New Shuttle PC handles DDR3, Radeon HD 4870

Shuttle has switched its attention back to Intel-based barebones systems from AMD with the launch today of the SX48P2 Deluxe. This new version is built chiefly for gamers and is the first from Shuttle to support DDR3 memory. The change not only gives modern Core 2 Duo, Quad, and Extreme processors more memory headroom but also allows as much as 8GB of memory (with a 64-bit operating system) at the full 1.6GHz bus speed despite the small form factor case.

Video performance is also labeled a priority in the new design. The updated P2 mainboard includes dual PCI Express 2.0 slots and supports both dual mid-range video cards as well as large single cards, including the Radeon HD 4870. Shuttle outfits the case with a 450W power supply that can handle the system load properly versus the roughly 300W of some competitors.

The system also finds room for Wi-Fi, dual gigabit Ethernet jacks, and Bluetooth. The company sells the do-it-yourself design with both the necessary mainboard, power supply, and cooling for the equivalent of $771 in Europe and should make an American offering soon.