Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Appliance 6X Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This sharevdi fanless firewall appliance 6x review examines a compact networking device built for dedicated routing tasks. It features an Intel N3710 processor with four cores and six Intel i226 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The unit comes with 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a 240GB mSATA SSD. Its fanless aluminum design ensures silent operation while handling network security software. This mini PC is sized for tight spaces and low power consumption, making it a specific tool for home labs or small office network infrastructure rather than general computing.
What stands out
- Six Intel i226 Gigabit LAN ports for multi-WAN setups
- Intel N3710 CPU with AES-NI support for encryption
- Fanless aluminum chassis with VESA mount compatibility
- 8GB DDR3 RAM and 240GB mSATA SSD included
Who it fits
Good fit for
This device suits users who need a dedicated soft router or firewall for a home lab. The six LAN ports allow for complex network segmentation, such as separating guest, IoT, and main traffic. It works well with PFSENSE or OPNsense, provided you avoid incompatible OS choices like IPCop. The low 6W power draw and silent fanless design make it ideal for 24/7 operation in a living space or office without noise distractions.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you require high-performance general computing. The Intel N3710 is a low-power chip not suited for gaming or heavy multitasking. Additionally, the system does not support IPCop, Sophos, Untangle, or Coreboot, limiting your software options. If you need more than 8GB of RAM or faster storage than mSATA, this unit will not meet your needs. It is strictly a networking appliance, not a versatile desktop replacement.
Verdict: This appliance delivers specialized networking capabilities in a silent, compact form factor. It is a solid choice for dedicated firewall or router deployments using compatible open-source systems.
Key specs explained
Processor: Intel N3710
This quad-core chip runs at up to 2.40GHz. It includes AES-NI instructions, which help encrypt and decrypt network traffic efficiently. This feature is essential for firewall appliances that handle secure data. The processor provides enough power for soft routing tasks without drawing excessive energy. You should compare this to other low-power Celeron or Atom units when looking for budget-friendly network gear.
Ethernet Ports: 6x Intel i226
The device includes six Gigabit Ethernet ports using the Intel i226 chipset. This allows you to connect multiple network segments, such as a WAN, multiple LANs, and a DMZ, to a single unit. The i226 chipset is known for stable performance in routing applications. When shopping for mini PCs, check port count and chipset type to ensure compatibility with your specific firewall software requirements.
Installed RAM: 8GB DDR3
The system comes with 8GB of DDR3 memory installed in a single SO-DIMM slot. This capacity supports most open-source firewall operating systems like OPNsense or pfSense. Since the slot is limited, you cannot upgrade beyond 8GB. Compare this with other networking mini PCs that offer dual slots or higher capacity for more complex virtualization or heavy logging tasks.
Storage Capacity: 240GB mSATA
The unit features a 240GB mSATA SSD, with support for up to 512GB. mSATA is an older form factor, so you must ensure your upgrade drives match this interface. The solid-state drive provides fast boot times and reliable read/write speeds for system logs and configurations. When comparing models, verify the storage type and maximum supported capacity to plan for future expansion needs.
Design and build overview
The chassis uses an aluminum alloy casing for passive heat dissipation. This fanless design ensures silent operation while keeping noise levels at zero. The listing states the casing can withstand temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius. This thermal management allows you to install the unit in enclosed spaces without overheating risks. The compact footprint measures approximately 5.27 by 4.98 by 1.43 inches. It weighs 3.66 pounds. This small size helps you save desk space in tight networking setups.
You can mount the device using the included VESA bracket. This allows you to attach the mini PC behind a monitor or on a wall. The layout includes six Intel i226 LAN ports for stable Gigabit Ethernet connections. There are also two USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI 1.4 outputs, one USB Type-C port, and a DC power input. A SIM card slot and TF card slot are present for additional storage or connectivity options. The finish is black. These interface choices support various network gateway and soft router applications. The low power consumption of 6 watts further supports continuous operation in small form factor environments.
Setup and daily use guide
Setting up this appliance involves connecting your network cables to the six Intel i226 Gigabit Ethernet ports. You will also attach the power adapter to the DC-IN jack. The device supports VESA mounting, allowing you to secure it behind a monitor or on a wall using the included bracket. This saves desk space and keeps the unit out of the way. The compact chassis measures roughly five inches wide and two inches high. It weighs 3.66 pounds, making it stable for fixed installation.
For software, the listing confirms compatibility with PFSENSE and OPNSENSE. It explicitly states that IPCop, Sophos, Untangle, and Coreboot are not compatible. You can also install Windows 10, Linux Ubuntu, or other open-source systems. The Intel N3710 processor handles these tasks with AES-NI support, which accelerates encryption and decryption. This is crucial for maintaining secure connections in a firewall environment.
Daily use relies on the 8GB of DDR3 RAM and the 240GB mSATA SSD. The storage can expand to 512GB if needed. The system draws only 6W of power, ensuring low energy consumption during continuous operation. The fanless aluminum design dissipates heat silently. You do not need to worry about noise or moving parts. The unit includes two USB 3.0 ports, two HDMI 1.4 outputs, and a USB Type-C port for peripheral connections. It also features a SIM card slot and a TF card slot for additional connectivity options.
Before you buy this firewall
You should verify software compatibility before purchasing. The listing notes that this unit does not support IPFire, Sophos, Untangle, or Coreboot. It is tested with pfSense and OPNsense. You must ensure your preferred firewall OS works with the Intel i226 chips. This appliance is a dedicated networking device, not a general-purpose mini PC. You will need to install an operating system yourself. It supports Linux Ubuntu and Windows 10, but you should confirm your specific needs. The 8GB of DDR3 RAM is fixed. You cannot upgrade memory beyond 8GB. Storage can be expanded to 512GB via mSATA. Keep the aluminum casing clean to maintain passive cooling. Do not block the vents. This unit fits best as a secondary appliance for network security. It complements your main desktop by handling routing tasks silently. It is not a replacement for your primary computing device.
Check before you buy
- Check if your firewall OS supports Intel i226 ports
- Confirm pfSense or OPNsense is your intended software
- Verify 8GB RAM meets your network security needs
- Ensure you can install a compatible operating system
The product at a glance
Sharevdi Fanless Firewall 6x i226
Best for: Dedicated firewall and soft router setups
- Processor
- Intel N3710
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 240GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- Ethernet Ports
- 6x Intel i226 LAN
- Use
- Firewall
View on Amazon: Sharevdi Fanless Firewall 6x i226 Affiliate link
This Sharevdi mini PC is a fanless firewall appliance built around the Intel N3710 processor. It features six Intel i226 LAN ports for stable network connections, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 240GB mSATA SSD. The compact aluminum chassis dissipates heat passively with no moving parts. It runs Linux Ubuntu, Windows, or security software like PFSENSE. This unit suits users needing a dedicated, quiet network gateway.
Pros
- Six Intel i226 Gigabit LAN ports for extensive connectivity
- Fanless aluminum design ensures silent operation
- Supports AES-NI for hardware-accelerated encryption
- Compact form factor mounts behind monitors via VESA
Cons
- Intel N3710 processor offers limited processing power for heavy workloads
- Maximum RAM is capped at 8GB DDR3
- Incompatible with IPCop, Sophos, Untangle, and Coreboot
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated, quiet device for network security software
- You require multiple Ethernet ports for a complex home lab
- You want a low-power appliance that runs Linux or PFSENSE
Skip if
- You need to run IPCop or Sophos firewalls
- You require more than 8GB of system memory
- You need high-performance computing for demanding virtualization tasks
Verdict: Sharevdi Fanless Firewall Appliance 6X provides a quiet, multi-port foundation for network security tasks. It fits users who prioritize connectivity and silence over raw processing speed.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Sharevdi Fanless Firewall 6x i226 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel N3710 |
| Installed RAM | 8GB |
| Storage Capacity | 240GB |
| Memory Type | DDR3 |
| Ethernet Ports | 6x Intel i226 LAN |
| Use | Firewall |
| Cooling | Fanless |
| Dimensions | 7 × 5 × 2.17 inches |
| Weight | 3.66 pounds |
| Size | 8GB RAM/128GB SSD/4 LAN |
| Color | black |
| Model | F12 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact size of the Sharevdi Fanless Firewall 6X?
The chassis measures 7 inches in length, 5 inches in width, and 2.17 inches in height. It weighs 3.66 pounds. These dimensions allow it to fit in tight spaces behind monitors or inside small cabinets. The compact footprint makes it ideal for users with limited desk or rack space.
Does this appliance support mounting on a wall?
Yes, the unit supports VESA mounting. You can secure it behind a monitor or on a wall using standard VESA patterns. This feature helps keep your workspace organized and reduces clutter. It ensures the device stays stable while operating silently in your network setup.
What operating systems are compatible with this firewall?
The device is tested with pfSense and OPNsense. It does not support IPFire, Sophos, Untangle, or Coreboot. You must verify that your preferred firewall OS works with the Intel i226 network ports before installing. Always check the official compatibility list for your specific software version.
How many Ethernet ports does the Sharevdi 6X have?
It features four LAN ports. The product data specifies a configuration with four LAN connections. This setup provides sufficient connectivity for most home or small office firewall needs. You can connect your modem, switch, and local devices directly to these ports.
Is the device completely silent during operation?
Yes, it uses a fanless design. The aluminum alloy casing dissipates heat passively, resulting in zero noise. This ensures quiet operation in your home or office. You will not hear any fan noise, making it suitable for environments where silence is a priority.
What is the storage capacity of the base model?
The base model includes a 128GB SSD. It also comes with 8GB of RAM. This storage is sufficient for installing firewall operating systems and basic configurations. You can expand storage if needed, but the included drive handles standard routing tasks effectively.
Can I use this device for general desktop computing?
No, it is designed specifically for firewall and soft router setups. The Intel N3710 processor focuses on network traffic handling rather than general productivity tasks. It lacks the power for heavy desktop applications. Use it strictly for network security and routing duties.