2004-02-08 - Silent PC Review : Very small, very quiet, inexpensive and powerful PC

The ST62K, with its silent external power supply and very quiet ICE cooling system is very impressive. You get a machine that's basically as powerful as a full-fledged mid-tower system with a very small footprint. This seems like the perfect platform for an HTPC, and it's certainly good enough as a mainstream solution for running business applications or regular home use.

With its completely redesigned internal layout, XPC Zen was created to remove unwanted noise, airflow intrusions and untidiness. Features introduced with the Zen XPC include Shuttle's advanced external power adapter, side mounted harddrive and cleverly integrated cable management.(...)

I'd give the Shuttle Zen XP five stars for innovation & sensible design, and four stars for noise performance. Very nice, strongly recommended if you want a very small, very quiet, inexpensive and powerful PC for general computing. 

The Shuttle Zen XPC ST62K represents a new generation of SFF computers. Like ALL products, it is a compromise; like the best products, it is a clever, well-balanced compromise that addresses the needs of many. For this reason, I foresee a highly successful life cycle for the Zen.

Pros:
+ Small, unobtrusive footprint.
+ Understated styling.
+ Lots of I/O, front ports especially useful.
+ Quiet, quiet, quiet (with HDD suspended).
+ Seems to have good cooling.
+ Very stable, no driver issues.
+ Very good performance.
+ External PSU runs very cool, can be placed out of the way.
+ Excellent design, very easy to build.
+ Clutter-free interior for good airflow.

...little, powerful and quiet PC."