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Product:
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A-Top X-Blade Gaming Mid-Tower Case |
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Price:
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$105 (CAN) / $80 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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A-Top Technology
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Author:
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Shennon
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Date:
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July 11th, 2004
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Jonathan from A-Top Technology
for providing the X-Blade Gaming Mid-Tower Case for review.
Introduction:
Having a pre-modded case is common nowadays, as almost every manufacturer has few different designs and ideas,
however uniqueness in features is something that is almost a rare commodity. Manufacturers are relying on
visuals and fancy colour schemes in order to separate their cases from the competition. A few months ago
A-Top Technology based out of Pomona, California released its first gaming case marketed under the Alien-Z
brand name. The company continues to target the pre-modified consumer market with the release of its
latest gaming mid-tower case. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the new X-Blade Gaming Mid-Tower
Case; an all-in-one pre-modified solution.
Specifications:
The X-Blade is the latest mid-tower case aimed at the gaming community and supports ATX, MicroATX, P3, P4, and
AMD motherboard formats. Consumers have the option of selecting from 5 different colours which include Black,
Blue, Yellow, Silver and Green. Here are some specifications taken from the A-Top Technology website:
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A-Top X-Blade Gaming Mid-Tower Case - Key Specifications:
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| A-Top X-Blade Gaming Mid-Tower Case: Distributed by A-Top Technology |
| Case Dimensions: 200mm (W) x 430mm (H) x 440mm (D) |
| Patented screwless & tool-less mounting rails |
| Max. Motherboard size: 12" x 10" |
| Drive Bays: 11 (4 x 5.25" external, 2 x 3.5" internal, and 5 x 3.5" external) |
| Expansion Slots: 7 |
| Fans: 3 (1 x 80mm Side Intake, 1 x 120mm Front Intake, 1 x 120mm Rear Exhaust) |
| All fans are clear w/ extra bright LEDs built in |
| Build in 2 front USB 2.0 + Audio port connectors |
| Universal ATX I/O Shield included |
| Power Supply: with Aluminum 400 watts, 450 watts or 500 watts P4 ready or Mini Redundant PSU |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The X-Blade case arrived in a double-walled cardboard box that clearly identifies both the model name and the features.
The case was wrapped in bubble wrap and sealed in protected plastic with two pieces of polystyrene located on the left
and right hand sides. The front bezel and pre-modified side panel window are covered with protective plastic that can
easily be removed. Once opened and unwrapped, my initial impressions of the X-Blade Gaming Mid-Tower Case were positive.
The case measures approximately 200mm (W) x 430mm (H) x 440mm (D) and supports all ATX motherboard formats up to a
maximum of 12" by 10" in size.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The front features a door that covers all the 5.25" drives except for the top bay where an optional LCD temperature
display can be mounted. The door itself has the X-Blade emblem embedded into mesh material with a brushed silver
backer plate that covers all areas. All the case highlights consist of chrome plated plastic which provides a
striking contrast to the black painted exterior. The overall shape of the front design reminds me of a regular
hour glass.
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