Benchmark Setup
Before we get to the benchmark scores, let us emphasize that the total performance level of the systems as configured is not the deciding factor in our Small Form Factor reviews. We aren't using the fastest CPUs or GPUs available, as we're really just verifying that none of the units have any major performance issues.We're going to try running all of the 939 systems with an Athlon X2 processor soon, but time and size considerations for the article dictated that we run it as a separate piece. (How many of you are actually reading every word of this 22,000 word novella?) We're certainly curious to see how the systems deal with the dual core processors, especially the older AGP models. At present, all of the units have BIOS versions that enable X2 support, though whether they all work without issue is something that we need to investigate.
Our test configuration is as follows:
| Performance Test Configuration | |
| Processor(s): | AMD Athlon 64 3800+ (2.4GHz 512KB cache) Socket 939 |
| RAM: | 2 x 512MB OCZ PC3200 Platinum Rev. 2 (TCCD) |
| Hard Drive: | Seagate 80GB 7200 RPM SATA (8MB Buffer) |
| Video Card(s): | PowerColor X800 Pro PCIe VIVO |
| Operating System: | Windows XP Professional SP2 |
| SFF Systems: | Shuttle XPC SN25P Biostar 330P Shuttle SN95G5v2 Shuttle ST20G5 Soltek EQ3901-300P (3901A) |
All systems used DIMMS with Samsung TCCD chips running 2-2-2-7 timings. We also used a 1T command rate on the Athlon 64 systems where possible, as that has been shown to have a significant (3% or more) impact on performance. Only the 3901-300P lacked such a setting.
A PowerColor X800Pro PCIe graphics card was used as a system stress component to verify the ability of the various units to support a reasonably high-end GPU; for AGP systems, we used a Sapphire X800Pro. While the X800Pro is past its prime, performance is pretty comparable to the X800XL in the majority of benchmarks, and we started running tests on some of these systems months ago. We also needed to choose a graphics card that was available in both AGP and PCIe formats, as we have both options represented here. There are minor differences in performance between the two interfaces, but we're still going to be CPU limited on several of the tests that we run.
The noise tests used either integrated graphics or a fanless GPU - a GeForce MX440 AGP card or a 6600 PCIe, depending on the platform. Performance testing without the X800 Pro was not performed on all systems, but a quick test with a couple of units showed that the performance in standard business applications was close enough to the performance with the X800 Pro that we did not rerun all tests. Only IGP options were fully tested where applicable: we didn't bother trying to run Doom 3 or Half-Life 2 on the MX440 or 6600, though we did get scores from the ST20G5.
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JarredWalton - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - link
So I spoke too soon. After finishing this article, I just happend to come across http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82...">the new Aopen 939 SFF. That actually looks pretty promising, though the IGP isn't going to beat the ST20G5 that I can see (no DVI port). Time to put in a request for that unit....rqle - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - link
Price of these SFF are getting quite pricey lately. So much to the point when you add the cpu, hard drive, memory, video card, optical drive AND LCD it will comes very close to the price of a good high end laptop on a good day. Dell 17inch 9300 w/6800 on a VERY good sale day comes just over the price of these SFF 'system.' Big fan of these SFF, but prices should be a little bit more reasonable for me to buy again.JarredWalton - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - link
I agree with you on a lot of that, but a SFF with a 19" (or larger) LCD and a 6800GT/X800XL is pretty much going to stomp all over any similarly priced laptop. There's basically a $150 price premium to get a high-end SFF case, which is going to prevent many from buying. Still, some people buy $200 cases just because they look nice, so it's all a matter of taste.If you need portability, though, there are very few options other than getting a laptop. Personally, laptops and gaming are something I just don't care about. I'd get a cheap laptop for the office work I do and then keep a second system at home for any gaming. Some of course feel otherwise, but laptop keyboards and such just don't do it for me.
R3MF - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - link
love it.BigT383 - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - link
I have a first-generation SN95G5. I bought it thinking that since it's socket 939 I'd be able to upgrade to dual-core when it came out.Apparently this isn't the case, but I haven't seen anybody say they've tried it yet- so far there seem to be only rumors.
So I know this is a weird request but what I'd like to see right now is an article testing a CPU like the Athlon X2 4400+ on the three different versions of the SN95G5.
I can understand that X2s need a bios update, but the physical motherboard shouldn't be holding me back, right?
dcuccia - Thursday, August 18, 2005 - link
X2 support for the SN25P w/o USB2 issues is now available through a BIOS upgrade:http://www.shuttle.com/share/fae/hq/download/bios_...">http://www.shuttle.com/share/fae/hq/download/bios_...
JarredWalton - Thursday, August 18, 2005 - link
Thanks, I made a quick comment on the SN25P page to mention this.JarredWalton - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - link
I'm going to be dropping an X2 3800+ into the SN95G5v2 just to see what happens. I'll try to get some official word from Shuttle on the matter as well. I really have no idea what the SN95G5v1 will support. I think the main change between it and v2 was a switch from an 80mm fan to a 92mm fan.Zirconium - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - link
I love the roundup articles. I find them to be the most useful because they allow you to hone in on what you are looking for quickly, and then you can go to other sites and check the reviews that are solely for the products you are looking for.That said, one thing I'm interested is the quality of the integrated graphics on these computers. I have an SK41G and I could tell the difference between the quality of the built-in graphics and the AIW Radeon 7500 that is currently in it. When the integrated graphics were hooked up to a TV (I tried two) you could notice bands moving up the TV.