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Hardware questions re a Zotac Atom D525 1.83GHz Mini-PC (ZBOX-ID41-U).

post #1 of 6
8/16/12 at 1:38pm
Thread Starter 
Hi All - I am a Noob and need help with some basics for my Zotac Atom D525 1.83GHz Mini-PC (ZBOX-ID41-U) barebones unit no Ram or SSD installed. I want to use the unit to net surf & watch some stuff off Netflix etc.

Is there a basic Noob guide for the below questions? If so, I apologize for posting a repeat topic.

What type and how much DDR do I go with?

Do I need to install a SSD? Can I load an O/S without a SSD (i think not but not sure) or do I boot from an USB flash/thumb drive using the O/S of my choice? I would probably go with Linux. Are there limitations from booting from a USB flash/thumb drive?

Do I need a media program that will enable growth for other options as I become more familiar with the system?

Also I need to load drivers etc but not sure how to go the best route. I dont have an external CD drive other than on my Laptop. Can I config' laptop and the ID41 to get the drivers loaded?Can I load drivers via a flash/thumb drive?

Sorry for the basic questions but this is a new hobby for me and its going to be a steep learning curve for the next little while.

Appreciate any guidance I get.

Fueler67
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post #2 of 6
8/17/12 at 6:19pm
You can probably go linux with just a flash drive. Have you tried one of the XBMC linux version?

If you are not familiar with PC's or building your own then why are you wanting to use linux? If you choose the Windows route you need a hard drive, whether it is an SSD or spinning disk and drivers for the hardware.

And yes, you need a media program to play your audio and video files. Where are your files stored?
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post #3 of 6
8/17/12 at 6:20pm
For got to add, the Atom is a really crappy HTPC platform. It sucks for use in cellphones.
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post #4 of 6
8/18/12 at 10:06am
For memory, etc. start here: http://www.zotac.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=100144&lang=en. It has the specs, etc.

For XBMC, the ID41 is an ION2 machine. Look into the OpenELEC ION build: http://openelec.tv/. There is lots of information there.

Also here: http://forum.xbmc.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=112

You're not going to get any ION love here.
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post #5 of 6
8/18/12 at 10:52am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the replies guys- I figured Linux was the way to go because of its availability and its free. I guess I have learned so far the ION's are not loved by everyone! I bought the unit at a really good price, I got 4GBs DDR3 for peanuts - $16(new in box). So far I am ahead of the game $$ wise so I will give it a try and see what happens. I am not sure what you mean by saying the "cellphone" thing, please explain so I have one more piece of information.

I really appreciate you taking the time to reply, thank you

F67
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post #6 of 6
8/18/12 at 12:37pm
Posted this on your original thread. Re-posting here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fueler67 View Post

I want to use the unit to net surf & watch some stuff off Netflix etc. Nothing heavy duty.

Lol, Netflix is heavy duty. Since it can't use hardware acceleration properly, Netflix 720p is even harder on the CPU than decoding Blu-ray 1080p.

Quote:
Originally Posted by fueler67 View Post

Do I need to install a SSD? Can I load an O/S without a SSD (i think not but not sure) or do I boot from an USB flash/thumb drive using the O/S of my choice? I would probably go with Linux. Are there limitations from booting from a USB flash/thumb drive?

You don't need to install an SSD. A 2.5" notebook HDD would work fine. With how inexpensive SSDs are nowadays and with continued high prices of HDDs, I'd probably install an SSD, though. Should be able to withstand heat much better than the laptop HDD. I've bought a laptop every year mostly because the HDD fails after a year's use. Sure I can just replace the HDD itself but it's as good an excuse as any to upgrade to a faster system. tongue.gif

As for OS of choice, if you want Netflix you need Windows. For me, it's not worth the hackery involved to get Windows proper to boot from a USB flash drive. Hmm, maybe Windows 8 might allow it but it's definitely a headache for earlier versions.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › Home Theater Computers › Hardware questions re a Zotac Atom D525 1.83GHz Mini-PC (ZBOX-ID41-U).