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Aspire X-cruiser Mid-Tower ATX case with clear sides

Monday, November 14th, 2005 | Computer Case Reviews, Reviews | View Comments

An ATX sized offering the range from Aspire computer cases, this case has a retro feel with a lot of good features. Some only cosmetic, but some useful ones too.

Aspire PC cases have established themselves as good reliable cases, but as well as that they actually do appeal to the markets they are trying to. The X-cruiser is aimed at the computer case modder, or those who want to upgrade to a slightly more custom job.

Included features…

• Cool colors
• 3 cool dials at the front
• Front USB, audio and firewire connectors
• 4 DVD sized slots, 2 floppy drive sized and 5 internal hard drive sized
• Removable motherboard tray
• Roomy inside

Overall the case does a good job. The colors are cool, and the construction is done well. There are no sharp edges inside, so you won’t get any cut fingers. There are a few spots for fans inside so you shouldn’t have trouble choosing which spots to use.

The 3 dials at the front are a VU meter, for sound level measurements, one for temperature and the bottom for fan speed. There are dials on the side to adjust the sensitivity of the VU meter, and the speed of the front fan.

A few complaints about the fan are that it only comes with a small 80mm fan at the back, although there is space to install a 120mm. There is space for 2 80mm at the front. There is a vent onto the CPU and a chimney vent at the top.

Installation should be a cinch, and detailed instructions can be found at the Aspire cases website.

So if you like the looks, the performance won’t disappoint, the case is suitable for anyone looking for that something unique.

Aspire X-Qpack Micro ATX tower mini case

Wednesday, November 9th, 2005 | Computer Case Reviews, Reviews | View Comments

Aspire mini cases have made lots of improvements since the incarnation of the Antec Aria. The X-Qpack packs in a whole host of useful and useable features that probably make it one of the better buys when considering a microATX case.

The Aspire X-Qpack makes up the microATX sized range of the Aspire computer cases range. It comes in a variety of colors too, which is a cool thing for those who want it to match something, or just for something cool. These Aspire cases can make a great case for an entertainment system in your home.

The list of features for this case include…

• small size
• 420Watt power supply
• 120mm exhaust fan
• Clear sides with blue LED fans inside
• Space for 2 DVD or CD drives or equivalent

The whole case is nicely colored and has smooth lines. The insides are visible from clear panels on every side of the case. These are enhanced by blue LED lights on all of the fans.

There is an blue LCD display at front which displays CPU and Hard drive temperatures. And they actually work. With the little connectors they give a fairly accurate guage of how hot things are getting inside.

Airflow is strong due to the large fan at the back. There should be no overheating concerns with a standard non-overclocked setup.

Two more noteable things are the removable motherboard tray and the handle. The removable motherboard tray makes installation of a motherboard in a computer which is tight on space easy. So no more lost skin with this one. Also there is a handy dandy handle on the front for ease of carrying.

Go to the Aspire cases website at http://aspireusa.net for a closer look.

Overall a very easy to work with case that looks good and doesn’t cost much. A great buy.

Premium 2525 Black ATX Mid-Tower Case with Ultra X-Connect 400W power supply

Friday, September 9th, 2005 | Computer Case Reviews, Reviews | View Comments

This deal is a combination of a decent case with a more than respectable power supply. With the rebates available, it comes to a price which is hard to beat.

The standard sized ATX tower case provides enough room for expansion in terms of slots drive bays.

It is constructed from steal, which is the best bet for a case that comes in this price range. Steel is heavier, but a little more sturdy than an aluminum case. With cheaper aluminum cases the aluminum is very thin to save on cost, which makes it flimsy.

At a glance these are the features of this case…

• 4 DVD drive sized bays
• 2 floppy drive sized bays
• 4 internal bays for hard drives (2 when allowing for spacing)
• 2 USB Ports
• 1 Firewire port
• 2 Audio ports

The external ports are located at the front of the case, very close to the top of the front panel. This is a convenient position for easy access if the case is stored low, like next to your work table.

My favorite thing about this case is that it can use two 12 inch fans.

Why is that such a good thing?

Cases need lots of cooling to keep the hot parts inside from getting too hot. This is achieved by pushing air through the case by using fans. The trouble is that fans make noise, and with anywhere up to 4 8 inch fans or more, your computer can sound more like a jet.

One 12 inch fan moves as much air as two 8 inch fans, but make around the same amount of noise. So two 12 inch can take the place of four 8 inch, but cut the noise in half.

I have reviewed the Ultra power supply before. It looks cool, operates fine and the removable cables are a godsend. The original review can be found at .

Thermaltake Tsunami Aluminum Case

Saturday, June 4th, 2005 | Computer Case Reviews, Reviews | View Comments

Certainly a good looking case, this offering from Thermaltake gives you many cool features as well as many extra unexpected ones to bring you a case that will keep even the most picky user happy.

Thermaltake has become known for it’s cases and this case is another trophy in the cabinet.

Outward appearances are good. The front panel has a full length door to cover everything. Opening the door reveals the drive bays. There is then another door that reveals the metal case and the big 120mm front fan.

There is a filter in front of the fan which means that dust doesn’t get passed into the system. Great for keeping things clean inside the case. It can even be removed so you can clean it.

At the top of the case is a small trapdoor that when opened allows access to 2 USB, 1 IEEE1394, a mic and audio in ports.

Putting new cards into the system is as easy can be with a special locking mechanism. Instead of the little screws that hold cards there are little clips that can be set into a locked or unlocked position to allow easy removal of cards.

Another handy feature is the removable hard drive and floppy drive sections. The part where these are connected can be removed from the case making upgrading painless and easy. Another plus is that they allow more room to access the motherboard, as the case d0es not come with a removable motherboard tray.

The two big 120mm fans are a great addition. Big fans like these push nearly double the amount of air as 80mm fans, but with less noise than the common setup of using 2 80mm. The benefits are better cooling through better airflow and a quiter system.

Overall, a cool case, and at around a hundred bucks is really good value for such a cool case. In my opinion it easily compares to the CoolerMaster Wavemaster in terms of it’s cool looks and functionality, but with a lower price tag.

Cooler Master Wavemaster Black Aluminum Case

Saturday, June 4th, 2005 | Computer Case Reviews, Reviews | View Comments

If you are looking for a strong and sturdy case, which has good looks and will last many years, this case will give you a lot of what you are hoping for.

Of all the parts of a computer, this is one thing you don’t need to replace often. With a great looking and functioning case you will have fewer problems and hassles with the upgrades of the other components. And even though a cool one is a little more expensive, that cost can be stretched out for the lifetime of that case.

The Wavemaster is constructed from sturdy 3mm thick aluminum. The thickness of the material gives this case a very solid feel.

So as to not spoil the cool look of the front panel the easily accessible 2 USB, 1 IEEE 1394 and in/out/mic audio ports are located on the top of the case, under a small trapdoor. If they are not in use, the trapdoor closes to conceal the ports. This bunch of ports can be replaced by an extractor fan for cooling purposes if you so wish.

The drive bays are cocealed by a door that has to be opened to acces the CD-ROM or other drives. It stays closed using a small magnet. It certainly adds to the cool look of the case, giving that smooth front cover.

Everything on the case is attached using thumb screws and the power supply can be removed without taking off the side panels of the case (it doesn’t come with a power supply). Stainless stell inserts ensure that the threads of the screws don’t cause the aluminum sto expand over time.

The case comes with 3 fans, two at the front hidden behind a cool panel so you don’t see them, and one at the back. There is the option of a fourth one if you replace the top panel with the adapter included.

So if you are looking for a case with that cool factor, this will do it. There are no fancy lights of cold cathode tubes to make it light up like a christmas tree. The design is cool and modern and it is one of the highest quality cases out there.