Shuttle SS51 Reviewed

hilldaddy writes "AnandTech has a review up of the new Shuttle SS51 XPC. Looks like they finally added an AGP slot. Read the review." We've done several previous stories on the Shuttle mini-PC systems.

Comments

interesting

[The Rogue86]

Many mac people claim that they have the best computers because of their size and portablity. Perhaps Windows (or hopefully linux) will be able to show people that we to can make really weird looking small computers too. And this one even has a serial port as apposed to the mac.

"Excellent" - Monty Burns

Upgradability goes further than just the mobo

[BlackMesaResearchFac]

"Upgrading CPUs and graphics cards shouldn't be a problem but when it comes to motherboards, you're pretty much stuck with what you've got." Surely the reviewer realizes that motherboards have a socket type that only run a certain type of CPU. Obviously this isn't always an issue but depending on when a motherboard is made and where in the development cycle the chip maker is in and what processor one buys... The same could be said about the old AGP 2x to 4x conversion.

Re:Upgradability goes further than just the mobo

[Oculus Habent]

This is why this computer isn't for everyone. When you buy small, integrated systems, you instantly sacrifice some level of upgrades and expansion for the small box.

Small, expandable, inexpensive. Pick two.

one more step ...

[timothy]

I was interested to see that Shuttle has a new case out with an AGP slot, but it's still one-off from what I'd like, because it doesn't take AMD chips, which I prefer.

Does anyone know of a similar case for Durons / Athlons? I hope this is Shuttle's next move, because these cases are quite nice looking.

timothy

Change in view?

[taeric]

In times past (oh, you know, 2 years ago.), it seemed eveyone I knew wanted a full sized tower. At the least, a mid tower was preferred.

Now, however, it seems things are hopefully turning around. It is quite encouraging to think that in the near future I can finally get rid of all of the crap that clutters my desk due to the computer. Pair this with a flat-panel monitor and you now have noticeably more room above and below your desk.

Now, I just need to find a way to consolidate all of my power and accessory cables. Those are probably the largest hassle when cleaning for me.

Re:Change in view?

[Junta]

While an expensive solution, apple seems to have cable reduction high on their list. You have one cable between monitor and system driving power and signal, one cable to keyboard and mouse (since mouse plugs into keyboard, which makes a *hell* of a lot more sense than the traditional PC way, Sun and Apple have it right..). But if apple is unacceptable, their are keyboards and monitors with built in USB hubs, so you can have a more convenient spot to plug stuff in. Of course, if you have a monitor with speakers and a USB hub you want to use, you have speaker, display, usb, and power cable going to it... Nasty... Technically you can get away with 4 cables out of a mac, network, power, display, keyboard, but add one for sound for a decent rig... Hell, get an iMac and not worry about the display cable at all, just worry about not being modular and having something in need of repair or upgrade...

will anybody ever figure it out???

[j1mmy]

they put a headphone jack, usb ports, and firewire up front, but the KEYBOARD AND MOUSE PORTS ARE STILL IN BACK. Are designers just dense? Many people actually use ps/2 mice and keyboards. If you're going to put ports up front, why not these too?

Re:will anybody ever figure it out???

[zrodney]

buy yourself a new keyboard and mouse -- usb

Re:will anybody ever figure it out???

[Webmonger]

Only ports that people need frequent access to belong in the front. If you're constantly changing your keyboard and mouse, you should stop eating soup over your computer.

Cooling and Air Pressure

[Glass of Water]

The single fan in the SS51 pulls air from the inside of the case and exhausts it through the rear vents. Holes in the sides of the case act as cool air intakes that are functional through the low pressure that's created on the inside of the case courtesy of the single exhaust fan.

As an aside, wouldn't low pressure air absorb less heat? Wouldn't it be better to direct the airflow in, thus having the pressure be higher at the heat sink?

Then, of course, you'd be blowing hot air around the inside of the computer case. Still... anyone have some actual knowledge to drop on this subject?

-jim

Differing definitions of "good"

[Andy Dodd]

Thanks for your input. If it's comparable to any SB, then it's pretty good for an onboard sound chipset. Not that I'm saying SB is better than most - Even super-cheapie Yamaha chipset cards are "acceptable", i.e. I can't tell the difference for gaming/home multimedia use.

My definition of "bad" is the onboard audio on VIA KT266 chipsets, such as my Epox EP-8KHA. It SUCKS. It has this obscenely loud high-pitched squealing that gives you a splitting headache on 1-2 minutes flat. Needless to say, I'm now VERY wary of onboard audio solutions.