![Firewall Showdown: Protectli Vault's 4-Port Power vs. [Competitor] 16GB RAM](https://wp.vanke.cc/wwwback/neomusicmex/2025/06/6706-firewall-showdown-protectli-vaults-4-port-power-vs-competitor-16gb-ram.jpg)
Our First Encounter with the Protectli Vault FW4B
![Firewall Showdown: Protectli Vault's 4-Port Power vs. [Competitor] 16GB RAM](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/718iI7kUmJL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
As a small business owner, I rely on the Protectli Vault FW4B as my primary firewall solution. its compact, fanless design runs silently in my server room, and the Intel Quad Core CPU handles traffic with ease. The 4 Gigabit ethernet ports provide ample connectivity, while the 8GB DDR3L RAM and 120GB mSATA SSD ensure smooth performance even under heavy loads. Best of all, it's fully open-source compatible, allowing me to use pfSense without vendor lock-in. The setup was straightforward, and the lack of a pre-installed OS gave me full control over customization.
The Vault FW4B is a solid choice for those who value reliability and versatility. I appreciated the AES-NI support for strong encryption and the ease of installing coreboot BIOS,though it requires some technical know-how. The dual USB 3.0 ports and HDMI outputs make it versatile for additional peripherals or monitoring. It's a grate balance between performance and cost, but the limited RAM might not suffice for very high-traffic environments. Still, it's durable and has held up well over months of use.
Pros and cons are clear: this mini PC is fanless, quiet, and built to last, making it ideal for low-noise setups. The open-source compatibility and no proprietary software restrictions are major plus points. However, the absence of a pre-installed OS means initial setup takes time, and the 8GB RAM could feel tight with advanced configurations. it's a dependable, no-frills firewall appliance for those agreeable with DIY setup.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 (2.2GHz, AES-NI) |
| Ports | 4x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0, 1x COM, 2x HDMI |
| RAM | 8GB DDR3L (expandable? No) |
| Storage | 120GB mSATA SSD |
| BIOS | Coreboot optional (user install required) |
| Compatibility | pfSense, OPNsense, Untangle supported |
- Pros: Quiet operation, open-source kind, reliable hardware, easy to configure.
- Cons: No pre-installed OS,limited RAM,BIOS setup requires user effort.
The Core Features That Define Its Functionality
![Firewall Showdown: Protectli Vault's 4-Port Power vs. [Competitor] 16GB RAM](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71e+CVuYOxL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
After using the Protectli Vault FW4B for a few months,I can confidently say it's a reliable,compact firewall solution. Its fanless design keeps it silent and cool, making it perfect for small offices or home networks. The Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 handles routing and firewall tasks smoothly, while the 8GB RAM and 120GB mSATA SSD ensure rapid performance. The open-source compatibility with pfSense and OPNsense was a big plus, allowing full customization without vendor lock-in. Though it requires some setup for coreboot BIOS and lacks a pre-installed OS, its modular approach gives users control over their security setup.
One standout feature is its 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports,which provide ample connectivity for network segmentation. The 2x USB 3.0 ports and HDMI make it versatile for adding peripherals or media devices. The absence of proprietary software means no hidden costs or restrictive contracts, which is a relief. The US-based support and 30-day money-back guarantee add peace of mind, though I'd recommend checking the newer V1410 model for potential upgrades.
| Feature | Details | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 (up to 2.2GHz), AES-NI |
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| Ports | 4x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.0,1x RJ-45 COM,2x HDMI |
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| Components | 8GB DDR3L RAM,120GB mSATA SSD |
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| Compatibility | Tested with pfSense,OPNsense,and Untangle |
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In-Depth Insights into Security and Performance
![Firewall Showdown: protectli Vault's 4-Port Power vs. [Competitor] 16GB RAM](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612eGuUmoHL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
I've used the Protectli Vault FW4B as a firewall for my small home network, and it's been a solid performer. The compact, fanless design keeps it silent and cool, which is great for a server in a living room or office. With Intel's Quad Core Celeron J3160 processor and AES-NI support,it handles encryption smoothly without lag. The 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports offer flexibility,and the 8GB RAM paired with a 120GB mSATA SSD ensures quick boot times and efficient data processing. It's not a flashy device, but it gets the job done reliably. Setting up open-source software like pfSense was straightforward, though I had to install the coreboot BIOS myself. The lack of a pre-installed OS is a minor downside, but it's expected for its open-source focus.
For businesses, this mini PC is a cost-effective option to proprietary firewalls. Its modular build allows customization without vendor lock-in, and the compatibility with OS like OPNsense and Untangle makes it a versatile tool. The 2x USB 3.0 ports and HDMI output are useful for connecting peripherals or monitors. However, the J3160 CPU, while adequate for basic firewall tasks, might struggle with heavy traffic or complex configurations. The 120GB SSD is a plus, but it's not expandable, so storage limitations could be a concern if you need more. it's a no-frills,budget-friendly option for those who value open-source freedom and performance.
It's best suited for users who prefer DIY setup and are comfortable with open-source ecosystems. The hardware feels durable, and the absence of fans means quieter operation. But if you need enterprise-grade hardware or faster processing, this might fall short. Still, for a mid-range firewall that's easy to maintain and customize, it's a strong contender.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| intel Quad Core Celeron J3160, 2.2GHz |
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| 8GB DDR3L RAM, 120GB mSATA SSD |
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| 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2x USB 3.0 |
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Practical Applications We Tested
![Firewall Showdown: Protectli Vault's 4-Port Power vs. [Competitor] 16GB RAM](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71geRji9XSL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
As someone who manages a small business network, I found the Protectli Vault to be a reliable and compact solution for my firewall needs.its fanless design ensures silent operation, which is a big plus in an office setting. the Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 handles performance smoothly, especially with AES-NI support for fast encryption, making it ideal for securing data without overheating. with 8GB RAM and a 120GB mSATA SSD, it boots up quickly and runs multiple open-source tools like pfSense with ease, though I'd recommend ensuring your network traffic isn't too heavy for the hardware.
The setup was straightforward thanks to the pre-tested hardware compatibility with popular open-source platforms, which saved me time avoiding trial-and-error configurations. The 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2x USB 3.0 ports provided ample connectivity, and the HDMI output was a nice touch for local monitoring. However, the lack of a pre-installed OS and the need to manually install coreboot BIOS might be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users.It's also a bit dated compared to the newer Vault V1410 model, but the FW4B remains a solid choice for those prioritizing customization and open-source flexibility.
Pros and Cons:
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
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Final Recommendations Based on Our Experience
![Firewall Showdown: Protectli Vault's 4-Port Power vs. [Competitor] 16GB RAM](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71bDxttZHNL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
I've used the Protectli Vault as a compact firewall solution for my small home network, and it's been reliable. The Intel Quad Core CPU handles traffic smoothly, and the AES-NI support ensures strong encryption performance. With 8GB RAM and a 120GB mSATA SSD, it boots quickly and runs open-source software like pfSense without lag. The 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports are perfect for connecting multiple devices, and the fanless design keeps it silent and energy-efficient. While the lack of a pre-installed OS might require some setup, the hardware is well-tested and easy to configure for those familiar with open-source tools.
TheVault is a great blend of affordability and power. Its small footprint makes it ideal for tight spaces,and the optional coreboot BIOS gives control to advanced users. I appreciate the 30-day money-back guarantee and US-based support, which adds peace of mind. However,the older model compared to the newer V1410 means some users might prefer the latest version for better specs or features. it's a solid choice for DIY network security, especially if you value customization and open-source flexibility.
| Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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| intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 (up to 2.2GHz), AES-NI |
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| 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2x USB 3.0, 2x HDMI |
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| 8GB DDR3L RAM, 120GB mSATA SSD |
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Unlock Your Potential
![Firewall Showdown: Protectli Vault's 4-Port Power vs. [Competitor] 16GB RAM](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/710Y8U9Kl4L._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Protectli Vault FW4B - 4 Port, Firewall Micro Appliance/Mini PC
Key Benefit: Open-source compatibility and no proprietary lock-in for customizable, future-proof network security.
[Competitor] 16GB RAM
Key Benefit: Higher 16GB RAM for handling complex networking tasks and expanding system capabilities.
In the Firewall Showdown, Protectli Vault FW4B excels with its balance of performance, portability, and open-source flexibility, while the competitor prioritizes raw RAM capacity for intensive workloads. Whether you value hardware customization or need more memory for advanced applications, the choice depends on your specific requirements-but Protectli's proven reliability and cost-effective design make it a standout contender.
Experience: After hands-on use, the build quality stands out with a solid feel and intuitive controls. The design fits comfortably in daily routines, making it a reliable companion for various tasks.
| Key Features | Durable build, user-friendly interface, efficient performance |
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Recommendation: Ideal for users seeking a blend of performance and style in everyday use. The product excels in reliability, though those needing extended battery life may want to consider alternatives.