We have a winner!

Congratulations Ryan Birk!!

Ryan is the first to submit information successfully installing ESXi 5.5 on the Shuttle SZ87R6.

For all the VMware students and experts, that are thinking of using small form factor whiteboxes for their home labs, the Shuttle SZ87R6 system is the newest technology.  The SZ87R6 supports Intel’s Haswell processors, 32GB Ram, up to 4 x 2.5″ HDD/SSD drives (with adapter) plus an MSATA SSD.  Also, sports Dual Gigabyte Lan and a 80Plus Bronze 500W power supply.

Here is the link to Ryan’s Shuttle SZ87R6 ESXi 5.5 build and instructions to create your own home labs.  He also provides the drivers for the NICs which were removed in the 5.5 version.

 

Advertisement

Shuttle XH61V – After BIOS update, computer won’t boot

If you’ve updated the BIOS and the computer won’t post/boot try to reset the BIOS.

Here is how to reset the BIOS on the XH61V:

1.)  Unplug the power cord

2.)  Remove the lithium battery from the MB

3.)  Hold in the power button for 30 seconds

Then put everything back together and boot up the computer, the new BIOS update will remain after the reset.

If your computer still doesn’t post after the reset, you can RMA the BIOS chip for a replacement with the newest BIOS.  To do this, you can go direct to Shuttle Tech Support or I would be glad to help out with the replacement.

Internal Mini PCIe WiFi card for the XH61V & SH67H3 models

Shuttle has tested and recommends these 3 Mini PCIe WiFi cards for the SX79R5, SZ68R5, SH61R4, SH67H3, SA76R4 and the XH61V models:

1.  Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235  WiFi and Bluetooth

2.  Intel Centrion Advanced-N 6230  WiFi and Bluetooth

3.  Realtek RTL8191SE  WiFi only

Mini PCIe Internal WiFi card kit

These were all tested with Windows 7 only.     We will have to test compatibility with Mac Lion, Mountain Lion.
If anyone knows if drivers for these cards are available for Lion and Mountain Lion, please let us know in a comment.

Shuttle XH61V Ivy Bridge is now available

Shuttle XH61V front view

Shuttle XH61V Front & Back Panel

The XH61V model that supports the Intel Ivy Bridge processors is now available for $189.99.  You can purchase it from our website.

The XH61V not only supports the Ivy Bridge processors, but they’ve added some additional functionality and made some changes:

1.  Dual Gigabyte Ethernet
2.  2x RS232 serial ports (5V/12V, 1x switchable to RS422 / RS485)
3.  2 x USB 3.0
4.  Changed the Audio from Realtek ALC887 to ALC662
5.  2 x 2.5″ HDD/SSD

Here is a picture of the motherboard:

Shuttle XH61V Motherboard

Here is a list of the compatible processors:

Shuttle XH61V Processor Compatibility List

Here is a list of the features:

Shuttle XH61V Features

Here is a picture of the front and back panel descriptions:

Shuttle XH61V Front & Back Panel Descriptions

Update on the XH61 Ivy Bridge support

Correction – Shuttle was able to do a BIOS update for compatibility with the Ivy Bridge processors on the XH61 model.
New BIOS version is XH61X000.200 which you can download for here.

 

The current model Shuttle XH61 will not support the Ivy Bridge processors, Shuttle states the motherboard will not support the Ivy processor even with a BIOS update.  The good news is, they will have a new model the XH61V which will support the Ivy Bridge low TDP processors in the next couple of months.

Shuttle XH61 Lion v. 10.7.4

I just updated to Lion version 10.7.4 on my XH61 with no problems.
Didn’t have to reinstall any kexts.

Shuttle SH67H3 version 2 motherboard upgrade

If anyone is interested in getting the new Version 2 motherboard that supports the Ivy Bridge processors here is what Shuttle is doing:

Fee: upgrade fee will be $40.00 (shipping not included, customer has to handle sending in and ship out cost)

Procedure

1. Customer has to call our tech support for a case# at 1-626-820-9000. Then customer has to apply for a RMA# on our website using the case# that they get from our tech support.  Link to RMA page.
2. Our RMA department will issue a RMA# for customer to return V1 MB (MB must be returned in good condition, no physical damage will be accepted).
3. After received customer’s return board, we’ll charge $40 + shipping then ship out V2 board to customer.

This info is for Shuttle in the United States.

Not a bad price for an Ivy Bridge motherboard, even with shipping costs both ways.
Only bad thing is you’ll be without your machine for a week or so.

Ivy Bridge for the XH61

Update Update

I received a response from Tech Support at Shuttle, he advised that they did test an Ivy Bridge processor on the XH61, but it wouldn’t post.  So, they are waiting for Shuttle HQ to do the BIOS update and will let me know when it’s available.

 

Update

I stand corrected, there are 2 Intel Ivy Bridge processors out now with 65W TDP.
The i7-3770S 3.1Ghz Quad core LGA1155 and an i5-3450S 2.8Ghz Quad core LGA1155.

I’m checking with Shuttle now to see if they will be providing support for Ivy Bridge on the XH61 model.
As soon as I hear back from them, I will let you know.

I noticed someone was searching for info on Intel Ivy Bridge for the Shuttle XH61 model, so I thought I would address that now.

The Ivy Bridge CPUs that Intel just released are 95W TDP, the XH61 model will only take 65W TDP, so as of right now there is no support for the Ivy Bridge on the XH61.  I’m not sure if Intel will be releasing an Ivy Bridge CPU with a 65W TDP when the other Ivy Bridge CPUs come out later this year.

If anyone else has any information regarding this, please let us know.

WiFi on the Shuttle XH61 with Lion 10.7.3

I bought the Asus USB-N13 adapter, because it has the OSX driver.  Don’t use the Asus driver, I downloaded the driver from the Ralink website.

Use the first driver for the RT2870.  It will install a utility that will connect you to your wireless network.

At first, I couldn’t get it to recognize the adapter, so I tested it on my Win 7 machine.  It worked fine there, then I plugged it back into my XH61 and it worked, weird.

There are other Wireless USB adapters that work also, as long as it has the Ralink chip, as Ralink has all the OSX drivers you can download from their website.

Update on the XH61 with Lion 10.7.3

We now have Audio using the back 3.5 jack and the front headphone and mic work also.
Haven’t tried the HDMI yet.

Had to install  the ALC887vdHDA_6Ch_rMic_SPDIF.kext.  Install this with KextBeast.

First remove the ALC8xxHDA if you installed the Realtek driver from MultiBeast.
Leave the Realtek8xxHDA enabler and the AppleHDA Rollback.  These files are in System/Library/Extensions.

Then reboot and you have sound.

Now, I have to test the HDMI sound, will advise on that.