Zotac has announced the expansion of its Zbox range of ultra-compact PCs with a new R Series, offering space for multiple storage devices and support for creating RAID 0 or 1 arrays.
The Zbox R Series boasts enough room to install two 2.5" hard drives or SSDs and the required hardware to configure them in a striped or mirrored RAID array, or to use them as individual drives if required. The higher-spec of the two models, the RI531, also includes an mSATA slot for a third storage option.
'
This is certainly a breakthrough for both the mini PC and personal computing,' crowed Tony Wong, Zotac chief executive, at the launch. '
We are adding more functions to elevate the mini PC to a whole new plane while keeping our signature space saving design and power efficiency. This new addition to the mini PC family will open new doors to even more functionalities.'
The top-end Zbox RI531 includes an Intel Core i3-5010U dual-core processor, two RAM slots for up to 16GB of DDR3-1600, dual gigabit Ethernet and integrated 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0 radios, and four USB 3.0 ports. A Plus variants offers 4GB of RAM and a 64GB mSATA SSD pre-installed, for those who like their bones a little less bare. The lower-end RI323, by contrast, ditches the mSATA slot and drops to an Intel Celeron 2961Y dual-core chip, and will not be available in a Plus variant.
While Zotac claims its HDMI- and DisplayPort-equipped Zbox family is happy in the home, it is also attempting to snag a chunk of the industrial market with the inclusion of RS232 serial connectivity on both models. Additional features include analogue audio in and out, an integrated 3-in-1 SD Card reader, and a bundled stand for upright desktop use.
More information is available on the company's
official website. UK pricing has yet to be confirmed.
Want to comment? Please log in.