MSI Wind Box DC111 System Review

[section_title title=Conclusion]Conclusion

I think it goes without saying here that the MSI Wind Box DC111 shouldn’t be nor could it be considered on gaming related performance of any kind; would be like reviewing a Ford Fiesta 1.2l around Silverstone.  What I will say however is that the MSI Wind Box DC111 is a breath of fresh air for me but let me explain why…

The MSI Wind Box DC111 features a colour scheme that only excites me (white and black) which is always going to make for an interesting view but objectively, this particular machine is most suited for those looking for a small HTPC option or perhaps a miniature sized office PC.  It has more than enough grunt to deliver 1080p HD video without even breaking a sweat; this includes very light gaming but if your purpose is to find something similar to an AMD APU set up, this isn’t the solution for you.

I was quite astonished to be honest at what a nice little system MSI have created for less than £200; it’s small, stylish, powerful enough for its purpose and for what it is, it beats out ZOTAC ZBOXs which come out at a higher price.  When you take that into consideration, you can’t really knock the DC111 on value but there are of course better options for the price; maybe not though when you factor in the pre-installed Windows 8.1 operating system.

Performance on the whole was pretty interesting too with some respectable scores in synthetic benchmarks; one couldn’t help think this system with a 256GB SSD inside would be a mega potent office machine and MSI should make it happen!  The ventilation which the Wind Box DC111 features also does a cracking job as at full load (with Prime95), the system didn’t touch over 68c; that was the actual CPU temperature and not delta.  Overall, a pretty cracking SFF (small form factor) system from MSI.

Office tasks such as email, web browsing and even watching 1080p content didn’t even kick the DC111 into gear and I had absolutely no problems with load times; mainly because Windows 8.1 doesn’t take that long to boot anyway!  500GB is ample for office files, applications and even storing music/movies on and with its 5400RPM, it’s not going to be loud in the process which makes it perfect for a HTPC in the TV; add a wireless media keyboard/mouse pad in and you have yourself a new best friend.  HDMI and S/DIF connectors make this a solid contender for one of the nicest looking media centres on the market; if white is your thing of course.

£167.98 for a such a system is not going to break the bank if you are looking for something small for HTPC use or even a nifty little system you can pack away in your bag, go away on business then hook up to a TV or monitor via the HDMI.  As I have mentioned, I am a little miffed as to why there is no included DVI-HDMI adapter as not everyone uses HDMI for their PC; it makes things easier but it still isn’t 100% absolute in everybody’s eyes.  The spec which includes a 500GB HDD with an OS pre-installed, 4GB of RAM and a power saving Intel Celeron 1037U dual core processor might not sound like the most powerful rig in the world; but it eloquently does its job perfectly!  Add the built in Wf-Fi to the mix and you have an elegant little office machine that isn’t going to cost you the earth.

When you factor in the small nature of the MSI Wind Box DC111, it really opens MSI up to the small form factor market; they have pretty much dominated the gaming notebook market this year so I can see a few more examples of the Wind Box hitting the shelves in 2015.  Is that a bad thing?  Of course not and ZOTAC better be on watch as the ZBOX has a new challenger, the MSI Wind Box.

A big thanks to MSI for sending the Wind Box DC111 in for review!