Zotac’s newest Nvidia ION-based package isn’t a ready-to-use computer, but they do offer builders a single platform to build a mini-HTPC around. Simply tagged as the ZOTAC ION, the new platform promises a compact, power-efficient system that’s able to handle high-definition Blue-ray playback and games and apps that support DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.1, and Nvidia’s PhysX and CUDA technologies.
The tiny mini-ITX motherboard fits a pair of DDR2 667/800 memory sticks, 3 SATA connections for hard drives or optical drives, Gigabit Ethernet and an optional Wi-fi connection, and integrated 5.1-channel audio. The Nvidia ION integrated GPU features 16 stream processors, and a 1100MHz shader clock for handling 2D and 3D graphics processing, and an HDMI connection gives it HD connectivity as well as 7.1-channel audio.
The chipset also supports Nvidia’s PureVideo HD tech that uses the GPU’s 16 stream processors for HD decoding. What do you get? Smooth HD playback on a tiny, energy-efficient system.
The Zotac ION comes in two variants, a basic kit that comes integrated with an Intel Atom N230 processor, and another that’s fitted with a dual-core Atom N330 for better performance.
Technical Details
| Product | ZOTAC ION N230 | ZOTAC ION N330 |
| CPU | Intel Atom N230 1.6GHz | dual core N230 1.6GHz |
| Display output | DVI, VGA, HDMI (with 7.1 channel audio) | |
| Memory support | 2x DDR2-667/800 up to 4GB | |
| SATA | 3x SATA, 1x eSATA | |
| Network | 1000Mbps / Wi-fi 802.11n (optional) | |
| Audio | onboard 5.1 analog / 7.1 digital (via HDMI) | |
| OS Support | Windows Vista Aero-compatible / Windows 7-ready | |
