The back
The back is what we'd expect. High-speed connectivity bundled with legacy ports. EPoX allots a large portion of space for the PSU's fan. Other SFF systems have concentrated on smaller PSU fans whilst using larger CPU fans. EPoX's CPU cooler is a novel touch. It does more than just keep the CPU at safe temperatures. The two blanking plates on the right-hand side hide the motherboard's AGP and PCI slots. We feel it is important for EPoX's eX5-300S to use a discrete AGP slot. This is a performance-based cube.
Here's where it can become tedious. The plates are secured in with standard screws and not the better thumbscrews. The PSU's mains inlet protrudes just a touch from the chassis. EPoX also bundles in a dual-sided screwdriver for easy component installation. However, it's quite thick at the centre. The protruding mains inlet makes it difficult to gain sufficient purchase on the screw head. You could always use a longer screwdriver, in place of the one provided by EPoX.
The COM port is strangely located away from the rest. The HD15 connection infers onboard video. The eX5-300S is powered by EPoX's SFF-size Intel i865G chipset. That also means Intel Extreme Graphics 2. Even at this early juncture, we'd advise potential buyers to look towards a discrete AGP card for 3D duties. The I/O panel uses a chunk of space for the printer port. We'd swap this out and relocate the front-mounted PS/2 ports. It would give the front a better aesthetic appeal.
The two manuals do a good job of illustrating the motherboard's functions, BIOS settings, easiest method of hardware installation, and software usage. The motherboard's manual recommends flashing the BIOS (something we had to do during testing) via a floppy drive. The EP-4PGF+, however, doesn't contain a legacy floppy port. Thankfully, EPoX's Mini Me control GUI allows for web-based flashing. All screws and fittings are provided.
The short HDD cable is rounded in appearance. It's just the right length to fit from port to drive. A SATA power and data cable, 3-pin 240-volt mains cable, driver CD, and pen-shaped dual-sided installation screwdriver complete the package.
It's magnetised at the centre so it holds the ends in and offers 4 possible head sizes; 2 Philips head and 2 flat. It's pleasing to see this kind of care and attention. A thinner body is all we ask for.
