Evo Technologies may not be a name familiar to most, but the Korean company has a unique claim to fame that will encourage some to take notice. They’re the first manufacturer to release home server hardware powered by the open source Amahi home server operating system. That hardware comes in the shape of the ECOPC N.1A, a low-powered, small footprint system that boasts a maximum power consumption of just 16W (less power than an energy saving light bulb, according to the company) and runs completely silent in a fanless mode.
So, with a range of interesting features on both the hardware and software side, we were delighted when Evo shipped one over to us for review. Let’s take a look at what the ECOPC N.1A has to offer.
What’s in the Box?
We usually start our reviews looking at what’s in the box, but before we get into the contents, it’s worth mentioning that the box itself is pretty small – hinting at the miniaturisation within. Certainly your local courier isn’t going to need a massage after lugging this package up the stairs.
Open up the smart cardboard box, and you’ll find:
- ECOPC N.1A PC
- Power Supply Unit
- Mounting Bracket
If you’re used to manuals, CDs, getting started posters and the like when unboxing your PCs, then you’re in for a surprise – there’s very little of that bundled with the ECOPC N.1A – whether that proves to be an issue when we start setting up the server, we’ll see. But what is included is well packaged for protection and nicely presented.
Under the Hood
So, you may be asking how Evo Technologies manage to build a PC that runs more cheaply than an energy saving lightbulb? The answer is in their selection of components, which are most definitely positioned at the low power/performance segment of the market. The ECOPC is powered by Intel’s Atom N270 processor, running at 1.6GHz – a processor that’s growing a little long in the tooth, but one that’s powered many a home server in the last few years. If you’re considering using the ECOPC with another home server OS, like Windows Home Server, note that the Atom N270 is a 32-bit processor, and won’t run Windows Home Server 2011 – WHS v1 is fine, however. You’ll choose between 1GB or 2GB RAM when you purchase the PC, but with a single slot available, we’d recommend you go for the max.
The ECOPC’s small footprint compromises the available storage, however – you’ll be limited to a single internal 2.5” drive, and with capacities themselves limited (up to 1TB) for this size of drive, you won’t be building a multi-terabyte central media library with this hardware, although you can still fit a lot of music, video and photos on a single drive. However, with five USB 2.0 ports available (two front, three rear) you should be able to bolster the available storage with a few external hard drives, should they be required – that’s not the most straightforward job with the included Fedora/Amahi OS and home server platform combo, but it’s possible. There’s no eSATA, unfortunately, which would have been a perfect option for media junkies.
Networking is supplied by a Realtek Gigabit Ethernet controller and RJ-45 port at the rear, and optional internal Wi-Fi is also available at order. For those thinking about the ECOPC.N1A as a mini-HTPC, audio is powered by a choice of Intel HD audio or Realtek’s ALC622 chip, but note you’ll be limited to analogue audio out, and DVI/VGA out for video. For an extra performance boost for HD video, Broadcom’s PCI Express HD Decoder card is also available as an option for high definition video decoding and Blu-ray quality playback.
So, the ECOPC certainly isn’t a powerhouse, and its specification has an air of the 2008s about it – but for low powered home server usage, file sharing and backup, it should do the job well enough.
Full specs as follows:
| Processor: | Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz (533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache) |
| Chipset: | Intel 945GSE Express Chipset |
| Memory: | 1GB or 2GB DDR2 SODIMM 667MHz or 800MHz RAM. Single RAM Slot |
| Storage: | 2 x SATA-2, 1 x IDE (44 pin). Single 2.5" Storage bay |
| Front I/O: | Audio In/Out, 2 x USB 2.0 Ports |
| Rear I/O: | Audio Out, Ethernet (RJ-45), 3 x USB 2.0 Ports, DVI(1600 x 1200 max/UXGA), VGA(2048x1536 max/QXGA), 12V DC Input. (Optional: 1 x Antenna hole for internal WLAN) |
| Network: | Realtek 10/100/1000 Mbps Controller |
| Audio: | Realtek ALC622, Intel HD Audio |
| Expansion: | Mini PCI Express Slot |
| Optional: | Internal WLAN or Broadcom Crystal HD Decoder Mini PCIe card |
| Power: | < 16W (w/SSD), < 18W (w/HDD) / 12V - 3.33A AC adapter 100-240V~ 50/60Hz euro plug |
| Size: | W178 x D195 x H40 mm |
| International Warranty: | 1 Year RTB Warranty |
First Looks
The ECOPC isn’t the smallest PC we’ve reviewed, but it’s certainly very compact, and surprisingly small for a home server. The design is a little schizophrenic, being mostly black steel with a silver fascia bolted to the front, which I’m sure is intended to add a little style but ends up looking ungainly. Up front, you’ll find a circular power button with natty blue and red LEDs surrounding (Blue for power, red for storage access), plus two USB 2.0 sockets which are handily positioned for connecting storage and other peripherals. Microphone and headphone sockets are also included at the front, but likely won’t be used.
