Conclusions
With an expected MSRP of $350, the ST20G5 looks like a pretty sweet deal. $350 is relatively inexpensive for an XPC with this many features, and you won't find another Athlon 64 cube with DirectX 9-class integrated graphics, a DVI output, and SurroundView, not to mention support for Native Command Queuing and High Definition Audio. You'd be hard-pressed to find a small form factor system with as nice a finish as the ST20G5's brushed aluminum, too.

Unfortunately, the box isn't perfect. The ST20G5's USB and Gigabit Ethernet performance are disappointing, and our sample's VGA signal quality had some issues above 1024x768 at 75Hz. The BIOS also needs a little work, most notably support for higher HT link speeds and 0.5x CPU multipliers for overclocking. Those are all just quibbles, but their combined impact is enough to tarnish the system's otherwise perfect finish.

At the end of the day, the ST20G5's real appeal is its integrated graphics, which is a cut above competing solutions. Enthusiasts who have no intention of using the IGP, either as a primary graphics solution or for SurroundView, may have a hard time swallowing the ST20G5's drawbacks. For enthusiasts planning to run a discrete graphics card, Shuttle's nForce4-powered SN25P is a more appealing XPC.