The Zen barebone features a processor cooling solution Shuttle calls ICE (Integrated Cooling Engine). A sheet of copper that absorbs the processor's heat covers the processor. Using four heatpipes, the heat is then transferred to a heatsink measuring 80x80 mm and featuring very fine cooling fins. Finally, a temperature-controlled system fan that which expels the heat outside of the case cools the heatsink itself.

The Zen barebone offers enough space for one 5.25" drive and two 3.5" drives. Preferably, the hard drive should be installed from the side using a drive-case, another could fit directly under the optical drive. All edges of the Zen's case are rounded off to minimize the risk of injury during hardware installation.

The system uses a heatpipe solution ending in a 80 x 80 mm heatsink and an 80 mm fan.

The drive bay for the 3.5" drive is rotated by 90 degrees and is attached to the case using a single screw.