ZimaBoard 2 (832)

Quick verdict

A silent, low-power x86 home server that doubles nicely as a Home Assistant host. Being x86-64 with UEFI, it runs Home Assistant OS bare-metal (Generic x86-64) or as a VM under its bundled ZimaOS, and the PCIe x4 slot plus dual 2.5GbE make it flexible for NAS duty too. It has no onboard 802.15.4 radio, so add a USB Zigbee/Thread dongle. This is the current ZimaBoard 2; the original N3450 832 is discontinued.

Standout: A fanless x86-64 single-board server (Intel N150) with dual 2.5GbE and an open PCIe 3.0 x4 slot - runs Home Assistant OS bare-metal or alongside a NAS.

Last checked: 2026-06-07

Compatibility snapshot

Why it stands out

• Passively cooled (silent) and low power, yet x86-64 so it runs Home Assistant OS directly
• PCIe 3.0 x4 slot plus dual 2.5GbE for flexible NAS/server expansion
• Ships with ZimaOS but will run any x86-64 OS, including HAOS bare-metal

Reasons to hesitate

• Pricey for its class
• No onboard wireless radios - needs a USB dongle for Zigbee/Thread/Z-Wave
• 8GB soldered RAM on the 832 (not user-upgradable)

Best for

• Users wanting one quiet box for Home Assistant plus a little NAS/self-hosting
• x86 fans who want HAOS bare-metal with room to grow

Avoid if

• You want the cheapest possible HA host (a used mini PC undercuts it)
• You need built-in Zigbee/Thread without adding a USB stick

Privacy and local-control notes

It is your own server. Runs Home Assistant and any other self-hosted software locally; ZimaOS offers optional remote access but nothing is required to leave your LAN.

Home Assistant support: supported · integration path: Runs Home Assistant OS bare-metal (Generic x86-64) or HAOS in a VM under ZimaOS/CasaOS.

Buying reality check

Price notes: Around $339 for the 832 (8GB/32GB) model, direct from ZimaSpace.

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