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Product:
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Nikao Fusion V mATX Case |
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Price:
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$59 (CAN) / $44 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Nikao/Tradex
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Author:
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Mantis
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Date:
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April 13th, 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 Nikao Fusion V mATX Case features a single 60mm exhaust fan located towards
the upper rear. Additional space exists in which a second 60mm fan could be installed yet the mounting
holes to do line up accordingly. A total of 4 PCI/AGP slots are readily available for use and should
accommodate the majority of most mATX configurations.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Given the small form factor nature of the Nikao Fusion V mATX Case, ease of installation is an important
aspect when assembling a system. The upper drive cage consists of a single internal and external 3.5"
mount. The internal 3.5" mount is secured via single screw and is designed to swing out to simply the
installation of a standard hard drive. The lower drive cage follows the same design and is easily removable.
A single optical drive can be installed horizontally into the lower drive cage along with room for an
additional 60mm fan which was not included.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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A small bundle of accessories are included with the Nikao Fusion V mATX Case which consist of a power
cable, standard mounting hardware, zip ties and a set of 4 plastic case feet. Absent is any form of
instruction manual. The front ‘ELLE’ logo is brightly illuminated via a blue LED to denote power to the
case and adds a subtle level of aesthetics to the overall design. A second LED is present that illuminates
the logo from the top upon hard disk access. Users may be able to substitute the sparkled background
with a design of their choice given some minor modifications.
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Conclusion:
The Nikao Fusion V mATX Case is a well rounded affordable solution for those seeking to build a system
upon the mATX form factor. Internal and exterior is easy to use while balancing a simple design. The
included 200W power supply along with front USB and Audio jacks are a great addition along with the
illuminated power and drive access LED strip. The built in stealth drive allows to keep a universal
theme and eliminates the need to paint or color co-ordinate drives. One minor drawback is the "U"
style panel which prevents users from opening the case while having it laid horizontally to be able to
utilize the side USB and Audio jacks. The overall airflow is minimal at best with only a single 60mm
fan included. This issue could be remedied by implementing a second 60mm exhaust fan at the rear along
with bundling an additional fan for the front of the case. I feel this case is suited more towards an
office environment as the majority of HTPC users do not include a floppy drive into their configurations,
let alone an overly dominating one as seen here. Aside from a few minor issues, I'm rating this case a
7.5 out of 10 and would recommend this
product to users seeking a basic micro ATX solution for an affordable system. If you have any questions
regarding this review be sure to visit the Tradex Information Technology
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Price
- Slide out 3.5" and 5.25" drive cages
- Stealthed drives
- Included PSU
- Side USB and Audio jacks
- LED power and HDD access strip
- Compact design
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Cons:
- "U" style housing riveted
- Poor air flow
- Single fan included
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