ECS LIVA Z Plus Intel Kaby Lake Mini PC Review

Introduction and Design

Can an Intel Kaby Lake-powered mini PC replace a desktop?

The ECS LIVA Z Plus is a mini-PC with far more capable processors than the non-Plus variants of the current LIVA family, and we have for review a version with the top-end Intel Core i5-7300U CPU option, along with a 128GB SSD and 4GB of RAM. These specs position the LIVA Z Plus against similarly-powered Intel NUC mini-PCs, and the LIVA has the advantage of being ready to go out of the box (just add an OS).

We recently took a look at the entry-level ECS LIVA mini-PC, which is a fanless device equipped with a low-power Intel Apollo Lake Celeron N3350 in its base configuration (as reviewed). The performance was merely 'okay' for most desktop computing, and that entry-level LIVA Z was more of a need-specific choice, useful for some applications such as a DIY router as it includes dual NICs in addition to the wireless networking on board. But I kept wishing I had more CPU power the entire time I was testing out the base LIVA Z, and the Plus version seemed like the perfect solution. There is just one catch: it isn't fanless. (Gasp!) Was this an issue? Was it even audible? How were thermals with a 15W Intel Core i5 processor inside such a small enclosure, even it is was being actively cooled? Read on to find out!

First, a look at the specs from ECS:

Specifications:

• Platform:
  • Intel Kaby Lake Core i5-7300U SOC
  • Intel Kaby Lake Core i5-7200U SOC
  • Intel Kaby Lake Core i3-7100U SOC
  • Intel Kaby Lake Celeron 3965U SOC
• Memory:
  • DDR4 Up to 32GB
  • 2x SO-DIMM Memory Slots
• Storage Support: 1x M.2 2242 SSD (SATA / PCIE)
• Audio: 1x Combo Jack, 1x Digital Mic
• LAN: 2x Gigabit LAN (1x Intel LAN)
• USB:
  • 3x USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports
  • 1x USB 3.0 Type-C port
• Video Output:
  • 1x HDMI Port (HDMI 1.4)
  • 1x mDP Port
• Wireless: Intel 802.11ac Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 4.0
• PCB Size: 115 x 111 mm
• Dimension: 117 x 128 x 33 mm
• VESA Support: 75 mm / 100 mm (bracket included)
• Adapter: Input AC 100-240V, Output DC 19V / 3.42A
• OS Support: Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, Windows 10
• Accessories:
  • 1x Power adapter
  • 1x VESA Bracket
  • 6x VESA Mount Screws
  • Quick Guide & Driver DVD

• ECS LIVA Z Plus: $489 MSRP

Package contents are identical to that of the non-Plus LIVA, as we are presented with the LIVA Z Plus, power adapter, and VESA mount.

The LIVA Z Plus is externally identical to the LIVA Z, with the same complement of three USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, a USB 3.0 Type-C port, and 3.5 mm audio jack on the front, and dual NICs, HDMI 1.4, and mini DisplayPort on the back.

The side panels are also identical to the passively-cooled LIVA Z, with vented sides that in this case allow for intake and exhaust for the small internal fan.

If you think this LIVA Z Plus looks like the standard LIVA Z, you're right. Externally, the two are identical:

Next we'll take a look inside and then see how it performed with a few benchmarks.