Zotac’s ZBOX nano VD01 measures 127 × 127 × 45 mm (5 × 5 × 1.77 inches), making its “palm-sized” description concrete. This 2011-era mini PC pairs a dual-core VIA Nano processor with HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0, eSATA and other connections. The barebones model needs memory and storage added; the VD01 Plus configuration included both.
Does the ZBOX nano VD01 fit in your hand?
The VD01’s manufacturer-listed dimensions are 127 mm long × 127 mm wide × 45 mm deep. That is a square footprint of about 5 × 5 inches and a height of 1.77 inches. Those measurements explain Zotac’s “palm-sized” positioning, but they do not mean it will fit every person’s hand. Zotac’s 2011-era specification sheet lists no weight. Zotac VD01 specification sheet, version 1.5.
What hardware is inside?
The VD01 uses a 1.2 GHz dual-core VIA Nano X2 U4025 processor, a VIA VX900H chipset and VIA Chrome9 graphics. These are specifications for a product introduced in 2011, not an indication of how it performs with present-day software.
Zotac promoted the system’s video capabilities, saying it offered “enhanced video playback capabilities that accelerates streaming Internet video and high-definition Blu-ray decoding.” That is a historical manufacturer claim, not independent proof of current streaming compatibility or support from today’s operating systems and services. Zotac VD01 product page.
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- Intel Processor N100 (quad-core 0.8GHz, up to 3.4GHz)
- Triple Display ready, 4K Ready @ 60 Hz, 2 x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, DP-via-USB-C
- WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Dual Gigabit LAN
- 4 x USB 3.2 (1 Type-C), 1 x 2.5-inch HDD/SSD bay, 1 x M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x1/SATA SSD slot
- Fanless, Passive / Silent Cooling. VESA Mount compatible
What do the barebones and Plus versions include?
The VD01 name covers configurations with an important difference: the standard barebones model and the VD01 Plus. Zotac’s product pages specify memory and storage for the Plus, but describe the standard VD01 with a memory slot and drive bay for user configuration.
| Configuration | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| VD01 barebones | Not included in Zotac’s listed barebones configuration; install separately. | Not included in Zotac’s listed barebones configuration; install separately. |
| VD01 Plus | 2 GB DDR3-1066 | 320 GB hard drive |
The Plus components are listed on Zotac’s VD01 Plus product page. Period technical coverage also describes the Plus configuration; see Tom’s Hardware’s specifications overview.
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What memory and storage can it take?
Zotac’s specification sheet documents one 204-pin DDR3-1066 SO-DIMM slot, supporting up to 4 GB, and one 2.5-inch SATA drive bay for a drive up to 9.5 mm high. The interface is specified as SATA 3.0 Gb/s. Before buying parts for a used barebones unit, verify the exact model and the condition of its slot, bay and included accessories; these historical specifications are not a guarantee that a particular secondhand unit is complete or functional. Zotac VD01 specification sheet.
Which displays and peripherals can it connect?
The documented display outputs are HDMI and DisplayPort, with support for two simultaneous displays. Zotac specifies HDMI output for 1080p with two-channel audio. The remaining connections and wireless standards listed for the model are:
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Rank #3
- Intel Celeron N5100 Processor (quad-core 1.1GHz, up to 2.8GHz)
- Intel UHD Graphics; Fanless, Silent Cooling. VESA Mount compatible
- Triple Display ready, 4K Ready @ 60 Hz, HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.2, VGA
- WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Dual Gigabit LAN
- 2x USB 3.1, 2x USB 3.0 (1 x Type-C), 1 x USB 2.0
- Two USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet and eSATA
- A 6-in-1 card reader for MMC, SD, SDHC, MS, MS Pro and xD cards
- Headphone/audio-out and microphone jacks
- 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0
These are manufacturer specifications from the product’s era, not a current compatibility guarantee. If evaluating a used unit, match its actual ports and condition to the display, network and peripherals you intend to use. Zotac VD01 specification sheet.
What came in the original box?
Zotac’s specification sheet lists the original package contents as the ZBOX unit, power brick and cable, VESA monitor mount with screws, MCE-compatible remote with two CR2032 batteries, USB infrared receiver and Wi-Fi antenna. A used system may not include all of these items, so check the listing or seller’s inventory rather than assuming the original bundle is intact.
Rank #4
What is the VD01’s historical context?
Engadget covered the launch on October 7, 2011, describing the VD01 series as palm-sized and noting the Plus option’s 320 GB storage and 2 GB of RAM. That launch coverage dates the product; it does not establish current retail availability. Engadget’s 2011 launch report.
Current stock, pricing, operating-system support and suitability for modern applications are not established by the manufacturer’s historical specification material or launch coverage. Treat the VD01 as a legacy mini PC whose documented hardware and connections can be compared with a specific need, rather than relying on its original media-playback positioning as a present-day recommendation.
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