The XPC SB83G5M retains the same stylish design, excellent ergonomics, and high-end technical performance that has become synonymous with Shuttle's XPC brand. Built around the Intel 915G and ICH6-R chipset with onboard graphics and 6-channel audio, the components of this super-stylish barebone PC have been optimised to suit a media center environment. The compact G5 chassis features a mirrored front panel and stealthed drive bays for excellent integration in a living room environment, while the eye-catching Versatile Front-panel Display (VFD) provides useful system and media information without the reliance of an on-screen-display. If you're looking for a new multimedia hub, put the XPC SB83G5M at the top of your shopping list.
Pros: Super-cool design and VFD; onboard graphics and audio
Cons: No built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi; noisy
Shuttle's brand-new small form factor computer (SFF), the catchy-named XPC SB83G5M, is a barebone PC. What this means is that you'll have to further budget for core components, including a Pentium 4 processor, system memory, hard disk and optical drive, graphics card, and operating system. The attractive black-and-silver model is aimed at system integrators and DIY enthusiasts looking to build customised solutions for Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005 operating system. It'll also suit gamers and those looking for a small-size model for general computing duties, especially as its performance is outstanding.
The XPC SB83G5M is designed to be the hub of your digital life. And when installed with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005 operating system, you'll be able to easily view photos, view images, and watch DVD-Movies unobtrusively in your living room or working area. There is a big downside to this however, and that is that the XPC SB83G5M is very noisy. The system is at its loudest when booting, thanks to the large cooling fan, but it's also noisy when accessing data from the optical drive - especially when installing programs. This is a big disappointment for movie and audio buffs, but you could always modify the system by purchasing quieter fans at a later date.
The system packs a powerful punch for such a small contender (200x310x185, 5.2kg). In fact, it's one of the fastest system we've tested. Based on Intel's 915G and ICH6-R chipset, the XPC SB83G5M supports Intel Pentium 4 Socket 775 Prescott processors and a fast 800MHz FSB. What's more, because the XPC SB83G5M also supports advanced technologies such as SATA RAID and PCIe graphics, it is possible to create a range of configurations to suit different needs or price points. A maximum of 2GB of DDR400 RAM can be installed and if you're not a gamer you can make use of the onboard graphics and 6-channel audio.
All the components of the kit have been optimised to suit a media center environment, from the small and stylish G5 chassis featuring mirrored front panels (based on RefleXion material) and hidden drive bays, to the Silent X cooling solution (more on this later). Connectivity options are plentiful too, but we were disappointed that Shuttle hasn't managed to integrate Wi-Fi or Bluetooth wireless technologies as standard. This would have been ideal for accessing content on a TV in your living room from your main computer or server in another room. Again, you could always install add-on wireless networking peripherals at a later date if required. Shuttle has made up for this shortcoming with a plethora of other I/O connections.
There are a number of ports neatly and conveniently hidden at the front of the system behind a flip-down panel. Here you'll find some of the most commonly-accessed ports, including two USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire mini port, as well as microphone and headphone jacks. In the centre of the system, just above the dazzling VFD Media Display are the silver power and reset buttons. The rear of the system accommodates PS/2 keyboard and mouse sockets, another two USB 2.0 and one FireWire port, analogue and digital video-out ports, Gigabit LAN (RJ-45), 6-channel audio out, SPDIF I/O ports, coaxial audio port, serial port, and a CMOS reset button. For those with legacy devices, you can opt for an optional parallel port at time of purchase.
In addition to its ultra-modern design and small footprint, one of the most appealing features of the XPC SB83G5M is that it's one of the first barebone PCs to feature Shuttle's new Versatile Front-panel Display (VFD). Compatible with Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (still works with Windows XP, but with reduced functionality), the VFD emulates the operation of a standard consumer electronics device and serves as a secondary display when the PC is in Home Theater mode.
