Date: |
1/24/07 |
Price: |
80.00 |
Sponsors: |
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Author: |
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Editor: |
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Score: |
8/10 |
Sunbeamtech Clear Acrylic Case Construction
Building a Computer in the Case:
Building a system in the case can be a tad on the nerve wracking side, especially with the screws. You see, the screws that you would usually use to build a system with don't always work with this case (i.e. Drive mounting screws). You have to use the longer ones provided with the case. Unfortunately there are not a lot of these to go around. Other than that, it's a simple and easy process and the removable sides and top are useful also.
Near the rear of the case are two small holes for routing water cooling system tubing through, a nice touch, and one that I'd like to see included on more cases. Hard drive mounting is available in two ways. One of these is an included set of 4 standoffs that mount on a hard drive and extend it to the 5.25 proportions of the bays. The other is a mini bay that holds 5 hard drives and sits them vertically in between the 5.25in drive mounts. I found that the 4 standoffs would not fit properly due to the screw holes of my hard drive.
Case Stability:
For an acrylic case, the Sunbeamtech case is fairly stable, kinda. The case is stable and sturdy when standing up and not being moved. It can even take a fair amount of weight on the top. However, when you go to move it you'll notice two things.
One, the sides have a tendency to bow in a lot, without a lip around the inside of the case for the sides to rest on the doors tend to bow in towards the middle of the case. <
Two, the entire case seems to lurch a little at the screw joints when the slightest bit loose. It's not horrible, but it is a little nerve wracking. I suggest not moving this case too much and, if you do move it, make sure all the screws are nice and tight.
Suggestions:
Buy fans and fan grills to cover the holes.
Buy some clear washers to put in some of the screw mounts. I've not tried this personally, but I think it might allow for a tighter connection, while not damaging the acrylic [thinking about this].
For transportation, take an old towel or blanket and wrap it around the case and secure it with duct tape or twine. This will keep the case from getting damaged and, if something comes loose, it will hopefully stay in place.
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