[Android Stick & Console Intel based Computers] Alberto96:
Introduction

This is the Minix Z83-4

Unboxing

Packaging comes with: 1x HDMI Cable, 1x Power Supply (12V/3A) from Delta (major PSU OEM, great quality), 1x Wi-Fi Antenna, 1x Multi-Language Setup Guide, 1x Products Brochure and the Mini PC (of course).

No Air Mouse/Keyboard is included, neither the device has an IR Receiver (unlike its predecessor) so it can be only powered on using the physical power button, located on the left side.

Device

Minix’s design never changes, just like the NEO-U1 and NGC-1, also this one has the same Chassis Size (13.8x13.9x2.8cm), pretty compact and lightweight enough. Considering that the size is always the same, i won't show you again any measurement this time.

Here you can see it compared with the NGC-1

On the upper side only there is only Brand Logo with a black background, the whole chassis is black, no more dark-grey as on the NGC-1.

On the front side there is only Power LED, it turns Blue when the device is running. I do not notice any different color for the Standby state.

On the left, there is the Single Wi-Fi Antenna Connector (the internal Wi-Fi Adapter should supports maximum 1x1 RX/TX) and 1x Kensington Lock. As you might notice there is also an Hole, but i still have to find its usage.

On the right, there is the TF Card (Micro-SD) slot, 3x Standard USB 2.0 Ports, 1x Standard USB 3.0 Port and a Power Button. Compared to the NGC-1, there is an extra USB 2.0 port.

Just like on the NEO-U1, all USB Ports are well designed here, you won’t have any kind of problem even with big USB Sticks. Well Done Minix!

The rear features 1x Headphone/Microphone Jack (like Smartphones), 1x DisplayPort Connector, 1x HDMI port, 1x LAN 10/100/1000 port (Yes, Gigabit Ethernet), and 1x 5.5mm DC in.

On the lower side there isn’t anything important at all, absolutely clean.

Testing (Windows)

First of all, i won't test Linux on this device because: 1) It is using as SDIO Wi-Fi Card that doesn't work on Linux. 2) Atom CPUs are known to have issues on Linux, unless the manufacturer uses some special alternative hardware.

Minix provides a pre-installed, and genuine, Windows 10 Home distribution on this device, and on first boot you’ll need to configure everything just like a clean installation of Windows. No Third-Party apps are installed, completely clean.

The major question is always here, i don’t know why Minix choose to use the slower Intel Atom x5-z8300 instead of the x7-z8700, it would have provided a nice performance boost, and unfortunately the lack of performance this time is pretty noticeable.

It comes with a pretty rare Wi-Fi card (Broadcom BCM4345, SDIO variant) that should supports 2.4/5.0GHz Networks at a maximum speed of 433 Mbps. As regards its performance, it behaves quite well with my 2.4GHz WiFi Connection, but it wasn't able to see my 5.0GHz 802.11n Connection. Thanks to my intelligent VDSL internet provider that provides an 802.11n WiFi Router even for 100MBps Broadband Connections, i won't be able to show you any WiFi 802.11ac test.

UPDATE

In order to fix the 5.0GHz WiFi issue, it is necessary to update the WiFi driver by following the Minix Forum's guide. Pretty easy to follow, and fixes the bug i mentioned before. Thank you "Ken" from Minix.

Due to Windows Licensing issues, Minix had to use a 32GB eMMC instead of 64GB or higher, reducing the available storage to any additional software. Unfortunately this isn't replaceable, so you have to use an External HDD or MicroSD to avoid space issues. Anyway, it is made by Samsung and its speed is decent, comparable to other 32GB eMMCs. Without any software installed, only 13.1GBs are used.

USB 3.0 (and also 2.0) Performance is excellent, my Sandisk Ultra 64GB got maximum R/W speed, probably the only Mini PC together with the NGC-1 where I managed to get this speed. It is nice to see that Minix cares about USB Performance.

Benchmarks

I have used PCMark 8 (Home, Creative, Work, Storage), GeekBench 3 Pro (64-bit), CrystalDiskMark x64 (benchmarks provided before), x264 FHD Benchmark and CineBench (OpenCL & CPU) to stress the device in the most complete way.

PCMark 8

PCMark tests are the most complete ones, and their score isn't All tests have been run using the Native/Conventional mode in order to not accelerate any benchmark with OpenCL or anything like that. It is better to use the real Hardware Power.

Creative

Home

Storage

I wasn't able to complete this test, crashes everytime without any valid reason.

Microsoft Office

Work

GeekBench – CPU Performance is one of the fastest between all x5-z8300.

https://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench3/8124225

x264 Benchmark – This is a new-entry to my benchmarks list. Why i found this useful? Because it provides some data about the Video Encoding capabilities of this Mini PC.

CineBench – Another new-entry, this benchmark also provides some comparision values. What is interesting to see is the OpenCL test, it score is higher than the one made on a Core i5 with HD4000, but the CPU score is much lower though.

Summarazing all Benchmark Results, it is clear to say that this isn’t a device made for Gaming, but also some daily tasks such as Web Browsing suffers a bit.

Also, I have recorded Chassis and CPU temperature while running all benchmarks, including stress tests. (Ambient Temperature 23°C)

Yes, this CPU doesn't get hot at all.

Video Playback

I have tested the common Big Buck Bunny videos together with an Extra Samsung UHD video, available on every different format so that the device can be tested completely. I have used KODI to play these videos.

Conclusions

This Mini-PC should have been configured in a better way, Minix choose to use an already outdated CPU that shows its lack of performance even on some basic daily tasks. It's a pity because we are in the Q3 of 2016 where Minix could have choosen something newer such as the Atom x5-z8350 or anything more powerful. Anyway, i'm not saying that this isn't a good device, its primary usage (Video Playback) is still perfect, and some basic tasks can be managed without major issues, but you can't expect a super-smooth experience.

So….do I recommend it? Well...this is an hard question. If you want the best x5-z8300 Mini PC available on the market then Ok, i can recommend it, this is the most complete available with this CPU, but if you need more performance i highly recommend you to choose the Minix NGC-1 or any other device that with a better CPU.

Official Specs

Rating: 8.6

Packaging and Accessories: 9

Design and Materials: 8.5

Performance and Heat Dissipation: 7.5

Software: 10

Price: 8 (based on Amazon price)

You can find full-res images (I know, Quality isn't excellent) here: http://imgur.com/a/HTVGh

Official Website: http://minix.com.hk/en/products/neo-z83-4

You can buy it on many online shops.​