Key Takeaways
1. The Minix Neo Z95 mini PC features an entry-level Intel N95 CPU and is priced at $335 for the 512 GB storage model.
2. Performance is geared towards everyday tasks but struggles with demanding applications, falling short of the 8-year-old Intel Core i5 8250U.
3. It includes 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is permanently attached, and offers dual M.2 2280 slots for storage upgrades.
4. The small dimensions (3.46 x 3.46 x 1.65 inches) limit space for a dedicated graphics card, relying instead on built-in Intel UHD Xe graphics for basic tasks.
5. An alternative option is the Beelink SER5 Max mini PC at $470, which provides better performance and additional features.
Last month, we shared news about the release of the Minix Neo Z95, a super small mini PC that runs on an entry-level quad-core Intel Alder Lake-N processor. At that time, we didn’t have any information on pricing or when it would be available, but it looks like the mini PC is now up for grabs at a reasonably low price.
Performance Overview
Equipped with the Intel N95 CPU, the Neo Z95 is designed to manage everyday tasks like checking emails, browsing the internet, and watching videos. However, the quad-core processor struggles to match the performance of the 8-year-old Intel Core i5 8250U, which means that it might not perform well with demanding modern applications. The system comes with 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, which is permanently attached to the motherboard.
Storage and Size
For storage, you get dual M.2 2280 slots; one supports PCIe 3.0 x4, while the other is PCIe 3.0 x1. Despite its tiny dimensions of just 3.46 x 3.46 x 1.65 inches, the Z95 mini PC lacks space for a separate graphics card. The built-in Intel UHD Xe graphics, featuring 16 EUs, is sufficient for basic video playback and some very light gaming.
The connectivity options are quite impressive for its size:
Pricing and Alternatives
You can buy the Minix Neo Z95 mini PC directly from the company’s site for $335, which is the price for the model with 512 GB of storage. There’s also a slightly quicker version with the Intel N97 CPU and 12 GB of RAM available for $309.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind a bigger device, you could consider spending a bit more on something like the Beelink SER5 Max mini PC, which is currently priced at $470 on Amazon. This option offers significantly better performance and includes features like 2.5G Ethernet and more memory.
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