Glovary Firewall Mini PC Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It

What stands out

• Four Intel i225V 2.5GbE LAN ports for high-speed network monitoring
• Intel Pentium J3710 quad-core processor with 6.5 W TDP
• Fanless aluminum alloy body for quiet operation
• Supports OPNsense, Linux, ESXi, and Proxmox

Who it fits

Key specs explained

Processor: Pentium J3710

This quad-core chip runs at up to 2.64 GHz with a low 6.5 W TDP. You get enough processing power for routing and firewall duties without generating excess heat. It supports major network OS platforms like OPNsense and Proxmox. This processor suits users who need reliable, steady performance for network management rather than heavy desktop computing tasks.

Ethernet Ports: 4 x i225V 2.5GbE

You receive four dedicated 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports using Intel i225V controllers. These ports allow you to connect multiple network segments, such as WAN, LAN, and DMZ, simultaneously. The 2.5G speed handles high traffic loads efficiently. This setup is ideal for home labs or small businesses requiring robust network segmentation and monitoring capabilities.

Memory Type: DDR3L

The system uses DDR3L SO-DIMM memory slots. You must purchase and install your own RAM modules. DDR3L is an older standard, so ensure you buy compatible low-voltage sticks. This matters because you need sufficient memory for your chosen operating system and virtualization needs. Check your OS requirements before buying RAM to avoid compatibility issues.

Storage: Barebone with mSATA and SATA

The unit includes slots for an mSATA SSD and a 2.5-inch SATA drive via cable. You must provide your own storage. This flexibility lets you choose the capacity and speed that fit your data needs. You can install the operating system on the mSATA drive and use the SATA slot for additional logs or files. It is not pre-loaded with drives.

Cooling: Fanless

The aluminum alloy body dissipates heat without internal fans. You get silent operation with no moving parts to fail. This design reduces noise and maintenance. It is perfect for quiet environments like home offices or bedrooms. The fanless approach ensures reliable long-term operation for network appliances that run continuously without interruption or audible distraction.

Design and build overview

The listing describes the Glovary F3 as a barebone appliance with an aluminum alloy body. This material choice suggests durability and helps with passive heat dissipation. The unit measures 11 by 10 by 3.5 centimeters, or roughly 5.91 by 5.51 by 6.3 inches. This compact footprint allows it to fit into tight network racks or behind a monitor without taking up much desk space.

The design is fanless, which means it runs without moving parts. According to the listing, this results in quiet operation and eliminates dust accumulation inside the chassis. For a firewall appliance that often runs 24/7, this lack of noise is a practical benefit. The low 6.5 W thermal design power of the Pentium J3710 processor supports this silent, passive cooling approach.

You will find two display outputs on the front or side: an HDMI port and a DisplayPort. These allow you to connect a monitor for local configuration or status checking. The rear panel houses the four Intel i225V 2.5GbE LAN ports, which are essential for its role as a network security gateway. The barebone format means you must install your own DDR3L memory and storage via the mSATA or SATA slots. This flexibility lets you choose the exact components needed for your specific network load.

Setup and everyday use guide

Because this unit arrives as a barebone system, you handle all initial assembly. You must install your own memory and storage. The listing specifies one DDR3L SO-DIMM slot for RAM. You also have one mSATA SSD slot and one SATA 3.0 slot. A SATA cable is included for the latter. You can add a Mini-PCIe card if your network setup requires it. This modular design lets you choose components that fit your specific firewall or routing needs. The processor is a Pentium J3710 quad-core chip. It runs at up to 2.64 GHz with a low 6.5 W TDP. This power level supports passive cooling. The aluminum alloy body dissipates heat without a fan. You get quiet operation with no moving parts. The system supports major network operating systems like OPNsense, Linux, ESXi, and Proxmox. You install your chosen OS onto the drives you provided. The four Intel i225V 2.5GbE LAN ports handle your network traffic. Each port offers 2500Mbps throughput. You can monitor data and improve security across all connections. Visual feedback comes from the integrated HD Graphics. You have both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. This dual display support helps you manage the interface efficiently. The compact size, measuring 11 by 10 by 3.5 centimeters, allows easy mounting. You can place it in tight spaces or mount it behind a monitor. The design prioritizes stability and low power consumption for continuous network duty.

Before You Buy This Firewall PC

Before you buy this Glovary F3, verify that your intended network operating system is compatible with the Pentium J3710 processor. The listing confirms support for OPNsense, Linux, ESXi, and Proxmox, but you must ensure your specific version works with this barebone hardware. You need to purchase DDR3L SO-DIMM memory and an mSATA SSD separately, as the unit arrives without installed RAM or storage. Consider whether you need the included SATA cable for additional storage expansion. Since this device is fanless and compact, it fits well in tight spaces alongside other small form factor computers. However, it is not suitable for general desktop tasks. You should only choose this appliance if your primary goal is dedicated firewall or routing duties. It lacks the processing power for multimedia or heavy computing workloads. Ensure your network environment requires four 2.5GbE ports to justify this specific configuration over simpler models.

Check before you buy

• Confirm your chosen OS supports the J3710 processor.
• Purchase compatible DDR3L SO-DIMM memory separately.
• Buy an mSATA SSD for the boot drive.
• Verify four 2.5GbE ports meet your network needs.

The product at a glance

1

Glovary Barebone Fanless Firewall Mini PC

Best for: Dedicated multi-port firewall appliances

Processor

Pentium J3710

Installed RAM

Barebone

Storage Capacity

Barebone

Memory Type

DDR3L

Graphics

HD Graphics

Ethernet Ports

4 x 2.5GbE

View on Amazon: Glovary Barebone Fanless Firewall Mini PC Affiliate link

This Glovary F3 barebone unit uses a Pentium J3710 processor and four 2.5GbE LAN ports to serve as a dedicated firewall appliance. It supports OPNsense, Linux, and ESXi. The fanless aluminum design ensures quiet operation in a compact 11 x 10 x 3.5 cm footprint. You must add your own DDR3L memory and storage. It suits users who need multiple high-speed network interfaces for network monitoring and security.

Pros

• Four Intel i225V 2.5GbE LAN ports for robust networking
• Fanless aluminum alloy body for silent operation
• Supports OPNsense, Linux, and ESXi operating systems
• Compact 11 x 10 x 3.5 cm micro form factor

Cons

• Sold as a barebone system without RAM or SSD
• Uses older DDR3L memory and mSATA/SATA storage slots
• Pentium J3710 processor has limited processing power for heavy tasks

Good fit if

• You need four 2.5GbE ports for network monitoring
• You want a silent, fanless firewall appliance
• You plan to install OPNsense or Proxmox

Skip if

• You need a ready-to-use system with RAM and SSD included
• You require high-performance processing for general computing
• You prefer modern DDR4 or DDR5 memory standards

Verdict: Glovary F3 Firewall Mini PC is a specialized barebone tool for users building a multi-port network security appliance. It fits those who value silent operation and specific firewall software compatibility over raw processing speed.

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See also

• glovary firewall mini PC alternatives
• best glovary mini PCs with 128GB SSD
• egsmtpc firewall mini PC review
• beelink mini PC review