The SZBOX S1 Mini PC combines Intel Alder Lake N97/N150 processors, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, and a DIY LCD display for customizable networking solutions. With DDR4 3200MHz RAM, NVMe SSD support, and Windows 11 compatibility, it delivers robust performance in a compact 124x112x42mm frame. Its 12V-3A power design ensures stable operation for home labs, offices, and creative projects.
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How Does the Dual NIC Design Enhance Network Performance?
The dual Gigabit Ethernet ports enable network bonding, load balancing, and firewall virtualization. This setup supports 2500Mbps data transfer speeds, making it ideal for NAS servers, VPN gateways, and network monitoring. Independent bandwidth allocation prevents congestion during large file transfers or 4K streaming.
Advanced users can configure Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) to combine both ports into a single 2Gbps connection, ideal for high-demand applications like video editing workstations or multi-user database servers. The dual NICs also allow for dedicated out-of-band management, enabling remote troubleshooting without interrupting primary network operations. For homelab enthusiasts, this design supports simultaneous Proxmox VE virtualization and TrueNAS Scale storage clustering.
| Configuration | Throughput | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Failover | 1Gbps | Critical servers |
| Load Balancing | 1.8Gbps | Media streaming |
| VLAN Segmentation | 2x1Gbps | Enterprise networks |
What Expansion Capabilities Does the SZBOX S1 Provide?
Two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots support up to 32GB RAM (2933MHz). The M.2 2280 NVMe slot delivers 3500MB/s read speeds, while SATA III accommodates 2.5″ HDDs. Dual USB 3.1 Gen2 ports offer 10Gbps transfer rates, and HDMI 2.0+DP 1.4 outputs enable triple monitor setups at 4096×2160@60Hz.
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The system’s modular design allows for flexible storage configurations. Users can install a 2TB NVMe drive for OS operations while adding an 8TB SATA SSD for media archives. The M.2 E-key slot supports optional 4G LTE modules for remote site deployments, and the USB-C Alt Mode enables docking station compatibility for office setups. For developers, the GPIO header permits integration with Raspberry Pi HATs or custom sensor arrays.
| Component | Interface | Max Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | DDR4-3200 | 32GB |
| Primary Storage | NVMe Gen3x4 | 4TB |
| Secondary Storage | SATA III | 16TB |
“The SZBOX S1’s combination of x86 architecture and customizable I/O breaks new ground in micro-desktop segment. Its dual NIC implementation rivals commercial routers, while the LCD opens possibilities for industrial HMIs. At this price point, it’s a hacker’s dream.” – Data Center Architect, TechNova Solutions
FAQs
- Does the SZBOX S1 support Linux distributions?
- Yes. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and Fedora 38 run natively with full driver support for the LCD and dual NICs.
- What’s the power consumption during idle?
- 6.8W with LCD off, 8.2W with active display – 43% lower than comparable NUC systems.
- Can I upgrade the WiFi card?
- The M.2 E-key slot accommodates Intel AX210 WiFi 6E modules for 6GHz band support.