Small Form Factors Triple Threat
The SG01 Evolution, Element ST50EF-PLUS-SC 500w PSU and the NT06-Lite CPU Cooler

Introduction:

    In a world where everything is getting smaller, quieter, and more efficient, it was just a matter of time before this trickled down to the computer world in some way. In comes Silverstone, who recognized the advantages and needs of Small Form Factor or SFF computer systems. These systems can range from a Home Theater PC, portable computing, Carputers, and solutions for locations where a small, quiet computer is needed.

    Silverstone offers a nice array of Small Form Factor components, and for this review they sent out three items to help create this quiet SFF platform. The items will be the SG01 Evolution, which is a small form factor enclosure, the ST50EF-PLUS-SC 500W power supply - the SC meaning short cable for those smaller enclosures, and finally to help keep things cool and quiet is the NT06-Lite, which is a fan-less heatsink.

    For review purposes each product will first be reviewed independently, then placed together in the enclosure to create a working computer system, which will be discussed in the Installation section of the review. The review components will then be tested and evaluated in the Conclusion.

About the Company:

    Founded in the summer of 2003, Silverstone Technology is now a proven leader in the field of aluminum enclosure design and manufacturing. Our expertise in creating functional works of art from ordinary electronics and computer components is widely recognized. Numerous designs and ideas for improving computer enclosures were first created by our talented team of engineers, who are regarded by many as leaders in their respective fields. Today, Silverstone Technology continues to garner attention and awards that reflect our original vision of creating the most advanced and beautiful products available on the market.

SG01-Evolution Specifications:

SG01 Exterior:

Retail top

Side

Foam protection

Plastic wrap

    Well, if you haven't guessed by now, we are kicking off this SFF product review with the SG01 Evolution enclosure. Starting off with the front bezel, which is constructed with aluminum and plastic, we find that it is rather simple with its look and not cluttered at all. Two 5.25" bay openings take up the majority of the bezel's real estate. The lower right portion sports the front panel connections, which are slightly recessed with a mirrored background. To the left of that are the power and reset buttons, along with the power and hard drive activity LED's.

Front	Left	Right
Front Connection	Power/Reset/LED's	Rear

    The SG01 Evolution offers two options for the side panels: a solid top and side panels which are constructed from one piece of aluminum, or with clear acrylic side panels. Both types of side panels have vent holes for air intake, and the top panel also has vent openings above the PCI expansion cards to help with cooling. The rear panel is set up like any typical M-ATX layout with the four expansion slots openings.

Interior:

Interior	optical cage	HDD cage
HDD cage removed	PCI intake fan	Front connections

    To gain access to the interior, four screws are removed from the back side of the panel, and the cover slides back and lifts off. The interior framework and platforms are constructed from aluminum, helping to keep the weight down. The lower deck is where the motherboard is mounted, and a smaller level above that are the optical and hard drive cages. Next to the hard drive cage, and just above the PCI slots, are 80mm intake fans to help cool the drives and cards in the expansion slots. A stiffening brace runs down the center of the enclosure to help keep things rigid and square.