Accessories & Getting Inside

The case comes with the standard accessories that you might find with other cases. A bunch of screws and motherboard screw-on type stand-offs, the keys for the locks and drives rails. Apart from those items, the case also comes with two other front bezels. Yes! The front bezel can be changed. Although you'll have to ask your local retailer or the online store if they have any in stock. This is a sample unit, so ChiefTec included them together with the case. One of the bezels looks very similar to those Dell computers while the other has a striking resemblance to Micron USA PCs. But while the door type bezel is a single piece, the other two bezels are of a two-piece design. You can remove them separately from each other. Although I find removing the front bezels can be a real bitch!

To get into the case, you'll need to slide the lock handle forward towards the front of the case and then just pull the panel out. Very much different from the usual slide-in slide-out panels that we're so used to. Once inside, you'll be presented with a very spacious work area, something that most of us modders and overclockers really crave for! More space! There's no slide-out motherboard tray though, most probably due to the space available in the case, but it is always a welcomed addition. After working with so many AOpen HX/HQ, Lian Li and other cases with slide-out motherboard tray, I would definitely want one. I know some of you prefer them too. It just makes motherboard, expansion cards and CPU/HSF installation much easier for you. At the bottom of the case, you'll find 4 pairs of drive rails neatly seated in their holders. This is a convenient way for you to store the extra rails so that you would not lose them.

To remove the front bezel, you will need to locate 6 locking tabs in the inner front of the case. Push them out of their locking position and pull the bezel out from the case structure. I don't know if it's just me or what, but the front bezel is a real bitch to remove! It takes me a good 10 minutes to get it off! "If it's so damn hard, then why the hell did you want to remove it?" Damn good question, and here's the excellent answer to that! =P That's because all the drive bays (3.5" & 5.25") have these metal covers stamped onto the structure of the case. You'll have to remove them in order for you to install your drives! DOH! A pair of pliers would do the job just fine.