ZOTAC ZBOX CI649 Nano Barebone Mini PC Review: Powerful and Compact

Table of Contents

ZOTAC ZBOX CI649 Nano Barebone Mini PC Review

The ZOTAC ZBOX CI649 Nano Barebone Mini PC is a compact powerhouse designed for users seeking a balance between performance and portability. With its Intel Core i5-1335U processor, impressive connectivity, and customizable storage and memory options, this mini PC aims to be a versatile solution for various tasks. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value proposition to determine whether it lives up to the hype.

Features

The ZOTAC ZBOX CI649 Nano boasts a compelling set of features that make it a strong contender in the mini PC market. Here’s a breakdown of its key highlights:

  • Intel Core i5-1335U Processor: The heart of the ZBOX CI649 Nano is its powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor. This 12th Gen Intel processor offers a maximum boost clock speed of 4.6 GHz, ensuring efficient performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
  • Barebone Design: The CI649 Nano comes in a barebone configuration, allowing users to customize their storage and memory. This provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness, letting you tailor the system to your specific needs.
  • Connectivity: The mini PC is equipped with a comprehensive selection of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and a Type-C port with DisplayPort capabilities. This ensures compatibility with multiple displays and peripherals.
  • Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2: The ZBOX CI649 Nano supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, enabling fast and reliable wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 5.2 ensures seamless connections with your wireless peripherals.
  • Compact Size: Its compact design allows it to fit into tight spaces, making it ideal for home theaters, offices, or digital signage applications.

Performance

In our testing, the ZOTAC ZBOX CI649 Nano demonstrated strong performance across various workloads. Its Intel Core i5-1335U processor handled everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming effortlessly. The mini PC also showed impressive performance in demanding applications like video editing and graphic design. The 12th Gen Intel processor and integrated Intel UHD Graphics provided smooth and responsive experiences even when running multiple programs simultaneously.

The ZBOX CI649 Nano’s customizable storage and memory options ensure you can optimize it for your specific needs. If you plan to use the mini PC for demanding tasks, investing in high-speed SSD storage and ample RAM will greatly enhance its performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor
  • Compact size for easy portability
  • Versatile connectivity options
  • Customizable storage and memory
  • Supports latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 standards

Cons

  • Barebone configuration requires separate purchase of storage and memory
  • No built-in optical drive

Final Verdict

The ZOTAC ZBOX CI649 Nano Barebone Mini PC is a compelling option for users seeking a compact, powerful, and customizable computing solution. Its impressive performance, versatile connectivity, and convenient size make it suitable for various applications, from home entertainment to professional work. While the barebone configuration necessitates separate purchases of storage and memory, the flexibility it offers allows users to tailor the system to their exact needs.

If you’re looking for a mini PC that delivers robust performance in a compact form factor, the ZOTAC ZBOX CI649 Nano is a solid choice. Its combination of power and versatility makes it a valuable asset for both personal and professional use.

Specifications
Feature Details
Processor Intel Core i5-1335U (4.6GHz)
Graphics Intel UHD Graphics
Memory Up to 64GB DDR4 (Dual Channel)
Storage Up to 2.5″ SATA III HDD/SSD
Connectivity HDMI, DisplayPort, USB Type-C (DP Alt Mode), USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, RJ-45, Mic In/Line Out Jack
Wireless Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Operating System Windows 10 / 11 (Not Included)
Dimensions 123.8 x 123.8 x 55.5 mm