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Product:
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Kool Cases Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower Case |
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Price:
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$136 (CAN) / $89 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Kool Cases
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Author:
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Mantis
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Date:
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February 12th, 2003
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Ed from Kool Cases
for providing the Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower Case for review.
Introduction:
In the past, the Cheiftec/Antec/Chenming chassis based cases have garnered a great deal of attention and
a reputable presence amongst a wide variety of computer users. Providing a respectable amount of storage,
a solid construction with adequate stock cooling and a modification friendly design are some of the key
factors which allowed this chassis design to rank high and flood its way into the mainstream market and
into enthusiasts homes. Originally designed as a server solution base chassis for a SOHO or LAN, one of
the main pitfalls of the Cheiftec/Antec/Chenming based cases is the solid steel construction, which
effectively increased the weight greatly. In order to stay competitive with the slowly lower pricing of
popular aluminum cases, the construction material has been recently switched from steel to an all
aluminum design coupled with a clear pre-modified side panel window to provide a revised approach to
the ever popular chassis design. Today in MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower
Case from Kool Cases.
Specifications:
The Kool Cases Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower is the latest revision to the Cheiftec/Antec/Chenming design with
a pre-modified transparent side panel window, aluminum construction and front USB ports to provide a
pre-modified solution. The Kool Cases Aluminum Mid-Tower is also available in black and silver colours.
Here are some specifications taken directly from the Kool Cases website:
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Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower Case - Key Specifications:
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| Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower Case: Distributed by Kool Cases |
| Case Dimensions: 18.5" (D) x 8" (W) x 20.5" (H) |
| Drive Bays: 10 (4 x external 5.25", 2 x external 3.5", 4 x internal 3.5") |
| Expansion Slots: 7 |
| Fans Included: 2 x 80mm (rear exhaust) |
| Universal ATX I/O Shield included |
| Form Factor: Supports all ATX, Micro ATX, Baby ATX Board, P4 certfied |
| Features All Aluminum chassis construction |
| Detachable HDD cage for easiest installation and maintenance |
| Snap fitting fan support for quick assembly |
| Quick 3.5" & 5.25" cage mounting drive rails |
| 2 USB ports on the front panel |
| Special Features: Super capacity for Mid-Tower case with 10 drive spaces |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Kool Cases Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower ships in standard brown corrugated cardboard box free from any
logos or product specifications. Proper shipping safety is in the form of the case wrapped into a
plastic bag with two pieces of polystyrene on both ends of the case. The package arrived in good
condition with no visible damage to the box or the Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower itself.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Out of the box, my first impressions of the Kool Cases Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower were very positive. The
case measures 18.5"(D) x 8"(W) x 20.5"(H) unlike the steel based version of this chassis design. The
Kool Cases Aluminum Blue Mid-Tower weighs an impressive 17 pounds and is extremely light for a case
of this size. The royal blue color combined with the pre-modified side panel window allow for a very
sleek look and large viewing angle for showing off components and lighting. The recent additions to
this case design are very apparent and accent the existing design very well.
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