computer-reviews.net

Thermaltake Matrix Computer Case

Wednesday, April 19th, 2006 | Computer Case Reviews, News | View Comments

The Thermaltake Matrix computer case is toutes a “case for LAN parties” according to the detailing on the box. LAN party cases usually have unique designs, clear cases, some cold cathode lights, great cooling and good layouts inside to add to the pleasing look of the case.

The Blue LED 120mm fan located at the bottom and the 120mm fan at the back give it good airflow. The clear side panel lets you see all of your cool components inside and its light enough to lug around to any LAN party you wish to go to.

The case incorporates a tool-less design. All of the peripherals come out with just clips. This applies to PCI slots, hard drives and all the other stuff besides the motherboards screws to the case.

The case does basically what it is supposed to in a case thats priced at about $75. It has good looks and works fine. It’s nothing to write home about and won’t leave any jaws on the floor, but it does provide another option for those looking at cases in this range that are suitable to be lugged around, but are also not lacking in the design department.

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Three System Cases from ASUS

Thursday, April 13th, 2006 | Computer Case Reviews, News | View Comments

X-bit labs takes a look at 3 different mid-range cases from Asus. Although Asus are not well-known for their cases they do offer decent looks, but plain. Their Vento system was a bit of a failure, having good looks, but bad functionality. Their focus now is just for those who want a middle of the range case, without too much cost involved.

The funniest one of the lot is the TA-370 which has cool looking, chess board like cover, which although may not appeal to everyone’s tastes has a unique styling to it. All of the buttons blend with the checked look of the cover, so they are almost completely covered up. The other parts have covers that slip down for use. There is a doorknob on the side panel that allows you to open it. Inside parts almost all have clips for easy undoing of parts.

The TA-252 has a more plain design, and the whole cover is white. There are large areas of mesh for good airflow. Another thing I like is that you don’t need to open a cover to get to the USB and audio ports. There is no tool-free design here and the little clips apparent in the above mentioned case are not there. The internals are plain.

The TA-212 shares the same internals, but a different front cover with the TA-252. It’s a completely gray, almost silver looking front cover where all the drives have flaps that come down to conceal them. They are  functional.

They find the TA-252 the best one in its class, which I would agree with, as its the most traditional, has things placed in the right places and provides enough cooling through big vents.

See the full review at X-bit labs.

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Cooler Master Stacker CM 830 Aluminum Case

Friday, March 10th, 2006 | Computer Case Reviews, News | View Comments

The Cooler Master Stacker CM 830 breaks a little witht he tradition of quite standard cases and offers one with as many options as you can think of, styling that is impeccable and cooling suitable for the most hot-headed of overclockers.

With support with up to 9 120mm fans there is amost no way that it will not provide the necessary airflow to whatever setup you have. Part of the styling is balck mesh sides and top, which allow lots of fresh air to come from the outside. There are panels in the side of the case where extra fans can be installed and one exhaust fan at the top of the case to expel hot air.

The case is designed with Cooler Master’s liquid cooling system in mind and is designed to easily take their system, which could be an option for anyone that gets this case, as long as they have some money left after that.

Is is worthy of noting that all of the fan spots can take fans of up to 140mm in size. This is great for getting the throughflow you need without the buzz of many smaller fans.

The hard drives can be isntalled without the use of tools and are installed in small kind of container that has a 120mm fan at the front. I takes only the space of 3 traditional hard drive spots but they are kept cool by the fan. The drives themselves can be installed without tools using the little goodies given with the case. Alternatively, you can still use screws after removing the toolless stuff.

At nearly 300 bucks, this case is expensive. It is certainly worth it as you get a fine case which will last forever. There are enough extras for anyone and others will drool over its great lines and styling. Check out the full review at extremeoverclocking.

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Hell’s Illusion: Project Lament II Case Mod at CaseModGod

Tuesday, March 7th, 2006 | Computer Case Reviews, Modding, News | View Comments

Utterly fantastic, there are not too many people who will go to this degree of detail to create their perfect case. Most cases are just slight reworks on bought cases, but why stop there. CaseModGod has made a case based on hellraiser, the end result, which at time of writing has not come yet is a case which is inspired by hellraiser with a puzzle box worked into it.

Massive browny points for creativity and total coolness. Look here if you want to creat a case that is truly unique.

LINK

XG Viper 2 Red Gaming Case

Monday, March 6th, 2006 | Computer Case Reviews, News | View Comments

The Viper 2 red gaming case might not be to everybody’s taste, but it does do a fairly good job at what it claims to do. Have a newer style of more aggressive styling it will certainly make those who like more traditional cases take a second look.

In a review at bjorn3d they have a closer look at the case and how it competes in the market it is aimed at, the gaming market.

It takes quite a lot to make it into the gaming sector as they are quite choosy about the parts they put into their computer. And with the slightly higher budgets, or just more willingless to spend it has become a cometitive market. The aggressive red front of the case is just a matter of taste and doesn’t effect the overall effectiveness of the case itself.

Internally there are many tool free solutions so that you need the minimum of effort install and take things out. The included 80mm fans and the small slots for them are a little disappointing with discrepencies between what is featured on their website and the final product. It ran hotter than their reference Antec case, which is a little disappointing, attributed mostly to the 80mm as opposed to 120mm fans.

A cool case with aggressive styling. If you are in the market for this kind of case give it a look, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.

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