Introduction

SFF PCs have been turning up the heat with impressive innovations and designs to target not only PC users but home entertainment as well. Offerings like MSI's MEGA series with Hi-Fi capabilities are such examples. However, can the SFF shake off its back seat image in terms of performance to traditional desktop systems? As recent chipsets and motherboards have started to incorporate as many features as possible, LAN, surround audio, RAID and other features have become the norm. In effect, the argument that SFF systems have weak subsystems and upgrade limitations is a thing of the past. With advances in cooling technology and more efficient airflow, high-end CPUs can also be installed for use with SFF PCs. However, the problem with selectivity and choice still exists due to the proprietary nature of SFF systems.

Up till now, there were no high performance SFF systems based on Athlon 64 for Socket-754. Even though AMD is pushing the new Socket-939, Socket-754 is still very much alive. The platform is more matured plus socket 754 Athlon 64s can now be found at reasonable prices. Shuttle is undeniably at the forefront of SFF, but while they have an nForce3 Ultra (socket 939) based SFF, their Socket-754 offering is based on the early and crippled nForce3 150.

Soltek Qbic EQ3801 Mini Barebone System

In comes Soltek to the rescue with the cubed Qbic EQ3801 for the Athlon 64. We have previously reviewed two Qbic models, the EQ3701M and EQ3701M with impressive results. Thus, we were quite pleased when we received not one but two variants of the Qbic EQ3801, the EQ3801MW and the EQ3801GD-300. The two models are essentially the same except that the EQ3801GD-300 has an updated power supply. Soltek has beefed up the power supply to a 300W unit from a 250W unit found in the EQ3801MW. The EQ3801 uses a motherboard based upon the nForce3 250Gb chipset, boasting a full 800MHz HyperTransport bus, Gigabit LAN and a whole slew of features in a petite package. With the additional power, it should be able to accommodate even more demanding components than before. In the following pages, we delve into the Soltek Qbic EQ3801 to see what makes it tick, and if it ticks fast enough to be considered a high-performance system.

 

Qbic EQ3801MW Exterior

External-wise, Soltek's Qbic series hasn't changed at all in over a year. Even the design of the packaging is suspiciously identical. The EQ3801MW comes in the same chassis with the mirror front panel as the previously reviewed EQ3401M. Unlike the dual toned color scheme of the EQ3401M, the model we received is fully milk white. A quick browse through Soltek's website revealed other options available, including a brushed aluminum front instead of a mirror front.

The Qbic EQ3801MW. Still looks good in full white and a mirror front. Be careful though, smudge proof it is not.

Stylish power button with power indicator LED located in the middle. To the sides are the HDD LED and Reset button.

Equally shiny eject buttons available for optical drives.

For an SFF, the EQ3801MW has enough room to house two 5.25-inch and two 3.5-inch drives. This feature alone makes the Qbic chassis one of the more desirable options in the SFF market. The mirror cover hides the drive bays and connectors in the front. If you install optical drives, the segmented plates will swing open when the drive is ejected. There is no need to remove the plates so the uniform mirror façade is not broken.

Removing the panel reveals the chassis front. Simple design with air vents can be noticed.

Hidden behind a push plate, users can either install a floppy, Zip drive or a second HDD for bigger storage solutions.

Swing plate secured through a spring. We had difficulties with the mechanism, so we had to remove the faceplate of the optical drive.

When installing optical drives, make sure that the buttons are alingned to have sufficient contact.

Removing the front panel, we can see that there is a metal stopper, which acts as a guard for the eject buttons with there are no drives installed.

The EQ3801MW comes with a 250W power supply. Newer models should all come with a better 300W unit like the EQ3801GD-300.

The EQ3801MW has front connectivity ports, which are hidden behind a panel at the bottom.

Front ports are hidden behin a panel. Left to right we have an S/PDIF-out, Mic-in, Line-out, 2 x USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire port (IEEE 1394)

While the mirrored front exudes a clean and chic look, the back is where all the action is. Let's take a look at the abundant connectivity ports located at the rear of the EQ3801MW:-

2 x Serial ports

1 x FireWire port (IEEE 1394)

4 x USB 2.0 ports

1 x RJ45 LAN port

1 x PS2 (mouse)

1 x PS2 (keyboard)

1 x Center/Bass speaker output

1 x Front Left / Right speaker output

1 x Rear Left / Right speaker output

1 x Side speaker output

1 x Line-in

Rear connectivity panel. Almost every connection you will ever need. Notice the extensive audio ports. As the rear panel cannot accommodate everything, some of the ports are located on the front panel.

With optional brackets, you can expand the connectivity even more with parallel ports. Wonders never cease for this tiny system.

The EQ3801MW has an impressive feature set, with six USB 2.0 ports, two IEEE 1394 and an eight-channel audio solution. Soltek has actually been able to equip the EQ3801MW with full 7.1 surround speaker outputs plus S/PDIF, MIC-in and both line-in/out. This incredible variety of connectivity options can even best most desktop systems.

 

Qbic EQ3801GD-300 Exterior

The updated EQ3801GD-300 not only came with a new power supply unit, but a new front as well. Deemed as the 'Spring Collection', the new cover does away with the mirror finish while refining aesthetic properties of the panel. The biggest change noticed is the panel and power button design. The panel frame is now sculptured with an hourglass look, while a metallic finish plate in the middle houses the power button and LEDs. The size of the Qbic remains the same, as such it still retains the capability to house two 5.25 inch and two 3.5 inch drives.

The EQ3801GD-300. Same Qbic, different face.

The updated power button and flanking LEDs. The plate does not have a seperate reset button anymore and the LEDs are not labeled as well. However, there should be no problem identifying them apart.

The new Spring Collection panel moves the optical storage eject buttons to the edge of the panel.

Removing the front panel reveals the PCB for the power button. Unlike the EQ3801MW, where the PCB is on the panel itself, the EQ3801GD-300 has the PCB attached to the chassis.

The new swing plate has more contact with the sides, which makes it slightly more noisy than the previous model.

Beefed up PSU, now supplies up to 300W for more demanding components.

Besides the 300W sticker for the updated SPU, the rear lauout of the EQ3801GD-300 has no changes.

Expansion slots for graphics card or PCI card.

Rear panel offers the same connectivity as the EQ3801MW model.

As you can see, besides the updated 300W power supply, there isn't much that has been changed. The only modifications made are to the new 'Spring Collection' front panel and the power buttons. In fact, the system itself and chassis remains wholly identical. We will continue to look at the interior of the Qbic EQ3801 in the following pages.

 

EQ3801 Packaging and Interior

Soltek has certainly taken the time to include a very comprehensive installation package with good documentation for everyone. While the software bundle isn't the latest, most of the titles are of recent versions. The following items are included in the packaging of the EQ3801:-

Custom length rounded FDD, CD-ROM, HDD-IDE cables

2 x SATA data cables with SATA drive power converter

Power cord

Soltek Qbic installation guide

Soltek Qbic quick installation guide

Motherboard user's manual

Motherboard quick installation guide

Software Manual

Drivers and Software CD (PC-cilin 2004, Virtual Drive 7, RestoreIT! 3 Lite, PartitionMagic 6.0 SE, Drive Image 4.0)

Installation kit (contains additional screws, cable ties and thermal paste)


Popping the Hood

Removing the cabinet cover, the EQ3801 is similar to what was expected from a Soltek Qbic SFF. As the dimensions are almost the same, the layouts of parts are similarly identical. We have the power supply at the top overlooking the CPU and the IcyQ exhaust on the right side of the case.

Soltek's IcyQ technology draws in cooler ambient air from the ventilation slots at the bottom and sides. The large exhaust duct at the sides then sucks in the hot air and expels it through the back. The IcyQ exhaust is positioned so that the intake fan directly sits facing the CPU cooler. As the CPU generates the most heat in any system, this helps dissipate the hot air faster. The power supply fan is also an intake fan and it helps to act as a secondary exhaust for even more efficient cooling. Soltek also incorporates voltage and fan speed control to ensure the best possible energy saving as well as noise output.

Exposed side of the EQ3801 with a fully installed system. Compact and effective.

With the AGP slot on the outer edge, there is enough clearing to house full sized AGP cards.

The power supply unit also has a rather large fan to act as a secondary duct for dissipating hot air.

The IcyQ ventilation system. The exhaust sucks out hot air and vents it throught the back.

Front view of the EQ3801. CPU is located right in the middle while expansion slots are split on either side.

Clear view of the EQ3801 internal without grpahics or storage devices installed. Cables can all be run off the sides so the center looks empty.

Air circulation vents are also located the the bottom front of the E3801. It facilitates air flow up into the interior.

 

EQ3801 Interior - Peripherals

The EQ3801 retains the expandability that Soltek's Qbic series of SFF are known for. Within the tiny casing, the EQ3801 continues the tradition of being able to house multiple 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch drives. However, with portable storage solutions such as USB thumb drives being increasingly inexpensive, many users have already begun to forgo the need for a floppy drive. As the EQ3801 has onboard SATA with RAID capabilities, you could actually run two HDD with the additional 3.5-inch bay. While this will definitely increase the heat generated, the additional storage and performance is something many users will gladly trade for.

Cable management is a crucial factor in any SFF and the EQ3801 employs ample cable hooks and latches on each side. As cables are routed out of the way, they do not obstruct critical airflow and circulation. We noticed that not all cables in the EQ3801 were pre-routed, so you might need to do some manual routing during installation. Thankfully, Soltek also includes additional cable ties within the packaging to make your task easier.

Top view of an empty drive cage. It looks deep from this angle, much like a regular desktop case.

Drive cage removed from the EQ3801 chassis. It holds up to two 5.25-inch and two 3.5-inch drives.

With the IcyQ exhaust removes, the side view with Memory and HDD installed can be seen. With a full setup, there is still sufficient space in the interior above the heatsink for better air intake.

Extensive cable routing for less crowded space and better airflow internally.

Cable hooks and holders are available on both sides of the chassis.

One AGP and one PCI slot is available for expansion. As there is no integrated graphics, an external display adapter must be used. The AGP slot is located on the outer edge so to have better spacing between the CPU cooler.

There is currently sufficient space between CPU and graphics card. If you happen to install another PCI card however, things will get crowded.

 

EQ3801 Interior - Digging Deeper

Finally, we take a look at the motherboard features. The EQ3801 uses a proprietary SFF design for the Qbic systems. The motherboard model used is the Soltek SL-B9A-FGR, based upon the nForce3 250Gb chipset. We have come to be familiar with the specifications of the nForce3 250Gb and are pleased to see that Soltek incorporates all the available features for the EQ3801.

Active cooling for the nForce3 250Gb chipset. The heatsink is tilted toward the IcyQ exhaust to maximize air flow.

Let's have a look at the choices Soltek makes for additional functionality. On the sound front, the board uses a CMI8768 audio solution. While C-Media is not notoriously known for high fidelity audio, this chip is one of their high-performance models. Unlike the usual six-channel onboard audio solutions, the CMI8768 is capable of up to eight audio channels. It supports hardware acceleration and most of the audio standards in the market. C-Media also boasts an impressive 96KHz/24bit playback, 48KHz/16bit recording and a CE level high-quality Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of ~100dB.

The onboard Gigabit LAN utilizes a CICADA SimpliPHY Ethernet PHY for its physical layer. We notice that both EQ3801MW and EQ3801GD-300 models utilize a different manufacturer's chip, one from VIA and the other from Vitesse. However, both PHY chipsets are based on the same CICADA technology.

The FireWire ports on the EQ3801 are controlled by VIA's VT6307 IEEE 1394a chip. An IEEE 1394b controller would have been icing on the cake, but that might be wishful thinking. The VT6307 is a standard entry-level two-port host controller and we believe it is sufficient for most user's needs. Soltek also enables both FireWire ports for the EQ3801 ensuring maximum connectivity.

The EQ3801 uses CMI8768 audio solution. This is CMI's high performance 8-channel audio chip capable of Dolby® Digital EX and DTS ®ES. It also supports high fidelity 96K/24bit playback and 48K/16bit recording.

VIA VT6307S IEEE 1394a Controller. It supports up to two FireWire ports. One is located at the front panel while the second can be accessed from the rear.

The EQ3801 uses CICADA SimpliPHY as the physical interface for the onboard Gigabit LAN.

 

Overclocking & Dislikes

The EQ3801 has the following overclocking options enabled through the BIOS:-

FSB Settings: 200MHz to 250MHz

AGP Frequency: 66MHz to 100MHz

HyperThreading Frequency: 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x

RAM Frequency: Auto, DDR266, DDR333, DDR400

CPU Voltage Settings: 0.800 – 1.550V (in 0.025V steps)

DDR Voltage Settings: 2.6- 2.8V (in 0.1V steps)

AGP Voltage Settings: 1.5 - 1.8V (in 0.1V steps)

VDD Voltage Settings: 1.6 - 1.9V (in 0.1V steps)

Multiplier Selection: Yes

The EQ3801 seems to have decent overclocking capabilities with a full range of voltage settings. When testing overclockability of the system, we only managed to push the FSB up to 210MHz with synchronized memory timings. However, when we tried a no-holds-barred approach to achieve the highest stable FSB, we were able to reach 245MHz with a 3x HT value. Considering that the maximum allowed FSB in the BIOS is 250MHz, the results showed decent overclocking potential.


What We Disliked

There is little to dislike with the EQ3801, however nothing is perfect and there are certain details we'd like to point out. On the whole, we encountered some slight issues with the chassis design. The drive cage in particular could not be removed or installed if optical drives were attached to it. The front panel faces issues with certain optical drive models where the swing plate does not open properly. We had to remove the drive bezel to allow normal operation. This is actually documented in the manual for oddly shaped bezel designs. However, we find that even regular drives can sometimes snag or get stuck.

The largest problem we encountered for the EQ3801 were intermittent reset issues. Occasionally, when performing a system restart, the EQ3801 does not boot back up. The screen remains blank and it would not POST. Most of the time, turning the PC off and then on again or a hard reset will solve the problem. This is most likely a BIOS related issue, which we hope can be solved in future revisions.

Since the eject buttons are moved to the outer edges, the plastic connectors need to be longer. The problem is that they seem to be very fragile and soft. The EQ3801GD-300 does not include button protectors like the EQ3801MW so users should be careful of applying pressure on the buttons without a drive installed.

The Spring Collection front panel does not have the additional mirror layer. Thus, the plastic seems fragile and prone to bend inward for the push panels.

The original IcyQ exhaust obstructs one of the screws of the power supply. You will need first remove the exhaust fan first before you can remove the PSU. The EQ3801GD-300 came with an updated IcyQ exhaust fan that has a groove in the location to overcome this issue.

 

Test Setup & BAPCo SYSmark 2002 Results

We've gone through the physical details of the Qbic EQ3801. We've established the technology under the hood. Now comes the exciting part - performance. To obtain an objective conclusion, we run our usual suite of benchmarks and compare results with a regular ATX desktop system. The EQ3801 is based on an nForce3 250Gb chipset, so we used the previously tested Soltek SL-K8AN2E-GR motherboard as the basis of comparison.

The Qbic EQ3801 was installed with an Athlon 64 3200+ processor with 1MB of L2 cache. A total of 512MB of DDR400 memory was installed using two sticks of Corsair XMS PC3200 modules. Our usual memory timings of 6-3-3 CAS 2.5 were set as the default for all tests, however we found that the Qbic EQ3801 did not handle the timing well. Setting the memory to Auto (7-4-4 CAS 2.5) seemed to be the most stable.

An MSI GeForce FX 5600 Ultra 128MB was used as the graphics accelerator while a Western Digital WD800JB 7200RPM drive was the primary HDD. In order to achieve comparable results with the SL-K8AN2E-GR board, drivers installed were Detonator 44.03 for graphics and nForce platform drivers 4.24. Read on for results.


Results - BAPCo SYSmark 2002

The results from SYSmark were almost identical, with the EQ3801 only trailing by one point in the Overall Ratings.

 

Results - SPECCPU 2000 1.2

SPECCPU is a very long and intensive test of the CPU and memory subsystems. Again, we see almost identical results. This time round, the difference between the two systems is around 1-2% in both integer and floating point tests. The EQ3801 is slightly behind, but remember it is running on more relaxed memory timings.

 

Results - SPECViewPerf 6.1.2 & 7.1

SPECViewPerf is an OpenGL benchmark, which is also good at measuring memory subsystem performance. We continue to see the same performance trend as before. Even with the lowered memory timings, the EQ3801 comes out only 1% behind the SL-K8AN2E-GR.

 

Results - Lightwave 3D 7.5

The Lightwave tests measure workload rendering times for the specific scenes. The shorter the time needed to fully render the scene, the better. The result for Tracer-Radiosity workload is again identical, but the EQ3801 seems to lag behind at a higher margin of around 7% in the Sunset workload.

 

Results - FutureMark 3DMark2001 SE

3DMark2001 SE is a synthetic gaming benchmark to test Direct3D graphics rendering performance. We continue to see a sub 1% difference in scores, which is not really worth noting. For all purposes, the EQ3801 performs no different than a regular desktop PC.

 

Results - Gaming

Finally, we have real world game results. Unreal Tournament is a Direct3D game while Jedi Knight II is an OpenGL game. Both achieve similar results and changing the resolution up to 1280x1024 also produces the same performance scaling. The results no longer come as a surprise.

 

Conclusion

The functionality of the EQ3801 is excellent. The Qbic remains to be one of the few SFF systems which has enough room for two 5.25-inch and two 3.5-inch drives. We were impressed by the fact that the EQ3801 is able to accommodate six USB 2.0, two FireWire and a full range of dedicated surround audio ports. Besides the legacy PS/2 and serial ports, there is still space for expansion holes to accommodate additional parallel ports. You will not see such a plethora of connectivity options even in most desktop ATX PCs.

Besides the expansive feature set of the Qbic EQ3801, the packaging needs to be credited as well. The EQ3801 comes with excellent documentation for the Qbic system as well as the motherboard itself. Even the bundled software has documentation included. Soltek has included every kind of storage cables available and also an installation kit, which contains extra screws, cable ties and thermal paste.

While retaining the original mirror panel, Soltek has introduced another design in the form of the 'Spring Collection'. Since the form factor of the chassis remains the same, users will now be spoilt for choice. You can either go for the elegant and stylish mirror panel or the younger, more vibrant 'Spring Collection'.

The EQ3801 comes with a copper-core heatsink providing adequate cooling for the Athlon 64 CPU. More importantly is Soltek's proven IcyQ ventilation technology, which improves heat dissipation while reducing noise and energy consumption. With all the features and accessories, the EQ3801 comes off as a thoroughly thought of product and especially with the end user in mind.

The Soltek Qbic EQ3801 in both the classic mirror finish, or the 2004 Spring Collection.

In terms of performance, the Qbic EQ3801 was able to keep within 1-2% of its desktop equivalent motherboard, the SL-K8AN2E-GR. This goes to show that Soltek puts the same amount of effort into their SFF motherboards as they do their regular desktop boards. Keep in mind that the EQ3801 was running at slightly relaxed memory timings of 7-4-4 CAS 2.5. Although we did not managed to keep the memory timings running lower, it was nevertheless impressive that the performance loss was only marginal. If the EQ3801 was to be able to run at better memory latencies, it might even be able to edge out the SL-K8AN2E-GR. However, the differences are basically negligible, making the Qbic EQ3801 increasingly attractive as a serious desktop replacement. Soltek has done themselves proud with another excellent member to the Qbic SFF family.