The latest tiny desktop computer from Minix features a quad-core Intel Atom x5-Z8300 Cherry Trail processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a fanless case, and Windows 10 64-bit software.

Minix is unveiling the Minix Z83-4 mini PC today, and the company says it’ll be available for purchase starting September 16th for about $170.

z83_05

This isn’t the first Windows PC from Minix. The company also has a model with an Intel Celeron N3150 Braswell processor and one with an Inteal Atom Bay Trail chip.

But for what it’s worth, this is the first model to sport a Cherry Trail processor. Since Intel isn’t positioning its next-gen Atom chips as solutions for PCs, I wouldn’t expect to see any tablets, mini-desktops, or other general purpose computers powered by the chips formerly code-named Broxton. So companies like Minix that want to offer tiny, fanless PCs may be stuck using previous-generation tech like Cherry Trail for a little longer.

Minix acknowledges that the Neo Z83-4 isn’t the first Windows 10 mini PC with an Atom x5-Z8300 chip. But a representative suggests that its system stands out in a few ways, including Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band 802.11ac WiFi, and a fanless design that’s been tested to prevent overheating.

And while there are some other models on the market with 64GB of storage, Minix said Microsoft only offers low-cost Windows licenses for systems with 32GB or less… suggesting that some other device makers may be breaking Microsoft’s rules.

Other features include DisplayPort and HDMI 1.4 ports, eMMC 5.0 storage, a USB 3.0 port, 3 USB 2.0 ports, and a 3.5mm headset jack.

 

 

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16 replies on “Minix Neo Z83-4 fanless Windows 10 mini PC coming Sept 16th”

    1. How so? They don’t even list an MSRP.

      Edit: NM, I must have completely blanked out on the price.

  1. “And while there are some other models on the market with 64GB of storage, Minix said Microsoft only offers low-cost Windows licenses for systems with 32GB or less”

    MS really needs to change that. 64GB and 4GB RAM should be the minimum for low costs systems. 32GB and 2GB RAM just gives consumer a whole lot of limited Windows hardware, with the former having a 100-200+ price jump because they have to pay for the OS license.
    At the very least, let 4GB be included in the low cost systems. I can live with 32GB of storage, but 2GB RAM is very limiting for Windows.

    1. Yes, 2GB SDRAM is crippling because these “low-end” Windows machines FORCE you to use 64-bit Win10. Dumb move by M$oft! The result is always a No-Buy, for me anyway.

  2. Hey finally a Z8300 box with Gigabit ethernet from a brand I recognize (somewhat).

    I’m really hoping Intel’s Apollo Lake will yield some low-cost SOCs with more than 1x lane of PCI-e, so we could see devices like this with SATA storage AND gigabit ethernet.

    Right now, I think the Z8700 is the lowest cost SOC that supports both.

    1. Apollo Lake supposedly supports 4 PCI-e lanes, so you’ll get part of your wish, but memory is to be soldered on so, no ponies given so far…I’d personally like to see a Z8700 (or Apollo Lake) model with dual Intel gigabit ethernet, but that’s starting to look like asking for a pony at this point.

      1. If you want a low-wattage dual ethernet SOC, we will have to wait to see if Intel is going to release the Denverton SOCs afterall.

        They haven’t said much of anything about Denverton since they launched Xeon-D. I have a feeling it was scrapped, but Anandtech spotted it as recently as July 2016 https://www.anandtech.com/show/

        1. Thanks much for that link. Denverton was just a dim memory until I saw that article. However, since my last debacle with a “server level” BGA platform, I’ve given up on BGA processors and switched back over to socketed for those project type.

          To put things into perspective, the low-wattage dual-ethernet I spoke of above is for something more modest, such as “prosumer grade” software firewalling on the (relatively) cheap, a lot like the fitlet, just with a bit more processor oomph and less boutique-y pricing.
          https://www.fit-pc.com/web/purc

          However, the more I look into this, the more it looks like I’m asking for a pony…

          1. Heh, nice take on that old Axiom, but in a lot of cases these days, I feel like we’re lucky if we even get to pick one…Either that or our expectations are getting out of hand.

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