As with other ITX designs the DDR2 sockets are closely spaced. However, with no 24-pin ATX socket in the way there should be few obstructions when it comes to the installation and cooling of the dimms.


DDR2 slots have a lot of available install space.

The 3x SATA sockets are free of interference so installing cabling should be straightforward.


SATA sockets are easy to get to.

Next to these sockets is the Wireless N card. This is connected to an aerial socket on the I/O backplate of the motherboard.


Fast wireless courtesy of the N spec module on the board.

Unlike most ITX boards the ION ITX A Series does not have a PCI-E slot. The space this slot would normally occupy is taken up by the wireless card shown above and the power supply section that works with the 90w power brick.


The integrated PSU should be nice and tidy.

The power from the PSU is distributed to other components using the molex header (seen here) when combined with the breakout cables supplied.


The molex used to distribute power to peripheral hardware like HDD's.

The I/O plate of the ION ITX A Series is well appointed with no less than 6x USB sockets, a PS2 keyboard socket, an eSATA socket, a VGA, DVI and HDMI socket, optical and coaxial digital audio sockets, normal HD audio sockets, a gigabit wired network socket, a wireless aerial adapter and the power socket for the onboard PSU. For almost any other rear panel i’ve ever come across that’s quite a feature list!


A well appointed backplate.

Also, i must note that the motherboard has additional headers to allow an extra 4x USB connections.

Let's see how this mini marvel performs.