Accessories and Getting Inside

The X-Sonic's screws and other hardware parts were all located inside a small plastic baggie that was in the hardware storage at the back of the case. The storage opens via a small clip-on door, and the storage area isn't that big, which explains why there aren't many screws or other things included. Don't get me wrong; there are enough screws and standoffs to properly install a system, but there just weren't as many as I'm used to seeing included with cases. No manual was included, though I doubt many of us would need one, but I would have liked some tie-wraps to be included, to aid in basic wire management.

As mentioned before, there are two thumbscrews securing the left side panel, which is the only way into the case. There is also a small hook/tab below the top thumbscrew that serves as a point to mount a lock, if you wish to secure your side panel that way. As with most case lock mechanisms, it's by no means secure, but it'll at least make getting into the case difficult, and not something that can be accomplished casually. One the thumbscrews (which can be tightened by a screwdriver if you so wish) are removed, the side panels slides out less than an inch, and then can be removed.

Accessories in the hardware box.

Accessories.

Two thumbscrews and lock tab.

Side panels is easily removed.

You can see in the first picture below how the top and right side are joined together as one piece. They're non-removeable, and probably essential to the case structure, and needed for strength and support. As the window was protected on both sides by plastic sheeting, it is in very good shape and did not have any scratches. The side panel is very light, and with the window on it, you'll probably want to be careful where you put it when it's removed. The window is rounded and doesn't have any sharp edges, so it's safe to handle; the clear fan goes very well with it.

Top, right side are one.

Window is very clear.

Side internal view.

Front 5.25" drive bays.

The chassis of the case sports a cross bar that runs horizontally from below the PSU to the front. It not only provides support for the PSU when it's installed, but also give the case strength. Additionally, there is a smaller bar that runs over the top of the PSU and is attached to this cross bar, and provides support for the rear top of the case. The inside also shows that the motherboard tray is non-removeable; the tray has two big gaps in it, perhaps to reduce weight. The mobo tray does have the mounting holes for P4 systems. The 5.25" drive bays suggest that the drives have to be screwed in, but this contrasts with the earlier finding of drive rails. In actuality, because the right side of the case is not removeable, drive rails have to be used for that side of the case, while the left side of the drive is screwed to the case, securing it. So each of your 5.25" drives will only have one drive rail on them, on the right side.

3.5" drive cage is held in place w/ latch.

Bar supporting the top and PSU.

Mobo tray is more like a frame.

Rear interior.

The 3.5" drive cage, which holds up to two external and two internal drives, is removeable, and is very similar to those found on the Antec-like cases. The cage is secured by a latch, and can easily be removed or put in place. An easy to remove 3.5" drive cage is pretty much a necessity, due to the non-removeable right side. There are vents in front of the 3.5" drive cage, but no place for a fan here. However, the well-placed vents do allow for some air exchange between the outside and inside. The front fan holder supports 80mm fans, and is right below this drive cage. There are also ample ventilation holes for a fan here, and the fan holder glows green with UV light. It would have been nice to have some proper airflow over the 3.5" drives though. Most of the edges in the case were folded over to prevent sharp edges from cutting you as you work inside, but I found a few sharp edges that could still pose a threat. The problem was not endemic to the case, but nonetheless beware.

Next, you can see the cross bar that runs over the PSU; it starts attached to the case's main cross bar and then runs over top of the PSU and ends attached to the motherboard tray. It provides some support for the top of the case. The rear of the case has the 80mm exhaust fan, and you can also see the PSU support attached to the mobo tray via a screw.

Front panel, USB, firewire connectors.

Slot covers replaceable.

Hardware box must be removed to access slots. (Screws removed from outside)

ATX I/O shield.

The case has the standard front panel connectors for Power, Reset, and the LEDs, and also has the connectors for the front USB and firewire ports, which usually must be connected to headers on your motherboard. As expected, the USB and firewire connectors' wires are all separated, and must be tediously connected individually. You'll need to consult your motherboard's manual to figure out the proper pinout so that you know where each wire connector goes. I've always hated doing this, but it's still necessary as not all motherboards use the same pinout for their USB headers, though I believe motherboard manufacturers are starting to use a common configuration, which should make connecting front ports as easy as connecting the power LED.

An interesting design note is that the plastic hardware storage box blocks access to the expansion slots; it must be removed (it is held in place by a plastic clip) in order to install or remove expansion cards. All slot covers are replaceable (thankfully!) and held in place by regular screws, and because of the hardware box, larger thumbscrews can be prohibited from use here. Strangely, you must unscrew the cards from the outside; this prevents the back of the case from having the indentation L-shaped outline where the motherboard and expansion cards reside. The ATX I/O shield is pretty much a standard one, that'll work with most ATX and mATX boards, though if your motherboard uses a different format, as quite a few do, your motherboard package should have included the proper I/O shield replacement.

Front panel held in place by 7 tabs.

UV-reactive fan holder also held in place by tabs.

Front panel connectors.

Front panel ventilation is very good.

Removal of the front panel reveals that the components/switches are glued into place. This may make it harder if you wish to change the LEDs from their standard green and orange colours. The front panel itself is held in place by seven plastic tabs that must be depressed from the inside of the case to remove the panel. This can be a little tricky to do as the right side of the case is not removeable, but overall the front panel is easier to remove than most on other cases. The USB and firewire cables are nicely sheathed for protection, and all other front panel cables except for the power switch cable are connected as one ribbon-type cable. Lastly, the front panel has three huge vents that are angled downward; these vents provide excellent airflow into the case and look nice because of the downward angling.

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