Introduction

When it comes to computer cases, you have a multitude of options.  Full towers, mid-towers, mini-towers, ATX, BTX, Small Form Factors, Customs and Pre-Mods are all vying for your attention in the crowded marketplace.  Your personal requirements may vary distinctly from your neighbor's.  Low noise? High "Bling" factor?  Price? Functionality? Weight? Ease of use? These are all considerations you should take into account.  Whatever the reason, it is important to be able to get a good look at the details before you spend your money.  Today we are going to take a look at an attractive gamers case submitted by MGE, the Sidewinder XG (eXtreme Gamer).  Does it live up to its moniker?  Follow along as we tear it down and build it up.

Overview

MGE is an aggressive company looking to make its mark in the computer case marketplace. This is evidenced by the high quality brochures, slick manuals and over-the-top case designs.  Very corporate, very savvy.  But does slick marketing mean high quality?  We'll see shortly.  The Sidewinder XG is targeted squarely at the gamer who desires a good looking case for everyone to envy.  It has a feature list that hits all the high points, including front panel USB and Firewire, Audio, clear side window, 400 Watt ATX power supply, front closing door to protect/hide peripherals and even a lighted logo.  Internally, it provides four 5.25" drive bays, six 3.5" bays (4 internal, 2 accessible), front fan support (120mm or 80mm), rear fan support (120mm or 80mm) and dual 80mm lighted side fans.  This list would surely impress many casual retail buyers, but Virtual-Hideout readers are discriminating and aware that this list is increasingly becoming the norm rather than the exception. Kudos to MGE for including the power supply with the case.  Many times when you are purchasing  a pre-modded case, the power supply is left out.  This is not a power supply review, but I will touch on some of the features of the unit as we go. Let's look the Sidewinder over.

The box the Sidewinder comes in is targeted towards occupying shelf space with other cases.  It attempts to sell itself while sitting in the box, which is a great marketing technique.  It also has an integrated carrying handle.  The case itself is painted in a very high quality metallic blue, and the finish is definitely the best I have seen on a pre-mod.  Personal taste will dictate whether you approve of the large Sidewinder banner along both sides. It's dimensions are (W x H x D) 200 x 430 x 500mm.

The front bezel is slightly darker than the rest of the case, but this seems to be exaggerated in the pictures.  In a dimly lit room, it looks more like a gradient blend from front to rear.  The depth of the case paint is clear from the picture of the ruler and the reflection of the my stylish background drop cloth.

Once opened, the case spills out its contents:  Glossy instruction cards (nice touch), hardware, and power supply cord.  The Case is constructed mostly of stamped steel.  The front panel is plastic.  During the build, the case did not exhibit any racking or flexing, so a good compromise between weight and rigidity has been attained.  The included front fan is an MGE-branded 80mm blue lighted unit.  The pre-drilled holes will accept a 120mm fan as well.  The grill looks like it could use some more open space, though.  Note the knotted front panel wire bundle.  MGE:  Use a tie wrap instead.  Someone has to un-knot those wires eventually. The front door is held in place by small rubber isolation feet.