The mini-ITX motherboard is aimed at low-cost laptops and mobile Internet devices (MID)

Dec 21, 2009 12:16 GMT  ·  By

End-users may have noticed that today's news has been both surprising and intriguing, especially because, all of a sudden, Intel introduced its Pineview processors. With the slow rate at which the IT industry was moving, consumers most likely understood that the market wouldn't see any new big releases before CES. Still, not only did Intel prove that assumption false, but, quite soon afterwards, ECS introduced the Pineview-supporting TIGT-I micro-ATX motherboard.

The motherboard is meant for use with MIDs (mobile Internet devices), as well as in low-cost laptops and, perhaps, nettops as well. The ECS TIGT-I runs an Intel Atom dual core D510 processor and saves 50% power while boosting performance by 20% compared to previous generations. The processor's clock speed is set at 1.66 GHz and the motheboard features the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150 (GMA3150). This controller enables the aforementioned performance boost, whereas the motherboard's fanless design allows for the large decrease in power consumption.

The TIGT-I mini-ITX motherboard is equipped with two SATA 3.0Gbps ports, one PATA connector, four USB 2.0 ports and has two slots for DDR2 800 memory. Expansion capabilities are provided by a single PCIe x1 slot and, for connectivity, the product makes use of a Fast Ethernet port. In addition, the motherboard features high definition audio.

The board will work well in compact PC configurations not only thanks to its low-power usage, but especially because of its small form factor, Mini-ITX at 170x170mm. Intel has already announced that mobile computing products based on the new chip will become available by January 4, which means that products powered by the TIGT-I should not bee too far off.

Unfortunately, no pricing and availability details have been given, although the board might actually become available next month. This might mean that, even though it probably won't be featured in devices set for release during January, ECS's motherboard might see itself as part of systems soon after.