The case in question is the Silver version of the XSonic aluminum case by Xoxide.
I needed a new case for my new AMD rig I was planning and decided I would like to delve into the world of aluminum cases. After checking out numerous manufacturers I decided I would try this one.
All pics were taken by me. I did not use any stock photos that might be misleading or "touched up" in some way. The pictures are thumbnails. To see larger versions just click on them or the link below the picture.
Here is the case right out of the box with the power supply installed:
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/side.JPG
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/rear.JPG
Impressions right out of the box:
First of all I was very impressed with the weight if the case. I could easily toss it up and down in my hand. My steel cheiftec, while a bit larger is significantly heavier. Even fully loaded this XSonic case is easily 1/2 the weight of my chieftec.
The finish is well done, smooth and slightly sparkly. The entire case is aluminum save for the drive covers and usb/firewire port cover. Front facia looks very nice, aggressive but simple at the same time. The front air inlets are quite large and should make for great airflow. I will be modifying the removed drive bay covers to fit on the drives (stealthing) to give the computer a more clean look. Beige and silver just don't mix. This is fairly simple to do. Just requires some time and patience. Doesn't cost more than a couple bucks for some double stick tape and some spacer pads.
The window looks very well done and the fan mount is clean with no scratches or marrs to the plastic surface. The window comes with attached plastic lining to protect it. The oblong shaped thing on the back covers where your extension cards screw into the case. Remove that and there is easy access to your screws.
On to the installation:
The case is a midtower and thus is a bit on the small side and sometimes required some extreme patience when inserting the motherboard because it barely fits and must be inserted at an angle. Once the board is in there is plenty of room to work.
I had two problems when installing parts into this case. They are as follows:
The lower 5.25 drive bays may affect placement of memory modules such as it did for me as shown in this picture:
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/memoryblock.JPG
The motherboard is an Epox 8RDA+ and thus has the capability of running in Dual Channel mode. The outter dimm is needed to engage dual channel. I was forced to relocate my cdrom from where I wanted it. First negative, but not a big deal.
Next up was towards the end of my installation. The cover for the extension card screws fits very close to the end of the slot in the back of the case. My Geforce4 Ti4400's monitor plug is right at the end of the card and it made it impossible to resecure the cover with the cable plugged in. I was forced to use the converter on the other plug. Still not a big deal, but unexpected. I should note that this is not an issue with my Radeon 9500pro. The connector is slightly farther away on this card and it barely fits with the cover installed.
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/gf4block.JPG
Assembled and Running:
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/finished.JPG
Picture of LED fans with lights off
Final Thoughts:
Overall I am very pleased with this case. Temperature readings are lower than expected and the fit and finish is quite good. A few minor problems along the way, but easily resolved. I would definately suggest this to people interested in a pre-styled case. Modders should probably look elsewhere first due to the window already being installed.
Future plans for this case include green led fans and a green cold cathode and maybe some green EL wire around the window for a nice bit of emphasis for the window.
The Silver XSonic case sells for 64.99 without power supply and is available at www.xoxide.com/silverxsonic.html
I needed a new case for my new AMD rig I was planning and decided I would like to delve into the world of aluminum cases. After checking out numerous manufacturers I decided I would try this one.
All pics were taken by me. I did not use any stock photos that might be misleading or "touched up" in some way. The pictures are thumbnails. To see larger versions just click on them or the link below the picture.
Here is the case right out of the box with the power supply installed:
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/side.JPG
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/rear.JPG
Impressions right out of the box:
First of all I was very impressed with the weight if the case. I could easily toss it up and down in my hand. My steel cheiftec, while a bit larger is significantly heavier. Even fully loaded this XSonic case is easily 1/2 the weight of my chieftec.
The finish is well done, smooth and slightly sparkly. The entire case is aluminum save for the drive covers and usb/firewire port cover. Front facia looks very nice, aggressive but simple at the same time. The front air inlets are quite large and should make for great airflow. I will be modifying the removed drive bay covers to fit on the drives (stealthing) to give the computer a more clean look. Beige and silver just don't mix. This is fairly simple to do. Just requires some time and patience. Doesn't cost more than a couple bucks for some double stick tape and some spacer pads.
The window looks very well done and the fan mount is clean with no scratches or marrs to the plastic surface. The window comes with attached plastic lining to protect it. The oblong shaped thing on the back covers where your extension cards screw into the case. Remove that and there is easy access to your screws.
On to the installation:
The case is a midtower and thus is a bit on the small side and sometimes required some extreme patience when inserting the motherboard because it barely fits and must be inserted at an angle. Once the board is in there is plenty of room to work.
I had two problems when installing parts into this case. They are as follows:
The lower 5.25 drive bays may affect placement of memory modules such as it did for me as shown in this picture:
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/memoryblock.JPG
The motherboard is an Epox 8RDA+ and thus has the capability of running in Dual Channel mode. The outter dimm is needed to engage dual channel. I was forced to relocate my cdrom from where I wanted it. First negative, but not a big deal.
Next up was towards the end of my installation. The cover for the extension card screws fits very close to the end of the slot in the back of the case. My Geforce4 Ti4400's monitor plug is right at the end of the card and it made it impossible to resecure the cover with the cable plugged in. I was forced to use the converter on the other plug. Still not a big deal, but unexpected. I should note that this is not an issue with my Radeon 9500pro. The connector is slightly farther away on this card and it barely fits with the cover installed.
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/gf4block.JPG
Assembled and Running:
Larger view: http://quicksitemaker.com/members/arklatexwebtest/images/finished.JPG
Picture of LED fans with lights off
Final Thoughts:
Overall I am very pleased with this case. Temperature readings are lower than expected and the fit and finish is quite good. A few minor problems along the way, but easily resolved. I would definately suggest this to people interested in a pre-styled case. Modders should probably look elsewhere first due to the window already being installed.
Future plans for this case include green led fans and a green cold cathode and maybe some green EL wire around the window for a nice bit of emphasis for the window.
The Silver XSonic case sells for 64.99 without power supply and is available at www.xoxide.com/silverxsonic.html
