Shuttle XPC slim DH810 Barebone: A Review of Compact PC Power and Efficiency

The XPC slim DH810 barebone is designed as a compact machine, housed within a 1.3-litre chassis. It is specifically aimed at accommodating LGA1851 65W processors from Intel, while also featuring a new design.

Despite its small size, the barebone boasts impressive connectivity. Internally, it allows for up to two storage devices: one M.2 SSD (supporting SATA or NVMe) and one 2.5-inch HDD or SSD. Regarding memory, the system can install up to two 48GB modules, supporting a total of 96GB of RAM via dual-channel configuration. Additionally, the machine includes a dedicated 2.5-inch compartment for extra storage.

Connectivity is plentiful on both sides of the unit. Users benefit from dual-LAN connectivity (featuring 2.5Gbit and 1Gbit ports) and retained legacy COM ports for communication with older devices. Display capabilities are robust, offering triple 4K display support through multiple outputs: an HDMI 2.1 port, a DisplayPort, and an USB4 port with DP output.

Powering the XPC slim DH810 is an emphasis on thermal management. It incorporates a large heatsink, a copper plate, dual heatpipes, and two 70mm fans, which contribute to an improved cooling system, particularly for LGA1851 65W processors with integrated graphics.

Performance testing revealed the unit’s efficiency. When running with an Intel Core Ultra 5 225, the barebone remains silent during light tasks. In an idle state, noise levels were recorded at approximately 28.8 dBA at half a meter, comparing closely to the ambient noise of 27.6 dBA. During demanding scenarios, such as rendering, noise increased to 41.8 dBA in Smart Fan Mode (BIOS), which was described as manageable.

The thermal handling during prolonged use, such as a 10-minute CineBench R24 run, was highly successful, with temperatures not exceeding 82 degrees Celsius while the CPU package power peaked at 46.8W. This cooling solution addresses not only the CPU but also provides dedicated cooling for the installed SSD, the H810 chipset, and the memory modules.

Performance capacity allows the XPC slim DH810 to be used for Digital Signage, general productivity, browsing, video editing applications, or Plex (either as a server or client). For more demanding tasks like gaming, the system can be enhanced by purchasing SKUs featuring more Xe-cores, such as the Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 265 or the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285.

The barebone can be enhanced further using dedicated accessories, including the PS02 Vertical Stand, the PVG01 VGA adapter, the WLN-M12 WLAN-ac/Bluetooth Combo Kit, or the WWN03 4G/LTE Network Extension Kit. The current market price for the XPC slim DH810 barebone is noted to be about 320 Euros, a price point deemed competitive considering its many offered features and excellent cooling system.

Source: Mad Shrimps