IBM Think Center S50: BIOS

The IBM BIOS provides no tweaking or overclocking options, nor do we really expect these options in a computer system aimed at the Corporate market. The BIOS does offer full control over enabling or disabling on-board ports and on-board options like audio. Ports can also be custom-configured if required by the computing environment.


IBM Think Center S50: Special Features

Computer service costs and their impact on “Cost-of-Ownership” for a PC have been discussed in some detail. Another significant cost in keeping PCs running is hardware and software updates. IBM has also addressed this concern by designating the S50 a “Workhorse Computer”. Translated, this means IBM is willing to certify that the Think Center S50 will not require hardware or software updates for one year.

IBM also supports earlier Operating Systems on the S50, which will be important to many Corporate clients. Windows 98, NT, 2000, Netware, and Windows XP are officially supported. In addition to the included Kensington lock capabilities and the optional key lock, other security options are available to answer the special security needs of Corporations. These include the option of the IBM Embedded Security Subsystem. This option provides encryption of local files and advanced user authentication as two of the benefits.

IBM Think Center S50: 8183 Motherboard IBM Think Center S50: The Test
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  • Anonymous User - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - link

    You are missing the point #9, the machine isn't designed for high performance enthusiasts. Its designed for people who call the computer case a modem.
    If you want a high performance machine, you will rarely pick up machine designed for a corporate enviroment.
  • Anonymous User - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - link

    Shalmanese, what the hell is the point of selling an SFF with a 3.2GHz processor if you claim that no one buying this SFF is going to notice the difference between a 3.2GHz CPU and a 500MHz CPU? You're missing the point; IBM is selling a high-end PC with a high-end CPU that doesn't perform nearly as well as other SFFs, and that's a big deal for high performance enthusiasts.
  • Anonymous User - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - link

    Try inserting a USB-memory-dongle, Bluetooth-dongle etc. in the front USB-ports here... will not work...
  • Anonymous User - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - link

    does anyone know who designs ibm computer cases?

    whoever it is, must be the same guy that has been designing them for the past 10+ years.
    they all kind of look the same from, as long as i can remember...unlike some other companies (hp/dell etc) that seem to change every couple of years...

  • Shalmanese - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - link

    Seriously, how many people in a typical office environment would notice a 10% drop in performance in content creation? The average user would probably not be able to tell a 500Mhz and a 3.2Ghz apart in typical usage.
  • Joony - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - link

    Personally, I think the Dell GX270 is a better looking SFF PC. Performance is also quite decent! only thing bad compared to the IBM is only a half height AGP and PCI slot. The place I work at have hundreds of these and servicing them is very easy for IT people like me. Go Dell, whoo!

    (Posting from my Dell Latitude D600 :D)
  • AgaBooga - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - link

    Its good to see more SFF competition. Hopefully they will become increasingly popular over time.
  • Anonymous User - Wednesday, October 22, 2003 - link

    Wow, this computer kicks ass for non-gamers/graphics designers. I wouldn't mind having one!!
  • Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - link

    Not so fast #1. The law office that i worked in just replaced all 40 of their workstations with Shuttles!
  • Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - link

    Where are the comparisons to Dell SFF business systems and Compaq EVO business systems!??

    Apples to apples, people... it would be rare that a business would buy a SFF kit and build their own PCs..

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