While at CES, Zotac got a change to show off some new motherboards, but aside from the ‘current’ market, so to speak, the motherboard manufacturer also presented some upcoming boards for the yet-to-be-released Ivy Bridge processors.

This board is based on Intel’s Z77 chipset, packed in a mini-ITX form factor and equipped with the LGA1155 socket, this board is aimed at overclockers. Zotac is no stranger to such a marketing section as it has already done similar products with the Z68 chipset.

Drawing power from a 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors, the socket has been made with powder-coated LOTES Black to avoid any shrinking when subjected to subzero cooling. The processor is powered by an 8-phase VRM circuitry, equipped with controller full of features, Pulse-made inductors, driverMOSFETs (DrMOS) and High-C capacitors. A high-density heatsink cools the DrMOS chips, sharing some of its heat with the heatsink over the Z77 PCH through a heat pipe.

The CPU is connected to two DDR3 DIMM slots supporting dual-channel DDR3 memory as well as an expansion slot with PCI Express 3.0 x16.

Storage includes two SATA 6 Gbps, two SATA 3 Gbps and an mSATA slot, most likely to be 3 Gbps. As for the rear I/O ports, they’re composed of DVI and HDMI display connectivity, 8-channel HD audio, gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0. Also included is built-in wireless 802.11b/g/n. Also featured on this board will be a UEFI BIOS.

Source: TPU

Zotac has introduced today its latest product, the ZOTAC D2700-ITX WiFi Supreme, a next generation mini-ITX platform for Home Theatre PCs.

Combining the energy efficiency of Intel’s Atom D2799 CedarTrail processor with its dual cores and HyperThreading technology along with the world-class Nvidia GeForce GT 520 graphics processor, the D2700-ITX WiFi Supreme is equipped with all that is need for a fast and responsive computer with high quality graphics including hardware-accelerated Blu-ray 3D playback capabilities and HDMI 1.4a technology for the ultimate 3D high-definition experience.

“ZOTAC platforms have been quite popular among home theater PC users. The ZOTAC D2700-ITX WiFi Supreme succeeds our award-winning IONITX series with upgrades to smoothly playback stereoscopic 3D content, output lossless audio formats and embrace Microsoft DirectX 11 technology while maintaining the compact mini-ITX form factor,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.

Expansion is found in abundance for the best versatility, the user is given two DDR3 DIMM slots, a PCI Express x16 (single-lane) expansion slot, two SATA 3 Gbps and two USB 3.0 ports.

Connectivity is covered with Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth 3.0 networking technologies, ensuring lightning-fast network connectivity wired or wirelessly, taking media centre experience to the highest level.

Indepth specifications:

Price and availability haven’t been given.

Source

Zotac has today launched an easy way for users to expand their view with a USB 3.0 to HDMI adaptor.

By plugging the adapter into a USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 port, you can connect a display to enjoy a new extension instantly. The adaptor supports resolutions up to 1920×1200 with 6-channel digital audio in order to best reproduce Full HD content.

Through the use of a DisplayLink USB graphics technology, the visual data is compressed in real-time providing an efficient and lag-free display output.

“ZOTAC has created a simple to use solution that customers have always demanded. The ZOTAC USB 3.0 to HDMI adaptor makes it easy to expand the capabilities of notebooks and desktops by adding more display outputs via a simple plug-and-play adaptor,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. “Thanks to the lightning-fast speed of USB 3.0, movies and images are displayed smoothly with crisp details.”

Additionally, a single desktop or notebook can connect up to six ZOTAC USB 3.0 to HDMI adaptors with Microsoft Windows operating systems for those who require the maximum amount of monitors. Apple Mac OS users can connect up to four.

“Enjoy videos, photos, movies, web content and more on multiple HD displays with the ZOTAC adaptor,“ said John Cummins, VP of Sales and Marketing for DisplayLink. “With DisplayLink technology, you can expect high performance and crisp visual quality all with the ease of a USB accessory.”

Source: Press Release

Zotac have today presented three of their new 2nd Generation ZBOX mini PCs. The new ID81, ID80 and AD04 series deliver outstanding energy-efficiency and stunning high-definition video playback in a compact form factor.

Starting with the ZBOX platform enhancement is an external WiFi antenna for superior wireless reception, integrated Bluetooth 3.0 technology as well as a bundled Media Remote with USB IR receiver to use with Microsoft Media Centre and other media player applications alike.

“The original ZOTAC ZBOX series mini-PCs have been a major success since we debuted the line up nearly 2 years ago. We take feedback from our users and customers seriously,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. “The new enhancements we’re introducing with the ZOTAC ZBOX ID81, ID80, AD04 series and the 2nd Generation ZBOX platform are the result of the feedback we received.”

ZBOX ID81

Starting with the ID81 series, it packs an Intel Celeron Processor 857 powered by Intel Sandy bridge architecture for dual high-performance processor cores and dual-display capable Intel HD Graphics.

ZBOX ID81 - rear

ZBOX ID80

The ID80 series uses a more recent product, with the Intel Atom D2700 CedarTrail coupled with a Nvidia GeForce GT 520M graphics card in order to create the ultimate energy-efficient home theatre PC combination capable of stunning high-definition video playback.

ZBOX ID80 - rear

ZBOX AD04

As for the AD04, it’s powered by an AMD E-450 APU combined with AMD Radeon HD 6320 graphics providing a snappy system performance and responsiveness for everyday computing needs.

ZBOX AD04 - rear

Note that the ZBOX are shipped as barebones systems, therefore the user will have to add memory and a hard drive, although the ZBOX makes it a painless task. On the other hand, the Plus version (ID81 Plus, ID80 Plus and AD04 Plus) ship with 2GB of DDR3 memory and a 320GB hard drive (pre installed).

In order to offer the best versatility possible, the ZBOX comes without an operating system, leaving the choice to the user who can go for Microsoft’s Windows 7 or the free OpenELEC media center OS for an unmatched digital media experience.

In-depth specifications of the various models:

Pricing is unknown for now, but more shall be revealed in due time.

Source

ZOTAC International, today unleashes the GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card geared for the latest stunning Microsoft DirectX 11-enabled titles.

The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card delivers the performance and visual details gamers crave for an unmatched immersive gaming experience. Equipped with 448 lightning-fast shaders and 1280MB of GDDR5 memory, the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition graphics card packs a performance punch.

“PC gaming is a strong segment that continues to grow and now is the best time to upgrade for the latest DirectX 11 releases. With the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition, gamers can easily equip their PC to play the latest titles with ultra-quality settings up to 1080p – beyond what a console can deliver,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.

The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition is NVIDIA SLI ready with dual SLI connectors. Up to three ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Editions can operate together for up to 2.8-times the performance of a single card or unlock 3D Vision Surround technology for triple-display gaming.

It’s time to play with the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 448 cores Limited Edition.

Source: Press Release

Zotac has launched the latest of its ZBOX nano range of palm-sized PC’s the VD01 series powered by a dual-core VIA Nano X2 processor with VX900H chipset delivering an affordable energy-efficient mini-PC, the VD01 has space to accommodate a 2.5-inch SATA drive and DDR3 SO-DIMM module, the ZBOX nano VD01 Plus models include a 320GB SATA hard drive and 2GB of DDR3 preinstalled – internally, with USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and eSATA ports available for external expansion.

General details

• ZOTAC® Launches Affordable Palm-Sized ZBOX nano VD01 series
• VIA Nano™ X2 U4025 CPU
  • 1.2 GHz, dual-core
• VIA VX900H chipset
  • VIA Chrome9 graphics processor
  • VIA ChromotionHD™ technology
• ZBOX nano VD01
  • 1 x DDR3-1066 SO-DIMM slot
  • Support 1 x 2.5-inch SATA 3.0 Gb/s HDD/SSD
• ZBOX nano VD01 Plus
  • 2GB DDR3
  • 320GB 5400RPM HDD
• 2 x SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ports
• HDMI & DisplayPort outputs
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Onboard 802.11n WiFi
• Onboard Bluetooth 3.0 technology

The package comes bundled with an MCE compatible remote (with batteries & USb reciever), a Wi-Fi antenna, vesa mount, power cables and driver CD with warranty card, and is backed by a 2 year warranty here in the UK (but can vary based on location).

Unit specification:

Featuring an FM1 socket, this board brings the powerful Llano APU in a small form for those looking for quality with a small size. Supporting all of AMD’s latest APUs including the A8, A6, A4 and E2 series, they all feature the HD6000 series graphics processors.

The two memory slot will allow for a maximum of 8GB of DDR3 memory with supported speeds up to 1866MHz depending on the APU installed.

Connectivity is not a problem, ZOTAC was able to pull the amazing feat of including a total eight USB 3.0 on such a small form factor. Also equipped is a PCI-Express x16 slot and four SATA 6Gbps, while the rear panel features six USB 3.0 (do the math), a PS2 mouse/keyboard connector, a DVI and an HDMI, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, 8 channel HD audio with SPDIF connector. Also included is the 802.11n WiFi connected to the mini-PCI with dual antennas protruding from the back as well as Bluetooth 3.0.

This board is all you need for the perfect HTPC or just a small working station but in the end, it’s the costumer’s choice, although it will most probably find its place in a small place where it won’t bother anyone.

Unfortunately, neither the price nor the availability has been announced.

Source

Zotac have started producing their “Zbox” mini computer systems with Via Nano U4025 X2 processors. Via are the smallest processor manufacturing firm in the x86 market, dwarfed by the likes of AMD and Intel but they do reasonably well when it comes to the Ultra-Low Voltage (ULV) processors and this example is no exception. The Via Nano used in this case is a dual core clocked at 1.2GHz with extremely low power consumption, able to match most Intel Atoms in the same performance per watt bracket.

The Zbox mini will have onboard graphics courtesy of a Via integrated chip set graphics, the VX900H which has S3 standard graphics which are more than capable of running HD and BluRay playback. The rest of the lineup is pretty standard, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a choice of SSD or mechanical hard drive of varying sizes for the 2.5″ slot and with integrated 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi support shown by the large antenna. There is also gigabit ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI out, 6-in-1 card reader, display port out and an e-sata port. Availability is by the end of this month world wide.

Source

Customising the ZBOX is really easy, it comes with one DDR3-SODIMM slot which can be upgraded as necessary (comes shipped with one 2GB Module) and it comes with a pre-installed 320GB hard drive which is also replaceable, note you can also order this with an SSD if you would rather have quick boot up times and link this unit up to a NAS server via a home network. And finally it comes with an infrared remote and reciever so the unit can be used like a TV from the comfort of the sofa.

Source

ZOTAC® understands the importance of energy-efficient graphics performance for users that demand the latest 3D features with a performance kick,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International. “With the ZOTAC® GeForce® GTS 450 ECO Edition, we were able to improve energy-efficiency and eliminate the external power connector without sacrificing any GPU features.

This particular card may be very well received by htpc users with hardware video decode acceleration for high-definition Blu-ray and Adobe Flash HD content, audio bitstreaming of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. NVIDIA 3D Vision readiness enables the ZOTAC GeForce GTS 450 ECO Edition to output Blu-ray 3D content via HDMI 1.4a for amazing 3D video playback.

General details

• New ZOTAC® GeForce® GTS 450 ECO Edition
• 33-percent reduction in energy-consumption
• NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 450 GPU
• Engine clock: 600 MHz
• 192 unified shaders
• Shader clock: 1200 MHz
• 1GB DDR3 memory
• Memory clock: 1333 MHz
• 128-bit memory interface
• Dual-link DVI-I, HDMI & DisplayPort outputs
• PCI Express 2.0 interface (Compatible with 1.1)
• Microsoft DirectX^® 11 & OpenGL^® 4.1 compatible
• NVIDIA^® CUDA^™ technology with CUDA C/C++
• NVIDIA® PhysX® technology
• NVIDIA® SLI™ and 3D Vision™ Surround ready
• ZOTAC® Boost Premium software bundle included

The device is capable of 8 channel digital surround sound and is sli ready, the card only takes up 1 pci slot and comes bundled with Firestorm to overclock GPU engine, memory and shader clock speeds and GPU fan-speed, it also comes with standard 2 year warranty which is able to be extended by a further 3 years online.

No pricing available at time of writing.

The GTX 580 Infinity Edition is a reference GTX 580 fitted with an Omni water cooling kit (which can also be bought separately) and slightly overclocked. Zotac claims 25% lower temperatures with the water cooling kit and of course much lower noise levels. The overclocks are mild from 772MHz to 815MHz on the core and from 4008MHz to 4100MHz on the memory. Since there is no need for a large air cooling solution the GTX 580 infinity edition from Zotac also only takes up a single slot in width.

The Omni kit consists of a 120mm fan and rad in a closed loop when fitted to a graphics card. Much like the Corsair H50 in its style it is not intended to cool more than one component and is relatively small quiet and compact thus being perfect for small cases too. No pricing yet.

The “ZT-Z68-U1DU3″ is a full sized ATX board based on the Z68 chipset , which has support for a 24 phase CPU VRM, 2 Phase DDR3 VRM with support for 2133MHz and upwards with overclocking memory, Four PCI-E 2.0 16X slots, One PCI-E 2.0 1X and Two PCI slots.

The electrical arrangements of the PCI-E lanes can be as follows:

• x16/NoConnection/x16/NoConnection
• x16/NoConnection/x8/x8
• x8/x8/x8/x8

The LGA 1155 socket also makes use of driver-MOSFETs, solid chokes, high-C and Super ML Capacitors. Storage options include 8 SATA ports (number of II and III not specified) as well as an mSATA to support Intel’s Smart Response technology. The rear IO includes four USB 3.0 and one e-SATA the front also has two USB 3.0s. 8 channel HD audio, Gigabit LAN and wireless B/G/N is also included.

No pricing yet but expect it to be competitive as Zotac is looking to make a comeback.

The Multiview GTX 550Ti will be able to support up to 3 displays at the same time. The combination of these is either 2 via HDMI and 1 via DVI or 2 via HDMI and 1 via Display port. The specifications of this GTX 550Ti are a pretty standard offering:

• 192 CUDA Cores
• 900MHz Core
• 1800MHZ Shader
• 4.1GHz Memory
• 1GB GDDR5 VRAM
• 192Bit Memory Bus

The card still utilises the same dual-slot cooler on previous models and features Nvidia CUDA support, 2-way SLI support, DX 11 and PhysX. Zotac had this to say about the new release:

“With our latest ZOTAC GeForce GTX 550 Ti Multiview, we are able to deliver a quality visual experience that combines Microsoft DirectX 11 compatibility, NVIDIA CUDA technology and triple simultaneous displays at a mainstream price point.”

Today sees us still keeping our focus on small form factor in general but taking a look at a slightly different product, that shares the same market. The Zotac H67-ITX WiFi is still aimed at the HTPC market but differs somewhat in its design compared to the boards we’ve looked at recently. We say that as instead of having a built-in style processor or APU, we see a conventional socket able to take Intel’s 2nd generation of processors which we all know as Sandybridge. Whilst we love the potential behind the i5 2500k and i7 2600k, this board would be better suited with a low-powered i3 CPU leaving it to be a perfect board to sit snuggly in a nice looking HTPC chassis below your Plasma TV.

Is it perfect for that purpose or is it all a bunch of marketing hype? We know what the benefits and potential of the H67 platform are, but can they seriously fit all of that power and features into a board of this size?

Never judge a book by its cover and all that…

Specifications

• Chipset Intel H67
• CPU support LGA1155 Core i5 and Core i7
• Memory support 2 slots: max 16GB DDR3 (1,333MHz)
• Expansion slots One 16x PCI-E 2.0 slot
• Sound Intel HD Audio via Realtek ALC892 with 6-channel support
• Networking Intel Gigabit Ethernet
• Overclocking CPU: none, PG: none, max voltages: RAM +0.16V, PCH +0.15V
• Ports 4 x SATA 3Gbps, 2 x SATA 6Gbps, 1 x PS/2, 8 x USB 2, 4 x USB 3, LAN, 4 x surround audio out, optical S/PDIF out, mic, eSATA 3Gbps, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
• Dimensions (mm) 170 x 170 (mini-ITX)

The boards are designed to allow users to take full advantage of the SandyBridge processors integrated graphics units which are either GMA 2000 or GMA 3000. These boards will support a discrete video card too, so you will be able to utilise the integrated graphics in sync with a discrete card. The boards will also have support for Intel’s quick sync technology which is of particular note to people looking to build HTPC’s.

Since these new boards are the “ZOTAC Z68-ITX WiFi series” they also come with a built in WiFi reciever which can be seen in the image below:

As far as inputs are concerned the board has:

• 1 X Intel LAN
• 2 X USB 3.0
• 1 X CMOS clear button
• 2 X USB 2.0
• 1 X mSATA
• 1 X HDMI
• 1 X Mini Display Port
• 2 X DVI Dual Link
• 1 X Optical Audio Out
• 1 X 7.1 Audio Out

All of the “Supreme” boards will be manufactured with a GT 430 GPU and this is packed with 1GB of GDDR3 memory to help support up to 4 simultaneous displays through the 4 rear display connectors. In terms of board inputs there are 2 X DDR3 SODIMM slots and 1 PCI-E 4X slot for expansion. The standard non-supreme boards will use DDR3 DIMM not SODIMM.

The slight variations in specifications between the Supreme and standard version are shown in the table below: