First seen at Computex 2016, the next generation ECS’ LIVA Z Mini-PC equipped with Apollo Lake SoC has finally hit the market. As with previous ECS LIVA models, it is designed to be lightweight, compact and low-power consuming. Since it is equipped with Intel’s latest 14nm technology, the mini-PC is even more efficient when it comes to performance while consuming less. Apollo Lake quad-core processors offers 30 percent superior CPU performance and a 45 percent bump in graphics performance compared to Braswell SoCs.
Improving upon the GPU capabilities further, Apollo Lake natively supports HEVC/H.265 4K hardware-accelerated decoding and playback. Braswell in comparison is stressed beyond capability of running HEVC Ultra-HD 4K content, although capable it may be with standard H.264 1080p HD playback.
Apollo Lake is also capable of dual-channel DDR3L support up to 16GB. Storage capabilities have also been upgraded on the Apollo Lake platform, natively supporting M.2 with blazing 10Gbit/s speeds on a compact space. There is also dual 2.5″ SATA 6Gbps SSD/HDD space inside if users want to extend storage for videos and turn the LIVA Z into a home-theater PC. In addition to the internal storage, the LIVA Z also has USB 3.0 Type-C on the front with three extra USB 3.0 Type-A ports beside it.
An HTPC is not complete without any network connectivity function of course, so ECS has given the LIVA Z dual-Gigabit Ethernet and Intel 802.11AC/BT 4.0 features. Users can connect it to a monitor or TV via HDMI or Mini DisplayPort in the rear. A kiosk-mode version is also available called the LIVA ZE which as an 4x extra RS-232 video output connectors.
Specifications:
LIVA Z
Specifications
LIVA ZE
Intel® Apollo Lake SOC
Platform
Intel® Apollo Lake SoC
2 x SO-DIMM Memory
DDRR3L Up to 8GB
Memory
2 x SO-DIMM Memory
DDRR3L Up to 8GB
1 x m.2 for SSD
Expansion Slot
1 x m.2 for SSD
Support 1 x eMMC 32GB/64GB
Support 1 x M.2 2242 SSD
Storage
Support 1 x eMMC 32GB/64GB
Support 1 x M.2 2242 SSDSupport 1x 2.5”HDD
1 x Combo Jack
Audio
1 x Combo Jack
1 x D-Mic
D-Mic
N/A
2 x Gigabit LAN
LAN
2 x Gigabit LAN
3 x USB3.0 Port
1 x USB3.0 Type-C port
USB
3 x USB3.0 Port
1 x USB3.0 Type-C port
1 x HDMI Port
1 x mDP Port
Video Output
1 x HDMI Port
1 x mDP Port
4 x RS232
Intel® WiFi 802.11ac & Bluetooth 4.0
Connectivity
Intel® WiFi 802.11ac & Bluetooth 4.0
117 x 128 x 33 mm
Dimension
117 x 128 x 33 mm
Supports 75mm / 100mm
VESA
Supports 75mm / 100mm
Linux based OS (UEFI mode)
Windows 10
OS Support
Linux based OS (UEFI mode)
Windows 10
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