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Arprotek e-Cube/gBox Barebones Review
Arnold writes: "I was doing some browsing on the net and came across an article that ViaHardware.com published. They are reviewing a cool
P4 mini-computer system that is perfect for the serious LAN gamer. The system has an AGP slot and will even fit a GeForce 4 Ti4600. It also has a built-in handle. Now if only we could get monitors to be this size and expand out to 19-21"."
From their beleagered web server:
Specifications:
Chyang Fun CFI-S86 Motherboard
Pentium 4 Support
VIA P4M266 Chipset
DDR200/266 Support - up to 2GB
ATA/133 Support - 2 IDE Ports
Integrated Pro Savage DDR Graphics (ProSavage 8)
2 Serial Ports
4 USB 2.0 Ports (2 Rear, 2 Front)
PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Ports
RCA and S-Video TV Out
VIA AC97 Audio
Front Headphone and Microphone Jacks
Front Speaker Out Jack
Onboard Realtek RT8100 LAN
Infra-Red Support
1 PCI Slot
1 AGP Slot
Aluminum Chassis/Plastic Handle/Plexiglas Side and Front Panels
1 5.25" Bay, 2 3.25" Bays (1 External)
(L) 306mm X (W) 212mm X (H) 242mm
150W Power Supply
2 40mm Rear Exhaust Fans
Granted there is only two add on slots, but it still looks to me like a heavily overworked power supply on there. The P4 alone will consume nearly 50W. Add in some drives and all the other goodies and you are in trouble!
Ummm so this is an AS/400 competitor then ?
Sorry to be a pedant but main, mini, micro is the naming convention, and micro is where this sits. A mini computer with a handle is a hernia in a box.
Wish PDA stood for Pico Device Architecture.
However an AS/400 or top end Unix server would kick-arse as a LAN gaming station, 32 processors, 4 TB disk, 20GB RAM. Ummmm.
An Eye for an Eye will make the whole world blind - Gandhi
Pros:
Small - The CF-S868 is a small, powerful system. It is larger than the SS50, but it definitely isn't cumbersome at all.
Performance - Mainly this is talking game performance and is due to the AGP slot. There is no doubt you can build a very fast LAN system with this box.
Features - The CF-S868 is definitely packed with features, and comes with some good accessories. The sliced up IDE cables save space and make everything easier to work with inside. Though missing firewire, and not having the greatest sound or onboard video, it has Infra-Red and USB 2.0.
Style - The handle on the CF-S868 not only looks cool, but is very functional and practical as well. The clear front and sides look good as well. The design is similar to the Shuttle SS40 if you have seen any of the images form CeBit of that case style.
Noise - Thought it doesn't beat the SS50, the CF-S868 is a great system when it comes to noise. It isn't too loud, but it could use a bit more tweaking.
Cons:
Noise - The problem when it comes to noise is the included fan with the Arkua heatsink. It is quite loud, but can be replaced relatively easily.
Sound - The onboard AC97 sound is nothing short of a disappointment. CMI or even Creative has better solutions than the basic AC97 codec.
Video/Other Issues - This includes all the issues that I covered above about the video cards, as well as the problems I had with the front panel connector and the drive bay covers. Overall a well constructed barebones system, but there are definitely some oversights, especially with the missing standoff and screw which should be there to support the insertion of an AGP card.
So who should go out and buy the CF-S868? Well certainly this is currently one of the best mini-systems you can buy right now for a little LAN box that is powerful. But it's not exactly cheaper than a full-sized system. Arprotek told me that the MSRP in the US for this system is $369. Contrary to this is the fact that some who have already bought this system have paid $400 or more for it. I haven't seen this system in any US retailers so far, so the price will be higher since you will have to have the system shipped overseas. Currently there are no distributors in the US that I'm aware of that carry this system, but hopefully they will be showing up soon for those of you interested. If you are interested in purchasing one, please click here to send an email and you will be given details.
The CF-S868 may have issues, but they aren't a huge problem. You do need to consider everything before making a purchase, so look at the drawbacks and decide whether that interferes with your use of the system. It needs better sound and a good AGP video card. Both will have to be added to the cost of the system. If you want even more information or perhaps have other questions, feel free to discuss this article in the forums below.
Also, personally I would wait to see what the competition has to offer before making a final choice. We know that Shuttle will be having a product coming out this summer with an AGP slot. Keep watching for the review here and we will be comparing both products. If the CF-S868 looks good to you and you need something soon, I don't have any major objections if you plan on using it for a LAN box and will add a sound card and AGP video card.
Rapid Nirvana
Problem solved.
Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.
I'll avoid the obvious bashing of pro-MS comments, since there are thousands of others who will take that on. But seriously, console over computer for a lan party? You can't play strategy since everyone else can see what you're doing (if you're all on the same tv...and if you're not, then a portable console is no good if you have to lug around televisions). And even if you're not playing strategy, why would you want to share a television screen with someone else for a fps or even racing? About the only good multiplayer you can have with a console is arena fighting, like Mortal Kombat, or something like Super Smash Brothers Melee, which is the best reason ever to own a console. Other than that, lan parties are the way to go.
do not read this line twice.