Question 1

Are the NIC replaceable?

Accepted Answer

No, the NICs are not replaceable.  You can add memory and an ssd to it.  The NICs appear to be a Realtek chipset.  Work fine with Pfsense (BSD based) and Linux.

Question 2

Possible to use single 8G SODIMM in CI323 Dual LAN Mini PC? or has to be 2x4G?

Accepted Answer

It will work fine. I'm using one 8G module - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820301301

Question 3

Can this be mounted on the back of monitors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From the Zotac site: 
Accessories
1 x WiFi antenna
1 x AC adapter
1 x Power cord
1 x Mini-Optical S/PDIF adapter
1 x Warranty card
1 x User manual
1 x Quick Install Guide
1 x Driver disc
1 x VESA Monitor Mount

Question 4

Anyone use it with VMs of UTMs such as Sophos, Untangle?  Are the NIC Chipsets supported by drivers?

Accepted Answer

I'm running Sophos UTM on mine and it runs flawlessly. Not in a VM though. I had a spare 128 GB SSD laying around and plenty of RAM from work (I'm a sys admin). Bought it specifically for the purpose of using it as a Sophos UTM and it's great.

Question 5

Are the graphics integrated by the CPU? Is the CPU replaceable?

Accepted Answer

Yes to integrated graphics, haven't checked, but more than likely the CPU is soldered to the board. That's been my experience with similar units in the past.

Question 6

Can this drive multiple (2) monitors?

Accepted Answer

Yes.1 x HDMI, 1 x Display Port and 1 x VGA port. OS and driver support plus what the monitors can connect to would impact the combination. Reread the specs and check your monitors connections/cables.

Question 7

Can this support any OS, Another-wards is this WIN 7, 8, 10 Compatible? Also what Hard Drive is recommended to work best with this system.

Accepted Answer

It runs Windows 7, 8, 10, or any Linux distribution. Installing Windows 7 is tricky due to lack of USB 3.0 driver in the standard Windows 7 pre-install environment, but there is a download from Zotac that will help you prepare a USB stick for Windows 7 install. For a hard disk you can install any 2.5" SATA, including SSDs. Note the maximum RAM is 8 GB, so be sure to get 2x 4 GB DDR3L-1600 (PC3L-12800) SO-DIMMs.

Question 8

Which WiFi chipset does it has? Can the WiFi card be replaced?

Accepted Answer

I believe it's an Intel 7260-based card. The card can be replaced. Like most (all?) wireless AC cards doesn't work with FreeBSD.

Question 9

Can this unit be made to always power on after a power failure in BIOS?

Accepted Answer

Yes it does. It has 3 states for resuming after a power loss. Always on, always off and the state it was in when the power loss occurred. It's a terrific little box for a home theater box and other   moderate load purposes. I really like it. Good ventilation and it feels sturdy.

Question 10

Can anyone with this device being used as a firewall comment on the throughput over VPN? I'm wondering if the CPU is strong enough to handle 150Mbps down while connected to a VPN.

Accepted Answer

I have pfsense running and OpenVPN server though I have not tested total throughput. One issue I run into off and on is that one of the NICs goes unresponsive and it requires a reboot. If you're looking for something that is in a closet or remote I suggest looking at certified hardware for the software you plan to run.

Questions & Answers