Zotac recently released their latest mini PCs, now powered with the latest 5th Generation Intel Broadwell Core processors. The new Zotac ZBOX MI522 Nano and ZBOX MI542 Nano are powered with the Intel Core i3-5010U and Intel Core i5-5200U CPU respectively. They don’t have a discrete graphics processor, but their CPUs are integrated with Intel HD Graphics 5500 which should be enough to handle most of the common tasks done in a PC, and can even run simple games available today. Both ZBOXs also come with DDR3 memory, 2.5-inch HDD/SSD for storage, Dual Ethernet ports, WiFi and Bluetooth capable and more. Check out the rest of their features and specifications from the company’s official news below.
Zotac ZBOX MI522 Nano and MI542 Nano Mini PC Unleashed
ZOTAC International, a global innovator and manufacturer of graphics card and mini-PCs, today brings greater efficiency in the same small package with the new M-series. Integrating the new Intel Broadwell processors into the latest models, the new ZBOX MI522 Nano and ZBOX MI542 Nano are leading the way to small, more power efficient mini-PCs.
“We are always forward looking and pleased to introduce the latest technology into our mini-PCs so our users can enjoy all the innovations that come with the times. By integrating the new Intel Broadwell CPUs into our new M-series, we are enabling users to get the best of both worlds in terms of speed and power efficiency,” reveals Jacky Huang, Director of Product Management, ZOTAC International.
The first of the two new designations, the ZBOX MI522 Nano is the easy choice to get into the new Broadwell architecture. Shrinking the transistors to a mere 14nm, more transistors can fit on a single chip, boosting both calculation and graphical performance over its predecessors. Planted with an Intel Core i3 processor, the Nano unit only measures at 127mm x 127mm x 45mm (5in x 5in x 2in).
The ZBOX MI542 Nano is a step up that is packed with more computing power with the same advanced Intel Broadwell family. With a pulsing Intel Core i5 at its foundation, the ZBOX MI542 benefits from an even faster clock speed featuring up to 2.7GHz. This powerful Nano unit is available on the same petite casing with all the functions of a desktop, and is topped with a vast array of connectivity options and dual-channel memory.
Like most other ZOTAC mini-PCs, these two M-series models come with their own plus versions, offering 4GB DDR3 memory and 500GB storage for a complete hardware solution. Packed with 5 USB ports, dual gigabit LAN and 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity in a minuscule enclosure, the ZBOX MI522 and MI542 series can function as a personal PC, office PC, home theatre PC, and much more.
Zotac ZBOX MI522 Nano and MI542 Nano Specifications
| Product | ZBOX MI522 nano series | ZBOX MI542 nano series |
|---|---|---|
| SKU | ZBOX-MI522NANO | ZBOX-MI542NANO |
| Memory | 2 x DDR3-1600 (up to 16GB) | 2 x DDR3-1600 (up to 16GB) |
| Storage | 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD | 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-5010U | Intel Core i5-5200U |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 5500 | Intel HD Graphics 5500 |
| Display Options | HDMI 1.4a, DisplayPort 1.2 | HDMI 1.4a, DisplayPort 1.2 |
| Card Reader | 3-in-1 (SD/SDHC/SDXC) | 3-in-1 (SD/SDHC/SDXC) |
| Ethernet | Dual 10/100/1000Mbps | Dual 10/100/1000Mbps |
| Wireless | 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.0 | 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.0 |
| USB Ports | 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0 | 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | HDMI Audio Headphone Microphone | HDMI Audio Headphone Microphone |
| DirectX Support | 11.2 | 11.2 |
| Other Features | Intel Quick Sync Video InTru 3D Intel Clear Video HD Native 4K output | Intel Quick Sync Video InTru 3D Intel Clear Video HD Native 4K output |
| HDCP | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Windows Vista / 7 / 8 ready | Windows Vista / 7 / 8 ready |
Nice but it’s a great pity Zotac ditched the m.2 slot it provided in its nano-c series
Agree. But they featured it on their new ZBOX Magnus EN970 here: https://thepcenthusiast.com/zotac-zbox-magnus-en970-plus-announced/