ECS (Elitegroup Computer Systems) was another company introducing their Gemini Lake mini PC at CES 2018, or as they call them “ultra-compact form-factor” (UCFF) PCs. They had three models with two upgrade from Apollo Lake systems: LIVA Z2 & LIVA Q2, and another system called “LIVA One SoC” which instead offers an entry-level version of their barebone LIVA One mini PC based on Core i3/i5/i7 processors.
ECS LIVA Z2
LIVA Z2 specifications:
- SoC – Intel Gemini Lake processor
- System Memory – 2x DDR4 SO-DIMM slots
- Storage – 32 or 64GB eMMC flash, 1x 2.5″ SSD/HDD bay
- Video Output – HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4 ports (dual HDMI)
- Audio Output – Via HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack, digital microphone
- Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2
- USB – 3x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports, 1x USB 3.0 type C port
- Misc – Power button, Kensington lock
- Power Supply – 19V/3.42A
- Dimensions – 117 x 128 x 51 mm
The mini PC will support Windows 10 as well as Linux distributions, and be available in May for $225 with 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, no OS, and $240 with Windows 10.
ECS LIVA Q2
If you want something more compact then LIVA Q2 is what you’re looking for. Specifications:
- SoC – Intel Celeron N4000 dual core Gemini Lake processor with 12EU UHD Graphics 600; 6W TDP
- System Memory – 2 or 4GB LPDDR4
- Storage – 32 or 64GB eMMC flash, micro SD slot up to 128 GB
- Video & Audio Output – HDMI 2.0
- Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1
- USB – 1x USB 3.1 Gen port, 1x USB 2.0 port
- Misc – Power button
- Power Supply – 12V/2A
- Dimensions – 70 x 70 x 33.4 mm
ECS LIVA Q2 will be available earlier than the Z2 model, since it’s expected to launch in March for $164 with 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, no OS, and around $180 with Windows 10.
ECS LIVA One SoC
LIVA One SoC is more flexbile, and looks like a mini PC tower rather than your typical mini PC. Specifications:
- SoC – Intel Pentium Silver J5005 or Celeron J4005/J4105 Gemini Lake processor with 12EU or 18EU UHD Graphics 600/605; 10W TDP
- System Memory – 1x DDR4 SO-DIMM slot
- Storage – 2x 2.5″ SSD/HDD bays, 1x M.2 2242/2280 SSD slot
- Video Output – HDMI 2.0 + DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0 + D-Sub (VGA)
- Audio Output – Via HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack, 3.5mm microphone jack, and 3.5mm Line IN jack or S/DPIF
- Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2
- USB – 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 4x USB 2.0 ports (but brochure at CES 2018 shows 4x USB 3.1 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0).
- Misc – Power button, COM port, 1x PS/2 keyboard + mouse port
- Power Supply – 19V/3.16A
- Dimensions – 199.4x 188.3 x 45 mm
The specifications are not completely frozen so the company may still decide to do changes to the external ports. The model is only shown to be running Windows 10, but I don’t see why it could not support Linux too. It will not benefit from dual channel memory like LIVA Z2 model since there’s only one SO-DIMM slot.
LIVA One SoC is expected to launch in April, but price has not been disclosed/discussed.
Via Anandtech & Hardwareluxx (Note: I used CES 2018 photos from the latter for specifications, which may explain some of the discrepancies with the specs listed on Anandtech)
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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ECS LIVA Z2 has just started to sell on Amazon for $183
Tis most strange that the big model “LIVA One SoC” (which is described as being “more flexible”) has only one SO-DIMM slot whereas the more compact models have two.
@Harry Wheeler
The smaller model (Q2) actually has soldered RAM chips, but you’re right, Z2 has two slots. Not sure why they did it that way for the big model, it’s not like they lack space.
The Q2 is impressive, it’s the size of a Dockstar. The price is not that high for a complete PC by the way. It can be really convenient to build small, single-function servers.
Intel also shared some information about June Canyon NUCs with Gemini Lake, and someone there told that devices are already shipping? atleast haven’t seen them anywhere yet.
ECS LIVA Q2: nice looks, nice dimensions with 70 x 70 x 33.4 mm, and nice price.
FWIW: I just saw there is already a “ECS Elitegroup LIVA Q” (so plain Q, not Q2) for about 180 USD. It was announced in Nov 2017, but seems difficult to source (“sold out”).
IF ONLY the Q2 would have supported M.2 Satya, or better mSATA it would be perfect for my needs, in quantity.
Oh, wait: I now realise that the ECS LIVA Q2 has no HDD/SDD bay at all, right?
For Google reference: it looks like the Medion Akoya S22001, which is sold for €199 in Germany and the Netherlands.
@Sander
Correct. It would be too small to hold a drive anyway.