Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH announced its new top-of-the-range XPC Barebone model SZ68R5.

It is the first time a Shuttle Mini-PC integrates Intel’s Z68 high-performance desktop chipset with Smart Response Technology (SSD caching). An SSD is used here to speed up the boot process and to ensure ultra-rapid application startup. Space-saving mSATA-SSDs can be fitted in the corresponding Mini-PCIe slot on the motherboard.

The Intel Z68 Express chipset combines the numerous features of the H67 Express with the performance benefits of the P67 Express chipset. The new XPC Barebone SZ68R5 is able for the first time to accommodate four add-on cards: 1x PCIe-x16-2.0, 1x PCIe-x4-2.0, 1x Mini-PCIe-x1-2.0 and 1x mSATA. On the motherboard there are four sockets for up to a total of 32 GB DDR3 memory. Of particular interest to experienced users are the diverse performance-enhancing BIOS parameters for fine-tuning the machine. The "TurboBoost" function gets the most out of the machine's processors when under full load. In addition, new power-saving features ensure low energy consumption and less heat buildup. There is an extremely wide range of LGA 1155 processors supported by this barebone, including Intel Celeron, Pentium, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7.

The SZ68R5 has an HDMI port and DVI-I port – ideal for many second-generation Intel Core processors with integrated graphics. The new Intel HD graphics are normally sufficient for casual gaming and enable the smooth playback of HD content. With an additional graphics card fitted in the PCIe-x16-2.0 slot, up to four screens can be controlled at once.

A Smart USB port on the front with 2 Amp power feed is suitable for devices with high charging requirements (e.g. iPhone/iPad). In total, the machine offers the following host of external connectors: 4x USB 3.0, 6x USB 2.0, 1x eSATA/USB Combo, 7.1 Audio, S/PDIF. On the UEFI motherboard, there are 2x SATA 6 Gbit, 2x SATA 3 Gbit, 2x USB 2.0 and 1x RS232 ports waiting for the user. There is even a 500 Watt 80 PLUS-certified power supply unit already built in providing the juice to power all this.

"The long-awaited XPC Barebone based on Z68 Express has now landed in Europe," states Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. "Not often in our long history has the sales launch of a new model been so keenly awaited. In fact, there were already requests for this development as soon as the first model with LGA1155 was introduced."