Every once in a while, Shuttle overhauls the chassis on their XPCs and we saw the latest incarnation at Computex this year. Dubbed as P2, the new chassis brings changes based on feedback Shuttle receives by end-users as well as its R&D labs. Today, we take a look at their nforce 570 chipset based SN27P2 XPC, based on this new P2 chassis.

The SN27P2 comes packaged in Shuttle’s standard sized box with the XPC nicely secured. A small white box holds all the required cables and accessories while a large quickstart guide in multiple languages helps you put the system together quickly.

Looks wise, the front of the XPC has now changed to an awesome looking brushed aluminum marred by cheap glossy plastic around the borders- we have no idea why Shuttle decided to add plastic around the edges. Like previous XPCs, the bottom edge flips open to reveal front audio, USB and firewire ports.

Shuttle decided to remove the integrated memory card reader found on the P2 chassis. Unfortunately, since there are no standard USB headers on the motherboard, you are left with no choice but to buy Shuttle’s own 3.5” card reader separately adding to the costs. Not a good thing in our opinion.

Setting up the new P2 chassis based SN27P2 is no longer a tool-less affair- again something we don’t really like. With the original P chassis, snapping in your optical and hard drives simply meant attaching their brackets and sliding or snapping it on the chassis. With the new P2 chassis, you have to screw in all the drives. Shuttle’s excuse for this is that it secures the components better and gives lesser chance of dislocating when transporting the XPC from one place to another.