Shuttle XPC SB65G2: Big Performance in This Small Package
by Wesley Fink on September 9, 2003 11:32 PM EST- Posted in
- Systems
Final Words
The evolution of the Small Form Factor systems has been interesting to watch since AnandTech first looked at a Shuttle SFF in late 2001. That early system was a Shuttle Socket 370, and was as different in performance from the XPC SB65G2 as you can imagine. The early reviews talked about how cute, handy and quiet the SFF systems were, and we forgave the less than stellar performance as a necessary compromise for the small size.That’s quite a change to the SB65G2 we are evaluating today. This system is being compared to the very best 865/875 systems recently reviewed, and it is holding its own against them. We even evaluated overclocking a system that’s barely larger than a toaster — a system already running a 3.0 800FSB CPU with 1GB of dual-channel memory and the current power hungry top-of-the line ATI Radeon 9800 PRO. Our toaster-size SFF overclocked just fine. In every test we ran, it was as stable, cool, and quiet as you could want in a computer.
We have now reached the point where we will compare the SFF to any PC we test, which means you will have to forget thinking about the SFF as a cute compromise. As we have clearly shown in the benchmarks, the SB65G2 is a great system compared to any 865/875 system. It is still cute, maybe even elegant, but we can no longer consider it compromised.
The other area where Shuttle has done a stellar job is increasing the performance to completely competitive levels while maintaining, or even improving, the quietness we have come to enjoy with the better SFF systems. Our Noise Level measurements show the Shuttle remains one of the quietest machines available when running on the low setting for the ICE cooling fan. In all our tests and overclocking, the fan never once needed to kick into higher cool, so you can comfortably expect quiet operation from the SB65G2.
This brings us to a new twist on the SFF machines, and that is value. With the barebone SB65G2 selling for less than $300, you will need to compare the cost and convenience of the SFF XPC box to the cost of conventional components when building a system. The price for a balanced Aluminum chassis PC, power supply, top-performing Springdale motherboard, and effective and very quiet heatpipe cooling system seems a very good value. If you would prefer the same system with integrated graphics, the Shuttle XPC SB61G2 is also available at about the same price. It also has the 8X AGP slot, so there is room for that future graphics upgrade.
Consider the Shuttle XPC SB65G2, a full-featured, top-performing Springdale in a very small and quiet system at a very good price. If that appeals to you, then the Shuttle XPC SB65G2 or the SB61G2 will definitely please you.
If you are looking for a capable SFF system, then continue checking our reviews at AnandTech. There are several other interesting SFF system reviews that are in the works.
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Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
to #20, I don't know what information you've been gathering but you're definitly wrong. The SB62G2 does have SPDIF In/Out (check out shuttles website- www.shuttle.com/hq) and the older SB52G2, which was the prior model had it also. So try informing yourself before you post comments as fact.Rekonn - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
to #21No, that is a separate issue. Shuttle has been selling fixed versions of the SB61G2 for weeks now, and will honor an RMA for those that do have that problem with the 9500/9700 series.
Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
Audio (#5 and #6)Is this the problem you two were experiencing?
"Evidently, there is currently an issue involving any SB61G2 which is used with an ATI Radeon 9500/9700 series graphics card. Here, the issue leads to poor audio performance including cutting and crackling within applications. The media and public have been informed that Shuttle is well aware of this issue and a timely solution is on the horizon."
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NDg3LDQ=
Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
Note that, as far as I can tell, the sb62g2 does not have spdif.Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
Can I use external CD-ROM and install hard disk rack in the open 5 inch bay on XPC?I would like to have the option of swapping different hard disks and use Windows or Linux at different times. So I want to install Lian-Li hard disk rack in the only open 5 inch bay and swap in hard disk for Windows or Linux. The CD-ROM has to be external through USB2 or Firewire.
When I first install OS, can XPC boot up and recognize USB2 connected CD-ROM and start to install Windows or Linux from CD?
Of cause I can always install a floppy drive in the open 3 inch bay and start the installation process from floppy disks. But I have so much trouble with floppy drives that I want to skip floppy drive altogether. Is my configuration possible?
Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
what about meshed side panels found on the SB62G2 and the SB52G2?Also are the C-Media Chips better than the Realtek 6 channel chips on the previous models and the SB62G2?
Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
Prescott support? Any info as to whether the prescott chips will work in this new Shuttle?spikemike - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
Is there much performance differences with a 865G chipset and the 865PE chipset?Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
The final SB65G2 will have a number of changes over this early sample, including:220W PSU
Black anodized chassis
integrated 802.11b
Cleaner analog output on the front jacks
MSRP of around $350
It should be available in late September
CitizenKain - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
At some point, I want to replace my beefy Antec 1000 series case with one of these. I hope they release a one based on a NForce chipset, but with all the new bells ans whistles like SATA.