Introduction

Well, it had been sometime since I reviewed a case, so when Xoxide asked me if I wanted to review their Z-60 ClearStorm case, I was happy to oblige. With the advent of case modding, we are starting to see a lot more ready-made modified cases. The Z-60 ClearStorm is one of these cases. You may have seen these cases around on other hardware sites, as it is not easy to miss these flashy and stylish cases. A quick looks reveals why: A huge side window with two blowholes in addition to a chimney fan! But we all know that looks aren't everything, and neither is cooling. What determines whether this case is worthy or not will be a slew of features including not only the two mentioned above, but ease-of-access and other aspects as well. With that said, let's get on with the review...

Specifications

The Z-60 ClearStorm came well-packed in a standard case-style packing box with foam surrounding the top and bottom, giving clearance between the walls and the case. This ensured that the window was not damaged, and it arrived with nary a scratch on it. Excellent!

• ATX Mid-tower
• 4 * 5.25" external drive bays
• 2 * 3.5" external drive bays
• 2 * 3.5" internal drive bays
• 1 * 80mm Dynatron lower front intake
• 2 * 80mm Sunon KD1208PTS2-6 side intake
• 1 * 80mm Dynatron rear exhaust
• 1 * 80mm Sunon KDE1208PTS1-6 chimney exhaust
• Total rated air intake: 110 CFM
• Total rated air exhaust: 69 CFM
• Front-Mounted USB ports/access
• Window Material: polycarbonate-type
• Thumbscrew-access on left-side (window) panel.
• No PSU included

I was somewhat disappointed that a PSU was not included, but then again, most people that would consider purchasing this case would already own a PSU. In addition, setting a lower price while not including a PSU is a better option that setting a slightly higher price while including a crappy, low-quality PSU.

The front of the case with the Pac-man-style buttons.

Huge window on the side.

Rear of the case.

If you're having a case of déjà vu by looking at this case, don't fret; this case has the same chassis as one I reviewed earlier, the CKO 5000. Its major difference is the bezel design, which I personally think is a bit more pleasing to the eye. The height of this case is about 17", putting it right in the heart of ATX mid-tower country. As is the case with most ATX mid-tower cases, there are four 5.25" drive bays, which should be enough for any system you'd install in such a case. The power and reset buttons along with the power and IDE activity LEDs feature an interesting design, resembling a Pac-man game. Behind the little door above and to the right of the power button are two front-mounted USB ports for easy access. While this feature isn't a necessity, it is certainly a useful one.

Close-up of Power/reset buttons, LEDs and USB ports.

The top chimney fan.

The window is bonded with some sort of epoxy.

The rear exhaust and chimney fans both have moulding installed around their edges, giving the case a sleek and finished look. In addition, all the fans but the front are mounted with rubber washers, with the two side blowholes having washers on *both* sides. The front fan is mounted in its plastic cage. The window is not mounted like most windows I've seen; that is, it is not mounted between the grooves of a double-sided moulding strip. Instead, it appears to be bonded to the side panel with epoxy. Xoxide did a very good job though, and it was impossible to detect this until I opened the case and looked at the window from the back.

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

Got News? Send 'em in!