Review: Zotac Zbox ID89 Plus

Conclusion

Zotac has delivered on its primary promise; the Zbox ID89 Plus delivers a substantial amount of CPU processing power in a very compact design.

Ideally suited to the living room, this mini PC is able to deliver a true desktop experience and, despite the use of a 35W chip, manages to keep agreeably cool and quiet during use.

Zotac's well-rounded connectivity options and VESA mount make the system increasingly versatile, and if you're willing to meet the £425 asking price, the Zbox ID89 Plus has the makings of an excellent HTPC.

However, cost could be an issue, and given the slow 5,400RPM hard disk and lack of operating system, we feel the £350 barebones unit is the better option for more consumers. The basic IGP intimates that high-quality gaming will always be out of reach, but add an SSD or hybrid drive and the Zbox ID89 could really be made to fly.

This is one of the most potent Intel mini PCs we've used, but unfortunately for Zotac the Zbox ID89 has come along at arguably the wrong time. While the box has merit, the imminent arrival of Intel's fourth-generation Core processors suggests that a faster, more efficient Zbox is just around the corner.

The Good

Fast Core i5-3470T processor
Compact chassis
Good connectivity
Room for user upgrades
Keeps cool and quiet

The Bad

Plastic chassis looks dated
Operating system not included
Slow 5,400RPM hard disk

HEXUS Awards

Zotac Zbox ID89 Plus

HEXUS Where2Buy

TBC.

HEXUS Right2Reply

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