ON THE SAME day that AMD launched the first Athlon 64, Shuttle unveiled an XPC cube for the new processor. The nForce3-based SN85G4 was one of the first Athlon 64 platforms available—an impressive feat for a small form factor system. However, what was impressive nine months ago is considerably less inspiring today. While the SN85G4 remains a competent Athlon 64 platform, the cube's nForce3 150 chipset is beginning to show its age. The SN85G4 also lacks integrated video, making it less than ideal for value markets and corporate applications.

Enter Shuttle's second Athlon 64 cube, the SK83G. Thanks to VIA's K8M800 chipset, the SK83G sports a 16-bit, 800MHz Hyper-Transport link, a south bridge Serial ATA RAID controller, and an integrated graphics core that should intrigue those with little need for blistering frame rates or dazzling shader effects. And just because the SK83G has integrated graphics doesn't mean you can't pop in a high-end gaming card and tear up a local LAN party, either.

What else does the SK83G have to offer? Can it keep up with full-sized Athlon 64 platforms? Keep reading to find out.