Hi guys
I thought I'd resurrect the once fabled thread on BarrysWorld concerning Shuttles and all manner of other small form factor systems. Feel free to post any news, questions, pictures of your setups etc. and lets see if we can top the two hundred and some previous posts we had
Overview
For those not familiar with small form factor (SFF) computers, they basically offer the performance of a desktop PC in a system around the size of the average toaster. Foremost amongst the providers of SFF systems are Shuttle, a market leader whose name is often used synonymously for all SFF systems.
Traditionally SFF systems are supplied 'as is' for the purchaser to customise and assemble. Given the explosion in popularity of these systems, you'll now find pre-assembled SFF systems ranging from Shuttle themselves right the way through to Alienware and the likes.
What You Get
Virtually all SFF systems come with a case, typically around 20cm x 20cm x 30cm / 8" x 8" x 12" (width, height, depth). Whilst some SFF are now larger, all such systems are still around half the height of the average desktop tower PC.
Included with the case is usually a specially designed motherboard, power supply unit and cooling solution. The motherboard usually carries with it integrated audio and network capabilities, and sometimes even integrated graphics (although for gaming these generally need to be replaced with a dedicated graphics card).
Some special edition or more generous SFF systems now come with memory card readers and occasionally an optical drive (CD/DVD etc.). Select manufacturers even provide built-in LCD screens, integrated wireless and other such accessories.
For the novice user, an instruction manual on how to assemble the SFF system is usually included. More modern SFF systems are now screwless, and those which aren't usually rely mainly (if not solely) on thumb screws. Assembly, although sometimes considered daunting, is not always as bad as people imagine.
What You'll Need
If your SFF isn't part of a prebuilt package then there a several components you'll likely need to buy in order for your system to work, namely:
The benefits of SFF systems are manifold, only a handful of which are noted below:
Naturally SFF systems aren't for everyone, with some of the inherent problems listed below:
Some of the most prominent SFF manufacturers are mentioned below:
Anyway, this is just an outline, feel free to get posting
Kind Regards
I thought I'd resurrect the once fabled thread on BarrysWorld concerning Shuttles and all manner of other small form factor systems. Feel free to post any news, questions, pictures of your setups etc. and lets see if we can top the two hundred and some previous posts we had
Overview
For those not familiar with small form factor (SFF) computers, they basically offer the performance of a desktop PC in a system around the size of the average toaster. Foremost amongst the providers of SFF systems are Shuttle, a market leader whose name is often used synonymously for all SFF systems.
Traditionally SFF systems are supplied 'as is' for the purchaser to customise and assemble. Given the explosion in popularity of these systems, you'll now find pre-assembled SFF systems ranging from Shuttle themselves right the way through to Alienware and the likes.
What You Get
Virtually all SFF systems come with a case, typically around 20cm x 20cm x 30cm / 8" x 8" x 12" (width, height, depth). Whilst some SFF are now larger, all such systems are still around half the height of the average desktop tower PC.
Included with the case is usually a specially designed motherboard, power supply unit and cooling solution. The motherboard usually carries with it integrated audio and network capabilities, and sometimes even integrated graphics (although for gaming these generally need to be replaced with a dedicated graphics card).
Some special edition or more generous SFF systems now come with memory card readers and occasionally an optical drive (CD/DVD etc.). Select manufacturers even provide built-in LCD screens, integrated wireless and other such accessories.
For the novice user, an instruction manual on how to assemble the SFF system is usually included. More modern SFF systems are now screwless, and those which aren't usually rely mainly (if not solely) on thumb screws. Assembly, although sometimes considered daunting, is not always as bad as people imagine.
What You'll Need
If your SFF isn't part of a prebuilt package then there a several components you'll likely need to buy in order for your system to work, namely:
- Processor (CPU) SFF systems currently support every major CPU on the market, from Socket 478 and 775 Intel Pentiums and Celerons to Socket A and 939 Athlons and Semperons).
- Memory (RAM) SFF systems support both DDR and DDR2 memory, usually up to around 2GB with two slots available on most SFF motherboards.
- Hard Drive (HDD) SFF systems can be found which support both the older PATA standard as well as the newer SATA and RAID setups.
- Optical Drive (CD/DVD) SFF systems require (in all but exceptional circumstances) a CD or DVD drive in order to be able to install the operating system and other software.
- Operating System (OS) SFF systems need an operating system to be installed in order to work. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) versions of Windows essentially comprise of just the OS on a CD, without fancy packaging, but offer a substantial saving over high-street prices for what amounts to exactly the same product. Linux is another, usually free, alternative, although tends to be less suited for gamers or those less experienced in computing.
- Graphics Card SFF systems may sometimes offer integrated graphics but these are largely unsuitable for gaming and also drain other system resources. Unless you intend not to use 3D games, a graphics card is often a must, with SFF systems supporting both AGP and PCI-Express solutions (although note not all SFF systems allow for adding in graphics cards, so always check before purchasing).
- Sound Card SFF systems usually provide perfectly adequate 5.1 or even 7.1 high-definition integrated audio. However, for those with more discerning ears, a soundcard may be installed in the usual one PCI or PCI-Express slot available.
- Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) SFF systems usually come with one externally accessible 3.5" drive bay, which can house a floppy disk drive. Many people choose not to install such devices, instead preferring larger capacity USB flash drives which usually offer far more versatility.
- Thermal Paste SFF systems often include thermal paste but more experienced PC builders choose to buy other thermal paste which is often easier to apply than the sachets provided with the system. Thermal paste is applied to the CPU core to act as a sandwich between the CPU and the cooling solution, assisting efficient and effective cooling which is a must in all systems.
The benefits of SFF systems are manifold, only a handful of which are noted below:
- Size Perhaps the most obvious benefit of SFF systems is their size. Given their svelt dimensions not only do SFF systems usually look attractive gracing a desktop, but they are also small enough to be conveniently shoved out of the way or placed unobtrusively in the living room to act as a media centre.
- Performance SFF systems have the ability to provide equivalent performance to their larger desktop counterparts. The ability to use desktop components on proven motherboard chipsets means SFF systems can keep up with the best full-size desktop systems have to offer.
- Portability Carrying SFF systems around, be it to friends' houses or gaming events and such, is a far more enjoyable experience than carting around a full-size desktop PC, without the compromises often involved with using a laptop for gaming instead.
- Innovation For the past few years SFF systems have lead the way in innovative design, introducing new technologies and a wider range of designs than many of their desktop counterparts.
Naturally SFF systems aren't for everyone, with some of the inherent problems listed below:
- Cooling The size of SFF systems often means various components, which generate a lot of heat, are closely confined. Although bespoke cooling solutions are usually provided, some heavily-loaded SFF systems have been known to run hotter than their desktop counterparts which may cause problems in some situations.
- Assembling Assembling a SFF system is usually a straightforward process, especially with an instruction manual. First time users, however, may find the process a little daunting. The need to choose suitable, and more importantly compatible, hardware can also prove problematic if unexperienced and unsupervised.
- Expandability Unlike desktop PCs which generally utilise standardised designs, many SFF systems utilise proprietary hardware for the motherboard, power supply and such. Whilst upgrades are available, choice can be sometimes limited. Additionally, many SFF systems include only one 5.25" drive bay and two 3.25" drive bays; not much room compared to desktop equivalents. Thankfully, however, the adoption of MicroATX and PicoBTX motherboard designs means these problems may be less of a problem in the future, in addition to the inclusion of more drive bays.
Some of the most prominent SFF manufacturers are mentioned below:
- Shuttle Largely credited with establishing the mainstream SFF market and remain pioneers in the field.
- Biostar A well-known Shuttle alternative SFF manufacturer.
- MSI Media-centre orientated SFF systems from the hardware giant.
- Soldam Bespoke Shuttle-based designs, imported and expensive but very well-finished.
- Soltek A respectable alternative to Shuttle and others SFF manufacturers with distinctive designs.
Anyway, this is just an outline, feel free to get posting
Kind Regards