Shuttle XPC SB65G2: Big Performance in This Small Package
by Wesley Fink on September 9, 2003 11:32 PM EST- Posted in
- Systems
Shuttle SB65G2: Noise Level
With the large performance leaps in Shuttle’s SB65G2 come more heat, and the need for more cooling. Does this mean that Shuttle had to give up some of their famous quiet operation as a trade-off to performance?To test this, we measured sound levels of the SB65G2 on a typical computer desk. Sound Level was measured on all 4 sides, 4" from the chassis. Our new Sound Level meter is capable of measuring as low as 35db, using either A or C weighting with Fast or Slow Dynamic Response. Since A weighting and Fast response are most comparable to how we actually hear, these settings were used for measuring Sound Level. Results from the Sound Level meter are reported in 0.1db increments.
The SB65G2 was loaded as you might equip a top-level system with space-saving in mind. We had installed a 3.0 P4, 1 GB DDR400 memory, Liteon combo CD burner/DVD, a floppy drive, 120GB Maxtor hard drive, and a fanless ATI Radeon 9600 video card. Since we will be comparing these Noise measurements with other SFF systems, it would not be fair to compare the SB65G2 with a 9800 PRO to systems that will likely have on-board video and no fans. The video card substitute was our only change to the system as tested.
We measured noise from the middle of each one of the four sides, 4" from the chassis.
With the fan on its low setting, the noise level from the SB65G2 is as low or lower than anything we measured in our SFF Roundup in March. This is very good news, considering the increased performance in this SB65G2 system. LOW level is the normal operation setting even with the 3.0 Pentium 4, a loaded system, and overclocking. At no point did the Shuttle get warm enough to kick in the high speed fan setting.
The SB65G2 is noticeably louder at the high speed setting, but it is still quieter than the same measurements in our last SFF Roundup. Shuttle has done a wonderful job of moving to the highest performance levels with the SB65G2 while still maintaining quiet operation. It’s a tribute to the excellent design of the I.C.E. “heat pipe” cooling system that the system remains cool and quiet, even with our 3.0 800FSB CPU, and even when it’s overclocked to 3.4+ GHz.
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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.