Simão Carreira: ZOTAC Launches ZBOX CI329 Nano: Fanless Quad-Core Gemini Lake

ZOTAC has introduced its new affordable miniature PCs based on Intel’s Gemini Lake platform. Designed for office and media streaming applications, the new ZBOX CI329 Nano are powered by a quad-core SoC, featuring 4Kp60-capable DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0a outputs, and are equipped with two GbE ports.

ZOTAC’s ZBOX CI329 Nano comes in a black enclosure with a rather distinctive look featuring the manufacturer’s renowned honeycomb openings that enable passive cooling of the system’s key component — the Celeron N4100 SoC (four cores, 1.1 – 2.4 GHz, 4 MB cache, UHD Graphics 600 with 12 EUs, 6.5 W). The chip supports H.264 and H.265 hardware decoding and the Clear Video HD tech, making it a viable choice for multimedia enthusiasts looking for a low-power system for streaming. The PC is outfitted with a DDR4 SO-DIMM slot supporting up to 8 GB modules as well as a 2.5-inch bay with a SATA connector for an HDD or an SSD.

When it comes to connectivity, the ZBOX CI329 Nano comes with an 802.11ac Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5 wireless module, two GbE controllers (particularly important for enterprises), three USB-A 3.0 ports, one USB-C 3.0 header, one USB-A 2.0 connector, one HDMI 2.0a output, a DisplayPort 1.4, a D-Sub port, an SD card reader, and two 3.5-mm audio connectors.

ZOTAC ZBOX CI329 Nano
Aspect		ZBOX CI329 Nano	ZBOX CI329 Nano Plus	ZBOX CI329 Nano Windows
Processor		Celeron N4100 4C/4T 1.1 - 2.4 GHz 4 MB Cache
Memory		1 × DDR4 SO-DIMM (Up to 8 GB)
Graphics		Intel UHD Graphics 600 with 12 EUs
Storage		1 × 2.5" SATA III
Networking (Wireless)		802.11ac Wi-Fi + BT 5
Networking (Wired)		2 × GbE
Audio		3.5mm Headphone and Microphone Jacks Capable of 5.1/7.1 digital output with HD audio bitstreaming (HDMI)
Display Outputs		1 × DisplayPort 1.2 (up to 3840×2160 at 60 Hz) 1 × HDMI 2.0a (up to 3840×2160 at 60 Hz) 1 × D-Sub (up to 1920×1080 at 60 Hz)
Miscellaneous I/O		3 × USB 3.0 Type-A 1 × USB 2.0 Type-A 1 × USB 3.0 Type-C 1 × SD/SDHC/SDXC reader
Cooling		Fanless / Passively Cooled
Dimensions	Length	127.8 mm \| 5.31 inch
	Width	126.8 mm \| 4.99 inch
	Height	56.8 mm \| 2.24 inch

ZOTAC will traditionally offer ZBOX CI329 Nano in three versions: the barebones flavor without memory and storage, the Plus SKU with factory installed 4 GB of DRAM and a 120 GB SSD, and the model with pre-installed Windows 10. ZOTAC did not announce pricing of the systems, but keeping in mind that we are dealing with an entry-level platform, MSRP of the ZBOX CI329 Nano should be consistent with the SoC positioning and remain on the same level as pricing of the previous-gen CI327 fanless PC. We enquired the company about recommended prices of the systems and will update the story once we hear back from ZOTAC.

Buy ZOTAC ZBOX C Series CI327 Nano on Amazon.com