Construction

We have grown so accustomed to aluminum cases that we tend to despise the worst aspects of steel cases. Many times, we have learned the hard way that steel can be a burden, especially when working with cases on a day-to-day basis.

Our one test that shows how well the case has been constructed is the old "feel around" method. We confidently and courageously stick our hands inside the case and feel around every crevice and edge to see if there are any sharp edges where the steel has been cut. Unfortunately, the Sidewinder had many of these sharp edges all throughout the chassis. They weren't so bad that it would break skin, but if a wire were to snag on an edge, some very bad things could happen.

We also noticed when we first opened the box that the plastic bezel had broken on the right side. The damage was irreversible, but the show had to go on! A little superglue did the job of fixing it up.

Cooling Expansion
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  • ciwell - Monday, October 18, 2004 - link

    #11, then you would be working for ANTEC. :D
  • LoneWolf15 - 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 lol
  • Gundamit - 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 @ #3

    I 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. :)

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