Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC vs Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC: Spec Comparison
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This guide compares the protectli vault fw4b vs vault fw2b models for your network needs. Both units are fanless, silent mini PCs designed as secure firewall appliances. They share identical memory, storage, and base software compatibility. The main difference lies in networking capacity and processing power. The FW4B offers four Ethernet ports and a quad-core CPU. The FW2B provides two ports and a dual-core processor. You must choose based on your port count and throughput requirements.
Key differences
| Aspect | Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC | Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160, up to 2.2GHz | Intel Dual Core Celeron, 1.6GHz (Turbo 2.48GHz) |
| Ethernet Ports | 4x Intel Gigabit | 2x Intel Gigabit |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.0 | 4x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches | 4.56 x 4.25 x 1.69 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC if
- You need four independent network connections for complex routing or VLANs
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for tight mounting spaces
- You want a quad-core processor for handling heavier packet inspection loads
Choose Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC if
- You only require two network interfaces for a standard home or small office setup
- You need more USB 2.0 ports for legacy peripheral connectivity
- You prioritize the higher turbo clock speed of the dual-core chip
Verdict: The FW4B is the better choice if you need multiple LAN interfaces or extra processing cores for advanced firewall rules. The FW2B is sufficient for users with simpler network topologies who need only two Ethernet connections. Both units offer the same silent, fanless design and storage capacity for your open-source firewall software.
FW4B vs FW2B Spec Breakdown
Processor power
The Protectli Vault FW4B uses an Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 processor with a base clock of up to 2.2GHz. This chip provides four cores for handling multiple tasks simultaneously. The Protectli Vault FW2B relies on an Intel Dual Core Celeron processor. It runs at a base speed of 1.6GHz but can boost up to 2.48GHz via Turbo mode. While the FW2B has a higher peak clock speed, the FW4B offers more physical cores. For heavy firewall logging or multiple virtual machines, the extra cores in the FW4B provide better sustained performance. Both chips include AES-NI hardware support for encryption tasks.
Networking capacity
Your network throughput options differ significantly between these two units. The FW4B is equipped with four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports. This allows you to segment your network into multiple zones, such as separate LAN, WAN, and DMZ connections without needing external switches. The FW2B provides only two Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports. This setup is sufficient for basic home networks with a single LAN and WAN connection. If you need to isolate guest networks or manage complex routing rules, the four ports on the FW4B offer greater flexibility. The FW2B is limited to simpler topologies.
Memory and storage
Both mini PCs share identical internal components for data retention and processing speed. Each unit comes with 4GB of DDR3L RAM. This amount of memory is standard for running open-source firewall operating systems like pfSense, OPNsense, or Untangle. Neither unit includes pre-installed software, so you must install your preferred OS. For storage, both models include a 32GB mSATA SSD. This capacity is adequate for the operating system and configuration files, though it leaves little room for extensive local logging or large file transfers. You will need external storage for heavy data logging in both cases.
Physical dimensions
The size of these appliances affects where you can place them in your rack or desk setup. The FW4B measures 4.3 inches in width, 1.5 inches in height, and 4.5 inches in length. The FW2B is slightly taller at 1.69 inches and wider at 4.56 inches, with a length of 4.25 inches. The FW4B is marginally more compact in height, which might matter for tight rack spaces. The FW2B is slightly longer but narrower in width. Both designs are fanless and black, ensuring silent operation. The differences in footprint are minor, but the FW4B is generally flatter.
Connectivity options
Beyond the network ports, each unit offers different peripheral connections for accessories. The FW4B provides two USB 3.0 ports, one RJ-45 COM port, and two HDMI outputs. The FW2B offers a richer selection of USB ports, including four USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.0 ports. It also includes one RJ-45 COM port and two HDMI outputs. If you plan to connect legacy USB devices or multiple peripherals, the FW2B gives you more ports. The FW4B focuses on fewer, faster USB 3.0 connections. Both support serial console access for advanced configuration via the COM port.
Which Protectli Vault fits your needs
You need four network connections for complex setups
The FW4B provides four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports. This extra connectivity supports larger networks or multiple interface segments without needing external switches. You gain direct port access for distinct network zones, making it ideal for advanced firewall configurations requiring more physical connections.
You want a compact unit for simple routing
The FW2B features two Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports, which is sufficient for standard home or small office routing. It offers four USB 2.0 ports for peripherals. Its slightly larger footprint does not impact performance, as both units share identical RAM and storage specifications for firewall tasks.
You prioritize higher single-core turbo speed
The FW2B processor boosts to 2.48GHz in turbo mode. This higher clock speed can benefit single-threaded network processing tasks. While the FW4B has more cores, the FW2B’s peak frequency may offer better responsiveness for specific lightweight firewall rules or packet inspection workloads.
The products compared
Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC
Best for: Compact 4-port firewall setups
- Processor
- Intel Celeron J3160
- Installed RAM
- 4GB
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3L
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x Gigabit
- Use
- Firewall
View on Amazon: Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC Affiliate link
The Protectli Vault FW4B is a fanless mini PC designed for firewall applications. It features an Intel Celeron J3160 quad-core processor with AES-NI support. You get four gigabit Ethernet ports, 4GB of DDR3L RAM, and 32GB of mSATA storage. The unit measures 4.3 by 4.5 by 1.5 inches. It ships without an operating system, allowing you to install pfSense, OPNsense, or similar open-source software.
Pros
- Four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports for network segmentation
- Fanless design ensures silent operation
- Hardware-accelerated encryption via AES-NI
- Compact 4.3-inch width fits tight spaces
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM limits multitasking
- 32GB mSATA SSD offers limited storage
- No operating system pre-installed
Good fit if
- You need four dedicated network interfaces
- You prefer silent, fanless hardware
- You want to install open-source firewall software
Skip if
- You require more than four Ethernet ports
- You need pre-installed Windows or Linux
- You require high-performance gaming capabilities
Verdict: Protectli FW4B 4-Port Fanless Mini PC suits users needing four network ports for a compact firewall. Its fanless build and AES-NI support make it ideal for quiet, secure network routing.
Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC
Best for: Basic home firewall and network security
- Processor
- Intel Dual Core Celeron
- Installed RAM
- 4GB
- Storage Capacity
- 32GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3L
- Ethernet Ports
- 2x Intel Gigabit Ethernet
- Use
- Firewall
View on Amazon: Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC Affiliate link
The Protectli Vault FW2B is a compact, fanless firewall appliance built around an Intel Dual Core Celeron processor. It features two Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports, 4GB of DDR3L RAM, and a 32GB mSATA SSD. This unit is designed for users who need a silent, space-saving network security solution. It supports open-source software like pfSense and OPNsense out of the box, making it a practical choice for home labs or small office networks.
Pros
- Fanless design ensures silent operation
- Two Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Compact dimensions of 4.56 x 4.25 x 1.69 inches
- Hardware AES-NI support for encryption
Cons
- Only 4GB of installed RAM
- Small 32GB mSATA SSD capacity
- No operating system pre-installed
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated firewall for a small network
- You require silent operation in a living space
- You plan to install pfSense or OPNsense
Skip if
- You need more than two Ethernet connections
- You require pre-installed Windows or macOS
- You need high-performance multitasking capabilities
Verdict: Protectli Vault FW2B Fanless Mini PC is a suitable entry-level firewall appliance for users with basic networking needs who prioritize silence and compact size over processing power and storage capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC | Protectli Vault 2-Port Fanless Mini PC |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Celeron J3160 | Intel Dual Core Celeron |
| Installed RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage Capacity | 32GB | 32GB |
| Memory Type | DDR3L | DDR3L |
| Ethernet Ports | 4x Gigabit | 2x Intel Gigabit Ethernet |
| Memory | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM |
| Storage | 32GB SSD | 32GB SSD |
| Use | Firewall | Firewall |
| Dimensions | 4.5 × 4.3 × 1.5 inches | 4.25 × 4.56 × 1.69 inches |
| Size | 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD | 4GB RAM, 32GB SSD |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | FW4B-0-4-32 | J3060 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Protectli Vault 4-Port Mini PC have four Ethernet ports?
Yes, the Protectli Vault FW4B includes four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports. This configuration allows you to connect multiple network segments directly to the device. It is ideal for users who need to separate traffic between different interfaces without adding external switches.
What is the difference in processor speed between the two models?
The FW4B uses an Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 with a base clock up to 2.2GHz. The FW2B relies on a different Intel processor with lower processing power. The four-core chip in the FW4B handles multiple tasks more effectively than the dual-core option in the FW2B.
Are both Protectli Vault models fanless and silent?
Both the FW4B and FW2B are fanless mini PCs. This design ensures they operate silently without moving parts. The lack of fans makes them suitable for quiet environments while maintaining reliable performance for firewall and network security tasks.
Do both models come with the same amount of RAM and storage?
Yes, both units feature 4GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD. This shared specification means they offer identical base memory and storage capacity. You can expect the same level of resource availability for running firewall software on either device.
Which model is better for a complex home network setup?
The FW4B is better for complex setups because it offers four network ports. This extra connectivity supports larger networks or multiple interface segments. The FW2B is more suitable for basic home firewall needs where fewer connections are required.
What are the physical dimensions of the FW4B compared to the FW2B?
The FW4B measures 4.3 inches in width, 1.5 inches in height, and 4.5 inches in length. The FW2B is slightly larger at 4.56 inches wide, 1.69 inches high, and 4.25 inches long. Both designs remain compact for easy mounting in small spaces.
Can the Protectli Vault units run as a secure firewall appliance?
Yes, both models are designed as secure firewall appliances. They support AES-NI encryption for secure network routing. The fanless build and compact size make them ideal for quiet, dedicated network security roles in your home or office.