Taiwanese computer manufacturer, Shuttle, has launched its first small form-factor PC that supports Intel's dual-core and 64-bit processors.

The Shuttle XPC Barebone SD31P features the Intel 945G Express chipset and is the first small form factor PC to support the chipmaker's 64-bit technology, according to Shuttle spokesman, Sebastien Messier.

Shuttle had already launched small form factor PCs with Advanced Micro Devices's (AMD) Athlon 64 chips and hoped to see fresh interest in the Intel-based model, Messier said.

The company hopes to attract gamers and other high-end users who need additional computing power to support graphics and multitasking. The new PC is also designed to appear sleeker than a regular desktop computer, coming in at one-third of the typical size. It is 32.5cm x 22cm x 21cm, Messier said.

The Barebone SD31P had faster memory channels and more storage than previous small form factor models and came with new high definition audio, Shuttle said. Gamers might be interested in the inclusion of Intel's tweaked Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which improved 2D and 3D DirectX 9 performance and increased game speed.

Noise levels and cooling have also been improved.

The Barebone SD31P will be available worldwide in July with a suggested retail price of $US449.

Shuttle sold about 700,000 small form factor PCs last year and expects to reach 800,000 this year, Messier said.