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FIREBAT AM02 Mini PC (Intel N100, 16GB/512GB, 2xLAN, Type-C, Wi-Fi6, BT5.2) US$122.24 (~A$188) Shipped @ Cutesliving AliExpress

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FIREBAT AM02 Mini PC (Intel N100, 16GB/512GB, 2xLAN, Type-C, Wi-Fi6, BT5.2) US$122.24 (~A$188) Shipped @ Cutesliving AliExpressAffiliate
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BillyCool on 01/05/2024 - 19:25 aliexpress.com (1020 clicks)
Last edited 01/05/2024 - 20:55 by 1 other user
05CD08
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FIREBAT AM02 Mini PC

These mini PCs seem to be popular lately. This one is a relatively newer model in terms of connectivity, featuring things like 2.5G Ethernet, Type-C (alt mode), and more recent versions of Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.

CPU: Intel N100 (4C/4T)
RAM: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz (Single Channel)
Storage: 512GB SATA SSD (supports NVME, max 2TB) + Optional 2.5" SATA expansion (Max 2TB)
OS: Probably Windows 11 but it's not clear from the listing
Connectivity:
- 1x 2.5G + 1x 1G RJ45 Ethernet Ports
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.2
- 1x HDMI 2.0 + 1x DP 1.4
- 1x USB Type-C DP Alt Mode (Power + Video)
- 4x USB 3.0
- 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Microphone Combo Port

More detailed specs, reviews and pictures can be found on Amazon.

8GB/256GB also available for US$105.97 (~A$163). Remember to apply coupon 05CD08 during checkout.

AU$ based on current Mastercard rate, GST inclusive.

How to get the AU$ price in the title with PayPal

Setting overseas websites to AUD or letting PayPal do the currency conversion results in an inflated rate. To get the correct rate you need a card without international fees and do the following:

  • Set the website currency to USD
  • Checkout with PayPal
  • Select your card with no international fees
  • Click "See currency options"
  • Select USD to bill the card in USD instead of AUD
  • Proceed with checkout

Now you'll get the correct MasterCard or VISA exchange rate depending on the card.

Original Coupon Deal

Computing Computer Mini PC

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closed Comments

  • Clear on 01/05/2024 - 19:33
    +3

    Before we have a repeat of last time. Firebat is not the same company as Acemagic/Kamrui.

    • Budju on 01/05/2024 - 20:46

      Are they going to reem me for my bank account details?

      • Clear on 01/05/2024 - 20:49
        +2

        Best to do a fresh install of a bootable USB always.

        • gizmomelb on 01/05/2024 - 22:35

          same recommendation for any refurbed PCs as well, there's a lot of people keen on the recent Dell 7060s with Win 11 pre-installed.

          • jonathonsunshine on 02/05/2024 - 13:32
            +1

            @gizmomelb: I'd recommend that on a brand new PC out of the box from a "legit" manufacturer. The amount of BS bloat that comes pre installed. Been a fair few years since I bought a laptop though.

            • gizmomelb on 06/05/2024 - 20:46

              @jonathonsunshine: I totally agree.. I keep on saying it for ALL preconfigured PCs but some people neg me saying that tech savvy people aren't buying the PCs and wouldn't know how to re-install windows.

    • Horacio on 01/05/2024 - 20:54

      The link isn't working for me.. also the ram seems slower than similar offerings?

      • Clear on 01/05/2024 - 20:55

        You'll get a page not found if you use a VPN or something that masks your location. Starlink can do it too apparently.

        BYO 3200MHz RAM if you wish. N100 supports DDR5 but not this model. Unfortunately it's always single channel.

        • Horacio on 01/05/2024 - 21:12

          Ah yes using a VPN. But then I always do and am not getting that for any other AliExpress listings.. On ram - what do you think about the T8 Plus in comparison to this one? I wonder if the cooling is the same on all the Firebats..

          • BillyCool on 01/05/2024 - 22:06
            +1

            @Horacio: Touched on RAM in another comment, you won't see a massive difference. Cooling wise, the T8 is smaller, has less ventilation holes and has a very basic heatsink. The AM02 has more ventilation holes and from the Amazon reviews seems to have a much beefier heatsink.

  • foogle on 01/05/2024 - 19:39

    Free malware?

    • Clear on 01/05/2024 - 19:39

      I can send you some nasty ones if you want them. You're not going to find any here otherwise.

      • foogle on 01/05/2024 - 19:40

        🤔

      • Fappy Bunny on 01/05/2024 - 19:43

        Curious how did you manage to detect the malware's ?

        • Clear on 01/05/2024 - 19:58
          +1

          On Firebat? None found on any of their Mini PCs. In the wild elsewhere? Easy peasy.

        • foogle on 01/05/2024 - 19:58
          +3

          I didn’t but this guy found some. Also firebat machine https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/review/B0CLRC5BCR/R1NQL4IXVD3CI…

          btw to detect malware, take harddisk out, connect to machine you trust and scan from there

          • gizmomelb on 01/05/2024 - 22:36

            @foogle: or just format and do a fresh install, so you know what is on there. That is the logical thing to do.

            • BatmanAU on 02/05/2024 - 08:06
              +1

              @gizmomelb: Don’t forget about UEFI malware, can’t get rid of that with a format

              • gizmomelb on 06/05/2024 - 20:48

                @BatmanAU: best to never buy a modern computer again then if there's so much to worry about.

                • BatmanAU on 07/05/2024 - 16:04

                  @gizmomelb: With comments like that, maybe you should turn off your internet also!

  • kml22 on 01/05/2024 - 19:55

    Thanks OP, bought one.

  • ratoloko on 01/05/2024 - 20:05
    +1

    Nice toy to setup a firewall/router but the first and last miniPC I got from AliExpress ended in return coz it would only accept the seller memory "brand".

    • Horacio on 01/05/2024 - 20:52

      Right I am wondering if it's worth paying about $60 extra to buy a Beelink from Amazon to enable easier return

      • ratoloko on 01/05/2024 - 21:01
        +1

        Beelink is so much better, I've missed their deal with the one with dual NIC to setup a firewall/router.
        Plus Amazon AU return policy is a dream.

        • Horacio on 01/05/2024 - 21:11
          +1

          I do also like the idea that they may be around to provide drivers for another year or two

          • ratoloko on 01/05/2024 - 21:31

            @Horacio: True, my use case is Linux so driver isn't an issue and these non-AliExpress miniPC use commonly known hardware so driver is the least of the problems.

            Personally, I avoid anything that is soldered. No memory, storage, wi-fi, etc, soldered allowing expansion and future proof. That is my only must have.

  • Horacio on 01/05/2024 - 20:51

    I've been looking at a few N100 pcs today, viz:
    Two more Firebats on aliexpress
    * the T8 Firebat Plus for $208 - it has faster DDR5 ram at 4800Hz https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005234838380.html?spm=a2…
    * The AK2 PLUS for $182 - but I have found comments that these have trouble with cooling https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005776063699.html?spm=a2…
    and
    * Amazon has the Beelink S12 pro again for $265
    (I am going to look up how to embed the links, sorry)

    • pixelgalah on 01/05/2024 - 21:16

      thanks… i think i'm doing the beelink for 265… feels worth it for the returns policy…

    • BillyCool on 01/05/2024 - 21:50
      +1

      RAM speed is relative. DDR5-4800 is roughly equivalent to DDR4-2400 in terms of real world latency when you factor in timings. So it's not as massive of a difference as you might imagine.

      Otherwise, I really depends what you're looking for. I was looking something with the modern connectivity package (2.5G, Wi-Fi6, BT5.2, Type-C) and this is the only thing I've seen at this price range to have it all, especially that amazing Type-C port.

      • Horacio on 01/05/2024 - 23:56

        Ah thanks for the comment about ram speeds, I have just read up about it, I have never had a computer new enough to take DDR5 so didn't realise it wasn't terribly important, except perhaps in terms of being more likely to find a home in another pc in 5 years time..

        • Horacio on 02/05/2024 - 09:51

          Scratch that, the N100s I can see with DDR5 seem to be soldered on so they can't be rehomed in future anyway

  • D3m3ntia on 01/05/2024 - 21:29

    *tsssh * need a light?

  • Look Up on 01/05/2024 - 21:40
    -5

    Amazon US review thanks to @foogle for the pickup

    Hero
    3.0 out of 5 stars
    Ships with malware/spyware
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024
    Color: MI2 7735HS 16GB DDR5+512GB Verified Purchase

    Feeling a little paranoid, I decided to pull the NVME from the casing and install it into an external enclosure. I connected it to a secured pc and ran Microsoft Defender on it. 2 hits. I ran malware bytes on it. 7 hits. Malware bytes is a little more sensitive but when you get a hit from Microsoft Defender, eh. You get the point.

    Original (KR): https://netxhack.com/etc/china-minipc-backdoor/
    Translated (EN): https://netxhack-com.translate.goog/etc/china-minipc-backdoo…

    bb Comment:
    2024-04-08, 18:58
    I bought two Firebat N100s, but both contained malware.

    To the usual suspects, keep negging

    Anyone recommending this garbage is complicit in allowing the data of fellow OzBargainers to be hacked

    • Horacio on 01/05/2024 - 21:44
      +2

      Calm down and do as everyone is telling you - just wipe the drives they come with.

      • RedHab on 02/05/2024 - 11:44
        +3

        Wiping drives is easy. BIOS resident malware (if present) are harder to get rid of.

    • BillyCool on 01/05/2024 - 21:55
      +3

      I can't speak from experience since I don't have one yet, but one of the reviews for this product on Amazon US mentions there was no sign of malware, dated March 27, 2024. And then there's many other very positive reviews from clearly not average Joe people who took the time to take it apart for pictures etc, people who are likely looking out for this type of thing.

      I will be installing Linux on mine anyway, but I'm happy to check the OS it comes with once it arrives and give an update here.

  • johnmelb on 01/05/2024 - 23:08
    +1

    My thoughts, rather than worrying about malware:
    - Extract windows product key
    - (optional) create backup with for example Veeam (just in case there would be a specific app or driver you didn't know about)
    - create bootable disk with for example ventoy, download windows 11 iso directly from windows and copy on the USB
    - install brand new windows 11
    - in some cases windows will be automatically activated, otherwise enter your product key

    • kml22 on 03/05/2024 - 07:48

      That is what I'm going to do once the unit arrived.
      Does anyone know where we can download all the drivers for this unit? or it is as easy as downloading the drivers from Intel or part manufacturer website?

  • toxicity11 on 02/05/2024 - 09:29

    How are people finding the boot times on these? More specifically a DDR5 variant?

    Also what are you doing for an AU based power pack?

    Would much prefer a barebones version but they seem few and far between sadly

    • Horacio on 02/05/2024 - 17:47

      I'm assuming I can just bung a plug adapter on them, but otherwise they're just 12v supplies so pretty much anything within specs would work.

    • Apostle0748 on 03/05/2024 - 15:57
      +1

      I saw on the Amazon listing that the USB-C port can be used to power the device.

      I think ideally I would prefer the Beelink EQ12 / Trigkey G5, but USB-C charging is very tempting!

      • BillyCool on 03/05/2024 - 17:20
        +1

        That Type-C port is what made me pull the trigger on this initially, it's just so convenient to have and anything else that has it is way more expensive. In theory, if you get a USB-C PD monitor, you could have both video and power over a single cable.

      • toxicity11 on 07/05/2024 - 11:00

        Oh man, if they had USB-C Power delivery I'd bite the bullet in a heart beat

  • Leon81 on 02/05/2024 - 14:52

    Code isn't working for me

    • Horacio on 02/05/2024 - 22:21

      I'm actually seeing it at USD117 without a code, so about AUD 181 according to mastercard

      • Horacio on 02/05/2024 - 22:52

        Apologies, actually checking out now and I forgot about tax.. but the code DOES work, results in USD 122.24 exactly as OP had it.. Which mastercard tells me will be A$189 as OP said.

        • Horacio on 07/05/2024 - 23:22

          This turned out to be exactly what my bank was billed. Nice saving of a few bucks by using the USD/paypal method set out in the posting above

          • Apostle0748 on 08/05/2024 - 12:46

            @Horacio: Did the same, bought 2 from different sellers (because of the 1 limit max).

            Came to $326.06 for both ($163.03/ea). Mind you, this was for the 256GB/8GB models.

  • Apostle0748 on 03/05/2024 - 15:34

    Anyone got thoughts on the Trigkey G5?

    Seems like the same unit as the Beelink EQ12… I'm tempted by the USB-C charging from this, but dealing with Amazon vs Aliexpress, 2 x 2.5GB Intel ethernet for $312 I am thinking might be worth it.

    Edit: Changed my mind. Wanted 2, decided to do the cheaper 8GB / 256GB SSD variant as I'll swap out RAM and SSD + install Linux… One as a basic everyday surfing box and the other as a home server.

    Can't wait to get them up and running, plan is to run the USB-C port for charging and skip the power brick.

  • Horacio on 07/05/2024 - 23:39
    +1

    Very exciting. My AM02 is supposedly in a transit country now.. I am wondering what the best forum will be for discussing any hardware quirks. Possibly https://www.reddit.com/r/MiniPCs/ ? No mention of these particular models on there yet but perhaps not surprising since they're so new. I will be wanting to attach a large external 3.5" drive to mine, and am just wondering whether instead of a USB enclosure with the risk of disconnects, it may be more reliable to use the SATA adapter shown in this photo from the amazon listing (poked through a hole in the case I guess), viz: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/7190uyPT7sL.jpg along with an external 12v supply.

    • Apostle0748 on 08/05/2024 - 12:21
      +3

      Got mine today (ordered 2, had to select different sellers due to limit of 1) and opened them up earlier. One box was badly punctured at the bottom, but thankfully foam inside protecting it so that took all the impact and there was no damage to the unit itself.

      I purposefully went for the 256GB SSD/8GB RAM as I am replacing both with more reputable brands. Put 16GB 2666MHz stick in and connected to a Thunderbolt Dell dock > Took a while to boot up, but it worked without any issues.

      Now when I get some time will swap out the SSD's and install Linux.

      Really happy so far, USB-C charging I think is a winner - glad I went for it. Any issues I'll probably use that subreddit.

      • Horacio on 08/05/2024 - 13:24

        Nice! As for external storage, I might see if a thunderbolt external enclosure is affordable. I just found a comment suggesting that even if I dealt with the power requirement, the SATA on most miniPCs only supports a 32-bit GPT, which leads to a 2TB size limit.

        • Nom on 08/05/2024 - 13:57
          +1

          the SATA on most miniPCs only supports a 32-bit GPT, which leads to a 2TB size limit.

          That 2TB limit was a limit 20 years ago…

          There's surely no possible way that comment can be true.

          • Horacio on 08/05/2024 - 16:34

            @Nom: Well if I can get hold of a 2.5" drive >2TB I can try. But I haven't yet found an affordable solution for an external SATA power supply anyway.. everyone just seems to plonk for doing it over USB

      • Apostle0748 on 08/05/2024 - 16:35
        +1

        Secure Boot off, secure Boot Mode set to custom.

        Changed it to on / Standard. Ubuntu still reports errors, but will keep looking at it.

        Will share anything else I find here.

      • BillyCool on 08/05/2024 - 22:53

        Mine also arrived today, same BIOS setup out of the box, tons of options for those that like to tinker. No issues with packaging, quality is pretty decent, USB-C power works great on my 60W charger.

        Will check for malware on the drive probably tomorrow when I have some time to play around with it further.

        • Apostle0748 on 09/05/2024 - 09:54

          From what I've read with other mini PC's, while a lot of these options exist within the BIOS menus, they don't change much/have any impact on the device.

          I had a look further at Secure Boot, the platform key provided by Firebat is "DO NOT TRUST - AMI Test PK". A little concerning, I did some reading and found it was a compromised key a while back? I'm not a security expert but do work in IT, not sure how much of a threat risk I am at the end of the day/risk of being compromised, but as I plan on using one device as a home server and another as general web browsing/etc. machine I really don't feel comfortable with it.

          Looked into how to replace it, I can create my own keys but decided to export the platform key from another device (with reputable hardware) and imported it onto this device. I finally got the green tick from Ubuntu (now reports Secure Boot is now active and working correctly). Is this a major deal-breaker? Does importing another platform key from another vendor actually resolve the security risks/issues? I have no idea - a more knowledgeable expert would know better.

          • kml22 on 09/05/2024 - 13:57

            @Apostle0748: I want to be able to do the same, export the platform key from another device too, but I have no ideas, any source of info would be useful? would you mind sharing?

            • Apostle0748 on 09/05/2024 - 19:17
              +1

              @kml22: Hey kml22 -

              If you have another device (laptop/tablet/desktop/etc.) with access to a BIOS, follow these steps:
              1. Wipe a USB thumb drive as FAT/FAT32
              2. Access the BIOS of the reputable device and navigate to Secure Boot settings
              3. It should be enabled and set to Standard in most cases, change Standard to Custom so you can access the keys
              4. Find the Platform Key (PK) and select it
              5. In the menu, there should be an export option available, select it
              6. Take note of the drives/storage mediums/etc., this makes the next step easier
              7. Plug the USB thumb drive in and go back to export menu
              8. Select the USB thumb drive and give the file a name (don't need to worry about an extension/etc., I just called mine "pk"
              9. Once the export has completed, return all settings for that device back to what they were
              10. Take the USB thumb drive and plug it in
              11. Boot into the BIOS and navigate to the Secure Boot settings
              12. Select the Platform Key (PK) and import from external media, selecting the file you exported
              13. Hit F10 to save. :)

          • hmof on 05/06/2024 - 14:05

            @Apostle0748: Eh my expensive Dell desktop also only has the "DO NOT TRUST - AMI Test PK" key. So much for security.

        • BillyCool on 09/05/2024 - 18:18

          Quick update. Took the drive out and plugged into another PC. Scanned the entire thing with Windows Defender (all updates applied) and Malwarebytes, neither reported anything, so it appears clean out of the box. That doesn't guarantee all of them will be like this, so everyone should double check to be sure.

          Worth nothing that the CPU was pegged at 100% while the scans were running, but the fan remained very silent.

  • kml22 on 09/05/2024 - 17:41
    +1

    Any know the specs for the audio card for this? I'm trying to locate the drivers for it after re-install windows 11. BTW no windows key is required for re-installation of Windows 11, it will automatically detected as activated.

    • Horacio on 21/05/2024 - 04:36

      nice. i noted mine down anyway just in case

  • kml22 on 10/05/2024 - 10:38

    DiskMark for the NVMe 512GB that came with the unit https://ibb.co/QCd7mr0

  • kml22 on 10/05/2024 - 13:00
    +1

    Ok, I found the Audio drivers, this unit onboard card is Intel Senary Audio, Smart Sound Technology BUS.

  • kml22 on 10/05/2024 - 18:01

    The seller is very responsive and helpful and sent me this link for the unit Windows drivers, if anyone needs it, feel free to download it (1GB) in size)
    NOTE: If you've received the message "Google Drive Download Quota Exceeded Error" when trying to download, to overcome this just login into your google account, then re-try to download the file again.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-IwGFKNxjJlhGBC06OXOWJ5-8Zm…

    • Apostle0748 on 10/05/2024 - 19:56

      Dunno if I'd trust their drivers to be honest - would rather just get the same thing from a reputable source.

    • kml22 on 11/05/2024 - 14:07

      Ok, I'm not going to use the provided drivers by the seller, I'm going to download it manually from Intel website and install the drivers from there, now that I know the name of the Audio drivers tec..

  • hmof on 13/05/2024 - 14:05

    Does anyone know what the NICs are? Intel or Realtek?

    • Apostle0748 on 14/05/2024 - 08:17
      +1

      I haven't actually checked mine, but I believe they are Realtek.

      • kml22 on 14/05/2024 - 11:50
        +1

        The RJ45 port network card is RealTek, while the Wireless is Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX101

  • Horacio on 21/05/2024 - 04:37

    Mine finally arrived a few days ago. It's very nice! Hooray, we didn't get dudded

  • hmof on 05/06/2024 - 19:16

    Has anyone tried increasing the RAM to 32Gb?

    • hmof on 07/06/2024 - 10:28

      I replaced the RAM with a Crucial DDR4 32Gb SODIMM module and it's working great. Ran 3 passes of memtest86+ which took 6 hours and kept the CPU at over 70 degrees for the whole time - great stress test.

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