cover
Benjamin M.

Benjamin M.

Joined on 12/28/07

0
0

Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 11
Most Favorable Review

Single Channel Memory :)!!

Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11-U Intel Atom D510 NM10 Chipset 1 x 200Pin Next-Gen NVIDIA ION GPU Mini / Booksize Barebone System
Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11-U Intel Atom D510 NM10 Chipset 1 x 200Pin Next-Gen NVIDIA ION GPU Mini / Booksize Barebone System

Pros: Everything

Cons: Nothing

Overall Review: To the first reviewer: The Atom D510 has an integrated MCU with only 1 memory channel and 4 Gb max capacity. The new architecture uses the NM10 as a PCH (platform controller hub) This configuration requires that Nvidias new ION connect to the PCH via PCI express. Every unit sold from any manufacturer will have 1 channel of memory, and if combined with the ION, it will be a next-generation ION.

Most Critical Review

Documentation Lacking

Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11-U Intel Atom D510 NM10 Chipset 1 x 200Pin Next-Gen NVIDIA ION GPU Mini / Booksize Barebone System
Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11-U Intel Atom D510 NM10 Chipset 1 x 200Pin Next-Gen NVIDIA ION GPU Mini / Booksize Barebone System

Pros: small form factor, mounting options, versatility, style

Cons: Documentation! The manual is near useless. For a DIY box, the manufacturer leaves a lot up to the consumer to figure out. I feel bad for the Zotac's live techs. I was hoping to find more information on their website or on the CD that shipped with the unit. The manual, as useless as it is, is missing from the CD entirely.

Overall Review: The product is sold with both AMI and Award BIOS. I got AMI; how unlucky am I? Both BIOS use the "Delete" key during POST, when the computer is first powered up, to enter the BIOS settings. The max "tested" RAM is 2Gb, found that out the hard way, as the RAM I purchased for this unit, 4Gb, would not boot. Luckily, I had some spare modules. The wireless adapter, made by AzureWave, is not certified by the Wi-Fi alliance, but claims compliance to 802.11n Draft 2.0. It works well enough. I am not sure if it is a card or a chip, as it is on the other side of the motherboard. One cannot remove the motherboard from the case, without voiding the warranty.

No-Frills, No-Gimmicks, No-Dissappointment

Archgon Sphere II MH-2231-U3 USB 3.0 2.5" External HDD Enclosure
Archgon Sphere II MH-2231-U3 USB 3.0 2.5" External HDD Enclosure

Pros: - Sturdy Enclosure - Well-Insulated Cable - USB 3.0 - Black, Anodized, Brushed Finish

Cons: - Short Cable (approx 1 US foot by my eye's guess) - Requires #1 Phillips Screwdriver - Plastic Tray Insulates HDD from Aluminum Shell

Overall Review: Pros and Cons are listed for those that might have a different opinion of what they want in an enclosure than my own. I gave this item 5 eggs because it is the ideal case for me. I like that it doesn't come apart without tools, that the cord doesn't get tangled up etc. This case is simple, no-frills, high-quality.

11/25/2014

BIOS UPDATE!!

Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11-U Intel Atom D510 NM10 Chipset 1 x 200Pin Next-Gen NVIDIA ION GPU Mini / Booksize Barebone System
Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11-U Intel Atom D510 NM10 Chipset 1 x 200Pin Next-Gen NVIDIA ION GPU Mini / Booksize Barebone System

Pros: Small, Current, Chick

Cons: No internal expansion slots

Overall Review: To the last reviewer: the problem you have described sounds like what I went through when I first powered up my unit. As it turns out, I had added a 4GB memory module, not on the list of tested 2GB modules at the time. However, before you RMA a perfectly good unit, chat with one of the live tech at Zotac. They can step you through the process to update your BIOS, which will add support for 4Gb memory modules.

Superb Task-dedicated PC

Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11-U Intel Atom D510 NM10 Chipset 1 x 200Pin Next-Gen NVIDIA ION GPU Mini / Booksize Barebone System
Zotac ZBOX HD-ID11-U Intel Atom D510 NM10 Chipset 1 x 200Pin Next-Gen NVIDIA ION GPU Mini / Booksize Barebone System

Pros: In addition to the technical specifications, which are very current, this unit features a tool-less case and a variety of mounting options. Zotac has done a very good job of peicing together some nice basic hardware, while leaving the RAM, Hard-drive and OS up to the consumer. The eSATA connector allows one to connect an external HDD, CD/DVD burner, or other equipment.

Cons: I was hoping for a mini PCI-e slot so I could hack my own hardware for it.

Overall Review: I mounted mine to the side of my main desktop computer, with a KVM switch for my monitor, keyboard and mouse. I use it for dedicated tasks that I want to isolate from my other multi-tasking.

Now Serving # 56

QNAP TS-259-PRO-US Diskless System Superior Performance NAS with iSCSI for Business
QNAP TS-259-PRO-US Diskless System Superior Performance NAS with iSCSI for Business

Pros: 2 core processor, 2 locking hot-swap drive bays, 2 eSATA, 2 Gbit network ports, print service, USB, VMware, iSCSI, Sleek interface, full-featured OS, works with Windows networking, Apple networking and Linux networking, VGA port for diagnostics, durable enclosure, compact form, etc. I probably missed something, so check out the manufacturers website, and hundreds of other reviews online.

Cons: I would have liked an all black enclosure. It doesn't make coffee. It has no way to go back in time to restore the files I lost which prompted me to buy it.

Overall Review: There are much cheaper NAS available for the casual user. I chose this NAS based on poor experience with other models. The CPU and build quality were the main reasons why I purchased this unit. The software equals the hardware in quality. I have this set up to serve files to wherever I travel via a cellular modem for my laptop. The second drive is to keep my first drive backed up. If you need are larger capacity, QNAP puts all of the same features in a family of NAS. I also keep a directory of ISO files which I mount to my netbook with daemontools Lite.