ECS expands its mini PC lineup with three new Liva Z models featuring Intel's ultra-efficient Twin Lake processors and AMD's Hawk Point APUs, targeting diverse computing needs in compact form factors.
ECS has unveiled its next-generation Liva Z mini PCs at CES 2026, introducing a tiered approach to compact computing. The new lineup spans from energy-sipping Intel Twin Lake models to performance-oriented AMD Hawk Point systems, all maintaining the brand's signature ultra-compact designs.
Entry-Level Efficiency: Liva Z4 Series
The standard Liva Z4 targets basic computing needs with Intel's N150 processor. This quad-core, four-thread Twin Lake chip operates at just 6W TDP, making it ideal for web browsing, office applications, and point-of-sale systems. The 0.33-liter chassis houses:
- Single DDR4-2666 SODIMM slot (up to 16GB)
- M.2 2280 slot for storage
- Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- Dual USB 2.0 Type-A ports
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 5
- HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort outputs
For slightly more demanding workloads, the larger 0.7-liter Z4F model steps up to Intel's Core 3 N355 octa-core processor with DDR5 memory support and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. Both models exemplify ECS's focus on space efficiency, with the Z4 being one of the smallest x86 systems on the market.
Performance Segment: Liva Z6 Plus
The flagship Liva Z6 Plus adopts AMD's Ryzen 7 H 255 APU from the Hawk Point family. This octa-core processor features 16 processing threads via Zen 4 architecture, delivering significantly higher performance for multitasking and moderate workloads like photo editing or light gaming. Despite packing this power, it maintains a compact 0.6-liter footprint.
Confirmed specifications include:
- Dual DDR5 SODIMM slots
- M.2 2280 Gen 4 SSD slot
- M.2 2230 slot for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- 2.5G Ethernet
Market Positioning and Availability
The Liva Z4 series caters to users prioritizing minimal power consumption and footprint for basic computing, while the Z4F bridges the gap to mainstream productivity. The Z6 Plus targets power users needing AMD's multi-threaded performance in constrained spaces. Pricing and exact availability dates remain unconfirmed, but ECS typically positions these between $300-$600 based on configuration. For immediate Hawk Point options, alternatives like the GMKtec K12 are available at $600.
These releases demonstrate ECS's continued focus on specialized mini PC segments rather than competing directly with mainstream offerings. The Z4's extreme compactness makes it ideal for kiosks and embedded applications, while the Z6 Plus offers uncommon AMD power density for its size class.
Sources: ECS, TechPowerUp
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