New Mini PC Review - The Minix Z83-4

[@gplama]

Great review Rivers. I've been watching your reviews for years on and off when they pop up on my feeds, always good to hear a familiar voice. Thanks for all your work in bringing us info on all the new tech!

[@Somecooltech1]

Thanks so much Shane. I appreciate it. You have a great channel by the way.

[@HayesTech]

Great review as always. I still use my Minix Neo X8-H but an looking for a different device since they abandoned this device shortly after I purchased it. No software updates or support from minix means I move on to a different manufacture/product. Their answer to my security update inquires was "We make newer devices that are being supported, please purchase one of these to ensure you are being the latest security updates, and thank you for your purchase"..... lol... Anyways, love your videos and thank you again.

[@Malignant88]

It's a great device. I bought mine a week ago. The only issue really is the storage. It made windows update a bit tricky, but I solved it by using the windows media creation tool and a flash drive.

[@priority-1]

How many Hz does this run on resolutions past 1080p?

[@testycochise9052]

best review of the z83-4

[@JohnStopman]

Short and to the point. The way I like it *^_^*

[@MichaelSignor]

I also like that this review mentions Kodi, as my primary reason for getting this box is for media streaming.

[@JohnStopman]

@ Michael: please tell us if the z83-4 also plays HEVC @ 10bit very well :-)

[@peterwhalley5236]

Excellent review Rivers. Superior production values! Background music is where it belongs - so many that do audio for a living mess this up. You keep moving through review, no verbal tics and much useful information. Many reviewers must think I just want to hear them talk!

[@SeñorDossierOficial]

Hope they release the gemini lake update soon, for this mini pc

[@BennettMyers]

Great review, subscribed. When you say you can stick it to the back of your TV, how was the unit attached in that shot? Was it really just stuck on there, because I couldn't see any bracket. Thanks.

[@christophzehmer2626]

Hi Rivers! Very good review. Enjoyed it ... a lot! Just out of curiosity: How did you put the Z83-4 on the back of your monitor? Is there any VESA bracket for this?

[@Somecooltech1]

Thanks Christoph. I attached the Z83 with two layers of double sided sticky tape. The stuff is really sticky. I'd like to see a monitor mounting system from Minix though. I'll ask them about it. There are a few for Roku that might work but nothing seemed perfect. amzn.to/2daeUyj

[@jimhart5964]

Hey Rivers, great job. What are the chances of running Linux on it, do you think? Is the O.S. flashed into it or does it boot from the "hard drive" like a regular PC?

[@Somecooltech1]

I think the chances are pretty good that it gets Linux. I saw in the minux forums that they are planning to put Ubuntu Linux on it. They said they have everything working except the wifi and audio drivers.

[@jimhart5964]

Those 2 things seem to always be the hang up for putting Linux on mini-PCs. But, I don't need those. I want to put one on a wired network and use it as a web and file server. The compact size and low price are key. In the environments I deal with, the hit rate and storage requirements are so low that a mini-pc is just fine. I considered the Android server apps, but really need Apache, for various reasons. Anyway, as allows, thanks for all the work you do keeping us informed.

[@Ronnie153153]

Thanks, Great review. Which camera do you use for recording the review ?

[@Somecooltech1]

This one was shot on the Sony AX53 amzn.to/2di92cp . I'm back an forth between that and the Sony a6300.

[@curlingboard7586]

Great review, everything i needed to know.

[@halfglassfull]

Nice channel, really good info on several pieces of tech I am considering...including this Minix... when you run Kodi is there a working cable TV PVR ( DVR ?) that you have tried? I currently use Windows Media Center on Windows 7 but they no longer support it on Windows 10 so looking for a workable way to record cable TV shows.

[@Somecooltech1]

I think you can use these silicondust tunners amzn.to/2jgAesL hooked to a windows pc with kody but I have not used it. I use Tablo amzn.to/2jfONgA though. Tablo works on almost all platforms, android, windows, mac, and even apple TV. Here's my review of Tablo kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIXThKyrfpx5jrs

[@halfglassfull]

Thanks!

[@gordong11]

Can you get a dual boot version? looks good though

[@wazaby123]

So which one is better ?? This one or the NGC-1

[@elliemexis80]

Can this take music programs like Finale?

[@johnhall4368]

Hi River, 4k at 30fps not good, new andriod boxes with amlogic s912 outputs 4k at 60fps!!

[@Somecooltech1]

Yea, I would rather watch 1080p at 60fps any day. AML has the X905 now which has 4k at 60 too. It is really good too.

[@johnhall4368]

At amlogic s912 is the most upto date version

[@bertramlefarge69]

To most people, the fact that it can do 1080p @ 60fps is enough. Plus most android boxes struggle with DD & DTS etc.

[@clarktibbs7851]

hey Rivers have you done a review on tiger stream Kodi box just wondering if it's really worth it

[@TheJasonthegreat2007]

can it do any light editing?

[@arvindpadhiar3544]

Hi , have a question, does this box is only pc? where is tv launcher? so we can install an apps. thanks.

[@aimebob]

wish you could test some light 3d games on it like league Of legends

[@eramamma]

Can you play games on this like Minecraft? (looking for something for my son...)

[@gramzulu]

Does this work on a 75Hz monitor?

[@localboofboi8063]

How does this thing cool itself it doesn't have a fan

[@kyle2546]

Andrei _190 made of aluminum, acts like a heatsink.

[@clarkedarren241]

Does it have kodi and other apps pre loaded

[@novideo1450]

DO WE HAVE TO INSTALL ANTIVIRUS??

[@imreenyedi4532]

Dear Tech Connect ! Dear Rivers! I love your review videos and I like your helping attitude. That is why I get touch you again. I am using Minix Neo X7 android device with all of the bad and good things what has it : ) I would like to change it ver.A Minix U1 and keep going on android way or verB Minix Z83-4 ? Can you reccommend or telling me the pro or contra of the two devices. I am a bit afraid to using win based TV box but it has so much powerful hardware. The android ones is almost similar than mine. I really have doubts about which device I shouls use it, If you could give me some hints and tips that would be really nice. Thanks in advance all the best greetings from Hungary bye Imre

[@raynaldo2000]

Which box do you like better for a htpc? The Minix Z83-4 or the Probox2 Air? I realize one is Windows based and one is Android based, I am just looking for a good, solid mini htpc and I am not concerned about the operating system. Thanks!

[@Somecooltech1]

They are so different because the Z83 runs windows and the probox2 air runs Android. Personally I guess I like Android better because there are thousands of apps to choose from and they are pretty remote friendly.

[@raynaldo2000]

Thank you for your reply! Great job on your videos.

[@jhogan9759]

Can you use a video editor Like, Filmora or Cyberlink with then Minix ?

[@osomania2009]

I want to buy the minix mini pc windows, question ......can I install pc games and emulators for old consoles if I connect external Hard driver ?

[@androidgeeking]

Get a pop stopper for your mic please.

[@marcosmorales3772]

Is it good for emulation? Psx, n64?

[@Somecooltech1]

The SSD? I think it would work well. Its nice and fast.

[@pureinsult]

Z83-4 or NGC-1? Which one do you recommend as the better one among the two, for HTPC use? Will both work with A2 Lite?

[@daveydaves9361]

This windows mini PC has issues. example; When using media players that require auto adjust displays refresh rates for various video types the sound card mutes the audio when it adjusts the displays/monitor refresh rates to the videos. I tried this Minix mini PC with different monitors and it still had the same problem. Then i tried the same media player with another PC same O.S and monitors and the adjust refresh rate option to display worked fine and it didn't mute the audio with the two other windows devices i used. This Minix mini PC has sound card issues or something?. when using it for basic media sites such as youtube/netflix and standard video play back it functions correctly. It doesn't Function correctly in kodi/exodus when using adjust video playback to displays refresh rate.

[@tomislavsaric1308]

Hy great review. Can you tell if this can split audio and video ? I need a device to watch my 4k HDR, Dolby Atmos videos but that can split the Atmos audio to my AVreciever and the 4K HDR video to my tv. Would you recomend this device or some other ? Thank you

[@ToddMoore1]

but will it run Minecraft

[@Somecooltech1]

You know I did not try that. I'll have to try and report back. It probably will.

[@Murphy_DevLab]

3 to 5 watts? Now that's perfect for solar setups. A laptop is 30 to 60 watts.

[@Somecooltech1]

Yeah its pretty amazing. It got the guts of an Android tablet and software that works with a TV.

[@EchoUKProductions]

Nice now I have an uncontrollable urge to ebay my andriod boxes and buy... praise unto Minix

[@bertramlefarge69]

That's what i did, never looked back. Mind you i'm not one to install games and apps, generally light pc use away from my main rig and as a HTPC. If i went back i'd only look at Minix, Beelink etc, and avoid the less well supported boxes. Buying a Minix running last years chipset properly implemented is a way better experience than buying one of the latest myriad of cheeap boxes out there.

[@technoboi0]

Pity you have to pay for Windows. I'd be interested this if it ran Linux - something like LinuxMInt.

[@Somecooltech1]

I saw in the minux forums that they are planning to put Ubuntu Linux on it. They said they have everything working except the wifi and audio drivers.

[@annluu5350]

ok

[@MimicoBungalow]

ZED not 'ZEE'

[@Burnin-U]

I bought a Minix box. It's trash. they're not into updates either.

[@ToddMoore1]

which box?

[@Burnin-U]

z64 android

[@ToddMoore1]

what feature were you needing in a new update?

[@annluu5350]

ok

[@keatongoucher3250]

Can you play GTA5

[@Burnin-U]

z64 Android.

[@MrChihinwong]

Intel don't update the Android source code, then MINIX can't, I believe. Windows 10 OS doesn't have this trouble since it's Microsoft to update it.

[@superidol4670]

So I actually have a good pc for being only a 11 yo