The Shuttle SD32G2 is the slowest PC in this group, but it has some powerful competition. On the plus side, its compact design will appeal to many home users.

The Shuttle SD32G2 is based on a 2.13GHz Core 2 Duo processor. That can’t match rivals such as the overclocked Chillblast PC, which tops the 2.5GHz mark, but it’s still well above the minimum 1GHz speed recommended for a PC to run Vista properly.

Just as important, is the fact that the Shuttle is very capable of handling the graphical complexity of Vista’s Aero interface. Its Nvidia Geforce 7900GS graphics card performed quite well in our 3D tests, topping 82 frames per second when running Far Cry, so it will also make a very respectable games machine.

Other features include 1GB of Ram and a healthy-sized 320GB hard disk, so there’s plenty of room to store large collections of digital music, photographs or video content that you might download from the internet.

We also like the fact that the Shuttle has both six-pin and four-pin Firewire ports, since most DV camcorders use four-pin connectors, while other peripherals, such as hard disks, tend to use six-pin connectors. Having both types means you’ve got all the bases covered. Our only minor complaint is that the 19in TFT monitor has the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio, rather than a widescreen 16:9 display.

The Shuttle’s main attraction is its neat design. Measuring 8in wide and high by about 11in deep, it’s a fraction of the size of its tower-size rivals. If you’re looking for a machine that won’t take up too much room in your study or living room, this is the obvious choice.

This article is part of a group test of £999 PCs
See also:
Introduction
Chillblast Fusion Tundra 6300
Evesham Solar Creation
Mesh Elite E6600
PC Nextday Zoostorm 4-6403 Advanced PC
Graphs and table of features can be read via our Pdf downloads above.