Shuttle XPC SB65G2: Big Performance in This Small Package
by Wesley Fink on September 9, 2003 11:32 PM EST- Posted in
- Systems
Shuttle invented the Small Form Factor computer, and each new generation of the Shuttle SFF seems to improve on the already capable design. When we last visited SFF systems about 6 months ago, we were intrigued by Shuttle’s design for a Corporate SFF. This time around, Shuttle delivered an SFF that seems to be targeted at the Intel Computer Enthusiast, much like the nForce2 version tested in January was targeted at the Athlon Enthusiast.
Everyone seems to love the cute little SFF machines that seem to take such a small amount of space and actually pay attention to what quiet means. However, most would assume that there are compromises in performance with these machines. It looks as if Shuttle is out to prove that you don’t have to give up anything to have a small, quiet computer.
What we have is a small SB65G2 based on the latest Intel 865 chipset with support for any current Intel processor, including the 800FSB C series. Add to that: Dual-Channel memory support, an 8X AGP slot instead of on-board graphics, 8 USB 2.0 ports, 2 Firewire, Serial ATA, and CMedia 5.1 audio. With all these up-to-the-minute features, you have a machine that makes no apologies to anyone in the current marketplace. It just happens to also be very small and very quiet. All of this is built into the elegant Aluminum G2 chassis that makes this tiny computer resemble a jewel more than a computer.
| System Specifications | |
| Shuttle SB65G2 | |
| Expansion Bays (5.25"/3.5"/Hidden) | 1/1/1 |
| Front USB Ports | 2 |
| Rear USB Ports | 4 |
| Internal USB Ports | 2 |
| Front Firewire Ports | 1 Mini |
| Rear Firewire Ports | 1 Standard |
| On-Board Parallel Port | N |
| SPDIF | Rear Optical SPDIF In & Out |
| Front Audio Jacks | 3 Mini |
| Rear Audio Jacks | 3 Mini |
| Number of Fans (including CPU/chipset | 1 |
| Power Supply | Enhance 200W |
UPDATE 9/10/2003: Shuttle has advised AnandTech that the specs of the SB65G2 have been improved with the release version of the SB65G2. The final SB65G2 has these changes:
220W PSU (instead of 200W)
SATA RAID (ICH5R)
Black anodized chassis
Integrated Wireless (802.11b) Module
The MSRP is around $350.
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Anonymous User - Sunday, September 14, 2003 - link
Awesome little box. Built an SB61 last year, stuck a Ti4200 in it and it is magic - yet is quiet as a mouse.Whatever version of the SB62 is available at the end of this year will be my next PC purchase.
And you have to wonder what those who report heat problems are DOING with their boxes - I live in an un-airconditioned tropical location that regularly gets above 35C - and my Shuttle just keeps on keeping on.
Anonymous User - Saturday, September 13, 2003 - link
anyone have one of these aluminum machines from shuttle? I've been trying to find a cd drive that matches the finish before I buy the system.Anonymous User - Saturday, September 13, 2003 - link
I was curious about USB FDD in order to avoid putting a FDD In one of these and and according to the SB61G2 manual off of Shuttle's web site there is BIOS support for booting to USB FDD and USB CD/DVD.Anonymous User - Friday, September 12, 2003 - link
It's amazing what they can put inside that small box.Anonymous User - Friday, September 12, 2003 - link
Looks excellent for the price !Anonymous User - Thursday, September 11, 2003 - link
Where is the gigabit NiC??? and firewire 800 even!!!Anonymous User - Thursday, September 11, 2003 - link
#20 and #25My apoligies.
Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
#25The difference between the SB61G1 and the SB62G2 are the following:
SB61G2- silver, firewire, SATAx2 (non RAID), AC '97 Realtek AL650 6 channel Codec, 200w Power Supply, usb, integrated Intel Extreme Graphics -865G chipset, 800mhz, spdif in/out, bugs with ATi Radeon 9500&9700s (until recent revision that fixed the capacitators that were the culprits), extra crackling noises in front Headphone jack due to some sort of interference.
SB62G2- BLACK, MESHED, NO FIREWIRE, SATAx2 RAID (ICH5-R), 220W POWER SUPPLY, DUAL 10/100 LAN, FIXES to ATi Radeon issues and supposedly the sound problems too, USB, Intel Extreme Graphics 865G chipset, 800mhz FSB, SPDIF in/out, same Realtek AL650 6 Channel AC '97 Codec.
yes, the PDF spec sheet is off, it was actually posted the last week of August, while the product page on the Shuttle HQ and US websites have been changed twice since then to reflect the 220W PS and some other typos. So until offical release, its specualation.
Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
To #23...wow, that's kind of harsh.Actually, the info is from the shuttle site. See http://us.shuttle.com/specs2.asp?pro_id=380 and http://www.shuttle.com/hq/product/barebone/specs_b... Each page also has a PDF with detailed specs as well. No spdif is listed. Unlike these pages, the spec pages for the 61G2 specifically list the spdif. (According to the site, the 52G2 has a spdif.)
Of course, you may have a 61G2 right in front of you with a spdif, in which case the online info is wrong (wouldn't be the first time). It also seems the 62G2 doesn't have a 1394 port.
Still, no reason to abandon courtesy! Perhaps you'll share with us common folk what you see as the difference between the 61G2 and the 62G2?
(Disclaimer: Lest anyone think that what I post is "fact," please note that everything I say is "as far as I know." Believed accurate, but not guaranteed.)
Anonymous User - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - link
Nice big pictures at http://www.shuttle.com/de/druck_sb65.htm. It's in German, only Shuttle site that has info so far.