Bundle, accessories, warranty
The box lists the usual array of component compatibility but leaves out Core 2 Duo support. The processors were launched in July 2006, which was just after the introduction of this particular SFF XPC, so mini-mystery solved.
The list of included items is the same as if purchasing the bare SD37P2 on its own. The utility CDs include PC-cillin 2006 AntiVirus software, Phoenix Recover Pro 2004, Muvee Autoproducer 4.1, Adobe Reader 7.0. A separate CD covers all motherboard- and component-related drivers. Included in with the software build are Ahead Nero Express and CyberLink PowerDVD 6, presumably included with the retail optical drive. As a nod to the pre-configured status of the system, an extra bootable CD is included that, if used, restores the software build to its original factory state, if things should go awry.
Shuttle also includes a comprehensive manual in electronic form and a multi-language quickstart guide for more experienced users.
Warranty details
Shuttle's first-line support is available through a freephone telephone number. Basic problems can be addressed and if Shuttle deems that the unit requires inspection, it offers a 2-year collect-and-return service (to a German service centre) that begins on the date of invoice and which aims to turnaround systems, from initial pickup to return delivery, within 7 working days. We, however, reckon a 3-year warranty should be standard for high-end systems, especially when paying £2,000+ for a base unit.Noise, power and usage
We've mentioned that the system was quiet. The CPU fan (CPU + 92mm exhausting fan) was set to Smart Fan mode and the system fans (rear 60mm fans) to ultra-slow fan speed. The sample Shuttle P2 3700G was, subjectively, very quiet in 2D mode and the NVIDIA GeForce 7950GX2's fan was barely perceivable in full-blown 3D gaming. It's one of the quietest high-end systems we've come across, and our ensuing list of benchmarks shows that no component overheating or CPU throttling was in evidence with these cooling settings.Using our trusty watt meter into which we plugged the Shuttle's mains cable, we measured an idle draw of 148W and a full-load (Prime95 on one core, 3DMark05 looping using the GPU and other core) draw of 259W. Shuttle's stout 400W PSU may be small on size but big on performance, and we encountered no problems after a 12-hour burn-in test.
We also measured the temperature of the warm air being pushed out from the PSU fan to be around 48C with an ambient temperature of 21C, so kudos to Shuttle for developing a SFF XPC that takes high-end componentry but keeps the noise down.
One of the inherent problems associated with using 4GiB of RAM with Windows XP 32-bit is the reservation of part of the memory for PCI addressing. In this case, Windows XP was only able to 'see' around 3GiB of system memory, and you'll need to use a 64-bit OS to harness the full physical benefits of having 4 1GiB sticks of RAM in the system.
Value for money?
Adding up the cost of components, should you wish to purchase them separately, is a relatively straightforward matter, thanks to the level of integration in the SD37P2 chassis. Our calculations suggest that you can purchase the components for around £1750. Shuttle's £2050 asking price, then, takes into account the 2-year warranty and building costs. This end of the market is often home to those with a generous level of disposable income but who don't want to get their hands dirty by building it themselves. Well-off parents purchasing it for the son or daughter, perhaps? In that case, the value offered here can be considered reasonable.Sacrificing space for performance will offer more, as evinced by any reasonable high-end PC from a responsible system integrator, but the Shuttle P2 3700G's main selling point is style and power in a small package.
