Shuttle XPC SN27P2 - Review

AM2, Shuttle Style 

Shuttle has been known for years for their compact solutions. As always, Shuttle has been quick to add new developments to their product line in a compact format. The introduction of AM2 therefore deserved a new model: the XPC SN27P2. 

Although Shuttle has been using more or less the same shapes for years, they've managed once again to give this model an appearance of its own. The front panel is beautifully minimalist and could count on many words of praise as it was lifted from its box. The interior is more familiar, it's the BTX-esque layout we see more and more of with this manufacturer. The processor is near the front and it is cooled through the side of the machine. Even though the system has five cooling fans, the PC is very quiet. The memory can be found right next to the processor, in four banks, which is a lot for a PC of this size. It allows for upgrading up to 8 GB, but the prohibitive price of 2 GB modules makes this unlikely for many. Another advantage is that if the system already has two memory modules installed, an upgrade does not require removal and replacement of the earlier modules.

Shuttle has chosen to equip this barbone with an nForce 570 Ultra chipset, which is discussed elsewhere on the site. This is a good chipset which makes the system capable of handling workstation duties, but also lends itself well to gaming. Although two cards won't fit, the PCI-Express x16 slot of the SN27P is prepared for use with a thicker GeForce 7950GX2. Consequently, the use of the PCI slot is lost in this set up.