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Product:
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Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case |
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Price:
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$80 (CAN) / $60 (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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September 26th, 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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The rear portion of the Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case features a standard PSU mount, I/O plate, dual 80mm
exhaust and a seven expansion slots. Removal of the left and right panels is easily achieved by loosening
a series of four screws total. The top panel has been riveted to the chassis and will require some minor
drilling in order to implement any modifications. A series of two 80mm fan exhausts take on the staggered
design with one half being raised higher than the other. I did note the stamped grills to be rather airflow
restrictive and can be remedied with some simple dremel work.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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A total of seven expansion slots are ready for use and should accommodate the majority of user’s configurations.
The Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case takes a tool-less approach for the installation of expansion cards by
utilizing a simple lock in mechanism in place of screws. In order to cater to the staggered chassis design
and dual 80mm fan mounts, a plastic housing is used to secure the fans in place. This design approach is
quite airflow restrictive and will pose issues for consumers who use larger cooling solutions on their
processors. In addition, a single 80mm fan comes installed.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case can accommodate a total of five 5.25" bays for use with optical drives,
card readers, fan controllers and more. I was pleased to see the addition of an extra bay to bring the
total to five when compared to the standard of four found on the majority of mid-towers. Similar to the
expansion slots, the 5.25" bays also utilize a tool-less approach with a simple slide and snap mounting
mechanism, which has been gaining in popularity. The Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case includes a total of
five 3.5" bays, four internal, one external which also feature the tool-less mounting system. A single
80mm intake mount is located towards the lower front portion of the chassis and will require users to
include their own fans.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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A variety of headers exist for connecting front USB, Audio, HDD, Power, Reset and speaker. Users should
note that in order to use the included front audio, the cables must be routed out a spare PCI slot and
directly connected to a sound card. As previously mentioned, the Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case includes an
oversized power button, which doubles as a power LED. Upon powering, a series of 4 LEDs illuminate a
soft glow of blue that provide a nice touch to the front of the case and doubles as a visual cue that
the system has been powered.
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Conclusion:
The Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case represents the latest budget pre-modified solution for consumers seeking
an all-in-one product. In terms of design, the Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case takes on a unique approach and
can be boiled down to personal preferences. Consumers will appreciate the bold level of aesthetics and
detailed front bezel paired with the large side panel window. The oversized power button provides a nice
accent to the overall smooth theme and isn’t overly distracting when powered. On a functional level, the
Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case delivers an average solution in the form of tool-less drive mounting, front
USB and Audio and easily accessed interior. I did encounter some minor negative aspects during the evaluation
period. In the area of airflow, the front bezel is rather restrictive due to the very fine holes along
with the rear fan mounting system being rather airflow restrictive. The overall bulkiness of the fan
mounting cage may pose some issues for those who use larger cooling solutions. The front door while an
excellent addition does prevent the use of any fan controllers or additional audio interfaces. Lastly,
I would have liked to see additional fans bundled with the case. Aside from a few minor issues, I’m
rating the Sunbeam Samurai Gaming Case a final score of 8 out of 10.
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:
- Unique design
- Oversized power button
- Side panel window with 80mm intake
- Aesthetics
- Front Audio/USB
- Tool-less mounting system
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Cons:
- Front door prevents fan controller installation
- Lack of fans included
- Stamped exhaust grills
- Bulky fan mounting system
- Front panel is airflow restrictive
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