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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