Pros: In 2U server, out-performs stock AMD 6000+ fan by 11 degrees at my new idle temp of 105F vs. 116F with stock fan. Sustained torture CPU temp max of 136 to 141F compared to stock AMD cooler max at 153F (before needing to abort the test because of 145F AMD recommended max operating temp for the 6000+).

Cons: Not rated for 6000+ 125W CPU thermal design (but outperforms stock AMD cooler in this application). Rated in specs up to AMD 5200+, which is 89W thermal design. No real cons, if you understand this is for a rack-mount server to be deployed in a datacenter so the noise of *all* of the fans in a 2U server isn't an issue.

Overall Review: Tested in 78F climate controlled environment which will be max temp in datacenter environment of 72F +/- 6 degrees. The front-do-back direction of airflow is probably the largest contributing factor in a 2U case. The stock AMD fan in a 2U case took air from the top (that already may be heated) and pushed the air across both sides of the motherboard, which heated the memory on one side and heated the stovepipes on the other side. (ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe w/8GB G.SKILL RAM, 6 W.D. 320GB SATA's as RAID 0+1). With the cover removed from the case, the AMD stock cooler slightly outperformed this cooler because direction of airflow wasn't an issue.

Pros: None.

Cons: The driver install on Windows 7 x64 is tricky and a total waste of time. I am returning this card because I don't want to have to re-visit installing it when our customers need to reinstall Windows or otherwise upgrade. This is pretty much a DOA since the drivers are flaky.

Pros: I use two of these iStorm7's when building 2U rackmount computers to deploy in datacenters. I can mount 3 IDE SATA drives on each side for 2 - 5.25" spaces. So I use 6 SATA drives total in a RAID 0+1 configuration with ASUS workstation motherboards. I don't need a floppy or CD-ROM in a rackmount server that is remotely deployed. The fans are high quality and themselves are quiet.

Cons: None. I've used these for over 2 years.

Overall Review: In a tower or desktop case, the plastic covers and filters are perfect. In a rackmount datacenter deployment, just take of the plastic covers so these drive cages are very universal. The metal is plenty sturdy when bolted to the case and drives to eliminate harmonic vibration of the drives.

Pros: For those looking for an aluminum rackmount case for light duty, this will work for you at a price that is right. The weight of the case is 8 pounds.

Cons: When I ordered it, I didn't see any description of it being aluminum. With the shipping weight on the UPS tracking of 20 pounds, I thought it was going to be a steel case. The packing was not factory packaging, but top and bottom inner pack with one sheet of cardboard taped over it, and UPS scolded me about whoever shipped it to us. I still got billed for 20 pounds of freight, for $23 and would probably have to pay similar shipping to send it back just for a refund to break even, so I hope to get an RMA and some consideration. The airflow of this case is a back-to-front design because of where the power supply is located. I can't deploy any server with heat exhausting out of the front of it, and for intake air, using heat from the back of other servers. The manufacturer's web site shows this as a discontinued item.

Overall Review: Sometimes you need a case in your hands to identify the level of quality and I didn't expect this lightweight or weak case to deploy vibrating with other servers in a 42U cabinet. I will see about an RMA on this because I won't be able to use it because of airflow design, and the power supply sitting in front of the case but with an inch or so for the extension power supply cord to go from the front to back of the unit. See the photo.