ZOTAC ZBOX Mini PCs come in all kinds of different configurations. Some are designed for utility purposes and others for general use. However, if PC gaming is your thing then the MAGNUS EK71080 is definitely worth looking at. Its performance, size, and overall capabilities are why it earns its place at the top of the list.

The MAGNUS EK71080 is a formidable Mini PC that is stuffed with high-performance components. What is particularly unique about this Mini PC is that it is powered by a discrete ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1080 Mini desktop graphics card. That’s right, there’s a full fledge Mini Graphics Card inside this Mini Gaming PC. To accompany such high-end graphics performance, an Intel Core i7 Quad-core processor is also provided in addition to DDR4 SODIMM memory (expandable to up to 32GBs). The feature list expands with support for up to 4 displays, an NVMe PCIe x4 M.2 SSD slot, two USB 3.1 Gen. 2 ports (one of them being Type-C), and to top it all off, it’s Intel Optane Memory ready. That’s not all though, it has much more. Simply put, the MAGNUS EK71080 is one of the sleekest and most capable gaming PCs that just so happens to also be a Mini PC.

Honorable mention: if your PC gaming obsession demands only the best in performance, you need to check out the MEK ULTRA from ZOTAC GAMING.

The Smallest Mini PC - PI225

Winner of a 2018 iF Product Design Award, the ZOTAC ZBOX PI225 is an engineering marvel that launched in late 2017. Completely silent when operating, the PI225 is a little less than the size of a typical SSD drive. Taking “Mini PC” to a whole new meaning, it will literally fit in the palm of your hand. It comes equipped with Wireless AC connectivity, Bluetooth 4.2, USB 3.0 (two ports: USB + DP) and Windows 10 Home 64-bit (pre-installed). It even comes with universal power adapters for when traveling internationally as well as a Micro SDHC/SDXC slot.

The PI225 also features 32GBs of eMMC storage, which should provide enough space for most needs, as well as the ability to output 4096x2160 at 30Hz via USB Type-C-to-HDMI is the cherry on top of this very sweet and capable Mini PC. Excellent for digital signage and displays, the PI225 can handle most general office needs and is a great solution for custom projects as well.

Honorable mention: for a similar sized ZBOX with slightly more performance inside, take a look at the PI335.

The Best Mini PC Professional Workstation - QK5P1000

For the working professional that needs rendering power, there is the ZOTAC ZBOX QK5P1000. Sleek design, minimal space, and NVIDIA Quadro graphics are what makes this Mini PC unique to the ZBOX series. 4K 60Hz ready, DDR4 memory support, and an Intel Core i5 processor - this Mini PC quite capable of taking on large digital projects.

Depending on the application, the NVIDIA Quadro P1000 with 4GBs of GDDR5 promises to reduce render times making your workflow much easier. It’s ideal for industries that focus on Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Education, Manufacturing, and anywhere else Computer-aided Design (CAD) is used. Other digital productions such as video, graphic design, and animation also benefit greatly from the components within the Q-series. ZOTAC offers a full lineup of NVIDIA Quadro based workstations going from the QK5P1000 variant to the QK7P3000 version and on to the QK7P5000 VR Ready Professional flagship model.

The Best Silent PC - CI329 nano

One of the most popular ZOTAC ZBOX Mini PCs available, the C-series continues to deliver new capabilities and performance in a very small form factor. There are many different versions of the C-series available - pretty much one for everyone’s need, however, the CI329 nano is the model that makes this list.

Considered to be a general use Mini PC, the CI329 nano is a very energy-efficient Intel quad-core based system that’s perfect for office use, web browsing, music and video streaming, and other light productivity tasks. It features a passive cooling design for silent operation and It has the ability to expand to up to 8GBs of DDR4 memory, uses Intel UHD Graphics 600, and features an array of video out ports: HDMI 2.0a (3840x2160 60Hz), DisplayPort 1.2 (4096x2160 60Hz), VGA (1920x1080 60Hz). Connectivity options are also vast with the CI329 nano - Wireless AC, USB 3.0, Type-C, and USB 2.0, Bluetooth 5.0, are all present. A VESA mount is also provided so you can tuck it away and keep it hidden from view.

Honorable mention: for even more performance, the completely silent CI660 nano is also available and features an 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 4K resolution, and up to 32GBs of DDR4.