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Product:
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MTB Exclusive: Kool Cases Dynax Server Tower Case |
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Price:
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$196 (CAN) / $125 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Kool Cases
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Author:
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Shennon
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Date:
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October 20th, 2002
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Dynax chassis design includes two ridges on the cross support to help support the power supply unit and keep the stress from the weight
of the PSU off of the back four screws. Between the two ridges is a fan grill that allows the power supply to extract hot air from the CPU
and expel it from the case. It is recommended that this grill pattern be removed in order to achieve the maximum amount of airflow between
the PSU and CPU. To give you a sense of how big the Dynax interior is, I installed an Asus P2B Pentium 2 motherboard into the case. The
specifications on the Kool Cases website indicate that the Dynax will accept the ATX form factor motherboards as well as the full size AT
motherboards.
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Click image for larger view
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Dynax accessories
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The Dynax Server Tower Case comes with an AGI 300 watt ATX P4 ready power supply. Unfortunately, I could not find any home page to AGI or
supplemental information on this power supply unit, but its inclusion is a welcome feature none the less. Included with the Dynax case was
a bag containing seven slot covers, a pair of keys for the front door lock, screws and stand-offs to mount most motherboards and a locking
tab. What was missing was manufacturer literature, instructions and warranty information.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The locking tab mounts from the inside at the rear of the case and will prevent the motherboard from being lifted out. With a small padlock
this small security feature should prevent people from undoing the slide out motherboard tray and pulling it out as well as prohibit the
side panel from sliding off. A nice addition feature but as previously mentioned, this will not protect against forceful intrusions.
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Conclusion:
As with any case, I do realize the look of the Dynax may not appeal to everyone, but I think it has possibilities. The Dynax Server Tower
may not be suitable as a LAN case it does open the door to other opportunities such as Water Cooling. Case modders could easily make this
case more transportable by replacing the stock swivel feet with casters. One of the biggest benefits of this case is the spacious interior
and slide out motherboard option, which simplifies the installation of system components. As far as airflow, there has been a fair amount
of thought put into the case with the front bezel and chassis design for hard drive cooling. The stock stampted fan grills should be cut
out to improve airflow for the entire case. One feature I do miss is the reset switch. This may not be considered important to some, I do
find it useful at work since the machine I use locks up almost every day. Overall, I like this case and looking at it does give me a few
modding ideas, and most others out there should have a few of their own. Aside from a few minor issues, I'm rating this case a
8 out of 10 and would only recommend this product for those individuals that
want a great server tower case with good stock cooling options and plenty of modding potential. If you have any questions regarding this
review be sure to visit the Kool Cases website for more information or discuss
them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- 300 watt power supply included
- Plenty of hard drive bays for server application
- Excellent solid steel construction
- Designed with security in mind
- Spacious interior design
- Case modification friendly
- Slide out motherboard tray
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Cons:
- Stamped exhaust grills
- No Reset switch
- No instruction manual for novices
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