Xi3 Intros Z3RO Pro x86-based Mini Computer

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By Kevin Parrish
published

The Z3RO Pro will be ideal as a home theater PC, taking up very little space.

At CES 2013, Xi3 Corporation introduced the Z3RO Pro Computer, a small form factor PC with a starting price point of $399. The chassis itself measures 1.875 x 4.875 x 3.625-inches, but don't let the size fool you: the Z3RO Pro is designed for general computer use in the home and business, and can even serve as a home theater PC.

"The Z3RO Pro Computer is the ideal size for the ultimate in small form factor x86-based general computing," said Jason A. Sullivan, founder, President and CEO. "In this post-PC era, it’s clear that there’s no reason to buy a tower or mini-tower computer ever again. Not only does the Z3RO Pro Computer help round out the Xi3 product line, it also marks the end of desktop computing as we’ve known it."

Under the hood, it will have a dual-core 64-bit x86-based CPU clocked at 1.65 GHz (with 2 MB of Level 2 cache). There will also be an integrated 80-core GPU, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and between 16 GB and 1 TB of internal SSD-based storage (with up to 12 Gbps throughput speeds), depending on your budget.

Two display ports will provide a max resolution of 2560 x 1600 including one HDMI/DisplayPort v1.2 and one mini-DisplayPort v1.2. As for other connectivity options, the miniature PC will sport four eSATAp 3.0 ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Wi-Fi connectivity wasn't mentioned, so customers may want to consider a dual-band media bridge that connects Ethernet-based devices to a wireless network.

Slated for a 2Q13 release, the Z3RO Pro will ship with openSUSE Linux v11.2, but it will also run an array of other x86-based platforms including Windows 8 and lower, UNIX, other Linux variants. It will also consume very little energy: 15 watts total.

"The Z3RO Computer runs on 15 Watts, making it arguably the most eco-friendly, small form factor, 64-bit x86-based dual-core general use computer ever built," the company said. "This translates to big savings over time."

For more info on the Z3RO Pro Computer, head here.

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Kevin Parrish
31 Comments Comment from the forums
  • mikenygmail
    Too expensive, try half that price.
    Reply
  • rebel1280
    Carputer anyone?!
    Reply
  • shafe88
    So does this use an atom or a mobile i3(Xi3). If it's the atom used, I think they would of been better off using a low power AMD APU.
    Reply
  • ringzero
    "In this post-PC era, it’s clear that there’s no reason to buy a tower or mini-tower computer ever again. Not only does the Z3RO Pro Computer help round out the Xi3 product line, it also marks the end of desktop computing as we’ve known it."

    The stuff people say to sell a niche product! har har.
    Reply
  • Onus
    "...marks the end of desktop computing as we’ve known it."
    What a load of BS.
    I don't know anyone, for whom I've built a desktop PC over the last year or two, who could get by with something like this. They might have multiple drives, most need MUCH more CPU power, and anyone who plays games needs a more capable GPU.
    Reply
  • theblade
    shafe88So does this use an atom or a mobile i3(Xi3). If it's the atom used, I think they would of been better off using a low power AMD APU.
    I think they did use a low power AMD APU, those specs sound quite similar to an E-450.
    Reply
  • -Fran-
    thebladeI think they did use a low power AMD APU, those specs sound quite similar to an E-450.
    It has to be, since if it were Intel, it would be around a thousand dollars, hahaha.

    No, but seriously, it sounds like the E450 alright. Maybe one of the refreshed Brazos parts.

    Cheers!
    Reply
  • ojas
    There will also be an integrated 80-core GPU
    What is with all the GPU-core reporting? How is that useful in determining performance? Plus it's misleading in a way, consumers will think in terms of traditional CPU cores.

    What CPU is this anyway, seems like a Intel part (don't AMD's APUs have much higher "GPU core" count?).

    ringzero"In this post-PC era, it’s clear that there’s no reason to buy a tower or mini-tower computer ever again. Not only does the Z3RO Pro Computer help round out the Xi3 product line, it also marks the end of desktop computing as we’ve known it."The stuff people say to sell a niche product! har har."Here, transition to the Post-PC era using our...PC!!!" :lol:
    Reply
  • lradunovic77
    Better then Surface
    Reply
  • shafe88
    ojasWhat is with all the GPU-core reporting? How is that useful in determining performance? Plus it's misleading in a way, consumers will think in terms of traditional CPU cores.What CPU is this anyway, seems like a Intel part (don't AMD's APUs have much higher "GPU core" count?)."Here, transition to the Post-PC era using our...PC!!!"Number of GPU-cores is very useful in determining performance as the more gpu cores means more performance in gaming and video decoding. Since this is most likely for a niche market I think most consumers will at least be tech savvy enough to tell the difference between CPU and GPU cores.
    Reply