SHUTTLE XPC SB95P V2 review

Who said powerful computers have to come in big boxes?

Shuttle certainly didn't, as it shows us with its XPC SB95P V2. This is an update to the existing model and it introduces support, through its Intel 925XE chipset, for Intel LGA775 processors with a 1,066MHz front-side bus (FSB). Compared to the standard Pentium 4's 800MHz FSB, it looks like a significant improvement. Benefits are felt when accessing memory, as transfers should be faster and the processor can make better use of 533MHz DDR2 memory, which the SB95P V2 also supports.

We tested it with a 3.46GHz Pentium 4 Extreme Edition processor and 1GB (filling both DIMM slots) of Crucial's 533MHz DDR2 Ballistix memory. It proved a powerful combination, scoring an amazing 135 in Shopper's application benchmarks and an equally impressive 5,449 in PCMark04. This is 10 per cent faster than the PCs we've seen that use a regular 800MHz FSB 3.4GHz Pentium 4. Graphics performance is no problem either, as the board has a PCI-E x16 slot, which will happily accommodate a speedy graphics card.

Cube PCs usually lack space for peripherals. However, the SB96P V2 does surprisingly well. A screwless drive bay lifts out and can house an optical drive and 31/2" disk, as well as the pre-fitted memory card reader. If that's not enough disk space, the provided drive mountings let you fit a further two hard disks in the top of the case. The 350W power supply should prove sufficient, but you should be careful about running too many drives, especially if you connect a graphics card that needs external power.

While the case's flexibility is acceptable, we were less impressed with the build quality. The memory card reader has to be unplugged in order to remove the drive bays and get at the processor socket. It's also quite difficult to fit drives using the mounting rails, as they don't have screws and are fiddly to attach.

The case also has a couple of minor problems. First, the only expansion slot is PCI Express, so you can't use your old PCI cards. Second, there are six fans inside the case. While these aren't loud on an individual basis, the combined effect is a case that won't purr calmly in the corner of a room.

Fortunately, the outside of the case goes a long way towards making up for these shortcomings. Flaps hide the optical drive, 31/2" drive bay and front USB2.0 and FireWire ports. The rear houses more of the same, plus all the outputs for the onboard high-definition 7.1 sound.

This isn't a case that will appeal to someone who wants a nice quiet little PC to hide away on a desk; it's for people who want the latest components in a small package, which is a job it does very well.