Chieftec is a manufacturer of computer components that has been in business since 1990. They are perhaps best known for their cases and power supplies, but overall the company may not be that well known to the enthusiast market since they don't flood the Internet with review samples.
This review is going to take a look at one of the their newer home theater inspired computer cases that can be purchased with one of their 500W power supplies. The Chieftec HM-01B HTPC case is shown in the promotional image below, where it can be seen that the understated and sophisticated appearance should work well in any serious home theater environment. While the review sample is colored black, they offer the same case in silver in order to coordinate with the two most common colors used in an entertainment center.
The items listed below cover some of the features and specifications compiled from the packaging, the official product page on the Chieftec website, as well as the product listing at Newegg.com. None of the three sources cited provide much information on the product, so would be purchasers might be left wondering what this case has to offer. Hopefully this review will shed some light on the situation.
Case Features and Specifications:
» Model: HM-01B
» Case Material: Aluminum
» Dimensions: 420 x 440 x 160 mm (D x W x H)
» Drive Space: 1 x 5.25" ODD, 4 x 3.5" HDD
» Motherboard Size: Standard ATX and Micro ATX
» Power: Available with PSII standard power
» Fans: 2x 8cm rear, 2x 8cm side (optional)
» Connections: 56-in-1 card reader, USB, 1394, audio ports
» Extras: I-Mon VFD with volume and navigation knobs
Power Supply Features and Specifications:
» Model: APS-500S
» Energy Efficient: 80-Plus certified
» Input: 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz
» Output: +3.3V@25A, +5V@25A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, -12V@0.3A, +5VSB@2.5A
» PFC: Active
» Maximum Power: 500W
» Fans: 1x 140mm
» Connectors: 1x 24-Pin M/B, 1x 8-Pin/4-Pin CPU, 4x 4-Pin HDD, 1x Floppy, 4x SATA, 2x PCI Express
» Modular: No
As mentioned above, the case can be purchased alone or bundled with a 500W power supply. Newegg.com carries the case by itself for $279.99, and the combo as reviewed sells for $320.98. The price alone implies that this should be a high quality HTPC case, and I am anxious to see what Chieftec's approach to such a product would be.
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