ASUS S-presso SFF System Review Posted!

[Dashken]

Like coffee as well as small form factor PCs? Then you will be interested in the new SFF system from ASUS.

Christened the ASUS S-presso, is this new SFF system really your cup of coffee? Read on and find out!

Link : ASUS S-presso SFF System Review!

[prikker]

Hello,
Thank you for the review. I'm really interested in the s-presso, but I missed a few subjects. How noisy is the machine? And Where is the connection for a regular TV.
Do I have to install an extra Videocard?
William

[siddiq]

Originally Posted by prikker

Hello,
Thank you for the review. I'm really interested in the s-presso, but I missed a few subjects. How noisy is the machine? And Where is the connection for a regular TV.
Do I have to install an extra Videocard?
William

about the video card it have an inteal graphic intergerated. but got AGP slot. can add extra.


Im Starting to like this SFF thingy.

[Adrian Wong]

As siddiq mentioned (also covered in the review), the S-presso comes with Intel Extreme Graphics 2. So, you don't need another graphics card.

Of course, if you want faster and better graphics, ASUS provides an AGP slot for an add-on graphics card.

As for the noise level, I think it's best to leave it to Peaz who can better tell you about it.

[David]

Hi Adrian (& others!),

Thank you for a most interesting review... I had been searching for something like this for the last few days, and was pleased to eventually stumble on what I think is the first 'in depth' review of the S-presso system.

I had seen it advertised here in the UK, and as I am quite a fan of SFF systems, I just couldn't resist buying one. I was initially only able to get the basic (P112) box, but having just heard that higher end model (which you reviewed) will hopefully be available within the next few day... the first to reach the UK I believe... I have arranged to exchange it for one of these, and can't wait to get my hands on it!

Your reviewer made a very valid point concerning the difficulty in removing the front cover... the plastic clips do seem to be quite strong though, as I found that the metal piece onto which they clip on the front panel had bent slightly instead! Certainly something that should (and could) have been better designed though, especially looking at some of the other interesting manufacturing devices which have been used elsewhere... such as the drive mountings etc.

This is actually my first post in your forums, so please excuse my ramblings!

-David-

[Adrian Wong]

Hello David!

Welcome to the ARP community forums!

Very glad the review was of use to you. We will see if we can get more SFF systems to review.

[config]

Originally Posted by prikker

Thank you for the review. I'm really interested in the s-presso, but I missed a few subjects. How noisy is the machine?

This is something I'm very interested in. I have a Chyang Fun eCube as my current HEPC, and it's noisy as hell. I had to replace the cacophonous crossflow "paddle steamer" fan with two 40mm fans to be able to use it for watching TV recordings. :-\

I use a MSI Mega 180 here at work and its as quiet as a mouse, so until I read about the S-presso 112 last November I was thinking of going down that route - but we've had many voltage fluctuations, overheats and random instant shut downs with the MSI Mega 180, so I want to avoid it as a PVR.

It's a real shame the S-Presso doesn't have TV-in and -out, so I guess I'll be keeping the ATI All-in-Wonder for the time being.

[peaz]

Originally Posted by prikker

Hello,
Thank you for the review. I'm really interested in the s-presso, but I missed a few subjects. How noisy is the machine? And Where is the connection for a regular TV.
Do I have to install an extra Videocard?
William

THe machine is VERY quiet. I didn't have the equipments to make a scientific measurement, but I can defianately assure you that the machine was very quiet. Even the fans was running at a low 2000+++ rpm only.

Connection to a regular TV is via the TV Card provided with the S-presso.

YOu don't have to install an extra videocard of course as there's the integrated graphics already. However, if you want better graphics performance such as to be able to play more intensive 3D games, then by all means.. upgrade it.

[peaz]

Originally Posted by config

This is something I'm very interested in. I have a Chyang Fun eCube as my current HEPC, and it's noisy as hell. I had to replace the cacophonous crossflow "paddle steamer" fan with two 40mm fans to be able to use it for watching TV recordings. :-\

I use a MSI Mega 180 here at work and its as quiet as a mouse, so until I read about the S-presso 112 last November I was thinking of going down that route - but we've had many voltage fluctuations, overheats and random instant shut downs with the MSI Mega 180, so I want to avoid it as a PVR.

It's a real shame the S-Presso doesn't have TV-in and -out, so I guess I'll be keeping the ATI All-in-Wonder for the time being.

THe higher end version of the S-presso comes with a TV Card! So, it definately can do output to a TV for sure! However, the only video input is the TV antenna in. No S-video or RCA input.... therefore, using the Cable TV won't work unless you get a converter... but that's gonna lower the picture quality any day.

[peaz]

Originally Posted by David

Hi Adrian (& others!),

Thank you for a most interesting review... I had been searching for something like this for the last few days, and was pleased to eventually stumble on what I think is the first 'in depth' review of the S-presso system.

I had seen it advertised here in the UK, and as I am quite a fan of SFF systems, I just couldn't resist buying one. I was initially only able to get the basic (P112) box, but having just heard that higher end model (which you reviewed) will hopefully be available within the next few day... the first to reach the UK I believe... I have arranged to exchange it for one of these, and can't wait to get my hands on it!

Your reviewer made a very valid point concerning the difficulty in removing the front cover... the plastic clips do seem to be quite strong though, as I found that the metal piece onto which they clip on the front panel had bent slightly instead! Certainly something that should (and could) have been better designed though, especially looking at some of the other interesting manufacturing devices which have been used elsewhere... such as the drive mountings etc.

This is actually my first post in your forums, so please excuse my ramblings!

-David-

Yup. I agree that the front panel is a pain to remove! I echo you thoughts that it can definately use some redesigning.

Cheers to you guys! Thanks for reading the review!