Zotac ZBOX MAGNUS EN970 - Best Compact Gaming Desktop?
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Promos
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The Zotac ZBOX MAGNUS EN970 is presented as a middle ground between bulky gaming desktops and tiny form factor PCs. The host notes its dimensions are compact, yet large enough to house a desktop class GPU, aiming to avoid the heat and throttling concerns common with extremely small builds. The review details the EN970’s core hardware: an Intel Core i5 5200U at 2.2 GHz with a turbo up to 2.7 GHz, and a desktop class Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 with 3 GB of GDDR5, paired with no included storage, RAM, or operating system. The chassis provides two 2.5-inch SATA bays and an M.2 slot, with RAM support up to 16 GB officially, though the reviewer demonstrates that 32 GB can be fitted using high-density modules. The exterior design is described as unobtrusive and versatile for desktop or living room setups, featuring HDMI 2.0 outputs, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and a 180 W power brick, with four HDMI outputs available at the back for versatile connectivity. Performance testing across several games at 1080p shows solid frames with a cooling system that keeps the GTX 960 at a stable clock around 1038 MHz, and the i5 staying around 70 C on load, while power draw remains modest. The reviewer concludes that the EN970 delivers a capable 1080p gaming experience in a compact, quiet, and reasonably priced package, albeit with a premium price tag for a barebones system. The video ends with a brief promotional note about Loot Crate, underscoring the sponsorship while hinting at future head-to-head system comparisons built from a single compact box.
Topics · computer hardware · gaming hardware · compact form factor · hardware reviews
Questions answered
- What are the key specs of the Zotac ZBOX MAGNUS EN970?
- The EN970 packs an Intel Core i5 5200U at 2.2 GHz (turbo up to 2.7 GHz) and a desktop-class Nvidia GTX 960 with 3 GB GDDR5. It is sold as a barebones kit with no storage, RAM, or OS included, but includes two 2.5-inch SATA bays and an M.2 slot, with official RAM support up to 16 GB (demonstrated with 32 GB in the video).
- Is the EN970 suitable for 1080p gaming?
- Yes, the reviewer tested Crisis 3, Tomb Raider, and The Witcher 3 at 1080p with respectable frame rates, and the GTX 960 maintained a stable clock while the system stayed cool and quiet.
- What is the value proposition and is it worth the price?
- The video argues that the EN970 offers solid 1080p performance in a very compact form factor with good cooling and acoustics, but the $800 price for a barebones unit is hard to justify compared to building a more capable desktop in the same budget, depending on how much you value size and aesthetics.