Ever since I saw the Antec Performance Series cases, I've always wanted to own one myself. I've seen a lot of pics from users all around the world and the more I look at them, the more I wanted them! But the cost of shipping one over from the US would definitely burn a humongous hole in my pocket, and that doesn't include the cost of the case yet! So sadly, I had to look at other locally available alternatives. But while looking and searching, I got a message from my buddy Chester over at MultiPlayCity saying that he's got a sample unit from a factory in Taiwan and he said that it's the exact same case as the Antec's! Confused? So am I! But he then explained to me that Antec don't really manufactures the case, but simply gets them from the Taiwanese company and just slaps on their label.

The company I'm talking about is ChiefTec. And the case is the ChiefTec DX01WD Entry Level Server. I've also found out that there's another Taiwanese company manufacturing the exact same case! Chenming's the name, and this server case is their game! Now that makes you wonder as to who the hell makes this cases, doesn't it?? LOL! Now if you think Antec's the only one selling them, think again! Enermax too has started to sell this cases under their own brand name! Dun believe me? Check this case out! But as far as I'm concern here, I'm reviewing the ChiefTec DX01WD Server Case. :O) Here's a quick look at the specs.

FEATURE & SPECIFICATION

The very first thing I noted was the weight of this case. Made out of high quality 1.0mm thick steel, it weighs in at a hefty 11.5kg. That's just a little under my previous case, the HX08 which weighs in at 14.5kg. This is one 'eavy mutha! I particularly like the front bezel with the air intake vents design and the swing door. I'm not a big fan of doors on cases but considering the case is meant as a server / workstation, some security measure is required. LAN goers might like the doors too. Another security feature added is the side panel itself. The panel where you have to remove often for access to the internals of the case also has a lock handle. This also means no more sliding in and out of side panels. Just slide the handle forward and pull the panel off. Both the door and side panel has keys for the lock, so you better not be losing them or you'll have to bust out that hammer or Dremel to open them up! LOL!

Opening up the bezel door will present you with 4 5.25" external bays and 2 3.5" external bays. There's also 4 other 3.5" hidden bays. The power and reset button is large enough for most users. The Green Power/Amber HDD LEDs are of the 3mm type. A blue/red LED mod is in order though! :=P Four plastic feet are also provided for extra stability and since this is a sample unit, it doesn't include a power supply unit. Antec and Enermax does provide them with their own line of well-known PSUs though. :o) And for those of you who have a Pentium 4 motherboard, you're in tough luck! This particular case that I got ain't P4 compatible. But I'm pretty sure the P4 compatibles ones would already be in production or even available as you read this. The standard ATX2.01 I/O Plate is also included at the rear of the case.