Introduction, Specifications, and Design

The LIVA Z2 is another in the line of fanless mini systems from ECS, and this one offers up to an Intel Gemini Lake Pentium N5000 processor, which is the configuration of our review unit. The N5000 is a 4-core, non-HyperThreaded part with a 6W TDP (4.8W SDP). The system can support up to 8GB of DDR4L SO-DIMM memory across two slots, and eMMC storage comes onboard in capacities of either 32GB or 64GB.

The first thing you might notice about the Z2 is that it is quite a bit taller than the previous LIVA designs we've seen, with the LIVA Z and Z Plus about half of the height of this new Z2. The added height allows for an optional 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD to be installed, which can be used either in place of or in addition to the onboard eMMC storage (there are no M.2 slots available).


Specifications:

  • Platform: 
    • Intel Pentium N5000
    • Intel Celeron N4100
    • Intel Celeron N4000
  • Memory: 2x SO-DIMM, Up to 8GB DDR4
  • Storage:
    • eMMC 32GB/64GB
    • Support 1x 2.5” SATA HDD
  • Audio: 1x Combo Jack, 1x Digital Mic
  • LAN: 1x Gigabit LAN
  • USB:
    • 3x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A Ports
    • 1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C Port
    • 2x USB 2.0 Ports
  • Video Output:
  • 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x HDMI 1.4
  • Wireless: Intel WiFi 802.11ac & Bluetooth 4.2
  • Dimensions: 132 x 118 x 56.4 mm
  • VESA: Supports 75mm / 100mm
  • Power Adapter: Input AC 100-240V, Output DC 19V / 3.42A
  • OS Support: Windows 10 64-bit
  • Accessories:
    • 1x Power adapter
    • 1x VESA Bracket
    • 6x VESA Mount Screws
    • 2x HDD Screws(Optional)
    • Quick Guide & Driver DVD

Pricing and Availability: $200 – $250 MSRP ($250 as reviewed); USA availability TBD

The LIVA Z2 is a compact 5.2 x 4.65 x 2.2 inch device, and offers good connectivity for a mini PC. We begin with a look at the front panel, which offers three USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A ports and a single USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port, along with a 3.5mm audio jack.

Around back we have the AC input jack, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and Gigabit LAN.

The sides of the LIVA Z2 provide some ventilation:

The bottom of the unit is easily removed for memory and storage upgrades (more on this on the next page), and the Z2 supports VESA mounting with an included bracket.

And a quick look at the included accessories shows that VESA bracket along with the AC power adapter:

On the next page we'll take a look inside the LIVA Z2, and then check out some performance benchmarks.

Review Terms and Disclosure
All Information as of the Date of Publication
How product was obtained: The product is on loan from ECS for the purpose of this review.
What happens to the product after review: The product remains the property of ECS but is on extended loan for future testing and product comparisons.
Company involvement: ECS had no control over the content of the review and was not consulted prior to publication.
PC Perspective Compensation: Neither PC Perspective nor any of its staff were paid or compensated in any way by ECS for this review.
Advertising Disclosure: ECS has not purchased advertising at PC Perspective during the past twelve months.
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