Shuttle previewed their latest small form-factor (SFF) PC to us, the highly impressive SB95P XPC. This PC is slightly larger than other Shuttle XPCs, but inside it's a beast.
The annual international computing trade show Computex began this week in Taipei with more exhibitors, more floorspace and more expected visitors than any other year. Computex is the world's second-largest IT trade show, and is growing at such a rate that some industry sections may in a few years time be held in a separate exhibition hall currently under construction.
The show is where next-generation products and innovations are revealed to the press, and we will be here to bring you the news on the latest releases, the latest products, and even the wacky side of Computex.
Shuttle takes big strides with a small box
Based on the Intel 925X Express chipset, this PC comes with PCI Express, capacity for three to four hard drives with SATA RAID as an option, full surround sound on-board with dual optical and co-axial digital audio outputs and a whopping 350W power supply to run the show.
It's the most innovative SFF we've seen to date, with five silent fans and ducted airways to cool the rig, plus completely tool-less configuration.
Shuttle will be launching this SFF soon, and PC Authority is top of the list to get a review sample. We saw a demonstration model running, and it's amazing. I can't wait to benchmark it.
Shuttle were also previewing their nForce 3, Althon 64 Socket-939 SFF XPC, the SN95G5B which is also launching soon, and their XP17 TFT monitor that goes into mass-production soon.
PCI expressions
Every year there's a distinct flavour to Computex. Last year was the small form-factor PC, this year it's PCI Express. Every motherboard and graphics card manufacturer is keen to show off their new PCI Express products, and although there's reluctance to go into much performance detail, the general flavour is that PCI Express is going to do little for the consumer.
We've still got plenty of mobo manufacturers to visit, and we'll try to benchmark something on the sly if able. Keep checking back, and we'll do our best.
-- Darren Ellis
Issue: 137 | June, 2012