ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus: Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra Performance

The ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus mini PC will soon be available for retail, according to ECS EliteGroup. This device features a classic NUC design and houses powerful Intel Core Ultra Series 1 and Series 2 processors that promise high performance.

Key Specifications and Features

• Processor: Available with Intel Core Ultra 7 and 5 processors from the Arrow Lake generation, providing superior processing power for multitasking and demanding applications.
• Random Access Memory (RAM): Up to 96GB of DDR5 memory, at 6400MHz for Series 2 Core Ultra processors and 5600MHz for Series 1 processors, ensuring smooth performance even with the most demanding applications.
• Storage: Includes an M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 slot for high-speed primary storage, along with a secondary M.2 2242 slot to provide flexible storage options.
• Ports: The device has a wide range of ports for comprehensive connectivity, including two 40Gbps USB 4.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, three USB 2.0 ports, and two HDMI 2.1 outputs to support connecting two high-resolution displays.
• Networking: Available with two LAN ports (one 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and one 1 Gigabit Ethernet), and supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for advanced and reliable wireless and wired connectivity options.
• Operating System: Comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, making it ready to use right out of the box.

Design

The ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus features a metal design on the sides and bottom, with a plastic top cover that mimics an elegant metal appearance. Internal components like memory and storage are easily accessible for upgrades using a Phillips screwdriver, offering great flexibility for users. However, the secondary M.2 slot only supports 2242 units instead of the more common 2280, which might limit the maximum storage options available.

Performance

The ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus delivers strong performance thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processors and integrated Arc Graphics 140T, making it suitable for daily use, office tasks, and even some light gaming. While its performance is good for Intel NUC devices, there are other options on the market that offer better performance, especially those based on AMD Ryzen AI platforms. These platforms, starting at around $1500, offer stronger graphical and processing performance, thanks to their architectural designs that include dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to accelerate AI tasks.

Price and Availability

The price and availability of the ECS EliteGroup LIVA Z11 Plus have not yet been officially announced, despite its unveiling at Computex 2025. There have been previous speculations about similar ECS products being canceled after announcement, which could affect market confidence and consumer interest in the product. For the best value for money, alternative options from Acemagic (such as the M1 with Intel Core i9-11900H processor) or GMKtec K11 Gaming Mini PC (with AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor) or Miniforum AI X1 Pro (with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor) might be more attractive choices in terms of performance and cost at present.

Final Verdict

If you are an enthusiast of Intel mini PCs and are looking for a powerful, upgradeable system, the LIVA Z11 Plus might be a good option at a reasonable price once available, especially if you need to connect up to three displays. However, if the absolute top priority is performance, particularly in graphical processing tasks and AI applications, then Mini PCs based on AMD Ryzen AI platforms currently offer superior processing and graphics power and are strong alternatives.