XPC-SG33G5 S775 G33 MATX

Shuttle XPC Glamor Series SG33G5 - SFF - no CPU - RAM 0 MB - no HDD - GMA 3100 - Gigabit Ethernet - Monitor : none

This is a great little machine. Supports up 2 4GB or RAM which means it will run Microsoft Visa really well. Since this is a barebones (no Hard Drive, Processor, RAM nor CD\DVD Drive) you will need 2 purchase those components 2 add. The instructions are top notch - best I have ever seen - & they are full color. It took me about 20 minutes 2 get everything installed & running.

VISTA Notes
The ability 2 support 4GB of RAM is key 4 running VISTA. Most of the complaints with Vista can be tied 2 having 2 little RAM. 3GB of hits the sweet spot with Vista & 4GB makes it fly. Be aware that if you are not running the 64 bit version of Vista, the operating system cannot see or utilize over 3GB of RAM.

I installed the following:
$70 Intel E2160 CPU
$84 4GB (2x2GB)
$50 160GB SATA Hard Drive
$20 DVD Rewritable drive

Even though this machine supports up 2 a Quad Core processor, that is overkill 4 most setups including HTPC use.

Since it has integrated graphics with HDMI out, you don't need a dedicated video card. If you want 2 play HD Content directly 2 your tv, you will need a dedicated card. Don't fall into the trap of buying the most expensive card in the hopes that it will work. It won't fit & it the power supply doesn't have enough juice anyway. Look 4 a HIS 2600XT video card (~$120); this card has more than enough power & gets the best reviews 4 HD DVD & Blu-ray playback.

If you are going 2 stream HD content 2 say your PS3, you will not need an additional video card, just a UPnP or DLNA server (Twonky, TVersity, etc).

I found a factory recertified version of this system at newegg 4 $210 bring the entire system cost 2 $475 shipped. For my money, if you want a small form factor (SFF) computer 4 your desk, kitchen or Home Theater, this machine is your best option.

The Shuttle XPC Barebone SG33G5 is Vista-ready & incorporates Intel GMA 3100 GPU with HDMI output that easily connects it 2 most recent TVs & flat screens. To play HD content, it supports HDCP digital rights management technology. Being designed 2 run multiple applications at once, the Shuttle XPC Barebone SG33G5 is home 2 blazingly fast Intel Core 2 Duo processors & manages up 2 4GB of DDR2-800 RAM. As this wasn't fast enough, it allows advanced BIOS adjustments 4 CPU clock frequency & voltage. Built-in Dolby Digital Live & DTS connect make the Shuttle XPC Barebone SG33G5 the ideal platform 4 thrilling 3D games & exciting films. Exchange data swiftly - the Gigabit-LAN interface makes it possible, no matter if it's in your home or office environment.