Question 1

Is that Optical drive door hinged or just a removable blank?

Accepted Answer

Funny. Optional drive!? It’s not an optical drive. It’s a standard 5.1/4 drive bay. And no it’s not ”hinged”, it’s just a standard  drive bay (blank). They still make many 5.25 drive bays, so calling it an optical drive bay is a bit of a stretch. It’s a blank.

Question 2

The way I am reading the description there is only space for 1x3.5 HDD or 2x2.5 SSDs and an additional 2x2.5 SSDs. Is there space in this case for 2 x 3.5 HDDs and 2 x 2.5 SSDs?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: Yes.

Hidden down below, within the full-length shrouded PSU bay, there is a 2-tray rack for 3.5 inch drives. This rack is adjustable (left and right) and can be removed. It also accommodates 2.5 inch SSDs.

On the inner back side, just above the HDD rack, there are a pair of hidden spots for mounting 2.5 inch SSDs.

If you use that 2-tray rack, I strongly advise you try to avoid longer power supplies. Check the measurement specs before you buy. Buy one of the shorter models (no need to skimp on quality), maybe 140 mm by 140 mm? Between the HHD rack and the PSU space is cramped for PSU cables. For that reason I advise you get a full-modular PSU and try to keep the cables to a minimum.

All that said, I assume you are building a new computer with a modern motherboard. That means you have at least one, likely two, M.2 SSD ports on the mobo. USE THEM. I just built a computer with a NVMe M.2 SSD and I am delighted with the result. It is the size of your index finger and mounts flush on the mobo with no cables. And the NVMe versions are very fast.

Last December I built my current personal machine. I ignored the M.2 ports because they were a lot more money at the time and I was nervous about installing one. Instead I bought a Samsung 860 Pro 500  GB SSD. Great drive, but it cost me $177. at the time. Earlier this month I built a machine for a friend using a Samsung 870 EVO NVMe M.2 500 GB drive I got for $90. and it's faster. I am currently getting ready to build a twin to that machine  but bought a Samsung EVO Plus NVMe M.2 500 GB drive for $120.

That new Windows 10 comp with the NVMe M.2 drive boots up in 12 seconds.

The M.2 SATA drives are cheaper than the M.2 NVMe drives but slower, and no faster than a normal SATA 2.5 SSD. The difference in price between the regular 2.5 inch SSD and an NVMe M.2 drive is no longer a compelling reason to stick with the old style SATA SSD.

Opt for a nice NVMe M.2 SSD and enjoy faster speed and the absence of cables.

Question 3

Are the included fans PWM's or basic 3-pin fans?

Accepted Answer

My motherboard automatically controls both fans. I can go into the BIOS and change the speed manually also if I want.

Question 4

I'm new to PC building. How do you istall drives ?

Accepted Answer

Well, there are trays for 3.5" drives, and areas to mount 2.5" SSD sata drives. If you're getting an M2 drive, that's mounted to the mother board if it has slots for one. Once the sata drives are in the case, you use sata data cables attached to the mother board,  and sata power cables from the power supply.

Question 5

Someone mentioned hooking up the HDD light cable to the power light. Does this mean it will only light when there is disk activity and be dark when no activity even though it's powered on? Is there no way to have the light double for power on and disk activity (solid when on, but flashing with disk activity)?

Accepted Answer

You can only hook one source to the power led light, you have to choose which you prefer and realize the pc fans will let you know as well as any RGB lighting in the case that the PC is on.

Question 6

How good are the "filters"? Will they do a good job or would some magnetic add-on filters be a good idea? (providing the fan mount areas are steel)

Accepted Answer

there are no filters

Questions & Answers