Zotac adds Intel Core processors to its ZBOX nano mini-PCs

The palm-sized PCs are now available with Ivy Bridge Core i3,i5, or i7

Craig Munro, Published 07/15/2013

Mini-PCs seem to be gaining popularity. Whether they are Android sticks that turn a TV into a makeshift computer or a full Windows PC that can fit in the palm of your hand, the small format offers many of the benefits of an all-in-one but with more flexibility (and a lower price).

Zotac has recently launched a new line of ZBOX nano mini-PCs that provide interesting new options in the category. While most products this small are limited by relatively low performance (often because of slow Intel Atom chips), Zotac's newest models run on high-speed Intel Ivy Bridge processors.

The ZBOX nano ID63 features a Core i3 3227U processor, the nano ID64 has a Core i5 3337U, and the nano ID65 has a Core i7 3537U. All three models also feature Intel HD 4000 Graphics, an HDMI port, a display port, 802.11n wifi, Bluetooth 4.0 (with an external antenna), a gigabit ethernet port, 2 USB 2.0, and 4 USB 3.0.

We saw similar products from Gigabyte a couple of months ago (Brix), but the ZBOX nanos offer significantly better connectivity options. Like the Brix though, Zotac's mini-PCs are bare bones products and only include RAM and internal storage if you upgrade to a “plus” model (which come with 4 GB DDR3 RAM and a 500 GB 5400 RPM HDD). Buyers will also have to provide their own OS (the systems are Windows 7 & 8 ready).

Prices for the new mini-PCs have not yet been announced.

Source(s)

http://www.zotac.com

+ Show Press Release

Press Release

11.07.2013

ZOTAC Infuses ZBOX nano with Intel Core Processors

New ZOTAC ZBOX nano with Intel Core processors inject the palm-sized form factor with an extra dose of performance.
HONG KONG – Jul. 11, 2013 – ZOTAC International, a global innovator and manufacturer of graphics cards, mainboards, mini-PCs and accessories, today infuses the small ZBOX nano with 3rd Generation Intel Core processors for desktop-class performance. The new ZOTAC ZBOX nano with Intel Core processors injects the palm-sized nano form factor with an extra dose of CPU and GPU performance that delivers an excellent mini-PC computing experience.

“Our engineers have done a phenomenal job combining the raw CPU power of Intel Core processors and Intel HD Graphics 4000 into our tiny ZBOX nano platform. The performance and customizability available in these palm-sized ZBOX nano is unmatched by any of our competitors,” says Carsten Berger, senior director, ZOTAC International.

Three ZBOX nano with Intel Core processors are available with Intel Core i3 3227U, Core i5 3337U or Core i7 3537U processors for users to select the right amount of performance for computing demands. Plus models are available with 4GB of DDR3 and a 500GB hard drive preinstalled.

New to the ZOTAC ZBOX nano with 3rd Generation Intel Core processors is a bundled nanoRAID storage adapter that enables demanding users to take advantage of RAID technology. The ZOTAC nanoRAID storage adapter accommodates two mSATA SSD modules and installs into the internal ZBOX nano 2.5-inch drive bay for lightning-fast RAID 0 or data-securing RAID 1 support.

It’s time to play with the ZOTAC ZBOX nano with 3rd Generation Intel Core processors.

General details

ZOTAC infuses ZBOX nano with Intel Core processors
New ZBOX ID63, ID64 and ID65 series
3rd Generation Intel Core processors (Ivy Bridge)
ZBOX ID63 series

Intel Core i3 3227U (dual-core, 1.9 GHz)

ZBOX ID64 series

Intel Core i5 3337U (dual-core, 1.8 GHz, up to 2.7 GHz Turbo)
Intel Turbo Boost technology

ZBOX ID65 series

Intel Core i7 3537U (dual-core, 2.0 GHz, up to 3.1 GHz Turbo)
Intel Turbo Boost technology

PLUS models available with preinstalled memory and hard drive

4GB DDR3
500GB HDD

HDMI & DisplayPort outputs
802.11n Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 4.0 w/ external WiFi antenna
Gigabit Ethernet
High-amperage USB charging capable (yellow ports)
Bundled ZOTAC nanoRAID storage adapter

Supports 2 x mSATA SSDs

Bundled VESA75/100 mount

Specifications:

Product Name	ZBOX ID63	ZBOX ID64	ZBOX ID65
SKU	ZBOXNANO-ID63 ZBOXNANO-ID63-PLUS	ZBOXNANO-ID64 ZBOXNANO-ID64-PLUS	ZBOXNANO-ID65 ZBOXNANO-ID65-PLUS
Memory	1 x 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMM slots (Up to 8GB) DDR3-1600
Hard Disk	Support 1 2.5-inch HDD or 2 x mSATA (ZOTAC nanoRAID storage adapter)
PLUS Configuration	4GB DDR3 / 500GB 5400RPM HDD
CPU	Intel Core i3 3227U (dual-core, 1.9 GHz)	Intel Core i5 3337U (dual-core, 1.8 GHz, up to 2.7 Ghz Turbo)	Intel Core i7 3537U (dual-core, 2.0 Ghz, up to 3.1 GHz Turbo)
GPU	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Video Memory	Shared Memory
Display Options	HDMI & DisplayPort
Memory Card Reader	7-in-1 (SD/SDHC/MMC/SDXC/MS/MS Pro/xD)
SATA	1 x eSATA
Ethernet	10/100/1000Mbps
WiFi	Onboard 802.11n Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 4.0
USB Ports	2 USB 2.0 (on front)(high-amperage charging supported) 4 USB 3.0 ports (back)
Audio	HDMI audio (bitstream) Combo mini-Optical S/PDIF / analog output
DirectX® Support	DirectX 11
Other Features	Intel Clear Video HD, Intel Quick Sync Video, Intel InTru 3D technologies
HDCP:	Yes
Software Features
Windows Capability	Windows 7 & 8 ready