Introduction:

Sigma La Vie ATX Computer Case

Sigma may not be well-known among most hardware enthusiasts but that isn't stopping them from continuing to release new products. In the past, we reviewed their Luna Type W case and found that despite some weaknesses, it did feature many innovations and a lightweight aluminum design that would make it attractive to a variety of users. While Sigma may not have the brand-name appeal that some of the other big case makers possess, they certainly did not let this stop them from bringing a multitude of features to the table.

The La Vie case is the sister product to the earlier reviewed Luna. The basic design is very similar; both are mid-tower ATX cases ideal for most systems and both come with side panel windows. Let's see if the La Vie can fix some of the problems encountered with the Luna.

Specifications:

The La Vie comes in two flavours - the aluminum version and a "Leather" variant. We'll be looking at the Leather version today. What does "Leather" mean exactly? This actually refers to the facade of the front door/panel, which is covered in a (faux?) leather exterior; the rest of the case is made of steel and plastic. I suppose it's a nice change from the typical plastic-molded front and it could result in the case fitting in nicer with the environment. The dimensions of the case are virtually identical to the Luna, being 17.5" x 8" x 20" (HxWxD).

• Full Specifications

With this case, you get five 5.25" drive bays, two external 3.5" bays and three internal 3.5" bays. This should be plenty of space for most systems. The case also comes with a Sigma-branded generic 500w PSU. This is not one of their aftermarket units and is probably okay for a basic system, but likely would need to be replaced for most gamers' rigs.

The La Vie comes well packaged and well protected as both sides of the side panel window have been protected with plastic film to protect from scratches. Looking at the case for the first time, you'll see that it generally follows the formula of most mid-towers, with a front door and a side window with an 80mm fan right over the CPU area. Not that this is a bad thing - this design has been proven and there's a definite reason so many cases follow it.

The Sigma La Vie.

Out of the box.

Front door.

The front door, as mentioned before, is covered in a leather exterior. While it's nice, I find it puzzling that this is supposedly the defining feature of the case because of its name. Save for some yellow accents, the case is entirely black; opening the door reveals the typical plastic front panel of most cases. Unfortunately, like the earlier Luna, the door doesn't open much beyond 90 degrees. This is a problem if you decide to place the case to the left of you, as you'll find it troublesome to access the drive bays and other things on the front. The door is held shut by magnetic latches.

Front panel.

Window protected by film.

80mm LED side fan.

Behind the door you'll see the five 5.25" drives and two external 3.5" bays. Five 5.25" drives might be a bit much nowadays, but you can always use them as HDD bays with the proper rails. Even the two external 3.5" bays may not be needed, though a card reader would go nicely into one of them. Power and HDD LEDs are in the actual door; wires run from the front panel out to the door. Power and reset buttons are on either side of the 3.5" drive bays while the USB and audio ports are in the lower left corner.

There are also numerous vents near the bottom for the optional front-intake fan, which can accept a 120mm fan. (Not included) The front door has vent holes as well so that airflow is guaranteed even with the door closed. There's also a gap in the bottom of the case between the front panel and chassis for air flow. The chassis, being made of steel, makes this case weigh more than the Luna, but is on par with most cases in this respect.

LEDs in front door.

Front ports.

Door open.

At the back, there's a 120mm exhaust fan. Both side panels are held in place with thumb screws, two per side, something that we've come to expect from case nowadays. This is good, since it's necessary to remove both side panels during installation. A key point of interest is that the side 80mm window fan is also set to exhaust like the rear 120mm fan; you might want to experiment with setting the side fan to intake to see if that improves airflow.

Back of case.

Bottom of case.

The bottom of the case has four standard rubber feet, but they are fairly tall so as to prop up the case from the ground quite a bit. This should allow for better airflow via the bottom vent, even on carpeted surfaces.

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