Zima · NAS buying guide
Zima ZimaCube 2 Creator Pack NAS Buying Guide
Product facts and dated cost
Zima ZimaCube 2 Creator Pack · Exact identity: ZCU084-R2
6 primary bays · Intel Core i5-1235U + RTX Pro 2000 · 64GB DDR5 · 1 × 10GbE + 2 × 2.5GbE · Diskless: hard drives cost extra
Catalog amount: $2,499 · recent · Price record: 2026-10-16T01:31:19.387702+00:00. Tax and shipping excluded.
Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store.
ZimaCube 2 Creator Pack: specifications and dated store comparison →A real factory GPU/64 GB kit — without a test of that kit
ZCU084-R2 · i5-1235U + RTX Pro 2000 · 64 GB DDR5 · 1 TB OS SSD · 6 × SATA + 4 × M.2 · 10GbE + 2 × 2.5GbE
Factory identity is from IceWhale shop JSON and the launch/unboxing tables. Software limits come from ZimaOS family docs and the Pro reviews. No original test of the factory RTX Pro 2000 + 64 GB + 1 TB bundle was opened. ChooseCompute has not tested this NAS. See evidence and test gaps ↓
Is the ZimaCube 2 Creator Pack right for you?
Want a single SKU with 64 GB and a workstation GPU
Exact factory configuration confirmed by shop variant and announcement; no exact-GPU throughput, thermals or noise test verified.[1][3][10]
Need 10GbE NAS without a GPU
Networking and bay layout match Pro. You are paying for RAM/SSD/GPU you may not use.[1][9]
Need proven local-AI or GPU transcode numbers on this SKU
No factory-Creator original test opened. It's FOSS Ada add-in is a different GPU on Pro RAM.[11]
Key exact-configuration specifications
Full specifications ↗Follow any specification for its full conditions and sources.
Living with it
Hardware, software and ownership tradeoffs
Related GPU experience is not this SKU
It's FOSS installed an RTX 2000 Ada in a 16 GB Pro and had to fix Jellyfin before the GPU transcoded 4K. That is useful as a warning about software setup, not a Creator Pack benchmark. IT-Connect recaps Creator specs and points to a YouTube review that was not fetched.[11][14]
Backup claims and installation caveats
Official docs claim backup versions and restore points, but retention controls and a user-data snapshot restore procedure remain unverified. A/B recovery restores the OS boot path. Check exact-drive compatibility and allow space/cooling for a slot-powered GPU; a dual-slot card can cover both expansion positions.[6][7][8][15][1][9]
What still needs a real-world test
We have verified the specifications, but have not found an original test that we can reliably apply to this exact model. The advice above follows the documented features; performance, noise and long-term reliability are not independently established here.
Common HDD combinations
Examples ordered by recorded drive unit price, which may be historical or an editorial reference. Check capacity, vendor compatibility, included storage and price evidence before choosing. These are component checks, not compatibility certifications.
- ZimaCube 2 Creator Pack + 2 × WD Red Plus 2TB (WD20EFPX, 2TB each) →
Component total: $2,808.98 · historical · Oldest price record: 2026-10-09T01:23:41.974420+00:00 · 4TB raw, before redundancy.
Historical price estimate. Calculated from separately purchased components, not a complete-system offer. NAS price record: 2026-10-16T01:31:19.387702+00:00; drive price record: 2026-10-09T01:23:41.974420+00:00. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Historical price observation. Recheck the price and availability before buying; this is not a current offer. Recheck component prices, stock, shipping and tax at the stores before purchase; even recent checks do not guarantee live prices.
- ZimaCube 2 Creator Pack + 2 × IronWolf 4TB (ST4000VN006, 4TB each) →
Component total: $2,878.98 · recent · Oldest price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:24.994342+00:00 · 8TB raw, before redundancy.
Dated price estimate. Calculated from separately purchased components, not a complete-system offer. NAS price record: 2026-10-16T01:31:19.387702+00:00; drive price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:24.994342+00:00. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Recheck component prices, stock, shipping and tax at the stores before purchase; even recent checks do not guarantee live prices.
- ZimaCube 2 Creator Pack + 2 × WD Red Plus 4TB (WD40EFZZ, 4TB each) →
Component total: $2,888.98 · historical · Oldest price record: 2026-09-27T13:58:17.239646+00:00 · 8TB raw, before redundancy.
Historical price estimate. Calculated from separately purchased components, not a complete-system offer. NAS price record: 2026-10-16T01:31:19.387702+00:00; drive price record: 2026-09-27T13:58:17.239646+00:00. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Historical price observation. Recheck the price and availability before buying; this is not a current offer. Recheck component prices, stock, shipping and tax at the stores before purchase; even recent checks do not guarantee live prices.
- ZimaCube 2 Creator Pack + 6 × WD Red Plus 2TB (WD20EFPX, 2TB each) →
Component total: $3,428.94 · historical · Oldest price record: 2026-10-09T01:23:41.974420+00:00 · 12TB raw, before redundancy.
Historical price estimate. Calculated from separately purchased components, not a complete-system offer. NAS price record: 2026-10-16T01:31:19.387702+00:00; drive price record: 2026-10-09T01:23:41.974420+00:00. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Historical price observation. Recheck the price and availability before buying; this is not a current offer. Recheck component prices, stock, shipping and tax at the stores before purchase; even recent checks do not guarantee live prices.
- ZimaCube 2 Creator Pack + 6 × IronWolf 4TB (ST4000VN006, 4TB each) →
Component total: $3,638.94 · recent · Oldest price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:24.994342+00:00 · 24TB raw, before redundancy.
Dated price estimate. Calculated from separately purchased components, not a complete-system offer. NAS price record: 2026-10-16T01:31:19.387702+00:00; drive price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:24.994342+00:00. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Recheck component prices, stock, shipping and tax at the stores before purchase; even recent checks do not guarantee live prices.
Before you buy
US product pages and ownership costs
Current US factory PDP
Variant 52317031858468 $2,499 in stock 11 Sep 2026 09:57 UTC. Earlier same-store observation is retained in the audit, not counted as another offer.[12]
Bundle math without a test
You are buying Pro + max RAM + bigger OS SSD + factory GPU in one SKU. It's FOSS argued DIY GPU on Pro; that path is not this MPN and still needs the official sub-75 W slot-powered GPU limit in mind.[1][11][10]
Other US stores
No Newegg hit. No verified Amazon Creator PDP.[13]
Compare stores for this exact model
ZCU084-R2 · i5-1235U + RTX Pro 2000 · 64 GB DDR5 · 1 TB OS SSD · 6 × SATA + 4 × M.2 · 10GbE + 2 × 2.5GbE Check the total delivered price at the store.
Lowest observed price
$2,499
In stock at observation
1 store · 1 recent price observation
Zima
Sold by Zima
$2,499
Observed price
In stock at observation · New
Observed Oct 16, 2026, 1:31:19 AM UTC[16]
View exact product at ZimaZima
Sold by Zima
$2,499
Historical price
Stock not confirmed · New
64GB DDR5; 1 TB OS SSD; RTX Pro 2000; 6 × SATA + 4 × M.2; 10GbE + dual 2.5GbE; diskless data drives
FAQ: dispatch normally within 72 hours excluding holidays; general delivery estimate 5–7 business days to most countries. US checkout shipping cost and delivery promise unverified. Diskless; user data drives not included. 14-day money-back after delivery per shop FAQ. Price before tax.
Observed Sep 11, 2026, 9:57:53 AM UTC[12]
View exact product at ZimaPrices are dated observations. Confirm the model, seller, condition, stock and delivered total at the store. Older prices remain visible as history. Links may earn a commission.
Questions before buying
Is Creator Pack just Pro with more RAM?
No. Factory SKU also includes a 1 TB OS SSD and NVIDIA RTX Pro 2000. RAM is already at the 64 GB official maximum.[2][3]
Did anyone test this GPU SKU?
Not in the sources opened this round. Do not use It's FOSS's add-in RTX 2000 Ada numbers as ZCU084-R2 results.[11]
Same ZimaOS limits as Pro?
Family docs cover RAID, backup versions/restore points, Time Machine and OS A/B rescue. A user-data GUI snapshot rollback and exact retention controls remain unverified; ECC is not advertised.[5][6]
Where to buy new in the US?
Verified: IceWhale shop $2,499 in stock on 11 Sep 2026.[12]
Sources
Research updated Sep 11, 2026. Individual source check dates are listed below. Measurements belong to the named reviewers; tested configurations and software versions may differ from the product you buy.
- [1] ZimaCube 2 Personal Cloud Home NAS (shared shop PDP) ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Title, description, Edition selector, FAQ accordion (model choice, OS, 7th-bay MB/s, ~30 dB, warranty/shipping)
- [2] Shopify product.js variants (SKU, price, availability) ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · variants[].sku/title/price/available/barcode/id
- [3] ZimaCube 2: Open NAS for AI & Self-Hosting ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Standard/Pro/Creator sections; 240×221×220 mm; Pro 3,200 MB/s 7th bay; Creator RTX PRO 2000
- [4] ZimaCube 2 Pro Unboxing: 5 Key Specs ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · KPTEC 19V 13A 247W; 5.5 kg shipped; 240×221×220 mm; comparison table Standard/Pro/Creator
- [5] ZimaOS RAID Configuration Reference ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · RAID 0/1/5/6 and JBOD; Settings > Storage > Combine; RAID 5 steps
- [6] ZimaOS 3-2-1 Backup ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · RAID is not a backup; Backup app from/to Cloud LAN USB Zima; schedule
- [7] ZimaOS computer backup (ZimaClient) ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · ZimaClient folders; restore via Finder/Explorer; Wi-Fi vs wired vs Thunderbolt caveats
- [8] ZimaOS Slot A/B recovery ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · GRUB Slot A/B; user data on separate volume
- [9] ServeTheHome ZimaCube 2 Pro review ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Pages 1–5: specs, ASM2824/1166, ZimaOS RAID, Geekbench note, 247 W / dB(A)
- [10] Notebookcheck ZimaCube 2 review ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Standard sample; 1 m noise; wall power; 70 W GPU; spec table
- [11] It's FOSS ZimaCube 2 Pro month-long notes ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Manufacturer-offered Pro; added RTX 2000 Ada; noise; RAID GUI; Jellyfin GPU caveat
- [12] Zima selected PDP variant 52317031858468 ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Selected Edition JSON-LD Offer InStock NewCondition
- [13] Newegg search ZimaCube 2 / MPN ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · 0 items matching ZimaCube 2
- [14] IT-Connect ZimaCube 2 overview (Creator mentioned, YouTube not fetched) ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Creator Pack 64 GB / 1 TB / RTX Pro 2000 16 GB VRAM as spec recap; full test on YouTube not opened
- [15] ZimaCube disk installation and compatibility notes ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Installation and complete compatibility table; model/generation caveats
- [16] Zima product price observation ↗
Checked Oct 16, 2026 · shopify-json-with-currency-evidence; sha256:92f7a03e96eeb36360a1203bb230c2ca7c7df7ef3404a90242c2998bef0457d2
Research and review record
- Research: Grok 4.6 · Source research and data update
- Self-check: Grok 4.6 · Researcher self-check
- Independent review: GPT-6 (Codex) · Independent exact-model primary/original-written-source review; six STH and four Notebookcheck figures visually inspected. Creator exact-bundle performance remains unknown; videos and blocked images excluded.
- Editorial integration: GPT-6 (Codex) · Editorial integration and validation
Independent review completed for the scope recorded in the audit.
Source evidence and review history (JSON)