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Product:
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Thermaltake Xaser III VM3000A Series Skull Mid-Tower |
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Price:
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$167 (CAN) / $130 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Xoxide Modifications
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Author:
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DrMobius
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Date:
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January 4th, 2004
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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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As previously mentioned, the back of the case has space for a standard ATX power supply. Some of the larger cases
in the Xaser line have a removable power supply mounting plate, but the Xaser III VM3000A does not limit the choice
of the power supply to standard ATX only. Below the power supply are two fan mounts and the included standard ATX
I/O backplate. The 80mm fan mounts are punched into the sheet metal along with the stamped exhaust fan grills. Unlike
the most likely laser cut work on the side panels, these grills are the common stamped design seen on may popular
computer cases that we know aren’t the best choice for airflow.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Next to the two 80mm fan mounts are some of the first security features that this case features besides the locking door.
The two holes fit for a padlock can be seen, but underneath them is a switch that is pushed in when the case is closed.
On the inside of the case, the switch ends in a motherboard lead that can be used if your motherboard has system lock
pins. Under the I/O plate and fans are 7 standard PCI slots which can be easily removed for expansion. The third backing
plate down has a hole where an included wire can be fed from the front of the Hardcano, through the case, and out the hole.
The wire would then be plugged into a Firewire port on the back of a soundcard, PCI slot, or motherboard.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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In order to remove the side panels to gain access to the inside of the Xaser III VM3000A, two snap switches
must be pushed towards the center of the case. While I’m sure this is not a new invention, it is the first
time I have seen the snap switches. I was a bit weary about the quality of the construction of these snap
switches, but after pushing, pulling, prying, and pounding these switches for a good hour I came to the
conclusion that they’re much tougher then they look. If you can get past their appearance they’re actually
quite handy and add to the screw-less operation of the case. Once the side panel is off, and in order to
gain complete access to the inside of the case, you can open the swing bar on which an 80mm intake fan is
mounted to push air over the graphics card and PCI slots. The fan is clipped into place for easy removal
and the swing bar itself can be easily removed by removing two screws.
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