• ECS HDC-I2 mini-ITX Motherboard

    ECS HDC-I2 mini-ITX Motherboard

    Roydon Cerejo, Apr 13, 2011 1529 hrs IST

    Small in size but packs a punch

    Low power draw, easily handle 1080p videos, plenty of USB ports, PCI slot for expansion

    No HDMI, a bit expensive

    Expert Rating :
    Rating
    mail share

Expert Review

    next

AMD's Fusion APUs are starting to trickle in the market and after reviewing the Asus 1215B netbook, we now have something for the desktop from ECS. Based on the Hudson chipset, the HDC-I2 is a mini-ITX motherboard that uses AMDs Zacate E-350 APU to power it. This motherboard is targeted at HTPC enthusiasts or even someone looking to build a low power download rig. Given the prowess of the E-350, it would also make a very good second PC for work and multimedia. Let's check out ECS's offering in a bit more detail.

Design and Layout



Since the CPU cores, memory controller and GPU are on the same die, there's just a single heatsink right in the center to cool it. The aluminum finned heatsink is quite large and is enough to cool the die even for our weather conditions. There are two fan headers as well, one for a system fan, in case you want to place one over the heatsink, and the other for the rear exhaust. ECS have also provided a PCI slot for a sound card.



There's plenty of connectivity like VGA, DVI (no HDMI unfortunately) and 8 USB 2.0 ports. It also has a Gigabit Ethernet jack and VIA 6-channel audio. The PCI card will actually come in handy for a sound card if you are planning on building an HTPC.


Follow Techtree on Twitter

    next

Do you agree with this Review?
YesNo

Up

3

Related Links
ASUS HD Capable F50, F70 Series Notebooks
Intel Launches Motherboard for Nettops
Asus Unveils Lifestyle Motherboard
Tag keywords
ECS HDC-I2 review AMD Fusion APU review Zacate E-350 motherboard



Discussion Board
(2) Comments
Walter
,Montevideo, URUGUAY, on Dec 11, 2011 07:38 AM
Hello, I´m trying to find out (Googling) about the heat dissipation of this mother. I want to build an HTPC but I have a very, very small case (18,5 x 25 x 6 cms) with only a 4 cm fan. Atoms run fine but I´m looking for a mother with HD support, and the AMDs beats the Atoms in this field. ¿Can I build an HTPC with this mother and my case without worrying about overheat problems? ¿Does this mother run hotter than an Atom? I´ll appreciate all your help. Thanks in advance.
Report abuse
Vedhandha Desig
,Salem, on Apr 13, 2011 09:25 PM
I am residing at Salem, Tamil Nadu. I like to buy this motherboard for Carputer (Car Computer) purpose. how can i source and buy this to my place.
Report abuse

Opinion Poll