2005-03-21 - PC Professionell: Modern SFF-PC system at a fair price

"The Shuttle XPC Barebone SB86i is a solid basis for a modern SFF-system at a fair price." The editors of the German computer magazine "PC Professionell"  were impressed with the new Shuttle XPC Barebone SB86i. "A barebone with a configuration like this doesn't need to fear big towers computers," write the editors. No wonder given how they judged the Shuttle XPC Barebone, giving it high marks for equipment (very good), service (good) and performance (good).

In terms of connectivity, the Shuttle XPC Barebone SB86i showed itself at its best. All multimedia connectors can "easily be accessed via the front panel." Also well done: the clear CMOS button on the rear side. Users who want to ditch their PCI-cards and bank on brand new PCI-Express cards will be well served: "Modern graphics cards with fans of standard size can be fitted in the PCI-Express x16-slot." But also "for PCI expansion cards the Shuttle XPC Barebone offers a slot." "Very good," say the editors for the equipment. The interior follows Intel's BTX form factor and "offers better airflow and lower temperatures due to the new grouping of processor, memory, chipset, graphics cards and CPU cooling unit." Speaking of noise production, the Smart Fan Technology helped it to "keep the noise level down to a low 34 to 38 dB(A) depending on system load." When it came to proving performance, the Shuttle XPC Barebone kept what it promised: performance "can keep up with conventional PC-systems" and deserves the rating "good." Even in the office the Shuttle XPC Barebone shows what it's got and "does a good job thanks to the integrated graphics within the Intel-915G chipset."

Conclusion:

"The Shuttle XPC Barebone SB86i is a solid basis for a modern SFF-system at a fair price."

Performance (40 percent):	Good
Equipment (30 percent):	Very good
Ergonomics (20 percent):	Satisfactory
Service (10 percent):	Good

(Source: PC Professionell / Germany - Issue 04 2005)