Zotac introduces desktop-class powerhouses in its R mini PC series, launches Zbox RI323 and Zbox RI531

It wasn’t very long ago that computers used to be bulky and fill rooms and halls and sell for millions of dollars. But things have dramatically changed since. Over the years, computers have become cheaper and smaller. Today, we have plenty of computers available in a miniature form-factor sporting dirt-cheap price tag. And this new category is maturing and going mainstream.

Zotac International introduces Zbox RI323 and Zbox RI531 in its new "R" line of mini PCs. Both the models come bundled with desktop-class processors and GPUs, two DDR3-1600 slots for up to 16GB of RAM, and dual gigabit ethernet ports. But more interestingly, both models also support two 2.5-inch hard drives or SSDs in a RAID 0 or RAID 1 configuration. The Zbox RI531 model additionally equips an mSATA SSD slot. Both also support non-RAID setups, letting users choose the best storage solutions for them.

If that wasn’t enticing enough, the company is also packing in a COM port, enabling the devices to "be embedded into a vast array of machinery and electronic devices and act as a controller and data transfer device," the company notes on a blog post. Other features include four USB 3.0 ports, 3-in-1 card reader, and support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options.

The Zbox RI531 houses an Intel Core i3-5010U dual-core processor clocked at 2.1GHz, whereas the Zbox RI323 model comes powered by a comparatively less-powerful dual-core Intel Celeron 2961Y processor clocked at 1.1GHz. As for the software, both the models ship without an operating system but are Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 ready. Zotac is also offering a "Plus" version of the Zbox RI531 which features 4GB of RAM and a 64GB mSATA SSD.

The company hasn’t yet announced a shipping date or the pricing information, but since the launch announcement is out, we expect more information to flow in soon.