Zotac has been offering small form-factor desktop computers for a few years, but none have been smaller than the ZBOX PI320 pico I reviewed in 2014.

The little computer is just 4.6″ x 2.6″ x 0.8″ but it’s stuffed with enough hardware to comfortably run Windows 8.1.

Now Zotac is expanding its ZBOX pico lineup, and this time the company is offering separate models with Intel or AMD processors.

pi320

The original PI320 model features an Intel Atom Z3735F Bay Trail processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and HDMI output. Here’s what’s inside Zotac’s new models:

ZBOX pico PI330

  • Intel Atom Z3775 quad-core Bay Trail processor with Intel HD graphics
  • Up to 4GB of dual-channel LPDDR3-1066 memory
  • 64GB eMMC storage
  • HDMI and mini DisplayPort
  • 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, and Gigabit Ethernet

ZBOX pico PA330

  • AMD A4-6400T quad-core Mullins processor with AMD R3 graphics
  • 2GB of DDRL-1333 memory
  • 32GB eMMC storage
  • HDMI and mini DisplayPort
  • 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, and Gigabit Ethernet

I haven’t had time to catch up with Zotac during the Consumer Electronics Show this week (they’re camped out at a hotel suite that’s kind of far from the rest of the action), but my understanding is that both new models will be packed into the same small, fanless case that houses the PI320.

That means they should have the same full-sized three USB ports, Ethernet, SDXC, and HDMI ports… although it’s worth noting that not only do the new models have different processors, but they also have faster Ethernet since the PI320 only had 10/100 Ethernet.

Update: While I didn’t get to see the new systems in person, the folks at Futurelooks posted some hands-on video (starting at about 2 minutes, 40 seconds):

Futurelooks also reports both models will sell for around $249 or less.

Maximum PC also got a closer look at the PA330 in action at the AMD booth.

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10 replies on “Zotac offers Intel, AMD models of new ZBOX pico mini-PCs”

  1. I have this and it’s decent, it gets hot as hell though since it is passively cooled and there’s no vents once so ever. Using the balanced profile in Windows 8.1 the outside of the case regularly gets to 120F, I have XBMC/Kodi running on it (that’s what I bought it for, along with using it for emulation but it can’t even run Dolphin which is a Gamecube/Wii emulator) and it crashes pretty often, it’s always something about one of the Visual Basic run times crashing, also I bought a $15 IR Touchpad/keyboard remote and the thing constantly loses connectivity, at first I thought it was the touchpad but it’s the pc. Either poor drivers or hardware going goofy since it’s so hot. I’ll be sitting there watching movies and then randomly I hear the Windows USB disconnect sound about every minute or two for a few minutes then it will stop. I think Windows 8.1 is partially to blame, too bad you can’t put 7 on it, hopefully 10 will fix a lot of the errors.

  2. What about Ubuntu for ZBOX pico PA330? Is it possible to install Ubuntu? All driwers works fine?

  3. That would make a great HTPC if you weren’t concerned about gaming.

  4. The AMD model sounds interesting. But APUs usually borrow RAM for video memory. 2GB seems kinda low, considering some of it might be borrowed for the GPU.

  6. The only improvement they needed was 802.11ac and better heat dissipation. Otherwise an absolutely fantastic mini PC.

  7. That’s not a lot of RAM for today’s desktops. How expandable are they?
    And can they be purchased without the Windows Tax?

    1. I’ll believe it when shows up on Amazon.

      Sounds like someone at Zotac is saying “up to 4GB” because Intel’s spec sheet for that CPU shows the SOC can support it.

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