Joined on 08/18/06
great case for HTPC
Pros: This is a nice case for the cost. It's well built, sturdy, and fits nicely into a media center setup (both in terms of size and looks). I found that it was big enough to accommodate all the components I wanted to install, though I did have to be very mindful of neatly cabling everything in order to provide decent airflow. That said, I've found that this case runs sufficiently cool (cooler than expected actually, considering all the stuff I crammed in there). It's on the large side for a HTPC case, but that's exactly what I was looking for. No real complaints.
Cons: As mentioned in some other reviews, there is no HDD LED on this guy. To be more accurate the HDD LED is there, but there is no hole drilled in the front of the case (so you can't see it). Kind of silly... But actually I don't mind - the only other status light is a faint blue LED that indicates the power is on, so it's not distracting when you're trying to watch a movie or something. My only other real complaint is that you can't have a large CPU cooler and a full-size optical drive. If you install an OD, you're limited to a CPU cooler of ~70 mm (part of which will likely be obscured by the OD, which sits almost directly on top of the CPU fan). So, keep that in mind. The case is also a bit noisy due to all the fans, but that's not a deal breaker for me... Better loud than hot.
Overall Review: I was easily able to fit a GPU card in this case that was quite a bit wider (5.3") than the maximum allowed width specified in the manual (4.92"). You certainly can't fit a 6" wide card or anything, but know it's less of a restriction than you might think. Length is more important -- if your GPU card is too long it will obscure the main path for airflow in the front of the case.
works for me
Pros: -super quiet. i use my desktop primarily for audio recording, so it's important that there's not a lot of fan noise. my old PS was noticeable; this one isn't. the loudest piece of my computer is now the monitor, believe it or not. -the modular cable design is great and really helps keep things clean in your case.
Cons: -the motherboard power connectors aren't very flexible. it's a thick, sheathed cable and you may have trouble positioning it in a way that makes sense. mine kept bending dangerously close to my CPU fan, but i was eventually able to secure it.