ECS PN2-SLI2+ 680i Motherboard

Introduction:

   ECS has done really well since the NForce4 era and proven they can hold their own as a viable, reliable platform. The ECS of old is long since gone as their flagship motherboards stood up some serious beatings and succeeded. Many systems can seem stable and reliable until you really test them under many full load single and multiple operations all at once. In spite of any obstacles, ECS can hold their heads up at the end of the work day knowing they have some current and new products coming out that can .

That doesn't mean that they can sit around waiting for the checks to come in. Just like any other manufacturer they research, test, and design new products to keep up with the ever rapidly growing technology. With their 590-SLI motherboards well taken care of and out the door, NVIDIA arrived with their new 680i chipsets rumored to have greater capabilities and stability. Right on queue, ECS started working on the PN2-SLI2+ 680i Motherboard and sent one our way. And it is with great thanks that we are happy to review their newest 680i motherboard.

Closer Look:

   A quality first impression is what I get from the ECS PN2-SLI2+ Motherboard. Appearances weren't such a big deal back when the Slot 1 and Slot A motherboards first arrived since most users were happy as long as it worked properly. These days, presentation has become a very important factor when deciding what motherboard you would like to sport in your next upgraded system. The fact is, you won't find many case window owners choosing or willing to except just any motherboard in the brightest shade of purple or green. If a motherboard has an attractive color scheme and happens to cost less than others, then you most likely have a winner.

Box Sleeve Front	Box Sleeve Back	Box Features
FSB 1333MHz	Open Box	Manuals, CDs, Fan

The ECS PN2-SLI2+ obviously uses NVIDIA's reference motherboard design, but even then that layout is in no way an ugly product. The chrome heat pipes and heat sinks naturally draw your attention. The PN2's color scheme is clean and orderly and in no way hints that they ever had a purple PCB in their product line up. Even the MOSFETs are capped with a classy, wavy style aluminum heat sink that makes you feel good about what you just bought.

Back

Side

Front

As you can see, there are three PCI-Express slots intended for anyone wanting to run two graphics cards in SLI as well as the third slot ready for any physics card such the BFG Ageia PhysX card. You could add some new features and eye candy to your SLI system if you're really in to your video games. There is also one extra PCIx slot above the top PCI-E slot if you find yourself needing it. ECS includes two PCI slots for users who may still find the need.

Top View

PCIE & PCI Close Up

The layout of the USB and SATA connectors and ports are situated about where they have been typically found on past revisions. The only major difference is the 90 degree SATA connectors that are on the bottom right of the motherboard. Stacking the SATA ports like that helps free up some real estate for other components and upgrades.

DIMM, ATA, 24-pin Power Connector

Front Panel In Between 4-pin & DIMM

CPU Solid State Capacitors

A couple of things I did find a little hard to work around were the IEEE 1394 Firewire port which is between the first PCI and PCI-E slots. It can be a little risky having wires dangling across your PCIE card especially if it requires a fan to stay cool. The most serious infraction that could be found is the placement of the front panel port which happens to be located at the upper right, between the 4-pin auxilary power connector and DIMM slot. You will have to use some needle nose pliers to reach in or connector the front panel chassis wiring before you install the memory, auxiliary power, and ATA cabling.

Slot Area

Power & Reset Buttons

Floppy, SATA, Angle SATA Ports

The back of the motherboard has 6 of the much needed USB ports and happens to include more USB brackets in the bundle if there aren't enough for you. You'll find the typical IEEE 1394, SPDiF, P/S2, and Sound ports for all your other basic needs. One feature I would have like to see is the inclusion of the eSATA port for quick connect and disconnection of a portable or external SATA drive. This is very handy when you don't have a big enough USB Pen Drive on hand, or don't feel like waiting for the CD to write.

Serial, 1394, eSATA, USB, SPiF, Sound, Dual-LAN, USB

The motherboard's bundle includes USB and Firewire Brackets, as well as plenty of SATA and ATA cabling. You'll find the motherboard resource and drivers CD, Manual, and other utilities also included. ECS includes some extra power cable adapters, CAT 5, and the much required SLI Bridge Connector. All in all, the only thing missing is the kitchen sink.

Drivers, Fan, Manuals

Chipset Fan Up Close

What a Bundle!