IceWhale Announces New ZimaBlade Hackable Personal Server

Boasting a sleek tech design with a transparent case, The ZimaBlade continues the same approach that the ZimaBoard brought us. Personal privacy in a small footprint that also harnesses enough power to manage your home server applications and other fun projects.

I love that clear cover and how thin the design is. But let's talk about features and specs of this new design.

Features & Specifications

• CPU: Options include quad-core Intel® Celeron with 2.2 GHz Turbo Speed or dual-core Intel® Celeron with 2.4 GHz Turbo Speed, featuring Intel® AES New Instructions, VT-x, and VT-d.
• Memory: Compatible with 16 GB DDR4 / DDR3 RAM via SODIMM slot.
• Storage: Integrated 32 GB eMMC.
• Network: 1 x 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet.
• Display: Supports 4K resolution at 60 Hz via 1 x MiniDP and 1 x board-to-board eDP interface.
• Graphics: Up to 700 MHz with Intel® Quick Sync Video, Clear Video HD Technology, and Clear Video Technology.
• PCIe: 1 x PCIe 2.0, four lanes.
• USB: Includes 1 x USB Type-C (data + power + display), 1 x USB 3.0, and 2 x USB 2.0.
• SATA: 2 x SATA 3.0 ports.
• Power: Powered by a 45 W USB Type-C adapter.
• Thermal: Operates at 6 W TDP with passive cooling.
• Dimensions: Compact size at 107 mm x 80 mm x 23 mm.
• Enclosure: Custom injection molded polycarbonate (opaque and transparent), aluminum alloy heatsink, and four black silicone feet.
• Software: Pre-installed with Debian-based CasaOS featuring streamlined Docker experience. Compatible with various operating systems including Windows, Ubuntu, Debian, Raspberry Pi OS, CentOS, OpenWrt, pfSense, Android, LibreELEC, and more.

In the photo above, you can get an idea about how big the ZimaBlade is compared to the person's hand who is holding the device. It's just over 4 inches wide, and can clearly see the visible SODIMM RAM module through the clear case.

Easy to Teardown and Assemble

ZimaBlade has a solid, opaque injection-molded polycarbonate border that grants access to all ports on both ends while providing robust protection. The upper layer is crafted from transparent injection-molded polycarbonate, serving the dual purpose of shielding and displaying the mainboard. For noiseless, fanless performance, the lower section is made from machined aluminum alloy, which effectively dissipates heat from the mainboard's processor. Additionally, four black silicone non-slip feet ensure the stability of your ZimaBlade.

ZimaBlade Use Cases

Discover a collection of both entertaining and beneficial projects that align seamlessly with the capabilities of your ZimaBlade.

Self-Hosted AI

Start using Auto-GPT with just one click. Imagine automating how you follow the news, making it easier to run your smart home, or a digital assistant for social media. ZimaBlade makes these things possible while letting you stay in control.

Media Streaming

With ZimaBlade, you can stream all your favorite movies and high-quality music from anywhere you are. The great thing is, since it's your own server, you won't need to worry about paying any subscriptions or fees.

Retro Gaming

Indulge in the ultimate nostalgic gaming adventure with ZimaBlade and rediscover the highlights of 20th-century gaming. ZimaBlade delivers an abundance of nostalgic enjoyment, readily accessible at your fingertips for hours of endless fun!

ZimaBlade Price Models

ZimaBlade have updated their Crowd Supply page today with price options ranging from $64 all the way up to $392.

There are 6 different options to choose from Sold and shipped by Crowd Supply.

Final Notes and Thoughts

I did see the ZimaBlade launch site and the price does say "Starts from $64" in the upper right corner but that seems a bit vague and I really doubt that's a correct value. It's very early stages and there will most likely be changes made that reflect the pricing models later to come. I am curious to see if the prices will compare to the ZimaBoard.

You can see more photos and read more details about the ZimaBlade on the ZimaBlade Crowd Supply page here.

Overall, I really like the thought that went into the design and hardware of the ZimaBlade. The x86 architecture makes it much easier to run all your favorite apps using Docker. I would love to strap on a GPU and test Auto-GPT with this! It seems like an amazing project and the ZimaBlade would be the perfect platform.