MGE Sidewinder: A Look at a Gaming Chassis
by Purav Sanghani on October 16, 2004 11:31 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Internal Design
Taking a look at the Sidewinder's internals, we are reminded of the design of the drive bays from Enermax's Sea Hawk, which we reviewed in August. Just like the Sea Hawk, the Sidewinder has four 5-1/4" drive bays and a total of six 3-1/2" drive bays, on which there should provide enough space to expand for the average gamer.
Click to enlarge.
The layout of the Sidewinder, otherwise, is the standard ATX type. There is about 4" of room between the average ATX motherboard and the drive bays and slightly less than 1" of space between the motherboard and power supply.
The back panel features a removable motherboard IO back shield. Some cases feature back shields that require it to be punched out, which could bend it out of shape, but MGE has designed a removable/replaceable plate that can be secured with screws. This allows users to supply their own back shields that support their motherboard's layout. In order for our Chaintech board to fit in place nicely, we had to remove the back plate altogether.
Click to enlarge.
On the back panel of the case towards the left side panel are punched out IO slots for expanding on IO capabilities, for example, to add more serial ports.
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ciwell - Monday, October 18, 2004 - link
#11, then you would be working for ANTEC. :DLoneWolf15 - Monday, October 18, 2004 - link
I'm starting to think I should go into case design. All I'd have to do would be to make tasteful cases that actually cater to the people who build their own computers, as it appears few manufacturers are actually doing this, including this one. How about designing something with reasonable expansion, front mounted ports, a few mounts for large fans that move lots of air at lower noise levels, out of solid materials, with a modest look but easy to mod later? No aliens, no snakes, no naked chick truck mudflap logos...function first, with just enough basic form to be appealing.ciwell - Monday, October 18, 2004 - link
Good review...I think the last sentence in it says it all.Operandi - Sunday, October 17, 2004 - link
#8 Hmmmmm... Put a $90 PSU in a $4.99 case that seems like a likely scenario.....shabby - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link
#7 the funny part is that they didnt even use the psu that came with the case, they used an ocz one, check page 8 lolGundamit - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link
#6 - What's really revolting is the 17A on the 12V rail. Get it? "Re-Volting" It like a ... oh nevermind.diehlr - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link
Someone please give these case designers a clue. These cases with gaudy X's and tacky colored plastic are asthetically revolting.stephenbrooks - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link
LOL @ #3I stared deeply into the chromed button and could only see a couple of black chairs in a white office, though, one with someone's coat hanging on it. Which page were you on?
Myrandex - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link
I am actually glad they reviewed it, because I was considering purchasing it for a computer I am gonna build soon (saw it for sale @ directron). Haven't made up my mind yet, but yea I am glad they reviewed it.Jason
Budman - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link
I can see a reflection of the reviewer in the chromed button. :)