The Intel N2840 Mini PC excels in pfSense applications due to its dual LAN ports, low-power Intel Celeron N2840 processor, and DDR3L RAM stability. Its compact metal chassis ensures durability and heat dissipation, while the mSATA SSD supports fast boot times and reliable storage for firewall configurations. This setup is optimized for network security and lightweight routing tasks.
MSI 2024 Cubi N ADL Mini Desktop
Table of Contents
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
How Does the Metal Case Enhance Durability and Cooling?
The rugged aluminum alloy casing protects internal components from physical damage and electromagnetic interference. Its design promotes passive cooling, reducing reliance on noisy fans. This makes the Mini PC suitable for industrial environments, where dust, vibrations, or temperature fluctuations could compromise plastic-based systems.
Industrial-grade aluminum alloy (typically 5052 or 6063 series) provides superior thermal conductivity, dissipating heat up to 50% faster than plastic enclosures. The seamless unibody construction eliminates weak points where dust or moisture might penetrate. In temperature stress tests, these metal cases maintained component temperatures below 70°C even in 40°C ambient environments. For facilities like automotive plants or food processing units, where washdowns occur, the IP42-rated variants offer additional splash resistance. The absence of cooling fans also prevents mechanical failure – a critical advantage for 24/7 operations.
Which Connectivity Options Support Industrial Applications?
With dual Gigabit LAN ports, two RS232 COM ports, and VGA/HD display outputs, this Mini PC bridges legacy and modern systems. The COM ports enable communication with industrial machinery (e.g., CNC machines), while dual LAN allows network segmentation or failover configurations. HD graphics ensure compatibility with older monitors commonly used in factories.
The RS232 ports support baud rates up to 115.2 kbps, sufficient for most PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) communication protocols like Modbus RTU. Adapters can extend connectivity to RS422/485 standards used in building automation systems. For network redundancy, the dual LAN ports enable 1:1 failover with sub-5ms detection times – crucial for SCADA systems monitoring power grids or water treatment plants. VGA output remains essential for legacy HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), while HDMI 1.4 supports modern 1080p diagnostic displays. A typical deployment might involve:
| Port | Industrial Use Case |
|---|---|
| COM1 (RS232) | Connecting to CNC machine G-code controllers |
| COM2 (RS232) | PLC data logging via Modbus |
| LAN1 | Primary network connection to plant servers |
| LAN2 | Backup LTE modem for failover |
Why Opt for DDR3L RAM and mSATA Storage?
DDR3L (Low Voltage) RAM consumes 20% less power than standard DDR3, aligning with the N2840’s energy-efficient architecture. The mSATA SSD offers shock-resistant storage critical for mobile or vibration-prone settings. Combined, they provide a stable, low-latency foundation for firewall rules, VPNs, or industrial automation software.
Can This Mini PC Handle 4K Video Playback?
No. The Intel N2840’s integrated HD Graphics (Bay Trail) supports up to 1080p resolution. It’s designed for basic display tasks, not GPU-intensive workloads. However, HD output suffices for network monitoring dashboards, legacy POS systems, or digital signage in retail or warehouse environments.
What Are the Power Requirements and Consumption?
The system operates on a 12V DC input, drawing 10-15W under load. This efficiency allows 24/7 operation without significant energy costs, making it ideal for remote locations or backup network nodes. A 60W power adapter is typically included.
How to Configure pfSense on This Mini PC?
1. Install pfSense via USB drive.
2. Assign LAN/WAN interfaces in the console setup.
3. Configure firewall rules and packages (e.g., Snort for IDS).
4. Enable AES-NI encryption acceleration (supported by N2840).
5. Test throughput using iPerf3. Expect ~900 Mbps on Gigabit ports.
“The N2840’s balance of TDP and dual NICs makes it a silent workhorse for SOHO pfSense setups. While not suited for gigabit VPNs, it handles 500 Mbps connections effortlessly. The metal build is a game-changer—I’ve deployed these in bakery ovens and offshore rigs without failures.”
— Industrial Network Specialist, TechSecure Ltd.
Conclusion
The Intel N2840 Metal Case Mini PC is a cost-effective, durable solution for lightweight routing, pfSense firewalls, and legacy industrial systems. Its blend of connectivity, efficiency, and rugged design fills a niche where reliability trumps raw performance.
FAQ
- Q: Does it support Windows 10 IoT?
- A: Yes, but Linux or pfSense are recommended for optimal performance.
- Q: Can I upgrade the RAM beyond 8GB?
- A: No. The N2840 chipset maxes out at 8GB DDR3L.
- Q: Are the COM ports configurable for PLC systems?
- A: Yes, using adapters like RS232-to-RS485 for industrial PLC communication.
- Q: Is the mSATA slot SATA II or III?
- A: SATA II (3 Gbps), sufficient for firewall OS operations.
- Q: Does it include a wall-mounting kit?
- A: VESA mount compatibility is standard; brackets are sold separately.