ECS U-Buddie barebone for an Office Computer

Conclusions

The barebone under review allows to assemble a moderately fast (for these days, not among its classmates) computer of decent design and satisfactory noise characteristics. If you don't require too much from the functionality of this system, U-Buddie will not disappoint you. Perhaps the worst disadvantage of this reasonably priced minicomputer is the price for its component parts. Prices for slim optical drives and 2.5-inch hard disks are unfortunately not so low. However, a CD-ROM drive (instead of a combo-drive) and a hard disk with a moderate capacity are quite affordable, and it's quite enough for an office computer.

We wouldn't recommend this system to an average home user, if he/she has no idea of his/her needs for two or three years in advance (replacing this computer earlier is simply a waste of money). In practice, almost all users will require expansion capacities sooner or later, and though 5 PCI slots are not necessary for the majority of users, they will still want a couple of new features. Not all devices can be connected externally to a USB port. Besides, there are not too many available USB ports. On the other hand, one expansion slot for an office computer is quite enough, its functions being known for sure for the entire period of its service. The conclusion about the future of U-Buddie on the market seems to suggest itself.

In conclusion we'll publish a short list of the most typical pros and cons of the barebone under review.

Pros:

• Miniature dimensions
• Support for USB 2.0 (though only 5 ports)
• All necessary cables and adapters are included into the bundle
• Good CPU cooler shipped in the bundle
• Low noise level of the system (especially with enabled Fan SmartGuardian)
• Low price for this barebone in comparison with its competitors

Cons:

• Plain design
• Complicated assembling/disassembling
• Average (for these days) functionality level
• Expansion capacities are limited to a single low-profile PCI card
• Only one memory slot
• Support for processors is limited on the upper level
• Evidently weak gaming capacity of the integrated video
• Lack of TV-out, S/PDIF connectors, 6-channel audio, and other attributes necessary for a stand alone media center
• (?) Complete lack of overclocking options
• Highly priced components

This model on the official site of the manufacturer.

3

Introduction and design Interior arrangement and functionality Cooling system and temperature conditions Bundle and brief specifications Performance tests Conclusions Single-page article version

Sergei Pikalov (peek@ixbt.com) Dmitry Majorov (destrax@ixbt.com) September 13, 2004

[an error occurred while processing this directive]