Test of the Shuttle Barebone XS35V4 Mini-PC

Shuttle is expanding its range of Mini-PCs with the XS35V4. This main Barebone Slim model has the main features of offering a small footprint and above all complete silence since the machine is entirely fanless. After having the computer RAM, a hard disk and, optionally, an optical drive, the user benefits from a complete, discreet and perfectly silent machine.

A new fanless slim shuttle

Unlike the classic Barebone models like the SH97R6 or the SZ77R5 that we already had tests, thisXS35V4ranks in the rangeSlim PCfrom Shuttle. We thus find a box of very reduced dimensions (25.2 x 16.2 x 3.85 cm for 2.1 kg) resembling like two drops of water the XS35GS V3L.

Shuttle XS35V4

Shuttle XS35V4

Equipped with SOC processorIntel Celeron J1900 Quad-Corerate of 2.41.4 GHz with 2 MB of cache, the latter is directly soldered to the motherboard, so it will not be possible to change it. The Mini-PC also has aWiFi connectivity802.11 b / g / n and Ethernet, dunSDHC card readerintegrated as well as supportUSB 3.0. We also note the presence of a fairly complete rear connection for this type of Mini-PC, including a microphone jack, a headphone jack, a VGA port and an HDMI jack. Optical output point on the other hand (absence of a Toslink connector), the digital sound will therefore have to pass via the HDMI cable.

Shuttle XS35V4 connectors

Shuttle XS35V4 connectors

Audio management is provided by a Realtek ALC269 2.1 chipset. Next to the graphics chipset, the motherboard incorporates a 7th generation Intel HD Graphics GPU with a frequency of 688 ~ 854 MHz. The latter is capable of managing the broadcast of Full HD videos and supports Dual display. Finally, the power is supplied by a small external block so as not to increase the already very limited space requirement of the device.

In order to be functional, the XS35V4 will therefore have to accommodate a 4 or 8 GB DDR3L RAM module as well as a hard disk, or better, an SSD. This last choice will make it possible to obtain complete silence that is more than appreciable! Finally, it remains possible to optionally integrate an optical drive in SLIM format.

After this little presentation, let's finally discover the machine itself.

Unpacking the XS35V4

The box of the XS35V4 is a very classic brown packaging surmounted by a carrying handle, identical to the XS35GS V3L of the same brand. On the side, a sticker recalls the main characteristics of the PC. The small size of the box (32.5 x 15 x 24 cm) already suggests the small footprint of the Mini-PC chassis.

Box of Shuttle Barebone XS35V4

Box of Shuttle Barebone XS35V4

Opening the box reveals a well-wedged device between foam blocks and the box containing the accessories. The PC itself is also wrapped to avoid any possible scratches.

Opening the XS35V4 box

Opening the XS35V4 box

Finally, the accessories box contains the following elements:

  • quick assembly instructions
  • a driver CD
  • an external power supply unit and its power connection cord
  • the foot for positioning the standing barebone and its hardware
  • accessories for fixing an optional primary and secondary internal device (hard drive, SSD or optical drive)

Contents of the Slim PC box

Contents of the Slim PC box

After discovering the different elements that make up the packaging of the XS35V4, let's now move on to the assembly phase.

Assembly and installation of the Barebone XS35V4

Before starting the assembly itself, it is necessary to have a memory module (in SO DIMM 204 pin format), a hard disk and possibly an optical drive in SLIM format. For our configuration, we have chosen a Crucial brand 8 GB DDR3L module as well as a Samsung EVO 850 MZ-75E250B / EU SSD of 250 GB SATA III in 2.5 format. Note that if our SSD is SATA III compatible, the barebone is only SATA II compatible, so it is not possible to benefit from a thoracic transfer of up to 6 Gb / s.

Finally, we did not integrate an optical drive in our test configuration. This option is nonetheless possible and will be particularly useful for obtaining a multimedia oriented PC.

The first step will therefore be to open the case. After taking off a small rubber cover, all you have to do is unscrew a screw and slide the fronts of the chassis.

XS35V4 opening screw

XS35V4 opening screw

Once the upper facade removed, we can observe the bowels of the barebone:

Opening the XS35V4 case

Opening the XS35V4 case

We then insert the memory module:

Installing the memory in the Mini PC

Installing the memory in the Mini PC

Before installing the SSD, it is first necessary to fix it on the metal support provided by Shuttle

SSD Shuttle support

SSD Shuttle support

then insert it in the space provided for the XS35V4.

Installing the SSD in the XS35V4

Installing the SSD in the XS35V4

After having screwed the disc using the supplied screws, all that remains is to replace the front panel. Note that the second facade covers a space for the optical drive (or a second disc). And surprised, we then discover the presence of a USB2.0 port which was not visible from the outside! It is therefore possible to connect the inside of the box a USB key, a dongle or why not a TNT tuner! It will then be possible to pass an antenna outside the box via the cover located behind the box

Optical drive slot and internal USB port

Optical drive slot and internal USB port

After installing our components, we have to fix the foot used as support on the bottom of the case:

Support leg location

Support leg location

In just a few minutes, our Mini PC is ready to use! To see more closely what the PC looks like when mounted, you can view a 360 view here.

Mini PC XS35V4 mount

Mini PC XS35V4 mount

We just have to install an OS. For our test, we decided to install an iso of Windows 10 Technical Preview. Of course, since our machine is not equipped with a CD player, we were able to go through the installation using a USBbootable key. You can consult our tip on installing Windows with a USB key if you want to know the procedure.

Now let's move on to using the Mini PC under Windows and perform some performance tests to find out more about the power of the XS35V4.

Shuttle Slim performance and bench

Before we start talking about benchmarking, the first observation that simulates is more than positive: the MiniPC boots quickly and proves to be fluttering in all situations. Whether for Internet or office use, the XS35V4 is perfectly capable of answering these tasks. Photoshop even works without flinching, that is to say! Multimedia does not scare him either since Full HD videos are broadcast without problems. We feel that the Quick Sync hardware decoder integrated into GPUIntel is effective.

As for gamers, this Mini PCles will clearly leave a mark. The XS35V4 is not designed to properly rotate any 3D game.

Before we start running various benchmarks, let's start with the Windows performance index. As always, these results are taken with tweezers, but the advantage is to have figures that are easily comparable from one machine to another, without having to use dedicated tools.

Windows Performance Indicator for XS35V4

Windows Performance Indicator for XS35V4

We observe a rather good score, lead without surprise by the graphics performance. Now let's go to Cinebench 11.5 which measures both OpenGL performance through a real time 3D scene as well as CPU performance through the calculation of an image.

Cinebench 11.5 XS35V4

Cinebench 11.5 XS35V4

Without surprises, we note the low capacity in 3D calculation for this Mini PC. To convince ourselves, let's launch a 3Dmark 11:

3Dmark XS35V4

3Dmark XS35V4

Let us now turn to the PCMark7 index which will give more convincing results in this type of configuration since this bench is above all dedicated to the Windows environment by taking into account multimedia, office but also creation tasks.

PCMark7 on the Shuttle XS35V4

PCMark7 on the Shuttle XS35V4

Good surprise since we obtain a score of 2955 points. As a reminder, his little brother the XS35GS V3Lobten the note of 1635 points. We can only note, with pleasure, the evolution brought by Shuttle on this new model

After these few tests, now is the time to conclude

Our opinion on the Shuttle XS35V4

About less than 200, theMini PC XS35V4de Shuttle is a very pleasant surprise. Either, the machine is completely incapable of running a 3D game, it is simply not made for that. On the other hand, its performance is more than honorable for office automation, Internet use and even for photo editing. If you intend the XS35V4 for use as a Media Center, the choice can also be wise since Shuttle comes out with honors, the machine being able to play Full HD videos 19201080 without catch. In this case, we regret the absence of infrared port for a remote control or the absence of an optical audio output if the HDMI is not enough for you.

Mini PC XS35V4 review

But the strong point of the XS35V4 is unequivocally its silence! Its careful design, its passive cooling and its chassis allow this Mini PC total silence, as long as you use an SSD and you do without an optical drive. We feel the mastery of Shuttle in his equipment. Users may even be surprised by this absence of noise! Without the green LED on the buttonpower, you would think that the PC does not work. This is almost disturbing

Also note the existence of an optional VESA support sold by Shuttle: the PV01 mounting kit. The latter is aimed behind a monitor and the XS35V4 comes to slide there (after having removed the stand). The Mini PC, hidden behind the screen, becomes invisible. When you use a couple of wireless keyboard + mouse, you get a pure, functional computer system and, you have to admit, who throws it away!

Buy the Shuttle XS35V4 on Amazon

VESA monitor support for the XS35V4

VESA monitor support for the XS35V4

Shuttle XS35V4

A Shuttle mini PC equipped with an Intel Celeron J1900 Quad-Core SOC processor.

Strong points
  • TOTAL silence!
  • small footprint
  • very low power consumption
  • office performance
  • the fluidity for playing Full HD videos
  • USB 3.0 ports
  • the presence of an internal USB port
Weak points
  • no SATA III
  • no optical output
  • unable to run 3D games
  • no operating system provided
  • a bit austere design