SP Silent PC Combo Addendum Review - PAGE 1

After posting the initial review of the Silent PC, we received a few comments from Thomas Schramm of SP North America. In light of these comments, this addendum will clarify a few fuzzy areas in the review and correct some of the factual errors that I made.

The most significant point that needs correcting is that Silent PC is designed to be sold through OEM manufacturers and isn’t directly available to consumers. To quote Mr. Schramm, “We are an OEM wholesale operation. We do not sell to the general public. Our resellers build the systems and sell them to end-users. Some of them sell them over the Internet, some are normal local resellers to serve their local market.”

Because of this, some of the criticisms that I made in the review aren’t quite as apt. The lack of a hardcopy manual, for example, is a different issue in this case because the manual will only be used by the end user for reference rather than for installing / assembling the system (although a fully designed manual, rather than one printed from HTML or PDF form, is still preferable).

The major issue that I took with the Silent PC was that of the mobo-tray screw cones. Mr. Schramm assured us that “after you put some pressure on the cone the screw goes in smoothly”, but from the experience I had, I found that it didn’t quite work out like that. As I mentioned in the review, I was using a standard handheld screwdriver. When installing the motherboard, I was putting as much pressure as I felt I could safely exert without risking harm to the board. He also mentioned that none of the resellers they deal with have complained about this “problem”. If you happened to catch the February 2001 issue of Maximum PC which contained a review of the Silent PC, you’ll know that they had similar complaints. My only possible explanation is that us reviewers spend too much typing and not enough time exercising. But again, since this only affects resellers and OEMs, end users need not worry about it.

A more minor problem that I discussed was the use of a 230W power supply which I felt should have been at least 250W. Thomas let us know that SP will have a 250W option available at the end of April and a 300W option available sometime afterwards. This is great to hear because this is an issue that actually affects the end user.

One final issue, albeit a small one, was the installation of the coloured slider on the front of the case. Since the installation isn’t done by the end user, this, as well, is less important to note. I was further informed that the slider is an option that doesn’t need to be purchased.

For the sake of completeness, I should also mention that the case also comes in both light beige as well as black. There is also a thread containing a discussion about the keyboard that is included in the Silent PC package.

In light of these updates, I feel it is appropriate to re-evaluate my final words on the Silent-PC. As a complete system, the Silent-PC is an excellent choice for both businesses and consumers. The motherboard especially is of great quality -- a point that I was sure to note in the original review. The only noteworthy area of concern is the price of system when compared to a standard case, motherboard, and keyboard combination. If noise and stability are significant factors for you, then I am sure that the price you pay for a Silent PC will be worthwhile.