TWICE As Fast with No Space Wasted

Summary

The video reviews the new iolite Core R2 Mini PC, which packs impressive performance into a tiny, portable package. Featuring an 8-core Intel Core i3 processor and up to 4 2.5GbE ports, it provides significantly more power than the previous R1 generation. While expandable storage and RAM are limited, it remains whisper-quiet even under load. Some connectivity like USB-C for power and audio feel unintuitive. But for a mini server or firewall you can easily transport, its combination of performance, efficiency and compact size make the R2 hard to beat.

Takeaways

• 📦 The iol core R2 is a highly compact and portable mini PC, about the size of a Lego figurine, ideal for low power server applications.
• 🚀 Equipped with a new 8-core Intel core I3 N300 processor, it offers a balance of power and energy efficiency, suitable for various tasks despite its small size.
• 🌐 Features four 2.5 gig Ethernet ports, including three Intel i26 V ports and one Realtek RTL 8156 BG port, enhancing its networking capabilities.
• 📁 Comes with an NVMe SSD for storage, with the option to choose different storage capacities at the time of purchase.
• 🔌 Offers unique power options, including a USB-C to DC barrel jack adapter, catering to different power supply preferences.
• 🔊 Includes a combo audio jack in a USB-C port, a design choice that may not suit all users.
• 📶 Has an optional Wi-Fi feature, with the installed Mediatek RZ 608 providing Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
• 🔧 The system is designed for easy access to the SSD for upgrades or maintenance, but RAM and processor are not user-serviceable.
• 💡 The iol core R2 is relatively quiet during operation, with efficient cooling that manages the power and noise balance well.
• 👍 Ideal for users needing a compact, low-power server for applications like firewalls, virtualization hosts, or travel clusters.

Q & A

What processor is used in the iolite Core R2 mini PC?

The iolite Core R2 mini PC uses an 8-core Intel Core i3-N300 processor.

How much RAM can the iolite Core R2 be configured with?

The iolite Core R2 can be configured with either 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM soldered onto the motherboard.

What kind of storage does the iolite Core R2 use?

The iolite Core R2 uses an M.2 2242 NVMe SSD for storage.

How many Ethernet ports does the iolite Core R2 have?

The iolite Core R2 has four 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports - three are Intel i226-V ports and one is a Realtek RTL8156-BG USB 3 port.

Can the iolite Core R2 Mini PC support internal Wi-Fi?

Yes, the iolite Core R2 has an M.2 slot for adding an internal Wi-Fi card, which was not possible in the previous R1/R1 Pro models.

How quiet is the iolite Core R2?

The improved cooling system makes the R2 very quiet - even when stressed, the noise level is around 37 dBa.

What display outputs does the iolite Core R2 have?

The iolite Core R2 has HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4a (via USB-C) display outputs.

Can the iolite Core R2 be powered via USB-C?

Yes, the iolite Core R2 can be powered via USB-C using the included 12V power adapter and USB-C to DC barrel jack cable.

What operating systems or virtualization platforms could you run on the iolite Core R2?

The iolite Core R2 would work well for running operating systems like OPNsense, pfSense, Proxmox, Ubuntu, or hypervisors like VMware ESXi.

How does the iolite Core R2 compare in size to a typical 1L mini PC?

The iolite Core R2 is much smaller than a typical 1 liter mini PC like the Lenovo ThinkCentre Nano - it's about the size of a Lego figurine.