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Product:
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I-Star S-8 Storm Series ATX Case |
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Price:
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$50 (CDN) / $45 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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I-Star USA
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Author:
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clsGrinder
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Date:
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June 25th, 2006
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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 S-8 uses the screw in type brass standoffs for the motherboard. This has always been a preference of mine as they do
feel much more solid compared to the clip-in type. Since I-Star USA has a special lineup of redundant power supplies
that can be used with the S Storm series, a special bracket must be used to install a standard ATX power supply. The
bracket has been artificially colored in blue using Photoshop, to illustrate its importance when using an ATX form factor
power supply.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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All 5.25" devices are a cinch to install with the tool-less system. Simply slide the device in from the front, and lock
it down by moving the slider towards the face of the case. Pushing the “lock” tab down will secure the position of the
slider, keeping its grip on your freshly installed 5.25 inch device.
Hard drive installation is equally simple. Just attach the special hard drive rails to your 3.5 inch drive, and slide
the assembly into one of the three available hard drive slots. Pinching the plastic rails together while pulling will
release the drive for removal.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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While there are five internal 3.5" drive bays, I recommend that you only use the three for hard drives. The pin locations
of the upper two 3.5 inch bays are not positioned properly for securing a hard drive, but for a floppy drive instead. If
your storage demands require more than 3 hard drives, you can get by with the S-8 but I would suggest removal of the
tool-less sliders and revert back to good old screws for fastening.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The light construction of the S-8 confines this chassis to a desk. As a frequent LAN party gamer I’m quite certain that
after a few trips in the trunk of your car the thin steel will be scratched or dented, and the paint job will scratch
and wear all too easily. Yes, all computers tend to show their age if they see allot of travel time, but a case like
this will show it’s age much quicker.
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Conclusion:
For a case of this price, I-Star USA delivers as expected with the S-8 Storm Series ATX Case. It's a clean cut, professional
looking tower that could also provide an excellent canvas to an up and coming PC mod project. The tool-less features
work as designed, and the side panel ventilation is a very nice touch. Power users with storage solutions encompassing
more than 3 hard drives could get frustrated with the tool-less design of the 3.5" forward facing drive bays. The S-8
could fit into any environment, but the paint job and materials used beg me to question what the long term durability
of this case will be, especially in the hands of a LAN party attendee. All in all, the I-Star S-8 Storm Series ATX Case
is the perfect box for my spare rig, and I award a final rating of 8 out of 10.
If you have any questions regarding this review, be sure to visit the I-Star USA
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Good clean looks
- Tool-less features
- Side panel ventilation
- Wicked power supply options
- Price
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Cons:
- Not durable enough for frequent LAN party transport
- The two 3.5" bays make HDD mounting difficult
- Chassis construction could be improved
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Error processing SSI file
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Error processing SSI file
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