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 PC Hardware : XPC-SG33G5 S775 G33 MATX |
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Rating:  - Great Little Machine
Shuttle XPC Glamor Series SG33G5 - SFF - no CPU - RAM 0 MB - no HDD - GMA 3100 - Gigabit Ethernet - Monitor : none
This is a great little machine. Supports up to 4GB or RAM which means it will run Microsoft Visa really well. Since this is a barebones (no Hard Drive, Processor, RAM nor CD\DVD Drive) you will need to purchase those components to add. The instructions are top notch - best I have ever seen - and they are full color. It took me about 20 minutes to get everything installed and running.
VISTA Notes
The ability to support 4GB of RAM is key for running VISTA. Most of the complaints with Vista can be tied to having to little RAM. 3GB of hits the sweet spot with Vista and 4GB makes it fly. Be aware that if you are not running the 64 bit version of Vista, the operating system cannot see or utilize over 3GB of RAM.
I installed the following:
$70 Intel E2160 CPU
$84 4GB (2x2GB)
$50 160GB SATA Hard Drive
$20 DVD Rewritable drive
Even though this machine supports up to a Quad Core processor, that is overkill for most setups including HTPC use.
Since it has integrated graphics with HDMI out, you don't need a dedicated video card. If you want to play HD Content directly to your tv, you will need a dedicated card. Don't fall into the trap of buying the most expensive card in the hopes that it will work. It won't fit and it the power supply doesn't have enough juice anyway. Look for a HIS 2600XT video card (~$120); this card has more than enough power and gets the best reviews for HD DVD and Blu-ray playback.
If you are going to stream HD content to say your PS3, you will not need an additional video card, just a UPnP or DLNA server (Twonky, TVersity, etc).
I found a factory recertified version of this system at newegg for $210 bring the entire system cost to $475 shipped. For my money, if you want a small form factor (SFF) computer for your desk, kitchen or Home Theater, this machine is your best option.
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