14 DAY TRIAL // While most of us would think that the LGA 775 socket went extinct a few years ago, Shuttle seems to disagree with this claim and it recently announced a new ultra-compact barebone system that is compatible with Core 2 Series processors.
Known as the XG41, this 3-litre barebone is a great alternative for users left with an Intel Core 2 processor after an upgrade and wanting to build a second or third PC for Web surfing or other light usage patterns.
In addition, thanks to the three 2.5-inch drive bays that are available inside the chassis and the dual Gigabit LAN connectivity, the XG41 can also be successfully used for digital content storage or even as the building block for a fast NAS server.
The rest of the barebone's expansion options include dual DDR3 DIMM sockets, for installing as much as 8GB of system memory, one mini-PCI Express x1 slot, and three SATA 3Gbps ports.
Outside of the dual network interfaces, the back of the unit houses four USB 2.0 ports, two COM ports, DVI and HDMi video outputs as well as digital S/PDIF and 5.1-channel audio.
Another two USB 2.0 ports and a series of 3.5mm audio jacks are found in the front of the case.
A heatpipe cooling system paired together with two lateral fans is used for chilling Intel Core 2 processors with TDPs up to 65W and power is provided by a fanless 90 W power brick.
“The new model is ideal for versatile applications in different fields of use, for example as a powerful workstation PC, for HD playback at home or in the areas of automation and control,” states Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH.
“With its two network cards it easily becomes the heart of your network,” added the company's rep.
The Shuttle XG41 should be available in retail stores as we speak and its recommended retail price is set at EUR 159.00 (ex VAT).