Introduction

Over the past few years, aluminium cases has really gotten off and their popularity has sky-rocketed. Not only are they light-weight, they're also sleek, cool looking and with them, they bring new features. But it's easy to forget that they all have the same roots and origins and that's the good 'ol all-steel case. They have existed long before the aluminium cases made it's debut and there are many manufacturers out there who between them, have a long list of good designs. And one of them is the LiteOn FS020 Mid Tower. I first saw the LiteOn in late 1999 and at the time, it's one of the cases that has the overclockers/modders in mind in it's design. With 3 stock 120mm fan spots and plenty of room for expansion and modding, it quickly got me drooling and sends a burst of ideas into my head! But it has eluded me as it's hard to find here in Singapore and also because of the shipping charges....until now!

I remembered giving the idea of distributing them here in Singapore to Corbell Tech., the distributor for MSI Products here in Singapore. At the time, I wasn't really hoping for it to happen as LiteOn demanded a large initital shipment, according to them. To cut the story short, I saw one on display in one of the PC retail stores here in Sim Lim Square and I just had to grab it!!! I found out later, although I already had a hunch about it, that Corbell Tech. managed to get a sample from LiteOn. And so the case ends up here in the Singapore VH Labs! :O) Let's take a look at the case features and specs, straight from LiteOn.

Features

• Meet FCC & CE Requirement
• Metal shielding to reduce EMI
• Optional CE components to reduce EMI
• Excellent Thermal Solution
• Ventilation holes in the front and back
• Side panel design
• Snap on type fan bracket / led holder
• Slide in/out type drive rail
• Strong cross-bar
• Excellent Flexibility & Expandability
• Elegant Outlook Rear panel design
• Thumb-screw to facilitate maintenance

Specifications

• DIMENSION (W*H*D): 235*535*463.15mm
• MAIN BOARD SIZE: MS440GX, ATX
• DRIVE BAYS: 5.25"*4, 3.5"*2(FDD), 3.5"*1(1.6" height)(FDD) 3.5"*2(1" height), 3.5"*2(option)
• EXPANSION SLOT: 7 SLOTS
• METAL: SECC SHEET
• MECHANICAL: MEET FCC, CE PACKING:
• N.W.:9.5KGS,
• G.W.:10.KGS

The case itself is pretty huge for a mid tower design and it's pretty heavy too at 10kgs. Using 1.0mm thick SECC steel, you can be sure this case is as tough as it gets! As you can probably see, there's really nothing interesting with regards to the exterior look of the case. It has 4 X 5.25" and 2 X 3.5" external drive bays, more than enough for the regular PC user or modders out there. The first thing that caught my eye was the big grey plastic at the front of the case and it's hiding the built in filters for the front fan. Both the Power and Reset buttons are large enough and the LEDs....well.... they're just screaming to be changed! You'll also find four rubber feets at the bottom and the standard ATX2.01 I/O Plate. What you won't find with this case is a PSU. But I'm sure many of you have an Enermax PSU lying around now, don't ya? ;oP

<< Back to Reviews | Page 2 - Accessories and Getting Inside >>

 

Got News? Send 'em in!