ECS LIVA X2 Braswell Mini PC Features Up to 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, Sells for $170 and Up

ECS LIVA was one of the first low power Intel mini PC that included both RAM and storage for less than $200 when it was first announced in March 2014. Since then there’s been a tidal wave of Bay Trail mini PCs hitting the market, and now that it’s time for Braswell and Cherry Trail lower system, ECS released LIVA X2 mini PC powered by Intel Braswell N3050 processor, that’s available for $169.99 on Newegg with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, or $239.99 with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage.

ECS LIVA X2 specifications:

• SoC – Intel Celeron N3050 “Braswell” dual core processor @ 1.6 GHz / 2.16GHz (Turbo) and Intel HD Graphics (6W TDP)
• System Memory – 2 or 4GB DDR3L (soldered)
• Storage – 32GB / 64GB eMMC flash, 1x M.2 for SSD (Up to 1TB)
• Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.0
• Video Output – HDMI and VGA
• Audio – 1x Combo Jack, 2x D-MIC (internal), HDMI
• USB – 3x USB 3.0 Ports
• Power Supply – 12V/3A
• Dimension 156 x 83 x 51 mm

ECS says the device supports Windows 7, 8.1 and 10, although Windows 7 requires an M.2 storage device. Linux is known to run on Intel Celeron/Pentium N3000 series, so you could probably install your preferred Linux distribution too.

In case like me you wonder what the yellow USB port is for, is apparently means “Always-on” even in sleep mode or when powered off, which would for example allow you to charge your phone or tablet.

Anandtech got hold of an early sample, and published a review. They like it is a fanless design, but expected a bit more performance out of the Celeron N3050 processor, and when the the device is under load, temperatures may raise close to 90 degrees C, although it should not be a problem for most use case. They conclude that “despite these shortcomings, the LIVA x2 seems like a worthy upgrade to the existing LIVA and LIVA X units.” Idle power consumption @ 3.17 Watts is also the lowest they’ve seen so far, and it’s still under control under load as it rises to about 15 Watts.

There is now quite a choice of Bay Trail, Cherry Trail and Braswell mini PCs such as Intel NUC5CPYH (Celeron N3050), Tronsmart Ara X5 and others, so Linuxium made a table comparing features, benchmark scores, and prices of such system, including ECS Liva X2.

It’s quite interesting to note the price difference between systems may not be that large. For example, for a $20 difference ($23 with shipping to US) between Ara X5 and Liva X2, you get a faster processor, 2 extra USB 3.0 ports, 802.11ac (vs 802.11n), Gigabit Ethernet (vs Fast ethernet), a VGA port, and an M.2 slot for extra storage. Then for an extra $20, you could go with the Intel NUC together with 2GB RAM and a 60GB SSD, or whatever amount of RAM (up to 8GB) or storage you’d like. Of course, pricing is just for reference, as the final price will depend on shipping and import taxes and related fees, and the latter may be much higher when you order a product from the US or Europe instead of going through Chinese resellers…

Via Liliputing

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.

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