Intel's P35 Express has reigned as the enthusiast chipset of choice for Core 2 processors since its introduction last May, and for good reason. The P35 delivers a fantastic combination of performance, features, and overclocking potential with a low enough price tag to allow for a wide range of affordable motherboards. But what if you desire a system smaller than your average mid tower or even Micro ATX enclosure?

Then you'll probably be eyeing something like Shuttle's XPC SP35P2 Pro. Built on a small form factor P2 chassis that Shuttle has been tweaking for years, the SP35P2 packs a P35 chipset, four DIMM slots, two hard drive bays, and support for double-wide graphics cards into an enclosure not much larger than a shoebox. There's even an integrated fingerprint reader, and in defiance of the system's proportions, ample options for overclocking.

On features and specifications alone, the SP35P2 is easily the most interesting small form factor system for PC enthusiasts—not that there are many to choose from these days. The question, then, is how the SP35P2 stacks up against its full-sized ATX counterparts. Read on to see what, if anything, Shuttle has compromised to bring the P35 Express to market in a small form factor system.

P2 with a twist

The SP35P2's defining characteristic is its form factor. Measuring 325mm long, 210mm wide, and 220mm tall (12.8" x 8.3" x 8.7" for the metric-impaired), Shuttle's P2 chassis is significantly smaller than the average mid-tower enclosure. However, as we'll see in a moment, the P2's dimensions aren't so diminutive that they severely limit the system's hardware compatibility and expansion capacity.

First, though, a look at the SP35P2 from the outside. Just marvel at its, um, blackness. To be fair, there are three shades on display: glossy black plastic that frames the front face, brushed metal on the front panel and drive bay doors, and a painted aluminum skin. The contrasting textures play off each other nicely, creating a classy and understated aesthetic.

However, as refined as the SP35P2 looks, there's really nothing new here. We've seen very similar designs from Shuttle over the last few years, and while there's something to be said for consistency, it would be nice to see the XPC barebones line get a breath of fresh artistic flair. Give me some racing stripes, a splash of color, polka dots—anything to break through the bleakness of years of all-black XPCs.

More at: http://techreport.com/articles.x/14034

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