| A-Top Technology X-Blade ATX Window Case - Page 1 of 2 |
Long gone are the days of computer cases being plain beige boxes. Today’s computer enthusiast is looking for some thing that not only looks great, but also offers superior performance and cooling for the latest and greatest components. In days past this meant breaking out the hacksaw, dremel, drill and other tools to do you own case modifications. Luckily, things have sure changed since then. The A-Top Technology X-Blade case from the good people at Computergeeks.com is proof of that case makers have caught on to this trend, and today’s cases come right out of the box with many of the features hardcore modders have been doing, and bleeding over, for years.
Let’s take a look at the X-Blade case and see just how it measures up. First let’s start with the specifications and features (as taken from the Computergeeks.com website).
Features/Specifications:
• Bright metallic trim throughout exterior of case
• See-through side panel w/80mm LED fan (LEDs light blue)
• 400 watt ATX power supply for both AMD and Intel systems
• Power switch
• Reset switch
• Two (2) USB 2.0 ports on front of case under access panel
• Microphone and headphone jacks on front under access panel
• Drive Bay Features:
• Four 5.25-inch externally accessible drive bays
• One 3.5-inch externally accessible drive bay
• Five 3.5-inch internal drive bays
• Expansion Slots:
• Seven (7) expansion slots (Six (6) w/removable covers)
• Supported Form Factors:
• ATX
• Baby AT (if motherboard has ATX power connector)
• Mini ATX
• Micro ATX
• Case Fan Support:
• One (1) 80mm case fan on front panel (preinstalled)
• One (1) 80mm case fan on side panel (preinstalled)
• One (1) 120mm case fan on rear panel (not included)
• (All fans are clear, and feature blue LEDs)
• Power Supply Features:
• Model: L&C LC-B400ATX
• Input: 115/230VAC, 10/6A, 60/50Hz
• 115V-230V Manual Switch
• Output Ratings:
• +3.3V/28A
• +5V/40A
• +12V/17A
• -12V/0.8A
• -5V/0.3A
• +5Vsb/2A
• Case Dimensions:
• 19.5 x 8 x 17 inches (L x W x H)
• Retail Package Includes:
• 10-bay Blue ATX Computer Case
• Two (2) clear LED case fans
• US-Style power cord
• Screw, standoff and accessory pack
• ATX 12V 400-watt power supply
First Impression:
I hate to admit it, but when I saw the list of features on Computergeeks.com website and the price of $59.90, I had some doubts on the construction and finish qualities of a case with such a long list of features and a low price. However, as I examined the case I was very pleasantly surprised. The fit and finish of this case far exceeds its price, and is on par with other cases that cost considerably more. Plus, as I am sure you will agree after seeing the pictures that follow, this case just flat out looks cool.
Case Appearance and Features:
The side panel’s edges are rolled over so there are no nasty sharp edges to cut your fingers on anywhere. The interior of this case has a bright polished aluminum look to it; as compared to the dull unfinished look of many cases in this price range.
 
As stated in the specs, the case comes with two 80 mm LED fans installed. One in the front of case blowing over the 3.5” drive cage, and one in the side window blowing over the PCI and AGP cards. There is also a place for another 80 mm fan on the right side panel, allowing you to have additional airflow over the hard drives. Unfortunately this fan is not included, and the limited mounting area requires a slim 80x80x15 mm fan.
There is also a mounting point for one fan on the back panel, which is normally used as an exhaust fan. Like the front panel fan, screw holes exist to accommodate not only an 80mm fan but also a 90mm, or 120mm fan.
Another one of the nice features is the little flip up door on the bottom of the front bezel with 2 USB and 1 Firewire ports, a microphone and head phone jack.
Please read on to the next page for more... Next
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