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30-second review
The previous ECS LIVA machine we covered was the LIVA Z7 Plus, a machine which delivered impressive performance before ECS EliteGroup unexpectedly cancelled it.
Our review hardware featured an Arrow Lake generation Core Ultra 7 255H, one of Intel’s more powerful mobile processors. Depending on the CPU, this system can have up to 96GB of DDR5 RAM, with 6400MHz clocks on Series 2 Core Ultra’s and 5600MHz on Series 1 chips.
With such powerful silicon under the hood, this NUC has plenty of PCIe lanes, providing a wide selection of USB ports, including two 40GBps USB4 ports, dual LAN ports, and dual HDMI outputs.
It comes with a VESA mounting plate for mounting it to a monitor and Windows 11 Pro pre-installed.
The value to you of a system like this hinges on how potent you want it to be and whether portability is essential. It ticks both boxes, but that comes at a price premium for that precise mix.
While AMD makes more powerful mobile platforms, for those who specifically like Intel hardware, this is top-tier equipment. But the asking price is a little too high to include with our best mini PC round-up.
ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus: Price and availability
- How much does it cost? From $999
- When is it out? Unknown
- Where can you get it? Currently, this machine isn’t available.
Frustratingly, this machine is currently unavailable to buy, even if it’s paraded on the ECS EliteGroup website right here. The alleged value level is $999, although I’m unclear whether or not that’s for the spec of the evaluation {hardware} —a machine with 32GB of RAM and 256GB of low-cost storage.
If ECS EliteGroup is testing curiosity ranges, because it did beforehand with the LIVA Z7 Plus, which by no means materialised, I’d warning them towards it. Firms that create {hardware}, distribute it for evaluation, after which fail to ship on these ambitions find yourself producing zero curiosity in no matter they make.
If the worth is $999, then they could discover a market, however there are cheaper choices out there.
Acemagic has the M1, which makes use of the Intel Core i9-11900H, has 32GB of DDR4, and a 1TB SSD for $799, for instance.
For these wishing to embrace AMD platforms, a fantastic various is the GMKtec K11 Gaming Mini PC. It makes use of the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS(8C/16T, As much as 5.2GHz), has 64GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB of storage for less than $740 on Amazon.com. And that system comes with OcuLink.
One other sub-$1000 choice is the terrific Miniforum AI X1 Professional, which makes use of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 (12 Cores/24 Threads, as much as 5.1GHz), comes with 32GB of DDR5 and 1TB of PCIe 4.0 storage, twin 2.5GbE LAN, and OCulink for $943.
In comparison with AMD, Intel-based machines just like the LIVA Z11 Plus at $999 appear overpriced for what they provide, each when it comes to platform efficiency and connectivity.
ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus: Specs
|
Merchandise |
Spec |
|---|---|
|
CPU: |
Intel Core Extremely 7 255H (16 cores, 16 Threads) |
|
GPU: |
Intel Arc 140T GPU (8 Xe-cores) |
|
RAM: |
32GB DDR5-5600 (16GB x 2) expandable to 96GB |
|
Storage: |
1TB M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 |
|
Growth: |
1x M.2 2242 PCIe |
|
Ports: |
2x USB 4.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Kind-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Kind-A, 3x USB 2.0, 2x HDMI 2.1 |
|
Networking: |
1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x 1GbE, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
|
OS: |
Home windows 11 Professional (pre-installed) |
|
Base Energy: |
28W-115W |
|
PSU: |
20V 6A 120W |
|
Dimensions: |
114.4 x 114.4 x 54.5 (mm) |
ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus: Design
- Steel skinned
- Loads of ports
- Comparatively quick access inside
- 2nd M.2 is 2242
The similarities between the Z11 Plus and the defunct Z7 Plus are putting, they usually trace that the challenge could have been derailed by Intel providing higher silicon on the proper value, and by ECS engineers transforming that design to make use of the Core Extremely collection 1 and a couple of processors.
Most ECS LIVA fashions share the same design, and the Z11 Plus isn’t any exception to the requirements set by this method builder. It contains a conventional mid-height NUC format, with ports positioned at the back and front. The edges are devoted to airflow vents and embody a Kensington-style safety slot. Given how small this machine is, for many who have an workplace with plenty of folks passing by means of, it is a useful characteristic to ensure it doesn’t disappear.
The design incorporates painted steel on the perimeters and underside, with a plastic prime that mimics the steel end, creating a visible uniformity. On the entrance, you’ll find an influence button and 5 USB ports, comprising 4 Kind-A and one Kind-C. Notably, the Kind-C port is a Gen 2×2 variant, which is useful for exterior SSDs that assist this normal.
One of many type-A ports is USB 2.0, appropriate for a mouse or keyboard, and the opposite three are all USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Nevertheless, customers searching for an SD card reader or a common audio jack could discover the Z11 Plus missing, as neither of those is included.
The rear of the unit options twin LAN ports, twin USB 4.0 ports, twin USB 2.0 ports, and twin HDMI 2.1 outputs. The symmetry of this association is barely scuppered by the LAN ports, as one is 1GbE and the opposite is 2.5GbE. Why each aren’t the two.5GbE spec is unclear, however it is perhaps to do with PCIe lanes, even when this processor has 28 PCIe lanes.
One of many strengths of ECS designs is their recognition that customers could need to improve reminiscence or storage themselves. The Z11 Plus makes this course of simple, requiring solely a Philips screwdriver. Upon opening the case, customers can simply entry each reminiscence and M.2 slots, permitting for fast reassembly after any adjustments.
Nevertheless, just like the Z5 Plus, the Z11 has a second M.2 slot that helps solely 2242 modules as an alternative of 2280, limiting the utmost capability. These wanting further storage are most likely higher utilising the USB4 ports for exterior SSDs or RAID-in-a-box choices.
I’m barely torn on the Z11 Plus, primarily due to the machine’s dimension. From one perspective, I like that ECS EliteGroup adhered to the outdated NUC sizing, as a result of so many different manufacturers are beginning to junk that in favour of bigger enclosures. Nevertheless, the bigger machines exist to offer more room for M.2 slots and higher cooling.
And, regarding the inside storage, that’s exactly the place the Z11 Plus may need been enhanced with a bigger case.
General, for an Intel NUC, this ticks most bins for anybody searching for a small but agile mini system.
ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus: Options
- Intel Core Extremely 7 255H
- Arc Graphics 140T
- 28 PCIe Lanes
The LIVA Z11 Plus is one in every of a number of small programs which have a foot in each the Intel Core Extremely Sequence 1 silicon and the higher Sequence 2.
The advance from older chips to the brand new Arrow Lake fashions is critical, so I’d advocate spending the additional for a SKU with both the Intel Core Extremely 7 255H or Core Extremely 5 225H over people who used the 155H or 125H from the primary Core Extremely lineup.
Nevertheless, it is attention-grabbing to notice that ECS EliteGroup didn’t add an Intel Core Extremely 9 285H choice, presumably as a result of on this tiny case it’d simply overheat.
Within the specs, the quoted most reminiscence is 96GB, however technically, the precise most RAM that these processors can assist is 128GB. Nevertheless, the utmost module dimension out there is 48GB, so till 64GB DDR5 modules turn into broadly out there, the utmost is 96GB.
For these musing on reminiscence and the way a lot they could want, RAM and storage costs are climbing, so get that 96GB now if you’d like it —and never later.
The Sequence 2 Core Extremely processors embody an Intel AI Enhance NPU, delivering 13 TOPs of efficiency for native AI fashions. That is barely dwarfed by the TOPS within the CPU and GPU, however the mixed numbers are enough to run Microsoft CoPilot domestically with out stressing the system.
Additionally contained in the Core Extremely 7 225H is the built-in Arc Graphics 140T GPU, an Xe core spinoff with eight cores and a Peak TOPS (Int8) of 74. In comparison with built-in graphics only some years in the past, it is a dramatic enchancment, and at low resolutions, you’ll be able to even sport with this GPU.
However AMD has lately rolled out the Radeon 8020S, and has a good higher APU graphics engine within the pipeline, so whereas it is ample for workplace work, it is not ultimate for advanced real-time 3D or modelling work.
Most higher-end AMD programs include OCuLink, a know-how that this machine lacks can be a slight disappointment.
The NPU and GPU are instruments that not each proprietor will utilise, however the one crucial characteristic of the Core Extremely 7 225H is the variety of PCIe lanes it helps.
The PCIe configuration is 1×8 5.0, 3×4 4.0, and 2×4 (x1, x2, x4) 4.0, totalling 28 PCIe 4.0 lanes and 112 PCIe 4.0 lanes of whole bandwidth. That’s a lot for many functions.
Nevertheless, doing the maths, there appears to be loads of unused bandwidth right here that may have been used for extra M.2 slots, or 5GbE LAN ports.
A few of the potential seems to have been misplaced as a result of ECS EliteGroup needed this PC to be NUC-sized, and the Intel chips lack a few of the USB performance that AMD consists of with out requiring PCIe lanes.
Maybe I’m fallacious, however with 28 PCIe lanes and no discrete graphics card slot, it looks like there ought to have been much more connectivity and higher connections.
ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus: Efficiency
|
Mini PC |
Header Cell – Column 1 |
ECS LIVA Z11 Plus |
GMKtec EVO-T1 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CPU |
Row 0 – Cell 1 |
Intel Core Extremely 7 255H |
Intel Core Extremely 9 285H |
|
Cores/Threads |
Row 1 – Cell 1 |
16C 16T |
16C 16T |
|
RAM |
Row 2 – Cell 1 |
32GB DDR5 (2x16GB) |
64GB LPDDR5 (2x32GB) |
|
Storage |
Row 3 – Cell 1 |
256 GB Phison M8256GCB5ECS-E192 |
Essential P3 Plus 1TB |
|
Graphics |
Row 4 – Cell 1 |
Intel Arc Graphics 140T |
Intel Arc Graphics 140T |
|
3DMark |
WildLife |
21370 |
24893 |
| Row 6 – Cell 0 |
FireStrike |
7185 |
8213 |
| Row 7 – Cell 0 |
TimeSpy |
3879 |
4363 |
| Row 8 – Cell 0 |
Nomad Lite |
3160 |
3436 |
|
CineBench24 |
Single |
127 |
129 |
| Row 10 – Cell 0 |
Multi |
872 |
1141 |
| Row 11 – Cell 0 |
Ratio |
6.87 |
8.82 |
|
GeekBench 6 |
Single |
2879 |
2973 |
| Row 13 – Cell 0 |
Multi |
14465 |
16097 |
| Row 14 – Cell 0 |
OpenCL |
38919 |
41700 |
| Row 15 – Cell 0 |
Vulkan |
35463 |
38605 |
|
CrystalDisk |
Learn MB/s |
3526 |
5198 |
| Row 17 – Cell 0 |
Write MB/s |
1843 |
4726 |
|
PCMark 10 |
Workplace |
7404 |
7917 |
|
WEI |
Row 19 – Cell 1 |
8.3 |
8.4 |
The apparent selection for a comparability is the GMKtec EVO-T1, a mini PC that makes use of the top-of-the-line Intel Core Extremely 9 285H processor, however it makes use of the identical ARC GPU and reminiscence mannequin.
What separates these programs is the CPU efficiency, and that’s largely to do with clock speeds, as these chips are each Arrow Lake-H cores with the identical variety of cores and threads.
The EVO-T1 has a chip that runs its efficiency cores at 2.9GHz, whereas the Z11 Plus is held at 2GHz. Given the roughly 50% extra clock pace within the Core Extremely 9, a much bigger distinction may need been anticipated. And whereas it has the identical GPU, it is also clocked greater on the Core Extremely 9, by solely 100Hz.
What all these numbers effectively display is that while you get to a sure stage of efficiency, components just like the reminiscence bandwidth and caching restrict the benefits of a better clocked CPU and GPU.
A few of the outcomes are additionally right down to penny-pinching on the a part of ECS EliteGroup, as a result of the chosen 256 GB Phison M8256GCB5ECS-E192 doesn’t exploit an M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slot, and that impacts the CrystalDisk, PCMark and WEI scores.
Fortunately for the LIVA Z11 Plus, I didn’t put it up towards any of the brand new AMD Ryzen AI 395 Max-powered machines, because it wouldn’t look particularly fast compared. A typical WildLife rating for a type of is 70,000, and PCMark 10 numbers are over 9,000.
That stated, these mini programs usually begin at round $1500, which is why I didn’t examine this machine to a type of.
The optimistic story right here is that the ECS LIVA Z11 Plus’s efficiency is far nearer to Core Extremely 9 {hardware}, which most likely makes that step tough to justify for the returns. And this maker doesn’t provide that CPU class on this field, most likely as a result of the additional energy it consumes might trigger overheating.
ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus: Ultimate verdict
There are apparent questions on this product that I at present don’t have the solutions to, particularly, the precise launch value and when it is going to be out there.
That makes it remarkably tough to advocate, even when the {hardware} appears strong sufficient.
The priority is that channel suppliers are being primed to anticipate greater costs for RAM and storage, pushed by the calls for positioned on these merchandise by massive AI installations. Subsequently, we made crypto mining make discrete GPUs stupidly costly, and now AI is driving up the price of reminiscence and storage. Fantastic.
Which may imply we see extra barebones programs and fewer absolutely enhanced mini programs.
If the ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus can are available in at $999 and provides greater than the sorry 256GB of storage within the evaluation machine, then it is perhaps classed as a cut price within the close to time period.
Ought to I purchase a ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus?
|
Worth |
Not out there but, and value is not confirmed |
3/5 |
|
Design |
Small system that is simple to improve. |
4/5 |
|
Options |
Core Extremely 2 Sequence CPU and loads of ports |
4/5 |
|
Efficiency |
performer for an Intel NUC |
4/5 |
|
Overalls |
On the proper value this is perhaps a sensible choice |
4/5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
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