![[H]ardOCP](/images/blank.gif){kind=small}
- Date:
- Tuesday , June 17, 2003
- Author:
- Sean Pelletier
- Editor:
- Kyle Bennett
- Google +1
Shuttle SB61G2
Overclocking and enthusiast goodness stuffed into a Small Form Factor box most of us could punt 30 meters. Of course it is sporting an Intel Springdale chipset this time around.
Introduction
Over the course of the last year, we have witnessed the popularity of the Shuttle XPC line of small form factor systems grow by leaps and bounds. With the advent of their nForce2-based SN41G2, Shuttle successfully brought industry-leading technology and performance to gamers in the form of an incredibly small and potent package. Though the XPC line initially captured the sole attention of LAN gamers due to its excellent portability, the systems have evolved on both performance and aesthetic levels to a point that they now warrant nearly everyone’s attention. Taking a glimpse at the newly released Shuttle SB61G2 based upon Intel’s new i865G Springdale chipset, we find the potential for more performance and functionality than ever in a Small Form Factor (SFF) system.
Without question, hardcore gamers will find it hard not to at least consider the SB61G2 as a viable option. Based upon the Intel i865G chipset, the system features support for the latest and greatest hardware available. From the ability to use the new 800MHz FSB Pentium 4 processors and the fastest AGP graphics cards that require only one slot width, along with the inclusion of native SATA support; Shuttle has managed to squeeze cutting-edge technology into an incredibly small package. In addition, this new SFF system also becomes an alluring option for those looking to bring a PC into their living room. By including a number of different input and output ports, nearly any home theater configuration can be adopted. Given the system’s next-gen look, this PC will possibly blend seamlessly with the rest your home theater components. With its small footprint and quick performance, the Shuttle is also an excellent candidate for an office PC. When space is at a premium, the combination of this SFF system with an LCD monitor is sure to free up some real estate on an otherwise cramped desk. In the end, we see a wide array of applications for a system of this form factor and platform.
CPU | Intel Pentium 4 Socket 478 |
Chipset | Springdale i865G |
FSB | 400/533/800 |
BIOS | Phoenix Award |
Memory | 2 x 184 pin DDR SDRAM DIMMs, up to 2 GB |
Expansion Slots | 1 AGP / 1 PCI |
Onboard IDE | 2 ATA 100 / 2 SATA |
USB | 4 rear panel / 2 front panel |
AGP | 1 AGP 4x / 8x |
Audio | 6-channel AC'97 |
NIC | 1 10/100 Realtek LAN onboard |
A complete list of specifications:
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Packaging / Case
Looking at the system’s packaging, we find that the box for the system actually serves as a carrying case as well. Though the package itself is relatively small, there is more than enough packing material to ensure that the system remains unharmed on trips to your local LAN party. Although this case is practical, most will likely prefer to purchase the aftermarket carrying case offered by Shuttle, as it is much nicer in terms of looks, portability, and long term durability.
Opening the package, we find a number of different items. Per usual, the user is given the appropriate manuals outlining the basic setup and operation of the system. In addition, Shuttle has seen fit to include a full range of IDE cables which are sized to best fit the system’s unconventional size. Looking at the cables, we find a number of customizations including a bundled section for the CD-ROM cable to fit through the system easier, as well as a pull-ring on the back of the primary IDE cable to make life a bit easier. Lastly, we see a bag full of items which are meant to help customize and clean up the look of the system. Here, we see some cable ties and some sticky tape which will help avoid tangled messes and keep airflow within the system as high as possible. Shuttle has also included a set of metallic "feet" which can be used to slightly raise the front of the system and give it a bit of a different look. One of the coolest items found within the box however is the "custom" SATA cable, which is the perfect length to connect the hard-drive to the SATA headers with no excess length.
Taking a look at the front panel of the SB61G2, one could easily mistake this system for an nForce2-based SN41G2. Each system uses the "G2" style case which is a bit more modern than the other Shuttle XPC models. Though the cases are nearly identical, the SB61G2 does feature a few subtle differences. Although the USB and FireWire ports are still present, the SB61G2 also adds the full range of analog speaker ports and does away with the unsightly SPDIF port on the front of the system. Overall, this leads to a much cleaner setup for those who will be using the digital audio connection.
Moving towards the rear of the system, we find that a number of changes have been made here as well. Above all, we see that there is no longer a dual-output VGA option. In similar fashion, the TV-Out feature has also disappeared. In their place, a few additional USB 2.0 ports are found which will assist in keeping peripherals routed to the rear of the system and out of sight. Taking a look above the PCI/AGP bracket, we see SPDIF input and output ports. Whether you be using the optical output for speakers or connecting to the input to complete some editing, these are certainly welcomed features for this system.
One of the most unique aspects of Shuttle’s most recent XPC systems is their use of a copper heatpipe heatsink assembly. Dubbed the I.C.E cooler (Integrated Cooling Engine), the heatpipe is essentially a typical copper-slugged aluminum heatsink with four heatpipes mated to the copper slug. Referencing the second image above, we see that these four heatpipes actually rest on the face of the copper slug, with the aluminum block then mated to the copper face. Once heated, the liquid within the heatpipes begins to change state and will rise towards the aluminum radiator on the opposite end. With the aid of an 80mm fan blowing across the radiator, the vapor is then cooled and it returns to the bottom in a liquid state to repeat the process all over again. Overall, this is a very practical and efficient system. However, we were a bit disappointed to see that the copper face of the heatsink lacked any significant polishing whatsoever. Without question, the lapping of this heatsink would likely create a noticeably better mating surface between the heatsink and CPU.
When the time came to initially install the CPU for the first time, we were very impressed with the heatsink assembly’s retention clip. In short, the clip utilizes one fixed end with the opposite side relying upon two hinged tabs to lock the system into place. Although no Pentium 4 retention mechanism requires a degree in nuclear physics, this method was noticeably faster and easier to mount. Kudos to Shuttle for making life just a little bit easier.