The Bottom Line
- Attractive Small Case
- Customizable
- Includes Monitor
- Customization Options Need to Be More Obvious
- Lacks DVD Burner
- Integrated Graphics
Description
- AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Processor
- 512MB PC3200 DDR Memory
- 160GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
- Sony 48x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
- AC'97 Audio
- NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Integrated Graphics with 128MB Shared Memory
- 17" LCD Monitor with Built-in Speakers
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Six USB 2.0 Ports, Two FireWire Ports and 7-in-1 Media Reader
- Windows XP Home
Guide Review - Polywell MiniBox2 939NX
2/23/06 – Most desktop computer systems use fairly large tower cases. Polywell has chosen instead to use a small form factor case for the MiniBox2 939NX. Even though it is a small case, it doesn't sacrifice any features compared to a full sized desktop computer system.
The MiniBox2 939NX is based around the AMD Athlon 64 3200+ processor. This is a very good overall processor and if users require, they can upgrade it to a higher model or even the Athlon 64 X2 line of dual core processors. It is matched up with 512MB of PC3200 DDR memory, but it would be nice to see it include a full gigabyte. This is more of a issue than some other systems as the two memory slots are used by the RAM preventing upgrading without tossing the existing memory.
Storage is about average for the MiniBox2 939NX. The hard drive included is a 160GB SATA model that should provide sufficient space for digital music, video or photographs in addition to programs. The system base comes with only a Sony 48x CD-RW/DVD combo drive that lets it playback DVD movies or read and write CDs. Most systems are now shipping with DVD drives so it would be nice to see Polywell include one standard.
An integrated GeForce 6150 graphics processor is used for video. This is better than the Intel solutions, but still lacks 3D power for things such as games. A PCI-Express graphics slot is available for upgrades. A 17-inch LCD monitor is included.
