CWWK Firewall Mini PC N100

86%

Value for Money

Performance

Setup/Installation

Compatibility

Network Performance

Cooling & Noise

Build Quality

Usability & Ergonomics

Software/OS Support

Storage Expansion Options

Long-term Reliability

Port Variety

Customer Support

Overview

The CWWK Firewall Mini PC N100 is a compact yet powerful device designed for demanding networking tasks. With its Intel N100 processor and 4 x 2.5GbE network ports, this mini PC excels in high-performance environments. It supports multiple operating systems, including OPNsense and Windows, making it an excellent choice for versatile use cases. Whether you're setting up a firewall, VPN, or a home server, this mini PC delivers impressive functionality in a small form factor, making it a great solution for both professional and home use.

Features & Benefits

This mini PC comes with DDR5 RAM, offering faster performance and enhanced multitasking capabilities compared to older memory types. It supports dual display via HDMI and DP, with 4K resolution at 60Hz, making it ideal for dual-monitor setups in office or business environments. The storage is easily expandable through its M.2 NVMe and mSATA slots, allowing users to upgrade storage as needed. Moreover, the passive cooling design ensures quiet operation, providing an energy-efficient solution without the need for noisy fans.

Best For

The CWWK Firewall Mini PC N100 is best suited for network administrators who need a reliable firewall appliance or anyone looking for a compact server solution. Its low power consumption and versatility make it a great fit for small businesses requiring a low-maintenance server. Additionally, home users who want to set up a VPN or NAS solution will appreciate its easy installation and robust performance, offering an affordable way to enhance network security or build a home server without taking up much space.

User Feedback

Users generally appreciate the CWWK Firewall Mini PC N100 for its compact size and the versatility provided by its four network ports. It has received positive feedback for its easy setup, especially with OPNsense, making it an accessible option even for those new to networking. However, some users have mentioned that the lack of a pre-installed OS can be a downside, as it requires additional setup. Overall, the device is praised for being an affordable yet reliable solution for home networking and small office environments.

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Pros

Compact design makes it easy to install and fits into tight spaces.
Equipped with 4 x 2.5GbE network ports, offering solid connectivity options.
Supports a wide range of operating systems, providing flexibility for various use cases.
DDR5 RAM ensures faster performance and improved multitasking capabilities.
Passive cooling design keeps the device quiet, reducing noise during operation.
Dual display support with 4K resolution is ideal for both business and home setups.

Cons

Some users find the lack of a pre-installed operating system inconvenient.
The device's storage options may not meet the needs of users requiring large capacities out of the box.
Setup may be challenging for those without technical expertise, especially when configuring OPNsense.
Limited expandability in terms of built-in storage, requiring additional components for larger setups.
Lack of integrated GPU can hinder certain performance-heavy tasks or virtual environments.
Not suitable for demanding, high-performance server applications without upgrades.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple countries, languages, and platforms, the ratings for the CWWK Firewall Mini PC N100 reflect an honest mix of strengths and areas for improvement. Spam, bot, and incentivized reviews were filtered out to ensure that only authentic feedback was considered. Users have praised its performance, ease of setup, and network capabilities, while some have pointed out the lack of a pre-installed OS as a downside.

Value for Money

91%

Many users feel that this device offers excellent value for its performance. The combination of a powerful Intel N100 processor and multiple 2.5GbE network ports at an affordable price makes it a strong contender for both small businesses and home users. The versatility of supporting various operating systems also adds to its appeal for diverse setups.

However, some buyers were disappointed by the lack of a pre-installed OS, which adds to the overall setup time and complexity. Additionally, a few users felt that while the price is competitive, the device could offer more storage options out of the box.

Performance

88%

This mini PC excels in performance, especially considering its compact size. Users have reported fast processing speeds thanks to its Intel N100 processor, making it suitable for tasks like running a firewall or handling multiple network connections. Its DDR5 RAM further boosts multitasking and responsiveness, especially in business or network-heavy environments.

On the downside, some users have mentioned that while the performance is impressive, it occasionally struggles with more demanding tasks like running multiple virtual machines or resource-heavy applications. This may limit its use for advanced server or enterprise-level workloads.

Setup/Installation

84%

The setup process is straightforward, with many buyers praising the ease of installation, particularly when using OPNsense or similar network operating systems. The device's compatibility with various OS options makes it versatile for users with different preferences, whether they’re setting up a VPN, firewall, or NAS.

Some users, however, have expressed frustration with the absence of a pre-installed operating system, leading to additional time spent on installation. For those unfamiliar with manual setup, this could be a barrier to getting started quickly.

Compatibility

90%

The wide compatibility with multiple operating systems like OPNsense, Ubuntu, Windows, and more is one of the standout features of this device. Users appreciate the flexibility it offers, whether for personal use, business, or specialized networking tasks. The ability to switch between operating systems without major issues is a significant selling point.

While most users have had positive experiences with compatibility, a few have noted occasional difficulties when trying to configure certain niche operating systems. For users who plan to run very specific software or configurations, some additional setup or troubleshooting might be needed.

Network Performance

93%

This device’s 4 x 2.5GbE network ports provide outstanding performance, especially for users needing robust network connections for business or home networks. The ability to handle multiple simultaneous network tasks makes it ideal for running a firewall, VPN, or NAS. Many users praise its stability and speed, particularly in professional environments.

Despite its high network performance, some users have reported issues when using older network equipment, where the device occasionally underperforms. For home users with older routers or switches, it may require additional configuration or upgrades to reach optimal performance.

Cooling & Noise

86%

One of the key benefits of this mini PC is its passive heat dissipation design, which ensures a quieter operation compared to other devices with active cooling systems. Users appreciate that it can run for long periods without generating much noise, making it a great choice for home offices or environments where noise is a concern.

A few users have noted that while the device runs quietly, it can still get somewhat warm under extended load. Although this isn’t a major concern, users who plan to push the device to its limits may want to monitor its temperature closely to avoid any thermal throttling.

Build Quality

85%

The build quality of this device is solid, with many buyers noting its sturdy construction and compact size. Despite its small footprint, it feels durable and well-built, making it a reliable choice for both home and business use. The device is robust enough to handle continuous operation, which is essential for network appliances.

While the build quality is generally praised, some users have mentioned that the compact form factor can make access to internal components, like storage slots, a bit tricky. For those who want to upgrade or maintain the system themselves, this could be a minor inconvenience.

Usability & Ergonomics

82%

18%

This mini PC’s small form factor is ideal for users with limited space, and its simple, functional design makes it easy to integrate into a variety of setups. The device doesn’t require much maintenance, and it’s easy to operate once installed, with straightforward connectivity and user-friendly interfaces for both tech-savvy and less experienced users.

While the design is compact, some users have pointed out that the lack of pre-installed software means more technical knowledge is needed during setup. Additionally, for users unfamiliar with network appliances, the device may require a bit of a learning curve to fully understand its features and capabilities.

Software/OS Support

79%

21%

Users appreciate the broad software support for this mini PC, especially for network-centric operating systems like OPNsense, OpenWrt, and ESXi. Its flexibility allows users to configure the device to meet various needs, making it suitable for both personal and professional setups.

However, some buyers have encountered issues with OS installation, particularly for less common systems. There are occasional compatibility hiccups, especially when trying to use software that requires specific drivers or configurations, which could be a deterrent for less experienced users.

Storage Expansion Options

87%

The mini PC offers plenty of storage expansion options, such as the M.2 NVMe and mSATA slots. This provides users with the flexibility to upgrade storage as needed, which is especially beneficial for those running data-intensive applications like NAS or local file servers.

Although the expansion options are appreciated, a few users have expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of built-in storage. For those who expect more out-of-the-box capacity, additional upgrades may be required, which could add to the initial cost.

Long-term Reliability

83%

Many users have found this mini PC to be reliable for long-term use, with few reports of hardware failure or performance degradation over time. The passive cooling system and efficient design contribute to its ability to maintain steady performance, even after prolonged use in demanding environments.

That said, a few users have mentioned concerns about long-term durability, especially when the device is pushed to its limits. While there haven’t been widespread reliability issues, some users have raised questions about its lifespan when running resource-heavy applications continuously.

Port Variety

92%

This mini PC comes with an excellent selection of ports, including four 2.5GbE network ports, USB ports, and additional GPIO and PXE network boot options. This variety makes it a great choice for anyone needing flexible connectivity in a compact device. Users have found the port options sufficient for a variety of network setups and peripheral connections.

Despite the variety of ports, some users feel that the lack of more modern ports like USB-C or additional expansion slots limits future-proofing. For users with newer peripheral devices, the limited options may require adapters or additional accessories to fully integrate the device into their setup.

Customer Support

75%

25%

When it comes to customer support, many users have reported positive experiences with response times and assistance for basic troubleshooting. The manufacturer’s website and forums are also helpful resources for getting additional support or answers to common questions.

However, some buyers have reported slow response times or difficulty reaching customer service for more complex issues. A few have found the lack of comprehensive troubleshooting guides to be frustrating, particularly for users unfamiliar with technical network appliances.

Suitable for:

The CWWK Firewall Mini PC N100 is an excellent choice for network administrators and small businesses looking for a reliable and compact solution for firewall or networking tasks. With its versatile support for operating systems like OPNsense, Ubuntu, and Windows, this mini PC is well-suited for setting up secure networks or running a VPN. Home users looking for a low-power, high-performance device to run NAS or set up advanced networking also find it beneficial. Its compact form factor, coupled with 4 x 2.5GbE ports, offers the necessary connectivity and performance for small office environments or home setups where space and efficiency are priorities.

Not suitable for:

However, the CWWK Firewall Mini PC N100 may not be ideal for users seeking a ready-to-use solution out of the box. Some buyers have expressed frustration with the lack of a pre-installed operating system, which requires additional setup. This may be challenging for individuals who are not tech-savvy or those who need a plug-and-play experience. Additionally, users who need more extensive storage capacity right away may find the available built-in storage limiting. For more demanding server environments, this mini PC might not be powerful enough to handle extremely high workloads or advanced virtual machine setups without additional upgrades.

Specifications

Processor: Equipped with an Intel N100 processor, providing efficient performance for network and server tasks.
Memory: Supports DDR5 RAM, with a maximum capacity of 32GB, offering fast performance and multitasking capabilities.
Network Ports: Includes four 2.5GbE network ports for high-speed networking, suitable for heavy data traffic.
Display Support: Supports dual display with 4K resolution via HDMI2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 for enhanced visual output.
Storage Expansion: Provides expandable storage through M.2 NVMe x4 and mSATA slots, allowing for fast and flexible storage options.
Cooling Design: Features a passive heat dissipation design, ensuring quiet and low-maintenance operation without the need for fans.
Operating System Compatibility: Compatible with multiple operating systems, including OPNsense, ESXi, OpenWrt, Ubuntu, and Windows.
Form Factor: Compact design with dimensions of 145.6mm x 145.4mm x 53.6mm, making it ideal for tight spaces or small environments.
USB Ports: Equipped with four USB 2.0 ports for peripheral connections and data transfer.
Boot Options: Supports PXE network boot and GPIO for advanced boot configurations and flexibility.
Operating Temperature: Operates within a temperature range of -0°C to 70°C, making it suitable for various environments.
Power Supply: Uses a low-power design, making it energy-efficient for continuous operation.
Video Output: Supports 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) for high-quality video output via HDMI and DisplayPort.
Network Features: Ideal for network administrators, providing multiple high-speed ports for firewall or VPN setups.
Weight: Lightweight design, making it easy to transport or integrate into various setups without taking up much space.
Audio: Does not feature a dedicated audio output, as it is primarily designed for network tasks.
Security Features: Supports secure network configurations with multiple OS options, ideal for setting up firewalls or VPNs.

FAQ

This mini PC supports multiple operating systems, including OPNsense, Windows, Ubuntu, ESXi, and OpenWrt. This makes it a versatile choice for various networking and server tasks.

Setting up this device is relatively straightforward, especially if you're using OPNsense or Windows. Many users find it easy to install, but some might need to install the OS themselves as it doesn't come with a pre-installed system.

Yes, it supports dual display outputs with 4K resolution via HDMI and DP. This is especially useful for users who need to run multiple interfaces or monitor network performance in business or home environments.

The passive cooling design of this device allows it to run quietly without the need for a fan. It dissipates heat naturally, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as in offices or homes.

This mini PC comes with DDR5 RAM, expandable up to 32GB for smooth multitasking. It also offers expandable storage options via M.2 NVMe and mSATA slots, allowing you to add additional storage if needed.

While this device is great for network-related tasks and general use, it is not designed for heavy gaming or graphics-intensive work. Its lack of a dedicated GPU limits its performance for tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.

Yes, equipped with 4 x 2.5GbE network ports, this device is ideal for handling multiple network tasks at once, making it a good choice for network administrators or small businesses needing robust network performance.

This device is a low-power, compact solution for small businesses. It provides excellent network performance, supports multiple OS options, and offers easy expandability for storage, making it ideal for setting up VPNs, NAS, or other networking services.

Some users have noted that the lack of a pre-installed operating system can be a hassle, especially for beginners. Additionally, its storage capacity out-of-the-box may not be sufficient for those with heavy data needs, requiring additional upgrades.

This mini PC offers solid performance, especially for network-related tasks, with the Intel N100 processor and DDR5 RAM. However, compared to other more powerful devices, it may fall short for high-end applications like gaming or media production.