ZOTAC ZBOX Fanless Quad-Core Barebone Mini PC Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The zotac zbox c series ci320 nano mini PC alternatives list explores similar compact, fanless units. This original device uses an Intel Celeron N2930 processor and passive cooling. It measures 5 by 5 by 1.8 inches. The barebone design requires you to add your own RAM and storage. It suits users who need silent operation for low-power projects. It lacks modern networking speeds and discrete graphics options.
You might want something else if you need faster processing or more network ports. The alternatives here share key traits like fanless designs and Intel Celeron chips. They overlap with the original in form factor and quiet operation. Some options offer four gigabit or 2.5G LAN ports for firewall builds. Others include discrete graphics for multi-display setups. This list compares 6 picks that fit specific needs better than the base model.
Our top pick: ZOTAC ZBOX Fanless Quad-Core Barebone Mini PC.
How These Picks Differ
Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC
The Protectli Vault FW4B is smaller than the ZOTAC ZBOX, measuring 4.3 by 4.5 by 1.5 inches. It weighs less at 1.25 pounds. This unit targets firewall builds with four network ports. The ZOTAC model has only one Gigabit Ethernet jack. Both use Intel Celeron processors and passive cooling. You must install your own RAM and storage for either. The Protectli gives you more connectivity for networking tasks. The ZOTAC offers a larger chassis for potential storage expansion. Choose the Protectli if port count is your priority. Pick the ZOTAC for a more general-purpose compact system.
Shuttle XPC Slim Celeron GTX 1050 Mini PC
The Shuttle DH02U is larger than the ZOTAC ZBOX, measuring 6.5 by 7.87 by 1.56 inches. It includes a discrete NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card. The ZOTAC relies on integrated Intel HD Graphics. Both are barebone units requiring separate RAM and SSD installation. The Shuttle supports multiple displays with its dedicated GPU. The ZOTAC is better for silent, low-power tasks without heavy graphics. You get better video output flexibility with the Shuttle. The ZOTAC remains more compact and energy-efficient. Select the Shuttle for media centers or light gaming. Choose the ZOTAC for quiet operation and basic computing needs.
UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Barebone Firewall Mini PC
The UDPTCP BK-N5105-4L uses a newer Intel Celeron N5105 processor. It offers four 2.5 Gigabit LAN ports. The ZOTAC ZBOX has only one Gigabit Ethernet port. Both are fanless and barebone, needing your own memory and storage. The UDPTCP provides significantly faster networking speeds. The ZOTAC is suitable for standard internet use. The UDPTCP is built for high-performance network appliances. The ZOTAC is simpler for general desktop tasks. Pick the UDPTCP if you need multi-gigabit throughput. Choose the ZOTAC for a basic, quiet home office setup.
Wintertion Celeron N2940 Firewall Mini PC
The Wintertion R004 features four gigabit LAN ports. The ZOTAC ZBOX has only one Ethernet jack. Both use Intel Celeron processors and fanless cooling. Both require you to install RAM and storage separately. The Wintertion is designed for four-port router or firewall builds. The ZOTAC is more versatile for general use. The Wintertion offers more network interfaces for dedicated appliances. The ZOTAC is better for standard computing tasks. Choose the Wintertion for network-centric projects. Pick the ZOTAC for a simple, quiet desktop or media box.
HKUXZR J5005 4x 2.5GbE Fanless Mini PC
The HKUXZR BK-J5005-4L includes four 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. The ZOTAC ZBOX has a single Gigabit port. The HKUXZR uses an Intel Celeron J5005 processor. The ZOTAC uses an older Celeron N2930. Both are fanless barebone units needing separate RAM and SSD. The HKUXZR provides faster networking and newer processing power. The ZOTAC is smaller at 5 by 5 inches. The HKUXZR is slightly larger at 4.88 by 5.28 inches. Choose the HKUXZR for high-speed network appliances. Pick the ZOTAC for a compact, quiet general-purpose mini PC.
GMKtec Mini PC Intel Celeron
The GMKtec G5S comes with 8GB RAM and a 128GB SSD. The ZOTAC ZBOX is a barebone unit with no memory or storage. The GMKtec uses an Intel Celeron N5095 processor. The ZOTAC uses an older Celeron N2930. Both are fanless and compact. The GMKtec is ready to use out of the box. The ZOTAC requires you to buy and install components. The GMKtec offers better performance for office tasks. The ZOTAC allows you to choose your own hardware. Pick the GMKtec for immediate usability. Choose the ZOTAC for custom builds and maximum flexibility.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
ZOTAC ZBOX Fanless Quad-Core Barebone Mini PC
Best for: silent, low-power dedicated hardware projects
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N2930
- Installed RAM
- Barebone
- Storage Capacity
- Barebone
- Memory Type
- DDR3L-1333
- Graphics
- Intel HD Graphics
- Dimensions
- 5 × 5 × 1.8 inches
View on Amazon: ZOTAC ZBOX Fanless Quad-Core Barebone Mini PC Affiliate link
This ZOTAC ZBOX C series CI320 Nano is a fanless mini PC built around the Intel Celeron N2930 quad-core processor. It offers passive cooling for silent operation and supports up to 8GB of DDR3L memory. The unit includes dual video outputs and Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity. It is designed for users who need a compact, quiet system for basic tasks or specialized hardware integration.
Pros
- Intel Celeron N2930 quad-core processor
- Fanless passive cooling design
- Supports up to 8GB DDR3L memory
- Dual video outputs (DisplayPort and HDMI)
Cons
- Older Intel Celeron N2930 processor
- Barebone configuration requires separate RAM and storage
- Limited to 10/100/1000 Ethernet connectivity
Good fit if
- You need a completely silent computing environment
- You are building a dedicated media or network device
- You require a small form factor with VESA mounting options
Skip if
- You need high-performance gaming or video editing
- You require 2.5GbE or faster wired networking
- You want a complete system with pre-installed OS and storage
Verdict: ZOTAC ZBOX C Series CI320 Nano Mini PC is a specialized, silent barebone unit for low-power applications. It suits users who value quiet operation and compact size over modern processing speed or networking bandwidth.
Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC
Best for: multi-port network security appliances
- Processor
- Intel Celeron J3160
- Installed RAM
- Barebone
- Storage Capacity
- Barebone
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x Intel Gigabit Ethernet
- Use
- Firewall
- Dimensions
- 4.5 × 4.3 × 1.5 inches
View on Amazon: Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC Affiliate link
The Protectli Vault FW4B is a fanless, silent barebone mini PC designed for network security. It features an Intel Celeron J3160 quad-core processor running up to 2.2GHz with AES-NI support. You get four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB 3.0 ports, and dual HDMI outputs. This compact unit requires you to install your own RAM and storage, offering maximum customizability for firewall applications.
Pros
- Four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports for robust networking
- Fanless design ensures silent operation
- Intel Celeron J3160 with AES-NI hardware support
- Compact 4.3 by 4.5 inch footprint
Cons
- No RAM or SSD included in the barebone package
- Older Celeron J3160 processor limits performance
- Requires separate purchase and installation of coreboot BIOS
Good fit if
- You need a dedicated firewall appliance with multiple LAN ports
- You prefer silent, fanless operation for home or office use
- You want to customize your own RAM and storage configuration
Skip if
- You need a pre-installed operating system ready to run
- You require high-performance computing for heavy workloads
- You want a single unit with all components included
Verdict: Protectli Vault FW4B Fanless Mini PC is ideal for users building a dedicated, silent firewall solution who are comfortable installing their own memory and storage. It suits those prioritizing network port count over raw processing power.
Shuttle XPC Slim Celeron GTX 1050 Mini PC
Best for: multi-display setups with discrete graphics
- Processor
- Intel Celeron 3865U
- Installed RAM
- Barebone
- Storage Capacity
- Barebone
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Ethernet Ports
- 1x Intel Gigabit LAN
View on Amazon: Shuttle XPC Slim Celeron GTX 1050 Mini PC Affiliate link
The Shuttle DH02U is a barebone mini PC powered by an Intel Celeron 3865U processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics. It supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and features four HDMI 2.0 outputs for multi-display setups. This unit includes a 2.5-inch storage bay and M.2 slot but requires you to add memory, storage, and an operating system. It is designed for users who need discrete graphics in a compact form factor.
Pros
- Intel Celeron 3865U processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics
- Four HDMI 2.0 video outputs
- Supports up to 32GB DDR4 RAM
- Includes 2.5-inch HDD/SSD bay and M.2 slot
Cons
- Single Intel Gigabit LAN port
- No included RAM, storage, or operating system
- Barebone configuration requires separate component purchases
Good fit if
- You need discrete graphics for light gaming or video editing
- You require four independent 4K displays
- You want to customize your RAM and storage capacity
Skip if
- You need more than one Ethernet port
- You want a pre-built system with an OS installed
- You require Wi-Fi connectivity
Verdict: Shuttle DH02U Mini PC with GTX 1050 suits users who need multiple video outputs and discrete graphics in a small chassis. It is a solid choice for custom builds requiring specific hardware configurations.
UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Barebone Firewall Mini PC
Best for: networking enthusiasts needing multiple 2.5G ports
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105
- Installed RAM
- Barebone
- Storage Capacity
- Barebone
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- Graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Barebone Firewall Mini PC Affiliate link
This barebone mini PC uses an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor for firewall and router tasks. It features four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE LAN ports for high-speed networking. The aluminum chassis supports passive cooling for silent operation. You get dual DDR4 RAM slots and storage options via M.2 NVMe or 2.5-inch SATA. It is ideal for running pfSense, OPNsense, or ESXi in a compact, industrial-grade form factor.
Pros
- Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor up to 2.90 GHz
- Four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE LAN ports
- Dual DDR4 RAM slots supporting up to 16GB
- 1x M.2 NVMe and 1x 2.5-inch SATA storage slots
- Supports AES-NI hardware encryption and dual 4K displays
Cons
- Sold as a barebone unit with no RAM or SSD included
- Lacks built-in Wi-Fi, requiring an add-on module
- Limited to dual display outputs via HDMI and DP
Good fit if
- You need four 2.5GbE ports for a robust home lab
- You prefer silent operation with aluminum passive cooling
- You want to install pfSense, OPNsense, or ESXi
Skip if
- You need a pre-configured system with RAM and storage
- You require built-in wireless connectivity without extra modules
- You need more than two simultaneous display outputs
Verdict: UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Firewall Mini PC is a solid choice for users building a high-performance network appliance with multiple 2.5G ports. It fits those who value silent, industrial-grade hardware for virtualization or firewall duties.
Wintertion Celeron N2940 Firewall Mini PC
Best for: four-port gigabit firewall or router builds
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N2940
- Installed RAM
- Barebone
- Storage Capacity
- Barebone
- Ethernet Ports
- 4 x I210 1GbE
- Operating System
- No OS (Barebone)
- Use
- Firewall
View on Amazon: Wintertion Celeron N2940 Firewall Mini PC Affiliate link
This fanless mini PC uses an Intel Celeron N2940 processor for network tasks. It features four Intel I210 1GbE LAN ports, making it suitable for firewall or router roles. The unit includes a Mini PCIe slot and SIM slot for wireless expansion. You can install your own RAM and storage to complete the setup. The compact aluminum chassis supports quiet operation in small offices.
Pros
- Intel Celeron N2940 quad-core processor
- Four Intel I210 1GbE LAN ports
- Mini PCIe and SIM card slots for expansion
- Fanless aluminum design for silent operation
Cons
- Celeron N2940 is an older quad-core chip
- Requires separate purchase of RAM and storage
- Limited to 1GbE speeds instead of 2.5GbE
Good fit if
- You need four dedicated gigabit Ethernet ports
- You want to build a custom firewall or router
- You prefer silent operation without fans
Skip if
- You require 2.5GbE network connectivity
- You need a modern high-performance processor
- You want a pre-installed operating system
Verdict: Wintertion Celeron N2940 Firewall Mini PC fits users who need four gigabit LAN ports for a dedicated network appliance. It suits those willing to install their own memory and storage for a quiet, fanless setup.
HKUXZR J5005 4x 2.5GbE Fanless Mini PC
Best for: firewall and VPN setups requiring multiple 2.5G ports
- Processor
- Celeron J5005
- Installed RAM
- Barebone
- Storage Capacity
- Barebone
- Graphics
- UHD graphics
- Ethernet Ports
- 4x 2.5GbE
- Operating System
- No OS (Barebone)
View on Amazon: HKUXZR J5005 4x 2.5GbE Fanless Mini PC Affiliate link
The HKUXZR BK-J5005-4L is a fanless barebone mini PC built for networking tasks. It uses an Intel Celeron J5005 quad-core processor and includes four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE LAN ports. You can add up to 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 2.5-inch SATA drive. This compact unit suits firewall or VPN roles where quiet operation and multiple high-speed network interfaces are required.
Pros
- Four Intel i226-V 2.5GbE LAN ports
- Fanless Celeron J5005 processor for silent operation
- Supports up to 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Expandable via 2.5-inch SATA storage
Cons
- Sold as a barebone system with no RAM or storage
- Limited to 8GB maximum memory capacity
- Quad-core Celeron offers modest processing power
Good fit if
- You need four 2.5G network ports for a firewall setup
- You require a completely silent fanless design
- You want to install your own RAM and SSD
Skip if
- You need a pre-installed operating system
- You require more than 8GB of RAM
- You need a high-performance processor for heavy computing
Verdict: The HKUXZR Fanless Mini PC with 4 2.5GbE Ports is a solid choice for users building a quiet, multi-port network appliance who are willing to install their own memory and storage.
GMKtec Mini PC Intel Celeron
Best for: Compact office setups and dual-screen productivity
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5095
- Installed RAM
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 128GB
- Memory Type
- LPDDR4 2400MT/s
- Graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics
- Ethernet Ports
- Gigabit Ethernet
View on Amazon: GMKtec Mini PC Intel Celeron Affiliate link
The GMKtec G5S is a palm-sized mini PC powered by an Intel Celeron N5095 processor with 8GB of LPDDR4 memory. It includes a 128GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD and supports dual 4K displays via HDMI 2.0. This compact unit features WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity. It suits users needing a quiet, low-power device for office work, study, or light entertainment in tight spaces.
Pros
- Intel Celeron N5095 quad-core processor up to 2.9GHz
- 8GB LPDDR4 2400MT/s onboard memory
- 128GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD storage
- Dual HDMI 2.0 ports supporting 4K@60Hz output
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
Cons
- Limited 128GB storage capacity
- Non-upgradeable onboard LPDDR4 memory
- Single copper pipe fan cooling design
Good fit if
- You need a compact PC for basic office tasks or study
- You require dual monitor support for productivity
- You want a quiet device for a home or library setting
Skip if
- You need high-performance gaming or heavy video editing
- You require more than 8GB of RAM
- You need a large internal storage capacity beyond 128GB
Verdict: GMKtec G5S Mini PC 8GB 128GB SSD offers a compact, quiet solution for users needing basic computing power and dual displays. It fits well in small spaces for office or educational use, but lacks the RAM and storage for demanding workflows.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ZOTAC ZBOX Fanless Quad-Core Barebone Mini PC | Protectli Vault 4-Port Fanless Mini PC | Shuttle XPC Slim Celeron GTX 1050 Mini PC | UDPTCP Celeron N5105 Barebone Firewall Mini PC | Wintertion Celeron N2940 Firewall Mini PC | HKUXZR J5005 4x 2.5GbE Fanless Mini PC | GMKtec Mini PC Intel Celeron |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Celeron N2930 | Intel Celeron J3160 | Intel Celeron 3865U | Intel Celeron N5105 | Intel Celeron N2940 | Celeron J5005 | Intel Celeron N5095 |
| Installed RAM | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | 8GB |
| Storage Capacity | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | 128GB |
| Memory Type | DDR3L-1333 | not specified | DDR4 | DDR4 | not specified | not specified | LPDDR4 2400MT/s |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics | not specified | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 | Intel UHD Graphics | not specified | UHD graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Ethernet Ports | not specified | 4x Intel Gigabit Ethernet | 1x Intel Gigabit LAN | 4x 2.5GbE | 4 x I210 1GbE | 4x 2.5GbE | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Operating System | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | No OS (Barebone) | No OS (Barebone) | not specified |
| Use | not specified | Firewall | not specified | Firewall | Firewall | Firewall | Home, Office |
| Networking | not specified | not specified | not specified | 2.5G LAN | not specified | 2.5G LAN | WiFi 6 |
| Form Factor | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | Barebone | not specified |
| Dimensions | 5 × 5 × 1.8 inches | 4.5 × 4.3 × 1.5 inches | 7.87 × 6.5 × 1.56 inches | not specified | not specified | 5.28 × 4.88 × 1.69 inches | 6 × 4.5 × 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.85 pounds | 1.25 pounds | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Size | Intel N2930 Quad Core | NO RAM, NO SSD | not specified | NO RAM NO SSD | not specified | NO RAM NO SSD | G5S i-N5095 8GB+128GB |
| Color | Black | Black | not specified | Black | not specified | Black | G5S N5095 8+128 |
| Model | ZBOX-CI320NANO-U | . | DH02U | BK-N5105-4L | R004 | BK-J5005-4L | G5S |
Frequently asked questions
Does the ZOTAC ZBOX C Series CI320 Nano come with RAM and storage installed?
No, it is a barebone unit. You must purchase and install your own memory and storage drives. This design allows you to customize the specifications to fit your specific project needs while keeping the system compact and silent.
What processor is used in the ZOTAC ZBOX CI320 Nano?
It uses an Intel Celeron N2930 quad-core processor. This chip is designed for low-power, fanless operation. It provides sufficient performance for basic tasks and dedicated hardware projects where quiet operation is more important than high-speed computing.
How does the Protectli Vault compare to the ZOTAC ZBOX in size?
The Protectli Vault is smaller and lighter. It measures 4.3 by 4.5 by 1.5 inches and weighs 1.25 pounds. The ZOTAC model is larger at 5 by 5 by 1.8 inches and weighs 1.85 pounds. The Protectli offers a more compact footprint for tight spaces.
Which alternative is best for multi-display setups with discrete graphics?
The Shuttle DH02U is the best choice for this need. It includes a GTX 1050 discrete graphics card. This allows you to connect multiple displays with better performance than the integrated graphics found in the other fanless options on this list.
Can I use these barebone units for firewall projects?
Yes, several options are ideal for firewalls. The Protectli Vault, UDPTCP, Wintertion, and HKUXZR models are all suited for this use. They offer multiple network ports and silent operation. You will need to install your own RAM and SSD to complete the build.
Does the GMKtec Mini PC include storage in the box?
Yes, it includes an 128GB SSD. It also comes with 8GB of RAM. This makes it a ready-to-use option for basic office tasks or dual-screen productivity, unlike the other barebone units that require you to buy components separately.
Which model offers the fastest network ports for networking enthusiasts?
The UDPTCP and HKUXZR models offer the fastest ports. Both feature four 2.5G LAN connections. This provides higher bandwidth than the standard Gigabit Ethernet found in the ZOTAC and Protectli units, making them better for high-speed data transfer and virtualization.