MINIX NEO Z97, Review: compact mini PC with Intel N97

Today we present the review of the original Mini PC MINIX NEO Z97 which in this case is powered by an efficient Intel processor with very low power consumption.

The tiny MINIX NEO Z97 is powered by the new Intel N97 (Twin Lake-N) processor manufactured in 10 nm, which has a slightly higher performance compared to the popular Intel N150. This mini PC has triple video output, 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512 GB SSD in an M.2 2280 PCIe slot. The installed operating system is Windows 11 Pro, but we can install Linux if we prefer.

Let’s see how it performs in our review and how it fares against its competition.

MINIX NEO Z97 mini PC details

Unboxing of the MINIX NEO Z97

The compact computer MINIX NEO Z97 is delivered in a cardboard box well protected with the design of the box. By default, is included the DC adapter, HDMI cable, manual and VESA support.

Description of the MINIX NEO Z97

The MINIX NEO Z97 PC comes in a compact case with ventilation slots on the side and bottom. On the front we have the power button, on the sides we have USB-A 3.0 ports, three video outputs, two gigabit Ethernet and audio jack. Its design with a giant X in the upper area undoubtedly stands out.

Inside we have a 512GB SATA M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0×1 SATA SSD, while the memory is 16GB LPDDR5X 4800 MHz RAM and is soldered. As cooling we have a fan in the lower area and in the rear area we have screws to use the included VESA bracket.

System and performance

Environment and user experience

We start the small MINIX NEO Z97 by pressing the front button, its LED lights up. In seconds we arrive at the Windows 11 Pro 64 bit desktop which is activated when connected to the internet. We have all the drivers installed correctly and we update it without problems with Windows Update. The system moves smoothly on desktop, it is a sufficient hardware for office, multimedia and also lightweight design.

• • OS: Windows 11 Pro 64bit / Linux optional.
  • Software: No preinstalled apps / Antivirus check = OK.
  • BIOS: ESC access / BIOS AMI text / WOL / Auto Power ON / Power ON RTC.
  • Tutorials: Control with your Smartphone / Install Windows 11 / Migrate Windows to SSD

Network, Storage, RAM and Ports

Inside the MINIX NEO Z97 we find a Wifi 6 wireless adapter and Bluetooth 5.2 with good speed and two Gigabit Ethernet ports. The SSD is a somewhat slow M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0×1, a pity. The RAM comes soldered and is 12 GB of fairly fast LPDDR5X 4000 MHz RAM.

• Wifi: Range 42 dBm / Link 5G 1200 Mbps / Bluetooth OK.

Processor and features

In the PC MINIX NEO Z97 we have the Intel N97 (Alder Lake-N) chip manufactured in 10 nm (Intel 7), with four cores and four threads that moves up to 3.6 GHz. For graphics we have an Intel UHD Graphics GPU up to 1200 MHz with 24 EU (the N95 has 16 EU). This processor has a low power consumption of only 12 W TDP, double that of the N100 and N95. This mini PC has sufficient performance for desktop, for use with KODI or IPTV, editing applications and games in 2D or little light 3D.

MINIX NEO Z97 Benchmarks

We performed several performance tests with the MINIX NEO Z97, the performance as we see is somewhat higher than the Intel N100, about 15% in CPU, but we can not expect drastic changes in this aspect. The GPU installed Intel UHD Graphics with 24EU up to 1.2 GHz, as we can see, is suitable for running simple games without much 3D, not for heavy games.

Thermal and noise

As we have seen the MINIX NEO Z97 has a good performance, the system keeps temperatures under control with itsquiet fanin general. At idle you can hardly hear anything and in games it is audible, but not much more noise in general.

• Consumption: Off 0.9W / Idle 8W / Usage 12W / Max 27W.
• Thermal: 40ºC – 71ºC Max / 69ºC Gaming / CPU 2.9 GHz Max / Performance up to 100%.
• Noise: 38 dBA Max / Variable RPM / Semi-passive.

Gaming

We test with games on the MINIX NEO Z97, the results are the usual for this type of GPU integrated into low-power Intel. As we can see Intel UHD Graphics GPU with 24 EU is suitable for games in 1080p or 720p quality, it is not suitable for games with a lot of 3D load.

• Setting: Medium quality / 1080p resolution / No VSync / Play emulators with RetroArch.
• On models with integrated Intel HD GPU on low and 720p resolution.

We ran tests on this PC playing LoL with a fairly spare frame rate, for example. In more demanding games like Fornite we do not have a good experience. As for emulators at most we stay in some simple Wii, PS2 and similar titles , we can with 3D emulators if they are demanding.

Video and audio test

Playback tests

This compact PC MINIX NEO Z97 has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics GPU that has a VPU with support for HEVC, VP9 and AV1 codecs. There is also support for HDR10 and multi-channel audio up to 7.1. This small computer is valid as a multimedia system to use KODI, IPTV or to use it with PLEX as a server.

• Video: 2x HDMI 2.0 1x DP 1.4 / 4K@60 / HDR10.
• Audio: HDMI up to 7.1 Jack stereo / Dolby DTS.
• Tutorials: Install KODI with add-ons / Auto refresh rate / Multichannel audio on Windows

Video and audio test results

• Maximum bitrate: 350 Mbps.
• HW = Hardware Acceleration / SW = No Hardware Acceleration.

• Formats: Native = Full Support / Core = 5.1 Only / PCM = Stereo / More info.

Streaming services on the MINIX NEO Z97

Using the MINIX NEO Z97 we performed several tests with the most popular streaming services, the results are generally positive. You can consult our guides where we explain in detail all the most popular streaming services, in it we explain how to get FullHD quality or up to 4K resolutions.

• Performance: It has hardware acceleration for AV1 4K codec on YouTube.
• Tutorials: Install Addons in KODI in a simple way / LibreELEC for PC

Streaming Results

Conclusions and purchase links for MINIX NEO Z97

Opinion about the MINIX NEO Z97

After testing the new MINIX NEO Z97 we can say that this is a PC that moves adequately for desktop use thanks to the Intel N97 processor. This computer is suitable for home use and stands out for its three video outputs and multiple ports despite its small size.

The MINIX NEO Z97 has a 512 GB PCIe 3.0×1 SSD that is somewhat limited in speed compared to a faster NVMe SSD. We have Windows 11 Pro installed which allows us to use it fluently, either to surf the web, run office apps or consume multimedia content or streaming services up to 4K HDR.

The MINIX NEO Z97 is a mini PC sufficient for desktop apps, multimedia and light gaming. If we don’t want it to take up space on the desktop, we can use its VESA mount to hang it behind the monitor.

Where to buy

Evaluation