This cheap mini PC packs an Intel Core i3, four 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ethernet ports and can even run Windows — so could it be the perfect home web server?

1 month ago

(Image credit: iKOOLCORE)

The iKOOLCORE R2 Max is simply a compact yet powerful mini PC that comes pinch either nan Intel N100 aliases nan much powerful Intel Core i3-N305, making it tin of handling various tasks specified arsenic contented creation, virtualization, and agency work.

Despite its mini size, measuring conscionable 15.7 x 11.8 x 4 cm, nan R2 Max is well-equipped pinch 4 high-speed Ethernet ports - 2 10GbE ports powered by Marvell AQC113C-B1-C chips and 2 2.5GbE ports moving connected Intel i226-v controllers.

These could make it an fantabulous prime for users seeking a budget-friendly location web server pinch precocious networking capabilities.

Keep cool

Internally, nan R2 Max supports up to 32GB of DDR5-4800 RAM successful a azygous slot and includes dual M.2 NVMe slots (2242/2280) for storage, pinch support for up to 2TB. While nan PCIe 2.0 x1 lanes limit highest SSD performance, they should beryllium accelerated capable for sharing files and serving up media.

The R2 Max besides includes 2 USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C 3.2 Gen2 larboard for connecting peripherals, alongside HDMI 2.0 and USB-C for 4K 60fps show output. Power tin beryllium supplied via a 19V DC input aliases a USB-C PD port, adding elasticity for users who want a backup battery.

Cooling is handled via a passive system, featuring a copper heatsink and a CNC metallic apical screen for power dissipation, which should beryllium much than capable for emblematic location server tasks. For heavier workloads, 2 optional fans tin beryllium added to amended airflow and forestall nan strategy from overheating.

The R2 Max is priced astatine $299 for nan N100 barebone version and up to $709 for nan afloat equipped N305 exemplary pinch 32GB RAM and a 2TB SSD. The mini PC is compatible pinch Windows, Linux, pfSense, OPNsense, OpenWrt, Proxmox VE, VMware ESXi, Unraid, and more.

Sign up to nan TechRadar Pro newsletter to get each nan apical news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

More from TechRadar Pro

These are nan best mobile workstations around
And present are nan best business laptops connected offer
Compact workstation PC appears pinch immoderate outstanding features

Wayne Williams is simply a freelancer penning news for TechRadar Pro. He has been penning astir computers, technology, and nan web for 30 years. In that clip he wrote for astir of nan UK’s PC magazines, and launched, edited and published a number of them too.

Source Technology