Internals II
Here's the view once the cooler and fan are removed and the FD11 motherboard visible in its naked glory. There's a few extra board jumpers than we're accustomed to here. The couple to the right of the CPU socket control FSB operation. In default mode, they're set to automatic(100/133MHz FSB), covering all S479 processors. Moving both jumpers across forces 133MHz mode, suitable for the newer iteration of Pentium Ms which currently are headed by the '780, running at 2.26GHz. You should, of course, leave it to the factory-default of auto.
On the rear panel we highlighted that the SD11G5 supports both VGA and DVI outputs from the i915GM's onboard video. The DVI output is achieved by using Silicon Image's PanelLink IC, situated just to the left of the DC inlet. However, Shuttle also offers the user the option of adding in a discrete PCIe graphics card of their choice. Due to the outward-facing nature of the x16 slot, PCIe cards will have to run with single-height cards, as it's physically impossible to install a double-height card without taking a pair of pliers to it. Thoughtful design with no component restrictions along one side means that you can install even extra-long cards, such as the Radeon X1800 XL, without any problems.
Take another look at the above picture and you'll see that there are a bank of jumpers just below the x16 PCIe slot. If toggling between onboard DVI output and discrete PCIe x16 card usage, these need to be moved over to one side or the other, depending upon the preferred output. The good news is that the bank is made of up two jumpers (in blocks of 5), so moving takes just a minute.
The cooler uses proven heatpipe technology to wick away the modest heat generated by S479 CPUs and up to the radiating fins on the right. It's nice to see that Shuttle includes a surround around the copper insert; it should stop ham-fisted users from crunching the delicate mobile cores. It's also made for easy attachment. Simply place on top and push the four screws into the motherboard. Keeping temperatures in check is an 92mm speed-controlled fan that blows across the fins and exhausts warm air out of the back.
By having the PSU located externally, Shuttle's been able to design a chassis that's both small and reasonably roomy at the same time. Installation is pretty simple if you follow the manual, and power plugs in the form of 3 molex, a single SATA, and a single 6-pin PCIe will be enough for most people's needs. It's just a shame that no multicard reader is included here, or, for that matter, Wireless connectivity as standard.
The SD11G5 is designed to be one of the quietest in the XPC line. The basic ingredients are all there and it starts of with the low-wattage beauty of Intel's S479 mobile processors. The range-topping Pentium M 780 has a thermal design point (TDP) of just 27W, and ultra-low voltage Pentium Ms (753, for example) knock out no more than 5W TDP, so Shuttle has been able to get away with an external, fanless PSU and a distinct lack of internal fans. Indeed, the only noise-making component, if run with onboard graphics, is the 92mm fan, which has sufficient cooling ability to keep the hottest S479 CPUs in temperature check when only spinning at a near-inaudible 800RPM.
