Zotac finally announces its Zbox CI431, CI451, CI471 nano mini PCs. The company has added more additions to its line of quiet computing platforms that are ideal for those who wish for a noiseless computing experience. The new series is geared towards those who require small desktop computers for office use or as a media center, but they don't want any noisy fans. Now, Zotac is stepping in the Intel Wildcat Lake camp, with an eye for zero-noise computing.
Zotac introduces three fanless mini PCs based on Intel Wildcat Lake processors
Starting with the nano series, we have three different versions, based on the performance levels of the latest Intel processors. For instance, the Zbox CI431 nano is using the Intel Core 3 304, while the Zbox CI451 nano uses the Core 5 320. Lastly, the Zbox CI471 nano runs on the Core 7 350 processor. In other words, people can get the system they require, based on the CPU performance, while keeping things very compact.
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core 3 304 (CI431), Core 5 320 (CI451), Core 7 350 (CI471)
- Memory: Up to 64 GB DDR5-6400/5600 SO-DIMM
- Storage: 1x M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4
- Dimensions: 204 x 129 x 68 mm (1.79 litres)
- Cooling: Passive (fanless)
All the Zbox nano models have the same passive cooling system. The unit uses a 204 x 129 x 68 mm chassis that has a 1.79 liter volume. The memory department is capable of housing up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM.
This can run at 5600 or 6400 MHz through SO-DIMM. Finally, for storage, you get one M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, ensuring you have fast access to the data.
Furthermore, you have two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, as well as three USB 2.0 ports, just in case you need more ports to plug in your various peripherals. The Wi-Fi is handled by the Intel Wi-Fi 7 module, while you also get Bluetooth 5.4, in line with the latest network standards. For displays, you have an HDMI 2.0b port, as well as DisplayPort 2.0. You also get a DisplayPort through Thunderbolt 4, and you can have up to three 4K displays at 60 Hz.
Finally, Zotac hasn't revealed the price, nor the availability (by region) of its Zbox CI431, CI451, CI471 nano models. People will have to wait a little longer to see when they can actually grab these fanless computing units. At this moment, we don't have any pricing, so we'll have to see what's the market position for these.
Source: NotebookCheck
The fanless design is intriguing for office setups, but does the passive cooling hold up with the Core 7 350 under sustained load? I am worried about thermal throttling in that 1.79 liter chassis.
Intel’s Wildcat Lake silicon is quite efficient on the process node. You should see stable clocks for office workloads. Sustained AVX loads might hit thermal limits though. The vapor chamber inside is decent but not magic.