The GnuBee Personal Cloud 2 (GB-PC2) is a network-attached storage (NAS) device specifically engineered to run free, libre, open source software (FLOSS). The GB-PC2 has all the functionality of any commercial, proprietary NAS, but at a much lower cost and with the transparency, reliability, and accessibility advantages that come with using FLOSS.
Personal Cloud 1 vs 2
The GB-PC2 is the big sibling of the GB-PC1 in the sense that it accommodates 3.5” drives instead of 2.5” drives. The GB-PC2 design is based on the GB-PC1 design, but is modified to handle both the larger size and greater power requirements of the 3.5” drives. The chipset and capabilities are otherwise the same.
Features & Specifications
- Processor:
- MediaTek MT7621A
- dual-core, multi-thread (Linux kernel sees four cores)
- 880 MHz, overclockable to 1.2 GHz)
- Memory:
- 512 MB DDR3 RAM (maximum amount for the MediaTek chip)
- soldered to mainboard
- Storage:
- SD card slot (tested up to 64 GB cards so far)
- 6 x 3.5” drives (HDD, SSD, or mix and match; drives not included)
- recommended RAID levels are 0 and 1 under LVM and MD, and Linux MD RAID 10
- Connectivity:
- 3 x Gigabit Ethernet (2 ports can support Ethernet bonding)
- 1 x USB 3.0 port
- 2 x USB 2.0 port
- serial port (3-pin J1 connector or 3.5 mm audio-type jack)
- 2 x mainboard fan
- Power:
- 12 VDC @ 8 A maximum
- 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm, center-positive barrel jack
- Dimensions:
- weight: ~454 g (1 lb) without drives
- Enclosure:
- 2 x anodized aluminum side plates
- 6 x threaded brackets and screws
- 24 x drive screws (four per drive)
- Software:
- Sources & Documentation:
Read more: GnuBee Personal Cloud 2