Exceptionally tiny, possibly cute, the ECS LIVA Q2 is the little PC that tries. Thanks to some minor upgrades compared to the previous version, performance has improved across the board. This was achieved by bumping the L2 cache up to 4 MB and increasing the max clock speed by 200 MHz boost. That is the benefit the switch to Intel's Celeron N4000 brings to the table vs. the similar, but older N3350 used previously. In regards to the Intel UHD 600 graphics, you could describe it as anemic. It will do what is needed, but can't be relied on for any serious gaming or number crunching. Then again, taking the CPU's 6-watt TDP into consideration, that should not come as a surprise to anyone. At the wall, we measured a total system power draw of 13 watts, which helps keep system noise down as even when heavy loads are applied, our test system remained below 40 dBA at a distance of 30 cm. If it's behind a TV and you're on the couch, you will never hear it. Heat was also not an issue as the CPU topped out at 78°C under load with the CPU having an average clock speed of 1.8 GHz, which is a full 700 MHz above the 1.1 GHz base clock speed Intel specifies.

When it comes to streaming content, be it games via Steam-in-home streaming or shows and movies via Netflix and Hulu, the LIVA Q2 did just fine. In fact, this is what I would recommend the system for. While Steam proved to be a bit finicky this time (verified with a higher-end system just in case), a few setting changes saw games streaming quite well overall with a slight drop in visual quality and a few tweaks to the streaming settings. When it comes to Netflix and Hulu, I came across no issues as both worked flawlessly, and thanks to HDMI 2.0, 4K content was not a problem either. There is also a bonus for those looking at the LIVA Q2 as an HTPC, and that is its support for HDMI-CEC that allows the system to be turned on via a remote, which is great for the couch potato I have become.

With that said, a few glaring issues do stand out with the biggest being the lack of memory and storage space. While ECS does offer 64 GB versions, the one I have here only has 32 GB of storage, which just is not enough. To make up for this, ECS does provide a micro SD card slot; however, that is not the same as proper, reliable storage. The same issue applies to system memory. There being no ability to upgrade the LIVA Q2, users are limited in terms of system memory, with my sample having just 4 GB. While it proved enough for light tasks, it is not ideal. Seeing an increase to 6 GB or 8 GB so that I can drown myself in more Chrome tabs would be nice, but it's not entirely mandatory as of yet. The limited USB connectivity also hurts. While it is true that you can use a USB hub to bypass some of the issues here, including the limited storage, It doesn't change the fact that it adds to the overall cost, which is something users will want to keep in mind.

Taking all that into account, my biggest issue with the LIVA Q2 is that much like its predecessor, it feels like a one trick pony with the trick being its ultra small form factor. That said, it is not a bad system. It did everything I asked of it, providing a stable and overall enjoyable experience. Essentially, it's the perfect PC for grandma to use for checking Facebook and looking up recipes. It's a basic system for basic needs. So if all you need is something to check emails, stream video, and browse the web, the LIVA Q2 will do the job just fine, but you need to keep expectations in check.