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In a world where data security and digital communication reign supreme, Shenzhen iKOOLCORE Technology Co., Ltd. has carved a niche for itself by offering cutting-edge open-source firewall applications and hardware. Operating under its international arm, IKOOLCORE TECHNOLOGY (HONGKONG) CO., LIMITED, the brand has established itself as a trusted name in the industry. Founded by a small but highly motivated team led by Jackeroo, iKOOLCORE is driven by an ethos of great deals, excellent service, and innovative technology solutions.
Mission and Team
iKOOLCORE's mission is clear: "Delivering the Finest Hardware Products to Homelab Enthusiasts Worldwide." This commitment is brought to life by a dedicated team that includes Mislle, the Head of Industrial Design, Jiahu, the Head of Structural Design, and Gaoxing, the Chief Financial Officer. Each member plays a crucial role in fulfilling the brand's promise to its customers.
Product Line
The brand's extensive product offerings include Mini PCs that serve as Mini Firewall/Gateways, switches in both managed and unmanaged varieties, and various accessories like 2.5G USB/PCIe network cards and power adapters. They also have a NAS system currently in development. However, the crown jewel of their lineup is the iKOOLCORE R2, their next-generation firewall router set to ship from October 10th.
Review: iKOOLCORE R1 Pro - Limited Edition
Overview
The iKOOLCORE R1 Pro - Limited Edition builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor, bringing a suite of upgrades that cater to the demanding requirements of tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. This compact powerhouse has Intel's Pentium Silver N6005 Quad-Core processor, operating at a base clock of 2.0GHz, which can turbo up to an impressive 3.3GHz. The router is also equipped with 4 Intel i226-V 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet NIC ports, designed to deliver high-speed, reliable networking.
Memory and Storage
One of the standout features of the R1 Pro is the 16GB 2933Mhz LPDDR4 Samsung Memory onboard, which is impressive for a device of its size and category. Storage options are versatile, featuring an M.2 2242 slot with NVMe support, allowing you to add high-speed storage to fit your specific needs.
Advanced Features and Cooling
The R1 Pro comes equipped with advanced features like Intel AES-NI for secure encryption, as well as VT-D and VT-X support for enhanced virtualization capabilities. As far as cooling goes, iKOOLCORE has stepped up its game with a full copper heatsink, ensuring that the unit stays cool under the heaviest of workloads.
Design
The first thing you'll notice about the R1 Pro is its brand-new exterior design. The sleek, compact unit measures only 75 x 75 x 48mm, making it easy to fit in even the most cramped of spaces. Despite its small size, the unit doesn't compromise on performance or features.
Verdict
The iKOOLCORE R1 Pro - Limited Edition is a well-crafted, robust device that is tailor-made for those who demand high performance, advanced features, and robust security. Whether you are running a sophisticated homelab setup or need a compact yet powerful networking solution for your business, the R1 Pro is a worthy contender. Given that this is a limited edition release, it brings an added layer of exclusivity and allure to an already stellar product lineup from iKOOLCORE.
Final Thoughts
Between the iKOOLCORE R1 Pro and the iKOOLCORE R2, it’s clear that iKOOLCORE is a brand committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of hardware-based network solutions. Each product offering comes with its own set of unique features and strengths, giving customers the power of choice based on their individual needs and preferences. As with their R2 model, the R1 Pro stands as another testament to iKOOLCORE's commitment to delivering top-notch quality, excellent customer service, and state-of-the-art technology.
Review: iKOOLCORE R2
The iKOOLCORE R2 is a powerhouse, featuring Intel's latest Alder Lake-N series processor with options between the N95 and i3-N300. The router comes with onboard LPDDR5 4800MHz memory, available in either 8GB or 16GB configurations. The unit impresses with its three Intel i226-v 2.5G network cards, 2.5G Realtek network card, and support for up to 2TB of NVMe/SATA M.2 2242 SSD storage. Moreover, the device's form factor is incredibly compact, measuring just 7.5 x 7.5 x 5.2 cm and weighing 400g.
Performance
In terms of performance, the iKOOLCORE R2 is a true workhorse, adept at handling a variety of tasks from firewall applications to VPN routing. The device's system compatibility is also extensive, supporting a wide range of operating systems including Windows, Linux, and specialized software like pfSense and Proxmox VE.
After-Sales and Shipping
What sets iKOOLCORE apart is their focus on after-sales service. Their policies are customer-centric, designed to resolve any quality issues and ensure customer satisfaction. Shipping is prompt, typically dispatched within 3-5 business days from their Shenzhen warehouse. And for a limited time, they are offering free shipping and tax for all pre-orders.
Verdict
The iKOOLCORE R2 is not just another piece of hardware; it's an investment in robust, reliable, and cutting-edge technology. It's well-suited for anyone from the hobbyist home lab enthusiast to small and medium-sized businesses requiring a reliable firewall solution. With the promise of top-notch customer service and high-quality products, iKOOLCORE stands out as a brand you can trust.
Whether you are a homelab hobbyist or a business owner, iKOOLCORE offers the best of both worlds: exceptional products backed by excellent customer service. So if you are in the market for a new firewall router, look no further than the iKOOLCORE R2.
For more information, visit their official website: iKOOLCORE
