SFF Computing... would you switch?

[OdieXPC]

My name is Cameron Rogers, and I'm marketing manager of the US market for Shuttle. I'm sure many of you have read Anand's review of our XPC SS51 SFF barebones. We feel this is the first SFF computer than can truly replace a beige box in nearly every capacity.

My question is: how many of you would switch to SFF given the right features, performance, and price? For your primary machine, or as a secondary machine (LAN gaming, file serving, media box, etc.)

I also moderate the Small Form Factor forum at Viahardware... for those of you interested in SFF, this is probably the best starting point on the web.

 

[Wingznut]

It could DEFINITELY fit into my life as a secondary PC. I'm still skeptical that it could fill the shoes of my primary rig, as I want the highest possible performance that I can afford. And frankly, I'm still not all that thrilled about the SiS chipsets. If it contained say, an i845G chipset, I'd be all over it.

By the way, nice to meet you Cameron... And welcome to AT.

 

[nord1899]

Welcome to AT Forums.

I will definitely be switching to SFF at home as my primary machine. After having two "beige" boxes (20-22 inch tall, heavy cases: see sig), I would much rather have a SFF.

With things like DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drives, very large and fast hard drives, and the fact that you include everything but the kitchen sink on the Shuttle SFF machines, I can see it replacing my main machines.

 

[fkloster]

I would try it. Would be VERY fond of this lil' pc if it had a different chipset than the SiS. I would prefer i845 of some variation.

 

[Wolfsraider]

there is definately room in my upgrading path for at least two of these but as for my primary rig i want a beefier solution

but for a lan box and for my wife /children these would be perfect so make that three lol
provided the drivers and stability are top notch

nice to meet you cameron

 

[sparks]

I am very tempted to buy a computer like this as a second computer or a HTPC. A feature that I would like added is a DVI port with a DB15 adapter instead of the DB15, this would give more flexability as to monitor choices.

 

[First]

Hey Cam, I'd definitely get one.

As long as you can fit an R300 or NV30 in there of course...

 

[OdieXPC]

The XPC SS51 ships with an AGP riser that includes DVI and TV-out, in addition to the VGA implemented on the board.

 

[RSMemphis]

Although some rounded cables are included, as the review said, I think I will wait until such a box comes with Serial ATA...

Such a small box does not need ribbons...

Otherwise, it looks sweet. Could definitely be a "bookshelf" addition.

 

[zzzz]

I will wait for the sata version! But I will not mind switching to SFF if it is not too expensive.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I would consider any of the shuttle cubes to be a perfect box for a development/test server (win2K server) since onboard graphics would be just fine for such a server.

Does the SS51 BIOS support Maxtor's 160 GB drives? if so, it would also work well as an MP3 (/Ogg/etc) jukebox server.

Right now I have a mid-tower box for both functions but I was planning to replace it and a little cube would be cool. I'd like to see someone review the quality of the digital out for jukebox use, since I care enough to rip my CDs at 232K VBR.

I'd also consider a shuttle cube for a home theater PC (and remote player for the server/jukebox) but I'm concerned about noise since the SV24 & 25 reviews I've read have called them a bit noisy.

I've considered getting one of the VIA mini-ITX systems instead for home theater, since they offer a choice of fan or fanless CPUs and there are fanless cases with external power brick.

My ideal home theater cube would be very low noise, excellent TV out (ATI quality), excellent audio out (especially digital). Gaming-level 3D would be a bonus but not at all a priority. Black case and black or smoke bezel instead of blue. Good RF shielding is also a must.

FYI, I'm a gainfully employed software developer so I can even afford to buy these once I make up my mind about what I want

 

[apriest]

I build and sell computers for a living. I've been thinking of building a few and seeing how well they sell now that they have an AGP slot. I might find a whole new market!

 

[McCarthy]

Something to consider asking...

Would people prefer a flatter case design that would blend with component stereo pieces and their legacy VCR as opposed to the tiny, but still fairly tall/narrow, profile of the SS51?

Cards would be the problem, requiring a riser so the AGP/PCi would be parallel to the motherboard rather than vertical, but aside from that it'd need be little taller than the thickness of a CD drive and give similar if not more room inside.

For people looking to use it as a component in a home theater setup this might be a draw, especially if done in black to blend in as well as the common DVD player. I'm not sure what percentage of the market looking at SSF's are wanting one for that role, but a number of people seem to mention it. Might be too much of a niche currently to support two different designs, but as a still current fan of desktop cases in many roles over a tower style I can't help but mention flat designs.

A very very nice machine, btw, and yes I would consider it. I can instantly think of one place this would work ideally for a member of my family, being quite a lot nicer than a typical tower system. With the right pricing it'd be a strong contender. I agree with Anand about extra USB, mostly because I'm trying to envision someone wanting a machine like this still using 2 serial. Like the PS/2s though, especially since I've got a couple Logitech cordless kb/mouse sets that doesn't have USB adapters, but would go perfectly with this.

--Mc

 

[BD231]

This would be top notch if it had a different chipset.

 

[Athlon4all]

Originally posted by: OdieXPC
The XPC SS51 ships with an AGP riser that includes DVI and TV-out, in addition to the VGA implemented on the board.

Now I've got one question. What about those who dont use the onboard video? Are they simply expected to have a vid card with TV out? Or is there plans to add the TV-Out Permemantly?

 

[kgraeme]

For a basic machine, I'm strongly interested. For a primary machine, it won't happen. The main reason I won't use it for a primary machine is I like to have dual optical drives with one as CDRW.

 

[nortexoid]

Some suggestions for bettering your current SS51:

1) omit the two serial ports (and perhaps even the parallel) and replace it w/ the connectors found on your AGP expansion board (DVI, S-Video).

2) make different colors of the chassis itself (i.e. black, silver, brushed aluminum) and get rid of the acrylic front, which is ugly IMO, regardless of its color.

3) with the removal of the legacy ports, you really should add at least two more rear USB ports.

other than that, the thing rocks...

Now, my ideal SSF PC would consist of the following:

1) as McCarthy mentioned, develop a slim-line version using a thin (i.e. laptop) CDRW/DVD combo drive, slot load (which is simply awesome for vertical mounting, rather than having the CDs clumsily fall or hang off the CD tray).

2) use the next nForce II chipset (which I believe you're going to do anyway) so the integrated video is quite good without the need of an add-in graphics card.

3) get rid of all legacy ports, except perhaps the ps2 ports.

4) make it look gooood.

As for the comment regarding the SIS chipset, I would beg to differ...I think the SIS chipset is outstanding, both performance and price wise...moreover, the southbridge is highly integrated, touting USB 2.0, Firewire, ATA 133, etc....no need for an i845G that's not far off in terms of compatibility/stability/performance anyway...plus its southbridge lacks some serious features...stick with SIS - you've already developed a close relationship with them, I imagine.

 

[Aquaman]

I would definately consider it for a replacement for my home computer (since I don't use any high powered peices of software) and I would definately buy them for my work place

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[CubicZirconia]

If I had the money I'd buy a SFF machine for lanning. It would definately beat lugging my main system around.

 

[Emma]

Hello Cameron

I think the Shuttle XPC SS51 is a great little machine that looks cool, performs well and has a nice set of features.
At the moment I have a fairly noisy full tower pc. My next computer will definately be a lot smaller, and a SFF computer is my ideal choice. And at around $1000 for a fully configured (e.g. P4 2.2, GF4 4200, CDRW, 80GB) powerful, featured packed SFF computer in the name of the Shuttle XPC SS51, I would purchase this in the new year. Although I'd be looking at a Hammer by then I'd like that to be in a SFF too.

 

[slunk]

I've been researching the SS51 for the past couple of days. Nearly all of the reviews I've seen give it an Editor's Choice award. Everything about it seems perfect, but I would like to see a couple of changes. Serial ATA would be nice, if just for the reason that I'm tired of IDE cables. Second, the heat issues concern me. A P4 running at 50c or more idle seems a bit too hot. Are there any other cooling options that will fit this system? Regardless of what I mentioned, I do plan on buying an SS51 within the next two months. I have a very small space that I need a computer to fit in, and this thing seems perfect. I'm just worried about heat in a small totally closed area.

 

[Carrot44]

That toy would work good as a second PC for my GF's e-mail, ebay, web surfing junk leaving mine free for games and Anandtech

 

[arynn]

I would definitely buy one based on the nForce II chipset for use as a TIVO/MP3 box.

I would probably not use one as a primary machine due to the lack of space for drives, but I could see it being more than sufficient for many users.

 

[Martin]

Looks very good and tempting, and I would give it a try.

I'd definately get it as my mom's or sis' primary machine, they'll love the small factor.

 

[randomlinh]

i'd go for something nforce2/amd based.. w/ all the nforce goodies.. the good onboard sound, nic, firewire... and agp and 1/2 pci i think as a min to squeeze in there.... and affordabe! yeah, i know.. a crap load to ask for