Review: Zotac Zbox Magnus One ECM73070C

Conclusion

"A petite box, sat on the desk alongside the monitor, delivering multi-core performance, high-framerate gaming, versatile connectivity, and all while making next to no noise."

That's the target, but Zotac hasn't managed to deliver on all fronts. Zbox Magnus One is wonderfully small and inconspicuous on the desk, there's an eight-core Intel Core i7 CPU at the helm, GeForce RTX 3070 graphics maintain high framerates at either an FHD or QHD resolution, and high-speed networking is afforded through both Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE.

Given the size of the system Zotac has exceeded our expectations in some ways, yet there are a few frustrating caveats to this mini PC. We'd like to see models outfitted with the latest CPUs and chipsets - including AMD Ryzen - the front-facing USB ports need to be brought up to speed, and while we appreciate the thermal challenges of an 8.3-litre enclosure, fan noise sadly is too loud for comfort.

Bottom line: enthusiasts and modders may view the £1,500 Zbox Magnus One barebone as an intriguing pet project, but we're still some way from perfecting the mini PC for the masses.

HEXUS.where2buy*

The Zotac Zbox Magnus One ECM73070C barebone mini PC is available to purchase from Scan Computers.

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