VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC or VNOPN Fanless Micro Firewall Appliance? Which VNOPN Model to Buy
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This vnopn fanless firewall appliance intel vs fanless micro firewall comparison helps you pick the right unit. Both models share the Intel J3710 CPU, 8GB RAM, and four 2.5GbE ports. They also use identical fanless cooling and aluminum chassis designs. The main difference lies in the storage capacity and available ports. One model offers more internal space, while the other includes legacy connectivity options. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize storage volume or serial port access.
Key differences
| Aspect | VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC | VNOPN J3710 Fanless Firewall Mini PC |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Speed | Up to 2.64GHz | Up to 2.40GHz |
| Storage Capacity | 128GB mSATA SSD | 240GB mSATA SSD |
| Special Ports | HDMI, VGA, USB 3.0 | RS232 COM, Dual HD, USB 3.0 |
| Expansion Options | Optional Wi-Fi/3G/4G modules | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC if
- You need higher CPU clock speeds for faster packet processing
- You want to add wireless or cellular connectivity later
- You require both HDMI and VGA video outputs
Choose VNOPN J3710 Fanless Firewall Mini PC if
- You need double the base storage capacity for logs
- You require an RS232 serial port for legacy equipment
- You plan to mount the device behind a monitor using VESA
Verdict: Choose the 4-Port Firewall Mini PC if you need higher processor speeds and flexible video outputs. Select the Micro Firewall Appliance if you require more storage space and a serial COM port for industrial or legacy connections. Both units offer reliable fanless performance for home or small office networks.
Storage and Port Differences
Storage capacity
The VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC includes a 128GB mSATA SSD. The VNOPN J3710 Fanless Firewall Mini PC comes with a larger 240GB mSATA SSD. Both units support expansion up to 512GB. Neither model supports traditional HDD storage. You should choose the J3710 model if you need more space for logs or virtual machines. The extra 112GB provides a clear advantage for data-heavy network applications. Both use the same mSATA interface, so upgrade paths remain identical.
Network ports
Both models feature four Intel i226-v LAN ports. Each port supports speeds up to 2.5GbE. This configuration is ideal for multi-WAN setups or dedicated VLAN segmentation. You get identical throughput capabilities on both units. The networking hardware is the same, ensuring consistent performance for routing and firewall tasks. There is no difference in port count or speed. You can rely on either model for high-speed local network traffic handling.
Processor speed
The VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC uses an Intel Pentium J3710 processor with a boost up to 2.64GHz. The VNOPN J3710 Fanless Firewall Mini PC uses the same J3710 CPU but lists a maximum speed of 2.40GHz. Both have four cores and four threads with 2MB L2 cache. The 6W TDP is identical. The higher boost clock on the 4-Port model may offer slight performance gains in bursty network tasks. This gives the 4-Port model a minor edge in processing power.
Extra interfaces
The VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC offers two USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI port, and one VGA port. The VNOPN J3710 Fanless Firewall Mini PC adds an RS232 COM port alongside two HD ports and two USB 3.0 ports. The COM port is valuable for serial console access in enterprise environments. The 4-Port model provides standard video outputs for local monitoring. If you need serial connectivity, the J3710 model is better. Otherwise, both provide sufficient I/O for basic management.
Physical dimensions
Both units share nearly identical dimensions, approximately 5.27 x 4.98 x 1.43 inches. The VNOPN Fanless 4-Port model lists a width of 5 inches and height of 1.46 inches. The VNOPN J3710 model lists a width of 4.88 inches and height of 1.4 inches. The weight is listed as approximately 500g for the 4-Port model. The J3710 model lists 1.43 pounds in specs, which contradicts the 500g feature description. Assuming the 500g feature text is accurate, they are comparable in size. Both fit VESA mounts for space-saving installation.
Which VNOPN Firewall Model Suits You
Users needing more local storage
This model includes a 240GB mSATA SSD, which is nearly double the 128GB storage found in the other unit. Both devices support expansion up to 512GB, but the larger base capacity reduces the need for immediate upgrades. The identical CPU and RAM ensure that processing power remains equal for your firewall tasks.
Buyers preferring a serial port
This unit features an RS232 COM port alongside its standard interfaces. This addition is useful for legacy console access or specialized serial devices. The other model lists only USB, HDMI, and VGA ports. If you require direct serial connectivity for your network infrastructure, this specific hardware feature makes this choice more versatile.
Those wanting VESA mount support
The product data explicitly confirms the inclusion of a VESA mounting kit. This allows you to attach the device behind a monitor to save desk space. While the other model also supports VESA mounting, this unit highlights the kit as a standard included feature. This ensures you have the necessary hardware for clean installation from the start.
The products compared
VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC
Best for: Home labs needing four 2.5GbE ports
- Processor
- Intel J3710
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 128GB
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x Intel i226 LAN
- Use
- Firewall
View on Amazon: VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC Affiliate link
This VNOPN appliance uses an Intel Pentium J3710 processor to handle firewall duties quietly. It features four 2.5GbE LAN ports for robust network connectivity. The system includes 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a 128GB mSATA SSD. Its 6W fanless design ensures low power consumption and silent operation. You can mount it on a wall or rack. It supports popular open-source operating systems for home labs.
Pros
- Four 2.5GbE Intel i226-v LAN ports
- 6W fanless aluminum chassis for silent use
- Supports pfSense, OPNsense, and Proxmox VE
- Includes 8GB RAM and 128GB mSATA SSD
Cons
- Uses older DDR3 RAM instead of DDR4
- Limited to 128GB mSATA storage only
- No native Wi-Fi or cellular expansion installed
Good fit if
- You need four high-speed Ethernet connections
- You want a quiet, low-power network gateway
- You prefer open-source firewall software
Skip if
- You require high-performance gaming capabilities
- You need native Wi-Fi connectivity
- You prefer modern DDR4 memory standards
Verdict: VNOPN Fanless Firewall Mini PC is a dedicated, quiet network appliance for users who need multiple gigabit ports. It fits home labs and small offices running open-source firewall software.
VNOPN J3710 Fanless Firewall Mini PC
Best for: compact dedicated firewall setups with multiple 2.5G ports
- Processor
- Intel J3710
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 240GB mSATA SSD
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x 2.5G
- Use
- Firewall
View on Amazon: VNOPN J3710 Fanless Firewall Mini PC Affiliate link
This VNOPN micro firewall appliance features an Intel J3710 quad-core processor and four 2.5G Intel i226-V LAN ports. It includes 8GB of DDR3 RAM and a 240GB mSATA SSD. The fanless aluminum design ensures quiet, 24/7 operation with low power consumption. It supports pfSense, Linux, and Ubuntu. This unit suits users needing a compact, dedicated network gateway for home or small office use.
Pros
- Four 2.5G Ethernet ports for high-speed networking
- Fanless aluminum alloy design for silent operation
- Compact size with VESA mount for space saving
- Supports AES-NI encryption and Wake-on-LAN
Cons
- Limited to 8GB maximum RAM capacity
- Uses older DDR3 memory technology
- Only supports mSATA SSDs, no HDD option
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated, quiet firewall appliance
- You require four 2.5G LAN ports
- You want to mount the device behind a monitor
Skip if
- You need more than 8GB of RAM
- You require PCIe expansion slots
- You prefer modern DDR4 or DDR5 memory
Verdict: VNOPN Fanless Micro Firewall Appliance provides a compact, quiet solution for users needing four 2.5G ports and dedicated firewall hardware. It fits well in tight spaces but lacks upgradeable memory for heavier workloads.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | VNOPN Fanless 4-Port Firewall Mini PC | VNOPN J3710 Fanless Firewall Mini PC |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel J3710 | Intel J3710 |
| Installed RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage Capacity | 128GB | 240GB mSATA SSD |
| Memory Type | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Ethernet Ports | 4x Intel i226 LAN | 4x 2.5G |
| Memory | 8GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB SSD | 240GB SSD |
| Use | Firewall | Firewall |
| Cooling | Fanless | Fanless |
| Dimensions | 5.28 × 5 × 1.46 inches | 5.27 × 4.88 × 1.4 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 1.43 pounds |
| Size | 8G 128G | 8GB 240GB |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | F12 | F12 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the VNOPN firewall appliance have four network ports?
Yes, both models feature four 2.5GbE ports. This configuration allows you to connect multiple network interfaces for routing, switching, or VLAN tagging. It is ideal for home labs or small office setups requiring dedicated network segmentation without needing additional switches.
Is the VNOPN firewall mini PC fanless?
Yes, both units use fanless cooling designs. They rely on passive heat dissipation through their aluminum chassis. This ensures silent operation, which is beneficial for residential environments or offices where noise reduction is a priority for continuous network appliance use.
What is the size of the VNOPN firewall unit?
The dimensions are nearly identical across both models. The larger unit measures 5.28 x 5 x 1.46 inches, while the micro version is 5.27 x 4.88 x 1.4 inches. Both are compact enough to mount behind a monitor or fit in tight rack spaces.
Can I upgrade the RAM on these VNOPN models?
The data does not specify upgradeable memory. Both models list 8GB RAM as a fixed attribute. You should assume the memory is soldered or non-upgradeable. Plan your workload accordingly, as you cannot add more RAM for heavier firewall tasks or virtualization later.
What CPU do these VNOPN firewall appliances use?
Both units are powered by the Intel Celeron J3710 processor. This quad-core chip provides sufficient performance for basic routing, firewall rules, and light virtualization. It is an energy-efficient choice for dedicated network appliances that run continuously without generating excessive heat.
Is the VNOPN firewall suitable for pfSense or OPNsense?
Yes, these units are designed for open-source firewall software. The four 2.5GbE ports and Intel J3710 CPU support common firewall distributions like pfSense or OPNsense. The fanless design ensures quiet operation, making it a practical choice for home labs and small offices.