Soltek Qbic EQ3901-300P

In a market largely dominated by one manufacturer, it’s understandably difficult for others to break into it. Finally, however, we’re starting to see some decent competition and it’s generally worth a peek outside.

In a market largely dominated by one manufacturer, it’s understandably difficult for others to break into it. Finally, however, we’re starting to see some decent competition and it’s generally worth a peek outside.

 Highly reminiscent of a radio box from the 50s, this small barebones system isn’t the smallest we’ve seen. Looking rather retro on the outside, it’d look great stuck on the back of Fonzie’s Harley Knucklehead. Naturally, whether or not this is you is highly subjective.

 Inside is slightly more recent technology with a VIA K8T880 Pro motherboard sporting two dual-channel DDR DIMM slots and two SATA ports. There is also a floppy and two PATA ports, so there’s ample expansion for the two 3.5in and 5.25in drive bays.

 For cooling, Soltek has opted for a standard desktop heatsink unit, which is conveniently included. Heat extraction is performed via two exhaust fans, one which sucks air out from the AGP and PCI slot-side of the heatsink and shoots it out the back, and the other at the base of the PSU. Surprisingly quiet for three fans.

 Fitting the heatsink and removing/attaching the top cover are a bit fiddly. Apart from that, it’s what’s to be expected from a SBB system.

 Fiddly for unco hands, but once it’s together and functioning, it’s a fully capable box, albeit without onboard video. If you can appreciate the appearance of this unit, chuck one of these in your lounge and you’ll have a sturdy foundation for a 50s-esque home theatre system.