As an independent network administrator who spent 13 years in the automotive industry before transitioning to IT, I firmly believe that "digital sovereignty is in your own hands" is the most reassuring state. From wielding car repair tools to coding and deploying open-source services, from becoming a senior automotive technician to obtaining CompTIA A+, Network+, and Linux+ certifications and preparing for the CCNA, behind my career leaps lies a dedication to "autonomy"—this dedication led me to unhesitatingly choose the ZimaBoard 2 storage device, which meets my DIY needs and aligns with the open-source philosophy.
A Perfect Match of High Cost-Effectiveness and DIY Attributes
Before this, I was using an old two-bay QNAP HDD NAS, but as the device aged, it gradually failed to meet my needs for storage speed, bandwidth, and open-source service deployment. I needed a device that could support NVMe and NGFF SSDs, be compatible with various open-source tools, and be flexibly customized to my needs. To this end, I compared several mini PCs and dedicated NVMe NAS enclosures equipped with Intel N100/N150 processors, ultimately being drawn to the ZimaBoard 2 by its three core advantages:
First, its exceptional cost-effectiveness. Among devices with similar configurations, the ZimaBoard 2 offers a significant price advantage, allowing for a more reasonable SSD NAS setup.
Second, its PCIe expansion slots provide ample space for future upgrades, a true "treasure design" for someone like me who enjoys DIY modifications.
Third, its extreme DIY friendliness. Even before ordering, I had already planned to customize a 10-inch rack mount using my own Creality K1C 3D printer (which I've completely replaced with open-source software for full hardware control). This "planning and modifying before buying" approach is something other ready-made devices can't offer.
Coincidentally, Amazon's post-Christmas promotion caught me, and I promptly placed my order. Now that the setup is complete, I've retained my older QNAP HDD NAS as a low-bandwidth file storage node and a backup device for the ZimaBoard 2. Together, they form a dual-layer storage system of "high-speed primary storage + stable backup," meeting daily usage needs while ensuring data security.
From System to Services, Full-Scenario Adaptation to Open Source Needs
As a deep Linux user and an advocate for FOSS (Open Source Software), I have extremely high requirements for system compatibility and open-source service compatibility. After receiving the ZimaBoard 2, I chose ZimaOS as the operating system. It not only perfectly adapts to the device hardware but also supports extended functionality through Entware packages—making basic service deployment and personalized tool integration easy and fully meeting my usage habits as an advanced Linux user.
Currently, my ZimaBoard 2 has become the "digital hub" of my home, playing three core roles:
1. Full-Device Data Backup Center
As an SSD-based NAS server, it completely replaces the public cloud storage of "big tech companies"—every day, my Linux desktop and laptop automatically back up data at 6 PM via my custom rsync script, triggered by a custom systemd timer; my smartphone backs up photos and videos via Immich (a perfect replacement for Google Photos), and synchronizes other files using Syncthing. Even SMS, MMS, and RCS messages can be exported to the phone's local directory via the "SMS Backup and Restore" application, and then synchronized to the NAS by Syncthing, achieving a fully automated backup of all devices without omissions.
2. A "Supporting Partner" for 3D Printing Enthusiasts
As an avid 3D printing enthusiast, I deployed the open-source Spoolman on it. This 3D printer consumable inventory manager works in real-time with the 3D printer's Moonraker software to accurately track consumable usage, making my 3D printing creations more organized and allowing for a closer integration of hardware modification and digital tools.
3. An Open-Source Service Integration Platform
Beyond the core storage and backup functions, I also deployed a series of open-source services: Samba for local area network file sharing, SSH for remote management, WireGuard Easy v15 for secure remote access, and Cloudflared to tunnel the Immich connection to my personal public domain. Nextcloud meets my lightweight cloud document needs, CouchDB supports Obsidian LiveSync for cross-device note synchronization, and Dashy provides a visual service management dashboard—all services revolve around "open source, autonomy, and security," perfectly aligning with my need for control over digital sovereignty.
The Changes Zima Brings: A Dual Boost of Efficiency and Freedom
The most noticeable change after using ZimaBoard 2 is the complete elimination of reliance on public cloud storage—no more worries about personal data being monitored or collected. Every file and every photo is stored on a device under my control, providing an irreplaceable sense of data security.
Secondly, there's a significant improvement in efficiency: the high-speed read/write speeds of SSD storage, combined with SMB multi-channel technology, support simultaneous backups across multiple devices, eliminating the "one device backing up, others queuing" situation common with older NAS systems. Automated backup scripts eliminate the hassle of manual operations, transforming data backup from something "required to remember" to something "automatic," greatly reducing the burden of daily use.
More importantly, it provides a "practical platform" for my open-source philosophy and DIY hobbies—from 3D printer stand brackets to deploying various open-source services, and customizing storage systems to meet individual needs, the ZimaBoard 2 1664 is not a "fixed-function device," but a "digital platform" that can grow with needs and be modified according to personal preferences—precisely the user experience I've always sought.
Recommendations for All DIY and Open-Source Enthusiasts
If I were to recommend it to a friend, I would say without hesitation: "The ZimaBoard 2 is an excellent low-power NAS server. If you want a modifiable DIY solution that can be adapted to your specific needs, it's definitely worth getting."
For me, the ZimaBoard 2 is not just a storage device, but also a symbol of "taking control of my digital life" after a career transition—from car mechanic to IT administrator, from hardware modification to open-source deployment, much like when I finished my Christmas Homelab NAS upgrade, every step involves the joy of "creating with my own hands." The ZimaBoard 2 perfectly embodies that joy, making a lifestyle of "rejecting big tech monopolies and embracing open-source freedom" possible.
Join the Community to Unlock More Useful Content!
Welcome to the IceWhale Discord community! We will be releasing more detailed setup tutorials, user case studies, and product updates to help you easily navigate your digital life and find the perfect hardware platform for every passion.
