ZOTAC Introduces H55ITX-C-E SFF Motherboard With USB 3.0, Core i7 Support

ATX, ITX, so many platforms to remember! But here's something that's not hard to remember: "mini" means small, so you can rest easy knowing that ZOTAC's newest platform is meant for tiny PCs. The company has just introduced their newest Mini-ITX platform, the H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E), which adds USB 3.0 and enhanced power delivery to the fold.


This new unit is a refresh of the H55ITX-A-E, and the primary additions here are support for Intel Core i7-800 processors and a revised power delivery system that features passive heatsinks. Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International, had this to say about the new gear: "We see a trend where gamers are moving towards small form factor systems but want high-end CPUs and graphics cards. With the updated ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E, gamers can build a complete small form factor system with a high-end Intel Core i7 800 series processor and a ZOTAC GeForce GTX 400-series graphics card."


There's no doubt that small is in, even in the gaming world. SFF PCs are thriving, and those needing to build a LAN party machine would definitely give something like this consideration. The addition of two USB 3.0 ports is a huge bonus considering just how rare they are even today, and of course, putting a Core i7 CPU into the mix will also put a few benchmarks to shame. The full specifications list is below, but no pricing information is being given just yet.

ZOTAC Announces New H55-ITX WiFi Mini-ITX Platform
New ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E) adds USB 3.0 to award-winning platform

HONG KONG – Aug. 10, 2010 – ZOTAC® International, a leading innovator and the world’s largest channel manufacturer of graphics cards, mini-PCs and small form factor platforms, today announces the latest enhancements to the award-winning ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-A-E) for improved performance and added features – the new ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E). New to the ZOTAC® H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E) is enhanced power delivery and USB 3.0 technology.

     The ZOTAC® H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E) improves upon the previous H55ITX-A-E with an enhanced power delivery system that supports high-performance Intel® Core™ i7 800 series processors. The new power deliver system features passive heatsinks to maintain optimal operating temperatures for improved long-term reliability for the motherboard and demanding installed components.

    “We see a trend where gamers are moving towards small form factor systems but want high-end CPUs and graphics cards. With the updated ZOTAC® H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E, gamers can build a complete small form factor system with a high-end Intel® Core™ i7 800 series processor and a ZOTAC® GeForce® GTX 400-series graphics card,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.

    Two USB 3.0 ports enable the ZOTAC® H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E) to support the latest SuperSpeed USB devices. USB 3.0 is capable of speeds up to 5 Gbps for 10x the performance of USB 2.0 for external expansion that matches the performance of internal devices.

    The ZOTAC® H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E) supports Intel® Core™ processors with Intel® HD graphics for a premium integrated graphics experience complete with DirectX 10 support, high-definition video decode and advanced audio output capabilities. Intel® TurboBoost technology is supported by the

ZOTAC® H55-ITX WiFi (H55-C-E) for maximum performance when paired with Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 (800 series) processors.
    It’s time to play with the ZOTAC® H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E).

General details
•   New ZOTAC H55-ITX WiFi (H55ITX-C-E)
•   Intel® H55 Express chipset
•   Intel® Core™ i3, Core™ i5, Core™ i7 ready
•   Intel® Core™ Processors with Intel® HD Graphics ready
•   LGA1156 socket
•   Intel® QuickPath bus
•   PCI Express 2.0 x16 expansion
•   USB 3.0 technology
•   HDMI & DVI outputs (HDCP compliant)
•   6 SATA 3.0 Gb/s + 1 eSATA
•   Gigabit Ethernet
•   Onboard 802.11n WiFi (300Mb/s)
•   Mini-ITX form factor