Shuttle's newest release is the NC02U series whose predecessor is the NC01U line. Today, we will take a look at this line's entry model featuring Windows support, an Intel Celeron CPU and quiet operation.
Shuttle's new SZ170R8 XPC Cub combines a potent CPU and a capable GPU - you won't need more for a nice gaming system or a VR setup. Not only is its mainboard rife with features, but the SZ170R8 also looks elegant and is incredibly small.
The Shuttle DS57U is a slim barebone PC that only needs RAM and a HDD or, even better, an SSD to boot. It comes with an Intel dual-core Celeron processor (Broadwell) and features lots of I/O ports, which make it suitable for a wide range of applications.
We now have the opportunity to test the XH97V from Shuttle. As its model number denotes, this barebone is based on Intel's H97 chipset, making it compatible with 4th generation Haswell CPUs (its cooling system can support up to 65 W TDP CPUs). Shuttle advertises it as a blend of energy efficiency and performance, and our tests show their claims to be true.
Shuttle's DS81 is a Haswell supporting barebone system, optimized to minimize space while still providing good performance. With its VESA mount it can easily be installed on the back of a monitor. Thanks to native 4K output you could even use it as media PC for your new UHD TV.
Today, we will evaluate another slim-PC by Shuttle. The DS437 is for applications like digital signage, POS, education, etc., and its fanless design makes it incredibly reliable and completely silent. It uses a dual-core Intel Celeron CPU with an embedded Intel HD Graphics solution and comes with a large number of I/O ports.
VidaBox's new media player, dubbed the OpenSqueeze, fills the gap left by Logitech's Squeezebox devices. The OpenSqueeze is powered by an open source OS and comes with the same functionality as the original Squeeze products.
Shuttle is one of the few manufacturers to specialize in compact but powerful systems. We are testing the SH87R6 using their new R6 chassis. Equipped with Intel's H87 express chipset, it supports the latest Intel Haswell CPUs. It can also take a full length VGA card and two 3.5" or 2.5" drives and a 5.25" ODD.
Shuttle is well-known for their slim-PC offerings. Their newest model, the DS47, is a fanless slim-PC equipped with an Intel 847 Celeron processor. This fresh model is mostly for full HD digital signage applications and comes fully equipped with all kinds of I/O ports to allow for a great variety of peripheral devices.
Shuttle is a key player in the mini-PC, slim-PC, and barebone system market. Today, we will check on their Slim-PC DS61 solution that was designed for digital signage purposes, although it can easily, depending on the CPU and other hardware you install, play the roles of an office PC, HTPC, etc.
The Android operating system is starting to invade the world of PCs. Today, we will test a mini-PC from Giada, the Q11. It uses an ARM CPU and runs on an Android OS. This unit has access to numerous applications through the Google Play store and consumes very little energy, barely exceeding 10 W at full load.
Updated to the latest Ivy Bridge mobile hardware, the ASRock VisionX HTPC is a high-power HTPC option that is ready to knock the socks off its competitors. Packed with a powerful AMD Radeon GPU and a Blu-Ray drive, the ASRock VisionX HTPC isn't only pretty to look at, it also puts on a good show!
The Sapphire VS8 is the new high-end model in the manufacturer's Mini-PC line-up. Equipped with a quad-core CPU and Radeon 7600 graphics, the VS8 manages to impress, setting new standards in performance for a system of this size.
The Zotac ZBOX AD06 utilizes the newest generation of AMD APUs, while the Plus model comes fully configured with a 320 GB hard drive and pre-installed memory.
The Zotac ZBOX nano is minuscule in size, but packs a full AMD based system within. The compact dimensions along with the wall mount and plethora of connectivity make the ZBOX nano an interesting choice for HPTC and Office users.
The AC Ryan Veolo is not just another media player. At its heart beats an Android OS, enabling true connectivity and expendability on a media player like never before. We whip out the pop corn, grab the unique remote and fire up our favorite clip along with some Angry Birds fun, to see if the OS manages to impress on the big screen as much as on the smartphone.
Eminent may not be a well known name in the media player market, but the company from the Netherlands manages to deliver a full range of players with a surprisingly unique set of features. We take a look at the EM7280, whip out the popcorn and see what it can paint on the big screen.
Arctic has been diversifying their product range greatly in recent years. While their foray into some things like toys or gaming consoles may be a bit too far fetched for some, the MC001-BD Media Center takes the company back to the roots. The Home Theater PC offers all the bells & whistles like Blu-Ray, USB 3.0, Intel Atom in combination with Radeon Mobility graphics and much, much more, while managing to cool the entire system passively. We take a look at the new, compact system along with a few accessories to see if it can take center stage and shine.
The Patriot Box Office Core or PBO offers maximum compatibility with various audio and video formats, the ability to play back full HD content and a very open firmware, allowing for custom and alternative operating systems to be used. We whip out a bag of popcorn to see if Patriot manages to bring to box office to our home theater.
The AC Ryan PlayOn!HD2 is a networked multimedia player with HDMI and SPDIF output. It supports all common file formats, including 1080p HD up to 80 Mbps bitrate. Since the device based on a Realtek system-on-a-chip its power consumption is amazingly low, only around 10 W - lower than any HTPC you can build.
The Viako Mini-Letter ML-55 chassis is extremely compact, costs less than 90 US Dollar including a power supply, is constructed of thick metal and can fit a standard Mini-ITX board. That all sounds really good, but can it deliver in the sight of stiff competition?
Foxconn has made some waves with their compact but very capable ION based NT-330I Netbox back in 2010. Now, almost a year later the market has evolved and Foxconn is sending their newest version into the race. The NT-A3500 is based on the AMD Fusion platform, aiming to be faster, cooler and quieter.
More compact, quieter but still more powerful - that is what the Sapphire Edge-HD aims to deliver. The Mini-PC boasts the new ION2 chipset along with an Atom N510 dual-core processor. We open the power efficient system up to see what else makes it tick. Does the Edge-HD have what it takes to stand out in the crowded Nettop market?
There are a lot of Atom+ION Nettops, but the Foxconn Netbox is not only extremely compact, but it also offers some customizability along with a very affordable price tag and the choice of black or white colors. We fill it with the required parts and wrangle it through our test bench to see how it holds up.
The ASRock ION 330HT-BD packs a BluRay drive along with a few other unique features usually absent from an ION platform. We pull the unit apart to see what makes it tick and even kick it into overdrive - yes we even overclocked this puppy.
