The Lazy Days of Summer Case Review

Yeong Yang YY-5601, Continued

Most consumers are not familiar with Yeong Yang, as they are engaged more as an OEM for large manufacturers who are just beginning to release their cases to the market. The YY-5601 includes a unique ventilation system, as mentioned previously, which features a Venetian blind-type concept which permits opening and closing of the vents for air intake as needed. Behind the air intake is a removable dust filter and a powerful 120 mm, frontmounted intake fan. By using this concept, the YY-5601 is able to take in an exceptional amount of air and exhaust it through the rear of the case using a single 120 mm fan. This is the first case we have seen that features 120 mm fans in both the front and the rear. In addition, the YY-5601 offers an air guide for the processor heat sink, allowing heat from the processor to be exhausted directly out the side of the case. The YY-5601 meets Intel's Lower Ambient Temperature Guidelines for the Pentium 4 3 GHz generation chips.

A look at the very unique configuration of the YY-5601.

The interior of the YY-5601 is well manufactured and features a screwless design. With smooth U-seams and rounded edges, this case is very elegant on the inside as well. The steel construction of this case, however, does make it somewhat heavier compared to the aluminum models that we have reviewed previously here. In addition to the drive cages that you will find in normal cases, Yeong Yuang has also included a removable accessory box that allows the user to insert instruction manuals, documentation, rails and screws in this box, which can be left attached inside the case. Thus, these small and important pieces do not get lost. This is a pretty cool idea; however, the accessory box is located directly in front of the front intake fan, so that when left inside, it inhibits some of the airflow. Most purchasers of this case will elect to remove the accessory box for better airflow.

The front bezel of the YY-5601 features a top control panel that includes connections for USB/ audio/ 1394 ports, as well as a power and reset switch. LEDs for both power and hard drive access are also provided. During our testing, we found it difficult to become accustomed to these front mounted ports located at the top of the computer case. While this might work well for some, it definitely blocks access to the front door and the drive bays if you have a cord for something such as a USB mouse plugged into the control panel at the top of the case. The control panel on top is ideal for connecting something such as an Apple iPod, which could be left on top of the case and connected to the front control panel. In this instance, the design is good.