Shuttle XPC SB65G2: Big Performance in This Small Package
by Wesley Fink on September 9, 2003 11:32 PM EST- Posted in
- Systems
Shuttle invented the Small Form Factor computer, and each new generation of the Shuttle SFF seems to improve on the already capable design. When we last visited SFF systems about 6 months ago, we were intrigued by Shuttle’s design for a Corporate SFF. This time around, Shuttle delivered an SFF that seems to be targeted at the Intel Computer Enthusiast, much like the nForce2 version tested in January was targeted at the Athlon Enthusiast.
Everyone seems to love the cute little SFF machines that seem to take such a small amount of space and actually pay attention to what quiet means. However, most would assume that there are compromises in performance with these machines. It looks as if Shuttle is out to prove that you don’t have to give up anything to have a small, quiet computer.
What we have is a small SB65G2 based on the latest Intel 865 chipset with support for any current Intel processor, including the 800FSB C series. Add to that: Dual-Channel memory support, an 8X AGP slot instead of on-board graphics, 8 USB 2.0 ports, 2 Firewire, Serial ATA, and CMedia 5.1 audio. With all these up-to-the-minute features, you have a machine that makes no apologies to anyone in the current marketplace. It just happens to also be very small and very quiet. All of this is built into the elegant Aluminum G2 chassis that makes this tiny computer resemble a jewel more than a computer.
| System Specifications | |
| Shuttle SB65G2 | |
| Expansion Bays (5.25"/3.5"/Hidden) | 1/1/1 |
| Front USB Ports | 2 |
| Rear USB Ports | 4 |
| Internal USB Ports | 2 |
| Front Firewire Ports | 1 Mini |
| Rear Firewire Ports | 1 Standard |
| On-Board Parallel Port | N |
| SPDIF | Rear Optical SPDIF In & Out |
| Front Audio Jacks | 3 Mini |
| Rear Audio Jacks | 3 Mini |
| Number of Fans (including CPU/chipset | 1 |
| Power Supply | Enhance 200W |
UPDATE 9/10/2003: Shuttle has advised AnandTech that the specs of the SB65G2 have been improved with the release version of the SB65G2. The final SB65G2 has these changes:
220W PSU (instead of 200W)
SATA RAID (ICH5R)
Black anodized chassis
Integrated Wireless (802.11b) Module
The MSRP is around $350.
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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.