AOpen XCCube EZ18 nForce2 SFF System

Small form factor (SFF) systems have made a major impact on the computing scene in the last couple years. Many companies are now carrying their own SFF line, and most try to differentiate their SFF offerings from the competition. Power, style, features and size are just some of the factors that these companies choose to set their SFF systems apart from others.

When it comes to AOpen's XCCube EZ18, style is the first thing that strikes me as making it unique from the countless SFF choices available today. With its white exterior and silver accents, it has a very stylish and sleek look that makes a fashion statement (and it better considering that AOpen's marketing concept with it is "Living Art"). Keep reading to find out if the "compact, cute, cozy" EZ18 has the features and performance to match its great looks.

Here are the usual lists of features and specs taken from AOpen's web site. As usual, AOpen packs in many interesting and innovative features. The AOpen design teams really seem to consider the entire user experience, which is definitely appreciated by this end-user.

Features

• Unique design that reflects your style and taste!
• SilentTek - helps keep PC quiet
• EzColor - color-coded motherboard to ease installation
• EzRestore - system restore utility
• Dual channel DDR
• Jukebox - operate your CD player without loading Windows
• Vivid BIOS - a more colorful, skinnable POST screen
• 1 MHz Stepping AGP/PCI Overclocking
• 1 MHz Stepping CPU Overclocking
• CPU Overheat Protection (O.H.P.) Technology
• EzWinFlash - BIOS Upgrade under Windows environment
• Dual VGA ports
• For other info relating to the XCCube experience, click here

Specifications

You probably noticed by now that this is based on one of the older nForce2 chipsets, so its maximum front side bus (FSB) is 333MHz. That's a bummer for sure, but keep in mind that it is an older model, so it's not surprising. The EZ18 also features the number of expansion slots for a SFF system - 1 AGP and 1 PCI. Unlike many other SFF systems with onboard video though, it includes dual VGA ports, which is a really nice touch.

AOpen presents the XCCube in a very nice package that tries to match the style found on the inside. It includes a carrying handle for easy transporting and handling. On the inside, two boxes and the EZ18 can be found. The XCCube is protected by styrofoam inserts, so your package should arrive safe and sound.

Inside the two small white boxes, AOpen packages all the accessories you need to get set up and running.

Package Contents

• XCCube EZ18 SFF System
• User's manual in three languages
• Screws
• 2 IDE cables, 1 floppy cable
• 1 SATA cable and Molex-to-SATA power cable (although no SATA connector is available on the EZ18's motherboard)
• Quick Installation Guide
• Soft cloth for cleaning the exterior of the XCCube
• Driver / Utility CD