Shuttle XPC G2 3200B Small Form Factor Desktop PC

The Bottom Line
On the whole, the Shuttle XPC G2 3200B provides a solid small space desktop computer experience, it just doesn't really offer much new in the platform and isn't as competitive as it should be with pricing.

Pros

* Full Desktop Components
* Space For PCI-Express Graphics Card

Cons

* Relatively Expensive

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 250GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 20x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
* Gigabit Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0, Two Firewire, 22-in-1 Card Reader
* 11.8" x 7.9" x 7.3"
* Vista Business, MS Works

Guide Review - Shuttle XPC G2 3200B Small Form Factor Desktop PC

Shuttle's XPC G2 3200B is designed as a small space business platform. There are other models that are available for consumers as well, but in general they tend to be a bit more expensive than regular sized desktops. The G2 3200B has a wide variety of configurations available as they are all custom built to order based upon Shuttle's XPC barebones kits.

In terms of performance, the XPC G2 3200B does performance quite well thanks to it use of all desktop components. The Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 however is a budget oriented dual core desktop processor. This is perfectly fine for general purpose computing, but a bit anemic for more processor intensive tasks such as digital video or PC gaming. At least it includes two full gigabytes of PC2-5300 DDR2 that lets it run smoothly even with the Vista operating system.

Storage is quite good for the XPC G2 3200B. The 250GB desktop sized hard drive is about average for what consumers will see in a desktop system. There is a 22-in-1 card reader that fills up the second available 3.5” hard drive bay. This can be removed and replaced with a second hard drive for those needed more storage. A speedy 20x rated dual layer DVD burner is included for optical storage.

One of the nice things about the Shuttle XPC line of computers is their graphics. While the XPC G2 3200B comes with the standard Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics, it does have space for a standard desktop sized PCI-Express graphics cards. This is especially a bonus over the slim desktop system designs that force users to find half-height graphics cards that are very limited in selection. The case still does have its limits and many of the newer high end graphics cards can't be used due to power and space restraints.