The new ECS LIVA Z15 Plus is bringing Intel's budget-focused "Wildcat Lake" architecture to the ultra-compact desktop market. Unveiled ahead of the Computex 2026 trade show in Taiwan, this 122.8 x 122 x 39.9mm mini PC packs surprising connectivity and memory support into a chassis small enough to hide behind a monitor. It targets home server enthusiasts and everyday users looking for efficient, small-form-factor computing.
ECS LIVA Z15 Plus Specifications and Connectivity
Despite its diminutive footprint, the ECS LIVA Z15 Plus offers robust hardware expansion. It features a single SODIMM slot that supports up to 64GB of user-replaceable DDR5-6400 memory, alongside an M.2 2280 slot for fast PCIe Gen 4 storage. The standout feature for networking enthusiasts is the inclusion of dual 2.5 GbE LAN ports, making it an ideal candidate for custom router setups or home lab environments.
The complete port selection provides extensive I/O options for a device of this size:
- 1 x USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps with DisplayPort Alt Mode)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (20 Gbps)
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps)
- 4 x USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps)
- 2 x HDMI
- 2 x 2.5 GbE LAN
- 1 x 3.5mm audio
- 1 x DC power input (19V/90W)
Intel Wildcat Lake Processor Configurations
ECS is offering the mini PC with five distinct processor options, all built on the Intel Wildcat Lake architecture designed for budget laptops and compact systems. The top-tier configuration utilizes the Intel Core 7 350, delivering a maximum P-Core frequency of 4.8 GHz.
| CPU | Cores | P-Core Max Freq | GPU Cores | GPU Max Freq | GPU TOPS | NPU TOPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core 7 350 | 6 (2 x P + 4 x LP-E) | 4.8 GHz | 2 | 2.6 GHz | 21 | 17 |
| Core 5 320 | 6 (2 x P + 4 x LP-E) | 4.6 GHz | 2 | 2.5 GHz | 20 | 16 |
| Core 5 315 | 6 (2 x P + 4 x LP-E) | 4.4 GHz | 2 | 2.3 GHz | 18 | 15 |
| Core 3 305 | 6 (2 x P + 4 x LP-E) | 4.3 GHz | 1 | 2.3 GHz | 2.3 | 15 |
| Core 3 304 | 5 (1 x P + 4 x LP-E) | 4.3 GHz | 1 | 2.3 GHz | 2.3 | 15 |
The Home Server Potential of Wildcat Lake
While ECS has not yet announced official pricing or availability dates, the hardware configuration of the LIVA Z15 Plus signals a strong play for the budget enthusiast market. The combination of dual 2.5 GbE LAN ports and a 40 Gbps USB4 connection elevates this beyond a basic office machine. It provides the exact I/O bandwidth required for high-speed network-attached storage (NAS) interfaces or lightweight virtualization servers.
Furthermore, the integration of NPU TOPS across the entire Wildcat Lake lineup - even down to the entry-level Core 3 304 - indicates a significant shift in Intel's strategy. By standardizing baseline AI acceleration for background tasks in budget tiers, Intel ensures these compact machines can handle modern workloads efficiently without relying solely on the CPU, keeping thermals in check within the tiny 39.9mm chassis.
