XPC SK41G

CHIP Online Conclusion: The SK41G offers a good value for your money in view of the nice and compact aluminum case including the well equipped pre-mounted board. This is especially true, when you intend to use it as attractive basis for an Entertainment-PC in your living room.

Auch online:
www.pc-magazin.de/...

Fazit: Das Magic Cube bietet umfangreiche Hardware in kompakten Abmessungen. (...) ein elegantes und kompaktes Gehäuse, gute Leistungswerte und noch ansprechende Erweiterungsmöglichkeiten zu einem günstigen Preis verhelfen ihm zum Preistipp.

Translation:

Subject: Comparison of PC systems with sound damming
PC system with XPC SK41G obtains: Best value for money

Conclusion: The Magic Cube offers extensive hardware equipment with small dimensions. (...) with a stylish and compact case, good performance and even attractive  expansion capabilities at a favourable price it get the award for: Best value for money.

WCM magazine Austria
issue 182, Dec 2002, page 39

Translation:
Headline: Small and good
(...) it comes with good craftsmanship and the face of it is hard to beat. There is only few space between the parts of the case and the switches have high quality. (...) The TV out is a nice feature. The Contel CH750005C TV encoder produces a pretty good TV signal, which is also suitable for watching video films on TV. (...) Besides the PCI, there is also an AGP slot, as a new feature compared to older XPC models. This can be used for a powerful graphics 3D card in order to enhance the 3D performance tremendously.

Das neue Barebone System von Shuttle hat uns rundum begeistert. Es überzeugt durch ein optimales Design verbunden mit einer guten Verarbeitung aller Komponenten und einer guten Leistung. Wer auf der Suche nach einem kleinen, platzsparenden System ist, ist mit dem SK41G sehr gut bedient. Vor allem Spielefreaks haben z.B. mit der Tasche als Sonderaussstattung und einer schicken Blende die Blicke auf jeder LAN auf Ihrer Seite.

Das System ist sehr gut durchdacht. Es wurde berücksichtigt, dass nur wenige Erweiterungsmöglichkeiten durch die kompakte Größe zur Verfügung stehen. So wurde alles Nötige integriert. Wichtig hierbei ist auch, dass man nicht auf die billigsten Komponenten gesetzt hat, so hat man z.B. einen 6-Kanal Soundchip, eine gute Realtek Netzwerkkarte und z.B. schon USB Schnittstellen nach V2.0 Standard. Der nächste Punkt, der damit einhergeht ist die Möglichkeit, Anschlüsse auf der Vorderseite zu nutzen. So kann man seine Digitalkamera mal eben schnell Vorderseitig anschliessen und danach wieder wegpacken. Lästiges hinter den Rechner kriechen entfällt. Auch das mitgelieferte Zubehör lässt sich sehen. (...)

+ Verarbeitung/Optik: sehr gut
+ Ausstattung: gut - sehr gut
+ Overclocking: sehr gut
+ Bios/Stabilität: sehr gut
+ Preis / Leistung: gut - sehr gut

Translation: Overall rating = 1.5

We are very impressed by the new barebone system from Shuttle. It convinces by the optimal design, the good quality of its components and the good performance. SK41G is the solution for those, who are looking for a small, space-saving system. Especially gaming freaks will have an eye-catcher on every LAN-party with the optional accessorries such as the carry bag or the nice changeable front face. The system is very well designed. Because of the compact size, it was considered that only few expandabilities are possible. Thus all necessary components were integrated. It's an important fact, that they do not use the cheapest components, e.g. 6ch soundchip, good Realtek LAN, USB 2.0. Another point is important: the front panel connectors are very practically, no need to creep behind the computer in order to attach your digital camera. Also the provided accessories is presentable. (...)

+ Quality/Design: very good
+ Equipment: good...very good
+ Overclocking: very good
+ Bios/Stability: very good
+ Price/Performance ratio: good...very good

(...) So the bottom line when talking about video is if you want to use the onboard video, get the SS40G. If you want gaming power for a LAN box, snap up the SK41G. (...) Regarding the design of the SK41G, it is good to see the improvements centered around the CPU cooling solution. The screw-down heatsink is very welcome and you won’t have to deal with any annoying clips in a cramped area. Simply screw down each corner and you’re done. The heatsink has been redesigned for better performance, and also the included CPU shim is a very thoughtful and welcome addition.
While the SK41G may be the first released AMD based XPC with an AGP slot, it definitely won’t be the last. We know that the SN41 – the nForce2 based unit – is on the way (...) If you need something now and don’t want to wait, get the SK41 if you plan to add a video card, but the SS40 if you want to use onboard video. (...)

Overall I am impressed by the SK41G. It’s the first barebones mini-computer that I’ve owned. It can literally fit into one of my desk drawers while working on my computer. While my full-blown desktop is pretty awesome, the aesthetic look and size of Shuttle’s XPC design allows me to easily find a place for it on my desk. In fact, my mid-tower ATX case with a 400W PSU has hardly been used since I’ve gotten this SK41G. The ease of use, and the portability of the system are both pluses. Plus, performance with a 9700 Pro is fast enough to play games at a LAN party with ease.