The MINIX Z97 Mini PC is an impressive fusion of modern processing power, energy efficiency, and compact design. Built for both business users and home office professionals, it offers a smooth balance between speed and silence. With its Intel Alder Lake N97 processor, 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, dual LAN ports, and triple display output including 4K support, this small form-factor machine packs more punch than many full-sized desktops.
Whether you’re managing spreadsheets, handling office networks, streaming in 4K, or running a home server, the MINIX Z97 is tailored to meet the needs of productivity-driven users who don’t want to sacrifice space or performance.
Sleek and Compact: Built for Versatility
The first thing that stands out about the MINIX Z97 Mini PC is its sleek, fanless design. It’s smaller than a paperback book and easily mountable on the back of a monitor using VESA brackets. The compact footprint makes it ideal for:
- Home offices with limited desk space
- Commercial kiosks and point-of-sale systems
- Digital signage installations
- Remote workstations or conference rooms
- Mobile computing needs for travel or hot-desking
This minimal form factor doesn’t just look professional—it actively reduces clutter and enables clean, modern setups that work in any environment.
Intel Alder Lake N97 Processor – Modern Performance on a Budget
At the core of the MINIX Z97 lies the Intel Alder Lake-N N97 processor, part of Intel’s efficient 12th-generation mobile lineup. It boasts 4 efficient cores with a burst clock of up to 3.60GHz, providing the perfect blend of responsiveness and power-saving design.
What can you expect from the N97 in real-world use?
- Fast boot and application loading times
- Smooth multitasking with browser tabs, documents, and media playback
- Enough power for Zoom, Teams, and other video conferencing apps
- Reliable performance for office software, email clients, remote desktop, and ERP tools
It’s not a gaming CPU or for heavy content creation, but for office-centric and web-based tasks, the N97 performs like a champ.
High-Speed 12GB LPDDR5X RAM – Responsive and Energy Efficient
Where many compact PCs compromise on memory, the MINIX Z97 Mini PC comes equipped with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM—the next-generation standard that delivers:
- Higher bandwidth (up to 8000 MHz)
- Lower power consumption
- Better thermal performance
- Faster multitasking and memory-intensive workloads
This is particularly valuable when switching between multiple productivity apps, working in cloud environments, or using Chromium-based browsers that can eat RAM. With 12GB onboard, you won’t hit performance walls when juggling several applications simultaneously.
Fast and Reliable Storage – 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
For storage, the Z97 doesn’t cut corners. You get a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, ensuring:
- Near-instant Windows startup
- Fast file transfers and application launching
- Adequate room for productivity software, files, and backups
- Quiet and shock-resistant storage without mechanical parts
This SSD significantly outperforms SATA-based drives and supports expandability for users who want to upgrade storage down the line via M.2 slots.
Support for 4K Triple Display – HDMI x2 + DisplayPort
One of the highlights of the MINIX Z97 Mini PC is its ability to power three displays simultaneously in up to 4K resolution. Whether you’re working on complex spreadsheets, managing content displays, or multitasking between windows, the system supports:
- Dual HDMI 2.0 ports – Up to 4K @ 60Hz
- DisplayPort 1.4 – Up to 4K @ 60Hz or higher
This makes it ideal for:
- Multi-monitor productivity workflows
- Trading desks or analyst stations
- Video editing timelines (light tasks)
- Corporate presentations and signage walls
It’s also compatible with daisy-chained monitor setups (via DP MST) and ultra-wide displays.
Dual Gigabit LAN Ports – Perfect for Networking and Servers
Most mini PCs include a single Ethernet port—but the Z97 Mini PC offers dual Gigabit LAN for advanced networking flexibility. Use cases include:
- Running a home server with dedicated internal/external networks
- Setting up a firewall or router appliance
- Bridging networks in SMB environments
- Hosting Docker containers or VPN services
- IoT, surveillance systems, or remote access configurations
Add to that support for Wake-on-LAN (WoL), PXE boot, and auto power-on, and you have a network-ready workhorse that’s reliable in demanding environments.
Ultra-Quiet Operation – Silent and Fanless Cooling
Thanks to its fanless heat sink design, the Z97 operates in complete silence. This is a major advantage for:
- Conference rooms and recording studios
- Shared offices or co-working spaces
- Living rooms or entertainment centers
- Environments sensitive to fan noise
Despite its silence, thermal performance remains efficient. The aluminum case dissipates heat passively, aided by efficient internals that stay cool under standard workloads.
Energy Efficient and Eco-Friendly
With a power draw of under 15W, the Z97 is extremely energy-efficient compared to traditional desktops. This is good for:
- Cutting electricity bills in 24/7 use cases
- Reducing heat output (especially in small rooms)
- Eco-conscious users seeking a low-carbon digital setup
It’s the type of PC you can leave running as a server, media box, or remote desktop terminal without worry.
Easy Setup and Compatibility
Setting up the MINIX Z97 Mini PC is as easy as plug-and-play. It supports:
- Windows 11 Pro (pre-installed or installable)
- Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS
- Docker, Home Assistant, or Proxmox
- Remote Desktop, NAS clients, and office software
The unit includes all required cables and power adapters, and can be mounted using standard VESA plates or simply placed behind a monitor.
Ideal Use Cases for the MINIX Z97
The Z97 is built for users who need efficient and stable computing. Its most common and effective use cases include:
Business & Enterprise Workstations
Fast enough for accounting, CRM software, inventory, emails, and office tools.
Home Office Productivity
Quiet, minimal, and perfectly suited for remote work, video conferencing, and project management.
Digital Signage
Thanks to its triple 4K display output, it can control multi-screen public displays with ease.
Developers & Makers
Use it as a portable Linux development box, media center, Pi alternative, or automation hub.
Firewall/Router Appliance
With dual LAN and efficient performance, it works great as a pfSense or OPNsense box.
NAS or Media Server
Run Plex, Jellyfin, Nextcloud, or Samba shares while using almost no power and zero noise.
Real-World Benchmarks
| Test / Scenario | Result |
| Boot time (Windows 11 Pro) | ~15 seconds |
| Chrome (12 tabs + streaming) | Smooth with 20–30% RAM usage |
| 4K YouTube playback | Seamless via hardware decoding |
| Office 365 Suite | Fast switching and no lag |
| Triple 4K Display | All outputs function simultaneously |
| File transfer (USB 3.0) | ~300–400 MB/s read/write |
| Fan noise | 0 dB (completely silent, fanless) |
What’s in the Box?
- ✅ MINIX Z97 Mini PC unit
- ✅ Power adapter and international plugs
- ✅ HDMI and DP cables
- ✅ VESA mount plate and screws
- ✅ Quick start guide
Everything you need to get started is included.
Conclusion
The MINIX Z97 Mini PC punches above its weight with a thoughtful blend of power, expandability, and portability. For anyone needing a silent, reliable desktop replacement for business, signage, or compact workspaces, this unit delivers in spades.
From its Intel N97 CPU to its 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, dual LAN, and triple 4K display output, it’s a tool for doers—not gamers or streamers—but people who need stable, modern performance with minimal footprint.
Shop MINIX Z97 Mini PC
FAQ
- Can the Z97 run Windows 11 Pro?
Yes. It supports Windows 11 Pro and is fully compatible with all its features. - Can I expand the RAM?
No. RAM is soldered (LPDDR5X), but the 12GB is sufficient for most users and designed to be power-efficient. - Can I upgrade the SSD?
Yes. It supports M.2 NVMe upgrades—just unscrew the bottom panel to access the slot. - Does it support Linux?
Absolutely. It runs Ubuntu, Debian, and other Linux distros smoothly. - Is it good for gaming?
It is not designed for gaming. Light browser or 2D games are okay, but this is a productivity-focused machine. - How many displays can I connect?
Up to three simultaneously—two HDMI and one DisplayPort, all capable of 4K at 60Hz. - Can I use it for digital signage?
Yes. It’s perfect for 24/7 digital signage, media playback, and kiosk applications. - What’s the benefit of dual LAN?
It allows for advanced networking: bridging, routing, failover, firewall apps, or using one for internal traffic and one for external.
