Sapphire Edge HD Mini Desktop PC
Over the years, we have reviewed heaps of Desktop PCs and even though most of them are quite interesting and quite impressive in certain features, it rarely comes in as a true surprise. This is mainly because of some leaked information about that highlight specification of the device, otherwise it is just because it will be simply the same design. However, today we are going to review a PC that is full of real surprises. There have been a lot of media players released over the past year and some have been successful, while others have been simply a disaster. There have been some very good advancement in this industry, but at the end of all that we end up thinking that nothing is as good as a media PC. The Sapphire Edge-HD Mini PC seems to be having all the high end features and also does not make people miss a Media Centre PC.
Sapphire might not be a famous name for PCs, but it is well-known for its AMD-based graphics cards as well as motherboards. To eradicate the name of just suppliers for AMDwares, Sapphire has delved into manufacturing PSUs and mini-projectors. But, now they have quickly moved from manufacturing accessories to producing complete PCs and they have introduced, rather erroneously called the smallest PC in the world.
Design:
The smallest PC in the world?
On the box, the Sapphire Edge HD Mini PC has been billed as the smallest PC in the world, but that is not true as that crown goes to the Anders Fit PC2. However, with the dimensions of (H x W x D) 115 x 101 x 27 mm, and weighing just 350 grams, it proves to be very compelling and also makes the Edge HD a lot smaller that most external optical drives in the market, and said that, even most media players. Matt black plastic casing is a clever choice by Sapphire, which makes the PC dust and fingerprint resistant. The finishing is rubberised, and in one corner, there is the Sapphire logo.
Build:
The very first thing that you can review about the PC is its built quality, which seems to be excellent. While handling the PC, we could not hear or feel any creaks or squeaks and there is a bundled stand that allows it to be placed upright just like the Wii, or it can also be placed on the sides like a Mac Mini. The stand is connected through a thumb screw which has also been slotted if you intend to get it tight. The top edge of the PC has an exhaust vent and the bottom simply mirrors it and also has a screw hole for the stand. The final edge also sports a Sapphire logo with a product information sticker. The fascia sports a pull out facing revealing two USB2.0 ports, and next to this, there is the drive activity indicator and power button which also indicates power. You will find other connectivity options on the rear.
Connectivity:
For Media PCs, the most important specification to look for is, Gigabit Ethernet, VGA, 802.11n WiFi, HDMI, four USB slots, audio-in and line out ports. Of course, ultra compact design is always accompanied by compromises in connectivity, a multi-card reader is the first to get the chop. For instance, a lot of compact PCs come with optical out for audio, USB3.0 and connectors ilk eSATA that may suite consumers better. That said, you do get all of the essentials such as Wireless N card, GB LAN as well as a hard drive with decent capacity.
Features:
High-end specs:
As far as the specification features are concerned, you will just get everything you will ever need. For starters, a dual core Atom D510 1.66GHz CPU has been employed, there is 2GB of DDR2-800MHz RAM. The best part is, it has Nvidia, yes you heard it right, it brings together next generation Nvidia’s ION2 Graphics chip with 512MB of dedicated memory. The D510 CPU is a Pinview-D based 45mm processor that is 64-bit compatible, running at 1.66GHz with a 10x multiplier and bus speed of 166MHz. In addition to this, this dual core model’s each of the two cores are Hyper Threading enabled, hence users will have access to four threads at the same time. Sapphire has employed the Samsung 2.5” SATA drive with a spindle speed of 5400rpm, 8MB cache and a capacity of 250GB.
The insides:
On opening the casing of the Sapphire Edge HD Mini PC, you get to see the Pegatron motherboard, and its entire clutter free designing. The low profile cooler sitting on top of the CPU and GPU are also visible, exhausting air out of the top of the system. This cooler actually features a Sunon MagLev fan that makes use of the magnetic levitation force. A highlight feature of the fan is that, the fan has zero friction with no contact between shaft and bearing, which results in extremely silent operation of the machine. In order to further enhance the cooling functionality, Sapphire has added a slim copper square on top of the ION GPU. Bottom of the PCB features the AzureWave AW-NU103 wireless N card as well as the two of the remaining graphics memory chips. There is no enough room inside in order to house the power supply, so, like most of the other portable systems, this mini PC also includes an external adaptor, which is a 65W model.
Set-up:
The set-up is very simple too. The start-up of the Edge-HD Mini PC is not just connecting the power cord to a wall socket and just connecting a HDMI cable to a screen. One part that is tricky is the fact that Sapphire has shipped the Edge HD without Windows, and instead there is a FreeDOS, which has a little more functionality than flashing C drive prompt. The good thing out of this is that, it aids Sapphire keep the expenses down and also pulls Linux fans, who as simply sick and tired of paying for Microsoft Operating Systems that they did not ask for. But the bane is for those who want the OS just like us, resulting in a few hiccups at the time of boot.
BIOS:
As far as BIOS is concerned, Sapphire has chosen the American Megatrends with very minimal configuration options available to the user. The Main settings can be set to Advanced mode in order to configure the fan settings. Under the main tab, there is BIOS info, System Time and Date settings and Memory size. There are a few sub menus too, first one is CPU configuration which is very less of configuration and more of specifications and status. In SATA configuration, you will be able to alternate between SATA controller modes and opt the primary hard drive, USB configuration has just controller enable and disable. Next is the Hardware Health Configuration, where you get to check the CPU temperature, adjust the fan control settings, fan speed and also monitor the system voltages. Finally, there is also the On-board Device Settings, with which you can Enable or Disable the on-board audio, LAN boot ROM and LAN.
Back to installation:
Sapphire offers an instruction manual that gives you step by step instructions. But in a gist, all you have to do is, connect either a USB or an external optical drive, create a Windows 7 USB boot drive with some help from the Windows 7 USB boot tool and finally, switch the device boot order so that the attached drive has taken a check before the hard drive. Just make sure that you reverse this when the Windows install process reboots so that the HDD is allowed to complete the setup. Though this can be a little complicated, it is worth doing so. It is worth noting that Sapphire offers Windows drivers on a bundled USB drive.
The ultimate deal:
Once you are done with the installation of the OS of your choice, you will get a complete desktop experience. While most media players in the market try and mimic PC functionality by having sluggish browsers with dedicated widgets, the Edge HD Mini PC is no different from your everyday desktop or laptop. All you have to do is, just pick the browser you like and just forget about the widgets, as you will get the complete websites. Yet another advantage is with the codecs. Though the Media players arrive with compatibility to multiple formats, with the desktop OS installed in the Edge HD, you will be able to install anything you wish and it will never be out of date too. You need not be relying on the media player manufacturers to update the codes via firmware upgrades. The only argument that the media player advocates will have for themselves is that, you will not be getting specialist user friendly interface; but as everybody is aware, this is not true.
One of the best User Interface in the current market is that of the Boxee Box and Boxee, which makes its User Interface fully free of cost for download on OSs such as Mac, Linux and Windows. The Windows Media Centre is good too and there are a lot of other options such as MythTV and Linux MCS that function as digital video recorders and not just as playback formats. And, unlike a media player, with a media centre, you get to choose the UI you like the most. However, none of this is of any value, unless the Edge HD Mini PC performs and has good value.
Performance:
Everyday tasks:
The first important factor that we mention above seems to be a grand success. With the Nvidia’s ION2 chip, the downloaded 720p and 1080p HD videos playback is a breeze. You will not find any skipped frames and there is very minimal strain on the system resources. Though HTML5 works just fine, make sure that you install the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player beta so that you can get the most from streaming Flash web content. The reason for this is, in spite of being dual core, the Atom is still quite a weaking to technology. It is just fine for everyday tasks of desktop work and web surfing, but viewing High Definition sans any assistance from the ION2 is not possible. Sapphire can enhance the performance of the Edge HD by installing an SSD, hence the speed of the hard drive as well as the general system responsiveness has a noticeable enhancement.
Gaming:
With the availability of ION2, you get some basic gaming too. For instance, games like World of Warcraft and The Sims are at lower resolutions, which are playable, but you just cannot think of Crysis to be any good other than a series of hurdles. The good news here is that, the Sapphire Edge HD Mini PC is almost silent while gaming.
Power, Heat and Noise:
The thermal and power performance of the Edge HD was quite appreciable, considering that it is an ATOM/ION2 system. However, we felt that the Edge HD is at its best when it comes to the noise level. Very often we find the compact systems being incredibly noisy with their loud fans to keep the components inside the compact chassis cool. But Sapphire has employed this amazing fan, which manages to remain silent in almost every scenario, even under full load.
Packaging:
The Sapphire Edge HD Mini PC comes in a black and white themed packaging that has heaps of information about the PC on each of its sides. The details include some very detailed images of the system on the front and rear, which is great for consumers looking to buy it in-store. Inside the package, the PC is protected on all sides by foam and cardboard and for some additional peace of mind, it has been wrapped in an anti-static bag. In the package you will find plug, HDMI to DVI connector, HDMI cable and case stickers. Also included is the above mentioned short, but quite well written manual as well as a USB drive containing drivers for Vista, Windows 7 and XP. For power, you get AC adaptor, which is a 65w model manufactured by Meic having a blue LED instead of the standard green to indicate power.
Value:
As far as cost and value, things get quite complicate. The Edge HD actually costs just under 250 pounds, that is including VAT and this price tag makes the PC only about 50 pounds higher than the Boxee Box and around 90 pounds higher than the WD TV Live and still manages to offer a whole lot of functionality too. And, you get a free HDMI cable too. While this price can be just mind blowing for the Linux fans who usually get the distribution free, the Windows fans will not be too pleased about this as they will have to find another 60 bucks for their Windows 7 Home Premium OS, which takes the cost beyond 300 pounds.
At this price point, you will be better off investing on a much more practical ION equipped netbook that comes around 250 to 300 pounds. Just like this Mini PC, you will also be able to connect the netbooks to a telly or any other monitor through a HDMI port and unlike this PC, they can be just unplugged and used on the move. Additionally, with the Edge HD’s tiny chassis, it also means that it cannot be officially upgraded, while the hard drive on a netbook can be simply swapped out if you are looking at more capacity. Dell’s Zino HD is also a good option.
Warranty:
Sapphire offers its Edge HD Mini PC two years warranty for parts and labour which is again, good value.
Verdict:
The Sapphire Edge HD Mini PC is a device that manages to impress as soon as it is unboxed, with its remarkable build quality and great design. Having an ultra-compact design, the Edge HD can be placed in almost any environment. The slightly rubberised finishing is also likable as it is far less prone to dust gathering than the high gloss finish used by other manufacturers. Overall, Sapphire has managed to create quite a stylish and Full HD enabled media PC in a cute tiny package that is oozing with style. While its feature set and full flat desktop functionalities makes it a very attractive prospect, taking a closer look, you will realise that this price that is not exactly as cheap as it first looked, making an ION equipped netbook a lot more of a flexible alternative.
Sapphire Edge-HD Mini Desktop PC – Technical Specification Details
| Manufacturer | Sapphire |
| Model Name | Sapphire Edge HD Mini PC |
| PC type | Mini PC |
| Series | NA |
| DIMENSIONS AND DISPLAY | |
| Dimensions (D x H x W) | 19.3 x 14.8 x 2.2 cm |
| Weight | 577g |
| Available colours/finish | Black |
| Form Factor | Ultra-compact |
| PROCESSOR, MEMORY, STORAGE | |
| Processor type | Intel® Atom™ D510 |
| Clock speed | 1.66GHz |
| Multi-Core processor technology | Dual core |
| RAM | 2GB |
| RAM type | DDR3 |
| Hard drive size | 250GB |
| Spindle speed | 5,400RPM |
| Optical drive | None |
| GRAPHICS, VIDEO AND SOUND | |
| Graphics Processor | NVIDIA ION 2 |
| Graphics features | 535MHz core, 1,580MHz memory |
| Graphics driver | NVIDIA Verde 266.89 |
| Motherboard | Pegatron IPPPV-DCG |
| Motherboard chipset | Intel Atom |
| Sound | Nvidia HD Audio |
| Sound outputs | stereo line out |
| Speakers | None |
| COMMUNICATION FEATURES | |
| Wireless | AzureWave (802.11bgn) |
| Ethernet | 10/100/1000 Mbps Built-in Ethernet |
| LAN | Gigabit |
| SOFTWARE | |
| Software included | Free DOS |
| Operating System | Pre-installed Free DOS Support Windows® 7 / Vista / XP |
| Input/Output | 1 x VGA(D-sub) Port 1 x HDMI Port 1 x RJ-45 Gigabit Lan 4 x USB 2.0 Port 1 x Audio-in 1 x Line-out |
| Accessories | 1 x USB Sticker 1G (Pre-load driver, Manual) 1 x HDMI cable 1 x HDMI to DVI adapter 1 x Quick Install guide (QIG) 1 x Chassis Stand 1 x Power cord 1 x Power Adapter |
| Power | 65 W AC 100~240V 50/60Hz, 19v~3.42A |
| WARRANTY | Limited warranty – 2 years Return to Base |
Leave a Reply