Zotac ZBOX MI553 User manual

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M SERIES
MI553
USER’S MANUAL

ZOTAC ZBOX
1
ZOTAC ZBOX
User’s Manual
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may
be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated
into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the
purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ZOTAC.
Products and corporate names mentioned in this manual may not be registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used for identication
purposes only. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this manual are correct and
up to date. However, the manufacturer makes no guarantee regarding the accuracy of
its contents, and reserves the right to make changes without prior notice.
CAUTION:
Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type. Batteries should be
recycled where possible. Disposal of used batteries must be in accordance with local
environmental regulations.

ZOTAC ZBOX
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Table of Contents
Product specications ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
Safety information ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Setting up your system-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Care during use ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Welcome -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
Package contents -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
Getting to know your ZOTAC ZBOX ----------------------------------------------------------------------6
Front view -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
Rear view ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
Installing hardware inside the ZOTAC ZBOX ----------------------------------------------------------8
Installing a memory module-------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Removing a memory module -----------------------------------------------------------------------------10
Installing a hard disk drive --------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Installing M.2 SSD module--------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Installing Optane memory / M.2 SSD module--------------------------------------------------------14
Setting up your ZOTAC ZBOX ------------------------------------------------------------------------------15
Positioning the ZOTAC ZBOX nano-----------------------------------------------------------------------17
Mounting the ZOTAC ZBOX nano to an LCD monitor ---------------------------------------------17
Installing drivers and software -----------------------------------------------------------------------------19
Installing an operating system----------------------------------------------------------------------------19
Installing system drivers -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
Using your ZOTAC ZBOX-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
Conguring a wireless connection ----------------------------------------------------------------------20
Conguring audio output-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------21
Intel® OptaneTM technology-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------22
Enabling Intel®OptaneTM memory -----------------------------------------------------------------------22
Disabling Intel®OptaneTM memory ----------------------------------------------------------------------29

ZOTAC ZBOX
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Product specications
qMicroprocessor support
v Intel Core i5-7300HQ (dual core 2.5 GHz, up to 3.5 GHz)
qOperating systems:
v Windows 10 64-bit
qSystem Memory support
v Intel Optane memory slot
v Two 260-pin SO-DIMMs DDR4 up to 2400 Mbps (Up to 32GB)
qUSB Ports
v One USB 3.1 Type-C port, one USB 3.1 port (from SD/USB 3.1 Combo) at front panel
v Four USB 3.0 ports at rear panel
q40Gb/s ThunderboltTM 3 support
v Four lanes of PCI Express Gen3
v Four lanes of DisplayPort 1.2
v Native USB 3.1 (10Gb/s)
qOnboard Serial ATA
v SATA 6.0 Gb/s transfer rates
vSupports one 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD (max 9.5mm height)
qExpansion slot
vOne M.2 PCIe x4 / SATA III SSD slot (22/42, 22/60, 22/80), share Optane Memory Slot
vOne M.2 SATAIII SSD slot (22/42)
q Onboard Single LAN
v Supports 10/100/1000 Mbps operation, IEEE 802.3
q WiFi/Bluetooth support
v 802.11ac (dual-band), n/g/b
v Bluetooth v4.2
qOnboard Audio
v Stereo analog audio output and Microphone input
qOnboard Graphics support
v Intel HD Graphics 630
v DP1.2 (max resolution: 4096x2160 @60Hz)
v HDMI2.0 (max resolution: 3840x2160 @60Hz)
qProduct Size
v 184.6mm x 184.6mm x 71.5mm

ZOTAC ZBOX
4
Safety information
Your ZOTAC ZBOX is designed and tested to meet the latest standards of safety for information
technology equipment. However, to ensure your safety, it is important that you read the following safety
instructions.
Setting up your system
Read and follow all instructions in the documentation before operating your system.
Do not use this product near water or a heat source such as a radiator.
Set up the system on a stable surface with the provided stand. Never use the system alone
without the stand.
Openings on the chassis are for ventilation. Do not block or cover these openings. Make sure
you leave plenty of space around the system for ventilation. Never insert objects of any kind into
the ventilation openings.
Use this product in environments with ambient temperatures between 0℃and 35℃.
Care during use
Do not walk on the power cord or allow anything to rest on it.
Do not spill water or any other liquids on your system.
When the system is turned off, a small amount of electrical current still ows. Always unplug all
power, modem, and network cables from the power outlets before cleaning the system.
If you encounter the following technical problems with the product, unplug the power cord and
contact a qualied service technician or your retailer.
¾The power cord or plug is damaged.
¾Liquid has been spilled onto the system.
¾The system does not function properly even if you follow the operating instructions.
¾The system was dropped or the cabinet is damaged.

ZOTAC ZBOX
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Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the ZOTAC ZBOX. The following illustration displays the package
contents of your new ZOTAC ZBOX. If any of the below items is damaged or missing, contact your
retailer.
Package contents
• 1 x ZOTAC ZBOX
• 1 x VESA mount
• 1 x AC Adapter
• 1 x Power Cord
• 1 x Antenna
• 1 x Support DVD
• 1 x USB ash drive with OS drivers
• 1 x User Manual & Quick Start Guide
• 1 x Warranty Card

ZOTAC ZBOX
6
Getting to know your ZOTAC ZBOX
Front view
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on the front of the ZBOX.
1. Power button
The power button turns the system ON and OFF.
2. USB 3.1 Type-C port
The type-C USB 3.1 port supports the SuperSpeed USB 3.1 devices. Use this port for USB
3.1 devices for maximum performance with USB 3.1 compatible devices.
3. Power LED
The power LED is always ON when power is on.
4. Combo USB 3.1 port / Memory card slot
The Combo USB 3.1 port / Memory card slot is compatible with USB 3.1 devices or SD/SDHC/
SDXC cards used in devices like digital cameras, MP3 players, mobile phones and PDAs.
5. Microphone jack
The microphone jack is designed to connect a microphone for video conferencing, voice
narrations or simple audio recordings.
6. Headphone/Audio Out jack
The stereo headphone jack (3.5mm) is used to connect the system’s audio output signal to
amplied speakers or headphones.
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ZOTAC ZBOX
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Rear view
Refer to the diagram below to identify the components on the back of the system.
1. Power input (DC19.5V)
The supplied power adapter converts AC power to DC power for use with this power port. To
prevent damage to the mini-PC, always use the supplied power adapter.
2. Thunderbolt 3 port
The Thunderbolt 3 port is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 device such as external graphics,
DisplayPort device and USB Type-C device.
3. HDMI port
The HDMI (High Denition Multimedia Interface) port supports a UHD device such as an LCD
TV or monitor to allow viewing on a larger external display.
4. DisplayPort
DisplayPort supports both external (box-to-box) and internal (laptop LCD panel) display
connections.
5. USB 3.0 ports
The USB 3.0 port supports the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 devices. Use this port for USB 3.0
devices for maximum performance with USB 3.0 compatible devices.
6. Ethernet port
The eight-pin RJ-45 LAN port supports standard Ethernet cable for connections to local area
networks (LAN) with speeds of 10/100/1000Mbps.
7. WiFi antenna connector
The WiFi antenna connector supports the included WiFi antenna.
The power adapter may become warm to hot when in use. Do not cover the adapter and keep it away from your body.
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ZOTAC ZBOX
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Installing hardware inside the ZOTAC ZBOX
Before installing hardware, please follow the instructions below to remove the cover of your
ZOTAC ZBOX.
1. Press the two buttons to release the cover.
2. Gently remove the cover as shown below.

ZOTAC ZBOX
9
Installing a memory module
1. Locate the SO-DIMM memory slots and insert a SO-DIMM memory module into the slot
at a 45 degree angle.
Note: When installing two SO-DIMM memory modules, please insert a module into the lower slot rst.
2. Gently press down on the memory module until it locks into place by the arms of the
memory slot.
Note: This ZOTAC ZBOX accomodates two DDR4 SO-DIMM memory modules. You must install at least one module for
the system to function. PLUS models include memory pre-installed.

ZOTAC ZBOX
10
Removing a memory module
1. Locate the SO-DIMM memory slot and gently press the two arms securing the memory
module outwards, as shown in the image below, to release the memory module.
2. Remove the memory module from the slot at a 45-degree angle.

ZOTAC ZBOX
11
Installing a hard disk drive
1. Locate the 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive and the hard disk drive bracket.
2. Install the hard drive to the hard disk drive bracket.

ZOTAC ZBOX
12
3. Insert the hard drive into the slot at a 45 degree angle and gently slide into the
connector.
4. Secure the installed drive with a thumb screw.

ZOTAC ZBOX
13
Installing M.2 SSD module
1. Locate the M.2 SSD slot and insert an M.2 SSD module into the slot at a 45 degree
angle.
2. Gently press down on the M.2 SSD module, and install the screw.
*120GB M.2 SSD is pre-installed in Plus and Windows versions.

ZOTAC ZBOX
14
Installing Optane memory / M.2 SSD module
1. Insert an Optane memory / M.2 SSD module into the slot at a 45 degree angle.
2. Gently press down on the Optane memory / M.2 SSD module, and install the screw.
*You can only use either M.2 PCIe x4/SATAIII SSD or Optane Memory at a time on this slot.

ZOTAC ZBOX
15
Setting up your ZOTAC ZBOX
Please connect your peripherals before using your ZOTAC ZBOX.
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ZOTAC ZBOX
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1. Connecting to Thunderbolt 3 device
Connect Thunderbolt 3 device such as external graphics, DisplayPort device and USB Type-C
device.
2. Connecting to an HDMI display
Connect one end of an HDMI cable to an HDTV or monitor, and the other end to the HDMI
port on the system rear panel.
3. Connecting a DisplayPort display
Connect the DisplayPort connector to the DP port of the monitor or display.
4. Connecting to USB 3.0 devices
Connect USB 3.0 devices such as external hard disk drives, SSDs and ash drives to the USB
3.0 port on the system rear panel.
5. Connecting to a network
Connect one end of a network cable to the LAN port on the system rear panel and the other
end to a network router, hub or switch.
6. Connecting the WiFi antenna
Connect the WiFi antenna to the WiFi antenna connector.
7. Connecting the power adapter and turning on the ZBOX
Connect the supplied AC adapter to the DC IN jack on the system rear panel and then press
the power switch on the front panel to turn on the system.
When your ZOTAC ZBOX is not in use, unplug the power adapter or switch off the AC outlet
to conserve power.

ZOTAC ZBOX
17
Positioning the ZOTAC ZBOX
• Do not position the ZOTAC ZBOX where the ventilation holes are covered. To guarantee
proper use, leave 4 inches (10 cm) of spacing in front of the ventilation holes.
• ZOTAC ZBOX mini-PC systems provide ample connectivity in a tiny form factor, please
choose connectors and cables in appropriate sizes to avoid interference.
Mounting the ZOTAC ZBOX to an LCD monitor
You can attach your ZOTAC ZBOX to the back of a VESA75/100 compliant monitor.
1. Secure the VESA mount to the LCD monitor using 4 screws.
Disclaimer: ZOTAC cannot be held liable for damages resulting from an improper installation.
2. Align the ZOTAC ZBOX mounting holes to the VESA mount attachment pegs. Attach
the ZOTAC ZBOX to the VESA mount and gently press down to secure the ZBOX to the
mount.

ZOTAC ZBOX
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3. Connect the ZOTAC ZBOX to your LCD monitor with an HDMI/DP cable.

ZOTAC ZBOX
19
Installing drivers and software
Installing an operating system
The ZOTAC ZBOX does not ship with an operating system preinstalled. The user must install
the operating system before the ZOTAC ZBOX can be used. The following operating systems
are supported:
• Windows 10 64-bit
Follow the instructions below to install an operating system:
1. Attach external DVD drive via USB 3.0 ports.
Note: USB 3.1 Type-C ports do not support OS installation.
2. Insert disk for operating system (Windows or Linux).
3. Wait for the ZOTAC ZBOX to boot from the disk.
4. Follow the onscreen directions to install the operating system.
5. Install system drivers to gain full functionality of the ZOTAC ZBOX hardware and features.
Installing system drivers
Before you can use the full features of the ZOTAC ZBOX, the system drivers must be installed.
The following types of operating systems are supported by the ZOTAC ZBOX driver DVD and
USB ash drive:
• Windows 10 64-bit
Follow the instructions below to install the
system drivers:
1. Insert the ZOTAC ZBOX driver DVD or
driver USB ash drive. If autorun is
enabled, the driver installation main menu
will show up automatically. If autorun is
disabled, you may click the le
Launch.EXE to bring up the driver
installation main menu.
2. The following drivers are available on the
DVD and USB ash drive:
• Intel Chipset Driver