My Experience with the Zima Board 2
The Zima Board 2 from IceWhale caught my attention as a step up from Raspberry Pi—x86 architecture, dual 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and enough power for serious homelab applications. After testing it extensively, here's my honest assessment.
Specifications
- CPU: Intel N100 quad-core (3.6GHz boost)
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR5X (my model)
- Network: Dual Intel 2.5GbE ports
- Storage: M.2 NVMe slot + SATA
- PCIe: Mini PCIe slot
- Power: 12V DC, ~15W typical
- Size: Ultra-compact fanless design
Performance Testing
Network Throughput (Iperf3)
Tested with Iperf to measure actual network performance:
# Server mode
iperf3 -s
# Client test
iperf3 -c [server-ip] -t 60
Result: 1.09 Gbps average throughput
This is excellent for 2.5GbE—limited only by my test equipment, not the Zima Board.
CPU Load During Network Testing
Under full network saturation: 60-80% CPU utilization. The Intel N100 is powerful but not unlimited. Running multiple VMs plus heavy network traffic will max it out.
Use Cases
1. Portable Firewall/Router
Dual 2.5GbE makes it perfect for pfSense or OPNsense:
- WAN on port 1, LAN on port 2
- IDS/IPS with Suricata
- VPN server (WireGuard, OpenVPN)
- Ad blocking with pfBlockerNG
2. Travel Lab
Compact size makes it ideal for portable homelab:
- Fits in laptop bag
- Low power consumption
- Run multiple VMs for testing
- Practice networking/security on the go
3. All-in-One Server
- Proxmox host running multiple containers
- Home Assistant for smart home
- Plex/Jellyfin media server
- Pi-hole DNS
- Docker containers
Recommendation: Buy 16GB Variant
Critical insight: If you plan to run multiple VMs, get the 16GB model. I tested with 8GB and found it limiting:
- Proxmox + 2 VMs: 85% RAM usage
- Can't comfortably run 3+ VMs simultaneously
- Docker containers add up quickly
The 16GB model gives breathing room for serious homelab work.
Compared to Raspberry Pi
| Feature | Zima Board 2 | Raspberry Pi 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | x86 (Intel N100) | ARM |
| Compatibility | Run any x86 software | ARM-specific software |
| Network | Dual 2.5GbE | Single 1GbE |
| Performance | ~3x faster | Baseline |
| Power | ~15W | ~10W |
| Price | $150-200 | $55 |
| Community | Small but growing | Huge, excellent support |
Pros
- x86 compatibility—no ARM limitations
- Dual 2.5GbE for serious networking
- Fanless, silent operation
- NVMe storage for fast boot/access
- Compact and portable
- Low power consumption
Cons
- Higher price than Raspberry Pi
- 8GB model too limited for multi-VM setups
- Smaller community/ecosystem
- Proprietary power adapter
Verdict
Buy if:
- Need x86 compatibility
- Building network appliance (firewall, router)
- Want portable homelab
- Budget allows (~₹15,000+)
- Prefer single-board computer to mini PC
Stick with Raspberry Pi if:
- Budget-conscious
- ARM software is sufficient
- Don't need multi-gigabit networking
- Value huge community support
The Zima Board 2 is a capable machine that bridges the gap between Raspberry Pi and full mini PCs. For network-focused applications and portable labs, it's excellent. Just get the 16GB model.