SB75G2 Internals II
Moving on around to the CPU socket area.
Hiding underneath one side of the retention bracket are three of the more useful ASICs. VIA's 6306 3-port FireWire controller isn't used to its ability; only 2 out of 3 are used. Shuttle could just as easily specced the 6307 2-port version. Broadcom's BCM5788 single-chip PCI Gigabit Ethernet controller has probably been included on the basis of lower cost than the more elegant Intel's MCH-attached solution, which is considered to be one of the Canterwood chipset's strongpoints.
Just to the left is Realtek's much-used ALC650 sound CODEC. Offering 6-channel support and S/PDIF ability at a low cost, it's regularly found on a number of motherboards. Shuttle, it seems, cannot do without it.
The CPU cooler uses proven Shuttle heatpipe technology. A brace holds it firmly in place and heat is literally wicked away up towards the back. Sunon's 80mm fan speed is regulated by a decent BIOS.
Shuttle's brick-like has been re-engineered for quietness. Shuttle's also decided that high-performance cubes need at a quality 250w PSU. That's sensible thinking with the level of componentry that can be used immediately. A 3.4GHz Extreme Edition CPU and Radeon 9800 XT graphics card, for example. We're pleased to report that our sample's PSU didn't click when in standby mode, something that's all too present in XPCs of late.
The two manuals, pertaining to general installation and specific motherboard information, are well written and easy to understand. The colour photographs should make building up the SB75G2 a cinch. There's everything required to get started; installation screws, driver CD, PATA and SATA cables, and, funnily enough, a full copy of Mandrake Linux. We wonder why Shuttle hasn't made a bigger song and dance about it. Being as critical as we are, we'd expect some Shuttle-branded cables for the top-of-the-line Canterwood model.
