Zotac Readies NVIDIA Ion Mini-ITX Motherboards

[btarunr]

After several technical hurdles and some controversy with Intel, NVIDIA was able to go ahead with its Ion platform initiative, where partners are allowed to use Intel Atom processors (both single and dual-core variants) with NVIDIA MCP79-class chipsets. The most distinct feature on offer is the powerful integrated GPU in the form of GeForce 9400M. NVIDIA partner Zotac is ready with two ULPC-friendly mini-ITX motherboards based on the platform, that promise features filled to their brims.

The Zotac IONITX-A-U and IONITX-B-E are powered by Intel Atom 330 dual-core or Atom N230 single-core processors respectively. The only other difference is that the former features an onboard DC-DC power supply. Both feature NVIDIA MCP79 chipset with onboard GeForce 9400M graphics, that comes with clock speeds of 450/1100 MHz (core/shader). Two 240-pin standard DDR2 DIMM slots support DDR2-667/800 MHz memory. There are three SATA II ports provided on the board, with the fourth one placed as an eSATA connector. RAID 0/1 modes are supported. Display outputs are taken care of by D-Sub, DVI and HDMI connectors. The 8-channel audio also provides co-axial and optical SPDIF connections. Six USB 2.0 ports on the back, four through headers, a gigabit Ethernet and WiFi make for the rest of the concoction. It is indicated that the two will hit Japanese stores at prices of JPY 29980 (US$303) for the IONITX-A-U and JPY 19980 ($202) for the IONITX-B-E.



Sources: PCWatch, Expreview

[h3llb3nd4]

that is a huge heatsink

[Jizzler]

Very nice.

The only thing I could possibly want that this board doesn't have is two DVI ports.

[Roph]

Seems somewhat overpriced for what they are. Hopefully more competition will bring them down.

[newtekie1]

Originally Posted by Jizzler

Very nice.

The only thing I could possibly want that this board doesn't have is two DVI ports.

I'm sure you can use an HDMI->DVI adaptor to get two DVI ports.

Originally Posted by Roph

Seems somewhat overpriced for what they are. Hopefully more competition will bring them down.

I agree, though mini-ITX stuff isn't usually cheap, especially for boards as feature rich as these. Especially since the high end model seems to have a built in power supply.

[Jizzler]

Maybe, some boards make you choose one of the other. <crosses fingers>

Not that it's a big need. At where I work, IT are the only ones with dual 22's. Everyone else has a single 22". They could get their previous analog 17's back as a secondary display.

[Rexter]

Woah, thats pretty cool. There's much potential in the mini-itx factor, and Zotac are finally bringing out itx boards thats worthwhile.

And a dual-core atom? Fucking finally!

(yes i know the dual core atom is just as old as the ordinary atom, but havent seen a single computer with that cpu).

[alucasa]

Originally Posted by h3llb3nd4

that is a huge heatsink

Nope, it's small compared to what other mini-itx have.

Have a look around @ http://www.logicsupply.com/categories/mainboards

I currently own a GA-6KIEH-RH, a little neat toy. I am waiting for MS-9832 also.

[lemonadesoda]

That's a super little mainboard. Very powerful, and perfect desktop replacement for any "producivity" computer (ie Office). Nice to see DVI AND two sticks of DDR2 and HDMI. Perfect HTPC too.

Low power, less lag compared to P4 systems it replaces, (due to dual core), low (zero) noise.

If only Intel would do a Atom 380 version (improved specs, just like they have improved the 230 to 270 then 280).

[cdawall]

needs to be $100 less

[FryingWeesel]

yuck, atom, was hoping this would be a nano based unit :/