Shuttle XPC SB75G2 SFF System

Smaller is better? You don't hear that too often, but in the world of PCs, the smaller you can make it the better off you might be. In comes the rush of small form factor (SFF) systems that have made quite a mark in the home computing market. People looking for a smaller and quieter machine to serve their daily needs are becoming more and more common.

We are going to take a look at Shuttle's awesome new SB75G2 XPC system with the Intel 875P chipset. Yes folks, one of the latest and greatest platforms for Intel desktops, the Canterwood, has made its way into a much more compact form. For those looking for a rival to your toaster or bread maker, the SB75G2 can probably give them a run for their money.

Specs and Features

Well, before we go any further with this review why don't we take a look at the specifications and features of the SB75G2 from Shuttle.

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CHASSIS

• Dimension : (L)300*(W)200*(H)185, 2.85Kg(N.W.), 4.65Kg(G.W.)
• Front Panel : USB * 2, MIC * 1, Line in * 1, 1394 * 1
• Back Panel : PS/2 Keyboard & Mouse * 1, Serial Port * 2, Giga LAN * 1, 1394 * 1, USB * 4,
• SPDIF In/Out
• Extension Bay : 5.25" * 1, 3.5" * 2

• Form Factor : Shuttle Form Factor
• CPU Socket : Intel Socket 478, support 533/800MHz FSB HT CPU
• Chipsets : North bridge:Intel 875P, South bridge:ICH5-R
• Memory Socket : DDR 333/400 * 2 (Dual Channel)
• On Board VGA : None
• On Board Audio : Realtek ALC650 6 channel audio
• Expansion Slot : PCI * 1 8X AGP * 1
• IDE interface : ATA-100 / Serial ATA

• 220W (PFC)

• Built-in Fast Gigabit Ethernet
• Built-in Intel PAT mode (Intel Performance Acceleration Technology)
• Support Dual Channel ECC DDR400 Memory
• Shuttle I.C.E. heat-pipe technology
• Large Side Mesh Windows Case Cover

The addition of all the built-in peripherals is a huge selling point for the SB75G2. Built-in gigabit NIC, sound, 6 USB ports, Firewire, SPDIF, and SATA support to boot. This is loaded to the hilt. We aren't talking barebones here, this thing comes with all the trimmings. What is noticeable though is the lack of a parallel port on the back. If you have relied on that old standard for your printer or other peripheral, time to move to USB because you have plenty of those connections to work with.

What a cool looking machine. Even the box it came in is cool looking. Immediately my thoughts move to "How the heck can you fit a whole PC in that little bitty box?" Well, I was soon going to find out first hand.

The case is a smooth jet black aluminum finish. Very sleek, very sexy for a PC. I can definitely see this kind of component in a home theater system or in the living room. It's very refined with the black finish and silver buttons and accents. You have to be a little careful you don't scratch up the surface as it seems like it could show knicks and scrapes pretty easily if you get rowdy with it. So we know it's stylish, but what else can it do?

Drive covers would come in handy here.

Attractive design makes for easy placement in the house.

Is that a 5200 Ultra in your case, or are you happy to see me?

No parallel port standard, find that USB printer today!

In the bundle comes a couple of manuals, cables galore to fit inside that little space, some thermal paste, and one of the coolest things inside was a full version of Mandrake Linux 9.0. For all the open-source gurus out there, these CDs can come in real handy. I myself have always thought about putting a new partition on my hard drive to take a deeper look into Linux. This just may be the push I needed to complete that task.