ZOTAC introduced its upcoming high performance ultra-compact form-factor (UCFF) gaming machine that promises to offer performance of a high-end gaming laptop. The Zbox Magnus EN92080V packs an Intel eight-core processor as well as NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 2080.

The ZOTAC Zbox Magnus EN92080V comes in a slim chassis that measures only 62.2 mm (2.45 inches) in height and features a volume of just 2.65 liters. The PC it is powered by Intel’s eight-core Core i9 processor (with a 45 W TDP) as well as NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 2080 graphics processor in its version for laptops. It is unclear whether the GPU is soldered down to the motherboard of the model EN9280V, or is located on an MXM card and thus can be upgraded eventually. It's worth noting that the Zbox Magnus EN92080V does not seem to have a Thunderbolt 3 port, but the UCFF gaming PC can house up to 32 GB of DDR4-2666 memory using two SO-DIMM slots, one 2.5-inch storage device, and an SSD in an M.2 form-factor, so at least memory and storage can be expanded.

Moving on to connectivity of the Zbox Magnus EN92080V, everything looks pretty standard for today’s gaming laptops. The machine features the Rivet Killer AX1650 Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5 adapter, two Ethernet ports (one GbE, one 2.5 GbE, also from Rivet), two USB 3.1 Type-C connectors, four USB 3.0 Type-A connectors, four display outputs (one DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.0b, one USB-C), and SD card reader, and two 3.5-mm audio jacks for headphones and a microphone.

Historically, ZOTAC used GeForce MXM modules for its small form-factor Zbox Magnus systems, but improved energy efficiency of NVIDIA’s desktop GPUs and ZOTAC’s own cooling systems allowed the company to switch to regular graphics cards and enable its customers to upgrade them. With the Zbox Magnus EN92080V, ZOTAC uses a mobile CPU and a mobile GPU again, but this time to make a UCFF gaming PC that offers performance of a premium desktop computer.

ZOTAC will start sales of its Zbox Magnus EN92080V in the coming months. Pricing will be revealed when the product is launched.

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Sources: ZOTAC

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  • JoeyJoJo123 - Tuesday, January 21, 2020 - link

    Looks pretty good for a compact desktop. Especially for people who wanted something ultra-compact, but was dreading/anxious about the parts compatibility and complicated build process that ultra-compact builds mini-ITX builds can sometimes involve.
  • drexnx - Tuesday, January 21, 2020 - link

    cool form factor, but I bet it sounds like a hairdryer under full load. Not many options when it comes to dumping 200w of heat out of a little box
  • goatfajitas - Tuesday, January 21, 2020 - link

    I was interested in it with some slightly lower specs until I found this... https://www.amazon.com/ZOTAC-EN72070V-Creator-i7-9...

    $1800 seems steep.
  • fred666 - Tuesday, January 21, 2020 - link

    Worst of both worlds. Laptop components, not upgradable/repairable easily and not very portable.

    Would make more sense to make it a little bigger and put real desktop CPU and GPU.
  • damianrobertjones - Wednesday, January 22, 2020 - link

    With an 8 core, as well as a 2080, I'd probably think that you wouldn't need to change it for quite a few years.
  • fred666 - Thursday, January 23, 2020 - link

    then get a gaming laptop with the same components.
  • yankeeDDL - Wednesday, January 22, 2020 - link

    Complaining for the sake of complaining.
    It is a tiny case, designed for specific purposes. If you need desktop components and upgradeability, you need a desktop.
  • Strunf - Wednesday, January 22, 2020 - link

    It's not a little bigger it's a lot bigger... If you want to be able to replace the CPU or GPU may as well just buy/build a Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX system.
  • fred666 - Thursday, January 23, 2020 - link

    well that's my point. If you need portability, get a laptop. If you don't, get a desktop.
    I can't find any practical use case for this system.
  • sorten - Wednesday, January 22, 2020 - link

    This is a product going after a very small market. If the best they could manage is gaming laptop levels of heat dissipation, and you're getting non-upgradable components and gaming laptop prices, then most people would just pick the gaming laptop.

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