, and other intensive applications. However, keep in mind that this is NOT ECC memory (CPU-related reasons).

As previously mentioned, the architecture of the device includes a detailed lane distribution strategy, managed by the ASMedia ASM2824 PCIe switch, which optimizes data flow across the device’s components. However, keep in mind that the ASM2824 is a Gen3 packet switch, and running on Gen 3×4 – so a maximum 4,000MB/s maximum bandwidth – that also means potential reductions on the drives bandwidth going through it across multiple drives.

The device also includes an ASMedia ASM1116 controller to manage the SATA interfaces, ensuring efficient data transfer between storage devices and the motherboard. That is running on a Gen 3×2 lane , so 2,000MB/s theoretical maximum. As long as the SSDs in Bay 7 are separate (as the dual DP cable new architecture indicates), this should be more than enough for the SATA media bays and will not present a problem to the M.2s as a bottleneck down the road (as observed previously online in the N100 prototype)

Internal Hardware

Component	Specifications
Processor	Intel i5-1235U, 10 cores, 12 threads, 0.9-4.4GHz
Memory	16GB DDR5, upgradable to 64GB
Storage	6x SATA bays, 4x M.2 NVMe slots
PCIe Switch	ASMedia ASM2824, Gen 3 x8 lanes
SATA Controller	ASMedia ASM1116, Gen 3 x2
Cooling System	Dual fans, comprehensive ventilation
Power Supply	External 220W 19V PSU

The hardware configuration of the ZimaCube Pro is well-suited to users who need a powerful and flexible NAS system. However, some performance inconsistencies, particularly in write speeds, indicate that further optimization may be required to fully realize the potential of the device’s hardware.

For the particularly nerdy, here is the full list of PCI devices inside the ZimaCube Pro NAS:

00:08.0 System peripheral: Intel Corporation 12th Gen Core Processor Gaussian & Neural Accelerator (rev 04) 00:0a.0 Signal processing controller: Intel Corporation Platform Monitoring Technology (rev 01) 00:0d.0 USB controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake-P Thunderbolt 4 USB Controller (rev 04) 00:0d.2 USB controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake-P Thunderbolt 4 NHI #0 (rev 04) 00:0d.3 USB controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake-P Thunderbolt 4 NHI #1 (rev 04) 00:14.0 USB controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH USB 3.2 xHCI Host Controller (rev 01) 00:14.2 RAM memory: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH Shared SRAM (rev 01) 00:15.0 Serial bus controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH Serial IO I2C Controller #0 (rev 01) 00:15.1 Serial bus controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH Serial IO I2C Controller #1 (rev 01) 00:16.0 Communication controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH HECI Controller (rev 01) 00:19.0 Serial bus controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake-P Serial IO I2C Controller #0 (rev 01) 00:19.1 Serial bus controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake-P Serial IO I2C Controller #1 (rev 01) 00:1c.0 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation Device 51b8 (rev 01) 00:1c.4 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation Device 51bc (rev 01) 00:1c.6 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation Device 51be (rev 01) 00:1c.7 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH-P PCI Express Root Port #9 (rev 01) 00:1d.0 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation Device 51be (rev 01) 00:1d.2 PCI bridge: Intel Corporation Device 51b2 (rev 01) 00:1e.0 Communication controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH UART #0 (rev 01) 00:1e.3 Serial bus controller: Intel Corporation Device 51ab (rev 01) 00:1f.0 ISA bridge: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH eSPI Controller (rev 01) 00:1f.3 Audio device: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH-P High Definition Audio Controller (rev 01) 00:1f.4 SMBus: Intel Corporation Alder Lake PCH-P SMBus Host Controller (rev 01) 00:1f.5 Serial bus controller: Intel Corporation Alder Lake-P PCH SPI Controller (rev 01) 01:00.0 PCI bridge: ASMedia Technology Inc. ASM2824 PCIe Gen3 Packet Switch (rev 01) 02:00.0 PCI bridge: ASMedia Technology Inc. ASM2824 PCIe Gen3 Packet Switch (rev 01) 02:04.0 PCI bridge: ASMedia Technology Inc. ASM2824 PCIe Gen3 Packet Switch (rev 01) 02:08.0 PCI bridge: ASMedia Technology Inc. ASM2824 PCIe Gen3 Packet Switch (rev 01) 02:0c.0 PCI bridge: ASMedia Technology Inc. ASM2824 PCIe Gen3 Packet Switch (rev 01) 03:00.0 Non-Volatile memory controller: Seagate Technology PLC FireCuda 520 SSD (rev 01) 04:00.0 Non-Volatile memory controller: Micron/Crucial Technology Device 5415 (rev 01) 05:00.0 Non-Volatile memory controller: Micron/Crucial Technology Device 5415 (rev 01) 06:00.0 Non-Volatile memory controller: Micron/Crucial Technology Device 5415 (rev 01) 5b:00.0 Non-Volatile memory controller: Kingston Technology Company, Inc. Device 501b 5c:00.0 SATA controller: ASMedia Technology Inc. ASM1166 Serial ATA Controller (rev 02) 5d:00.0 Ethernet controller: Intel Corporation Ethernet Controller I226-V (rev 04) 5e:00.0 Ethernet controller: Intel Corporation Ethernet Controller I226-V (rev 04) 5f:00.0 Ethernet controller: Aquantia Corp. Device 04c0 (rev 03) 60:00.0 Ethernet controller: Aguantia Corp. AOC107 NBase-T/IEEE 802.3bz Ethernet Controller [AOtionl (rey 02)

ZimaCube Review – Noise and Power Consumption

The ZimaCube Pro employs dual fans and a comprehensive ventilation system to manage heat effectively, particularly during intensive tasks. While the thermal management is generally efficient, the device’s aggressive cooling profile leads to higher noise levels, especially when the system is under load. This may be a concern for users who require a quieter operating environment.

Watch the video below (it’s been skipped ahead to the ‘noise test’ part):

In terms of power consumption, the ZimaCube Pro reflects its robust hardware. During idle periods, the device consumes approximately 51W, which increases to around 75W under heavy load. This level of power usage is expected given the high-performance components and the device’s focus on delivering reliable, sustained performance.

Noise and Power Consumption

Aspect	Details
Idle Noise Level	33-38 dB
Load Noise Level	50-60 dB
Idle Power Consumption	51W
Load Power Consumption	75W
Cooling System	Dual fans, aggressive cooling profile
Noise Mitigation	Limited control over fan speeds

While the noise levels and power consumption are in line with the device’s performance capabilities, they may be a consideration for users who prioritize energy efficiency or require a quieter workspace. The cooling system, while effective, could benefit from more refined noise mitigation strategies.

ZimaCube Review – Performance

The ZimaCube Pro offers substantial computing power, making it suitable for tasks such as video editing, large data transfers, and other resource-intensive applications. Initial performance tests indicate strong read speeds, particularly when using Thunderbolt connections, with speeds reaching up to 1.6GB/s.

However, the device’s write performance is less consistent, with speeds ranging from 300MB/s to 600MB/s, depending on the workload and storage configuration.

The device’s ability to handle multitasking efficiently is a key strength, allowing it to support environments where multiple users need simultaneous access to large datasets. Nevertheless, the performance was very inconsistent and sometimes I would get full 10GbE network saturation easily, whilst other times (using the same file/block/network packet sizes) I would see numbers at half! These results were from tests of the RAID 5 HDD array and were the best average results, representing 30 mins of varying tests. Then I switched over to see what level of saturation as possible using the 4x m.2 NVMe SSD bays in a RAID. First up, ATTO:

ATTO Disk benchmark gave pretty much the best results over 10GbE, but of course do not represent real world use. Below are performance numbers for 6x SATA HDDs in a RAID 5:

Finally, dipping into SSH and terminal, I was able to run direct performance tests on the SSDs internally, removing any network limitations entirely.

This performance was significantly reduced as soon as I tried to copy data from 1 SSD to the other internally.

After all of these, I then went ahead and conducted numerous Window transfer tests on both the HDD RAIID array and SD array, however, the variability in write performance suggests that the device may benefit from further firmware updates and optimization to ensure consistent performance across different tasks.

Performance Metrics

Task	Read Speed	Write Speed
Thunderbolt (Read)	Up to 1.6GB/s	N/A
Thunderbolt (Write)	N/A	300-600MB/s
10GbE (Read)	Up to 950MB/s	N/A
10GbE (Write)	N/A	300-500MB/s
SATA HDDs (Read)	Up to 500MB/s	N/A
SATA HDDs (Write)	N/A	300-400MB/s
NVMe SSDs (Read)	Up to 2.2GB/s	N/A
NVMe SSDs (Write)	N/A	1.6GB/s

The performance metrics indicate that the ZimaCube Pro is well-equipped for read-heavy tasks, but users with write-intensive workloads may need to consider the device’s potential limitations in this area.

ZimaCube Review – Multimedia in Plex Media Server

The ZimaCube Pro also functions as a competent Plex Media Server, particularly benefiting from its robust hardware. In tests using the Plex app pre-installed on the device, the ZimaCube Pro demonstrated strong capabilities in handling high-definition media files, including 1080p, 4K, and even some 8K content. However, the system’s performance varied depending on the file format and resolution. For 1080p and 4K files, the ZimaCube Pro performed admirably, with smooth playback and minimal buffering. The device utilized its Intel i5-1235U processor effectively, maintaining relatively low CPU utilization during direct play. However, when transcoding was required, particularly with high-bitrate 4K and 8K files, CPU utilization spiked significantly, and the system fans became noticeably loud. The ZimaCube Pro’s ability to transcode 8K content was limited, often resulting in buffering and high CPU usage. This performance indicates that while the device is powerful, it may not be fully optimized for the most demanding media tasks without further software updates and enhancements. Nonetheless, for typical home media server usage, the ZimaCube Pro provides a satisfactory experience, particularly for users who do not rely heavily on transcoding.

ZimaCube Review – Conclusion

The ZimaCube Pro is a well-rounded NAS solution that combines robust hardware with extensive connectivity options, making it a viable choice for users with demanding storage and processing needs. The device’s solid construction and comprehensive storage capabilities make it a reliable option for professionals involved in content creation, data management, and media processing. The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and multiple Ethernet interfaces enhance its versatility, allowing it to adapt to various use cases and environments. However, the ZimaCube Pro also presents some challenges that potential users should consider. The device’s high noise levels, particularly under load, could be a concern for those who prioritize a quiet operating environment. The aggressive cooling profile, while effective in managing heat, contributes to this noise issue and may detract from the overall user experience. Additionally, the device’s write performance is less consistent than its read performance, which could impact users who require reliable and fast data transfer for write-intensive tasks.

The software functionality, while adequate, may require further refinement to fully leverage the device’s hardware potential. Firmware updates and enhancements could address these limitations, improving the device’s performance and user experience over time. In summary, the ZimaCube Pro shows significant potential as a high-performance NAS solution, particularly for specific user groups like content creators and data professionals. However, users should weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering their specific needs and environments, before investing in this NAS solution. While the device offers a solid foundation, further optimization and refinement could enhance its appeal, making it a more competitive choice in the NAS market.

You can check Amazon for the ZimaCube Pro NAS – HERE

Pros	Cons
Sturdy construction and high-quality build	High noise levels, especially under load
Extensive storage options (6 SATA bays, 4 M.2 NVMe slots)	Inconsistent write performance
Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports	Aggressive cooling profile
Multiple Ethernet interfaces (2x 2.5GbE, 1x 10GbE)	Software functionality needs optimization
Robust internal hardware (Intel i5-1235U, 16GB DDR5)	Limited control over fan speeds
Comprehensive ventilation system	High power consumption
Ideal for content creators and media management
Versatile connectivity options

 

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