The Thermaltake ATXF XASER III V1420A RT

Brief review of the above case. I've yet to receive all the parts for my new PC but I can say this much:

It looks spacious and has 7 fans, not including 2 on the 420W power supply. 2 intake fans blow right over where I am going to put my Western Digital Raptors, Raid 0. All wires are labled and that helps a ton (which is what the case weighs).

It comes with a temperature sensor which Thermaltake suggests you tape (included) under the processor. Unfortunately the tape pretty much glues the processor to it's base making it difficult to upgrade without, as the Thermaltake site says, using a hairdryer to unglue the processor. The Thermaltake site also suggests that the temperature probe can be taped to the heatsink surrounding the processor, and the difference in degrees will be 1-2 degrees Celcius. I would go this route.

The Reset and Power Switches and the LEDs have a bad habit of falling into the case. That's the one part of the case which was designed for tiny hands, much like NYC subway seats were designed for tiny butts. With "average" sized hands you will be able, in time, to place them back. If you have large hands you have a problem. The Reset Switch needs to be pushed in with your pinky, it's not big enough to handle a forefinger, and you need to push it gently. The Power Switch also needs minimal pressure, or it will fall into the case.

The manual is generally ok. It was written (translated into English?) by someone who had technical knowledge, but not a casual/fluent understanding of English. It is adequate, but 2 sentences throw me off. The FAQ on their site is useful, and they have an "email customer support" service.

I don't have the motherboard yet but will let you know how that goes. The case is relatively heavy and I suggest getting the aluminium one for a few bucks more if you will be lugging it around. Also, there appear to be very similar cases at about half it's price ($156.00) if you shop around.

Offhand, the case looks nice and well able to handle cooling. On the other hand the workmanship on the Power Switch/Reset Switch/and LEDs is shoddy. The case may well be overpriced.

To be continued...

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by rivak on 12/14/03 09:02 PM.</EM></FONT></P>