Stop Paying for Cloud Storage

Time to short Dropbox...

**Product Links**

The limitations of traditional cloud storage providers.
The hassle and cost of using external SSDs and dealing with hubs and worn-out ports.
Benefits of a private NAS (Network Attached Storage) solution over cloud storage and external drives.
Introducing the ZimaCube Pro by IceWhale

Overview of the ZimaCube and ZimaCube Pro differences.
Key features: Thunderbolt 4, 10-Gigabit Ethernet NIC, powerful CPU, expandable memory.
Unboxing and first impressions of the anodized metal housing and sleek design.
Setting Up the Ultimate NAS/DAS

Hardware setup: installing a Seagate BarraCuda 2TB HDD and a Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe M.2 drive.
Utilizing the six HDD bays and the unique seventh M.2 NVMe bay.
Leveraging over 30 ports for extensions and customizations.
Controlling the LED light strip with the built-in ESP32.
Software and Configuration

Running ZimaOS and enabling SSH access.
Adding and initializing new drives effortlessly.
Setting up shared folders and enabling remote access.
Securely accessing files from anywhere using Zima application.
Performance Benchmarks

Comparing speeds of the ZimaCube Pro over Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet.
Outperforming external SSDs and traditional NAS setups.
Real-world tests: copying large directories, editing 4K videos, streaming via Plex, and running Home Assistant.
Integrating AI and Edge Computing

Installing Dual Edge TPUs for AI acceleration.
Running computer vision tasks with Home Assistant and Frigate for lightning-fast facial recognition on security cameras.
Using private GPT models with Ollama to create an AI assistant that knows your documents—all without sending a single byte online.
Optimizations and Future Plans

Upgrading to a router with a 10-Gigabit Ethernet NIC for even faster network speeds.
Exploring direct mount protocols for Thunderbolt connections.
Considering scaled-down versions like NVMe on Raspberry Pi or ZimaBlade for budget-friendly options.
Data Privacy and Backup Strategies

The importance of controlling your data with a private cloud.
Balancing local storage with cloud backups for critical files to ensure data security and disaster recovery.
Why the ZimaCube Pro Is a Game-Changer
The ZimaCube Pro is a standalone storage powerhouse that functions as both a NAS and a DAS (Direct Attached Storage). With Thunderbolt 4 support—the only NAS I've come across that offers this feature—it delivers unmatched performance, even outperforming external SSDs.

Shared Access: Everyone in my household can access the storage over the network.
Remote Access: Securely reach files remotely while traveling.
High-Speed Performance: Perfect for editing 4K videos directly on the NAS without any lag.
Expandable and Customizable: Over 30 ports and support for AI acceleration with Coral Edge TPUs.
Real-World Applications
4K Video Editing: Edited this entire video directly on the ZimaCube's drives over Thunderbolt 4 without any performance issues.
AI and Machine Learning: Run fast facial recognition on security cameras and use private GPT models for document management.
Home Automation: Integrated with Home Assistant to control smart devices and run automation scripts.
Streaming and Media: Stream high-definition content via Plex seamlessly.
Conclusion
Setting up your own private cloud with the ZimaCube Pro is an investment that pays off over time. It offers superior performance, complete control over your data, and the flexibility to customize and extend its capabilities. Whether you're a content creator needing high-speed storage for 4K video editing or a tech enthusiast looking to integrate AI into your home network, the ZimaCube Pro is the ultimate solution.

Tags
Private Cloud, #nas DAS, #thunderbolt4 NAS, ZimaCube Pro, IceWhale, Home NAS Setup, Build Your Own NAS, External SSDs vs NAS, Data Privacy, AI Integration, Coral Edge TPU, Home Assistant, 10-Gigabit Ethernet, NVMe Drives, Remote Access, File Sharing, ZimaOS, SSD Performance, Video Editing on NAS, Single Board Computer, Raspberry Pi NAS, Plex Streaming, Computer Vision, Facial Recognition, Private GPT, Data Security, Data Management, High-Performance Storage, 4K Video Editing, Data Backup Strategy, Cloud Storage vs Private Storage, Network Storage Solutions, ZimaBlade

[winstonsmith]

If you don't physically possess your data (AND back it up), you don't own it.

[MrPirfree]

I suspect that this was a promotional device that was given to the video content creator to show the device in a good light. What I don't get is failing to use the hardware to at least a minimum amount of configuration and data protection in place. If this is a NAS ( Network Attached Storage ), then the proper use would be to install TWO hard drives in it instead of one, configured in a RAID of one form or another, likely a Mirror. The same would apply with the NVME drive- two drives minimum configured in a mirror. And an external device to back up the system on a periodic schedule. It's a waste of a $1000+ device to put in a single hard drive and a single NVME . May have as well used a $30 drive enclosure from Amazon instead. Anyone buying this device and using it in this manner is, well, not thinking anything thru.

[playeronthebeat]

The NAS should handle encryption of files, too.

So if you're doing it that way (what I'm doing for example), encrypt the files beforehand, send them encrypted to the storage provider. Remember the password and salt and have them retrieved in case of a real disaster like a house fire, hurricane or simply failed hardware.

[laxdna]

With 3-2-1 principle you have to use Cloud to store your data. Money is not the biggest issue. The biggest issue is the security and privacy. As soon as you put your data to Cloud it can be accessible to somebody else (hackers, governments, cloud engineers, etc.). Maybe strong encryption can protect your data for some time, but with Quantum computing sooner or later even strong encryption gonna be decrypted.

[Neptunediscovermedia]

I am canceling my Google one subscription and like using my USB flash drive for storage

[PoeLemic]

Thank you for the review of this. Helps me realize the importance of having a Home Cloud and not using an external cloud. You did a really great job.

[SecurityDivision]

Well, hosting servers at home seems fun at first until you measure how much energy it takes and calculate the price. This Zima is very energy inefficient. Those big drives too.

[GeekOfAllTrades]

One thing I didn't see, when you were testing the write speeds to the ssd/hdd/T7, how was the ZimaCube connected to your device?
I see you are using a mac, so I assume over Thunderbolt 4, directly connected to the Cube? You didn't mention any other specifics on the network topology, are you running a 10gb internal network, or 2.5gb, 1gb, etc.? On paper, if you did the same test over the typical users home network, the HDD/SSD to the cube would be at the same speeds, right?

Also, what AI are you using to bring your images to life in this video? Like, when it zoomed into the cube and showed a chip on board, I really liked that. That's a very unique style, good job. Also, what app are you using that zooms in and follows your mouse as you use it on video? I love that, looks very "tutorial" style like lol.

[cake]

I think the specialised redundancy is the reason why most people do the standard cloud model. Most businesses wouldn't archive a decent standard of data prevention and protection.

[pirateluffy]

Ads that what i want to watch before a video, after the video and in the video 😋

[ignaciovillalobos]

Interesting, but most of us will still be force to pay for storage. With this you cannot resolve your gmail running out of space and get blocked from sending emails, your WhatsApp only to program to be backup to google drive only... and like that to many other things. In the end you will get all this and feel obligated to paid for cloud.

[mackjsm]

When you said China... I said no thanks..

[ktolis]

thunderbolt 4/20gbps but it doesnt reach that ever, does it?

[NeleRodriques]

Thanks for sharing such valuable information! I have a quick question: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (behave today finger ski upon boy assault summer exhaust beauty stereo over). What's the best way to send them to Binance?

[RhettSparrow]

Have you ever heard of Synology, QNAP?!

[RaXXha]

Claiming this pays for itself is ridiculous. 😂

[Quiiigz]

16:05 private keys are better in cloud storage 🤦‍♂️

[JordanYouTube]

The cheapest iCloud+ features are worth it alone, custom domain and hide my email are insanely good value.

I'd say a 200GB plan for recent files and keep older stuff in NAS.

[ilooi]

Also, you don't need ovens, you can use a fireplace and a pan.

[lolosharko]

Another Zima "home cloud" video that does not really address how this network storage integrates with iOS or Android.