Introduction
Rising energy costs, a changing usage model, increased processor functionality, increased processing power per watt and clock tick means the old big box/high end CPU combo is becoming a thing of the past. ASUS is following this curve by offering a solution (one of many) in the low power E45M1-I. By building on the AMD Brazos platform, in this case the 1650Mhz AMD E450 APU, ASUS “brings it” with functionality and tweak-ability. This setup is not a benchmarking monster or a gaming giant (not much gaming at all) but it appears that it could be a real winner where utility is concerned.
Getting things moving: Packaging, Contents and Hardware Porn
All images presented here are 6.3 MP [3:2] to allow a more full view.
The box is nothing extravagant focusing on features and not on bling.
The only included accessories that can be considered value added are the two Wi-Fi (Wireless N) antennas with magnetic bases which allow much better positioning options than standard card mounted antennas. For a normal setup two would be overkill but for uninterrupted wireless video streaming where signal integrity is a must ASUS delivers.
On to the hardware porn gallery!
The first thing you will notice is the lack of a fan. This creates total silence. The sacrifice here is the size of the heat sink and the lack of a standard 15 pin D-Sub output on the rear panel. Fortunately ASUS giveth more value as they removed a little legacy and gave a Bluetooth V3.0+HS connection.
Though the heat sink is massive and costs a legacy video output it is designed in such a way that it allows ASUS to tuck some items underneath it and with the Atheros AR9002WB-1NG controller card tucking in comfortably between the PCIe x16 slot and the heat sink you really lose nothing.
The system panel headers are in locations where they are readily accessible giving little headache even after installation.
The five internal SATA III ports are in a clear area above the x16 slot allowing for easy storage expansion and the SPDIF connector should not be an issue where access is concerned as long as you are prepared to remove an installed expansion card (if you choose to use one).
The MemOK (which helps get you system running by applying fail safe settings to memory which get your system up and running quickly) switch is easily accessed but the Battery can be a bit of a pain. The good news is most batteries outlast the useful life of a system.
EPU (though seemingly not necessary on this board) is a thoughtful addition that can help move things to the next level for the power miser and the fan headers are very useful if you decided to overclock the CPU and you want to keep things cool.
