ZOTAC announces an ION platform with the processing power of Intel consumer low-voltage, or CULV, processors for new platforms with superior performance capabilities while maintaining class-leading energy-efficiency. The new ZOTAC ION platforms powered by Intel CULV processors include the new ZBOX HD-ND22, HD-NS21 mini-PCs, ION-ITX N series and ION-ITX P series mini-ITX platforms.

An Intel Celeron SU2300 processor powers the ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ND22 and ION-ITX P series with dual-cores clocked at 1.3 GHz for multi-threaded processing power that delivers unprecedented performance levels in an energy-efficient mini-PC for demanding users. A Single-core Intel Celeron 743 processor powers ZOTAC ZBOX HD-NS21 and ION-ITX N series platforms for outstanding single-threaded CPU performance.

“Intel CULV processors have previously been exclusive to ultra-portable notebooks, but not anymore. We’ve taken the award-winning Intel CULV processors and paired them with our award-winning ION platforms to produce the world’s first mini-PCs and mini-ITX platforms that combine the power of Intel CULV processors with NVIDIA ION graphics processing for the perfect combination of CPU and GPU performance with superior energy-efficiency,” said Carsten Berger, marketing director, ZOTAC International.

NVIDIA ION graphics empower the Intel CULV-powered ZOTAC ZBOX and ION-ITX platforms with outstanding 3D capabilities and support for Microsoft DirectX 10, DirectCompute and NVIDIA CUDA-enabled applications for energy-efficient GPU computing. NVIDIA PureVideo HD technology delivers flawless GPU-accelerated high-definition video playback with breathtaking clarity and details.

ZOTAC ZBOX HD-ND22 and HD-NS21 mini-PCs with Intel CULV processors feature class-leading flexibility with an easily customizable tool-less chassis and room to accommodate a 2.5-inch SATA 3.0 Gb/s HDD or SSD, two DDR3 SO-DIMM memory slots, integrated 802.11n WiFi and four different placement positions – flat, on a stand, on the back of a monitor or on a wall with the included VESA75/100-compatible mount. External expansion options include plenty of USB 2.0 ports, a 6-in-1 memory card reader that supports SD, SDHC, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and xD memory card formats, and an eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port for plug ‘n play expansion.

ZOTAC ION-ITX O and P series are world-class platforms that combine the miniature size of mini-ITX with big-system expansion capabilities including a PCI Express x16 slot, two DDR3-1066 DIMM slots, three SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports, up to 10 USB 2.0 ports and an eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port. Onboard 802.11n WiFi and Gigabit Ethernet port enables lightning-fast network transfers for stutter-free high-definition video streaming.

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Q3 will be a good quarter for Intel fans. In addition to Lynnfield Intel should release new Celerons (the SU2300 and 743) for ultrathin laptops. This will be in conjunction with the release of the Core 2 Extreme XE 2GHz, Core 2 Quad P2 1.73GHz and Core 2 Quad P1 1.6GHz. The last there are all Clarksfield CPUs.

The Clarksfield parts should launch more toward the Q3 to Q4 crossover date while the Celerons will hit near the end of September.

Desktop CPUs (as we have mentioned) will get the P55 and Lynnfield in early September (around the 10th). Server CPUs will get a nice improvement with a whole new range of Xeon CPUs coming out.

There was no word on when the new Xeons will be released but they should be out sometime in Q3. Intel is not commenting on the new information that has been leaked.

In a move that I would say is not unexpected Acer is looking to scale back some of its Atom based netbooks in favor of the CULV CPU bases light and thin notebooks.

This new market is going that is emerging should help to define the mobile categories a little better than they currently are.

Acer will affect this move in June cutting some models back by as much as 50%

CULV-based products seem to offer higher margins, and high inventory levels of netbooks in Europe are another reason behind the decision. Acer is currently the top netbook vendor, with a 30 percent global market share.

According to Digitimes, Acer will start reducing netbook orders in June, and orders of some models will see a drop of more than 50 percent.

Acer has recently introduced the Timeline series of CULV-based notebooks in several form factors, and they are already on sale in some Asian markets.