ECS Liva One H610 Review: A MiniPC Powerhouse for Productivity, Study, and Multimedia
The MiniPC market has witnessed a surge of interest in recent times, offering a plethora of options to users seeking compact setups tailored for productivity, study, and multimedia tasks. Today, we turn our focus towards the ECS Liva One H610, a versatile mini PC that promises to deliver impressive performance depending on the hardware configurations chosen.
The latest iteration of the LIVA ONE H610 is designed to excel at daily multitasking, providing users with smooth and responsive experiences across a wide range of usage scenarios. This Barebones system, available without CPU, RAM, and HDD/SSD, or as a mini PC built on an Intel platform, supports the 12th and 13th generation Intel processors with the LGA Socket 1700 and a power loss of up to 65W TDP. Moreover, it comes equipped with a Heatsink and Wi-Fi 6, offering convenience and connectivity at its finest.
Notably, an AMD A320 chipset version is also available for users who prefer the AMD ecosystem.
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For our performance tests, we have equipped the ECS Liva One H610 with an Intel Core i7-12700K Processor and Sabrent DDR4 SO-DIMM 3200MHz Memory Module (2x32GB), complemented by a 1TB SSD unit. With this powerful setup, we aim to delve deeper into the capabilities of the H610 and ascertain its true potential.
In this review, we will closely examine the ECS Liva One H610, exploring its design, features, and overall performance, to provide you with comprehensive insights into this MiniPC powerhouse. So, join us as we uncover the true essence of the ECS Liva One H610 and its potential to elevate your computing experiences to new heights.
| Specifications | ECS LIVA ONE H610 |
| Platform | Support Intel ® 12 and 13th Gen LGA 1700 Socket TDP 35W & 65W |
| Storage | 2x SO-DIMM DDR4 3200MHz up to 64GB |
| storage system | 1x 2.5″ SATA3 HDD or SSD 1x M.2 2280 SATA/PCIe NVME x4 Gene3 SSD |
| Audio | 1x Mic-In 1x Combo Jack |
| network | 1x 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet LAN |
| USB | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 (front i/o) 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Type C port (front i/o) 2 x USB 2.0 (rear) 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 (rear) |
| video output | 1x HDMI Port 2 x Display Port 1x VGA Port (D-Sub) *Max 3 Video Output |
| Wireless | 1x M.2 2230 WiFi 802.11ax |
| power | TDP 35W and 65W: 19V/6.32A, 120W 1 x power button 1x DC input |
| operating system | Windows 10 and Windows 11 |
| Size | 205mm x 176mm x 33mm |
| annotation | 1x TPM IC OnBoard (optional) 1 x Internal Speaker (optional) 1x RS232 / VGA share the same I/O port (optional) |
Table of Contents
Unboxing
The ECS LIVA ONE H610 comes in an attractive black and orange cardboard box, thoughtfully designed with a handle for convenient transportation. The packaging showcases a sneak peek of the exciting contents within, both on the front and back sides. To ensure easy access to essential information, a sticker is affixed to the side of the box, detailing crucial data such as the supported platforms, available connection options, and the precise dimensions of the H610 device. This thoughtful packaging not only ensures a visually appealing presentation but also serves as a practical reference for users eager to explore the capabilities of their new LIVA ONE H610.
When removing the outer packaging, we come across a neutral cardboard box housing the Mini PC, known as LIVA ONE H610, along with a comprehensive array of accompanying accessories.
The package includes the ECS Liva One H610 Barebone unit, a blower CPU heatsink to aid in cooling, and an FSP120-ABBN3 120W power adapter designed for Asian power outlets. Moreover, a US power cord is thoughtfully included for compatibility with North American sockets. To accommodate diverse setups, the package further includes a base for vertical placement of the Mini PC and a VESA monitor mount adapter complete with screws for secure mounting. Additionally, an extra thermal pad is provided for potential future usage, ensuring efficient thermal management. Comprehensive documentation is also part of the package, guiding users through the setup and utilization of this impressive Mini PC system.
Design
The ECS Liva One H610 presents itself as a familiar-looking device, resembling a standard DVD player for a TV, a switch, or even a PS2 Slim. Its design features a simple black chassis with a plastic front and a metal body consisting of two covers. Measuring a mere 33 mm in thickness, the device is remarkably compact, making it suitable for placement on any monitor, thanks to the included VESA 100×100 mm or 75×75 mm support.
On the top side of the device, two grilles facilitate cooling for both the CPU and storage components. Despite its robust build, it is advisable not to position it beneath a monitor to ensure proper ventilation.
For placement options, the ECS Liva One H610 offers flexibility. The base of the device comes with four small rubber feet for horizontal placement, and it also features two threaded holes for mounting on a VESA mount.
Moreover, there is a third option of positioning the device vertically on a desk by attaching the plastic foot to one of its sides. This mounting point is covered by an adhesive, requiring the use of a screwdriver or cutter for removal. The foot itself comes with the necessary screw for vertical positioning.
Although being a barebone system, the ECS Liva One H610 boasts an array of connectivity options spread across its front and rear panels.
Starting with the front panel, a plastic cover with a classic-inspired design houses the ports, with the product logo positioned in the right corner and the power button on the left. The power button’s tactile feel might be a bit hard and not very satisfying to the touch.
The following ports are found on the front panel:
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A
- 3.5mm audio and microphone jacks
Among these ports, the front panel offers the highest-bandwidth options in the form of USB Type-C at 10 Gbps, while the other two USB Type-A ports operate at 5 Gbps. The audio and microphone jacks are separate, providing support for classic analog systems.
On the rear panel, two corner extensions are designed to prevent the device from bumping into walls when placed in tight spaces. A ventilation grill ensures proper airflow and a centrally located screw securely joins the two chassis covers.
The following ports are available on the rear panel:
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A
- 2x USB 2.0
- 1x HDMI
- 2x DisplayPort
- 1x D-Sub VGA
- 1x RJ-45
- DC-In Jack
- Kensington slot for locks
The ECS Liva One H610 provides a total of 8 USB ports! thanks to the Intel H610 chipset on its motherboard. Additionally, it allows users to connect up to 3 video sources simultaneously! and the inclusion of a D-Sub ensures compatibility with older setups.
Installing the CPU, RAM and SSD, and RAM
It’s time to open up the ECS Liva One H610 and start assembling the missing components. This barebone equipment requires a CPU, RAM, and SSD, in addition to the operating system. To begin, remove the screw from the rear panel and gently push the upper plate forward to expose the motherboard.
Upon examining the motherboard, you’ll notice a small switch on the front that detects when the chassis is closed after placing the cover.
Moving on, you’ll find several important components on the motherboard, including:
- PCIe Gen3x4 SSD Slot: This slot supports 2280 mounting and has a quick anchor for easy installation of a compatible SSD.
- 2230 Slot with Wi-Fi 6 Intel AX201 Card: This slot comes with an included Wi-Fi 6 card! offering wireless connectivity options.
- 5-inch SATA SSD Base: A base is provided to accommodate a 2.5-inch SATA SSD for additional storage.
The motherboard comes with the H160 chipset and supports DDR4 RAM and NVMe SSD. The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) consists of 5 phases with NIKOS PK610DZ DrMOS type MOSFETs! along with 1 additional phase featuring separate high and low-side MOSFETs for stable power delivery.
The LGA1700 socket on the motherboard is standard for current motherboards. You’ll need to install the included blower-type heatsink onto the socket. The heatsink features a turbine fan that draws in air from outside and pushes it through a copper channel with vertical fins and a cold plate made of the same material. Thermal paste is already applied. Secure the heatsink with two screws on each side and ensure they are tightened to their maximum capacity. The heatsink also has silicone plates and thermal pads to help cool the VRM. The fan header is located on the edge of the PCB.
Now, it’s time to start installing the components. Begin with the CPU, which is supported by the ECS Liva One H610. At the time of this review, it supports 12th-generation Intel Core, Pentium!, and Celeron processors with TDP ranging from 35 to 65W. It’s worth noting that the motherboard may receive a BIOS update to support 13th-generation models in the future.
Next, install the RAM modules in the two SO-DIMM slots. The motherboard supports DDR4 modules up to 3200 MHz with a maximum capacity of 64 GB. Once the CPU and RAM are in place, you can choose between installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD in the provided SATA connection! a 2280 SSD in the PCIe Gen3x4 slot, or even both simultaneously! depending on your storage needs.
For testing purposes, an Intel Core i7-12700K CPU was installed, with its TDP limited to 65W by the BIOS. However, you can also manually adjust the TDP using Intel XTU. This CPU is paired with a 32×2 – 64GB Sabrent So-DIMM DDR4 3200 MHz RAMs, 2TB Gen4x4 Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus SSD! although the M.2 SSD’s performance will be limited by the interface, and 256GB Orico Troodon 2.5″ SSD.
Now that all the components are in place, you can proceed to install the operating system and enjoy the fully assembled ECS Liva One H610. Happy computing!
CPU Cooler
The CPU cooler comes packaged in a compact box, divided into two parts: the fan unit and the cooling unit. The fan unit, constructed from plastic, features a 60 mm radial fan responsible for efficient cooling. Meanwhile, the cooling unit is made of aluminum and includes a copper heat pipe. The cooling process involves drawing in fresh air from the front of the case and expelling the resulting waste heat through the numerous aluminum fins at the rear. To ensure proper heat transfer, the heatsink is pre-applied with thermal paste and thermal pads. However, it’s worth noting that there’s no protective film on the cooling unit, necessitating careful handling during assembly to prevent smudging or damage.
Assembling the CPU cooler is a relatively straightforward process that involves securing it in place with four screws. The convenience lies in the fact that only the fan unit needs to be removed when changing the working memory! sparing users from the hassle of dismantling the entire cooling unit.
Overall, the CPU cooler’s combination of a 60 mm radial fan and aluminum-copper heat sink offer effective cooling performance! ensuring your processor stays at an optimal temperature during operation. With its user-friendly installation and pre-applied thermal paste and pads! it proves to be a practical and reliable cooling solution for computer enthusiasts and builders alike.
BIOS
The BIOS is accessible through the Delete key and offers a unique and original dashboard that displays essential hardware information. By accessing the advanced section, users gain control over the CPU and RAM behavior at a fundamental level, along with managing interfaces, ports, and other general settings such as boot options and save and exit configurations.
Navigating through the BIOS of this ECS Mini PC proves to be remarkably easy and intuitive. The main screen provides a comprehensive overview of equipment status, including temperature, CPU speed, memory usage, and more. For users seeking more customization, the ADVANCED section offers an array of parameters to configure! as evident from the provided captures.
Performance and Benchmark
The ECS Liva One H610 is making waves in the tech world, and we’re here to dive deep into its performance benchmarks. In this article, we will put the spotlight on the ECS Liva One H610’s processing power and efficiency by subjecting it to a battery of synthetic tests. With a focus on CPU performance, we’ll explore how this system handles various tasks and delve into its capabilities through renowned benchmarking tools.
We kick off our performance analysis by focusing on the CPU, limited to 65W, and run a series of synthetic tests. The following benchmarking programs were employed to provide comprehensive insights into the ECS Liva One H610’s capabilities:
HWiNFO64
HWiNFO64 was used to gather detailed hardware information, ensuring accurate benchmarking.
Cinebench R20
This benchmark is known for its ability to assess heavily threaded processors. In Cinebench R20, the ECS Liva One H610 showcased impressive performance, scoring on par with the Ryzen 1700X, with a score of 4689 points for the i7-12700K.
Cinebench R23
With Cinebench R23, we delved into multi-core rendering capabilities, a crucial aspect of modern CPUs. The ECS Liva One H610 scored 1925 in a single-thread test and 10350 in a multi-core thread test, demonstrating its prowess in handling computationally intensive tasks.
PCMark 10
This benchmark provided a holistic evaluation of the system’s performance, covering real-world computing scenarios. The ECS Liva One H610 excelled in terms of overall system responsiveness, application performance, and multimedia capabilities! earning a commendable score of 5015. Notably, it garnered an impressive score of 10366 in the Essentials category! indicating its suitability for general applications, web browsing, video playback, and more.
AS SSD Benchmark
This German application evaluated the storage subsystem’s performance. The ECS Liva One H610 achieved a score of 8132 points for 1GB of data! with continuous read and write scores of 2615.27MB/s and 2803.50MB/s, respectively.
CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskMark assessed the storage subsystem’s read and write speeds, revealing the ECS Liva One H610’s ability to handle data efficiently. The Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 2TB Gen4x4 SSD showcased remarkable read and write scores of 3522.93/3334.89 MB/s.
Aida64 RAM Benchmark
The ECS Liva One H610’s memory performance was scrutinized using Aida64’s RAM benchmark. The results revealed impressive read, write, and copy speeds, with scores of 33596/33737/34411 MB/s respectively! showcasing its efficiency in memory-intensive tasks.
The ECS Liva One H610 has proven itself as a performance powerhouse through an array of synthetic benchmark tests. From multi-core rendering to storage subsystem performance and memory efficiency! this compact system has demonstrated its ability to handle a diverse range of tasks with impressive scores. Whether for general use or handling computationally intensive workloads! the ECS Liva One H610 stands as a formidable option in the realm of computing performance and efficiency.
Temperatures and Consumption
In this particular scenario, we made demanding choices for the system! installing an i7-12700K processor featuring 12 cores and 20 processing threads. The processor has a base frequency of 3.6 GHz, which can reach up to 5.0 GHz in Boost mode. Its Thermal Design Power (TDP) is 65W but can go up to 117W with appropriate cooling.
To assess the cooling capacity, we utilized Cinebench R23, a highly demanding test, running it continuously for 10 minutes. During this test, we collected data using HWInfo, which provided us with valuable insights.
The cooling system in use did not allow the processor to achieve its maximum frequency. Instead, the processor operated at an average frequency of 2964 MHz throughout the entire 10-minute test due to its size and configuration limitations.
In terms of power consumption, the processor initially reached a maximum consumption of 95W but gradually decreased to an average of 65W as its operating frequency decreased.
Regarding CPU temperature, the system started at a reasonable 36ºC and peaked at 70ºC. The cooling system is designed to reduce the processor’s frequency as it approaches its TJ-Max (thermal junction maximum temperature), effectively keeping the temperature in check.
Based on the collected data, we conclude that the current cooling system is not suitable for handling a processor with such high-performance characteristics. We believe that a more suitable option would be a Pentium processor or a Core i3-12100! which are less demanding in terms of cooling and power consumption for this particular set.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ECS Liva One H610 presents a compact and versatile solution for computing needs! with its unique design, an impressive array of connectivity options, and robust performance capabilities. The device’s resemblance to familiar appliances like DVD players or gaming consoles adds a touch of familiarity! while its compact form factor and VESA mount support make it suitable for various placement options.
Assembling the ECS Liva One H610 is a straightforward process! with support for 12th-generation Intel processors, DDR4 RAM, and various storage configurations. The inclusion of a blower-type heatsink with an efficient cooling mechanism ensures the processor’s optimal performance and temperature management, although it’s essential to consider the processor’s TDP requirements for the most effective cooling solution.
Performance-wise, the ECS Liva One H610 impresses across various benchmark tests! showcasing its ability to handle both general tasks and computationally intensive workloads. Its CPU prowess, memory efficiency, and storage subsystem performance make it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.
While the cooling system demonstrates efficiency for moderate tasks! our testing reveals that the ECS Liva One H610’s cooling capacity might be better suited for processors with lower cooling demands. This observation suggests that a processor choice aligned with the cooling solution’s capabilities would optimize performance and temperature management.
In summary, the ECS Liva One H610 stands as a compelling option in the realm of compact computing solutions! combining an appealing design, robust performance capabilities, and a wealth of connectivity options. Its ability to handle a variety of tasks while offering customization options through the BIOS makes it a noteworthy choice for users seeking a versatile and efficient mini-PC solution.