Summary and Conclusion

This is a computer case that is pleasing to the eye; in addition to being able to tick all the correct boxes!  For this products price point, the design is excellent, with its clean lines and smooth finish! The ability to mount extra fans at the top by means of the ‘Moduvent’ and even a 140mm cooler on the floor of the case is a great bonus. However this is by no means where this story ends. To quote a famous line from Winston Churchill that would compliment the sheer amount of ideas crammed into this case:

This is not the end,
Nor is it the Beginning of the end.
But it is perhaps the end of the beginning!

The reason for this quote is not only because you can fit so many fans in this case, but the consumer also has the option of installing plates (which are covered with bitumen) in order to sound proof the case. The same idea has also been extended to the side panels; albeit with mixed results!

The top panel is a work of understated elegance; indeed this statement could be extended through out the rest of the case. The only small issue one finds is with the top USB/Fire wire ports is that they should have grommets covering them in order to prevent dust build up inside these ports, thus ruining the effect of the top panel! Another is the incorrect placement of the top hole in the motherboard tray, which allows routing for the eight-pin EPS lead!

The amount of hard drive bays is also a nice stroke, with their ability to mount either a traditional or a Solid State Drives.

Going back to the side panels, this is a major issue for this reviewer.  The side the panels feel nice and solid and give a nice ‘thunk’ when screwed back into position, the  included bitumen panel coverings that prevent sound leakage are another good aspect!  However, here lies the problem with this case.  In some instances (not all) the bitumen coverings were starting to peel around the edges and were not stuck down flat, this review sample indeed had this issue!  It was left to this reviewer to smooth out the coverings by hand! A stronger glue to take the weight of this covering should be applied in order to remedy this situation!

It is with relief that Fractual-Design has gone with a matt-black effect with this case rather than a polished look, as this helps it to create the understated elegant appearance that was described earlier.  Another important aspect to this case is that the finish is of high quality and is resistant to light scratches and knocks. In addition, unlike the more ‘flashy’ of cases, it is not a ‘fingerprint magnet’ and should retain its look for a long time indeed.  For a recommend retail price of £79.99  a lot of thought has gone into this case. It is also fair to say that even at this price the retailers are making a healthy margin.

A note to make is that this case has clearly been designed for air cooling enthusiasts.  There is a slight nod towards the water cooling side of things also; with two inlet and two outlet holes at the rear of the case. This then leads to a possible future ‘higher specification’ chassis.

If there was as little as another six or seven centimetres clearance between the top of the motherboard tray and where the top panel fan ports are placed then a Internal Thermochill/XSPC 120.2/240MM radiator could be placed there.

Lastly the front door once again is a work of elegance, with too small doors placed on the front panel. Each of these spaces can contain a 120mm fan-complete with a dust filter!

At he risk of repeating oneself, the price of £79.99 really does set the standard for this case and indeed helps it to stand out amongst its peers!

Conclusion

This chassis-given its price point has set a new standard in this reviewers opinion! Yes there are some aspects that could be improved; as shown in the summary. However there are a few down sides to this case (again as shown) and this forces this reviewer to choose between a gold and a silver award. However the price-point of this case, does indeed win out and as such this case is awarded the coveted gold awardand scores a 9/10!  The design and price of this case should force other manufacturers to step-up their game.  This chassis is indeed a black pearl amongst the rest.

Pros:

• Elegance, Elegance and….Elegance!
• External Water Cooling friendly.
• Removable drive bays.
• CPU insepection hole , allowing the HSF removal without removing the motherboard!
• Colour Scheme and finish.
• Size.
• Quality (except side panel coverings)
• Moduvent Idea.
• Top panel power switch.
• Bundled fans are near silent.
• Front inner doors for the 120mm fans.
• PRICE PRICE and PRICE!

Cons:

• Not internal water cooling friendly.
• Non removable motherboard tray, however it is offset somewhat by the CPU inspection hole.
• No rubber grommets to cover the top panel USB ports.

Best Price £79.99 from Overclockers.co.uk

Author: Gilgamesh