Reviews - Zotac Zbox Sphere OI520 Plus

[HEXUS]

Zotac's orb-shaped Zbox reviewed and rated.

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[crossy]

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?

[DemonHighwayman]

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 !

[Tunnah]

Eee gads that thing looks retarded

[sirtrouserpress]

Far, far not a fan of its aesthetics!

[manocheese]

Finally, I can make an Okama Game Sphere!

[Myss_tree]

Aesthetically its not to my taste however its good to see something different to a box.
HD 5000 graphics would be better.

[Bagpuss]

Why do you need 8GB of dual channel memory to watch videos or play music....

[Sim0n]

I've skimmed the review quickly thrice now, but cant see any mention of build in wireless, that nearly all the Zbox's have as standard ?

Am i being blind, or is it mentioned ?

Oh, never mind, the stupid popup adverts on certain words was covering that section.

[walibe]

What happened to the days when you used to pop the motherboard out so we can see it etc? As above, the benchmarks in this sense have no real relevance to the products intended use. Perhaps time for another set of benchmarks with more relevant media benchmarks?