Introduction

A big thank you to ECS for supplying the review sample.

Elitegroup Computer Systems, more widely known as ECS, was formed in 1987. From their humble beginnings, they have expanded into an industry-leading OEM that manufactures many products for themselves and other vendors. ECS currently offers mini-PCs, laptops, motherboards, All-in-one PCs, and other IoT devices under their various brands. They have also expanded into many markets. So even if you have never directly bought an ECS-branded product, it is still highly likely that you have used or owned one they manufactured. With each passing year, ECS continues to grow, offering a larger and more diverse portfolio of computing products.


Today, I take an in-depth look at the barebones ECS LIVA One H610 Mini-PC. While not unique for its form factor, this latest offering is different in that it uses Intel's LGA1700 socket and desktop processors, meaning it has the potential to provide more power than one might expect given its relatively small footprint of 205 x 176 x 33 mm. It also packs support for 2x DDR4 SO-DIMMs with a maximum capacity of 64 GB (2x 32 GB), a single M.2 2280 NVMe Gen 3 slot, and a single 2.5" SATA3 drive bay. It has the makings of a truly upgradeable and powerful Mini-PC but before we get to testing, let's take a closer look.

Packaging and Contents

The box ECS uses the more familiar black and orange theme with the front detailing that the unit inside is part of the LIVA One family of ultra-powerful Mini-PCs. Beyond that, there is nothing else to see on the front. The system's specification can be found on the left side, where you will find the support processor TDPs, front and rear I/O, chipset, and socket. Beyond that, there is no specific list of supported CPUs beyond Intel's 12th and 13th generation Core series processors with a TDP of 35 to 65 watts.


The back is the same as the front with no information present while the right side is similar in that there is no marketing or information presented here either. I don't find that to be a bad thing considering the modern era of buying things online; all the information you need will likely be present on the etailers' product page or can be found on the ECS website.


Internally, the packaging is designed with the system placed in the center, wrapped in plastic, and surrounded by a cardboard insert. Lifting the insert out reveals another cardboard compartment that holds all the necessary accessories, such as the VESA mount, the needed screws, and the power brick and plug.


When it comes to bundled hardware, you will find everything you expect. First, you will get the system and power brick, but you will also find a VESA mounting plate, screws, and a user's guide. Since this is a barebones unit, I installed 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) of Patriot Signature 3200 MHz memory and a Team Group MP33 512 GB NVMe SSD. For the OS, I opted for Windows 11 Pro. While the unit is very affordable at $235 for this particular barebones setup, the cost of the CPU, Memory, and SSD added up to $505 as configured. Certainly not a bad price, all things considered, but the real question is how it stands up to other Mini-PCs using more efficient mobile processors.

• ECS LIVA ONE H610 Barebones system
• Power brick
• VESA mounting plate
• VESA screws
• Vertical Stand
• Heatsink
• Manual

A Closer Look

The unit measures in at 205 x 176 x 33 mm making it quite compact. The majority of air intake comes from the top of the unit, where ECS provided vents for both processor and storage. The smaller vent on the left sits directly over the M.2 SSD; meanwhile, the larger vent sits over the entirety of the CPU heatsink. As for the bottom, it has four rubber feet with mounting holes in the center for use with the VESA mount.


Moving to the front of the ECS LIVA One H610, you will find 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 Type-A ports as well as 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 Type-C ports, along with the power button and separate headphone and microphone jacks. As for the left side, it is solid with no openings.


Looking at the back I/O, you will find 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 Type-A ports, 1x 2.5 Gb Ethernet port, 1x RS232 port, 1x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort, 1x DC input and a Kensington lock. There is also a sizeable opening for the CPU cooler to directly exhaust heat. As for the right side, its only feature of note is a point for the vertical stand to attach if you prefer that option to mounting the system behind a monitor or laying it flat on a desk.


To power the LIVA One H610 ECS has opted for an FSP Group 120-watt power brick.


The final piece of the kit is the heatsink ECS has included. It is quite hefty and made entirely of copper with pre-applied thermal pads so that the heatsink cools not only the CPU but also the VRMs and other power-related components. The fan used is an AVC ball-bearing fan with the model number: BAZA0814B2U.