Cases

Category >> Cases

nMediaPC HTPC-6000B ATX HTPC Case 10-26-2009

Today I will be reviewing a sharp looking new desktop HTPC case by nMediaPC. It accommodates a standard ATX motherboard and a full sized power suppy, with pricing in the economy range of HTPC cases (under $100). It definitely does not look like a PC case, which is definitely the trend in the HTPC case arena. Read on to find out about the nMediaPC HTPC-6000B!

Apevia X-Dreamer 3 Mid-Tower Case 10-22-2009

I was just looking back through our archives and realized it has been more than a year since our last Apevia case review. As it turns out, they have updated revisions of some of their most popular enclosures such as the X-Cruiser 2 and the X-Dreamer 3. The third installment of the X-Dreamer series continues the tradition of a mid-tower chassis with round LCD temperature display and controls located on the front panel. While maintaining nearly the same exterior dimensions and pretty much identical interior capacity, the X-Dreamer 3 improves the model by enlarging the side panel window, upgrading to 120mm fans and reducing the weight.

NZXT Lexa S Mid-Tower Case 09-21-2009

Today I have for review NZXT's latest in their Crafted Series of cases, the mid-tower Lexa S. Now you may recognize that name, in fact NZXT has previously released two other cases under the Lexa moniker, the original Lexa and the Lexa Blackline. All three are considered mid-tower cases, with the Lexa S measuring up at just under 19" tall by 21" long and 8" wide. The Lexa S comes pre-installed with a bunch of fans and provisions for liquid cooling. Join me as I take a closer look at the NZXT Lexa S.

Thermaltake Element G Mid-Tower Case 08-10-2009

The right case can make or break a build. It is the utmost outer expression of your PC's personality. From the eggshell steel 'whitebox' to the acrylic torture rack, PC cases vary greatly in form and function. My first real gaming computer was housed in a Thermaltake Armor Jr. I was never a big fan of the hinges and the door was a bit flimsy, but I loved that system and logged thousands of hours on it playing various games. My most recent case was also by Thermaltake, the Mozart TX, which is a huge step up - easily one of the largest PC cases on the market. Today we are getting to test out one of Thermaltake's latest offerings in the gaming case market, the Element G.

Thermaltake Element T Mid-Tower 08-06-2009

Thermaltake advertises the Element as a gaming oriented performance chassis with optimal cooling ability, massive storage capacity and LAN party security. All three models share roughly the same layout, they're all constructed of steel, offer three 5¼" and seven 3½" bays and have the same fan locations available, however each varies slightly in dimensions and weight. The T is the only one of the three that comes with an unpainted interior and lacks the internal power supply / drive support bracket and pre-installed intake fans of the other two. Simply comparing the three visually we see that the T model also has a more basic appearance than the other two. Is the Element T merely a stripped-down, no-frills case or can it actually compete with the other models in the Element series?

NZXT Panzerbox Mid-Tower Case 08-04-2009

Like the Beta, the Panzerbox comes from NZXT's Classic Series, those chassis typically with a more conservative appearance than their Crafted product line. Also along the same lines as the Beta, the Panzerbox is advertised as a mid-tower case and comes painted black inside and out. But there is where the similarities end. The Panzerbox is constructed of aluminum rather than steel, and features a unique shortened size that nearly lends itself to being classified as a micro-tower design.

NZXT Beta Chassis 05-23-2009

NZXT Corp is relatively new to the computer hardware industry. Five short years since the company's founding in 2004, NZXT has not only released more than 15 cases, but also gaming mice, power supplies, and other accessories. Their inventory ranges to all ends of the price spectrum: from their $450 all aluminum Khaos, to their budget case, Alpha, which sells for about an eighth of that price. Today, we're going to have a look at the just released NZXT Beta, a case for those with slim wallets.

Cooler Master HAF 922 Case 05-18-2009

Cooler Master introduces a smaller version of the HAF design, the 922 mid-tower. The HAF 922 shares its bigger sibling's rugged, industrial looks and overall style, bundled in a slightly smaller package. The HAF 922 measures only about two inches shorter than the full tower 932. Possibly better classified as an oversize mid-tower, this works out to just one 5¼" bay difference between the two. Weight is down by a good bit, only 21 pounds compared to the 932's almost 30. Join me as I take a closer look at the Cooler Master HAF 922 mid-tower.

Azza Solano 1000 Gaming Case 05-11-2009

It's not often that a previously unheard-of company comes along and launches such a wide product line targeted specifically at a certain niche group of computer enthusiasts. But that is just the scenario that we have today with relative new-comer Azza. While some might say that the PC case and power supply market is already saturated with more than enough choices, sometimes a fresh look is exactly what is needed to jump-start a whole new direction in product development.

Cooler Master Elite 360 Case 03-11-2009

We're certainly no strangers to Cooler Master here at OCIA.net, particularly their superb lineup of cases. In every instance, Cooler Master has walked away with an OCIA.net Seal of Approval, and garnered praise not only from myself but also other reviewers. However if there were one negative detail to point out, it would be the higher than average price that these cases demand. One other might be the overly large size of the chassis. Cooler Master's Elite series of cases address both of these issues however. Prices for these entry level enclosures are well below $100, some even under $50! But in order to get the cost down to this budget level does Cooler Master have to cut corners and deliver an inferior product? Or is the Elite series every bit as capable of holding up to the Cooler Master name?

NZXT Zero 2 Full Tower Case 02-18-2009

A little over two years ago we reviewed the NZXT Zero, an aluminum full tower case from NZXT's Crafted series. This case earned our Seal of Approval for its good looks and great cooling ability. It's still readily available today from many online retailers, priced in the $130-$140 range. NZXT has released their latest in the Crafted line-up and successor to the venerable Zero, aptly named the Zero 2.

Cooler Master Storm Sniper Case 02-16-2009

The Storm Sniper is actually billed as an "ultra mid-tower" by Cooler Master, sort of middle of the road between a mid-tower and a full tower. While marketed for gamers there are some nice extra features incorporated into the Sniper that any enthusiast can take advantage of, like the adjustable feet, built-in fan controller, robust cooling design and more. The chassis is a hybrid steel/aluminum design and similar to the HAF uses quite a bit of mesh in the front, top and left side for optimum cooling.

SilverStone FT01 Midtower Chassis 11-24-2008

Using a process never before seen in PC cases, the panel is then arched precisely on two sides with automotive-caliber press machines to create the top, front and bottom sides of the chassis. The end result is an aluminum chassis frame with more than twice the structural rigidity of average steel cases, helping to practically eliminate vibration-induced noise.

NZXT Whisper Full Tower Case 10-21-2008

NZXT now introduces the latest in their Classic line-up of cases, the Whisper silent full tower chassis. Improving upon the success of the HU-001, the Whisper is touted as a step up from the Hush mid-tower. Featuring a large size E-ATX full tower chassis, the Whisper can support up to nine hard drives and a total of seven 5.25" bays with ample space for large expansion cards. Dampening foam, rubber grommets and a padded PSU holder are some of the major features in silence.

Cooler Master HAF 932 Full Tower Case 10-02-2008

Such begins the introduction for Cooler Master's latest full tower design, the HAF 932. HAF stands for High Air Flow, which seems to be the driving force behind this case structure, with three 230mm fans plus another 140mm fan pre-installed. The entire front of the chassis consists of open mesh from top to bottom, and additional use of large openings in the side, top and rear.

NZXT Guardian 921 Mid-Tower Case 08-30-2008

NZXT has been building cases targeted for gamers and enthusiasts since 2004. Headquartered in Taiwan, NZXT's company objective is to "provide every gamer with a case that they can identify with." To this end NZXT offers two types of case designs, the more conservative Classic series, and the contemporary Crafted line. I've reviewed models from both in the past and I have to say I prefer the Classic series styling, however today I have for review the Guardian 921 which is the latest in their Crafted series.

Apevia X-Sniper Mid-Tower Case 08-21-2008

We review quite a few cases here at OCIA.net, but it's been a few months since our last one from Apevia. It's always exciting to see what new chassis designs they come up with, one common factor among them all is the ability of Apevia to produce a quality, stylish case at a very good price. Today we have a new mid-tower to take a look at, dubbed the X-Sniper.

Moneual Labs MonCaso 972 HTPC Chassis 07-16-2008

We received the silver model but a black version is also available, if that would better fit your home theater system color scheme. The 7" touchscreen immediately makes its presence known, taking up the entire center area of the front bezel. Just below the LCD screen is a spot for your optical drive. To the right, we have a bank of control buttons and a volume knob. On the left, we find a power button, HDD LED and IR sensor (more on all of these in a bit).

Lian Li PC-A77 Full-Tower Chassis 06-12-2008

The PC-A77 has some of the great features we have grown to love in Lian Li cases over the years. A removable motherboard tray, top panel, and hard-drive cage make for flexible installation. Their unique hard-drive installation system greatly reduces vibrations, and they even included a fan controller. Continue on as we check this case out in greater detail.

Sigma Unicorn Mid-Tower Case 06-04-2008

Today we’re going to have a look at one of Sigma’s newer cases, the Unicorn. The Unicorn is a standard steel mid-tower case, finished in black with red LEDs. Of course, we all want our case to turn heads in one way or another, but are we willing to sink low enough to name our case the Unicorn?

NZXT Tempest Steel Midtower 06-02-2008

NZXT has addressed these problems with their latest midtower, the Tempest. Dubbed “Airflow King”, this case has a fully vented bezel, dual 120mm front intake fans, dual 140mm blowhole fans, plus 120mm window and rear fans. Sounds like plenty of ventilation, but will it sound like the next Hurricane Katrina has arrived? Read on to see!

In-Win Metal Suit GD Mid-Tower Case 05-15-2008

Unless you're into Japanese anime, you very well might have never heard of Gundam. It didn't gain much popularity in the west until it was introduced on Cartoon Network's Toonami in 2000. But it seems that In-Win is banking on their case buyers being familiar with Gundam Wing and appreciating the similarities enough to be interested in their new case design, the Metal Suit GD.

Lian Li PC-V1110 Super Mid-Tower Chassis 05-05-2008

Lian Li certainly put a lot of thought into the design of this case, even taking the time to implement the classic separate thermal zone design that is common to many full-tower and server cases. Can this case wow us like the PC-A17 did, though? Continue on as we find out.

Thermaltake Xaser VI Full Tower 04-11-2008

Thermaltake is one company that is hard to stay on top of. In the M9 case review last month, I mentioned how it seems like there is always something new coming from those folks. Well here to prove me right is the latest offering in the Xaser class full tower, the VI VG4000 series. Thermaltake calls the Xaser VI a Super Tower, and if the box is any indication of its size, I'd say they're right.

Cooler Master Centurion 590 Mid-Tower 04-09-2008

It was a little over a month ago that I had a chance to review another Cooler Master case, the Cosmos S. While the Cosmos is certainly a supurb case, a veritable heavyweight contender, not everyone may have the space (or the pocketbook) for an enclosure like that. This month Cooler Master has sent us something scaled down a bit, but equally as impressive looking, the Centurion 590.

CSX Wraith Tower Chassis 04-04-2008

Regarding the actual paint job, since each CSX case is air-brushed by hand by a different artist, there are no two cases in the world that are 100% identical. If you are the type that likes a truly unique product, you will certainly find that here.

Apevia X-QBOII Micro-ATX Case 04-03-2008

One of my all-time favorite cases has been the X-Jupiter tower, one that until just recently I had been using as my primary enclosure. Today I'll be taking a look at the new X-QBOII, a micro-tower case that appears to be sort of a scaled-down version of the X-Supra mid-tower, also recently reviewed here at OCIA.net.

Silverstone GD02 HTPC Case 04-01-2008

Today I have for review one of Silverstone's newer HTPC series of cases, the Grandia GD02. If you liked the style of the full-size GD01 but were just looking for something a bit smaller, the GD02 might be right up your alley. It's a micro-ATX size case, and like most HTPC enclosures it is designed to blend right into the other devices in your entertainment center, with a brushed aluminum finish on the front, available in either black or silver.

Tuniq 3 Mid-Tower Case 03-20-2008

Since the merger of Sunbeamtech and Tuniq, we have seen many of their products share cross-company styling cues and design features. Sometimes it is difficult to say exactly which company is responsible for what. Take for example the patented Core Fan idea we first saw implemented on our Sunbeamtech Quarterback case review. Now we find that same technology applied to the third case design to come from the folks over at Tuniq, named simply "3".

Thermaltake M9 Mid-tower Case 03-12-2008

Today I'll be looking at the recently released M9 series mid-tower case. There are two versions available, the VI1000BWS with side panel window and the VI1000BNS non-windowed case, which is the one I received for review. Measuring 17" tall by 8" wide and almost 20" deep, this black-only steel mid-tower offers the typical micro and standard ATX size in a compact frame.

Mountain Mods H2gO Aluminum Cube Case 03-08-2008

The box the H2gO came shipped in certainly didn't match the typical computer case shipping container; a plain brown cube with no exterior markings to indicate what's inside. I always liked this about one other manufacturer, Thermalright, who for years has used plain brown boxes to pack their products in. I think it says something about the company, something to the effect of... we'd rather spend our money on making you a great product than flashy advertising on the box it comes in.

Lian Li PC-A17 Aluminum Mid-Tower Chassis 02-24-2008

Lian Li is a name synonymous with quality in the case market. Almost every year, they release new chassis, all improvements upon the last in their line. Naturally, when LanCool PC (a subsidiary of Lian Li) said that they wanted to send over a Lian Li case, I was pretty excited to check it out. Today’s review sample, the PC-A17, may have a familiar sounding name: it’s the next generation PC-A16 case, and they’re about as similar as their names are.

Cooler Master Cosmos S Case 02-22-2008

Right on the heels of our Cosmos 1000 case review comes the totally revamped Cosmos S from Cooler Master. Although the Cosmos is really a nice case, there are a handful of things that could be done to make it better. We'll be taking a close look at the new Cosmos S today to find out if Cooler Master has made this latest version better than the last.

Apevia X-Supra Mid Tower Case 02-12-2008

Apevia has a lot of cases. A quick look at a popular online retailer shows 127 listings at the time of this writing. Most of these are economy-priced premodded mid-towers, in many different colors, some with a power supply, some without. This will be the fourth Apevia/Aspire case I have owned, and I have liked each of them. For someone wanting a decent lower-priced premodded case, you can't go wrong with one from Apevia.

Cooler Master Cosmos 1000 Case 02-05-2008

Naturally, Cooler Master is a company focused on cooling performance in their products. Last October I reviewed their most recent budget case, the CM690, which had all of the right features for the overclocker in all of us with expandability for many fans. Today, we’re going to have a look at their latest high-end case, the Cosmos 1000. This case, however, has a slightly different focus than most CM products: silence. Priced at nearly $200USD, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, but can Cooler Master keep true to their name while dampening noise?

Apevia X-Telstar Steel Mid-tower Case 01-24-2008

This will be my third Apevia/Aspire case. Besides the X-Dreamer II, which I used for the better part of a year, I had an X-Plorer that I used for at least a year, a long time for someone who gets as many cases as I do. So I am familiar with Apevia cases, and expect the X-Telstar to be a mid-priced, fairly well built and finished, pre-modded case with a few interesting features. Read on to see if it meets my expectations.

SilverStone Kublai KL02 Mid-Tower Case 12-21-2007

SilverStone Technology Inc. has only been doing business in the USA since 2003. In that relatively short amount of time they have expanded their product line to include computer cases, power supplies, processor and liquid cooling systems, external storage and audio devices, fans and other related case accessories. Their power supplies were one of the first to receive nVidia SLI certification and the company has achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification for quality and customer service.

Raidmax Aztec Case 12-11-2007

Today’s review sample is the Aztec ATX case, Raidmax’ latest attempt to please the gaming market with their “Elite” line of cases. With various options for cooling, some intense LED lights and a removable motherboard tray, this monster of a case looks like a promising product.

Thermaltake LANbox SFF Gaming Case 12-07-2007

Seems like there's always something new coming from the folks over at Thermaltake. It's no wonder, with an ever-expanding product line that now includes air and liquid cooling, computer cases, power supplies, external storage enclosures and fans and other case accessories. Today I'll be taking a look at the LANbox, a small form factor, portable "cube" case from their desktop series.

NZXT Rogue SFF Gaming Case 11-26-2007

NZXT has sent over one of their latest cases, the Rogue. Although they list it with their Crafted series, the smooth clean lines of this SFF case I feel more appropriately fits the Classic series. But the Rogue doesn't exactly match either of their two categories, most of which are populated by mid-tower designs. As this is targeted as a SFF LAN gaming case, a first for NZXT, this really comes as no surprise.

Sunbeamtech Quarterback Mid-Tower Case 11-15-2007

Are you tired of boring traditional computer impressions and long to experience the excitement of revolutionary hardware design? We thought so. In that case be sure to check out the latest, er... case, from Sunbeamtech... the Quarterback.

NZXT Alpha Mid-Tower 10-31-2007

NZXT's company objective is to "provide every gamer with a case that they can identify with." To this end NZXT offers two types of case designs, the more conservative "Classic" series, and the contemporary "Crafted" line. Today we look at the Alpha, one in the former category of case offerings from NZXT.

Ultra m998 Midtower Case 10-30-2007

Designated the m998 in recognition of the HMMWV "Humvee", Ultra compares its latest case offering to the ruggedness and versatility of the popular military vehicle. Can this aluminum mid-tower design really live up to its appointed name?

Cooler Master CM690 Chassis 10-21-2007

Cases are kind of an anomaly in the world of computer hardware. Some people won’t pay more than $50 for a case because, all in all, it’s just a metal box. Others pay $300+ for thorough cooling solutions, complete PC silence, or professional aluminum styling. There is yet another group, though: those who want flashy, bright, “gaming” cases, that look cool regardless of performance or noise. The various aspects and features of the case one chooses arguably tell a lot about their priorities and personality.

Apevia X-Jupiter Type G Tower 10-20-2007

Along with the release of the mid-tower X-Jupiter Jr. comes the full tower aluminum X-Jupiter chassis. With more fans, more space and less weight it's like the little Junior grew up... and went on a diet.

Moneual Labs MonCaso 932P Platinum HTPC Enclosure 10-16-2007

Several things instantly stand out on the specs list, most notably the fact that you can install a standard ATX system in this case. Many HTPC cases restrict you to Micro-ATX only systems, which really limits the type of hardware that you can use. A 7" LCD touchscreen is something you certainly don't see on most HTPC cases. The chassis appears to have good cooling also, with four pre-installed 80mm fans.

Apevia X-Jupiter Jr. Type S 10-10-2007

Following closely on the heels of the full-size X-Jupiter tower comes the mid-tower X-Jupiter Junior from Apevia. Looking very much like its larger sibling, the X-Jupiter Jr. is available in four colors and two side panel configurations, giving buyers a total of eight different choices in case design.

Tagan El Diablo Case 10-04-2007

Tagan advertises the El Diablo as the world's first case with an enormous 360mm fan in the side panel. Couple that with a nearly-as-large 250mm fan in the front and you've got a case that moves some serious air!

Tagan CS-Monolith 09-17-2007

Let me clarify by saying that this case is huge. I want to get that out of the way. One of my favorite designs for cases is the matte finish for that modern look. The front has a smooth finish mixed with the matte to break up the monotony. With plenty of holes drilled out, they made sure there was somewhere for everything to vent, even above the PSU.

NZXT Lexa Blackline Case 08-08-2007

The Lexa Blackline is a nice looking rig. The window could be a little smaller, to hide some of the wire mess, but not a big deal. The red LED fans are a change from the blue ones most rigs use, and the black/red combination is a cool look. I ran the front, rear, and side 120mm fans with 12v, and the trio are surprisingly quiet. So quiet that I may not change them to 5v in the future as I usually do. Keep in mind if you run them at 5v, the LEDs probably won’t light up much. The red HDD led is different…goes very well with the theme.

Mountain Mods U2-UFO Duality 07-09-2007

With accommodations for triple 120mm radiators and multiple power supplies, these cases are built with watercooling in mind. Watercooling is not a requirement, however. You can still get plenty of functionality from a U2-UFO with simple air cooling.

NZXT Hush Midtower Case 06-22-2007

NZXT is well known for their Crafted Series of computer cases, producing such hits as the Nemesis and the Guardian - the Transformer-ish case that put NZXT's name on the radar of millions of hardware / gaming enthusiasts worldwide. NZXT has since broadened their product line to target non-gamers as well. The Classic Series presents customers with a quality NZXT chassis without the added "bling". Today we will be taking a look at the NZXT HUSH, the latest offering under the Classic Series.

Apevia X-Q-Pack 2 05-11-2007

The front bezel houses two 5¼" drive bays and one 3½" opening, next to which is the LCD temperature display. Immediately below this is the spring-loaded steel carry handle. It retracts into the case when not in use but can easily be pulled out when you need to carry the X-QPack 2 to your next gig.

NZXT Duet ATX / HTPC Case 02-14-2007

This week I get a chance to check out one of NZXT's latest offerings in the "Classic" series, the Duet. Aptly named for its ability to function in either a mid-tower or desktop orientation, the Duet looks to give users the benefit of a small footprint case without having to sacrifice on hardware due to component size constraints...

Ultra Grid Midtower Case 01-28-2007

The tissue paper is also something not regularly seen in case packaging. After pulling all of that packaging away you can see the front panel and side window are further protected by yet another layer of plastic. The side window is even covered inside and out. Ultra has obviously taken extra steps to make sure this case arrives at your door with the finish in factory pristine condition.

AeroCool Zero Degree Flexi Case 12-21-2006

Viewing the case from the rear, it really looks like an upside-down ATX. This rear plate is interchangeable for either an ATX or BTX motherboard. Each side panel comes with two thumb screws for easy removal. This case gives you the choice of using either two 80mm fans or a single 120mm fan for rear exhaustion, and has a removable plate for mounting the PSU through the rear.

NZXT Zero Full Tower Aluminum Chassis 12-20-2006

The rear of the case offers two 120mm exhaust fans. I was happy to see a free-flowing design with these exhaust ports, rather than the restrictive grill designs that many other case manufacturers use. You can also see that two thumb-screws are used to hold the left side panel in place, allowing you to gain access to the case without the need for a screwdriver.

Zalman Fatal1ty FC-ZE1 Champ1on Series Aluminum Case 11-26-2006

I will be the first to admit that most all of the Fatal1ty products I have seen to date look pretty sweet, but many end users have complained about the hefty premium price tag put on these items and cannot justify spending the extra money. Today I will be looking at the Zalman Fatal1ty FC-ZE1 Champ1on Series Aluminum Case... definitely a flashy looking system, but does it warrant the near $360 asking price?

NZXT Adamas Premium Aluminum Chassis 11-13-2006

Enter the NZXT Adamas Premium Aluminum Chassis: NZXT's first attempt at an all-aluminum case. NZXT was established in 2004 with their sights set on the gaming enthusiast market. Their first offering, the Guardian midtower case, had a revolutionary look (many said it resembled a Transformer) and was an instant hit. NZXT has expanded on their Crafted Series to include four other cases and more recently introduced the Classic Series which consists of the Trinity, Lexa and the newest addition, the Adamas.

ASYS Freedom CK-1022-6 Tower Case 07-07-2006

Enter the new CK-1022-6 Freedom, touted as a Super Tower / entry-level server case from Asys. Yes, that's Asys, with a Y. Can't say that I've ever come across any of their cases before, but the product information sheet looked promising. And the pictures showed it was no slouch in the looks department either. There were also some interesting features I wanted to check out a bit closer. This might not be such a bad case after all.

Contests

OCIA.net Show Us Your Halloween Costume Contest

As we all know, Halloween has come and gone, but that doesn\'t mean the fun has to end! That being said, we want to see your Halloween costume! Once you are registered, simply post a photo of yourself sporting your Halloween costume - it\'s that easy!

Sponsors Links

Newsletter