Zotac Zbox Sphere OI520 Plus

Review: Zotac Zbox Sphere OI520 Plus

Conclusion

...this new Zbox is arguably Zotac's best-looking mini PC to date, and the added style hasn't come at the expense of functionality.

Creating a mini PC is a balancing act in which performance, size, heat, noise and price all require careful consideration.

Overlooking any one aspect can detract from the overall package, and in earlier efforts Zotac hasn't always managed to strike all the right notes simultaneously. The ultra-compact Zbox Nano ID69 Plus proved to be pricey and loud, while the high-end Zbox EI750 Plus promised maximum performance but succumbed to heat and throttling.

It's a fine line to walk, so we're pleased to see that Zotac has landed on a suitable middle ground with the Zbox Sphere. The first model, OI520, partners an eye-catching chassis with a current-generation Intel Core i5 'Haswell' processor that makes it a capable office workhorse or stylish living-room PC.

Presented in a smooth, streamlined and spherical enclosure, this new Zbox is arguably Zotac's best-looking mini PC to date, and the added style hasn't come at the expense of functionality. Connectivity options remain strong with USB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, Wireless AC and Bluetooth, and cooling has actually been improved, with the Sphere delivering some of the lowest temperatures and noise levels in its class.

A single stick of memory and a basic hard disk don't do enough to make the 'Plus' model stand out, but a barebones Zbox Sphere OI520 outfitted with dual-channel memory and an mSATA SSD would make for a very useful second PC.

The Good

Eye-catching design
Capable Intel Core i5 processor
Wireless AC and Bluetooth connectivity
Room for an mSATA upgrade
Low power consumption
Keeps cool and quiet
Four USB 3.0 ports

The Bad

'Plus' model limited by single-channel memory
HD 4400 IGP lacks gaming potential

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Zotac Zbox Sphere OI520

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The Zbox Sphere OI520 is expected to become available in June 2014.

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At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.

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Wonderful review of a PC clearly aimed as a media machine.

Wonderful apart from you:

A) Not reviewing its 4K aspirations / credentials

B) Attempting to review it with games that clearly will never play but failing to review it with games that people might chance to use it with. Minecraft? Kerbel space programme?

C) Not having a ‘media’ section to the review at all. Did you test it for it's intended use AT ALL?

Geeez Hexus. Up your game. There's no point reviewing a ‘media PC’ like you used to review gaming machines half a decade ago. If you want visitors and ad rates to improve you need to refresh things from time to time.

Interesting review - so basically what you're saying is that the Plus model isn't worth paying the extra for! I'm thinking a Linux-based media system running on an mSATA SSD with the proper SATA slot reserved for a nice big WD Green for content. Maybe even a bit of tablet-style gaming with Steam for Linux, (so it won't embarrass itself with its lack of graphical power)

Any feelings how well it'd be able to render content - like MP4 movies - to the typical 1080p TV? No connections for Home Theatre either I guess.

Oh and not being able to control the “light ring” from an OS? Failed opportunity. And while I'm being negative, isn't 32dB a bit on the noisy side for a living room box? Any chance that the cooling fan could be replaced?

It might make a nice little Steam box, I can just imagine having a few mates round asking “what the h#ll sort of console is that?” and wanting one when they see the graphics !

Eee gads that thing looks retarded

Far, far not a fan of its aesthetics!