Soltek QBIC EQ3801: nForce3 250Gb goes SFF
by Evan Lieb on July 4, 2004 10:35 AM EST- Posted in
- Systems
Final Words
After thorough stress testing and general usage, we have come to several conclusions. The first conclusion is that the vast majority of users who have any interest at all in a fast 64-bit system should seriously consider the Soltek EQ3801. Users interested in a quiet system will be delighted to hear that the EQ3801 is quite silent, while using all the stock settings and hardware that comes with this SFF. Normally, you'd have to sacrifice performance and/or low temperatures for a silent SFF; yet the EQ3801 is both a high performance and low temperature system. Soltek's patented STF (System Tunnel Fan) does an excellent job of pushing hot air over the CPU HSF and out of the side of the case. And when tuning the BIOS properly, the EQ3801 is only a step behind the fastest equivalent Athlon 64 desktop systems on the market.The EQ3801 literally contains the whole package: quiet, cool, small, and fast. At its current price of just $270 shipped online, it's also a bargain too. In fact, the Soltek EQ3801 is significantly cheaper than Athlon 64 SFFs from most other manufacturers, including the industry leader, Shuttle. All in all, the EQ3801 is an impressive feat of smart engineering and we see no reason why you shouldn't be seriously exploring this satisfying barebones system.
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CrabbyGuy - Friday, July 16, 2004 - link
I'm looking for more information on the integrated sound capability of the 3801. The review states, "C-Media's CMI 8768 chip is a 6-channel PCI-based solution that will serve the needs of users who need good quality sound for basic music and Windows needs." Based on Soltek's ads and the Cmedia web site, this should say "8-channel."The chipset maker's site implies that the CMI 8768 supports Dolby IIx, but does not come out and say that. Anyone know?
Finally, is there any way to get a signal from a source outside the 3801 through the sound circuit, preferably via a digital input, i.e., S/PDIF or coxial?
JTDC - Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - link
According to the Soltek site, there are only 2 3.5" and 2 5.25" bays. I was just trying to find out if Evan used the 3.5" floppy bay or the second 5.25" bay. Just curious as to how it worked. Thanks.Inferno - Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - link
The Soltek has two HDD Bays! :)JTDC - Wednesday, July 7, 2004 - link
How were the two hard drives installed for testing? Was one placed in the floppy bay? Thanks!jcromano - Tuesday, July 6, 2004 - link
Thanks, Inferno.Inferno - Monday, July 5, 2004 - link
Qbix EQ3801 comes with a Backpack, the MB, cables, and powersupply. The Supply is 250watt. I have heard of people running a Nvidia 6800GT and I am running a X800.jcromano - Monday, July 5, 2004 - link
Ugh. Twice in a row my message has been clipped off right after the first carriage return, so this one's coming all in one paragraph. I'm still hoping for an answer to my earlier question about what comes included with the QBIC. I'm especially interested in learning about the power supply, if one does indeed come with the QBIC. Don't the new Nvidia cards want lots of watts and special connectors? Does the QBIC's power supply have what the Nvidia cards want? Thanks again. Sorry for the run-together format, and sorry for asking what are probably pretty basic, newbie questions. Jimjcromano - Monday, July 5, 2004 - link
I'll get the hang of this some day, I hope. Sorry for the blank messages.jcromano - Monday, July 5, 2004 - link
Hi,SoltekGermany - Monday, July 5, 2004 - link
I have found small typo on review. The soundchip has 8 channels, not 6 channels.