Closer Look:
 

SwordM

Oh My!

Looking over the pictures on the outside of the box, my inner mod-monster awoke. It's like switching gears when you see something of this magnitude. The mind starts to race with ideas, concepts, and "what ifs" that one can achieve with the right amount of patience. LEDs! Need some fans!

And This Is Just The Back!!

As the SwordM was removed from the box, I realized that the case is heavier than typical aluminum cases. It easily weighs twice as much as the lighter cases, but feels extremely sturdy. All really light weight cases make me wonder right off just how sturdy it will be once it's packed with the hardware. I'd compare the weight to a regular full sized tower. The SwordM feels very well built and doesn't have any tin can jitters as it's handled.

The front bezel appears simple, yet is split in design. Aside from the matching brushed silver aluminum material like the rails, there are two top 5.25" bays separated by the peripheral ports from the lower 5.25" bays. The black aluminum bay covers for once actually pull off easily.

Front

Back

There are 3 USB, audio jacks, 1 eSATA port, 1 eSATA power port, and of course, the power and reset buttons integrated in to the bezel. The lowest area of the bezel is vented with another visible 120mm fan which does have built in blue LEDs that should look pretty cool when powered.

Bezel Open

Front 120mm Fan

The entire chassis is built with the deepest black aluminum inside and out. A quick inspection of the outside revealed no visible quality control issues. The outside was as perfect a finish as you would expect from such a chassis. Even the moving parts have some extra support such as the door. The door is thicker than commonly seen and functions perfectly. The door movements are a pretty good indicator of just how well case parts are machined and assembled.

Right Side

Left Side

Opening the door reveals a cavernous opening to the internal chassis and two rear 120mm fans mounted to the door. The rear door actually looks more like a front door. It's really, cool looking and would look even better with some LED fans revealing those horizontal slits and obviously adding a nice effect. However, it is just the rear door and the nicest rear door I've seen.

Angle

Back Up Close

There isn't a rear chassis frame where you'd typically clip in your motherboard's I/O Shield. Instead, there is simply about a 4" space between the right chassis frame and door hinge. It's an interesting design and completely opens up the case for more possibilities such as its intended water cooling. There are tooless clips just visible which was really the only important question left considering the case design. So, all is well.

Door & Dual 120mm Fans

Back of Chassis

The top of the case has two "spoiler" type brushed, silver aluminum rails. They add a racy sort of a effect and are incidentally very strong. One can easily lift the case via these two solid rails. In between them is a series of machined vents which reveal the top internal top mounted 120mm case fans. You can also see the extra holes for adding a third fan if you feel so inclined.

Silver Rails

Top Up Close

Removing the four thumb screws from the right side panels, reveals they aren't panels at all, but hinged doors. The larger vented door swings open automatically due to two hydraulic arms. This reveals a very, very clean internal chamber with a lot of space due to its extended ATX support.

Open Chassis

Top Door

The left side of the case follows the theme with finned aluminum panels. There is another access door rather than removable panel. Two black thumbscrews hold the door closed, otherwise you can easily see the drive bays which makes it all really quick to service.

And to get the full effect of the chassis, you have to unlock and open the top chassis panel. It too opens via two hydraulic shocks with another cool "woosh" sound that'll definitely get some attention. You can see and access more of the internal make up of the system through the door, but isn't quite necessary. It'll help access the power supply more fully at least.

Motherboard Tray & Key

Left Panel Door

Surprisingly, every feature of the SwordM actually has a good purpose. Aside from being dressed up with the hydraulics, the features are useable and make things easier especially in the department of cooling. Like I said, one can do a lot with the case.

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