Based on Intel's Chassis Air Design Guide, Aspire's Apevia X-Cruiser Black computer case works with any Standard ATX, Baby AT and Micro ATX motherboard, and is designed to promote cool, quiet operation. The presence of ten (four 5.25" external, two 3.5" external, and four 3.5" internal) drive bays and seven expansion slots ensure you have enough room for any arrangement of drives you might need. The built-in air duct on the side panel funnels cool air toward the processor, and two 80mm built-in Blue UV Sensitive LED fans help move dangerous hot air out of the case.
The front panel of the X-Cruiser features two USB ports, one audio and one FireWire port, for instant connectivity and convenient use. The front panel also houses three unique gauges/controllers, the Temperature Gauge, Front Volume Gauge and Volume Controller, and one Front Fan Gauge with Fan Controller (which can controls up to 5 fans). The front panel also houses two "arcs" at the sides, which along with the dials are back-illuminated by blue LEDs.
With the X-Cruiser you will be able to catch all the action live and "blue", through the large clear side panel and blue LED illumination all over. This case can hold maybe more power than you can handle -- step up to the challenge!
Large See-through Side Window PanelThe APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-CRUISER-BK's large see-through side window panel provides a direct view of the system's components and the brilliant interior lighting delivers maximum visual impact.
Maximum ControlThe APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-CRUISER-BK features a front temperature gauge, a fan-speed gauge and controller as well as a volume sensitivity gauge and controller for excellent functionality and a brilliant appearance.
Excellent Expandability with 11 Drive BaysBoasting four external 5.25" drive bays, two external and five internal 3.5" drive bays, the APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-CRUISER-BK provides superior expandability.
2 x 80mm UV Blue LED FansTwo 80mm UV blue LED fans can be installed on the top and at the rear of the case for superior cooling and stunning illumination.
Convenient Front I/O PanelThe convenient front I/O panel enables easy access to two USB 2.0 ports, IEEE 1394 ports and audio ports.
Pros: This case is absolutely gorgeous. The three fans on the front give the case a very steam-punk feel, and really add a flair that LED's alone cannot do. These gauges also beat out tacky digital displays (the kind on your alarm clock) by a long shot too. The side window looks nice too with the LED fans. The case is Thermally Advantaged, so the side vent is placed right above compatible motherboards, allowing for better heat transfer to outside of the case. The case is also very spacious, and gives you alot of room for additional fans. For this price, it is definitely a case I would recommend to others on both aesthetic levels as well as level of expandability.
Cons: 7 Motherboard standoffs instead of 8. Not really an issue, since you can get by with one short standoff just fine, but it seems like an issue pertaining to a specific batch more than anything else, as a small number of others have this problem. The metal used for the case and racks inside seems a little thin to the touch - it holds up very well, but gives you a sense of Apevia cutting corners during production. The expansion slots in the back are simple cutouts, another sign that corners were cut. All in all these are nitpicky things, and do not at ALL affect performance of the case. If the thickness of the case was increased, I can see this case costing $5-10 more.
Overall Review: Although no manual was included with the case, there is a manual available at Apevia's website: http://www.apevia.com/umanual/um-x-cruiser.pdf Overall this case was a great buy, and I do not regret my decision at all.