Power Consumption
Power conusmption was an interesting one. We knew this system would be a relatively low power mini PC because instead of a huge power brick, it came with a 12V 36W power adapter. Many of our readers will be excited that this is 12V not 19V because it opens up a lot of power options. We tried this with a PoE+ splitter that we had and it worked no problem powering the unit even with the two SATA SSDs attached.
Idle power consumption was 7.4W-8W. Maximum power consumption we saw ranged from aroudn 20W-25W depending on things like if we were using the SATA SSDs.
While this system was silent, even at 2 minutes of stressing the system the 6W TDP Intel N100 was only at 50C. Given the average CPU utilization of mini PCs like this (not running 100% load 24×7) it does not feel like the system needs a fan. Of course, there are two mounting spots for them if you want one.
Key Lessons Learned
First off, we have gotten many e-mails on why do we not review the ZimaBoard from our readers, and those folks offer thousands of dollars for influencers to do reviews. Our challenge with that is really the ancient CPU in the ZimaBoard 832. How do we recommend that over a more modern 6W N100 processor that is 4x as fast, and has way more I/O at around the same price? Raspberry Pi 5’s at half the speed are good, but CWWK’s design removes the need for bespoke PCIe/ NVMe adapters, extra NICs, and so forth.
Still, we miss WiFi as well as USB 3, but allegedly the next batch will have USB 3 and that will solve the second problem while also giving another option to solve the first.
Having a PCIe slot, and SATA cables is great, but then one needs to find something to do with these external peripherals. How does one make a NAS with drives that can easily be disconnected? What about make a 10GbE/ 25GbE box when that NIC can just fall out of the slot?
Overall the system is easy to work on, but not being enclosed means there is only so much one can do with it.
Still, there are other features that are crazy. There are two HDMI ports, a DisplayPort, and the USB Type-C port can both power and provide video signal to an external LCD display. Usually that kind of connecitivty is not common in a $200 machine.
If there was a new batch with USB 3.0 and a N305 processor, it would be very exciting indeed. It would also be great with a revision or solution to mount PCIe cards more securely. Of course, BIOS updates and support would also be nice, but this is a lower-cost SBC. We can still have a wish list.
Final Words
The CWWK CW-MBX-AS12N-35 or “CWWK Crazy” as it has become known around STH is nowhere near perfect. At first, we thought it would be useless, but then it became a go-to machine for having something quickly boot Linux or Windows. It is also a very easy way to mount and dump data from microSD, SSDs, or HDDs. That does not take into account multi-monitor support.
This feels like a category killer. There is so much going on in a low-power passively cooled system. If you need something lower power than 7-8W idle and 20-25W under load, then there are options in the market. This level of features and connectivity in a fanless design is something we have not seen before.
That is why we have a fun CWWK green system ahead of Christmas as it might make a fun project system for our readers.
Where to Buy
Currently the system is not on the CWWK Amazon store, but it is on the company’s AliExpress store.
- System on the CWWK Amazon Store
- System on the CWWK AliExpress Store
- QNAP 4-bay DAS with PCIe card (Amazon)
- PCIe Gen3 x4 Cable (Amazon)
- Cheap Team Group SATA SSDs (Amazon)
Note: STH participates in affiliate programs such as those from Amazon and AliExpress so we may earn a small commission from these links that we use to buy parts for future builds.
I feel comparisons to Raspberry Pi and other single-board Linux computers often miss out on all the connectivity of the GPIO as well as the CSI/DSI ports and UARTS. Even so, it’s interesting to see how ARM Linux systems designed for IoT and advanced control compare in processor speed to small Intel computers.
Definitely a pity about not having higher-gen USBs. I’d love to use one for acquiring gige/USB3 video feeds
I have to push back on this.
Anything you attach to it is going to be dangling at the end of some cables. A PCIe card with or without the right angle adapter is physically unsupported. It seems like a cute workbench toy – for any application of permanence the case is utterly stupid. Even on a workbench how long before it suffers damage to the SMT components, the mobo being exposed like that?
Lately you guys do this, you get all excited about a pretty, but ultimately pretty useless, toy. Is this part of your new “influencer” thing?
STH made it’s bones on enterprise gear and a lack of bullshit. Stick to the recipe.
My $0.02, FWIW.
Seriously, everything you did with it can be done with any other PC. There is nothing unique about this machine. I’m baffled at the enthusiasm.
Ultra low power is the killer feature here. IT would be the basis of a very nice NAS and router at a competitive price to an off the shelf router.
For the doubters – if you can’t knock up a decent case then you have no business in the tinkers market.
@Stephen, I should buy a bog standard bare bones in a stupid case just so I can go to the trouble of making or finding a proper case?
I know! I’ll buy a bog standard bare bones that comes with a proper case! And you can take pride in your metalworking skills or cardboard folding skills or whatever.
@hoohoo agree 100 %
Lately its become a Boys with shiny toys getting giddy, instead of serious men with usefully tools.
@hoohoo agree 100 %. It’s all about the like and subscribe now… Linus tech anyone
I find these small power efficient pc’s very interesting for a possible rack mod. Thx again for the review! I still have to make a choice yet ^^’
I don’t understand why people are confused on this one. It’s more Raspberry Pi 5 beater than a mini PC. You can make a m ITX PC but that’s going to be bigger and unless you’re getting a N100 in it it’ll use more power than this
I’ve just finished the video, then this review. We’re going to buy a bunch of these for an application where we need fanless and faster than a Pi but smaller than a normal pc. I’m so upped on this right now.
Imagine being so self-centered that because you’re reading a review of something that doesn’t pertain to you that you start trolling in comments.
@Kastle J : You can stop simping and brown nosing now….
It seems the servethehome team is att this point just buying any toy from Aliexpress and are becoming like ETA Prime on YouTube, just soulessly spraying out one review similar to the next one.
@Rodi If you dislike how STH produces their content, then why are you whining in the comments? Move along.
This CWWK product is not some random toy from AliExpress—it’s not even a toy. Perhaps you’re confused on the definition of “toy”?
I own server’s ranging from $80 to $7,000 retail, and I appreciate STH’s content as it covers appliances for enterprise to home…as in Serve The HOME (aka. STH)
SMH.
Hey STH- Have you tried sticking a USB 3-2 card into the PCIe slot? Does that get full throughput from a DAS like your QNAP? How about the QNAP + a usb-c m.2 ssd enclosure… etc. Just how useful are those PCIe lanes routed to the slot?
I could see a https://www.cnx-software.com/2024/06/28/sipeed-tang-mega-138k-dock-is-a-lower-cost-gowin-gw5ast-fpga-risc-v-development-board/ dangling from the PCIe slot… with a short cable I would assume
Has anyone found a bios update for this?