2006-02-10 - Computer!Totaal: "Editors' Choice!"

"Low-power consuming, quiet, but powerful." This is the idea the editors of the Dutch computer magazine Computer!Totaal have when it comes Pentium M processors that are set to conquer the living room. One that probably has got what it takes is the Shuttle XPC Barebone SD11G5 taking up the challenge brilliantly. The editors found just one overall conclusion: "Editors' Choice Award."

Intel's idea behind Pentium M processors is to quench the thirst for power of PCs that become more and more powerful. First seen in notebooks, these processors can now be found in normal computers – and of course, in SFF PCs as well, just like the Shuttle XPC Barebone SD11G5. This unit impressed the editors right from the start with its case that offers a "roomy interior."

As a "big advantage" for end users, the editors concluded that the Shuttle XPC Barebone SD11G5 requires no expensive special components and can be configured with conventional ones as already known from desktop PCs. This enables even powerful graphics cards to have "all the space they require." As the Shuttle XPC Barebone SD11G5 supports PCI-Express graphics cards, an ideal cooling solution is needed. This SFF PC is equipped with a heatpipe cooling that works "as easily as efficiently." Very striking is the external, fanless 220 Watt power supply that "requires no extra cooling" and helps to keep the noise level down. According to the editors the Shuttle XPC Barebone SD11G5 is definitely your choice when your "first priority is to have a low noise machine." Not at least its compatibility for standard components make "the assembly of the Shuttle XPC Barebone SD11G5 affordable and easy," explain the editors. The latest Shuttle XPC Barebone impressed its testers and managed the Editors' Choice Award."

Conclusion:

"Due to the fact that the Shuttle XPC Barebone SD11G5 can take conventional desktop components, our choice is the Shuttle XPC Barebone SD11G5."

Source: Computer!Totaal, issue 2, February 2006, pages 94-96