ECS AMD690GM-M2 V1.0A Motherboard Review :: Layout

As previously mentioned, the SATA connectors are in a precarious position if you want to install a long and two-slot video card like the 8800GTX. The regular 7900GT that we use for motherboard testing had no issues with length or interference with the SATA ports, but a X1950XTX card from ATI covered two of the SATA ports.

The memory slots are well clear of the video card PCI Express x16 slot, making it easy to install and remove memory from the board without hassle. The CPU area is completely clear of obstacles, allowing the user to install after-market cooling solutions without problem. The capacitors are arrayed in a row above the CPU area.

4-pin power

24-pin power

USB headers 3+5

USB header 4

The 4-pin power connector is on the top of the board near the CPU cooler. This may restrict airflow a bit, but is acceptable as mini-ATX boards don't have the luxury of extra space that a full ATX board would have. The 24-pin power connector is in the normal position of the bottom of the board next to the IDE connector. The board also has two USB headers bringing the total supported by the board to 10.

Northbridge

Capacitors

CPUFan

The AMD 690G Northbridge is cooled by a small heatsink. The Southbridge is likewise cooled by a heatsink, right under the PCI Express x16 slot. ECS has a relatively clean motherboard design with no issues as to placement of anything not already mentioned earlier in the review.