Summary of ECS GLKD-HTI INTEL CPU ON BOARD CUTS THE MINI-ATX IN HALF
ECS introduces the GLKD-HTI, a compact "Half Mini-ITX" motherboard that shrinks standard desktop components into a 170 x 85 mm form factor. Designed for unique applications, it features an Intel Gemini Lake Express chipset, onboard graphics, and DC power input. The board lacks standard off-the-shelf cases but offers M.2 slots for storage and connectivity, supporting up to 8GB of DDR4 RAM and running Windows 10.
Parts used in the ECS GLKD-HTI:
- Intel Gemini Lake Express chipset
- Onboard Intel HD Graphics 600
- Single-channel DDR4 memory support (up to 8 GB)
- M.2 slot for SSD
- M.2 slot for Wi-Fi / Bluetooth PCIe Gen 2
- Rear I/O panel with audio jacks, RJ-45 port, HDMI 1.4a port, and USB 3.0 ports
- DC 12 V connector
- 100% solid capacitors
- ECS Durathon technology
So… Odd title, right? Well, not quite! Today we will be analyzing an ambitious idea from Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS, for short), which takes a Mini-ITX board and shrinks it to half its original size. As a cool concept this is, does it have enough “glue” to stick on everyday’s market of computers? Let us figure that out.
The GLKD-HTI motherboard, developed by ECS, creates a new concept, as we discussed. Some are baptizing it as “Half Mini-ITX”, which is not a bad name, but the nomenclature should change if this becomes more popular. At least, I think it deserves a better name. Never-mind. This Intel-based CPU on Board solution is quite unique, on the sense that it carries most of what you would expect of Desktop computer hardware and places it into a small package. One of my first questions when I saw this was: how did they solve the power supply? Because we are used to seeing those bulky boxes delivering power to the computers, unless they are laptops. Then, I looked closely to the specs and noticed the 12 V DC connector. Another question, and this one is a bit trickier: as this form factor is quite unusual, is there any off-the-shelf case for it? The answer is a simple, obvious and sad no. But it might not be the intent for it. Since it is a unique piece of hardware, you may want to apply it to a unique situation.
Now, to the specs:
- CPU: 1 phase thermal design power, Intel Gemini Lake Express chipset
- Graphics: Onboard Intel HD Graphics 600 (with support for DirectX 12 and HDMI 1.4a)
- Memory: Support for single-channel, 8 GB DDR4 memory, up to 2133 MHz
- Storage and expandability: 1x M.2 slot for SSD + 1 x M.2 slot for Wi-Fi / Bluetooth PCIe Gen 2
- Rear I / O: 2x audio jacks (line out and mic in), 1x RJ-45 port, 1x HDMI 1.4a port, 4x USB 3.0 port and 1x DC 12 V connector
- Realiability: 100% solid capacitor design, ECS Durathon technology for stability + reliability and performance + ESD protection
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Form factor: 170 x 85 mm
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- What is the form factor size of the GLKD-HTI?
The form factor measures 170 x 85 mm. - How does this motherboard receive power?
It uses a 12 V DC connector instead of a bulky external power supply box. - Does the GLKD-HTI have an off-the-shelf case available?
No, there are no standard cases available for this unusual form factor. - What type of storage expansion does the board offer?
It includes one M.2 slot specifically for an SSD. - Can the system support wireless connectivity?
Yes, it has a second M.2 slot dedicated to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth PCIe Gen 2 modules. - What is the maximum memory capacity supported?
The board supports up to 8 GB of single-channel DDR4 memory. - Which operating system is compatible with this hardware?
Windows 10 64-bit is the specified operating system. - What graphics capabilities does the chipset provide?
It features onboard Intel HD Graphics 600 supporting DirectX 12 and HDMI 1.4a.
