<!—#set var="article_header" value="Goodbye to Hulking PCs:
Athlon Mini-PCs Set The Trend» —>
A New Trend: Compact Mini-PCs for AMD Athlon
It’s very compact, comes in a stylish case, and can still handle all tasks like the best of them. In addition, it manages to keep the noise level down, and this is where even the best of the biggies can’t keep up. When compared directly, the little one sizes up quite well against the biggies: it takes up only about a fourth of the volume needed by the large ones. If you place the two PCs next to one another, the neutral observer will hardly be able to believe that the large PC with the awkward design represents the state of technology in 2002.
A modern workplace with mini-PC and a large TFT monitor.
High quality materials and workmanship with Shuttle’s mini PC.
The motherboard is the main reason why conventional PCs don’t come in a more compact form. Currently, most PC systems come with a motherboard in the ATX format. This form factor is characterized by its generous dimensions and its low integration density for components. So in order to get a more compact PC system, a motherboard with smaller dimensions is needed. The best foundations for mini PCs are motherboards in the Flex-ATX and Micro-ATX formats. At a fraction of the size of standard ATX boards, these models offer the same functionality: graphics; network; sound; FireWire (IEEE1394); TV-out; USB (versions 1.1 and 2.0); Ultra-DMA/100 connectivity; and digital audio-in/out. The only limitation is with the expansion of components: our test system from Shuttle has only two PCI slots. The manufacturer does away with an AGP slot, since the onboard graphics are sufficient enough for 2D applications. Nevertheless, Shuttle has announced that it will be coming out soon with a mini PC system equipped with an AGP slot — while maintaining the same compact dimensions. In our last test, Build Your Own Mini-PC For The Office, compact computers still looked quite different.
Mini-PC with an integrated CD recorder.
Features: A Barebone System Without a CPU
Small vs. Big: a mini-PC (left) and a medium tower (right).
For about $370, you get a barebones system with an extensive range of features (screws, cables, connectors), USB-2 card and a user manual. To make it a fully-functional PC system, you need to purchase an AMD CPU, DDR SDRAM, a hard disk, a keyboard, a mouse and a monitor separately.
USB and FireWire ports are located on the front panel of the case.
In order to install all the components, these panels need to be removed.
Installing the Components
A view of the motherboard with the Athlon CPU.
All connections come factory-configured and all cables are connected.
In order to install a CD-RW, DVD or hard drive, the aluminum frame must first be removed.
Installing the Components, Continued
The basis for the motherboard in the SS40 system: the SiS 740 chipset.
An open case with a view of all components.
A side view of the Shuttle SS40.
A view of the BIOS menu after all components have been installed.
The Makings of a Hit: TV Playback from DVD & DivX Movies
Setting the display in the BIOS of the SS40.
In order to enable playback on a TV, these settings should be made.
We were pleasantly surprised by the display quality of the TV-out: the playback of DivX videos (MPEG-4) was especially good, because when played back on TV, there were no black borders framing the image and thereby reducing image size. The integrated SiS graphics can control VGA and RGB outputs simultaneously, although the resolution is restricted to 800 x 600 pixels, even with standard TVs. However, the quality it provides is sufficient for viewing DVD movies and DivX playback on the mini-PC. With its 750 graphics chip, SiS has integrated motion compensation, a resource-gobbling feature that leads to good image display quality nevertheless.
A TV can be connected to the yellow color-coded port (RGB).
The Makings of a Hit: TV Playback from DVD & DivX Movies, Continued
The Display Menu lets you switch between two monitors connected to the system. Only one device can be active at a time.
Information about the graphics of the SiS 740.
A test run with a TFT monitor (18.4″) and a TV.
Numerous adjustment settings for both monitors.
Connections Galore: USB 2.0 and Fire Wire
We also equipped the mini-PC with the USB 2 card and the digital TV card (both included in the package), so that both PCI slots were occupied.
After installing the USB 2 card, the information can be viewed in the system’s Control Panel.
There are plenty of ports on the back of the mini-PC. Note that there are two FireWire ports.
The USB ports on the front panel follow the 1.1 standard, for now.
Quiet Operation with the Heat Pipe System
The heat pipe system of the Shuttle SS40.
The heat pipe system installed in the Mini-PC.
A view of a portion of the heat pipe, which transports heat away from the CPU.
Quiet Operation with the Heat Pipe System, Continued
The radiator of the heat pipe, which is responsible for heat dissipation. The fan is tuned to the system and circulates the air.
In practice, the Shuttle system proves comfortable to work with. In the lab, we put the mini-PC through rigorous tests, including a CPU stress-test that consisted of 40 hours of continuous operation under a full load. Furthermore, we used the PC for one week of video editing with Adobe Premiere. The mini-PC passed these tests without any problems, although with a moderate temperature increase: the internal temperature reached 45 to 50 degrees Celsius. The actual heat dissipation is handled by the effective heat pipe, which is attached to a fan with a regulated rotation speed. On the power supply is a second fan, which hardly makes any noise. Shuttle does not include other fans, since components such as graphics, sound, network and FireWire chips are integrated on the motherboard.
The fans of the heat pipe.
Rear view: the mini-PC with the heat pipe and fan.
How the Heat Pipe Works
A schematic illustration of the structure and function of a heat pipe.
A heat pipe transports heat from one point to another via a vacuum-sealed metal pipe. The pipe holds a liquid that usually contains 90% water, with the rest consisting of other special ingredients that optimize heat transfer. Here’s how it works: the liquid is held under low pressure so that the evaporation temperature is about 30 degrees Celsius. Under cold temperatures, there’s very little water in the pipe. The water evaporates only when the other end of the pipe comes into direct contact with the CPU, whereupon the heat is transported into the cold end of the pipe. The temperature difference between the two ends of the pipe is about eight degrees Celsius on average, depending on the liquid that is used, as well as the length of the pipe. An important factor for the effectiveness of the pipe is its installation position: the end meant for heat dissipation must be positioned higher than the end meant for heat absorption. So, when the heat pipe is positioned vertically (90 degrees between the points of heat absorption and heat dissipation), it attains a maximum effectiveness of 95%.
The concept behind the heat pipe.
Mini Power Supply with 200 Watts
The power supply that comes installed in the mini-PC might be very compact, but it is enough to power the mini-PC, even when all the components are running and both PCI slots are equipped with additional peripheral devices.
The power supply provides 200 Watts of power.
Conclusion: Mini-PCs For Everyone —
Traditional Tower-PC Are Bound for Extinction!
For the first time, we received a compact mini-PC that is convincing on nearly all fronts. The barebones system SS40 from Shuttle is factory-equipped with a cool looking aluminum case that houses a Flex-ATX motherboard and a capable power supply, as well as a heat pipe system for cooling the CPU. Considering its small dimensions (the PC takes up less than a third of the volume of standard PCs), the features that it offers are quite persuasive. All of the important components, such as graphics, sound, network and FireWire (IEEE1394), are integrated on the motherboard. So, what’s the point in buying yet another big, bulky beast of a PC tower when you can have something more compact and ergonomic? Compared to the bargain-basement PCs, the Shuttle system reveals good workmanship and high-quality materials. For the majority of users, a PC configuration like the one we used in this test is enough to take on all the necessary tasks. The only limitations are with 3D games: here, the graphics are a bit too weak.. However, the manufacturer plans to come out with a version complete with AGP slot soon. Together with an AMD Athlon XP 1900+ and 512 MB DDR266 (CL2), the mini-system attained high performance levels. The key to the Shuttle system is the integrated heat pipe for the CPU: the rotation speed of the finely-tuned fan is dependent on the CPU temperature.. In practice, the computer works very quietly — which is not to be taken lightly when a heat generator like the AMD Athlon is in use. If you prefer Intel CPUs, there will also be a version for the Pentium 4, to come out shortly.
The mini-PC improves the ergonomics at the workplace.
The question on our minds is: why should outmoded form factors, together with low integration density, be the dominant format on the PC market? For those of us who already have a standard PC system, switching over to a mini-PC will feel like true progress. Compact dimensions, light weight, good performance, all-around capabilities and a low noise level make the no-name bargain-basement PCs seem old and out of date.
Our message to OEM manufacturers and PC makers is clear: the mini-PC offers a good chance at stimulating a weak market. If you continue relying on the aging concept of clunky tower PCs plus ATX components, you won’t survive the long haul. The mini-PC has lots of potential, as shown by our test of the Shuttle system. Its only weakness is the current price, which is currently about $370. Users geared towards low-cost systems won’t be accustomed to this price class. If you’re not on a tight budget and are looking for an ergonomic solution, you’ll be well-advised to go for a mini PC.
