ZimaCube 2 NAS Upgrade: Intel Alder Lake, Better Cooling, and More Storage Options

The ZimaCube 2 is a network-attached storage device with an almost cube-shaped design, support for up to six hard drives and four SSDs (or five if you count the one the operating system is installed on), and a 12th-gen Intel Core processor.

The ZimaCube II is available for pre-order now for $799 and up ($749 and up with coupon code ZC2EARLY50), and it’s expected to start shipping later this month. The starting price is for a ZimaCube 2 with an Intel Core i3-1215U Alder Lake processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.

That’s a nice step up from the Intel N100 Alder Lake-N processor used in the previous-gen model. Among other things even the cheapest ZimaCube 2 now has a processor with 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes and support for up to 64GB of DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800 memory. All models also now have two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

The Intel N100 chip, meanwhile topped out at 9 PCIe 3.0 lanes and 32GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and lacked Thunderbolt support. So while the ZimaCube 2 has a starting price that’s $100 higher than the cost of an entry-level ZimaCube (1st-gen), you get a lot more for the money with the new model (which is no longer available for purchase).

There’s also a higher-priced ZimaCube Pro with an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, but that model is functionally pretty similar to the original ZimaCube Pro, which had the same processor.

What’s new for all 2nd-gen ZimaCube devices is that the new models feature:

• An update cooling system that ZimaCube maker IceWhale says “provides stronger thermal performance while keeping noise levels lower”
• Support for fans that can automatically adjust their speeds based on temperature
• Improved ATA controller compatibility with support for a wider range of drives, and a new SATA controller cable with added shielding for better stability

Like the original ZimaCube and ZimaCube Pro, the new models ship with a custom NAS operating system called zimaOS. But the hardware is not locked to that operating system in any way – you can replace the OS with TrueNAS, Unraid, OpenMediaVault, or other software that meets your needs.

Here’s how the ZimaCube 2 models compare to the original versions:

Model	Processor	Graphics	RAM	Storage	USB	LAN	Power	Dimensions	Price
ZimaCube 2	Intel Core i3-1215U	Intel UHD 1.1 GHz	8GB DDR5-4800	256GB SSD + 6x SATA + 5x M.2	2x TB4 + 5x USB	2x 2.5 GbE + 1x 10 GbE	247W	240 x 221 x 220mm	$799
ZimaCube	Intel N100	Intel UHD 750 MHz	8GB DDR4	256GB SSD + 6x SATA + 2x M.2	1x TB4 + 5x USB	2x 2.5 GbE + 1x 10 GbE	220W	240 x 221 x 220mm	$699
ZimaCube Pro 2	Intel Core i5-1235U	Intel UHD 1.2 GHz	16GB DDR5-4800	1TB SSD + 6x SATA + 6x M.2	2x TB4 + 5x USB	2x 2.5 GbE + 1x 10 GbE	247W	240 x 221 x 220mm	$1299
ZimaCube Pro	Intel Core i5-1235U	Intel UHD 750 MHz	16GB DDR4	1TB SSD + 6x SATA + 2x M.2	2x TB4 + 5x USB	2x 2.5 GbE + 1x 10 GbE	220W	240 x 221 x 220mm	$1199

The ZimaCube 2 represents a significant upgrade in terms of processing power and storage flexibility, particularly for users who need the enhanced PCIe lanes and memory capacity for more demanding NAS applications. The improved cooling system and broader drive compatibility make it a more versatile solution for both home and small business users.

The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports on all models is particularly noteworthy, as it provides high-speed connectivity options for external storage arrays or direct connections to high-performance workstations. This makes the ZimaCube 2 more suitable for professional content creators and IT professionals who need both network storage and direct high-speed access.

While the $100 price increase might give some potential buyers pause, the hardware improvements—particularly the jump from Intel N100 to Core i3-1215U—represent substantial performance gains that could justify the cost for many users. The ability to run alternative operating systems also means users aren’t locked into ZimaCube’s ecosystem if they prefer other NAS solutions.

For those considering the upgrade from the original ZimaCube, the decision will likely depend on whether the performance improvements and enhanced features align with their specific storage needs and workflow requirements.