Micro-FRED - Compact Portable Digital Forensics Workstation

In today’s high-stakes Digital Forensics landscape, Professionals need more than just software expertise—they require robust, efficient, and Portable hardware solutions to manage and analyze vast volumes of Digital Evidence. That’s exactly where Digital Intelligence’s new and upgraded μFRED system shines.

Engineered with portability, performance, and affordability in mind, the new μFRED compact Forensic Workstation is redefining what investigators and Forensic analysts can expect from a compact solution. While maintaining its small form factor, this powerhouse boasts significant hardware enhancements, including next-gen processing capabilities, state-of-the-art cooling, high-speed storage configurations, and industry-leading Forensic Acquisition tools.

Whether you’re conducting Field Investigations, Processing Mobile or Computer data, or performing high-volume Forensic acquisitions in a space-limited lab, the μFRED offers the agility and you might need—all in a remarkably compact design.

What Is Micro FRED?

Let’s begin with the basics. μFRED (pronounced "micro-FRED") is a scaled-down yet fully capable Forensic Workstation developed by Digital Intelligence—a company renowned for its reliable and performance-oriented forensic systems for more than 25 Years. The “FRED” in μFRED stands for “Forensic Recovery of Evidence Device,” a name synonymous with trusted, top-tier forensic computing platforms.

While traditional FRED towers are known for their immense processing power and expandability, μFRED takes that DNA and condenses it into a small but fierce format. It is designed specifically for professionals who need high performance in a compact, mobile system without compromising the quality and reliability expected from a FRED unit.

Compact Size, Colossal Performance

The first thing most users notice about the μFRED is its footprint—or rather, the lack of one. Measuring just 17 inches in length, 9 inches in width, and 11.5 inches in height, μFRED can easily sit on a desk, fit in the backseat of a vehicle, or accompany you on investigative assignments in the field.

But don’t let its size fool you. The latest generation μFRED has undergone a significant performance upgrade under the hood. At the heart of this compact unit lies the Intel i9-14900K, a 24-core processor that splits into 8 performance cores and 16 efficiency cores. With a max clock speed of 6 GHz and 36 MB Smart Cache, this processor ensures that forensic tasks—be it Acquisition, Indexing, or Analytics—are completed with unprecedented speed and responsiveness.

The μFRED truly embraces the concept of “Compact without Compromise.”

Memory and Storage: Built for Modern Forensic Workloads

Digital Forensic investigations often involve the analysis of large datasets, including Full disk images, Mobile device backups, Cloud dumps, and Video evidence. That’s why μFRED comes equipped with latest 64 GB of DDR5 RAM —a powerful baseline that supports multitasking across resource-heavy forensic tools like EnCase, FTK, Cellebrite, and AXIOM. For those with even greater demands, the RAM is expandable to 96 GB, ensuring the system remains future-proof.

On the Storage front, μFRED offers capacity and speed in equal measure. The system accommodates up to 07 (Seven) storage devices, including 02 (Two) Internal M.2 NVMe SSD slots. One of these NVMe drives (500 GB) is pre-installed with Windows 11, optimizing boot times and system responsiveness and can be upgraded easily as per the requirements.

These high-speed drives ensure rapid evidence acquisition and analysis, reducing downtime and allowing investigators to move through cases faster. For case storage and evidence handling, μFRED includes Hot-swap removable trays—ideal for transferring large case files securely between locations or systems.

Advanced Connectivity: Versatility for the Real World

No Forensic Workstation is complete without comprehensive connectivity options, and μFRED does not disappoint.

It features 12 (Twelve) USB connections, supporting a mix of USB 3.1, 3.2, and legacy ports—ideal for imaging suspect devices, connecting Forensic dongles, or interfacing with hardware write blockers. Whether you're connecting legacy drives or the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices, μFRED is ready.

Network performance is equally impressive, thanks to the Integrated 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, which significantly accelerates evidence transfer to and from NAS systems or remote storage. Additionally, upgraded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules enhance wireless mobility, a must-have for fieldwork and remote forensic analysis.

UltraBay 4: Forensic Imaging Made Fast and Secure

Every μFRED system ships with UltraBay 4™, a premium write-blocking solution developed by Digital Intelligence. This tool supports Forensic imaging of SATA, SAS, IDE, USB, FireWire, and PCIe suspect drives—all from a single, integrated Write Blocker.

The UltraBay 4 ensures write-blocked, forensically sound acquisitions, offering both speed and integrity. With Tableau Imager (TIM) pre-installed, users can maximize sustained imaging rates and quickly generate validated forensic images ready for analysis.

This integration streamlines the entire acquisition process, reducing dependency on separate forensic hardware and boosting workflow efficiency.

Liquid Cooling for Reliable Performance

While performance is paramount, reliability under load is just as critical. High-performance processors can generate significant heat, especially when handling long imaging sessions or processing memory-intensive forensic tasks and when used in the Field where the environmental conditions are too harsh.

To counter this, the new μFRED includes an Advanced liquid cooling system, an upgrade that not only improves thermal efficiency but also prolongs system lifespan. By keeping CPU temperatures in check, it ensures sustained performance even during extended evidence processing marathons.

This means less throttling, reduced fan noise, and a consistently responsive experience—critical in time-sensitive forensic environments.

Built-in Portability with Purposeful Design

What makes the μFRED particularly unique among forensic workstations is its Mobility. Field investigators and digital forensic examiners often need to work in dynamic environments—Crime scenes, Police departments, Remote Labs, or even Courtrooms. μFRED meets that need with its sturdy, foldable handle mounted on top of the case.

This simple yet thoughtful addition transforms a powerful forensic workstation into a truly portable solution, making it ideal for mobile labs and on-the-go investigations.

When not in use, the handle folds down flush, maintaining the system’s sleek, compact silhouette and reducing the risk of damage during transport.

Designed for Acquisition, and Analysis

The μFRED is not just a fancy tech box—it’s a workflow-oriented solution that fits seamlessly into various phases of the digital forensic process:

1. Acquisition

Utilize UltraBay 4 and Tableau Imager to securely image drives of all types, ensuring write-protected copies that maintain chain of custody. Store acquisitions locally or directly to external secure media.

2. Analysis

Open full forensic suites like Magnet AXIOM, Nuix, or X-Ways and dive deep into acquired images. μFRED’s robust RAM, CPU, and storage system make analysis smooth and swift—even on complex cases involving terabytes of data.

Who Should Use μFRED?

μFRED is designed with a wide range of users in mind, making it an ideal fit for:

Law Enforcement: Detectives, Crime lab technicians, and Cybercrime units needing a compact yet powerful workstation for on-site forensics or mobile labs.

Government Agencies: Regulatory bodies and Defence Departments working on National Security or regulatory compliance cases.

Corporate Investigators: Internal security teams conducting Incident Response, IP theft investigations, or employee misconduct analysis.

Academic Institutions: Training centers, Forensic education programs, and research labs teaching or developing forensic tools.

Private Investigators and Consultants: Professionals working on civil or criminal cases needing reliable hardware without the bulk of a full tower.

Why Choose μFRED?

μFRED is thoughtfully engineered to meet the demanding needs of digital forensic professionals, all while maintaining a compact, efficient footprint. Here's what makes it stand out:

• Compact Size: Its small chassis (17" x 9" x 11.5") is ideal for space-constrained environments and mobile operations.

• High Portability: Equipped with a foldable handle, μFRED is easy to carry between offices, labs, and field locations.

• Powerful Performance: With an Intel i9-14900K 24-core processor and DDR5 RAM, it delivers workstation-grade speed and responsiveness.

• Cost-Efficient: μFRED offers premium features at a budget-friendly price, making high-end forensic computing accessible.

• Ample Storage: Supports up to seven storage devices, including high-speed NVMe SSDs for rapid data acquisition and analysis.

• Advanced Cooling: Features liquid cooling for quieter, cooler, and more reliable operation during heavy workloads.

• Integrated Forensic Imaging: Includes the UltraBay 4™ write blocker for fast, secure acquisition of SATA, SAS, IDE, USB, FireWire, and PCIe drives.

Real-World Impressions

One of the most telling signs of a product’s quality is user feedback. Digital Intelligence reports that many first-time μFRED buyers quickly become repeat customers—a testament to the system’s reliability, speed, and ease of use.

Users frequently cite:

·       Shorter Imaging times

·       Smoother Software performance

·       Quieter, cooler operation

·       Hassle-free portability

When combined with top-tier customer support from Digital Intelligence, the μFRED becomes more than just a piece of equipment—it becomes an essential part of the investigator’s toolkit.

Final Thoughts: μFRED Is the Compact Powerhouse You’ve Been Waiting For

In an industry where every second counts, the need for fast, portable, and reliable Forensic tools has never been more critical. The new μFRED delivers all of this in a form factor that travels as easily as it processes data. With top-shelf components, Forensic-grade acquisition tools, and a thoughtful, durable design, it stands out as a Game-changer for Digital Forensic Professionals.

If you're seeking a system that strikes the perfect balance between Power, Portability, and Price, the Digital Intelligence μFRED should be high on your list. It’s more than just a smaller FRED—it’s a smarter, more agile approach to forensic computing.

Interested in Adding μFRED to Your Forensic Arsenal?

Reach out to Cyint Technologies to learn more about μFRED specifications, pricing, and availability. Get hands-on with a unit and see firsthand how it can transform your Digital Forensics Workflow.