Before sharing the experience of using the Zero刻 EQ14 mini host, let’s first look at the core components: the CPU specifications. Model: Twin Lake N150, Zero刻 is likely the first mini host manufacturer to equip the N150 processor. Compared to many mini hosts currently on the market that use the N100 processor, what improvements can we see in theoretical specifications?
The parameter table shows that the biggest improvements are four points: higher maximum turbo frequency, higher graphics card frequency, maximum power can reach 25W, and support for Intel Unison software.
From this positioning, we can see that the Zero刻 EQ14 is an enhanced version of the highly praised Zero刻 EQ13 mini host, still primarily aimed at office use. Now that we understand the product positioning, let’s share the actual usage experience of the Zero刻 EQ14.
Appearance | Built-in power supply makes desktop space neater, integrated body craftsmanship is excellent
Let’s first take a look at the appearance design of the Zero刻 EQ14.
The packaging box still has a classic shape, very simple.
Packaging list: Zero刻 EQ14, manual, power cord, HDMI cable.
From the packaging list, we can see that the power cord is just a simple line, which is the biggest advantage of the built-in power supply. There is no need to configure a “big power supply” as before, saving space while being more portable.
Next, let’s look at the overall appearance design of the Zero刻 EQ14. The color scheme is navy blue, looking very exquisite. Dimensions: 126*126*39mm, also compact.
The integrated body craftsmanship is outstanding, and no seams can be seen at all.
The surface of the Zero刻 EQ14 uses laser engraving, which gives a three-dimensional sense of touch, enhancing the level of exquisiteness while also serving a non-slip purpose.
Now, let’s briefly talk about the EQ series. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the Zero刻 EQ14 is primarily positioned as an office mini host.
Zero刻 has several series of mini hosts, if it’s just for light office use, then the EQ series can fully meet the needs; if pursuing higher performance, you can choose the SE series, which uses high-end processors from Intel and AMD; if pursuing even higher performance and gaming, you can choose the GT series, which can connect an external graphics dock for smoother gameplay of large games.
Therefore, the performance of the product must first be viewed from its positioning.
Next, let’s look at the interface design of the Zero刻 EQ14. Keywords: comprehensive, generous.
Front: USB3.2 10Gbps, 3.5mm audio interface, CLR CMOS, USB-C 10Gbps, power switch, power indicator.
On the back, there is a large heat dissipation hole at the top. It should be noted that although it is an entry-level office mini host, the internal cooling system is actually the same MSC 2.0 cooling system used in Zero刻’s flagship models! This is truly commendable!
The lower interfaces are very rich, from left to right: USB3.2 10Gbps*2, USB2.0 480Mbps, HDMI Max 4K 60Hz, LAN 1000M*2, AC power interface.
The data interfaces are abundant, making it convenient to connect multiple hard drives for data transfer during daily office use.
At the bottom, there is a large air intake, ensuring that the machine inhales a large amount of air during operation to ensure internal cooling.
Overall, in terms of appearance design and details, Zero刻 still maintains the standards of a big manufacturer, and the interfaces are very rich, making it more convenient for daily use.
Hardware Testing & Benchmarking | Meets Expectations, Excellent Cooling Performance
The CPU of the Zero刻 EQ14 has already been mentioned at the beginning of the article, so how does the actual benchmarking of the Twin Lake N150 perform?
Using CPU-Z to check the configuration, it is consistent with the table at the beginning of the article; DDR4 memory frequency is 3200MHz, single-core score is 383.2, multi-core score is 1235.3.
Using the Master Lu benchmark for reference, over 310,000.
R20 score is 1101, R23 multi-core score is 2809, single-core score is 819.
From the results of these mainstream benchmarking software, the Zero刻 EQ14 is basically consistent with expectations, and this performance is completely sufficient for office use.
Single-threaded FPU shows very stable performance, and thanks to the Zero刻 EQ14’s MSC 2.0 cooling system, the temperatures of the motherboard, CPU, and hard drive were all excellently controlled during a 30-minute test, showcasing outstanding cooling performance!
Moreover, the powerful cooling system directly results in very low fan speeds, and throughout the testing process, the Zero刻 EQ14 remained quiet.
In actual testing, the maximum volume never exceeded 30 decibels, which is truly beyond expectations! I must say, the Zero刻 EQ14 is indeed an office artifact!
Finally, let’s take a quick look at the read and write performance of the SSD.
Sequential read is about 550MB/s, and sequential write is 525MB/s, which is quite acceptable and sufficient for daily use.
I am very satisfied with the performance of the Twin Lake N150; it meets its positioning. However, one must remember that it is an upgraded version of an entry-level CPU, and cannot be compared to Arrow Lake. Nevertheless, the Twin Lake N150, combined with the strong cooling of the Zero刻 EQ14, runs software very quietly, and the output from a major manufacturer is indeed satisfying.
Actual Use | A True Office Artifact, Zero刻 Maximizes Cost Performance
Now that everyone understands the benchmarking situation of the Zero刻 EQ14, and given its positioning for office use, we will not test gaming performance. As stated before, positioning determines its purpose.
Common office software, such as PS/LR, runs very smoothly without any issues.
However, this time, the Zero刻 EQ14 paired with the Twin Lake N150 has one of its most important features: support for Intel Unison software!
This software aims to achieve seamless connectivity between Windows 11 and Android phones or tablets, similar to the interaction between MacOS and iOS.
Let me share my actual experience using it.
After all, it is cross-system functionality; to achieve this, both the system and processor chip must support the software (which needs to be downloaded from the Microsoft Store), and the phone must also download the corresponding app.
Then, you can achieve interconnectivity.
In terms of functionality, I would call it “core integration”.
It does not project the phone interface directly onto the computer as imagined; instead, core functions focus on file transfer, photo album management, call and message synchronization, and notification synchronization from the phone.
From these functional designs, it can be seen that Intel Unison primarily facilitates cross-device connectivity, making it easier to share and manage data between PCs and phones.
In actual use, file transfer speeds are extremely fast, which is indeed very convenient.
Additionally, you can directly make phone calls and share messages; you can view your contacts on the PC and have a dial pad to directly answer and make calls.
This feature is quite practical, especially for personal PCs, where its utility is very strong.
The mobile app’s interface design is a bit too simplistic.
The app’s interface shows that the mobile side mainly focuses on file transfer and reception functions, and cannot directly manage files on the PC.
After using it for some time, I found that Intel Unison is relatively stable, which is commendable. Of course, the functionality is not overly abundant, but it is practical enough, mainly managing the mobile photo album and transferring files quickly.
Simple Disassembly | Built-in 48W Power Supply, Large SSD Cooling Vest
Finally, a simple disassembly to look at the internal craftsmanship and configuration.
Why choose products from large manufacturers? The internal craftsmanship of the Zero刻 EQ14 shows that it is very tidy.
The internal power supply outputs 12V/4A, 48W; it is not very large, but being designed inside can better save desktop space, and the overall body of the Zero刻 EQ14 remains compact, with well-thought-out design in all aspects.
Under the large cooling vest is the M.2 SSD. Moreover, the Zero刻 EQ14 supports dual M.2 PCIe 3.0 slots, supporting hard drives up to 4TB, allowing for space expansion.
Despite being positioned for office use, Zero刻 does not skimp on costs to ensure cooling performance; this is also a necessary condition for the Zero刻 EQ14 to easily handle single-threaded workloads, with the MSC 2.0 cooling system being very effective.
Conclusion | Incredible Cost Performance, Overall Performance is Satisfactory
Overall, the performance of the Zero刻 EQ14 exceeds expectations.
Excellent appearance, rich interfaces, usable performance of the Twin Lake N150, and the stability of the MSC 2.0 cooling system for office use. Plus, ultra-quiet operation and Intel Unison, the overall performance is indeed very good.
The Zero刻 EQ14 has two versions; besides the 16G+500G version, there is also a barebones version, allowing users who have their own memory and SSD to install them, priced at only around 600 yuan, making it an excellent cost-performance ratio!
Choosing Zero刻 is definitely a good choice.