Closer Look:
 

Front

Back

As you can see, the m998 isn't anywhere close to a generic looking case. It has some very likeable features noticeable just from doing a quick browse of its out side chassis. All around the case, the aluminum brushed finish is even and clean. The aluminum is free from blemishes which is difficult to always pull off with all of the physical handling. And don't forget the beating these things take being shipped around which is why there is rarely such a thing as too much packing foam.

All of the panels are also attached with some chrome thumb screws to dress it up a bit. It's also nice to see black mesh used to cover the 80mm fan intake and passive vent just below it to match the rest of the case.

Right Panel Window

Left Panel

The back of the case is constructed of a fully chrome chassis that makes up part of the removable motherboard tray. It's polished quite nicely and all of the removable parts and panels are fastened by thumbscrews rather than regular machine screws. There is a rear 120mm fan as well as an 80mm fan on the side panel window.

Back

Front

The 80mm fan has an adjustable clear fan duct that can help direct air directly to your processor. While these ducts may not be everyone's feature of choice, at least it's not very noticeable and can be removed if you choose. Many of today's aftermarket CPU coolers are pretty tall and will definitely interfere with said fan duct. If it does, just take it out.

80mm and lower vent

Mesh and filter up close

The bezel is standard matching black plastic construction and has vertical slits for allowing the front 120mm fan to pull air in to the chassis drive area. While it may match the rest of the chassis, it seems to be missing something. It seems as though they may have been unsure of how to integrate the right side in to the bezel. It's not bad by any means, but it seems as though that they could have afforded something just little better. Maybe and all flat, seamless bezel with an equally flat front panel door would be in order.

Nothing wrong with jet black!

The front panel ports integrate what is probably considered the standard these days. There are two USB, one eSATA, one Firewire, and two audio jacks for your headphone and microphone. The eSATA comes in very, very handy if you like a convenient way to connect your external SATA drive for quicker file transfer and if your motherboard supports the feature. It's nice not having to spin the case around to locate the eSATA port on the back of your motherboard. Now, you have access to a USB 2.0 and eSATA.

Bezel and Ports

Ports up close

Moving inside the case, you can see the black internal chassis. The entire chassis is jet black without one detail missed. There is a nice clean contrast between the black and chromed motherboard tray which gives the chassis a very, very clean appearance. You can install five 3.5" hard drives or storage devices as well as four 5.25" storage devices. And as always, you can substitute removable SATA trays in the 5.25" if you'd like.

Open case

120mm and chassis

The 3.5" bays can be removed for easier installation by removing the front Bezel first. Four thumbscrews and two regular screws hold the larger bay and smaller bay in respectively. Removing the larger tray was a little rough at first, but with a little leverage and wiggling the tray came out. It appeared to be nothing more than just a rough edge or two on the machined hooks. Once they were removed, it was easier to install and remove again.

Remove Thumbscrews

Tray slides out

The removable motherboard tray slides in and out quite easily once the thumb screws are removed. The chrome tray is so clean, you can see a reflection very easily. If your motherboard has LEDs on the bottom like the Abit IN9 32X-MAX or AB9 Quad GT, the chrome will do nicely for reflecting the emitted light. Or a well placed LED of choice can add a really cool effect to your own system. The tray did feel just a bit flimsy at first, but went through installation without issue.

Removable Motherboard Tray

Chrome all around

To the right of the tray, you can see Ultra's new "Power Strip". The strip is intended to help clean up all the wires that are typically flopping about. With the exception of the 20/24 pin main power connector, there are terminals for your PCI Express cards and regular 4 pin Molex powered components. There weren't any ports for SATA which is a real shame. It would have rounded off the Power Strip nicely. The Power Strip feature comes with various black 4 pin and PCI-E jumpers that connect your components, but you won't find any 4pin-to-SATA adapters. However, one could easily pick up a 4 pin to SATA power adapter very cheap that would also work.

Inside

Power Strip

Included in the accessories boxes are the Power Strip Cables, I/O Motherboard Shield, 4 castor wheels, and plenty of system screws in both regular and anodized black to keep your system's black appearance flowing. You can't have any clashes, can you?

Cables, I/O Shield, and Castors

Cables, Screws, and More Screws

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