LAS VEGAS, NV — ZOTAC is preparing a small form-factor PC based on an AMD’s Ryzen processor with integrated Vega graphics. The ZOTAC ZBOX MA551 will be among the first compact computers powered by AMD’s code-named ‘Raven Ridge’ chips, and the system design should allow it support all AM4 APUs as well as a comprehensive set of connectivity features.

ZOTAC’s ZBOX MA551 will exist in at least two variants equipped with AMD’s quad-core Ryzen 3 2200G and Ryzen 5 2400G APUs with the Radeon Vega integrated graphics. The chips are rated to dissipate a maximum of 65 W of power (based on AMD’s TDP data) and ZOTAC outfits the APUs with a cooling system that features a large copper heatsink and a blower. The cooler looks like a GPU cooler, so its peak performance likely exceeds 65 W and enables ZOTAC to install APUs with a higher TDP or for better boost. So far AMD has announced only two Raven Ridge SoCs for desktops, so if the company rolls-out APUs with higher power and cooling requirements, the MA551 will be ready to house them.

ZOTAC’s ZBOX MA551 comes in a matte black metallic enclosure, with the internal architecture the mini-PC looking very simple, allowing the user to easily install key components as well as potentially upgrade them. The mini-PC can be equipped with up to 32 GB of DDR4-2400 memory using two SO-DIMMs, an M.2-2280 PCIe/SATA SSD, and a separate 2.5” storage device.

When it comes to connectivity, the ZBOX MA551 is outfitted with an 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.2 module, a gigabit Ethernet connector, four USB 3.0 Type-A headers, a USB Type-C port, three display outputs (one DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0) and an SD/microSD card reader.

Preliminary Specifications of ZOTAC's Ryzen APU-Based SFF PC MA551 CPU AMD Ryzen 3 2200G

4C/4T

3.5 - 3.7 GHz

6 MB cache

65 W TDP AMD Ryzen 5 2400G

4C/8T

3.6 - 3.9 GHz

6 MB cache

65 W TDP iGPU Radeon Vega

8 CUs

512 SPs

Up to 1100 MHz Radeon Vega

11 CUs

704 SPs

Up to 1250 MHz Memory 2 × DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM slots

up to 32 GB of memory Storage M.2 M.2 2280 slot for PCIe/SATA SSD- DFF 1 × 2.5" SSD/HDD Card Reader SD/microSD Wireless 802.11ac Wi-Fi + BT 4.2 Ethernet 1 × Gigabit Ethernet with RJ45 connector Display Outputs 1 × DisplayPort 1.2

2 × HDMI 2.0 Audio 3.5 mm audio-in

3.5 mm audio-out USB 4×USB 3.0 Type-A

1×USB 3.? Type-C PSU External OS Microsoft Windows 10 or none

ZOTAC plans to start selling its Raven Ridge-based ZBOX MA551 sometimes in the second quarter, after AMD makes such processors widely available. Pricing is yet unknown.

Related Reading