MSI computer is a massive name in the computer motherboard (and video card) market and many feel it?s only a matter of time before they dominate the Small Form Factor (SFF) market in the fashion they have with the motherboard and VGA space. However, MSI?s approach to the SFF market (at least initially) has been towards the corporate/small business market. Unlike the enthusiast geared Shuttle XPCs, MSI?s first attempt at SFF was the MSI Hermes. We reviewed the Hermes last fall and although it competed very well in terms of features, it lacked the AGP slot and the looks to attract the home enthusiast. In our review of the Hermes we marveled at the cooling system, the features, and most importantly the price.

MSI?s second SFF is the product we have for review today; the MSI Metis. The Metis is a SlimPC type micro-ATX barebone. This means the Metis can be mounted vertically, and utilizes a micro-ATX MSI motherboard with three PCI slots and an AGP slot.

The specifications:

MS-6390 V2.0A Mainboard w/VIA® KM266 + 8235L Chipset
200/266MHz FSB: Supports AMD® AthlonXP, Athlon, and Duron, up to XP2600+
Memory: 2 x DIMM (DDR266/200), max. 2GB
Video: Integrated in VIA® KM266
Audio: ALC 650 5.1 channel audio codec
Network: VIA® VT8235 integrated MAC + VIA 6103 PHY
Device Bays: 1 x 5.25? & 1 x 3.5? exposed & 1 x 3.5? hidden
Slots: 3 x PCI Slot, 1 x AGP (Support AGP2.0 2x/4x)
Front Panel: 2 x USB 2.0 Port
Rear Panel: 4x USB 2.0 Port + 1 x Speaker-out Jack + 1 x Mic-in Jack (5.1 ch.) + 1 x Line-in Jack + 1 x VGA Port + 1 x LAN Jack + 1 x COM Port + 1 x Parallel Port + 2 x PS/2 Port + 1 x Power Connection

Form Factor: Micro-ATX
Hardware Monitoring: CPU Temp., System Temp., Voltage
Power Supply: 180W PSU (110V w/o PFC and 220V w/i PFC)
Dimension: 92(H) x 310(W) x 426(D)mm (Liter: 14)

WHQL Certified
Metis 266 Front Features:
? Supports 1 x 5¼? bay for Optical Device
? Supports 1 x 3½? bay for FDD or ZIP DRIVE
? 2 x USB 2.0 Headers w/ Cover
? Executive Black Finish Chassis
? Professional Silver Device Bezel
? CPU Thermal Exhaust Vent
? Exciting BLUE LED Power Light

Metis 266 Rear Features:

Power Connector
? KB / Mouse ? PS/2
? USB 2.0 x 4
? Parallel Port + COM1
? VGA Port
? 10/100 Ethernet Port
? Onboard 5.1ch Audio
? AGP Slot x 1
? PCI Slot x 3 (low profile)
? Chassis Lock
? Capable of using AGP graphics accelerator card
? Supports up to 3 x PCI devices
? Worldwide Power Supply with PFC function

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• The Case & Motherboard (0 of 4)
• The Motherboard (0 of 4)
• Benchmarks (0 of 4)
• Conclusion (0 of 4)