Shuttle SD32G2
1. Introduction
Small form factor PCs are very popular among users for their versatility and compactness. After having used an AOpen Xcube for almost 3 years, I am now a big fan of noiseless PCs with small dimensions. Shuttle is a well respected company which mainly deals with small form factor PCs. Their proposal for entry level users comes with in the form of the SD32G2. What can you expect from such a small box? Does it have what you are looking for? How does it perform, especially when stacked up against normal desktop PCs? We will try to answer all these questions, but first let's meet our new box.
- Shuttle SD32G2
The XPC SD32G2 is the ideal first timer SFF computer. With support for the full spectrum of mainstream components; Intel® Core 2 Extreme/Intel® Core 2 Duo/ Intel® Celeron D/Intel® Pentium 4/Intel® Pentium D, DDR2 memory, value PCI Express x16 cards, the XPC SD32G2 let's you build the best-value computer for the SOHO business segment.
Including bargain integrated graphics and 7.1 channel audio, and a full back panel of the latest industry standard interfaces (PCI E, USB 2.0, FireWire 400 and Ethernet LAN) it is easy to see why the latest G2 chassis XPC is set to become the next best-seller.
- Hot Features
The original G2 chassis is the standard by which other small form factor computers are measured. This 'G2'eneral purpose chassis finds the optimal balance between small size and upgradeability, while still offering exceptional performance and functionality.
Media Connectivity: The integrated media ports on the XPC G's front panel have been designed for excellent functionality. The space between the USB ports has been increased to make room for devices such as digital camera and thumb drives to be installed at the same time. Also the line in jack has been moved to the back panel, providing a neat and functional finish.
Integrated Cable Management: All XPCs ship with integrated cable management to ease installation. IDE and/or SATA cables are pre-installed, and power leads are wrapped and clipped to the chassis.
Intel® Processor Support
Intel® Core™2 Extreme The Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor for desktop PCs features the latest arsenal of performance-rich technologies. It was designed to run energy-efficient so you can run red hot. Plus, that added energy efficiency enables systems to run quieter. |
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Intel® Core™2 Duo processor Experience revolutionary performance, unbelievable system responsiveness, and energy-efficiency built in - up to 40% faster and over 40% more energy efficient. |
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Intel® Celeron® D processor The Intel® Celeron® D Processor delivers a balanced level of proven technology and exceptional value for desktop PCs. |
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Intel® Pentium® 4 processor Get advanced performance for today's productivity, digital imaging, music and entertainment applications. The Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor provides the performance, quality, and reliability demanded by consumer and business customers. |
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Intel® Pentium® D processor Experience the powerful multitasking capabilities of an Intel® Pentium® D processor-based PC with revolutionary Intel dual-core technology. |
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Intel 945G Chipset The PCI Express architecture enables increased bi-directional bandwidth to the graphics and I/O interfaces. With theoretical bandwidth up to 4 GB/s per direction, the PCI Express x16 graphics port can provide more than three and a half times the graphics bandwidth over previous high-performance discrete graphics solutions. |
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Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 The Intel 945G Express Chipset also features an improved graphics core. Intel GMA 950 enhances the user experience with faster graphics, improved Microsoft DirectX 9.0 3D performance, and better video playback and quality. The increased performance enables smooth standard and high definition video playback. Built-in support of consumer electronic displays allows consumers to plug into native high-definition displays and output to either 720p or 1080i resolutions. |
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Realtek ALC882 HD Audio The ALC882 series 7.1+2 Channel High Definition Audio codecs with UAA (Universal Audio Architecture), featuring five 24-bit stereo DACs and three 20-bit stereo ADCs, are designed for high performance multimedia PC systems. The ALC882 series incorporates proprietary converter technology to achieve over 100dB Signal-to-Noise ratio playback quality; easily meeting PC2001 requirements and also bringing PC sound quality closer to consumer electronic devices.. |
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Advanced I/O The XPC offers simple I/O connectivity, and then some. Features, such as the Clear CMOS button and Wireless LAN perforation, are Shuttle exclusives, and not seen in other small form factor computers. The XPC's feature-rich back panel is perfectly complemented by an equally rich front panel. With USB 2.0, FireWire 400, earphones, and microphone built into this sexy front panel. |
Silent X Technology:
Integrated Silent X cooling and noise reduction technologies deliver optimized cooling for exceptional stability, comfort and reliability. Optimized cooling features, including programmable smart fans and best-of-class airflow, make the XPC ideal for use in any setting - home, office, dorm - because it's "Super Quiet, Super Cool."
The Silent X concept is embodied in a number of discreet Shuttle technologies:
Integrated Cooling Engine (ICE) Module The Integrated Cooling Engine uses convection cooling to transfer heat away from the processor and other critical system components. Copper tubing - coated in nickel and filled with distilled water - efficiently channels heat away, providing highly-effective processor and case cooling. |
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250W Power Supply This highly efficient PSU delivers enough power to support the modest configurations required the meet the need of a home of office workstation. Tested in our acoustic labs the Silent X 250W PSU operates significantly quieter than most competing power solutions. |
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Smart Fan Smart Fan incorporates linear control metrics to provide optimal cooling. Under normal conditions, Smart Fan keeps fan speeds low, minimizing acoustic noise. When the load increases, Smart Fan increases fan speeds to provide optimal cooling. Users can customize Shuttle's Smart Fan settings to precisely match their desired temperature and fan speed metrics. |
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Airflow The XPC features more air intake points designed to keep the motherboard cool and stable. The underside edge is lined with intake points. Other intake points are also located on the underside of the machine to improve motherboard cooling. |
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XPC Tools Shuttle XPC Tools is a straightforward thermal and acoustic management application for your XPC. Including several XPC only features, such as "Smart Fan" management, XPC Tools is the only all-round system management application available for the XPC. With XPC Tools, you can automatically load pre-saved performance configurations for swift switching between maxed-out performance settings for gaming and "Super Quiet, Super Cool" settings for general multimedia entertainment or office productivity. XPC Tools is available for download at http://global.shuttle.com/XPCTools/download.asp |