ZOTAC has quietly launched its new SOLID CORE graphics card design, with four models based on NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 50-series architecture appearing on the company’s website last week. Unlike previous high-profile releases, the Hong Kong-based brand did not issue an official press release, leaving keen-eyed enthusiasts to uncover the updates independently. While the exterior remains largely unchanged, subtle design refinements set these new models apart.
A Slimmer Approach to Cooling
ZOTAC’s existing SOLID series cards were known for their robust, triple-fan cooling solutions with a hefty 3.5-slot footprint. The newly introduced SOLID CORE models refine this approach, featuring a 2.5-slot design (56 mm / 2.2 inches), making them slightly more compact without sacrificing cooling performance. However, despite the slimmer body, the I/O bracket still takes up three PCIe slot spaces, meaning case compatibility remains largely unchanged from its predecessor.
This design change marks a notable reduction from the original SOLID cards, which measured 68 mm (2.7 inches) in height. The adjustment is aimed at offering better compatibility with mid-tower and airflow-focused PC builds while maintaining the cooling efficiency expected from high-performance GPUs.
Specifications & Features
The new SOLID CORE lineup includes the GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti, available in both standard and factory-overclocked (OC) variants. These models continue to feature ZOTAC’s IceStorm 3.0 Advanced Cooling, which integrates a vapor chamber for enhanced heat dissipation. Other familiar features include:
- BladeLink Fans – ZOTAC’s proprietary fan technology that optimizes airflow and reduces turbulence.
- 12V-2×6 Safety Light – A built-in indicator ensuring proper power connection.
- SPECTRA RGB Lighting – Customizable RGB accents integrated into the shroud and backplate.
Despite being slightly slimmer, these GPUs remain large and powerful solutions, equipped with NVIDIA’s cutting-edge Blackwell GB203 architecture. The RTX 5080 SOLID CORE is expected to target high-end gamers and creators, while the RTX 5070 Ti SOLID CORE serves as a more mainstream enthusiast option.
Not Quite “SFF-Ready”
At CES 2025, NVIDIA and its partners showcased a range of “SFF-Ready” (Small Form Factor) products, aimed at compact PC builders. However, despite the reduced thickness, the SOLID CORE lineup is still far from a true SFF solution. The footprint remains large, particularly with the triple-slot I/O bracket, which means most compact cases will struggle to accommodate these cards.
ZOTAC’s GeForce RTX 5070 SOLID—a separate, existing model—offers a true 2-slot solution. According to reports from VideoCardz, this shroud design is likely to be adapted for future GeForce RTX 5060 Ti models, offering a genuinely slim alternative for space-conscious builders.
First Look at the SOLID CORE Design
ZOTAC has published several product images directly on its website, giving users an up-close look at the new SOLID CORE aesthetic. While the cooling shroud and backplate remain largely unchanged from previous SOLID designs, the slight reduction in thickness could make a notable difference in system airflow and multi-GPU configurations.
With no official announcement from ZOTAC yet, it remains unclear when these new SOLID CORE GPUs will hit retail shelves. Pricing and regional availability details are also missing, though more information is expected as NVIDIA’s RTX 50-series rollout continues.
For now, ZOTAC’s stealth launch approach leaves room for speculation—will these slimmer cards be a sign of more compact designs to come, or are they just a minor revision? Time will tell.
Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.
Sources: ZOTAC SOLID CORE Comparison Page, VideoCardz
