ZOTAC is now showcasing their first Gemini Lake based mini PCs at CES 2018 with ZBOX PICO PI226 & PI336 models powered respectively by an Intel Celeron N4000 dual core processor, and Intel Celeron N4100 quad core processor.
ZBOX ZBOX PICO PI226
The model is similar to ZOTAC PI225 reviewed by Linuxium a few weeks ago, and the company had to disable turbo mode in PI225 in order to keep temperature under control. The company placed it in the VESA mount for the event, and at first I though it may help with cooling, but Linuxium (see comments) tried with PI225, and heat dissipation was not improved.
ZOTAC PI226 specifications:
- SoC – Intel Celeron N4000 dual core Gemini Lake processor up to 1.1/2.6 GHz with 12EU Intel UHD Graphics 600 @ up to 650 MHz; 6W TDP
- System Memory – 4GB LPDDR4
- Storage – 32GB eMMC flash, micro SD card
- Display – Via provided USB-C to HDMI 1.4 adapter
- Connectivity – 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2
- USB – 2x USB 3.1 type C ports
- Power Supply – 5V/3A via micro USB port
- Dimensions – 9.65 x 6.35 x 0.76 cm
That model does not really leverage Gemini Lake new features like native HDMI 2.0 since it will ship with a USB-C to HDMI 1.4 adapter, and it’s quite possibly turbo mode is disabled due to the ultra-compact form factor, which should be the main selling point.
ZOTAC has not published any information online yet, so I got all my information from Brad Linder’s Liliputing website since he is now at CES 2018, and the company told him pricing will be similar to the Apollo Lake model (PI225), or around $200 when it starts selling in Q2 2018.
ZOTAC ZBOX PICO PI336
This model is more traditional with Ethernet, HDMI, and all ports you’d expect from a mini PC.
ZOTAC PI336 specifications:
- SoC – Intel Celeron N4100 quad core Gemini Lake processor up to 1.1/2.4 GHz with 12EU Intel UHD Graphics 600; @ up to 700 MHz; 6W TDP
- System Memory – 4GB LPDDR4
- Storage – 32GB eMMC flash, micro SD card
- Display – HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2
- Audio – 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack, output via HDMI/DP
- Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2
- USB – 2x USB 3.0 ports, 1x USB 3.0 type C port
- Power Supply – 5V/4A via power barrel jack
- Dimensions – N/A
The fanless PI336 mini PC is also expected to launch in Q2 2018 for about the same price as PI335 Apollo Lake model, or just under $200.
Brad shot a video with ZBOX lineup for 2018 including the Gemini Lake models above, and others more powerful computers..
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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That ‘support with feet’ is just the VESA mount and also comes with the ZOTAC PI225. I actually tried balancing the device vertically without the mount to maximise the surface area for cooling but it didn’t make any difference to sitting the device flat and dissipating heat through surface contact.
ASUS PN40 mini PC (gemini lake) also announced, but not enough details for full article:
No pricing info, but it will be launched even later than the ZOTAC… in H2 2018.
@Linuxium
Thank for the info.
Waiting for June Canyon NUC with J5005, but… no news about it yet :/