| In Win Alpha 360 mATX Case
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Conclusion:
The styling of the In Win Alpha 360 mATX Case is definitely unique and is one of its best features. It looks like no other case I have used, and the aesthetics don't get in the way of an easy installation and convenient operation. It provides many well designed tool-less features, more drive space than many other mATX cases, and decent cooling despite just having one case fan. Overall it has made quite a positive impression on me.
The main issue I had with the Alpha 360 was related to the rather flimsy plastic used on important buttons and catches. In particular, the button for the front door and for the rear grill release seemed like they wouldn't last very long, and sure enough the button for the rear grill broke after just a day or so of use. The plastic really is rather flimsy and a redesign should be considered.
A search of PriceGrabber turns up nothing, but the In Win Alpha 360 is available from a few retailers. Newegg.com has it for $74.99 (US), which isn't cheap for a mATX case, but considering the unique styling and nice features it seems fairly reasonable. You could pay alot less for an mATX case that looks and works like so many others on the market, but if you want something that is far from the norm the extra money spent on the Alpha 360 is easily worth it.
Given the unique styling, innovative features, and nearly tool-less design, I award the In Win Alpha 360 mATX Case the rating of "Recommended".
Pros:
» Unique styling
» More drive space than many other mATX cases
» CPU duct worked well on test system (but no promises on all systems)
» Decent cooling, despite just one 90mm exhaust fan
» Reasonably priced
» Almost tool-less
Cons:
» Plastic buttons and catches are flimsy (one is already broken)
» Must remove rear grill to open side panel
» Just one case fan included, and it is fairly loud
» Almost tool-less
Special thanks to In Win USA for providing the In Win Alpha 360 mATX Case to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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