ASUS VivoMini are functional minicomputers for home and office based on Intel processors with a wide range of interfaces. They have an attractive design made of aluminum and plastic and, with a size of 131x131x42 mm, have low energy consumption and boast very low noise levels. ASUS VivoMini barebones can be mounted on the back of VESA-compatible monitors. Thanks to their functionality, compact platforms can play the role of a work computer, a home multimedia center or a file server. Support high resolution will allow you to use some Barebone models as part of a home theater.
ASRock Beebox – microcomputers with concept design for home theater, office work or business at competitive prices. Among the advantages are the powerful hardware, including an Intel processor, a wide range of interfaces that allows you to connect up to 3 monitors and devices with a connector USB Type C for fast charging, as well as zero noise level. Two slots for DDR3 memory modules and a bay for a 2.5-inch drive significantly expand the possibilities of using the compact platform.
GIGABYTE BRIX is the ideal foundation for a personal cinema, home or office PC, and a versatile platform for low-power digital kiosks. Stylish, lightweight aluminum body, compact form factor, and VESA mount for Barebone mounting on the back of your monitor. Powered by Intel processors and integrated graphics, these minicomputers allow you to customize the amount of RAM and disk drives you need, display high-quality images across multiple displays, and connect to mobile devices.
Intel NUCs are powerful, full-featured 10 x 10 cm minicomputers for entertainment, gaming and productivity. They are based on Intel processors and are customizable, allowing you to install memory, storage and the appropriate operating system. Latest models with powerful processors Intel Core The 7th generation supports 4K video playback and provides decent performance, not inferior in performance to desktop PCs.
Introduction
In this article we will tell you about SFF format barebone platforms. Today the market is literally flooded with Barebons from various manufacturers, and, as usual, the average user is at a loss and looks at small computer, excuse the expression, like you-know-who at the new gate. The purpose of this material will be to explain to you what a modern Barebone platform is, why it costs so much and what its pros and cons are. This material will be based on reviews of various platforms from manufacturers Shuttle, MSI and EliteGroup. Today, these are the main manufacturers and suppliers of barebons to our market, and it is these companies that, to varying degrees, determine the development of the industry as a whole.
Barebone = SFF (Small Form Factor)
In fact, the term “Barebone” itself translates as “clean bone” or skeleton. Therefore, Barebone is any platform on which a computer is built. This could be a MicroATX case or even a 1U or 2U server case with a pre-installed motherboard. The platforms themselves were designed for assemblers of low-cost computers to make it easier and therefore cheaper for them to assemble standard machines. But a few years ago, Shuttle introduced a new standard computer case - SFF (Small Form Factor). These familiar cubes measuring approximately 200(w)x180(h)x260(d) mm have today become synonymous with the word “Barebone” for us. And every time we say Barebone, we mean Small Form Factor and vice versa.
Such cubes have quite a few advantages over standard ATX and MicroATX cases. First of all, these are the sizes. And if the width of the SFF is slightly smaller than a standard ATX case, then in terms of height and depth the advantages of compact barebons are obvious. This means that you can use your workspace more efficiently. But at the same time, the SFF format compared to Mini-ITX format and other compact standards (for example, Flex ATX or Nano-ITX), allows the use of standard computer components - 5.25" optical drive, expansion cards with PCI or AGP 8x interfaces, as well as standard 3.5" hard disks. That is, the SFF format imposes virtually no restrictions on the buyer’s use of standard components for a personal computer.
A clear example of a Barebone platform in which excessive miniaturization has led to a loss of compatibility is the IWill ZPC platform (pictured above). Here, only a flat optical drive from a laptop is used, a 2.5" hard drive is also from a laptop, and there is no talk of any expansion cards. It is not surprising that this form factor was not accepted by users.
That is, one of the key advantages of the SFF format is compatibility with standard PC components (except the motherboard) with smaller case dimensions.
What does a barebone platform consist of? Part I - exterior.
Modern barebone platforms include the maximum number of components necessary to assemble computers. The fact is that today the average platform costs around $330, which is much higher than the cost of the components used in its composition, and most of the price is the so-called “luxury fee” and the return of the money spent on its development. To make it the most profitable to build, manufacturers try to add as much as possible to the barebon without overloading it, so that the buyer or assembler can still modify the configurations of the resulting computers.
Case types
So, the main component of the barebones is the case with the power supply. Today, three types of cases are common - these are the already familiar “cubes”, in which the width and height are approximately equal, horizontal cases of the Asus DigiMatrix type, in which the width is greater than the height,
and turrets whose height is greater than their width. "Recumbent" cases like Asus DigiMatrix no longer belong to the SFF class. They are 285mm wide and use flat optical drives. Tower format cases are used in ECS EZ-Buddie barebone platforms.
The most economical in terms of space taken up on the desktop are turret-type cases. For example, the EZ-Buddie D4I4-1 case is only 16 cm wide. But in such cases the optical drive is installed vertically, which makes it impossible to read 8 cm CDs on it.
Since the case itself of any SFF format Barebone has small sizes, and again the price of the platform is quite high, then manufacturers prefer to make the housing walls from aluminum. Aluminum is also a fairly light metal, and its use reduces the overall weight of the computer, which is very important for a compact computer. The most common body colors today are silver and black. White barebone cases are a little less common. All other colors are exotic.
Barebone in front
A modern computer should provide easy connection of various peripheral devices. This is why bezel ergonomics are very important for any platform. Most modern SFF format platforms have one 5.25" bay for an optical drive; a significant part of them also have one external 3.5" bay. The disk drive for such computers is a terrible archaism, so manufacturers prefer to install a card reader for 6 types of flash cards in the 3.5" bay. Almost any card reader can, if desired, be removed from the case to make room for, say, one more hard drive. But there are two types of card readers and I even find it difficult to give them names.
Shuttle Reflexion
Here in the photo above is a regular card reader that occupies one 3.5" compartment of the case. You can easily remove it and replace it with a disk drive, magneto-optical drive, or hard drive. In the latter case, a 3.5" bay plug may be supplied with the case, so that if a hard drive is installed, there is something to cover the hole.
Another type of card reader is less practical: they can also be removed from the computer, but the front panel of the case does not contain a compartment for 3.5" devices - it is replaced by card slots.
You can’t install an internal disk drive or magneto-optical drive here, and if you install a hard drive instead of a card reader, the card slots will remain gaping in their silence.
Although, there are some pleasant exceptions. For example, MSI platforms MEGA 180 Deluxe or MSI MEGA 865 Deluxe They have such a “hidden” card reader and on the front panel we see only slots for cards.
However, the socket itself with slots can be easily replaced with a plug supplied in the kit. You can’t install a disk drive or magneto-optics here, but a second hard drive is easy.
EliteGroup made it even more interesting - they hid the card reader behind a plastic door. Thus, completely solving the problem of replacing it. In the EZ-Buddie 2 platform, the card reader slots are generally installed on the side edges of the case, but there is no external 3.5" compartment.
Okay, we seem to have sorted out the card reader. What about the optical drive? Many of you probably know that it is more difficult to purchase a black drive than a white one. I have not seen silver drives for sale. Therefore, when purchasing a platform, it is very important to make sure that you can find an optical drive in the appropriate color so that it does not stand out from the overall design. Some barebone platforms, e.g. Shuttle XPC Reflexion, are already supplied with pre-installed drives. In the case of Reflexion, a 16-speed DVD-ROM is a drawback, since it seriously adds cost to the platform, the platform is not sold without it, and I would put a DVD-R/RW drive in such an expensive computer. And so you will have to pay for the DVD-ROM, which will have to be sent for scrap.
The ideal solution in the case of a non-standard color of the case is to use a curtain, behind which the optical drive is hidden. This is done in the MSI MEGA and ECS EZ-Buddie platforms.
In such a case you can put an optical drive of any color - even one painted in Gzhel and it will not spoil the appearance of the front panel.
Interface and audio ports must be installed on the front panel of the case. In general, temporary devices such as home electronics or storage media are connected to the front panel. Anything that is permanently connected must be connected to the back of the case. The front panel must have at least two USB ports (for flash drive and MP3 player), at least one IEEE-1394 port for digital camera and three audio jacks. Moreover, IEEE-1394 must be a 4-pin I-Link type so that the user does not have to worry about finding adapters. It would be great if one 4-pin and one 6-pin IEEE-1394 port were installed. As for the audio jacks, there should normally be a headphone output, a microphone input and an SPDIF optical input. If a line input is installed on the front panel, then it must be duplicated at the back so that when connecting some TV tuners, a situation does not arise when you have to surround the case with an audio cable.
What kind of ports should they be - open or closed behind a curtain? From a practical point of view, everyone chooses for themselves. If you plan to use them rarely, look for closed ones, often look for open ones. But the main thing is that there are no shiny plastic parts around the ports that could be scratched. After all, where is the guarantee that you won’t miss the port with the sharp connector of the flash drive?
In addition, the area around ports and buttons is more likely to get dirty.
Well, we've sorted out the front panel of typical Barebone platforms. Let's look at the barebones in profile.
Barebone in profile
Case covers are mostly made U-shaped, that is, they are removed completely, and not in fragments, to provide freer access to the interior of the case. Very often, ventilation holes are made in the side walls of the case or grilles are installed.
Unusual design, compactness and expanded multimedia capabilities are the main criteria for the popularity of barebone systems. Read about how to choose the right devices in the new issue of the Guide.
Barebone systems owe their appearance, first of all, to the fact that many people have long been tired of standard gray cases, more appropriate in an office than in a home interior. The first to realize this was Apple, which began producing computers in cases with an unusual and attractive design. However, due to the stable demand for ordinary personal computers and the lack of non-standard components, other manufacturers were in no hurry to experiment with case designs. Subsequently, the demand for PCs began to fall, and barebone systems turned out to be one of the ways out of this situation for many companies. The unusual design, compactness and advanced multimedia capabilities were really able to attract new buyers. And this despite the fact that the cost of barebone systems is noticeably higher than the cost of standard cases!
A small digression that clearly illustrates the popularity of the compactness of barebone systems. Apple Company, which, in fact, was the founder of unusual computer cases, took advantage of the experience of barebones manufacturers and released a compact computer Mac mini, not inferior in design to the best representatives of barebone systems on the PC platform. Moreover, this computer has become the cheapest of Apple's desktop personal computers: in the USA it sells for only $500! True, this is not a barebone, but a ready-made computer, and Apple does not plan to supply systems for self-assembly. On the other hand, Macintosh computers traditionally have a lot of modifications, from which you can choose the most suitable machine.
What is a typical barebone system? The first idea can be obtained from the name - the word barebone can be translated from English as “skeleton”. In other words, a barebone system is the basis, a kit for assembling a personal computer. First of all, a barebone is a case of non-standard dimensions, usually with a smaller power supply, an original cooling system, and a proprietary motherboard. In some cases, the package also includes an optical drive and a hard drive. Such systems go on sale precisely as a kit for assembly. However, many computer manufacturers, even such large companies as Fujitsu-Siemens, do not shy away from using third-party barebone systems to assemble personal computers under their own brand. Russian companies have also succeeded in this matter, so those who wish can choose a ready-made computer rather than engage in “technical creativity” on their own.
Contrary to popular belief, barebone systems can be used to build not only an ordinary home PC, but also a high-end, high-performance computer. Moreover, some companies produce specialized machines based on “skeletons”, “tailored” for any specific tasks, for example, for use as a compact desktop sound studio. So don’t be afraid that by choosing a case with a stylish design you will limit yourself in system performance.
Currently, many companies are producing barebone systems. The pioneer in this market was the Taiwanese company Shuttle, which, in fact, made “skeletal” systems popular. Shuttle products have the largest range, and everyone can choose a model to suit their taste. All modifications have either a multi-format card reader or a compartment for a floppy drive. Other major manufacturers of barebone systems include MSI, Asus, Soltek and Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS). The models of these companies are more focused on multimedia use than Shuttle products. Many barebone systems can be used as music centers or video sources, and in most cases, audio and video playback can be performed without loading the operating system.
When choosing, you must first of all decide on the platform: the model you like externally may not support, for example, the Pentium 4 or Athlon 64, which you want to base your system on. Particular attention should be paid to the system logic set on which the motherboard is built: both performance and the possibility of using certain components or peripheral devices depend on this. Fortunately, without exception, all manufacturers of barebone systems provide their products with very detailed technical specifications and instructions regarding the components that can be installed in a given specific model.
The buyer of a barebone system should keep in mind that the expandability of such a computer is limited compared to a machine in a traditional case. Some particularly small models cannot be modified at all, and most compact models can only accept low-profile expansion cards, and the number of slots for them is limited. In some cases, due to the specific cooling system, processors with high heat generation cannot be installed in such cases; This is usually stated in the technical description of the barebone system.
Among the features of some models of barebone systems are built-in wireless adapters. local networks, digital audio outputs and audio inputs, allowing you to connect your computer to household audio equipment, as well as remote controls. An unpleasant surprise may be the absence of some ports (for example, a parallel port on some Shuttle models), or the impossibility of installing a floppy drive. In many models for mounting the hard drive and installing hard disk will have to show enviable ingenuity and miracles of balancing act.
Of course, those who want to get a music center at the same time as a computer should take a closer look at systems with the appropriate functionality. As a rule, such “skeletons” are also equipped with a large display and a built-in radio. If you plan to play computer games, you should choose models without a built-in graphics controller and with an AGP port. Unfortunately, it is not possible to install the most powerful video card in a compact barebone system, since due to high heat generation such cards are not low-profile. Therefore, you will have to choose only from entry-level and mid-level video cards. However, some models provide for the installation of full-size PCI cards. For example, in some modifications from Soltek, you can install a full-size PCI card, but you will have to sacrifice one of the optical drive bays: the drive will no longer fit here.
Finally, if you don’t have experience building even a regular desktop computer, it’s strongly not recommended to “build” a PC based on a barebone system. The fact is that due to the small dimensions in compact cases, the components are placed very tightly, and non-standard and intricate cooling systems can be very difficult to install. An inexperienced person can easily damage not only the barebone itself, but also expensive components, in particular the processor. If you still want to get a computer based on a “skeletal” system, it is better to contact computer stores or companies that assemble custom PCs.
In conclusion, I would like to warn you that a barebone system will cost you significantly more than a regular case: their price can range from a relatively reasonable 180 US dollars to an impressive 550 US currency units. Beauty requires sacrifice!
On the next page you can get acquainted with some barebone systems present on the Russian market.
Asus DigiMatrix
A typical multimedia model with an unusual appearance: the computer is “masked” as a high-end Hi-Fi component and comes with a remote control. The “stuffing” is not so impressive: a motherboard based on a not the most modern SiS 651/962L chipset, support Pentium processors 4/Celeron on the Northwood core (Socket 478) with a clock frequency of up to 2.66 GHz, two slots for DDR 333/266 RAM up to 2 GB, SiS 315 graphics core using up to 64 MB of system memory, single-channel IDE controller 133, to which a hard drive and a “laptop” DVD recorder and a six-channel sound controller are connected. The complete absence of PCI slots and an AGP slot is depressing: you won’t be able to install any expansion devices. Among the advantages are a built-in TV tuner with support for high-definition television and the ability to receive radio programs in the FM range, a seven-format card reader, an S/PDIF digital audio output that allows you to connect to household audio equipment, a wireless LAN controller of the IEEE 802.11b standard (supports in software access point mode), two FireWire ports and as many as eight USB 2.0 ports. Power supply - external, power - 120 W. Overall dimensions - 285 x 53 x 290 mm. The retail price is just as impressive as the appearance - the device costs about $575.
Advantages: compactness, attractive design, almost silent operation, built-in TV tuner and Wi-Fi controller, watching TV and listening to music without loading the operating system, remote control.
Flaws: outdated platform, low performance, inability to install expansion cards, very high price.
ECS EZ-Buddie D2S4-3
An aluminum barebone system of unusual design, reminiscent of a smaller traditional tower-type system unit. The system is fundamentally not multimedia and is not equipped with built-in tuners or a remote control. The device is built on the SiS 661FX+963 system logic and supports Pentium 4/Celeron processors based on the Northwood core (Socket 478, system bus 400/533/800 MHz, including Hyper-Threading technology). The graphics controller is integrated and consumes up to 64 MB of system memory. The built-in display provides information about the operation of the system, including data on the processor temperature, the operation of the drives, as well as any malfunctions that have occurred. Overclocking enthusiasts will love that this can be done using the wheel on the front panel. The board has two slots for DDR 266/333/400 RAM up to 2 GB, an AGP slot, a PCI slot, a dual-channel ATA133 controller and a six-channel sound codec. The case has six USB 2.0 ports and two FireWire ports. There is one three-inch bay occupied by a six-format card reader and one vertical five-inch bay for installing an optical drive. The power supply is external. Overall dimensions - 262 x 162 x 301 mm. The approximate retail price of the system negates almost all of its shortcomings: it is about 200 US dollars - an absolute record among the devices presented in this review. By the way, ECS produces 18 modifications of this barebone system, including for AMD processors, while prices for these systems start at $180 - a very good option for those who are tired of a banal gray box, but who do not have excess funds.
Advantages: elegant case with pleasant blue backlight, good performance, upgradeable, overclocking by rotating the wheel on the front panel, low level noise, extremely attractive price.
Flaws: built on a previous generation platform, external power supply, vertical arrangement of the optical drive causes inconvenience, in particular, the inability to work with 8 cm disks, lack of support for promising interfaces.
MSI MEGA 865
Another very beautiful barebone system, oriented towards multimedia use and equipped with a remote control. The model is built on the previous generation Intel 865G system logic set with a built-in graphics controller (MS-6796 motherboard) and is designed for Pentium 4/Celeron processors with a clock frequency of up to 3.2 GHz (Northwood core, Socket 478, bus 400/533 /800 MHz). The motherboard contains two connectors for dual-channel DDR400 RAM up to 2 GB, a PCI slot, an AGP 8x slot, a mini PCI slot for installing laptop expansion cards, an ATA 100 connector, a Serial ATA connector, as well as a six-channel Realtek 655/658 audio controller with digital input and output. The device has a modem, a 100-gigabit network controller, and the Deluxe modification additionally installs a mini PCI form factor wireless LAN adapter. The system is equipped with four USB 2.0 ports (two more are located on the motherboard, one is for a card reader) and two FireWire ports. The case can accommodate one five-inch and two three-inch drives. Additionally, a proprietary TV tuner designed specifically for this system is supplied. It is possible to play audio CDs, MP3s, listen to the radio and watch TV programs without loading the operating system. The front panel with a colorful large display contains slots for a six-format card reader. Built-in power supply, power 250 W. Overall dimensions - 202 x 320 x 151 mm. Estimated retail price is $350.00.
Advantages: luxurious design, high performance, expandable configuration, sound playback without loading the operating system, Serial ATA support, built-in modem, remote control, reasonable price.
Flaws: at the core - Intel platform previous generation, too cramped in the case - if the relatively noisy cooling system fails, overheating and damage to components is possible.
Shuttle XPC SB83G5
A typical Shuttle "cube" based on a modern Intel chipset 915G for Pentium 4/Celeron processors on the Prescott core (Socket 775, bus 533/800 MHz). Lack of additional multimedia capabilities is also typical for the products of this company. Despite the built-in graphics accelerator Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, it is possible to install a video card with a PCI Express x16 interface. The proprietary FB83 motherboard has two slots for dual-channel DDR400/333 RAM up to 2 GB, a PCI slot, an ATA100 connector, two Serial ATA 150 connectors and a connector for a floppy drive. The case has one five-inch and two three-inch drive bays. The barebone system has a six-channel audio controller with digital S/PDIF ports, a gigabit network controller, two FireWire ports and four USB 2.0 ports. The device uses a proprietary Silent X cooling system and a built-in 250 W power supply. Overall dimensions - 310 x 200 x 185 mm. The approximate price in Russia is 400 US dollars.
Advantages: attractive appearance, modern platform, high performance, a set of promising interfaces, expandability, gigabit network controller, built-in power supply.
Flaws: Instead of a card reader, this model has an obsolete floppy drive and a relatively high price.
A laptop, in fact, is a well-coordinated computer “organism” in which certain processes are constantly occurring. All hardware components, every screw and detail are exactly what make high-quality and effective work on a laptop possible. Well, the filling of such a device is a whole different story! It is selected by the manufacturer according to the form factor of the laptop, that is, in accordance with the tasks for which it is designed.
However, as many users as there are requirements, ideas and desires. It also happens that existing models on the market do not satisfy the user’s needs, and there is nothing reprehensible in this. There are barebone systems especially for such clients - a very specific and controversial product, but certainly very interesting.
So, a barebone (from the English barebone - “bare” - bare, “bone” - bone) is a laptop designed to be assembled by the user himself, taking into account his wishes. That is, relatively speaking, there is a base in the form of a body and some parts, and you can choose any filling! Of course, it is possible that for some, the ordeal of choosing a filling can turn into some kind of buffet: everything is in abundance, you want to take this and that, and also the same as your neighbor’s, because his food tastes better. But if you dig a little deeper, you will understand that filling the barebone base is a complex, resource-intensive job that should be approached with special care.
Difficulty of choice
What are these nuances connected with? First of all, with the fact that you are unlikely to find barebone in the nearest hardware store. It is usually purchased through online stores that specialize in this kind of stuff. By the way, barebones exist not only for self-assembly of laptops, but also for desktop computers, all-in-one computers, you can even buy a server this way. In short, there is plenty to choose from.
There are important points to consider when considering whether to purchase such a custom laptop. In particular, keep in mind that no matter which model you choose, some components will already be built-in and you will not be able to change them. Usually we are talking about the optical drive and the motherboard, less often about the display. However, the user always has the right to choose a processor, video card, RAM, hard drive, and wireless communications. All these components must be purchased independently, while carefully double-checking their compatibility with the laptop motherboard. Thus, by selecting certain components, the user can vary the final cost of the resulting laptop.
By the way, for maximum convenience of users there are special resources, for example, rjtech.com, which immediately offers a list of all components available for specific model. So, anyone can choose a 4th, 5th or even 6th generation chip, with an integrated video card or the most modern discrete one, with 8 GB or 64 GB of RAM, etc. Take, for example, the Clevo P650RE-C, which starts at $1,319. Instead of the basic Full HD screen, you can choose a screen with 4K resolution, which will cost an additional $200, an Intel Core i7-6820HK chip instead of an Intel Core i7-6700HQ - another $125, and the maximum possible amount of RAM for this barebone is 64 GB, but for such luxury will have to shell out $675. By the way, the most common brands that offer barebones for laptops are Clevo, MSI, Gammatech, Schenker and Eurocom.
Self-installation
In principle, filling the device yourself is not so difficult, provided that you already have experience in such matters. In addition, you need to arm yourself with several tools, including screwdrivers. different sizes, scissors for grabbing small parts, containers for storing screws. It would be a good idea to make sure that the barebone base comes with detailed instructions on assembly, because you need to be prepared for any outcome. After all the components are in place, all that remains is to install the operating system, and then all the necessary drivers.
Is the game worth the candle?
Without a doubt, barebones is a very interesting experience, but is it worth the effort? There is no clear answer to this question. On the one hand, the user has enormous possibilities for choosing hardware components: the performance of the laptop can be varied at will, and other technical characteristics will depend solely on the wishes of the user and his ability to pay.
On the other hand, we must admit that assembling a “perfect” gadget in every sense will take a lot of time, and perhaps even nerves. If you fill the device yourself, there is still a risk of doing something wrong, damaging the part, etc. In addition, it is difficult to predict how reliable the manual assembly of laptop components will be. However, if you still decide to act, despite all the shortcomings, hesitations and delays, a long-awaited reward awaits you: looking at your laptop, you will be able to tell everyone “I made it myself!”
Miniaturization of personal computer components is a long-established market trend. Introduction of modern semiconductor technological processes allows you to create more and more complex integrated circuits that incorporate the functions of many devices at once and do not require the use of colossal cooling systems. As a result, the placement of such components becomes possible on boards with a small area and in cases with a small internal volume, which explains the significant reduction in the size of a personal computer. Even if you close your eyes to the fact that a fairly powerful hardware in terms of computing fits quite well in the body of a smartphone or tablet, and focus specifically on traditional personal computers, it is clearly noticeable that the average size of such systems has decreased. Both laptops and desktop systems have become smaller and lighter. Among mobile computers, compact netbooks and ultrabooks have gained popularity, while productive desktop systems often began to be content with the Mini-ITX form factor, and in parallel, very small-format PCs like Intel NUC or numerous nettops appeared.
All this is a completely natural reflection of technological progress, but this is not the only way it manifests itself. Miniaturization also paved the way for the emergence of devices of fundamentally new form factors that have a hybrid nature and combine two PC essences in one case. Currently, two fundamentally new directions have emerged in external form computers: a cross between a laptop and a tablet - two-in-one devices - and something in between a desktop system and a laptop - all-in-one computers. It is the expansion of monoblocks that will be discussed in this material.
The idea of placing a personal computer in a monitor case itself is far from new. This approach allows you to save space on the work surface, do without a bunch of wires lying on the table and give the computer a more “decent” appearance. However, until recently, such integrated monoblocks were not so common devices and were used mainly in the business segment. The point is that placement motherboard with a processor, memory and video adapter in a monitor case was far from simple and required considerable effort from the developers. As a result, final products could not boast of an affordable price, they were based primarily on laptop components, and the final performance was seriously limited by the capabilities of modest-sized coolers. In other words, in reality it turned out to be something like a stationary analogue of an expensive laptop, differing from it in better side screen sizes and the ability to choose a keyboard and mouse to suit your taste.
This would probably have continued further, but with the release of the latest generation Core series processors, Intel became interested in promoting computers with new form factors. And she not only became interested, but, seeing an opportunity to increase sales of her own processors, decided to participate in the development of this market. It was on this wave that the Intel NUC mini-computer appeared, but it was not limited to it. Intel also became interested in all-in-one PCs, which in the era of the transition to touch interfaces and the Windows 8.1 operating system can offer the user additional convenience.
Intel's participation in the promotion of monoblocks turned out to be quite delicate, but at the same time, effective. The company did not release its own devices of this type and did not resort to large-scale advertising campaigns, but simply standardized the design of the filling, which can fit into the monitor case. The ThinMini-ITX form factor was chosen as the base, for which a reference layout of motherboards with LGA 1155 or LGA 1150 connectors and memory in the form of SO-DIMMDDR3 modules was proposed. This made the development and release of such motherboards a very simple enterprise, in which almost all leading suppliers immediately became involved: ASUS, ECS, Gigabyte, ASrock, as well as numerous OEM developers. It didn’t take long for ODM integrators to start producing all-in-one monoblock cases filled with monitors, compatible with Intel’s ThinMini-ITX standard.
Thus, the market for monoblocks based on Core family processors has come to life, and today it offers a wide variety of products, both from eminent companies and from numerous Chinese and even domestic assemblers. All such products are essentially related, since they are based on the same design of LGA 1150/1155 motherboards, but the differences between them can be very significant. Firstly, the available cases for monoblocks differ in appearance. They have different designs and are equipped with matrices of various sizes - from 18 to 24 inches. Secondly, assemblers are not at all limited in the choice of filling: there are many compatible boards, plus they can install different processors and memory, vary storage drives, wireless controllers and some other additional equipment.
In addition, another option has appeared, designed for advanced users who are accustomed to assembling computers with their own hands. Considering that the design of a modern candy bar is standardized in a certain way, you can purchase a case and fill it with filling yourself. For fans of this approach, products from the Chinese company Wibtek have appeared on our market, which, among other products, offers a kind of skeletal barebone system for assembling a candy bar from components on its own. Wibtek barebones include, among other things, motherboards made based on the reference design, and the user only has to add a processor, memory, storage and some mini-PCIe devices. Today we will get acquainted with one of these barebones monoblocks, created on the basis of Intel’s concept. Our laboratory received a skeletal system for creating the Wibtek A23-TH87G-S U3 Touch L6 all-in-one.
Specifications
Description/Features: All-in-One PC with touch screen 23""operating system: not installed, Windows support 7 / 8
Motherboard chipset: Intel H87 (Wibtek TH87G-SA motherboard)
Supported processors: fourth generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7, Pentium, Celeron for LGA1150 socket.
RAM: 2 SODIMM slots for DDR3 1066/1333/1600 MHz modules up to 16 GB.
Disk drives: installed by the user, the ability to install one 3.5""/2.5"" HDD.
Disk interfaces: SATA6 Gbit/s.
RAID support: no.
Video adapter: integrated, depends on the installed processor.
Sound card: 7.1 HD-audio (via HDMI).
Acoustic system: 2 built-in stereo speakers.
Optical drive: user installable, supports 12.7mm slim ODD.
Expansion slots: 2 x mini PCI Express (1 x Half Mini-PCIe, 1 x Full Mini-PCIe).
Control: on/off button.
TV tuner: no.
Camera: built-in webcam, 2.0 megapixels.
Microphone: built-in.
Display: 23"", Full HD (1920 x 1080), TouchScreen, with LED backlight.
Network controllers:
10/100/1000 Mbit LAN;
WiFi 802.11b/g/n can be installed.
Firewire: no.
Card reader: yes, supports MS/MS Pro/SD/MMC formats.
Ports/connectors:
1 x HDMI;
4 x USB 3.0;
1 x microphone input;
1 x line out/headphone out;
1 x power connector;
1 x RJ45.
Case color: black (frame), white.
Case material: plastic.
Power supply: external adapter 120 W.
Package contents: instructions, power adapter, driver disk.
Possibility of wall mounting: yes, bracket must be purchased separately.
Dimensions: 557 x 337 x 55 mm (without stand).
Appearance
A monoblock is, first of all, a monitor. This is how the case of any similar computer is perceived, including the Wibtek A23-TH87G-S U3 Touch L6 model under consideration.
In fact, if we do not know in advance what is in front of us - full-fledged computer, you may not notice any significant differences from the 23-inch multimedia LCD display. If you know in advance that we are talking about a candy bar, then the thickness of this monitor will certainly catch your eye. At the edges it is less than 2 cm, but at the place where the stand is attached the monitor swells to about 6 cm.
However, Wibtek designers must be given their due. They were able to make the body quite a strict appearance, without hurting the aesthetic sense of the European. Moreover, the successful combination of black and white colors visually hides the real thickness of the device - the candy bar seems quite slender. There are no special complaints about the quality of the materials used. Although the plastic used is glossy and does not look expensive and thoroughbred, it is not particularly easily soiled and, most importantly, not Chinese-soft. This means that the entire structure seems monolithic, nothing creaks, does not play or dangle. Moreover, a steel plate is hidden inside the case, so the monoblock turned out to be solid: monolithic and quite heavy.
Special mention should be made about the stand. On the one hand, it is good: durable and tough. On the other hand, it provides few degrees of freedom in adjusting the monitor. You can't raise, lower or even rotate the monitor - you can only tilt it back and forth. But the candy bar sits on the stand like a glove, no vibrations or oscillations occur even when you touch the screen, which is important, considering that the candy bar has a touch interface.
The front side of the monitor is covered with plexiglass, that is, its surface is glossy and highly reflective. Fortunately, it doesn’t get dirty too quickly even with constant touching, although with intensive use you will still have to wipe the screen regularly. The width of the monitor frame at the edges is approximately 2.5 cm. Fortunately, this frame is made flush with the main surface of the screen, so it does not interfere with use at all. However, it should be mentioned that in new-fangled monitor models, manufacturers are trying to reduce the thickness of the frame, so the monoblock in question does not seem very modern in appearance.
The strict black appearance of the front of the computer in question is not disturbed by any details. Is it just that white buttons for turning on the computer and monitor (it can be turned off separately), as well as adjusting the brightness of the image, peek out from under the screen at the bottom. In addition, the stand, which is black on the front side, has a white edge, and this is also visible. To the left of the buttons in the monitor frame there are two blue LEDs that indicate the operation of the computer and its hard drive. Above the screen in the center is a webcam peephole with a resolution of 2.0 megapixels.
Let's take a look at the side edges of the candy bar. They are white and do not carry any ports.
Only the cover on the right edge is noteworthy. A “thin” optical drive can be hidden under it if the owner of the all-in-one PC wants to install it.
However, a wealth of connectors is located on the bottom side of the monitor. This arrangement is a consequence of the use of a standardized Mini-ITX motherboard, which in the case faces the back panel down. Unfortunately, Wibtek's designers did not bother adding additional USB ports to the side edges of their all-in-one, as a result of which users will definitely pay for the convenience of connecting, for example, USB flash drives. The connector panel contains four USB 3.0 ports, a gigabit network socket, two analog audio jacks and an HDMI port for connecting an additional monitor.
The set at first glance is not rich, however, it is most likely sufficient for a candy bar. Moreover, Wibtek engineers still added to the basic capabilities a card reader installed in the monitor case: it is located next to all the other ports. It supports MS/MS Pro/SD/MMC memory card formats.
Power is also supplied to the monoblock from below, through a connector located next to all other ports. The Wibtek A23-TH87G-S U3 Touch L6 system runs on an external “laptop” power supply, which is included in the package. However, the size and weight of this power supply are not so small, which does not really coincide with its only 120-watt power.
The back surface of the candy bar body is also of little interest, as are its side edges. It is completely white, on top there is a grille for cooling the internal space of the computer, and on the bottom there are two grilles covering the built-in speakers. The installed acoustic stereo system of two 3-watt speakers has a very mediocre quality, lacking low frequencies. We can say that it produces typical laptop sound.
It remains to pay attention to only two details. Firstly, there is a VESA mount on the back surface of the monoblock, which can allow you to mount it on a bracket or directly on a wall. Secondly, the stand has a hole closed with a plug, which is convenient to use when laying cables under the table.
Internal organization
The fact that the WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 monoblock went on sale in the form of a skeletal system, devoid of the lion's share of internal components that the user is asked to install independently, is not accidental. This system is not only standardized, but also convenient for the assembler. When you complete it, not only will you not need any additional equipment other than a screwdriver, but you will also not have to remember that assembly sometimes requires some non-trivial effort and sleight of hand.To get inside the system, it is enough to unscrew the nine screws located on the rear surface of the monoblock, after which the entire white part of the case, together with the stand, is easily separated from the screen attached to the front surface. All the filling appears in full view. At the same time, the display matrix remains closed from access by a steel plate, but the full set of computer components on the basis of which the monoblock is assembled is evenly distributed throughout the available space on the opposite side of this plate, which acts as a kind of stand for electronic components.
In the original configuration, a motherboard manufactured by this company itself is installed inside the Wibtek monoblock and there is the necessary low-profile processor cooling system. The user is asked to complete the system with a processor, hard drive, memory and, possibly, some expansion cards. At the same time, interface boards for implementing a touch interface and connecting a monitor matrix via an LVDS interface are preinstalled in the system and are already connected to the motherboard.
However, this does not mean that the motherboard installed in the all-in-one PC is an integral part of the design. As mentioned above, the design of this system is standardized, so the board can be replaced if necessary. There are many suitable compatible models; the most common are the Gigabyte H87TN or ASUS H81-T boards. There are options for installing inside a monoblock and motherboards not only for LGA 1150, but also for older LGA 1155 processors. However, let’s first take a look at what capabilities are provided by the WibtekTH87G-SA motherboard already available in the WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6.
As you can easily guess from the name, this board is based on one of the most modern kits Intel logic H87 and is designed for fourth generation Core processors, that is, Haswell. However, due to its Mini-ITX size and the limited space in which it is placed, the capabilities of the chipset are far from being fully utilized.
First of all, it should be noted that the board has only two slots for installing memory. Moreover, these slots are mobile – DDR3 SO-DIMM. Thus, the dual-channel mode of the memory controller is supported, but the maximum amount of DDR3 SDRAM that can be filled with the monoblock in question is 16 GB, and the maximum frequency is 1600 MHz.
Noteworthy is the absence of any slots on the board for installing graphics cards. This is a limitation of the standard, which, as presented by Intel, is designed to use exclusively graphics integrated into the processor. Thus, it is impossible to install a high-performance graphics card into a Wibtek all-in-one block.
But the WibtekTH87G-SA motherboard provides good opportunities for using mini-PCIe expansion cards. There are two slots for them. One is for half size cards and the other is for full size cards. At the same time, the full-size slot allows the installation of mSATA drives, and the second connector, as planned by the developers, should be used to install a WiFi controller. At least, connectors from a pair of 802.11b/g/n antennas, which are laid inside the case, are connected to it.
We have already talked about the interface connectors located on the rear panel of the board, looking at the lower part of the candy bar case, but in addition to them, the board also has a number of internal ports. Among them, it is important to note the presence of two SATA 6 Gb/s ports (with a power connector), three USB 2.0 ports, an infrared port and an S/PDIF output. Naturally, the board also contains a set of connectors for connecting a monitor panel: LVDS interface, power supply, connectors for brightness control buttons, etc.
Obviously, all the capabilities of the board cannot be realized through the logic set functions alone. Therefore, additional controllers can be found on the board: the RealtekRTL8111E gigabit network controller and the RealtekALC662 six-channel audio codec. However, let us remind you: the monoblock in question has only two analog audio outputs, so the possibilities for connecting external speaker systems are very limited. High-quality multi-channel sound can only be output through the HDMI port, but this, of course, will require redirecting the image output from the built-in display.
Since the voltage to the monoblock motherboard is supplied from an external 19-volt power supply, the power circuit layout is somewhat different from what we are used to seeing on Mini-ITX boards. However, for the processor there is a three-channel converter assembled on classic field effect transistors, coils and solid capacitors. By the standards of boards for enthusiasts, such a design could be called primitive, but a monoblock is a different matter. Here powerful processors, and certainly not overclocking, is not planned. Therefore, the power converter copes well with the role assigned to it and does not even get very hot - the absence of radiators on the transistors is completely justified.
Limitations in the power of compatible processors are determined not even by the board, but by the cooling system provided by the design. The processor is covered by a bare heat sink, which, using direct contact technology, penetrates three 6 mm copper heat pipes. They transfer heat to an 80x80x24 mm aluminum radiator installed next to the board, through which air is blown by a PWM-controlled radial fan. The air intake for this cooling system is carried out from inside the case, and the exhaust is directed outside it, through the grille located in the upper part of the monoblock. The manufacturer promises that this cooling system will be sufficient to cool processors with a 65-watt thermal package. This means that the monoblock in question can install any dual-core processors of the Haswell family, or quad-core processors that belong to the energy-efficient S and T series.
The WibtekTH87G-SA motherboard has two fan connectors - processor and system. Both of them are used in the candy bar. As a system fan, the manufacturer installed a small centrifugal turbine in the corner of the board, which simply mixes the air inside the case. Frankly speaking, such fans with an impeller diameter of 40 mm usually do not promise anything good in terms of system noise, but in this case its rotation speed is controlled via PWM, which significantly mitigates the severity of the problem.
It must be said that, despite the fact that the Mini-ITX form factor describes a fairly compact motherboard size of 17x17 cm, the developers of the WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 monoblock were able to fill the entire internal space located behind the monitor panel. On one side of the board there is a cooling system, on the other, space is allocated for storage drives. For them, the monoblock provides two seats. On top, if desired, you can place the drive optical disks. Any thin model is supported, and you don’t have to worry about the color of the front panel, it will be hidden under the cover. At the bottom there are mounts that allow you to install a 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch hard drive.
Thus, WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 allows you to assemble a completely complete and modern system with a good level of performance in a monoblock housing with a 23-inch monitor. The only significant limitation is the need to use the graphics built into the processor. And, given that the all-in-one board has a regular LGA 1150 desktop socket, the maximum possible version GPU – Intel HD Graphics 4600, which is quite difficult to classify as an acceptable solution for games. In other words, the Wibtek system in question will not make a gaming candy bar, but it can be used in an office or in a normal home environment without problems. Moreover, in the latter case, an interesting addition to the capabilities of this system will be support for touch input.
The BIOS of the WibtekTH87G-SA motherboard provides only the most basic functionality. There are no means for overclocking the processor, memory or graphics core, just as there are no means for managing processor energy-saving technologies. But the BIOS contains options for controlling fan speed. Both adaptive mode and fixing the performance of the cooling system at a specific level are available.
Test results
The first thing you have to evaluate when getting to know a candy bar is its monitor. The 23-inch WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 panel has a native resolution of 1920x1080 and uses LED backlight. The stated viewing angles are 178 degrees vertically and horizontally, brightness is 250 nits, contrast is 1000:1 and response time is 5 ms. All these are rather mediocre parameters by modern standards, but we must take into account that the candy bar in question is gaming computer not positioned. Its main focus is to use it in the office or at home as a second or third computer. And here such screen parameters could be quite sufficient, if not for one thing.The fact is that the monoblock has a TN-Film type matrix installed. Accordingly, the viewing angles at which the picture does not fade turn out to be not very large. In fact, the picture looks clear and without loss of colors only at right angles. Practical brightness and contrast are not too high either. To achieve a comfortable level of brightness, you have to turn it up to maximum, but the contrast does not change at all. In general, the monitor could use at least some adjustments, but the developers did not provide them, like the on-screen menu.
Doesn't shine high quality and color rendition. In other words, it’s clearly not possible to edit images or do printing pre-press preparation on a candy bar. Moreover, the perception of the picture will be hampered by its mercilessly glare glossy surface. However, in defense of the Wibtek monoblock, it should be said that such coverage is a consequence of the implementation of the touch interface. And in this part there are no complaints about the candy bar. As testing has shown, the applied Touchpad The capacitive type in Windows 8.1 is very responsive and works clearly and accurately, recognizing up to ten simultaneous touches.
But the built-in one acoustic system I wasn't pleased at all. It produces sound so flat and devoid of low and mid frequencies that it can only be used for listening to system Windows sounds. So if you plan to use the monoblock not only for office work, then it will have to be supplemented external speakers, which, by the way, will inevitably add wires to the table, which the very concept of combining everything in a single body is designed to combat. The position for the built-in microphone was also poorly chosen. It is located on the bottom edge of the case, so all the sounds coming from the speakers get into it, reflecting from the table. As a result, it is almost impossible to talk, for example, on Skype using the built-in tools of the candy bar.
We did not test the performance of the WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 in detail. It is quite obvious that it will directly depend on what components are installed in the system. The test showed that compared to conventional desktop systems using similar hardware, the performance is almost the same. A small (at the level of a few percent) lag in speed of the all-in-one can only arise due to the settings of the memory subsystem. The Wibtek system uses DDR3 SO-DIMMs, which are generally slower than conventional DDR3 memory sticks. Moreover, the BIOS does not provide the ability to configure them: the frequency and delays taken from the SPD are used. Therefore, the maximum practically available memory frequency is DDR3-1600, and with rather weak timings. Full-fledged desktop systems, of course, allow you to configure memory much more flexibly. You can read more about the impact of frequency and timing on performance here.
As for other important practical aspects of the operation of WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 - noise level and temperature conditions, special attention was paid to their study. Based on the monoblock, a working system was assembled based on the Corei3-4340 processor with a thermal package of 54 W, equipped with two 4 GB DDR3-1600 SO-DIMM modules with timings 11-11-11-28-1T and a WD Blue WD5000AAKX 500 GB hard drive.
Unfortunately, we cannot call the monoblock silent in this configuration. Even when idle, the small system fan spins at over 3,000 rpm, creating an audible hum. A more massive processor cooler, on the contrary, behaves very restrained during idle time: its fan speed does not exceed 1400 rpm. However, under load the situation changes dramatically. When the CPU warms up, the processor fan can accelerate to 4000 rpm, raising a real howl, similar to the operation of a small vacuum cleaner. In other words, a quiet system from a Wibtek monoblock can only be achieved by using economical, energy-efficient processors. Conventional CPU models, although they do not overheat, still cause regular system cooling work in extreme and very noisy mode.
By the way, the thermal regime of the system during the tests turned out to be quite acceptable. The typical processor temperature under load is from 70 to 80 degrees, and the temperature inside the all-in-one is maintained at no higher than 50 degrees. And even after conducting an hour-long stress test in LinX0.6.5, the maximum temperature of the processor was 91 degrees, the chipset chip was 57 degrees, and the hard drive was 53 degrees. This means that heat dissipation in the WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 system is built normally, and there is no need to worry about overheating of components.
conclusions
Until recently, those who wanted to get a compact one-component system that would allow them to get rid of the bundles of wires that traditionally accompany desktop computers had only two options: a branded candy bar or a laptop. Systems of both types have long been supplied by leading PC manufacturers, but in both cases such products have noticeable disadvantages due to the fact that they are a ready-made and closed product that does not allow either configuration for the specific needs of the user or subsequent full modernization. However, times are changing, and the market for such systems has gradually begun to turn towards enthusiasts who are accustomed to assembling computers with their own hands. So, today we came across a unique skeletal system with a monoblock form factor, designed for self-assembly of a computer using widely available components.“Thank you” for this should first of all be said to Intel, which has developed a certain standard for the layout of a monoblock. Armed with this standard, numerous Chinese manufacturers have rushed to the market, ready to supply cases compatible with a wide range of ThinMini-ITX motherboards and other hardware components. The WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 system discussed in this review is one of the embodiments of such a semi-finished monoblock: it combines in a single case an LCD monitor and a platform for assembling a modern PC based on a Haswell processor. By adding a desktop LGA 1150 processor of your choice with a heat dissipation of no more than 65 Watts, DDR3 memory and storage, it is not difficult to build a fully-fledged all-in-one Personal Computer, the configuration of which will be adjusted to the specific needs of the user.
Moreover, the resulting system will be in many ways no worse than branded monoblocks from leading personal computer manufacturers. It will be able to offer excellent performance by modern standards, a display with a 23-inch diagonal and FullHD resolution, full compatibility with Windows 8.1, support for touch input, the ability to connect to a home network using WiFi technology and much more.
However, despite the huge advantage of the Wibtek system, which lies in its orientation towards the market of DIY enthusiasts, one cannot fail to note its disadvantages. In order for the reviewed system to be put on a par with branded monoblocks, it lacks polish. The lack of pedigree leads to some simplicity of the exterior, some miscalculations in the internal design and the use of a not very high-quality TN display matrix in the monoblock.
As a result, a personal computer assembled on the basis of the Wibtek A23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 skeleton, in any case, will not be able to look like an elite solution, even if it is stuffed with the most expensive and productive components. However, the Wibtek system does not pretend to do this, compensating for its shortcomings with a completely affordable price. The recommended price of a monoblock case complete with a motherboard is only $600 (and it is available at retail even cheaper). Accordingly, the price of a fully assembled system made from this barebone monoblock will be about $800-900. And this is noticeably cheaper than a branded monoblock with similar characteristics, which, moreover, will not allow for subsequent modernization. This means that the construction kit for assembling the WibtekA23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 all-in-one computer is a very interesting offer for advanced users, which they may well want to turn into both an office and a second home computer.
We would like to express our gratitude to 3Logic for providing the Wibtek A23-TH87G-SU3 TouchL6 monoblock for testing.
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