IWILL XP4 Mini-PC Review

In many ways, the computer hardware world is intent on pushing smaller, faster and better technologies. Chip technologies shrink, LCD monitors are beginning to replace the standard CRT, hard drives are putting more data onto a single platter, and many portable computers and notebooks are achieving new levels of integration and physical thinness. Of course, the old desktop computer remains mostly unchanged, and while this may be good news for power users, there is a growing market segment that could do without the huge beige case.

This demand for a smaller case footprint is nothing new, and even Intel has taken some initiative in setting up a universal design for smaller PCs, similar to the ATX and mATX specs. VIA has also been at forefront of the motherboard and CPU end, with their impressive EPIA platform offering a small form factor design and a cool-running processor for very tight spaces. The main issue is, and has always been, the lack of a true standard for these miniature PC units, something that manufacturers can latch onto and work with through a multitude of designs. As yet, this is still not a reality, but it doesn't mean other companies aren't trying a different route.

The Mini-PC, or Small Form Factor, design is being championed by a set of smaller PC companies like WILL, Soyo, Shuttle and Soltek. This "small as a shoe box" PC architecture is a whole new way of looking at the personal computer, and is an innovative response to the current demand for Mini-PC units. Since Intel and big boys won't build it, the market has responded with their own revision. Most of the designs are based on the Pentium 4 platform, using a variety of chipsets, but AMD Mini-PC systems are starting to emerge, built on the powerful nForce2 chipset.

Of course, this is still relatively new technology, and does bring up some potential issues, such as a finite selection of Mini-PC's, very limited upgradeability, along with slightly different design calls between models. The benefits far outweigh the problems, and these Mini-PC units are easy on the eyes, incredibly compact, and therefore don't take up a lot of real estate. In this review, we're looking at the IWILL XP4, a nifty little barebones Mini-PC kit for the Pentium 4.

The IWILL XP4 Mini-PC

The XP4 is IWILL's entry into the Mini-PC market and the barebones kit features a motherboard based on the i845GV chipset, along with a nifty case housing. By going with the i845GV, the IWILL XP4 supports Pentium 4 using the 400/533 MHz bus, HyperThreading technology, offers a high-end feature set, but is also dependant on the Intel Extreme integrated graphics engine. The i845GV also supports up to 266 MHz PC2100 DDR, while offering the standard features of the Intel ICH4 Southbridge used in the I845PE and GE chipsets. As such, the XP4 is targeted at the home and business user, who may also want to use the system for multimedia and gaming use.

In this review, we'll be taking a very close look at the IWILL XP4, and specifically noting the design and usability of the system, as well as putting it through the usual benchmark testing. These new Mini-PC systems are a bit different than standard motherboard components, and their features, usability and ease of installation will also figure heavily into the overall rating.