Everyone has become accustomed to the annual update of the main components of the personal computer platform (in particular, chipsets, memory modules and processors). However, a real surprise for many was the appearance on the market of a whole galaxy of barebone systems that are rapidly gaining popularity. Thus, last year more than 1.6 million barebone systems were sold, which is approximately 1.5% of the total number of desktop PCs and almost 5% of the number of home computers.

New "breed"

Is that what a barebone system is? In fact, this is a kind of semi-finished product for quickly assembling a computer - a small-sized case with a power supply already installed in it, system board and cooling system. Quite often, the package is supplemented with an optical drive and a multi-format card reader.

In order to turn a barebone system into working computer, it is enough to install a processor, memory modules and HDD, and these operations can be performed even by a user with little experience in just a few minutes.

The current generation of barebone systems (or, as they are sometimes called, MiniPCs) is quite heterogeneous: at this stage, manufacturers are busy searching for optimal options and trying a variety of design solutions. Nevertheless, it is already possible to identify several distinctive features that are inherent in all representatives of the new “breed” without exception.

One of the distinctive features of MiniPC is its small dimensions. Compared to the usual system units of the midiTower design, barebone systems look like dwarfs - their internal volume is three to four times smaller. And some outstanding representatives of the new type (for example, Iwill ZPC) are quite comparable in size to external models of optical drives.

Iwill ZPC a full-fledged PC in a surprisingly compact case

When comparing with traditional system units assembled from a scattering of components, a number of important internal differences can be noted. Thus, the motherboards used in MiniPC are, as a rule, unique and designed specifically for a given case (or for a line of cases of the same size). The same applies to the cooling system: in many barebone systems it is designed taking into account the design features of the case and the topology of the motherboard installed in it. To ensure efficient system cooling combined with low noise levels, the most advanced high-tech solutions are used: heat pipes, complex-shaped air ducts, etc.

It is quite natural that the small size of the system leads to a high degree of integration of the various components. The actual standard for MiniPC is the presence of USB 2.0 and IEEE-1394 controllers, video and audio subsystems, a modem, integrated on the motherboard, network adapter etc. There are few expansion slots on such boards: usually there is AGP and one or two PCI. Some barebone systems do not have an AGP slot at all - it is believed that the capabilities of the integrated video adapter are quite sufficient for a PC of this level. As for storage locations, the most common option is to have one 5.25-inch and one 3.5-inch bay, as well as one internal bay for 3.5-inch hard drive.

ASUS DiGiMatrix the original hybrid digital media center and PC, with which you can watch TV programs, DVD videos and digital photos from various media, listen to radio broadcasts, audio CDs and compressed audio files and all this without loading the operating system

The most compact representatives of MiniPC do not have slots for expansion cards at all - additional fees They just don't fit there. In order to minimize dimensions, such systems use 2.5-inch hard disks And optical drives slim format (as in laptops).

The MiniPC concept implies maximum system flexibility and ample opportunities to connect a wide variety of external devices. Therefore, in addition to a full set of interface connectors on the rear panel of the case, barebone systems provide the ability to quickly connect external devices. As a rule, the front panel has USB 2.0 and IEEE-1394 port connectors, as well as a set of analog (and sometimes digital) audio inputs and outputs. An almost obligatory component of the MiniPC is a multi-format card reader, the slots of which are also located on the front panel of the case. With the growing popularity of wireless solutions, Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth adapters are becoming increasingly common in barebone systems.

Recently, many barebone systems have appeared, which are a hybrid of a PC and a digital media center. Such models are equipped big amount various multimedia functions, many of which can be used without loading the operating system - for example, listening to AudioCDs and MP3 files from various media, viewing DVDs and VideoCDs, and, if you have the appropriate expansion modules, receiving television and radio programs. To control the functions of the media player, the corresponding controls (buttons, knobs, etc.) are located on the front panel of the case, and quite often the delivery package of such systems also includes a wireless remote control.

The MEGA series barebone systems released by MSI are much more like stereo systems than computers

Typical representatives of this subspecies of barebone systems are ASUS DiGiMatrix, Abit DigiDice, as well as a whole series of MSI MEGA models (by the way, MSI produces special speaker systems and a carrying bag as additional accessories for the latter).

MiniPC: pros and cons

Having become acquainted with the most characteristic features of barebone systems, we will consider their main advantages and disadvantages.

Undoubtedly, compact and at the same time low-noise system units look very attractive in the eyes of home users. Almost all currently produced barebone systems have an original design, which allows them to fit as seamlessly as possible system unit into the interior of the room. Thanks to its small size, such a system can be easily moved to another room, and, if necessary, loaded into a bag and taken with you.

Flexible options for connecting a variety of external devices and removable media allow you to easily use the MiniPC for working with digital photo and video materials, as well as as a home media center.

One of the representatives of the iDEQ family of barebone systems produced by Biostar

Another advantage of barebone systems is their balanced design. The power of the power supply used and the parameters of the cooling system installed in the case are optimized taking into account the characteristics of the motherboard used and the features of other components. Thus, the likelihood of overheating and overloads is minimized, and according to this indicator, barebone systems are a much more reliable solution compared to system units assembled by home-grown craftsmen from standard cases and components.

The most significant disadvantages of MiniPC (compared to PCs assembled in cases of traditional design) include limited opportunities for modernization and expansion of the system configuration, as well as lower maintainability. As mentioned above, many barebone systems use unique motherboards and non-standard power supplies, as a result of which it will not be so easy to replace these components if they fail.

Another disadvantage of barebone systems is their higher cost compared to PCs assembled from separate components. However, it is worth noting that a direct comparison in this case is hardly appropriate - due to significant differences regarding both functionality and consumer qualities.

Prospects for miniaturization

At this point, it is still quite difficult to give an unambiguous forecast about whether the MiniPC craze is a stable market trend or is it just another fashion fad. The share of barebone systems in the total number of PCs sold for home and office use is still small. True, many analysts predict that this year twice as many barebone systems will be sold as last year.

At this stage, barebone systems attract many users precisely because of their novelty, their radical difference from the usual image of a PC - a faceless and dull gray box. It is only natural that manufacturers are trying to make the most of this idea. It is not a special secret that the increased interest of Taiwanese manufacturers in barebone systems is caused by purely economic reasons. Due to the fierce competition between companies producing components for PCs (motherboards, optical drives, etc.), the profitability of the production of such products is decreasing from year to year, and the market for barebone systems has not yet been fully developed, and the profit margin of those working in this segment of companies still remains relatively high.

Distinctive features of the Qbic series barebone systems produced by Soltek are a metal case made of aluminum alloy, as well as a proprietary IcyQ cooling system

When considering possible prospects for the development of MiniPC, it is worth considering that “large” computers are also improving. Last year, Intel presented its thoughts on personal computer of the near future, designed as the BTX specification. Upon closer inspection, many of the MiniPC's features can be seen in the BTX: smaller sizes cases, the use of motherboards and power supplies of a new form factor (with smaller dimensions), a low-noise cooling system, etc. And what seems new and unusual today can become a generally accepted standard tomorrow.

Unusual design, compactness and expanded multimedia capabilities are the main criteria for the popularity of barebone systems. Read about how to choose the right devices in the new issue of the Guide.

Barebone systems owe their appearance, first of all, to the fact that many people have long been tired of standard gray cases, more appropriate in an office than in a home interior. The first to realize this was Apple, which began producing computers in cases with an unusual and attractive design. However, due to the stable demand for ordinary personal computers and the lack of non-standard components, other manufacturers were in no hurry to experiment with case designs. Subsequently, the demand for PCs began to fall, and barebone systems turned out to be one of the ways out of this situation for many companies. The unusual design, compactness and advanced multimedia capabilities were really able to attract new buyers. And this despite the fact that the cost of barebone systems is noticeably higher than the cost of standard cases!

A small digression that clearly illustrates the popularity of the compactness of barebone systems. Apple, which, in fact, was the founder of unusual computer cases, took advantage of the experience of barebone manufacturers and released a compact Mac computer mini, which is not inferior in design to the best representatives of barebone systems on the PC platform. Moreover, this computer has become the cheapest of Apple's desktop personal computers: in the USA it sells for only $500! True, this is not a barebone, but a ready-made computer, and Apple does not plan to supply systems for self-assembly. On the other hand, Macintosh computers traditionally have a lot of modifications, from which you can choose the most suitable machine.

What is a typical barebone system? The first idea can be obtained from the name - the word barebone can be translated from English as “skeleton”. In other words, a barebone system is the basis, a kit for assembling a personal computer. First of all, a barebone is a case of non-standard dimensions, usually with a reduced power supply, original system cooling, as well as proprietary motherboard. In some cases, the package also includes an optical drive and a hard drive. Such systems go on sale precisely as a kit for assembly. However, many computer manufacturers, even such large companies as Fujitsu-Siemens, do not shy away from using third-party barebone systems to assemble personal computers under their own brand. Russian companies have also succeeded in this matter, so those who wish can choose a ready-made computer rather than engage in “technical creativity” on their own.

Contrary to popular belief, barebone systems can be used to build not only an ordinary home PC, but also a high-end, high-performance computer. Moreover, some companies produce specialized machines based on “skeletons”, “tailored” for any specific tasks, for example, for use as a compact desktop sound studio. So don’t be afraid that by choosing a case with a stylish design you will limit yourself in system performance.

Currently, many companies are producing barebone systems. The pioneer in this market was the Taiwanese company Shuttle, which, in fact, made “skeletal” systems popular. Shuttle products have the largest range, and everyone can choose a model to suit their taste. All modifications have either a multi-format card reader or a compartment for a floppy drive. Other major manufacturers of barebone systems include MSI, Asus, Soltek and Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS). The models of these companies are more focused on multimedia use than Shuttle products. Many barebone systems can be used as music centers or video sources, and in most cases, audio and video playback can be performed without loading the operating system.

When choosing, you must first of all decide on the platform: the model you like externally may not support, for example, the Pentium 4 or Athlon 64, which you want to base your system on. Particular attention should be paid to the system logic set on which the motherboard is built: both performance and the possibility of using certain components or peripheral devices. Fortunately, without exception, all manufacturers of barebone systems include very detailed information with their products. specifications and instructions regarding the components that can be installed in this particular model.

The buyer of a barebone system should keep in mind that the expandability of such a computer is limited compared to a machine in a traditional case. Some particularly small models cannot be modified at all, and most compact models can only accept low-profile expansion cards, and the number of slots for them is limited. In some cases, due to the specific cooling system, processors with high heat generation cannot be installed in such cases; This is usually stated in technical description barebone systems.

Among the features of some models of barebone systems are built-in wireless adapters. local networks, digital audio outputs and audio inputs, allowing you to connect your computer to household audio equipment, as well as remote controls remote control. An unpleasant surprise may be the absence of some ports (for example, a parallel port on some Shuttle models), or the impossibility of installing a floppy drive. In many models for mounting the hard drive and installing hard disk will have to show enviable ingenuity and miracles of balancing act.

Of course, those who want to get a music center at the same time as a computer should take a closer look at systems with the appropriate functionality. As a rule, such “skeletons” are also equipped with a large display and a built-in radio. If you plan to play computer games, you should choose models without a built-in graphics controller and with an AGP port. Unfortunately, it is not possible to install the most powerful video card in a compact barebone system, since due to high heat generation such cards are not low-profile. Therefore, you will have to choose only from entry-level and mid-level video cards. However, some models provide for the installation of full-size PCI cards. For example, in some modifications from Soltek, you can install a full-size PCI card, but you will have to sacrifice one of the optical drive bays: the drive will no longer fit here.

Finally, if you don’t have experience building even a regular desktop computer, it’s strongly not recommended to “build” a PC based on a barebone system. The fact is that due to the small dimensions in compact cases, the components are placed very tightly, and non-standard and intricate cooling systems can be very difficult to install. An inexperienced person can easily damage not only the barebone itself, but also expensive components, in particular the processor. If you still want to get a computer based on a “skeletal” system, it is better to contact computer stores or companies that assemble custom PCs.

In conclusion, I would like to warn you that a barebone system will cost you significantly more than a regular case: their price can range from a relatively reasonable 180 US dollars to an impressive 550 US currency units. Beauty requires sacrifice!

On the next page you can get acquainted with some barebone systems present on the Russian market.

Asus DigiMatrix

A typical multimedia model with an unusual appearance: the computer is “masked” as a high-end Hi-Fi component and comes with a remote control. The “stuffing” is not so impressive: a motherboard based on the not-so-modern SiS 651/962L chipset, support for Pentium 4/Celeron processors on the Northwood core (Socket 478) with a clock frequency of up to 2.66 GHz, two slots for random access memory DDR 333/266 up to 2 GB, SiS 315 graphics core, using up to 64 MB of system memory, single-channel IDE 133 controller, to which a hard drive and a “laptop” DVD recorder are connected, and a six-channel sound controller. The complete absence of PCI slots and an AGP slot is depressing: you won’t be able to install any expansion devices. Among the advantages are a built-in TV tuner with support for high-definition television and the ability to receive radio programs in the FM range, a seven-format card reader, an S/PDIF digital audio output that allows you to connect to household audio equipment, a wireless LAN controller of the IEEE 802.11b standard (supports in software access point mode), two FireWire ports and as many as eight USB 2.0 ports. Power supply - external, power - 120 W. Overall dimensions - 285 x 53 x 290 mm. The retail price is as impressive as appearance- the device costs about 575 US dollars.

Advantages: compactness, attractive design, almost silent operation, built-in TV tuner and Wi-Fi controller, watching TV and listening to music without loading the operating system, remote control.

Flaws: outdated platform, low performance, inability to install expansion cards, very high price.

ECS EZ-Buddie D2S4-3

An aluminum barebone system of unusual design, reminiscent of a smaller traditional tower-type system unit. The system is fundamentally not multimedia and is not equipped with built-in tuners or a remote control. The device is built on the SiS 661FX+963 system logic and supports Pentium 4/Celeron processors based on the Northwood core (Socket 478, system bus 400/533/800 MHz, including Hyper-Threading technology). The graphics controller is integrated and consumes up to 64 MB of system memory. The built-in display provides information about the operation of the system, including data on the processor temperature, the operation of the drives, as well as any malfunctions that have occurred. Overclocking enthusiasts will love that this can be done using the wheel on the front panel. The board has two slots for DDR 266/333/400 RAM up to 2 GB, an AGP slot, a PCI slot, a dual-channel ATA133 controller and a six-channel audio codec. The case has six USB 2.0 ports and two FireWire ports. There is one three-inch bay occupied by a six-format card reader and one vertical five-inch bay for installing an optical drive. The power supply is external. Overall dimensions - 262 x 162 x 301 mm. The approximate retail price of the system negates almost all of its shortcomings: it is about 200 US dollars - an absolute record among the devices presented in this review. By the way, ECS produces 18 modifications of this barebone system, including ones for AMD processors, and prices for these systems start at $180 - a very good option for those who are tired of a banal gray box, but who do not have excess funds.

Advantages: elegant case with pleasant blue backlight, good performance, upgradeable, overclocking by rotating the wheel on the front panel, low noise level, extremely attractive price.

Flaws: built on a previous generation platform, external power supply, vertical arrangement of the optical drive causes inconvenience, in particular, the inability to work with 8 cm disks, lack of support for promising interfaces.

MSI MEGA 865

Another very beautiful barebone system, oriented towards multimedia use and equipped with a remote control. The model is built on the basis of the previous system logic set Intel generation 865G with a built-in graphics controller (motherboard MS-6796) and is designed for Pentium 4/Celeron processors with clock frequencies up to 3.2 GHz (Northwood core, Socket 478, bus 400/533/800 MHz). The motherboard contains two connectors for dual-channel DDR400 RAM up to 2 GB, a PCI slot, an AGP 8x slot, a mini PCI slot for installing laptop expansion cards, an ATA 100 connector, a Serial ATA connector, as well as a six-channel Realtek 655/658 audio controller with digital input and output. The device has a modem, a 100-gigabit network controller, and the Deluxe modification additionally installs a mini PCI form factor wireless LAN adapter. The system is equipped with four USB ports 2.0 (two more are located on the motherboard, one is for the card reader) and two FireWire ports. The case can accommodate one five-inch and two three-inch drives. Additionally, a proprietary TV tuner designed specifically for this system is supplied. It is possible to play audio CDs, MP3s, listen to the radio and watch TV programs without loading the operating system. The front panel with a colorful large display contains slots for a six-format card reader. Built-in power supply, power 250 W. Overall dimensions - 202 x 320 x 151 mm. Estimated retail price is $350.00.

Advantages: luxury design, high performance, configuration expandability, sound playback without loading the operating system, Serial ATA support, built-in modem, remote control, reasonable price.

Flaws: based on a previous generation Intel platform, too cramped in the case - if the relatively noisy cooling system fails, overheating and damage to components is possible.

Shuttle XPC SB83G5

A typical Shuttle "cube" based on a modern Intel chipset 915G for Pentium 4/Celeron processors on the Prescott core (Socket 775, bus 533/800 MHz). The lack of additional multimedia capabilities is also typical for the products of this company. Despite the built-in graphics accelerator Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, it is possible to install a video card with a PCI Express x16 interface. The proprietary FB83 motherboard has two slots for dual-channel DDR400/333 RAM up to 2 GB, a PCI slot, an ATA100 connector, two Serial ATA 150 connectors and a connector for a floppy drive. The case has one five-inch and two three-inch drive bays. The barebone system has a six-channel audio controller with digital S/PDIF ports, a gigabit network controller, two FireWire ports and four USB 2.0 ports. The device uses a proprietary Silent X cooling system and a built-in 250 W power supply. Overall dimensions - 310 x 200 x 185 mm. Approximate price in Russia - 400 US dollars.

Advantages: attractive appearance, modern platform, high performance, a set of promising interfaces, expandability, gigabit network controller, built-in power supply.

Flaws: Instead of a card reader, this model has an obsolete floppy drive and a relatively high price.

At the moment, almost all more or less large manufacturers of motherboards and related products have already released their own barebone kit. It is difficult to say with confidence that such machines are the future, but, in any case, while the market has not yet reached saturation, and, to the surprise of some who are sincerely perplexed, how can a computer have less than 6 PCI slots, more and more new ones are appearing models. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to spend money on developing a unique case and thinking through small details: OEM orders will be happily accepted and executed, and a very successful direction has already been set by Shuttle with their XPC, the concept of which has become so popular that many “manufacturers” limit themselves to only minor changing the appearance of kits ordered from Shuttle. And, of course, their own motherboards are installed inside, the sale of which is, in fact, the primary reason for these manufacturers’ focus on barebone kits.

Today we present to you the results of a study of four (to varying degrees new) models, in essentially a “classic” design: a small case plus a small board that is, in its pure form set of components. However, in the future you can expect reviews of mini-computers that are more interesting for their content: MSI MegaPC, which may well be a stand-alone media content player, and a number of unique models from ECS Elitegroup. The current comparison involves 3 “cubes”, which are “opposed” by the classic desktop from ASUSTeK welcome!

ASUS Pundit (AB-P2600)

As already mentioned, the case of the Pundit model is made in the classic desktop style, with dimensions of 275 (W) x 357 (D) x 91 (H) mm, and allows installation in a vertical position, for which a stand with six plastic legs is mounted on the corresponding side wall - linings. The metallic color of the case and two blue LEDs indicating the on state of the system and the operation of the hard drive form an extremely favorable impression of the external appearance of the model, although, of course, this is a matter of personal preferences. Numerous inputs and outputs of the front panel are covered with a hinged cover, and this allows you to maintain a stylish look, but only as long as none of these connectors is used and there are so many of them that you really want to use at least something :). But the problem of color incompatibility between the case and the drives has probably been solved here. in the best possible way: the floppy drive is simply absent as a class (and there is not even a connector for it on the board), and the CD/DVD drive is closed with a cover that matches the color of the front panel, and the eject button for its tray is always accessible (via a simple mechanical lever), and when pulled out the cover opens automatically by turning 90°. The only thing I can complain about is the device activity indicator light that is hidden from view, but these are minor quibbles (although this could have been done easily, and even used as an argument for choosing a drive from ASUSTeK).

Even in appearance the front (with open lid) and the rear panels, you can guess that what we have in front of us is by no means office computer, and a closer look will confirm Pundit's multimedia focus. Let's start with the front set (from left to right): 2 Audio (headphone output and microphone input), 2 USB (2.0), mini-FireWire (4-pin), power button (yes, and that silver thing on the outside it is just for this, and not for opening the lid, as you might think), FireWire (6-pin), S/PDIF Out, S/PDIF In (both TosLink), 4-in-1 card reader (SM, MS , MMC, SD), PCMCIA slot and Reset button. Enough for a couple of models! The only word that comes to mind is “thoughtful”: it seems that there are simply no more devices for connecting at the front.

Back panel keeps up: 2 TV-Out (composite and S-Video), 3 Audio, 2 PS/2, 1 LAN, 2 USB (2.0), 1 LPT, 1 DVI, 1 VGA, 1 COM. The set as a whole is excellent, the only pity is that not all the front panel connectors are duplicated on the rear, which can lead to the cover being constantly folded down. At the back there is also space for the output of two expansion cards and a power supply wall that occupies almost half the space with ventilation holes throughout the entire area - this is the only way to remove heated air from inside the case. We remove the cover and...

...and we see the usual “stuffing” of the case to the eyeballs, which is usual for the Prodigy model. It all looks worse than it actually is, since installation difficulties may only be with the board access to the remaining components requires dismantling at most one element of the internal design. Disk drives are installed in one basket; unfortunately, it is very cramped and closed on four sides, so the hard drive is unlikely to feel comfortable, clamped in a vice between the CD/DVD drive and motherboard. There are only two bays for disk devices, and there is only one IDE connector on the board (and FDD is reasonably absent). For any manipulations with the drives, the entire cage is removed, and then each time you have to tinker in the cramped space with connecting the only IDE cable and power cables.

To use two PCI expansion cards, the kit includes a herringbone adapter from one slot on the board (in the photo you see a soft modem on a PCTel chip installed in the first slot).

After removing the herringbone stand and disk cage, the internal structure of the barebone kit becomes completely clear. A significant part of the space is occupied by a power supply with a large battery mounted on the front wall. And m (80 mm) fan, which serves as the only cooling device for the case itself (works as a blower).

Diagonally from the power supply there is a processor socket with its own cooler, which is used as simple model with an all-aluminum radiator with straight fins. The cooler is manufactured by ASUS's favorite OEM partner AVC and differs from conventional models in the air intake casing mounted directly on the fan: in theory, the upper end of the device should be pressed against the case cover (in fact, it is a little short), which has ventilation vents in the corresponding place holes to take in air from outside. Thanks to the Q-Fan technology implemented on the board, the cooler rotation speed dynamically changes depending on the processor temperature, which allows the system to operate completely silently when idle (and even under load, the 2200 rpm of a high-quality fan of a decent diameter is practically inaudible).

Since every millimeter counts in such a narrow desktop, the power supply unit is made to the full height of the case, and the PCB of the motherboard ASUS boards The P4S8L has a matching cutout instead of the standard rectangular shape. The board is based on the SiS651 chipset (SiS651 + SiS962) and, as one might guess from the appearance of the case, has extremely “advanced” capabilities. Supports Celeron/Pentium 4 processors with FSB frequencies up to 533 MHz, memory up to DDR333 (note the presence of two memory slots - not all can boast of this), USB 2.0 peripheral connection interfaces, FireWire (with an external Realtek 8801B PHY controller) , Fast Ethernet (up to 100 Mbit/s, on an external Broadcom 4401 chip), 6-channel audio (AC"97 ALC650 codec). Mentioning AGP here is completely pointless; Pundit buyers will have to be content with the integrated SiS315 video, which has 3D performance , frankly speaking, is not strong point. But its SiS301 companion chip is soldered onto the board, providing TV-out functionality and support for a digital DVI interface for connecting an LCD monitor or similar device (this, we recall, in addition to a standard analog monitor output). Finally, the functioning of exotic peripherals (PCMCIA, flash card reader) is provided by the ENE CB710Q chip.

Moreover: it is possible to mount an optional Bluetooth module on the inner wall of the front panel, with which the functionality of ASUS Pundit reaches absolutely incredible limits. And here is the set BIOS settings, on the contrary, look very meager, especially in contrast to the usual desktop boards from this company: the meticulous user will only be interested in the memory timing settings and the choice of its operating frequency, manual distribution of interrupts among slots and changing the FSB frequency to just 166(!) MHz in steps of 1 MHz.

In conclusion, we present brief characteristics barebone kit.

• Contents: case, power supply unit, processor cooler, board, CD, manual, power cable, soft modem for PCI slot and telephone cable (optional), Bluetooth module (optional), any CD/DVD/combo drive manufactured by ASUSTeK ( optional)
• Case format: slim-desktop
• Case dimensions (WxDxH, in “lying” position): 275x357x91 mm
• PSU: HIPRO HP-F2007F3P, 200 W
• Board, chipset: ASUS P4S8L, SiS651
• Video: integrated SiS651 graphics (impeccable 2D quality up to 1024x768x32@100Hz)
• Audio: AC"97-ALC650 codec
• Network: 10/100 Mbit Fast Ethernet, Broadcom BCM4401KFB
• Expansion slots: 2 PCI (for full-size cards, via herringbone adapter)
• Front panel connectors: 2 Audio (microphone/headphones), 2 USB (2.0), 2 FireWire (4 and 6 pins), S/PDIF Out, S/PDIF In (both TosLink), 4-in-1 card reader( SM, MS, MMC, SD), PCMCIA
• Connectors on the rear panel: 2 TV-Out (composite and S-Video), 3 Audio, 2 PS/2, 1 LAN, 2 USB (2.0), 1 LPT, 1 DVI, 1 VGA, 1 COM

Iwill XP4

Externally, barebone Iwill is very similar to the XPC series, although after “getting inside” it will become clear that these models are still different. In the meantime, you can notice the characteristic “cubic” shapes, an aluminum case with dimensions of approximately 190 (W) x 270 (D) x 165 (H) mm with a transparent plastic cover and four decorative screws on the front panel, ventilation holes in the front and on both sides. In our opinion, XP4 looks simple, but strict.

The functional components on the front panel are minimal in modern times: 2 USB ports (2.0), line output (for headphones) and microphone input. But in addition to the power button, there is a Reset, but there is only one external compartment for 5-inch devices (of course, with special desire and effort, you can install a 3-inch one there) from which you will have to remove the plug during installation, which will lead us to the usual the problem of inconsistency between the appearance of the front panel and installed device.

At the back there is an absolutely standard set of ports: 2 PS/2, 1 LPT, 1 COM, 1 VGA, 1 LAN, 2 USB (2.0), 3 Audio. An interesting power supply is with an unusually large (for SFF computers) fan and power switch, another small fan and an output for one expansion card (we are deliberately not saying what format yet).

Inside, everything is more or less expected, but the difference with the XPC models is visible: the power supply is mounted on the rear wall and pressed against it, with ventilation holes only on the sides, which will certainly reduce the cooling efficiency. Also, instead of a large-diameter fan (part of the I.C.E. processor cooler in the Shuttle XPC), a small Delta fan (by the way, a very high-quality one) is attached to the “remnant” of the rear wall. It is curious that the case has no removable parts at all; the design is so well thought out. Everything is mounted either on a board on the bottom, or (CD/DVD drive and hard drive) directly on the case racks; you don’t even need a disk cage. The only thing we could wish for is an increase in the number of internal bays for 3-inch devices to two, fortunately there are still two IDE connectors on the board (for 4 devices), and a single hard drive can be attached without pressing it with the top hot cover bottom of the optical drive. True, for the second hard drive you will then have to provide an additional power connector.

Finally, we got to the bottom, where the “brain center” of the kit is installed - the Iwill XP4 board of the same name. The board is based on the i845GV chipset (a complete analogue of the i845G, but without support for external AGP cards), supports FSB frequencies up to 533 MHz, and memory only DDR200/DDR266. Now is the time to note that there is a barebone Iwill XP4-G model based on the i845GE chipset, which differs, respectively, in supporting AGP and DDR333 ports, and the Iwill XP4-G motherboard used in it has almost identical layout, only the only place for an expansion slot is given there AGP, but XP4 has a PCI slot. Thus, when purchasing, you can choose from two options that are similar in functionality, depending on your needs (and taste, since they are not similar in appearance).

Returning to the features of the kit we are considering this time, we note only one memory connector, an almost useless FDD connector and two IDE connectors, and connecting and then placing two ATA66 cables in the case is not the easiest task. Among the external (not integrated into the southbridge of the chipset) peripheral controllers, we note the cheap six-channel AC "97 codec ALC650 and the Realtek 8100B network controller. In the BIOS (for obvious reasons, not designed for overclockers), the only useful things available are memory timing settings and selection of its operating frequency , manual distribution of interrupts among slots and changing the FSB frequency up to 250 MHz in 1 MHz steps.

You are invited to choose and buy a cooler for cooling the processor yourself; we received the kit for testing with a model from Evercool. We decided to use this cooler, especially since for the tests we chose not the maximum supported Pentium 4 3.06 GHz, but a relatively old and “cold” processor with a frequency of 2.4B GHz. The characteristics of the used cooling device cannot be called impressive: straight aluminum fins of the same height, a slow fan but if in such conditions the temperature regime is in order, then XP4 owners have nothing to worry about. We also note that, to our great relief, the smaller fan on the rear wall of the case did not try to compensate for its size with rotation speed, so there was practically no noise from it. In general, both “rear” fans in XP4, according to the documentation, must regulate their speed depending on the temperature in the case, turning on when a certain threshold is reached. We did not find a way to set or even find out the value of this threshold, but after turning on the system, both fans started spinning and, as far as could be judged, the speed did not change. What this led to you will find out below.

In conclusion, here are some brief characteristics of the barebone kit, which comes in a simple cardboard box with a carrying handle.

• Contents: case, power supply, board, CD, manual, ATA66 cable, power cable, mounting screws
• Case format: “cube”
• Case dimensions (WxDxH): 190x270x165 mm
• Bays: 1 internal 3.5", 1 external 5.25"
• PSU: Chyang Fun CWT-150FXC, 150 W
• Board, chipset: Iwill XP4, Intel 845GV
• Video: i845GV integrated graphics (impeccable 2D quality up to 1024x768x32@100Hz)
• Audio: AC"97-ALC650 codec
• Expansion slots: 1 PCI (for full-size cards)
• Front panel connectors: 2 Audio (microphone/headphones), 2 USB (2.0)
• Connectors on the rear panel: 2 PS/2, 1 LPT, 1 COM, 1 VGA, 1 LAN, 2 USB (2.0), 3 Audio

Shuttle XPC SN41G2

We have already looked at several models of SFF computers from Shuttle and we see no point in analyzing another one in detail. Although the XPC SN41G2 is designed to work with Athlon XP processors, its only difference in design from, for example, the SS51G is a different color design of the case, the specifics of the motherboard and cooler. We will focus on these points, and refer those eager for details to our previous articles.

So, the gray-steel-colored aluminum case has a proprietary standard size with dimensions of 200(W)x300(D)x185(H), and on the front panel it has an optical S/PDIF output, a microphone input, a linear headphone output, and 2 ports. USB (2.0) and one FireWire. The problem of the sloppy appearance of the front panel after installing a drive of a different color is still relevant, but the two LED indicators and the reset and power buttons, designed in the same style, look great.

There is a small power supply fan at the back, a large fan at the top radiator of the processor cooling system, space for two expansion cards and a row of connectors. Here it’s more interesting: in this row there are two VGA outputs, TV-Out (S-Video), two more FireWire, two more USB, COM, LAN, 2 PS/2 and 3 standard audio connectors. You can already start betting on what chipset is used in the SN41G2 board. :)

A short comment on the photographs of the internal structure of the case: everything is very convenient, except that the basket for disk drives has to be removed, and then only simple solution Iwill already look like a small drawback. However, the XPC has a larger basket designed for three drives, allowing you to use, if desired, any external 3-inch device (at the moment, a card reader of the appropriate form factor is probably more relevant in this capacity).

As some might have already guessed, the Shuttle SN41G2 uses a board based on the NVIDIA nForce2-GT FN41 chipset. Accordingly, any AMD processors Athlon XP, any memory mode up to 2xDDR400, external video accelerator via AGP 8x bus, up to two monitors simultaneously (nView) and TV output when using the integrated GeForce4 MX class video core, as well as a wide range of peripheral interfaces (6 USB 2.0 ports, 3 ports FireWire (Realtek 8801), 10/100 Mbit Ethernet (Realtek 8201BL) and 6-channel audio (MCP-T and AC"97 codec Realtek ALC650). The XPC's standard support for one AGP slot and one PCI significantly distinguishes this line of miniature computers, providing its owners with almost unlimited expansion possibilities.

I was surprised by the processor cooler used: in older XPC models, not designed for the top (currently) Pentium 4 processors, a copper plate was pressed into the base of this device, but in the delivery of the model aimed at the most modern Athlon XP, the radiator was all-aluminum. This is all the more interesting because, according to the documentation on the Shuttle website, the SN41G2 should come with a PH7 cooler with a copper plate. However, heat pipe technology still does its job successfully; read about this below. We also note that there are radiators installed on the chipset bridges, which heat up quite strongly, and a fan on the northern bridge. The overall noise level of the cooling system can be assessed as low, and when the processor is idle (if the temperature drops below the threshold set in the BIOS, the selected fans reduce speed) as completely unnoticeable.

Finally, let's look at the capabilities of the BIOS, but you probably already guess that overclockers will (fortunately!) have nothing to profit from here. Available: memory timing settings, a wide selection of memory frequencies (all standard nForce2 options are retained), AGP bus settings, changing the FSB frequency up to 200 MHz in steps of 1-2 MHz.

• Contents: case, power supply unit, processor cooler (I.C.E. series), board, CD, manuals, ATA66, ATA33 and FDD cables, S-Video>RCA adapter, power cable, mounting screws and big set optional components
• Case format: “cube”
• Case dimensions (WxDxH): 200x300x185 mm
• Compartments: 1 internal and 1 external 3.5", 1 external 5.25"
• PSU: ACHME AM630BS20S, 200 W
• Board, chipset: Shuttle FN41, NVIDIA nForce2-GT
• Video: nForce2-G integrated graphics
• Audio: APU (integrated into MCP-T) and AC"97 codec ALC650
• Network: 10/100 Mbit Fast Ethernet, Realtek RTL8201BL
• Front panel connectors: S/PDIF Out (TosLink), 2 Audio (microphone/headphones), 2 USB (2.0), FireWire
• Connectors on the rear panel: 2 PS/2, 1 COM, 2 VGA, 1 TV-Out (S-Video), 1 LAN, 2 USB (2.0), 2 FireWire, 3 Audio

Soltek Qbic EQ3000M

But here we have a completely typical fruit of OEM cooperation. The Soltek Qbic and XPC series barebone systems from Shuttle have so much in common (including absolutely the same power supply model) that it’s easier to list their differences. Guided by the principle outlined in the section above, we will not analyze the EQ3000M in detail, but we will form a general impression together.

The removable case cover is the same, aluminum, but the design of the front panel has been redesigned: a mirror overlay is used (a Qbic version with a matte white overlay is also available, such models have the index “-W”) and the set of connectors has been changed. The owner of the EQ3000M will always have an optical input and output S/PDIF, two standard audio connectors, 2 USB (2.0) and 3 ( All three, looking ahead) FireWire. Well, perhaps the main difference: this model has 2 bays for external 5-inch drives (in addition to two bays for 3-inch ones). On the one hand, this is somehow wrong: the very concept of a mini-computer is violated not for long until adding (by special request) a couple more PCI slots... then with all the stops. On the other hand, Soltek also produces “cubes” of standard (by Shuttle standards, of course) sizes, with a standard one 5-inch compartment (they have “-2xxx-” in the model name), and owners of the 3000 series will not have to do this choice between CD, DVD or combo drive. As a drawback of the EQ3000M, we usually note [inevitable in the case of a mirrored facade] the disruption of the stylish appearance after installing external drives in its bays (we don’t see any models with a mirrored “face” on the market).

At the back, the picture is already painfully familiar, but, of course, with a changed layout of ports: 2 PS/2, 2 COM (one of the few barebone kits on the market), analog output to the monitor, 4 remaining USB (Soltek honestly realizes its full potential peripheral controllers on the board), LAN and 3 standard audio connectors. Nearby there is a small power supply fan, a large fan (here it is on its own) and space for the output of two expansion cards.

Inside, nothing has changed at all compared to any Shuttle G2 case, just the walls are slightly higher in steel and the cage for disk drives has increased in size accordingly. Note that Soltek treated cooling issues very carefully, including 2 ATA66 cables (one named “ATA100”) with two connectors each (that is, one cable per IDE device) and one FDD cable, cut into strips and pulled together along the entire length into a narrow bundle to ensure optimal air flow inside the case. Indeed, even two standard ATA66 cables can seriously spoil the picture we are looking forward to the arrival of Serial ATA. Since a barebone system is designed for at least three disk drives, you may need an IDE cable with three connectors (for two devices, plus one for the board), but this is not included in the required kit, but is available as an option of course, also included "striped" form.

Complementing the favorable cooling situation is a very decent quality 80mm fan from ADDA with thermal control function, which in this model is simply mounted on the rear wall of the case, since the cooler is I.C.E. not included. In fact, the kit does not include any processor cooler at all; apparently, Soltek engineers are not too worried about the fate of the Pentium 4 installed in their barebones and do not limit the user in independently choosing a model (in principle, you can, for example, order the same cooler from the I.C.E. and place it in its “rightful” place). It’s interesting that the EQ3701M model (designed for Athlon XP) comes with an impressively sized cooler with an all-copper radiator “free of charge”. ;)

Of course, the Soltek barebone system uses a motherboard from this company - the Soltek B8A-F model on the i845GE chipset. This chipset is, without a doubt, well known to all our readers, so we will briefly summarize its parameters: support for processor bus frequencies up to 533 MHz, memory up to DDR333, an external video accelerator via the AGP 4x bus, and an integrated Intel Extreme Graphics accelerator with an increase in comparison with the i845G( V) core frequency. The capabilities for supporting peripherals are the most common, even minimal for today: 6 USB 2.0 ports, 3 FireWire ports (Agere FW323-05), 10/100 Mbit Ethernet (Realtek 8100B) and 6-channel AC "97-sound (Realtek ALC650). We probably don’t need to mention the presence of one AGP slot and one PCI, but I would like to talk about the settings in BIOS Setup, but there is the same gentleman’s minimum set: memory timing settings, selecting its operating frequency, manually distributing interrupts among slots and changing FSB frequencies up to 200 MHz in 1 MHz steps.

In conclusion, here are some brief characteristics of the barebone kit, which comes in a beautiful cardboard box with a carrying handle.

• Contents: case, power supply, board, CD, manuals, 3 “narrow” cables (2 ATA66 and 1 FDD), power cable, mounting screws
• Case format: “cube”
• Case dimensions (WxDxH): 215x295x230 mm
• Compartments: 1 internal and 1 external 3.5", 2 external 5.25"
• PSU: ACHME AM630BS20S, 200 W
• Board, chipset: Soltek B8A-F, Intel 845GE
• Video: integrated graphics i845GE (impeccable quality in 2D up to 1024x768x32@100 Hz)
• Audio: AC"97-ALC650 codec
• Network: 10/100 Mbit Fast Ethernet, Realtek RTL8100B
• Expansion slots: 1 AGP and 1 PCI (for full-size cards)
• Front panel connectors: S/PDIF In/Out (TosLink), 2 Audio (microphone/headphones), 2 USB (2.0), 3 FireWire
• Connectors on the rear panel: 2 PS/2, 2 COM, 1 VGA, 1 TV-Out (S-Video), 1 LAN, 4 USB (2.0), 3 Audio

Performance Research

Test stand:

• Processors:
  • AMD Athlon XP 2400+ (15x133 MHz = 2000 MHz), Socket A
  • Intel Pentium 4 2.4B GHz (18x133 MHz), Socket 478
• Motherboards:
  • ASUS P4S8L on the SiS651 chipset as part of ASUS Pundit
  • Iwill XP4 on the i845GV chipset as part of the Iwill XP4
  • Shuttle FN41 on the NVIDIA nForce2-GT chipset as part of the Shuttle SN41G2
  • Soltek B8A-F on the i845GE chipset as part of the Soltek EQ3000M
• Memory:
  • 2x256 MB PC3200(DDR400) DDR SDRAM DIMM TwinMOS, CL 2
  • 512 MB PC2700(DDR333) DDR SDRAM DIMM Samsung, CL 2
• External video card: Palit Daytona GeForce4 Ti 4600
• Hard drive: IBM IC35L040AVER07-0, 7200 rpm

Software:

• OS and drivers:
  • Windows XP Professional SP1
  • DirectX 9.0
  • Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 5.00.1012
  • Intel Application Accelerator 2.3
  • Intel Extreme Graphics Driver 12.1
  • SiS AGP Driver 1.15
  • SiS IDE Driver 2.03
  • SiS Video Driver 2.15
  • NVIDIA UDP 2.03
  • NVIDIA Detonator XP 40.72 (VSync=Off)
• Test applications:
  • VirtualDub 1.4.10 + DivX codec 5.02 Pro
  • Gray Matter Studios & Nerve Software Return to Castle Wolfenstein v1.1
  • Croteam/GodGames Serious Sam: The Second Encounter v1.07

Testing the performance of barebones is a rather pointless task. Those wishing to roughly estimate their speed should refer to our research materials exactly the chipset, on which the kit's motherboard is based. Of course, fees different manufacturers may differ slightly in speed, but, as a rule, the spread of indicators in such groups is about 2-3%. It seems even more pointless to us to compare barebone kits designed for different processors, since here the result can be almost entirely determined by the choice of this system component. There is still a real benefit from carrying out our set of tests, and it consists in checking the overall “glitch-free” nature of the system when using almost all of its integrated capabilities (sound and video) in complex applications that load different computer nodes in different combinations.

In the diagrams, we will show the indicators of one typical test for the performance of a memory controller, and also examine in a little more detail barebone-sets in 3D games, where there is not always an alternative to the built-in video accelerator. For the most meticulous, we’ll add that the Shuttle model used a dual-channel memory mode, the ASUS and Soltek models used single-channel DDR333, and the Iwill model used DDR266 (due to chipset limitations).

ASUS kits and Soltek show predictably the same results, Iwill lags behind due to slower memory, and Shuttle lacks processor power (in this particular application, the Athlon XP 2400+ is weaker than the Pentium 4 2.4B GHz).

The most interesting thing about games is absolute fps values ​​in real game modes. It is clearly visible that the graphics core in the i845GE and i845GV is the same (but in the i845GV it operates at a lower frequency and besides, Iwill has slower memory), and the SiS315 (as part of the SiS651) usually lags behind them at medium-low quality graphics, but plays out in medium-high. However, the more important thing is that all these solutions are not suitable for a full-fledged game in modern 3D shooters. The nForce2-G is quite on par, providing a decent 50 fps at 1024x768x32, just don’t forget about the need for dual-channel memory mode. Well, when using a modern external video card (where possible), almost any modes become “playable”, but this is a topic for the “” section.

Temperature

Finally, let's see what the cooling systems of the kits under study are capable of. Let us immediately note that a complete correct comparison will not be possible, since the Shuttle model uses a processor of a different architecture, which has completely different thermal characteristics. Of course, it is impossible to directly compare the results of the two processors used, but to clarify general position It's worth keeping in mind that the typical heat dissipation of the AMD Athlon XP 2400+ is 62 W, ​​while our Intel Pentium 4 2.4B GHz 57.8 W model.

ASUS and Iwill coolers with similar characteristics performed identically, but the same Iwill cooler we used for the Soltek kit showed rather strange results: it removed heat from an idle processor much better, but when the latter was seriously loaded, it fell back in efficiency to last place. To be honest, we have no clear explanation for this fact, since the overall thoughtfulness and volume of the case, and the mounting of the cooler so that the radiator fins are perpendicular to the rear wall of the case seem to indicate in favor of the EQ3000M (and the results of cooling the processor during idle speak about the same thing). We can’t say anything about the Shuttle cooling system in comparison with others, but in our past tests of XPC models, coolers from the I.C.E. performed at their best. Note that, in general, all coolers coped with their task perfectly, keeping the processor temperature at an acceptable level when tested in a closed case and using integrated video and sound.

Speaking about the thermal regime in the case, you need, of course, to pay attention to the cooling of other system components. But for this parameter, as we, again, have already noted in previous articles, the method of directly removing heat from the processor “overboard” using I.C.E. It's much worse than the air forced onto the processor heatsink (with its subsequent distribution throughout the case) of traditional coolers used in other barebones. In fact, in Shuttle all internal ventilation is reduced to the operation of a fan on the rear wall, which has a large And m in diameter, but with a low rotation speed, and a small fan on the chipset, which immediately affects the temperature of the motherboard and hard drive as soon as the system comes out of idle state. For the rest of the test participants, the indicators are obvious and quite logical: in the cramped Pundit case, the electronic components “live” the worst, and the hard drive, clamped in the vice of its tiny basket, simply cries out for help; Soltek's relatively spacious case and excellent fan on the rear wall certainly distinguish the EQ3000M from the XP4, besides, the latter's hard drive is still too pressed against the CD drive.

Separately, we note that even when installing the “hot” GeForce4 Ti 4600 video accelerator, the temperature values ​​in both barebones (only Shuttle and Soltek support the use of AGP cards) remained approximately within the same limits and were very far from critical.

Conclusion

None of the kits presented today seemed unsuccessful to us, so we can recommend all these models and their “close relatives” with a light heart. If we evaluate multimedia capabilities, then the clear leader in comparison is ASUS Pundit, closely followed by barebones from Shuttle and Soltek, and Iwill XP4 is the simplest. However, the estimated cost of the Iwill model is the lowest, so the situation looks balanced. The ease of use, speed and temperature ratings of all participants are presented and discussed above, so choose according to your personal needs. Well, in conclusion, we will provide a short list of the most characteristic pros and cons of each barebone kit.

ASUS Pundit

Pros:

• Impressive design when front panel covers are closed
• Possibility of installing high-profile PCI cards
• Most PCI slots (2)
• USB 2.0 support
• FireWire support
• Availability of 4-in-1 card reader for flash cards and PCMCIA slot
• Availability of integrated TV output (S-Video and RCA)
• Availability of digital output (DVI) to an LCD monitor or similar device
• Good CPU cooler included
• Good selection of additional accessories
• Low noise cooling system

Minuses:

• Significant deterioration in appearance due to constant use of front panel connectors
• No LED indicator for CD/DVD drive activity
• Difficult to assemble/disassemble
• High temperature inside the case, and especially the hard drive

Iwill XP4

Pros:

• Very convenient assembly/disassembly
• USB 2.0 support
• Possibility of installing a high-profile PCI card

Minuses:

• A bit "rustic" design
• Inability to install an AGP video card
• Just one memory slot
• Increased temperature inside the case
• Potential "color incompatibility" with CD/DVD drives

Shuttle XPC SN41G2

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Convenient assembly/disassembly
• Very decent (for integrated graphics) 3D
• FireWire support
• USB 2.0 support
• High-quality integrated sound processor (not codec!)
• Availability of optical output S/PDIF
• Availability of integrated TV-out (S-Video + adapter to RCA included)
• Availability of analog output to a second monitor
• Excellent CPU cooling system included
• Wide range of additional accessories

Minuses:

• High temperature inside the case, and increased temperature at the hard drive
• Potential "color incompatibility" with FDD/CD/DVD drives

Soltek Qbic EQ3000M

Pros:

• Stylish design
• Convenient assembly/disassembly
• Possibility of installing two 5.25" drives
• Possibility of installing high-profile AGP and PCI cards
• USB 2.0 support
• FireWire support
• Availability of optical input and output S/PDIF
• Availability of integrated TV output (S-Video)
• Excellent case cooling
• "Narrow" cables included

Minuses:

• "Color incompatibility" with FDD/CD/DVD drives

Is it worth assembling the computer piece by piece from scratch, or perhaps a barebone system will suit you? In the latter case, all that remains is to choose the processor, memory and drives: leading Taiwanese companies such as MSI, Soltek, Iwill, ECS, VIA have tried to provide everything else for you.

Probably, a very long time ago there was a time when most integrated subsystems could not satisfy even the most undemanding user. Why, exactly, “probably”? This time has not completely passed even now, although integrated systems are becoming more and more efficient and functional every year, and the quality of their performance is very close to the quality of completely independent hardware. In any case, the period when it was possible to make an integrated subsystem work only through all sorts of shamanic dances with tambourines, and when the lack of additional capabilities meant maximum reliability and bug-freeness (what is not there cannot break) has long passed. Most integrated sound, network, video and other cards are now quite functional, and their capabilities are sufficient for many users.

And when the board has everything you need, why buy a large and noisy, and also dusty, heavy, and space-consuming case, into which a board with six PCI slots will fit? Do you need these PCI slots, or maybe a small and quiet system with no or minimal expansion capabilities, and not a very fast, cheap, and not very heat dissipating processor will be enough for you?

In a very large number of cases, the user makes a decision not in favor of large bulky cases. This is fully understood by component manufacturers who have released Last year a huge number of different kinds of barebone systems of completely different classes, with completely different capabilities, and costing, accordingly, from “very little” to “very much”. In this article we will try to figure out whether a barebone system is suitable for you, and if so, then which exactly.

What are barebone systems in general? As a rule, this is a case with dimensions significantly smaller than those of a standard ATX, and most often even a mATX case, in which a motherboard of a standard (mATX, mini-ITX) or form factor developed specifically for this system is mounted. The motherboard usually contains the maximum number of integrated devices - sound, video, network, FireWire, sometimes a modem, and in some cases (VIA EPIA boards, for example) - even a tightly soldered processor. It may or may not have expansion slots (PCI, AGP, CNR / AMR), but there are usually few memory slots - one, maximum two. There are also few overclocking capabilities, most often there are none at all. In addition to the motherboard, the case may contain other devices, such as an AM/FM tuner. Often these types of systems come with a special processor cooler, because not every radiator will fit into a small case. There are very few fans in such systems; there are cases when there are none at all. Accordingly, the thermal regime inside the case, firstly, is not conducive to overclocking, and secondly, it does not allow installing very powerful devices inside, such as the latest video cards and fast hard drives, but the noise is not very big. Power supplies for barebone systems, by the way, are also not very powerful and are unlikely to support such devices. There is rarely more than one magnetic storage device in such systems. Very often it is not possible to install a floppy drive. In especially small systems (such as the Iwill ZPC), 2.5” hard drives and thin laptop CD-ROMs are generally used.

All of the above seems to fully define the purpose of this type of machine - light office and home work, such as working with texts and watching movies, but do not rush to draw such conclusions. Below you will understand why this is not always the case.

Now let's see what various manufacturers offer us.

The first class of small systems are very quiet, very low-power machines. Systems based on VIA C3 processors and motherboards for them - EPIA M9000 and EPIA M10000 - rule here. EPIA M boards have an integrated video core with a built-in MPEG2 and TV-out decoder, an audio codec, a FireWire controller, and several USB 2.0 ports. and one PCI slot, which theoretically can be used for, say, a modem Today clock frequency The processors in these boards reached 1 GHz, however, since this is still a C3 and not a PIII, the operating speed of such systems is not very high. You can immediately forget about 3D games and heavy applications, but easy work with office applications, surfing the Internet and watching DVDs is quite within the capabilities of such a system. A low-power processor has a fan, but it can easily be removed and replaced with a radiator, and since power consumption is very low, there is no need to equip the system with a powerful and hot power supply. A high-speed hard drive is also useless here. Based on the EPIA M10000, it is quite possible to assemble a system without a single fan, and therefore almost silent.

In Russia, many companies assemble such PCs, sometimes using very small and nice cases, and of course, you can buy an EPIA M board and assemble such a system yourself. I don’t think that an EPIA M-based PC, being the only one in the house, can satisfy any user, but it is good as a second system. We do not always need the capabilities of large gigahertz and gigabytes.

The second class of barebone systems are systems without expansion capabilities, primarily without the ability to use external video. As a rule, such systems are packaged in very small and cute cases into which a video card simply would not fit, and if they have a fan, then there is only one and a slow one. The motherboard is completely unique, designed specifically for this system, and cannot be replaced. The power supply, as a rule, is located not inside the case, but outside it. Often in such cases even a full-fledged hard drive is missing, having been replaced with a hard drive from a laptop. Such a machine cannot be called a standard PC, since it has very little in common with it. A striking representative of systems of this class is the Iwill ZPC PC, which we recently described.

In addition to Iwill, AtoZ Technology has been noticed in the production of such systems with its models E7401SB and E5041D. Such systems are built on much more powerful processors (usually Pentium 4 mid-range) and corresponding integrated chipsets (i845GV or SiS650), have all the necessary integrated controllers, including good sound, and, in general, are suitable for any work with applications that do not require a powerful GPU. That is, again, you won’t be able to play on them, or you’ll succeed, but at very low resolutions, but everything else is fine. Of course, there is no smell of overclocking. The only inconvenience is that upgrading such systems due to the use of components for mobile PCs in them will be very expensive, and replacing the motherboard is completely impossible.

Additionally, the lack of any expansion slots limits your choice of, say, sound card built-in codec and external systems such as Extigy. But in combination with a small and thin LCD monitor, a system like the ZPC will look extremely stylish, take up little space, and make about the same amount of noise. Suitable for many non-gaming users.

The third, intermediate class of systems are systems that are essentially smaller copies of conventional PCs, but still do not have the ability to use an external video card. Execution - either a reduced classic tower case, or a slim version, or both, that is, convertible. These barebones include, for example, the Iwill XP4 system we recently described, as well as ASUS Pundit AB-P2600, Shuttle SB52G2, Soltek EQ-3401, MSI Hermes 651, Hermes 845GV and the ultra-modern MSI Hetis 865G.

They are built on the same chipsets as the “stylish-compact” class systems, plus the i865G, and have the same integrated capabilities, but the power supply here is no longer external, but internal; there is more space in the case, more fans, and sometimes some overclockers capabilities, and full-fledged three-inch and five-inch drives. Usually there are one or two PCI slots, which is good news - you can use another sound, modem, or even a PCI video card. The purpose of such systems is purely office, and the reason for this is the built-in video. At home there is no point in such a system, because if you want to reduce noise, then ZPC is more suitable for you, and if dimensions and a non-standard appearance are simply important to you, then it is easier to take a no larger system of a higher class.

And finally, the most numerous class of barebone systems is miniature desktops. Such systems are produced by all manufacturers of barebone systems without exception, such as Elitegroup (EZ-Buddie), AOPen (MX4GR), Soltek (EQ-3000W, EQ-3701M), Shuttle (XPC), MSI (Mega PC), Iwill (XP4 -G), and others. This class is so numerous that it is time to divide it into subclasses, but since it is not very clear on what basis to do this, I will simply tell you how this class and some of its individual representatives are characterized. Firstly, all of these systems have an AGP slot, and almost all have one or more (up to three for the Aopen MX4GR) PCI slots (the exception is the Iwill XP4-G, which has only AGP). Chipsets are the most modern, most often Intel 845GE or nForce2 (Shuttle SN41G2, SN45G), sometimes i865G (Shuttle SB61G2) or SiS651 (MSI Mega PC, ECS EZ-Buddie). Accordingly, the processors installed in such systems can also be completely different - from medium and low-end Pentium 4 to the highest models that support HT. Some systems based on nForce 2 can install the most powerful Athlon XP with a bus frequency of 400 MHz. Packed with powerful external video, these systems are capable of everything that a typical high-end home PC can do. There are also integrated controllers here: sound, most often AC 97 with the ability to connect a 6-speaker system (MSI Mega PC) or without it (this is more common), network controller, almost always FireWire, sometimes a modem (MSI Mega PC). Most users will be satisfied with them, and if you are not one of this majority, there are PCI slots at your service where you can insert full-size cards. There are, however, systems in whose slots you can only install low-profile devices, but these are few. The cases are very different, most often tower-shaped, cubic, or even slim. Usually there are no case fans, but there is a fan in the power supply and on the processor, and these fans are not always quiet. The motherboard is most often of its own format, but there are also systems on ordinary mATX boards (ECS EZ-Buddie). Hard drives and CD / DVD are ordinary, most often one each, sometimes it is possible to install a second hard drive. Recently, instead of a floppy drive, a memory card reader (EZ-Buddie, Mega PC) began to be displayed on the front panel, but older models, such as the Soltek EQ-3000W, did not yet have them. However, those who like to work with three-inch floppy disks can remove the card readers and replace them with floppy drives. There are, however, systems where this is not possible, because there is no external three-inch compartment.

There are often few overclocking capabilities, sometimes none at all. This is perhaps the most important difference between barebone systems and large PCs. And such a limitation has a basis - the thermal operating conditions of devices inside a small case usually leave much to be desired, and if these devices are also overclocked, then there will be a bathhouse inside the case, and malfunctions will begin. Actually, these problems are common to all barebone systems, with the exception, perhaps, of the slowest ones, but if other classes simply do not need overclocking, then it would not hurt, but it is not possible.

There are, however, exceptions to this rule - for example, in the EZ-Buddie the FSB frequency changes on the go from the front panel, but you still won’t get a big increase - there is no function for increasing the core supply voltage, and even with cooling, as I already did I said there are some problems. There are also systems with very developed overclocking capabilities, such as the Soltek EQ-3701M - the motherboard of this PC can work with all voltages, including even AGP voltage, and of course, allows you to change the FSB frequency in 1 MHz steps.

Each system has its own twist...

ECS EZ-Buddie also has it.

As a rule, all new barebone systems have a highlight, something that distinguishes it from the rest, or at least from a standard PC. The EZ-Buddie has an overclocking knob and front panel indicator, the Mega PC has a built-in mp3 player and AM/FM tuner, as well as a remote control, and the new Shuttle XPC systems (SN45G, SB61G2) have a processor cooling system using heat sink pipes.

Sometimes these non-standard opportunities cannot be taken seriously, and sometimes they are very necessary. For example, the same Mega PC is a great heart for home theater, music center and generally an entertainment center. And all thanks to the control panel, built-in tuner and six-channel sound.

Remote control from MSI Mega PC - not every center has this...

Who is suitable for barebone systems of this class? Yes, to almost everyone, from office workers to gamers. Of course, if you have a need to install, for example, more than one fast hard drive, a SCSI controller, or some exotic devices, or you are just a fan of overclocking, then these systems are not for you, but most users will still be satisfied with the integrated controllers, it is unlikely to use more than one PCI slot, and will not even think about overclocking. Such users make up 90% of the total number, and barebone systems of this class are suitable for them. They successfully replace a regular PC, and they make much less noise and take up much less space than their older brothers. That's what's good about it.

Have you already decided for yourself which system is right for you? Still in doubt, think that a full-fledged knee-mounted PC is better? Of course, among Russian PCs there are very decent ones, however, if you do not have those requirements that exclude the purchase of a barebone (I spoke about them above), then the choice between a standard PC and a barebone system is obvious, and this choice is not in favor of a local PC assemblies. Firstly, we don’t have many good cases, and most often they are not used for assembling production cars. And bad cases are equipped with not very good and very noisy power supplies. What this threatens is clear. In barebones, mostly decent power supplies are used, even such as PSUs manufactured by FSP Group.

In addition, a bad case threatens with many other small, but very annoying troubles, including a large amount of dust in the air, rattling, unsightly appearance... Secondly, the build quality of PCs from Russian assemblers can rarely compete with the build quality of a barebone system. And what has not yet been assembled, you can assemble yourself in literally 15 minutes - as a rule, assembling barebone systems takes just that much time, takes place without damaging the skin of your hands, and most importantly - you rarely need to think, all systems are included detailed instructions, designed for a person who distinguishes a hard drive from a CD-ROM and knows how to hold a screwdriver in his hands, but does not have any other special knowledge.

Well, are there still doubts? No? I thought so.

You can select and buy a Barebone for any task from the NICS online store catalog, which presents popular series of microcomputers from popular brands - ASUS VivoMini, ASRock Beebox, GIGABYTE BRIX and Intel NUC. Barebone is a compact, lightweight and cost-effective computer that can be an equivalent replacement for a desktop PC. Due to their small dimensions, minicomputers will become ideal option when equipping a limited-sized workspace. At the same time, their stylish design will perfectly complement and decorate any interior. Distinctive feature barebone is a flexible configuration option - the choice of RAM, operating system and data storage subsystem is left to the user, and to upgrade the platform you only need a screwdriver.

ASUS VivoMini are functional minicomputers for home and office based on Intel processors with a wide range of interfaces. They have an attractive design made of aluminum and plastic and, with a size of 131x131x42 mm, have low energy consumption and boast very low noise levels. ASUS VivoMini barebones can be mounted on the back of VESA-compatible monitors. Thanks to their functionality, compact platforms can play the role of a work computer, a home multimedia center or a file server. High resolution support will allow some Barebone models to be used as part of a home theater.

ASRock Beebox – microcomputers with concept design for home theater, office work or business at competitive prices. Among the advantages are the powerful hardware, including an Intel processor, a wide range of interfaces that allows you to connect up to 3 monitors and devices with a connector USB Type C for fast charging and also zero noise. Two slots for DDR3 memory modules and a bay for a 2.5-inch drive significantly expand the possibilities of using the compact platform.

GIGABYTE BRIX is the ideal foundation for a personal cinema, home or office PC, and a versatile platform for low-power digital kiosks. Stylish, lightweight aluminum body, compact form factor, and VESA mount for Barebone mounting on the back of your monitor. Powered by Intel processors and integrated graphics, these minicomputers allow you to customize the amount of RAM and disk drives you need, display high-quality images across multiple displays, and connect to mobile devices.

Intel NUCs are powerful, full-featured 10 x 10 cm minicomputers for entertainment, gaming and productivity. They are based on Intel processors and are customizable, allowing you to install memory, storage and suitable operating system. Latest models With powerful processors Intel Core The 7th generation supports 4K video playback and provides decent performance, not inferior in performance to desktop PCs.