Pros: Looks nice.

Cons: I purchased this to use with an Athlon X4 860K FM2+ processor. Put it all together with appropriate memory & video card, try to start, and get nothing but power to drives, fans, and keyboard. Not even a BIOS beep error code. (I built my first computer in 1988. It had a whopping 256 bytes of memory :-). I've triple checked everything, it's put together right. Swapped video cards, which work in different machines. Swapped memory, although I can't test those, this is my first DDR3 board.)

Since there's no error code of any type, I can't guarantee that the MB is the problem - but on checking the ECS webpage, it lists specific processors that are supported - the 860K is not listed and there are no BIOS upgrades. I've had boards that needed an upgrade before to run a newer chip, but not ones that were sold without at least some way to upgrade the BIOS... if it says "supports AMD FM2+," then it should support all of them, not just some.

Manufacturer Response:

We are sorry to hear about the issues you are experiencing with your motherboard. The Athlon X4 860K should not be an issue with this motherboard. Prior to shipping from our factory, all motherboards are tested to ensure that they are working properly. A DOA issue can be caused by any of the main components, including CPU, memory, power supply and motherboard. If possible we would recommend testing the motherboard in the following fashion.

Remove the motherboard from the case, with only CPU, CPU fan, memory and power supply connected. Place on a flat non static surface. Reseat the CPU. Test with only one memory at a time and reseat memory. Ensure that both the 24 pin and 4 pin (ATX12V) connections are connected from the power supply. Connect the power button from the case or short the power pins (6 and 8) to power on the system. If still have any issues or questions, please contact us and we can work with you to find a solution.

I or any of my team members here at technical support will be able to help you.
Our hours are Mon-Fri 9am-6pm PST.

Thank you,
Andy
Phone# 1- 510-456-9836
Email: andy_K@ecsusa.com

Pros: ECS name, worked on first power up, Micro ATX, budget price

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: I've been using ECS motherboards for personal and customer builds....they just WORK!

Pros: Very good layout, not many mATX FM2+ boards with 4 expansion slots.

Size is good for smaller cases, the board length under 9.6" gives extra space for cable management.

Rear USB 3.0 ports and internal USB 3.0 header.

Cooler clearance is good.

Comprehensive BIOS features including many overclocking features.

Good choice for HTPC as FM2+ give extra graphics power from AMD APU, will even run recent games on moderate settings with Kaveri based APU.

Only needs 4 pin power connector, which is nice since many smaller cases come without 8 pin connectors on their power supplies.

Overall a well priced reliable FM2+ board.

Cons: Doesn't have an mSata slot which would be excellent and also on-board wireless option would have been awesome.

Only 2 DIMM slots, 4 would have been nice but probably not possible without board length increase.

Other Thoughts: Overall this is a great Micro Atx FM2+ board.
4 expansion slots is not common for FM2+ matx boards.

Has HDMI, the Displayport is optional instead of the HDMI port. HDMI far more commonly used so not a problem.

Pros: Good as a paperweight. That is all they are good for.

Cons: ECS motherboards break down within 3 days

Other Thoughts: I ordered an ECS motherboard a while back and it was a terrible board. NEVER buy from these people. Also they have terrible tech support. The tech support is always on break and they only have one dumb person working in the RMA department all the time.

Manufacturer Response:

We are sorry to hear about the issues you have had with your motherboard.

If you haven't already, please contact us so we can find out more specifics to your configuration and help find a solution.

I or any of my team members here at technical support will be able to help you.
Our hours are Mon-Fri 9am-6pm PST.

Thank you,
Andy
Phone# 1-510-456-9836
Email: andy_K@ecsusa.com