Think about having a PC that matches in your hand and performs properly sufficient to get you thru the day (with energy to spare). Such computer systems exist, however not all of them are created equal.
I’ve examined loads of these tiny form-factor PCs, and a whole lot of them may be cute, however they lack any semblance of energy to do a lot. Others, just like the Piccolo N150 — an eight-inch system I recently reviewed — are helpful in particular contexts however aren’t for everybody. Due to this, any time I obtain one for evaluation, I am going into the evaluation course of with a grain of salt.
Additionally: I’m a Windows user, but the MacBook Air M4 could be my new primary laptop at this price
Think about my shock once I opened the palm-sized Minix Neo Z97 and realized my assumptions would possibly very properly be mistaken.
Minix is an organization you would possibly by no means have heard of, however they create various small form-factor {hardware}, resembling PCs, automobile touchscreens, transportable screens, chargers, and wi-fi shows. Minix’s merchandise typically impress and are supplied at inexpensive costs. For example, its new Z97 Mini PC sells for less than $217 on Amazon.
Is it definitely worth the worth? Let’s discover out.
My expertise
You will even discover 2 RJ45 ethernet jacks on the Z97.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
First off, the Neo Z97 shipped with Home windows 11, and I made a decision towards putting in Linux over it. Since Home windows 11 is a useful resource hog, I assumed it could be finest to see how properly the {hardware} dealt with the OS first. Positive, I might set up a Linux distribution on the PC, figuring out it could vastly outperform Home windows, however this time round I wished to expertise the default.
As is with Home windows 11, the preliminary setup was time consuming and, inferior to any Linux distribution I’ve ever used. However this is not a debate about Linux vs. Home windows (as a result of you know where I stand on that); that is all concerning the PC itself.
As soon as the setup was accomplished, I ran the tiny PC via what could be my regular every day routine, together with putting in LibreOffice, launching Ollama/Msty, shopping the online, and watching movies on YouTube.
So far as on a regular basis duties go, the New Z97 carried out much better than I anticipated from such a tiny machine. LibreOffice opened shortly, modifying photos with GIMP was painless, web sites loaded as quick as they might on my principal desktop PC, and YouTube movies and music on Spotify performed with out problem.
Essentially the most resource-intensive activity was Ollama/Msty (as a result of native AI can gobble up system assets), and it pushed the Z97 to its limits. To be honest, Ollama/Msty pushes my System76 Thelio (an absolute beast of a pc), so I used to be by no means shocked that this mini PC struggled a bit with the native AI. If the machine included a devoted GPU, which may not be the case, however, as is, it isn’t precisely designed for localized AI utilization.
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One factor that did shock me was how quiet the Z97 is. I did not hear the fan kick in as soon as (even throughout the preliminary improve of Home windows 11). It is utterly silent. I needed to maintain my ear as much as the system to lastly hear the fan whirring.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
I understand the inclination for such small PCs tends to lean towards kiosks or desks with little or no room, however you would be mistaken in case you thought the Minix Neo Z97 must be restricted to such deployments. This tiny machine is highly effective sufficient for on a regular basis use. And in case you want a triple monitor setup, the Z97 has you lined, which suggests this little beast can do some severe work.
Additionally: This mini Windows PC I tested competes with gaming laptops twice the price
Do not be fooled by its measurement, the Z97 can function your desktop pc with ease and style. It may not be essentially the most highly effective machine I’ve ever used (that may be my System76 Thelio), nevertheless it’s a far cry from the low finish, and at $217 on Amazon, it is a steal.
Minix Neo Z97 Mini PC tech specs
- CPU – Intel® Processor N97 (6MB cache, as much as 3.6 GHz)
- GPU – Intel® UHD Graphics
- Reminiscence – 12GB LPDDR5X-4800MHz (Onboard)
- Storage – 512GB M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x 4 NVMe SSD
- Storage Slot – M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x 1 NVMe Slot.
- Ethernet Chipset – 2 x RJ-45 1G Ethernet
- Connectivity – M.2 2230 Intel® 802.11AX Twin Band WIFI 6 (2.4GHz/5GHz), BT5.2
- Ports – HDMI Port: 2 x HDMI2.1 TMDS 4K@60Hz, DP Port: 1 x DP1.4 4K@60Hz, 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x Enter AC 100~240V, Output 12V 3A 36W Max, DC 2.5/5.5mm, 1 x Audio Output Combo Jack, and a pair of x RJ-45 1G Ethernet.
- OS – Home windows 11
- Dimension – 88×88×42mm
- Weight – 0.18kg
