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 |
