4 - ECS EliteGroup
On the Intel side of the scope they are also working on a black edition, the chipset here is X48+ICHR9. That's looking massively cool. It sports 1600 MHz FSB processor support, comes with two gen 2.0 PCIe connectors, DDR3 1600 Mhz support, dual GBit Ethernet. Though the Intel chipset will be very expensive, and with a mainboard designed like this expect close to nForce prices.
I think this new black edition concept will work out greatly for ECS. Great branding, good marketing this is what the guru3D users like to see and own.
Obviously there are so many mainboard at display at ECS and then the one thing I can notice .. oh man .. that purple color again. It needs to be changed to another color .. don't you guys think so either ? Anyway, this is the P45T-A mainboard, pretty snazzy none the less. It covers core 2 processors up-to a 1333 MHz FSB, comes with 1x PCI-e x16 slot, DDR2-800, gigabit Ethernet and all other usuals. Should cost roughly 110 bucks.
There was one more thing at ECS that caught my attention. This is a prototype in development, it's called the SFX10 and pretty much is a barebone product (chassis + mainboard). This is so small, stylish, light and easy to use that I like it very much.
Think outside the scope with me for a minute, say you'd like a high-end HTPC. In this barebone chassis (mainboard is integrated) you can mount your Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad processor, DDR2 SODIMM memory, one (obviously big sized) HD, slide-in type DVD-RW, comes with Wireless LAN, Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, even an TV antenna for integrated TV and comes with integrated graphics solution that supports High-Def resolutions.
Check out the backside of the SFX10. Indeed, HDMI, analog and digital TOSLINK connector. I don't want to ruin it, but that's pretty sexy. I sincerely hope that this product will be finalized and actually go into production as I really like the idea very much.
Not even as a HTPC, but this would function perfectly as full fetched PC on your desktop as well. If launched at a projected 250-300 USD then this can be a hit. Good stuff from ECS, good stuff.
