nVidia 8600 GT(S) / Radeon HD2600 in Shuttle box?

[Marsian-Shuttle]

For the past four years, I've had a Shuttle FN41SP barebone system on my desk. I'm really content with it. In fact, I'm so pleased with it that I've decided to replace my FN41SP with a new barebone setup from Shuttle. Right now, I'm considering the Shuttle PC-SG31G2. In combination with DDR2-RAM @ 800 MHz and a Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 CPU @ 2.67 GHz, I hope to have a computer that will last a few years from now (and let me play Crysis ).

However, I would very much appreciate a piece of advice from you guys. As impressive as the SG31G2 might be, I'm having problems finding a graphics card that will suit my needs. I'm thinking of getting a card from the nVidia 8600-series or the ATI HD2900-series. Now, this is where the problems start. I simply have no idea what new graphics cards Shuttle recommends (their own lists of recommendation seem to be really outdated).

The way I see it, I have to take two things into account when buying a graphics card for the Shuttle SG31G2:

1. The power consumtion. To my understanding the SG31G2 only outputs 250 Watt, while many modern DirectX 10-compatible high performance graphics cards require more power.
2. The physical limitations. As far as I can tell, the SG31G2 can only fit graphics cards with the maximum dimension of 206.43 mm (length) * 98.3 mm (height) * 16.40 mm (depth).

All in all, finding a high performance graphics card that will accomodate my requirements is not going to be easy. That is why I'm hoping that you can give me some advice / recommendations.

Simply put: if I'm going to buy a Shuttle SG31G2 and I want a high performance graphics card with DDR3-memory, DirectX 10-compatiblity and at least 512 MB graphics RAM, what do you think I should consider to buy?

[Stephen B]

I have the sg31 myself as a cad machine [e2180, fx1400], I'd wait and hope the new rev 8800gt might suit, shuttle psu's are pretty robust and although it may only be 250w, I'd be prepared to stick a 300-350w rated card in there with a reasonable amount of hope based upon my previous endeavours with shuttles in the past

I might even try popping in my xfx 8600gt card in for a giggle [512 meg dx10 etc], however I think you may want to dismiss high end from your equation, upper midrange would be the best I would hope for personally

[Marsian-Shuttle]

Thank you for your reply, Stephen. From what I understand, the Shuttle SG31 may not be the system I'm looking for. Like I said, I'm shooting for something that will last a few years from now and that will let me play Crysis with most sliders maxed out .

Anyway, I'll keep looking (and hope that Shuttle will launch a product line compatible with high end graphics cards soonish!).

Have a nice weekend!

[Stephen B]

have you looked at the SD35P2 ?, this will handle an 8800gtx [I had one in my SD37P2 briefly], will handle quads and the 1333 fsb cpu's as well

downside is it will be about £120 more than your intended SG31G2

[Marsian-Shuttle]

Stephen,

thanks for sharing your thoughts (and sorry for the late reply). Regarding the SD35P2, I have been giving it some thought. However, I feel like Shuttle is more or less forcing me to pay for stuff I would never consider buying (like the built in fingerprint scanner). Simply put, it doesn't seem to be even half as cost effective as the SG31G2.

Personally, I think it's strange that Shuttle seems to be totally oblivious of high performance DirectX 10 graphics cards. As more and more games require them, it is really weired that only one Shuttle box can power and fit appropriate graphics hardware.

As things stand right now, I can only dream of running Crysis.

[nimbu]

I know that you said that you are very content with shuttles. ( I have had two in the past myself). But have you considered putting your own uATX based system together?

Cases such as the silverstone SG01 and the lian li (forget the model) allow you to use full sized components and imo give you a bigger upgrade path, whilst still retaining a relatively small desktop footprint.

[b0redom]

I've got a 8800GTX in my Shuttle SN26P too. I'm just using the standard PSU, so as long as you can find a case it fits in, you'll probably be good with any.....

[Apex]

I've got a 8800GTX in my Shuttle SN26P too. I'm just using the standard PSU, so as long as you can find a case it fits in, you'll probably be good with any.....

What else toy running in that box as am going to a SN26, what would you say is the best fit for a gfx card in there currently ?, can not justify more then 150

[b0redom]

Well you can take a look at my system to see what's in there - it's fully loaded. I would say if you can power a 8800GTX, then you should be able to power just about anything.

[aidanjt]

8800GTX in a shuttle?... what are you?.. crazy?

Grab a 8800GT, single slot card, (much) cheaper, almost as powerful, uses sod all energy, spot on for a high power SFF machine.

[Apex]

Thing is i can pick a 1950pro up for about 80 quid ( looking at upg the psu in the SN26 to the 450watt psu they sell ) which should tie me over till i have some proper cash for a pci-e card

[b0redom]

You don't need to upgrade the PSU. As I've already said, I have:

8800GTX
2x HDD
1x DVD+/-RW
X2 4400+
2x1GB RAM sticks

And I usually have a USB card reader, a phone charger, and a USB powered HDD hanging off the USB ports, and I'm just using the standard 350W PSU. I can't see how why you could possibly need to upgrade the PSU?

As far as I can see there is

[Firebar]

Sorry to resurrect this.

Have you got the exact internal measurements of the SG31G2 ? I'm looking at using this for a games machine too

[Firebar]

Looking at various forums, there appear to be a few people running an 8800GT in the SG31G2...

[Firebar]

Well I've ordered both, so I'll let you know...

[Stephen B]

fitted my new Zotac 8800gt this morning into my SG31, all parts @ stock, 3dm2k6 12k

crysis loaded and hooked up to my 720p projector with everything at High and 2x [1280x720p]

chuffed