The Z7 Plus is the second mini PC from ECS that I’ve reviewed here at KitGuru, following the Z5 Plus we looked at back in April 2024. This newer model features an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, 16GB of DDR5 memory running at 5600MT/s and a 256GB M.2 SSD – all packaged in a chassis measuring just 115 x 115x  55mm. Today we take a look at how this tiny machine stacks up against the competition.

Timestamps

00:00 Start
00:37 Hardware Specification
03:11 SSD performance
03:28 Connectivity
05:01 Physical Size and Design
06:06 Windows 11 Pro
06:44 Testing Methodology
06:56 Cinebench R23 Multi core
07:10 A close up look at CPU performance
07:51 Cinebench R23 Single core
08:22 3DMark TimeSpy
08:55 AIDA64 Memory Bandwidth
09:29 Counter Strike 2
09:57 Fortnite
10:44 Premiere Pro
11:04 Power, Noise and Thermals
12:24 Closing thoughts

Specifications:

• CPU
  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H
  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 125H
• Memory – Support 2 x SO-DIMM DDR5 5600MHz up to 96GB
• Storage Devices
  • 1 x M.2 2280 Key M NVMe SSD PCIE x4 Gen4
  • 1 x M.2 2242 Key M NVMe SSD PCIE x4 Gen4
• Networking
  • 1 x Intel i226-V 2.5G LAN
  • 1 x Intel i219V 1.0G LAN
• USB
  • 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 (Front I/O)
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C (Front I/O)
  • 1 x USB 2.0 (Front I/O)
  • 2 x USB 4.0 Gen 3×2 Type-C (to DP) (REAR I/O)
  • 2 x USB 2.0 (REAR I/O)
• Video Output / Input
  • 2 x HDMI™ ( HDMI™ port w/ CEC function)
  • 2 x USB Type-C DisplayPort
• Wireless
  • 1 x WLAN 802.11ax
• Power
  • 1 x AC 20V / 120W
• Dimensions (mm)
  • 115 x 115 x 50.6mm
• OS Support
  • Windows® 11
  • Linux

You can purchase the Liva Z7 Plus starting at £480 from iCubes in the UK HERE.

Pros:

• Good build quality.
• Room for additional storage.
• Nice and quiet.
• 9 total USB ports, 5 of which are located on the front of the case.

Cons:

• CPU gets very hot when under load.
• Not yet widely stocked.

KitGuru says: The Z7 Plus is an improvement over the Z5 Plus and delivers solid performance considering the price. Although CPU temperature when under load is a concern. 

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