[section_title title=Closer Look]Closer Look
The MSI Wind Box DC111 small form factor system has a very small demeanour to it and is all white with a black trim; it measures up at 19x15x3.4cm making this not only small, but very small in comparison to some of the ZOTAC ZBOX models we have reviewed previously. With a weight of 900g, it isn’t exactly heavy but given the few components inside, no dedicated graphics and with no space wastage, MSI have done a good job keeping the system compact.
The Wind Box DC111 features a substantial amount of ventilation all over the micro system; no such thing as too many vents for air flow but given the size of the system and the limited potency of the components, it could be a little overkill. Nevertheless, it gives a nice contrast giving it a more defined white and black theme. In the top right-hand corner of the unit is the power button which of course turns the power on; make sure the power cable is plugged in first!
On the right hand panel, we have a front panel I/O which features 2 x 3.5mm audio inputs (headphone and mic) and 4 x USB 2.0 connections; I am very impressed with the sheer amount of connectivity on the DC111 as the pictures don’t do it justice in terms of size. Also featured is a power and HDD activity LED.
On the flip side, we have the “informative” stickers such as the Intel Inside (nice and blue), also featured is an HDMI supported logo with an energy efficiency label. Below that, there are labels referring to the model number, branding, European safety information and the obligatory serial number; this is needed if you are unlucky enough to ever need an RMA.
Not so much ventilation on the rear but MSI still have implemented a small strip of mesh to allow air to circulate.
The rear I/O of the MSI Wind Box DC111 features a wide variety of connections including 1 x VGA, 1 x HDMI, 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet port, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack, S/PDIF out and of course a power input; the lack of DVI sort of baffles me and in terms of accessories, no DVI-HDMI adapter is included which confuses me even more. Another way of looking at that however was there wasn’t enough room to accommodate a VGA, HDMI and DVI all together and I reckon most users would rather have HDMI over DVI; not to say that including an adapter would have solved the problem.
On the top, MSI has also included an SD card reader; this also supports MS and MMC cards too.
Here is the installed article, the MSI Wind Box DC111 standing tall’; on its black and white stand. It is held together with a screw which you will find in the box.
Last but not least, we have the accessories and contents of the box. Inside you will find a warranty information booklet, user guide, Wind Box DC111 information leaflet, driver installation CD, power cable and transformer; this is finished off with the stand which you can see in the above picture when installed.
A DVI-HDMI adapter would have been a nice addition, but they can be picked up for a couple of pound from most retailers and even eBay; MSI has no excuse for not including one though!
