Eric B.
Joined on 11/25/10
- 5
Underbar!

Pros: Exceptionally good build quality, showing attention to detail. Even though I've been at this a while, I found the guide was quite useful at illustrating the features and options available. Install went through without a hitch. I think Swedes should stick to designing computer cases and safe cars, and skip the furniture business.
Cons: Did not come with meatballs.
Good stuff!

Pros: Excellent value and well constructed with durable components. I'd normally consider Asus, but Gigabyte seems to be the only ones that bother to include DVI connectors. This is good, as HDMI can get stuffed. Also includes good old fashioned parallel and serial ports (header sold separately, or in my case found after rummaging about). Zero issues with Linux (though I do know what I'm doing, which helps).
Cons: IT8686E onboard sensor isn't terribly well supported under Linux.
Hex-cellent!

Pros: Another excellent product from Intel. If you're trying to balance performance, power consumption and value, this is almost certainly your best option.
Cons: Included HSF is barely adequate.
Spot on!

Pros: Self-respecting RAM without an obnoxious heatsink attached. Excellent value.
Cons: None.
Decent price, apparent benefit is more a burden.

Pros: Decently priced (i.e. cheapest) 2U chassis that can take larger boards. Takes a standard ATX power supply (but..)
Cons: No instructions provided. I suppose it's a test of ingenuity, but a few hints would have been appreciated. Power supply orientation (though not really a fault of the chassis).
Overall Review: While it may seem a plus that this chassis takes an ATX power supply, and maybe you're excited you can repurpose one you've already or buy one on the cheap, there's a big catch involved. Virtually every (modern) ATX power supply has a larger (~12cm) fan on one side, typically above the CPU in a tower configuration. Here, given the orientation of the power supply this fan will covered by the lid of the chassis, thus rendering it ineffective. I'd modified an older one with two fans on either end, flipping one around to ensure proper airflow. Keep this in mind when looking for a suitable power supply or considering an existing one.
