MINIX NEO Z97

The MINIX NEO Z97 pairs the Intel Processor N97 with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, so it boots into Windows 11 Pro with nothing left to install. Triple 4K display output and two Gigabit Ethernet ports suit multi-monitor workstations and network-heavy setups. The RAM is soldered, so the configuration you buy is the one you keep for the life of the system.

Pros and Cons

MINIX NEO Z97 Comparison Chart

	MINIX NEO Z97
Price	List Price: $233.60 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon
Version	12GB/512GB
Performance Rating	2.8
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Quad-core 3.60 Ghz (max 3.60 Ghz) Intel Processor N97
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	12 GB LPDDR5 (LPDDR5X-4800, soldered, not upgradeable)
Internal Storage	512 GB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	3.46 x 3.46 x 1.65 inches (87.88 x 87.88 x 41.91 mm)
Weight	0.4 lbs (0.18 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	2 Ethernet ports at 1 Gbps
HDMI	2 Full-Size HDMI Ports
DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort 1.4, 4K@60Hz)
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	3 USB 3
Thunderbolt Ports	No
OCuLink	No
Internal SATA Ports	No SATA ports
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	combo
Fanless	No
VESA Mount	Yes
In the Box	Mini PC unit, power adapter (12V/3A DC), HDMI cable, VESA mount bracket with screws, user manual
Expandability	RAM: 12GB LPDDR5X-4800 soldered (NOT upgradeable). Storage: 1x occupied M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot with 512GB NVMe, 1x additional M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x1 slot available for expansion

Three 4K outputs and two Ethernet ports in a 3.46-inch shell

The chassis measures 3.46 x 3.46 x 1.65 inches (88 x 88 x 42mm) and weighs 6.3 ounces (180 grams). The included VESA mount attaches it behind a monitor, which keeps the desk clear and puts the machine out of sight. The gray aluminum-style chassis handles part of the heat, and a small centrifugal fan does the rest. MINIX rates the cooling system below 30dB.

The Intel Processor N97 runs roughly 15% ahead of the Intel N100 on CPU work. The Gadgeteer measured a Cinebench score of 154, in line with what a 4-core, 4-thread chip does in this power envelope. Office productivity, web browsing, streaming, and light gaming all run comfortably; heavy video editing and AI workloads are out of reach. AndroidPCTV found the Intel UHD Graphics “suitable for games in 1080p or 720p quality” but “not suitable for games with a lot of 3D load.” Its 24 execution units cover media playback and basic content creation.

Two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 drive three displays at 4K 60Hz at the same time. The two Gigabit Ethernet ports serve redundant networking, or a basic router or firewall build. WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 handle wireless duties. There are no USB-C ports at all, an omission in 2025 that leaves modern peripherals and docking solutions on adapters, and the three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports fill up as soon as a hub is not on hand.

Reviewer Insights

AndroidPCTV on the gap over the N100

AndroidPCTV reported that “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.” On thermals the reviewer stated that “the system keeps temperatures under control with its quiet fan in general.” They recommended it for desktop use, KODI/IPTV setups, editing applications, and light gaming, while cautioning that the non-upgradeable RAM and relatively slow storage interface (PCIe 3.0 x1 for the secondary slot) are limitations to consider.

The Gadgeteer on the price and the bundled Windows license

The Gadgeteer weighed the price against the bundled software and pointed out that “The MINIX NEO Z97 costs $199.99 and comes with Win 11 Pro pre-installed. Considering Win 11 Pro alone costs $199.99 to download, the NEO Z97 is quite a deal.” The review praised the triple monitor support for “multitasking, content creation, trading, or general productivity.” They noted the WiFi adapter performance could be better and recommended hard-wiring when possible. On performance, they concluded that the “MINIX NEO Z97 may not be the best choice for running AI or ChatGPT queries but it is more than capable of typical computing requirements.”

Thin Client places it as a thin client replacement

Thin Client kept its assessment short and emphasized the N97’s performance advantage over the N100. They wrote that “while not meant for high-end gaming or compute-heavy tasks, it impresses for general productivity and light office” work, so it is suitable as a thin client replacement or basic workstation.

A triple-display desk box with the memory sealed in

This machine trades raw performance and upgradability for size and port count. Triple 4K display support and dual Gigabit Ethernet fit office workstations, digital signage, home theater PCs, and network appliance duties, and the Intel Processor N97 has enough headroom for productivity applications, web browsing, streaming, and some light gaming.

The sealed design with non-upgradeable RAM and the complete absence of USB-C ports are the two things to settle before buying. If silent operation is a priority, consider the fanless MINIX Z100-0dB which offers completely silent performance with upgradeable RAM. If you need more than 12GB of RAM now or anticipate needing it later, this is not the machine to buy. The same goes for a workflow built around USB-C peripherals.

At around $200-230, the included Windows 11 Pro license carries much of the value. Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart lines this machine up against other models.

Frequently Asked Questions