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Welcome to “Reviews inside tv,” where we dive deep into the latest tech to help you make informed decisions. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the Fanless N100 Industrial Mini PC Micro Firewall Appliance. If you’re on the hunt for a compact, powerful network solution, this might be the one you’ve been waiting for. But, let’s break it down to see if it really delivers.
The Fanless N100 Mini PC packs quite a punch in a tiny package. Powered by an Intel Quad-Core N100 processor, it offers a base speed of 0.8GHz, which can turbo boost up to 3.4GHz. Designed to handle demanding network tasks, it supports POE IN, AES NI, and various popular open-source firewall software like Pfsense. Out of the box, it comes with Windows 11 pre-installed but also supports Windows 10, Ubuntu, and other firewall/router software. You can even enable Auto Power On after a power failure or wake it remotely with Wake on LAN. For network enthusiasts, this unit features four 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, with one supporting POE IN for a stable, high-speed network setup.
Now, let’s talk about how this mini PC actually performs in the real world. When setting it up, I found the process relatively simple. The device is ready to go straight from the box, though you’ll need to install additional software depending on your use case. Running network-intensive tasks like routing, VPN setups, and firewalling was smooth, thanks to the four 2.5GbE ports. It does its job reliably, even during long hours of use, maintaining stable network speeds. The fanless design is a huge plus—it runs completely silently, which makes it perfect for office environments or setups where noise might be an issue. However, one thing to note is that while the mini PC is small, it’s still a bit larger than some other mini solutions, so it may not fit all the compact setups you might envision.
Speaking of the pros, the N100 Mini PC offers a lot. It’s silent and efficient, thanks to the fanless design and low power consumption. With 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 128GB SSD, it’s well-suited for most standard network tasks, with room to upgrade to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage if needed. The 4x 2.5GbE Ethernet ports are a standout feature, allowing for a solid, stable network performance, especially if you’re managing a home network, firewall, or VPN. On the downside, the mini PC doesn’t include a pre-installed Wi-Fi module, so you’ll need to add your own if you need wireless support. Additionally, the POE IN functionality is useful, but it only supports POE++ and POE+ standards, not the lower-power POE standard.
As for value for money, this device does deliver solid performance for its price, especially when considering the flexibility it offers for home network management and security. The ability to upgrade the RAM and storage means it has a lot of longevity in it, but the lack of built-in Wi-Fi could be a dealbreaker for some.
When comparing this to other devices in the same category, it stands out for its fanless design and the inclusion of POE support. Other mini PCs at a similar price point may offer similar specs, but they often require additional accessories or lack the same network capabilities. In contrast, this mini PC is more self-contained, making it a better option for those needing a compact but powerful networking tool.
Build quality is solid for a mini PC. It’s constructed with durable materials and has a heatsink design that ensures it runs efficiently without overheating. You won’t have to worry about noisy fans or heat buildup, which is a common issue with other compact PCs. This makes it a great option for continuous 24/7 operation.
If you’re someone who’s dealt with customer support for mini PC products, you’ll be glad to know this brand has a decent reputation, though I haven’t had direct interactions myself. The documentation is clear, and setup is straightforward, which helps mitigate the need for any support.
So, is there anything better for the price? There are a few alternatives on the market, but few offer the same combination of features. For example, some mini PCs come with pre-installed Wi-Fi or have smaller form factors but don’t offer the same level of performance or expandability. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are certainly smaller, less powerful units available, but they won’t provide the same level of network speed or future-proofing.
To wrap it up, the Fanless N100 Industrial Mini PC Micro Firewall Appliance is a solid choice if you’re looking for a powerful, compact, and silent network appliance. Its four 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, POE support, and upgradeable storage make it a versatile option for home network setups or even small business use. However, the lack of built-in Wi-Fi and the size might not be ideal for everyone. But if you’re willing to invest in the right accessories, it’s a worthwhile addition to your network arsenal.
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Thanks for watching, and remember, the link to get the Fanless N100 Mini PC can be found in the comments box. If you already own this product or have any questions, drop them below—let’s talk about it! Until next time, this is “Reviews inside tv,” signing off, where we always look under the hood before you do.
Available to buy here:
