Shuttle SS51 XPC - A True High Performance Small Form Factor PC

Assembly and Packaging

Shuttle has done a top-notch job with the SS51 in terms of putting everything together in the best way possible. Since the SS51 is sold as a "barebones kit" only some of the hardware should come installed when you purchase the system, it's usually up to you to add things such as a processor, hard drive, CD/DVD drive, video card, etc… Luckily, Shuttle makes dealing with the incredibly small size of the case quite simple.

The system is bundled with a very handy user's guide that details exactly how to install components, including build order. For example, Shuttle is quick to point out the proper way of routing the floppy cable from its connector on the motherboard to the exposed 3.5" drive bay.

Installing drives in the SS51 is made a simple task by the removable drive cage that's in the system. Two screws hold the cage in place, removing those from the top will let you slide the cage out of place for easy drive installation.

Installing cards in any of the two slots on the FS51 motherboard is simple; two screws at the rear hold a bracket in place that flips up to allow you to insert a card into either the AGP or PCI slot, or both. Even the long GeForce4 Ti 4600 fit just fine in the confines of the case.

Other than those screws, dealing with the SS51 is made easy through the use of thumbscrews. Four thumbscrews hold the single cooling fan in place from the outside, and another three thumbscrews hold the case cover in place.

Routing the power cables is made easy through the use of little plastic guides spread around the inside of the case. The cables running to the front I/O ports are a bit more difficult to work around since they run very close to the two expansion slots, but dealing with them isn't too difficult.

One short and one rounded cable.

Shuttle was clairvoyant enough to realize that cooling could become an issue if cables blocked the sole exhaust fan in the system, so the SS51 comes bundled with cables that are not only the perfect length for the system but Shuttle has also rounded the longer of the two IDE cables. The rounded cable is used for reaching the furthest driver from the controller (located in the 5.25" bay); the rounded parts of the cable lie perfectly in the path of the cooling fan, without the rounding you'd have a wide ribbon cable restricting airflow.

Overall we were very impressed with the construction and assembly of the SS51; Shuttle's attention to detail was quite evident here as well.