Monday, July 15, 2002

Additional features

Additional features of the Shuttle SS40G XPC minisystem include: Wake on LAN, Wake on Modem Ring, PS2 connectors for connecting mice & keyboards, four USB 1.1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, Suspend to Disk, Suspend to RAM, RX/TX connectors for infrared, and start-up from the mouse, keyboard, or at a pre-set time. Hardware monitoring of fan speed, CPU temperature, and of voltages is also included as a standard feature of this PC99-compliant motherboard.

The Shuttle SS40G XPC also comes with an integrated, six-channel C-Media CMI 8738 sound-card, a 10/100Base-T Ethernet controller, a FireWire/IEEE-1394 controller, and a USB 2.0 controller.

Below, a photo of the Shuttle SS40G XPC.

Installation

Given the restricted dimensions of the system, installation can be a bit complicated, but not necessarily arduous. The two points that may cause problems are memory installation, and the cooling system.

As to memory, it suffices to think ahead, and install the necessary modules before installing the part of the casing that includes the storage chassis.

As for the CPU-cooling system, users must unclench the retention clips located next to the power-block, possibly with the aid of a good, long screwdriver with a wide head.

Once that's done, it's time to pop the clips on the other side, which can be a bit difficult due to the pressure required. With a bit of patience, though, all should go well. Note that the clips make simultaneous use of the three retention ledges around the CPU socket.

A well-designed user's manual is supplied that explains both the assembly and disassembly process, and proves useful on manu occasions.

Software bundle

The installation CD includes the Sis 1.09 patch, drivers for the USB 2.0 controller, drivers for the sound-card, drivers for the FireWire controller, drivers for the network controller, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a digital rendition of the user's manual.

Hardware bundle

The Shuttle SS40G XPC comes with: one 80-pin ATA100 cable, one floppy-drive cable, a USB 2.0 PCI card, and a pair of USB connectors for the rear panel.

Next: Specifications

Shuttle SS40G XPC