Computex 2011: Zotac Z68 miniITX Motherboards
by Anand Lal Shimpi on May 31, 2011 3:50 AM EST- Posted in
- Computex 2011
- Intel
- Motherboards
- ZOTAC
- Z68
- Trade Shows
Zotac has two mini-ITX Z68 motherboards on display at Computex: the Zotac Z68-ITX WiFi A and B models (Z68ITX-A-E and Z68ITX-B-E). Both feature Intel’s Z68 chipset with all of the goodness that brings along with it (mainly SSD caching). The A model has a PCIe x16 slot for discrete graphics and uses standard DDR3 DIMMs. The B model features a GeForce GT 430 on-board and thus uses SO-DIMMs to save on space.
Both boards feature four SATA ports, WiFi and accept standard ATX power (4-pin 12V and 8-pin 12V connectors on the B and A models, respectively).
The A model has two HDMI outputs and one miniDP out, while the B model has two DVI, HDMI and one DP output thanks to the on-board GT 430.
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Chillin1248 - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
The B model seems to be the ultimate HTPC motherboard assuming it works as advertised. The GT430 can easily push 3D Blu-ray, etc and the SB CPU can easily push everything else.If they would incorporate a small ~20GB SLC SSD unto the motherboard as well (though I can't possibly see where) then all you would need is to add a regular HDD and you have an amazingly fast HTPC system all built into a tiny space.
Tuanies - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
There's a dedicated mSATA slot on the backside of the Z68ITX-B-E and the mPCIe on the Z68ITX-A-E is switchable in the BIOS for mSATA.Mumrik - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
It's Zotac, so I expect them to be charging a making-it-not-worth-it size premium on these boards.erwos - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
The price premium on the B version in Japan is only $65. If you're dead-set on a mini-ITX HTPC, that's a tiny price to pay for getting good discrete graphics.In fact, I was just spec'ing out a mini-ITX HTPC today at Newegg:
Core i3-2100T ($135)
Antec ISK 300-150 ($80)
Zotac Z68ITX-B-E ($225?)
2x4GB SO-DIMMs ($75)
Sony Slim Blu-Ray ($85)
500gb Momentus XT ($100)
Windows 7 OEM ($100)
MCE Receiver ($25)
Arcsoft Totalmedia Theatre ($100)
=$925
When you do an apples-to-apples with an ASRock Vision 3D, it beats it by ~$300.
StormyParis - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
I'd go with a smaller case that can be hidden, and an external BR drive. Logicsupply.com. The T-3410 seems to be the cheapest one, it includes a picoPSU and power brick.erwos - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
Is 80W really enough for that system? Seems marginal when you consider the usual efficiency losses when you run close to the PSU's max wattage. I'd rather spend the money and get a Casetronix C292 with 120W adapter.Plus, going a smaller case and then using an external BD drive seems like a hassle. The total solution isn't really going to be smaller, and you've got another set of cables to manage. I also didn't mention it here, but I have a spare 60gb SSD I'd like to use with the 500gb HDD - hence the desire for a second 2.5" bay.
Of course, this is for the over-spec'd system anyways; if I dumped the BD playback requirement (which I prefer changers for) and just used the HTPC for WMC TV tuners (hello, HDHR3-6!) and DLNA streaming, I could probably get it down to $600 or so.
Mr Perfect - Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - link
That A model can't hit stores and review sites soon enough. It's a shame there is no release date or pricing on it.Do let us know if there are any other mITX Z68s at Computex.
thmeky - Thursday, June 2, 2011 - link
As far as I know, the Z68ITX-A-E is also the first mini ITX mobo with support for SB cpu's that has two on board NIC's.henhaohenhao - Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - link
Come go and see, will not regret it Oh look
http://www.ifancyshop.com
zhangqq - Monday, October 31, 2011 - link
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