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Deactivated Item
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Manufacturer Warranty
Beyond any applicable Newegg return policy, this item is warranted independently by the product's Manufacturer. Below is a summary provided for convenience only and may not be accurate or current.
Use this link for full details.
- Manufacturer Limited Warranty period (parts): 3 years
- Manufacturer Limited Warranty period (labor): 0 day
Manufacturer Contact Info
Return Policies
This item is covered by Newegg.com's Standard Return Policy.
- Return for refund within: 30 days
- Return for replacement within: 30 days
- Restocking Fee: Yes
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OK, if you're a die-hard modder, you may still prefer to build your Mini-ITX system into a vintage toaster, lunchbox, or radio case, but for the rest of us, the iStarUSA Storm offers a compact, stylish, and convenient solution to housing a Mini-ITX computer. The Storm's clean design and tiny footprint allow it to blend seamlessly into your entertainment center, car, or place of business.
Mini-ITX systems are very power-efficient, run very cool, and you’ll enjoy near-silent operation with the Storm’s strategically-placed vents and just one 80mm fan. The included 80-watt power supply will keep everything running at peak efficiency. The concealed front I/O panel gives you easy access to 2 USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire connector, and audio jacks.
Inside, you'll find room for your Mini-ITX motherboard, a slim external optical drive, a 3.5”/2.5” hard drive, and PCI card (using riser, not included). It's never been easier to build a Mini-ITX system than with the I-Star S3!
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- 5
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- 49%
- 4
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- 33%
- 3
-
- 11%
- 2
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- 5%
- 1
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- 2%
| Product Rating: |
 
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| Total Reviews: |
63 |
Good Inexpensive Case with no docs
- Pros: First of all, this is a fantastic deal when you consider that most places charge almost as much for that 80W DC to DC power supply. The case perfectly fits a Mini-ITX motherboard, a PCI card (assuming you have a riser), a 3.5" sata or pata harddrive, and a slimline cd/dvd drive. It comes with all of the parts you need to connect all of the above, aside from the riser, which is motherboard specific, anyway. It also comes with a decent fan.
It is a very attractive case considering the price. The power button glows blue, which looks nice next to the front panel. The front panel (made of nice brushed metal) opens to reveal sound, USB and firewire ieee1934 connectors. The stand allows you to safely hold the case on its side.
- Cons: The biggest downside is the complete lack of instructions. I've put together many, many systems over the years, so I didn't have much trouble, but I could definitely see a novice having serious trouble figuring out some of it.
For one thing, the front panel connectors are badly labeled, although fortunately, the sound, usb and 1394 connectors can only go one place - as long as you pay close attention to the blocked pin.
Another issue is the top of the case (where the HD and DVD/cd go) didn't come off for me. I have a power drill that couldn't even remove the screws, but it did start stripping them. This made it annoying to get the motherboard in properly with all those led cables around (which look very fragile).
My power connector on the PSU showed up with two badly bent pins. Fortunately these bent back with little effort.
Finally, the DVD connector doesn't seem to mount anywhere. Fortunately, the DVD does screw in, which seems to give a good conn.
- Other Thoughts: I also should say that the comment elsewhere that the front panel doesn't seem designed for frequent use is on the money - it never seemed to close all the way, but that may just be my incorrect expectations.
It might sound like there's a lot of bad things with this case, but to someone who has put together a bunch of PCs (especially ones with cheap cases) it shouldn't be too hard. I was hesitant to buy this case, but it was really the only one on newegg that specifically said it supported Mini-ITX, aside from some full sized ATX cases with Mini-ITX mobo screw holes. I needed a TINY system for a firewall/VPN server, and I only use non-Newegg vendors when I absolutely HAVE TO. Newegg's just treated me & my friends & company far too well to go anywhere else. This case + a VIA epia luke mobo gave me a really nice firewall with SUPER fast CPU-based AES crypto :) It was a fun project (mostly), and I am very happy with the end result. Newegg delivers again!!
Included Power Supply & Good Price
- Pros: The included power supply is a plus, especially since Mini-ITX PSU's can be a pain to cleanly install. Quiet as a mouse - the fan is big enough to circulate air but quiet. Good value.
- Cons: No huge surprise that the case is cramped, but everything surprisingly fit. The blue LED "power" light is obnoxious - I yanked the cable.
- Other Thoughts: My Hauppauge PVR-150, IDE HD and VIA EPIA CN fit inside just fine. The HD and the PVR-150 are so close they press against each other, but it works.
| Model | S3 Storm Series |
| Type | Mini-ITX Tower |
| Color | Black |
| Case Material | Aluminum / Steel |
| With Power Supply | Yes |
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- 5
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- 49%
- 4
-
- 33%
- 3
-
- 11%
- 2
-
- 5%
- 1
-
- 2%
| Product Rating: |
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| Total Reviews: |
63 |
Almost perfect
- Pros: Well made, good layout, the right front panel connectors. Fairly quiet fan.
Fits the Intel DG45FC motherboard and 775 CPUs - e8600 works with the stock cooler.
Small, slimline DVD drive mounts perfectly flush using predrilled mounting hole.
- Cons: PCI riser card not useful with PCIe motherboards. Either have to mod case to allow for PCIe card or purchase PCIe riser.
Power and front panel connectors are slightly longer than needed creating further space / cable management problems.
The cable slot for the Slimline DVD tray is in the wrong place for a SATA drive.
Does not include SATA power adapter cables, only one device power connector.
- Other Thoughts: You can squeeze 3.5" drive in this case however I do not recommend it as it is a very tight fit.
I expect/hope that iStarUSA will update this case with the Intel DG45FC in mind.
Specifically:
- A PCIe riser card or change to the design to allow for vertical PCIe mounting.
- A Consumer IR port in the front of the case.
- A slightly larger power supply and SATA power connectors.
Long Term Review
- Pros: After testing the Morex 3688, the AMS DS-2600BK, the new Winsys case here, and the iStarUSA S3, I have to say my favorite is this one, at least for Intel's Atom or low power boards. This has the necessary extra power of 80watts, the fan is quiet, it allows a full size HDD and an expansion slot. Comes with all the necessary parts, well for IDE anyhow.
- Cons: After having this case for awhile, the power button broke, and could not be repaired. Kinda cheap, that button. You can use the expansion slot, but you have to get it just right, or else it will not work. The mounting for it will make sure it stays in there, but it is a pain with it being so close to the HDD; it would be best to use a laptop sized HDD for heat reasons. Like what others have said, the bottom door never goes in all the way.
- Other Thoughts: So far, this case has the best balance of power, expandability, room to work with, noise and price for Intel's Atom or other low processor applications. The Morex 3688 wins on style and size, the AMS on ease of installation, the Winsys for a general build.
By the way, if you build a system with a AMD AM2 socket or Intel 775LGA socket, it is best to go with the Winsys case. It has the extra power and space you need, without resorting to expensive power options, such as a pico power supply.
Decent case
- Pros: Tiny size, 80W PSU included (with an external brick), looks good, decent build quality, lots of extras (riser card, screws, IDE cables, PSU cables, laptop connector converter, vertical mounting holder), can take a 3.5" HDD, and it includes a quiet case fan that blows air out of the unit.
- Cons: Although my Intel D945GCLF2 (Atom 330) mobo seems flush with the case badge, I cannot align the mobo with the screw holes. The fit is simply too tight.
Also, longer cables that seem fine in a mid-tower (e.g. 18" SATA) simply do not work well in this unit because it is so tiny. Also, a regular SATA cable would not work due to the tight fit - I had to get one with L-bend connectors.
- Other Thoughts: The power supply cable only includes 1x SATA, 1x Molex (4 prong), and 1x floppy connector. This enclosure permits 2 drives, so if both are molex or if both are SATA, you'll need a Y-splitter.
I highly recommend buying SHORT cables due to the lack of room in the case. Make sure your SATA cables are the L-bend type.
The PSU unit inside takes up a bit of space, and so if it dies, replace it with a smaller picoPSU 80W or 120W unit.
If you want a DVD or Blu-Ray burner, make sure you get a thin type (for laptops).
| Model |
| Brand |
iStarUSA |
| Model |
S3 STORM SERIES |
| Spec |
| Type |
Mini-ITX Tower |
| Color |
Black |
| Case Material |
SECC body, ABS and aluminum front panel |
| With Power Supply |
Yes |
| Power Supply |
80W |
| Motherboard Compatibility |
Mini-ITX (6.7'' x 6.7'') |
| With Side Panel Window |
No |
| Expansion |
| External 5.25" Drive Bays |
slim-optical bay |
| External 3.5" Drive Bays |
No |
| Internal 3.5" Drive Bays |
1 x 3.5"/2.5" HDD bay |
| Expansion Slots |
1 x PCI32 through a riser card |
| Front Ports |
| Front Ports |
2 x USB2.0 ; 2 x Audio ; 1 x IEEE1394 |
| Cooling System |
| 80mm Fans |
1 |
| 120mm Fans |
No |
| Side Air duct |
No |
| Physical Spec |
| Dimensions(L x W x H) |
8.0'' x 3.8'' x 10.7''(W x H x D) |
| Features |
| Features |
Smooth aluminum front panel with contemporary touch
Next generation cooling performance
Outstanding potential for silent operation
Conveniently located front I/O Ports
Strategically placed side ventilation aid in cooling |
| Manufacturer Warranty |
| Parts |
3 years limited |
Introduction
OK, if you're a die-hard modder, you may still prefer to build your Mini-ITX system into a vintage toaster, lunchbox, or radio case, but for the rest of us, the iStarUSA Storm offers a compact, stylish, and convenient solution to housing a Mini-ITX computer. The Storm's clean design and tiny footprint allow it to blend seamlessly into your entertainment center, car, or place of business.
Mini-ITX systems are very power-efficient, run very cool, and you’ll enjoy near-silent operation with the Storm’s strategically-placed vents and just one 80mm fan. The included 80-watt power supply will keep everything running at peak efficiency. The concealed front I/O panel gives you easy access to 2 USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire connector, and audio jacks.
Inside, you'll find room for your Mini-ITX motherboard, a slim external optical drive, a 3.5”/2.5” hard drive, and PCI card (using riser, not included). It's never been easier to build a Mini-ITX system than with the I-Star S3!
Highlights
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Stands Horizontally or Vertically
Lay the iStarUSA S3 horizontally on your desktop or let it stand vertically on the floor to fit your working space.
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Built-in 80W PSU
The iStarUSA S3 is equipped with an 80W power supply unit to provide power for most Mini-ITX systems in quietness.
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Convenient Front I/O Panel
The iStarUSA S3 features a convenient front I/O panel for easy access to two USB 2.0, one IEEE 1394 and two audio ports.
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Quick Specs
| Brand | iStarUSA |
| Case Material | Aluminum / Steel |
| Type | Mini-ITX Tower |
| External 5.25" Drive Bays | 1 |
| Internal 3.5" Drive Bays | 1 |
| Expansion Slots | 1 |
| Front Ports | USB, Audio, IEEE 1394 |
| With Power Supply | Yes |
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Reviewed By: fminus on 1/26/2007
Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month
