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Firebat AK2 Plus Mini PC (Intel N150, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) US$79.15 (~A$122.40) Shipped @ Firebat Choice Store AliExpress

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Firebat AK2 Plus Mini PC (Intel N150, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) US$79.15 (~A$122.40) Shipped @ Firebat Choice Store AliExpressAffiliate
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Che0063 on 03/08/2025 - 13:54 aliexpress.com (2317 clicks)
Last edited 03/08/2025 - 14:19
AUAG12
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Another one of those mini-PCs that I spent hours looking for. Use code AUAG12 and use USD on checkout

N150
8GB SODIMM DDR4 (unclear if single or dual slot)
256GB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (includes empty 2.5" bay)
Dual 4K 60GHz if you just need to push a LOT of pixels
Single GBe only

16/512GB version available for USD 98.57 (~AUD$152.43) shipped using AUAG16. Probably a better deal if you need the extra ram/ssd

Good use case for basic homelab if you prefer low power consumption and small physical footprint. But for expandability, you may still have better deal with SFF PCs (I still ended up with buying a $110 i3-8100 HP Prodesk 600 G4 for the expandability since I have two other servers with plenty of DDR4 that I can swap in).

Thanks to @Clear for original coupon deal https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/917658

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Comments

  • Watanabe1995 on 03/08/2025 - 13:57
    +1

    Wow, a $100 PC.

    • RedHab on 03/08/2025 - 14:35
      +5

      Yep, these will kill Raspberry Pi's.

      • nikoris on 03/08/2025 - 14:50
        +2

        Pis*

      • chillipaste on 03/08/2025 - 16:00
        +1

        I'm actually holding out for an raspberry pi to set up home automation.

        This sounds like the better alternative? Low power consumption, about same price as a pi but with way more flexibility on usage.

        Does that sound right?

        • internet-stranger on 03/08/2025 - 16:04
          +8

          Yup. I wouldn’t buy a raspberry pi at all anymore.
          Cheap NUCs like this are more powerful, quicker and more options.
          Edit: on power. These use more power at full load. But as they aren’t pre powerful they are at full load for less time.
          E.g. running an update might take 10 mins on a pi at 10w, but take 5mins at 15w on a NUC. So overall you may use less power.

        • impoze on 03/08/2025 - 16:07
          +1

          Yes, raspberry pis no longer offer the value they once did.

          Pick up any N100/N150 mini pc and it will be blazingly fast for home assistant.

          • low power draw
          • native NVME and upgradable ram compared to a microSD card
          • size not much bigger than a pi, maybe 2x
          • capacity to run other services - adguard, vm, dockers
          • chillipaste on 03/08/2025 - 16:10

            @impoze: Alright, you guys are getting me excited haha

            I'm thinking home assistant, VPN and potentially an alternative to Google cloud storage for photos, somehow replacing the Google photos experience across all devices used in the household.

            Now I need to find some touchscreen tablet that can be powered by a 12V line currently used by an old school door bell monitor on the wall…

            • impoze on 03/08/2025 - 16:23
              +3

              @chillipaste: Immich is the google photos replacement.

              If you need a NAS, the Aoostar WTR PRO uses the same N150 but has 4 drive bays.

              https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/913448 l

              • prhino on 05/08/2025 - 11:09

                @impoze: Gee, that was a good deal.

                • impoze on 05/08/2025 - 11:21

                  @prhino: Just keep an eye on it as currently the deals can't be posted as the store is under the minimum 95% rating for Ozbargain.

                  CHINA BOX Store - 94.8% Positive Feedback

                  • prhino on 05/08/2025 - 13:05

                    @impoze: Have you used the store before

                    • impoze on 05/08/2025 - 13:14

                      @prhino: yes, mine arrived just fine as did everyone else who has ordered from the previous deals.

                      Only 0.2% off the minimum rating to be posted.

            • Everettpsycho on 04/08/2025 - 10:49

              @chillipaste: I've got an old i7 8700 desktop running almost all that and it's overkill for what I'm using. If you are comfortable learning new software and trying to understand some Linux I went through the process installing proxmox on my desktop. On mine I currently have:

              Tailscale to remote access my devices
              Home assistant VM
              Plex server
              A basic file server to back up my key files from my NAS pc

              On the NAS I'm also running immich to test replacing Google photos and I think it's worth looking at deploying permanently on the proxmox box instead of the underpowered NAS where it's struggling.

              My intention was to shove one large HDD in the desktop for the file server to act as an onsite Nas backup and have the key files replicated to a cloud blob archive as a last resort off site version.

              • impoze on 04/08/2025 - 10:52
                +1

                @Everettpsycho: depending on your library size, the initial import with thumbnail generation, transcoding videos, face detection etc can take a while on the N150. But you can just let it run since it's only the initial import.

                • Everettpsycho on 04/08/2025 - 11:01

                  @impoze: Oh my set up is far worse. I put hex os on an old dell with an i5 4570 and immich is km that. It took ages to synch and kept dropping and restarting the app. My hope was to set it up on my "server" and point it at a samba share on the hex os Nas. I have done that with Plex but what a faff. I'd prefer to replace the Nas with something like the wtr pro and have immich and Plex just run locally on that to a pod passing through the samba shares but heard that the backplate has problems with truenas that hex is based on so weighing up those options with what to do instead.

                  Hoping the minisforum N5 has some deals once it's been about a bit longer.

                  • impoze on 04/08/2025 - 11:11

                    @Everettpsycho: yeah, not recommended to use the ASMedia ASM1064 controller for Truenas. I got one to replace my backup server which was in a full size ATX tower running Unraid.

                    Minisforum N5 looks like a great option as well.

                    How are you finding Hex OS? you bought the license then?

                    I've got a spare i5-4570 that I've been playing around with as well. Tried out Zima OS, and Casa on Proxmox. They have potential but maybe not for the advanced users.

                    • Everettpsycho on 04/08/2025 - 13:02

                      @impoze: Hex os seems good and exactly what I needed, a functional simple to set up Nas. I'm probably able to configure truenas but at this stage in life with 2 small people that never stop I can only do this stuff late at night when I'm exhausted. I got the early access license when it was at its cheapest, I wouldn't spend double or triple what I paid for it. Most of my problems with it I believe are down to old hardware struggling with the CPU. I think it will do well if they were to partner with people like minisforum and bundle it for use in the N5, it would make a great entry Nas solution that can be tinkered with as people understand more.

              • chillipaste on 04/08/2025 - 11:57

                @Everettpsycho: nice, i suspect this proxmox VM'ing thing might be overkill for me. I want simplicity with some flexibility. I suspect I'll start off with a basic n150 box, install Windows or user-friendly version of Linux, then install home assistant, and then explore VPN and plex server on top of it… maybe down the line, try cloud storage

                immich looks good but it appears to be under active development, I would prioritise stability as I don't want to fuss about with bugs, crashes and having to do it all over again if the project goes under…

                • impoze on 04/08/2025 - 12:28

                  @chillipaste: It's really not that much more complicated with the help of Proxmox Helper scripts

                  They are literally copy paste into the shell terminal.

                  Home assistant VM

                  Combine with chatGPT for any step by step help tailored to your setup.

                • chillipaste on 04/08/2025 - 14:20

                  @chillipaste: this looks handy! i was using SSH via Putty to set up an old raspberry pi 1b+ with raspbian lite - but ran into few issues of not enough memory - thankfully chatgpt helped but it was a bit of a nightmare - even had issued trying to set up wireguard VPN. i just gave up in the end…

                  sounds like these scripts might bridge the skill gap for me coupled with chatgpt explaining to me what I'm doing :)

                  • impoze on 04/08/2025 - 14:49
                    +1

                    @chillipaste: Yeah, I would have struggled so much without the help of GPT.

                    Check out Tailscale for remote access VPN.

              • AeymothSky on 05/08/2025 - 08:35

                @Everettpsycho: thanks for some basic homelab ideas.

                i wanna work on setting up my n150 mini pc i got a while ago haha haven't gotten around to it

                • Everettpsycho on 05/08/2025 - 11:21

                  @AeymothSky: I'd definitely suggest home assistant followed by tailscale as your starters if you are in to home automation and smart tech, they were far easier to sort than the file server and Plex set ups and get the most use. Use the scripts impoze detailed above and it's pretty straight forward to get the proxmox device running then it's all web gui to configure.

                  Plex works but for my particular use case it was a pain to configure the file shares in proxmox. The file server is useful and not too hard to add if you want a basic network drive, not really useful on a mini pc but as mines an old dell desktop it can take a single standard hard drive meaning I can get a fair bit of storage in there if I want it.

          • RedHab on 03/08/2025 - 19:08
            +1

            @impoze: Yes, these mini-PC's beat Pi 4 and 5's for almost every purpose. They are better and cheaper.

            The only thing a Pi has that these don't is GPIO for hardware interfacing. However, ESP32 and Arduino are cheap alternatives for GPIO.

  • impoze on 03/08/2025 - 14:08
    +3

    Need the 16/512 Soyo M4 Pro deals to come back

  • impoze on 03/08/2025 - 14:09
    +1

    OP, this is 8/256, not 8/512 as in the title which makes the 16/512 for ~$30 understandable.

    • Che0063 on 03/08/2025 - 14:19
      +2

      My apologies for the oversight and this has been corrected, thanks

  • McMaferMur on 03/08/2025 - 14:12

    8GB SODIMM DDR4 (unclear if single or dual slot)
    i think single but upgrade able
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlIenneQyYI&ab_channel=Robte…

    • AlmightyGaz on 03/08/2025 - 14:49

      n100 version reviews poorly, haven't seen many that can take a 2.5" drive though and it is cheap.

    • ESEMCE on 03/08/2025 - 17:32

      Can these CPUs even do dual channel RAM?

      • McMaferMur on 03/08/2025 - 17:47

        The youtube say only single

  • internet-stranger on 03/08/2025 - 14:23

    Single slot DDR4 and it’s SATA via m.2 not NVMe for the SSD.

    This is cheap, but I personally would spring a little more for a model supporting NVMe drives.

    • mskeggs on 03/08/2025 - 17:26
      +1

      Isn't the advantage here that it has an nvme slot and a 2.5 SATA so you get the combo of fast main drive and affordable large storage?

  • gunnny on 03/08/2025 - 14:24
    +4

    I would spend a little extra for ddr5, and wifi6, and more modern Bluetooth setup.

    Can he had for maybe 25 or 30 more from AliExpress

  • freeb1e4me on 03/08/2025 - 14:40
    -4

    FYI, Dell thin client $50 - $70 delivered

  • AkIRA22 on 03/08/2025 - 15:18

    This would make a decent thing client.

  • sidesw1pe on 03/08/2025 - 15:29
    +4

    Dual 4K 60GHz

    Obliterating the maximum hertzes

    • poxy001 on 03/08/2025 - 15:42
      +2

      Yeah my monitor melted after an hour.

    • SarcasticEmu on 03/08/2025 - 16:16
      +4

      You laugh now! But when you get a 60GHz monitor you can tell the difference.

      • sidesw1pe on 03/08/2025 - 16:40
        +2

        The human eye can't detect more than 24GHz though!

      • bamzero on 03/08/2025 - 17:39
        +3

        I'm seeing frames that haven't even happened yet!

  • littlesoldier on 03/08/2025 - 16:50

    Just curious, what people used with a mini pc these days? And what OS is best for this grade of pc?

    Still remember many years back before the age of chromecast was using a mini pc as a media PC to TV , but haven’t been using any in recent years

    • impoze on 03/08/2025 - 16:59
      +5
      • home assistant
      • media server - plex/jellyfin
      • opnsense/pfsense (mini PCs with dual NIC)
      • adguard
      • vaultwarden
      • immich
      • calibre/audiobookshelf
      • paperless-ngx

      • any other selfhosting service

      • retro gaming/emulator box

      • htpc
      • basic windows pc for the oldies

      plenty more.

      As for the OS, take your pick.

      • linux/ubuntu
      • proxmox
      • windows
      • casa/zima OS
      • more
      • park it on 03/08/2025 - 18:16

        Coming from an RPi.

        What OS should you suggest. Will be running a few of the apps you listed.

        • impoze on 03/08/2025 - 18:44

          They are all docker besides Home Assistant as a VM

          Can be done on any OS listed.

          I would give proxmox a go as you can do easy backups and easy to install things with Proxmox Helper Scripts

          Otherwise Casa and Zima are quite user friendly with app store. They have an online demo you can try.

      • jaypick on 03/08/2025 - 19:42

        If using it as a light Windows machine, which I'm sure is doable, I'd suggest using Windows 11 IoT Enterprise as it's like the Pro version without certain bloat. It seems to run a bit better than the standard monthly Windows 11 updated ISO.

  • BatmanAU on 03/08/2025 - 17:07

    This or a Beelink N100

  • Fatboy74 on 03/08/2025 - 17:45

    No usb c. Is that common on these kinds of mini pcs?

    • homebrandjesus on 03/08/2025 - 18:29
      +1

      Don’t normally get usb c at this price point.

  • dzhay on 03/08/2025 - 17:48

    Not a deal. At this price I expect a 3060.

  • Ahhhhyep on 03/08/2025 - 18:30
    +1

    How are you getting US$79? Keeps showing US$91.88

    • impoze on 03/08/2025 - 18:40

      Looks like it's gone up now

  • Azeroth on 03/08/2025 - 18:54

    Do these support Dolby Vision? Thinking of using it as a replacement of my firestick 4k max with my main tv

    • nuker on 03/08/2025 - 21:06
      +1

      $1M question here. Looks like latest Kodi v21 finally does DV. I just got Lenovo Mini PC with Intel 8th gen to test it out.

      • Azeroth on 03/08/2025 - 21:07

        Do let me know how it goes please

        • nuker on 03/08/2025 - 21:08
          +1

          Copy loud and clear! Will do!

  • Kambo_Rambo on 03/08/2025 - 19:05

    Anyone know what the RAM situation is like with these? How many slots? DDR5 sodimm?

    • impoze on 03/08/2025 - 19:08

      This one is single ddr4

      Some newer models are ddr5 single channel

    • Jimbuscus on 03/08/2025 - 19:12
      +1

      This CPU only supports single channel, all N100/N150 are one slot.

  • Jimbuscus on 03/08/2025 - 19:15

    No longer appears to be at price, goes down to A$150 total after coupon.

  • subwars on 03/08/2025 - 19:22

    maybe a good little media player

  • alexlim2000 on 03/08/2025 - 22:52
    +2

    Need a light?

    • Velocita on 04/08/2025 - 02:34
      +2

      Got any questions about propane? … or propane accessories?

  • Jake Pebbles on 04/08/2025 - 08:50
    +1

    I wondered, are these actually genuine parts/ product? Coming from Aliexpress. Just like everything else, like badminton rackets for example.

    • BigBirdy on 04/08/2025 - 10:01
      +1

      Genuine Firebat, as distinct from fake Firebat?

  • OzzyOzbourne on 04/08/2025 - 09:18
    -4

    Ships from Wuhan

  • ThemDealsThough on 10/08/2025 - 14:29

    Dammit wish I could get one for this price.

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