Shuttle Computer, a maker of computer components and PC barebones, announced this week its new small form-factor system that offers extreme performance in graphics-intensive games due to support of NVIDIA’s multi-GPU SLI technology. The new system is likely to offer the highest speed in 3D benchmarks among all compact computers available today.

“People often associate small form factor with reduced performance, limited compatibility, and propriety or integrated components. By solving the problem of fitting two full-sized high-performance graphics cards into an XPC chassis, Shuttle has once again demonstrated the unique award-winning design and engineering talent, that makes it the number one manufacturer of small form factor PCs in the world,” explained Ken Huang, chief architect and designer at Shuttle.

Shuttle XPC SN26P. Click to enlarge

The Shuttle XPC SN26P is based on NVIDIA nForce4 SLI core-logic, supports PGA939 AMD Athlon 64, AMD Athlon 64 X2, AMD Athlon 64 FX chips, can install up to 2GB of dual-channel DDR memory and up to two PCI Express x16 graphics cards. Given that the SN26P is based on NVIDIA nForce4 SLI core-logic, the barebone also features Serial ATA-300 connectors, Gigabit Ethernet with hardware firewall and other capabilities of the chipset.

The manufacturer did not disclose wattage of the barebone’s power supply unit (PSU), but it is known that the company can supply up to 350W PSU with its small form-factor systems.

Shuttle XPC SN26P's cooling system. Click to enlarge

In order to deal with the heat generated by graphics cards, Shuttle developed a specially designed heat pipe cooling system, based on its existing cooling solution for processors. Regardless of the demands placed on the SN26P, users can expect their Shuttle XPC Barebone SN26P to remain “super quiet, super cool”, the company said.

After introduction at Computex 2005, the XPC SN26P has gone into mass production and will be available worldwide in short as a package pre-configured with two high-end gaming cards. The manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Shuttle XPC Barebone SN26P including two NVIDIA GeForce 6800 GT graphics cards will be Ђ1399 (including 16% VAT).