Notebook: ECS I-Buddie XP Review :: Setup

When I received the unit it was pre-setup at the factory so all I had to do was turn it on and go, but for my own tests I reinstalled the professional version of XP and used it instead of the included home version that the unit shipped with. There are all the additional system drivers you need on the included CD.

The BIOS offers settings for changing the memory timings but overclocking is not supported and would not be really recommended in any case as the XP version runs a bit hot in its default state. You can adjust the memory and FSB to accommodate both the AMD Duron and Athlon series CPU's from AMD.

The CPU is removable via the back panel on the I-Buddie as is the memory and hard drive. All the bays can be opened with a small Phillips head screwdriver for easy access so you can switch out your main system parts without hassle.

The system uses a series of fans combined with heat pipes that keep your CPU running in a workable temperature zone. These heat pipes travel inside the interior of the case and dissipate the heat through a series of vents located around the I-Buddie unit.