Installation:
The A-Top Technology X-Blade case comes with all the screws, standoffs, and other hardware needed to install all of your components into the case. The case is very roomy, and with no sharp metal edges putting all the parts in is a breeze (and blood free). All of the cables for the front panel USB, Firewire, and audio hook ups are clearly marked, making it easy to know what cable goes where on your system board. The tool-less drive mounting feature worked like a charm and made installation that much quicker and easier.
One unique feature of the X-Blade case is its tool-less drive mounting feature, so you dont have to worry about fumbling around with any tools in order to mount 5.25 or 3.5 drives. This is accomplished by using snap on slide rails. The case comes complete with rails for each drive bay.
Mounting a 5.25 optical drives was fairly straight forward with only one small gripe on my part, you have to remove the front bezel in order to slide the drives into the bays. While this is not a huge task, as the bezel snaps off and on with out any tools, but it is a bit of an inconvenience.
Mounting the 3.5 drive bays is a simple matter of pulling the drive cage by depressing the lever at top of cage, snapping the rails to the drives, and sliding the drives into the cage.
I was able to run the IDE cables out the back of the 3.5 drive cage which made for a nice, clean, attractive install. Unfortunately, the power leads from the power supply going to the hard drives were just about an inch too short to take the same path as the IDE cables. Still, I think the finished product looks fairly clean and professional.
The following components were installed in this case, and the included power supply was put to the test:
Soyo SY-K7V Dragon + mobo
AMD XP-1700+ with Senfu Cooler
512 megs Crucial PC2100 (1X512)
Gainward TI200 Video Card
20gig Quantum Fireball ATA100 7200rpm HDD
20gig Western Digital ATA100 7200rpm HDD
52X Aopen CDROM
The power supply has all voltages well within specification... In fact I was pleasantly surprised how accurate the voltages were. Even with a fully loaded system including 2 LED fans, 1 non-LED fan (not included with the case), and two hard drives, the power supply performed beautifully.
Full load MBM5 readings
Conclusion:
The A-Top Technology X-Blade is a great looking case, unfortunately I am not a professional photographer able to to give the pleasing blue glow the justice it deserves. The window design is very appealing and the chrome accent pieces are a fine finishing touch. While the case is inexpensive, it still includes many features and a high degree of quality.
 
Anyone looking for a great looking, and performing, case that won't break the bank should take a serious look at the X-Blade case from Computergeeks.com. This case gives great bang for the buck and Computergeeks.com packaging and shipping were as always superb. And, if black isn't your favorite color, Computergeeks.com also carries this case in silver, blue, (and sometimes green).
For a great value on a great product I give the A-Top Technology X-Blade ATX Window Case a rating of 4.5 Stars... "Readily Recommended"!
Final Rating (4.5 out of 5 stars):  
Pros:
Great looking case
Very reasonable price
Quality construction
Choice of a few slick colors
Many high end features
Cons:
Power leads from Power Supply too short
Special thanks to Computergeeks.com for providing the A-Top Technology X-Blade ATX Window Case to BigBruin.Com for review!
Please drop by the BigBruin.Com forum and feel free to discuss this review!
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