Written By:
Date Posted: February 15, 2002

Typically, removing optical drives can be a pain, since for most cases, you have to remove both side panels to access the screws holding the drive. Antec has chosen to include drive rails. I said it in my last Antec review, and I'll say it again, they rock. You simply attach a rail on either side of your optical drives, and slide them right into the 5 1/4" bay. The floppy doesn't use the plastic rails, but a metal one that slides out of the chassis.

The last notable feature worth mentioning will appeal to those Mac loving crowds. The floppy drive is quasi-hidden. Yeah, it's still there, but this solution looks nicer than seeing an ugly 1980s floppy. This is high-tech baby! :P

Final Words

This case is currently housing my KT7A-RAID and Thunderbird 1.4 system. With the RAID array, and overclocked GeForce 2 MX I got for this project, I have a pretty hot little system. Average case temperatures hover in the 28C to 31C range, which isn't bad considering the heat created in such a relatively tight space. Whenever I can work up the courage, perhaps I can add some mods, such as a window and paint. Even in it's basic beige, it's still a cute little bugger.

I do wish that Antec would add a removable motherboard tray, and do something about the stabalizing bar in their next revisions. Both are functional changes that I think would be a welcome change for most enthusiasts. Other than that, I don't have a single complaint about it. Sure, it's a bit small, but I find it roomy for a "mini" tower.

For about 130$ Canadian or about 70$ USd, you can snag yourself a solid mini tower, albeit a large-mini, with an AMD and P4 approved 300W power supply. Construction is top notch, and the case is just begging for some mods.

Antec Inc.:

90%

Pros: Looks cool, solid design, lockable doors, tooless entry, 300W power supply, drive rails.

Cons: No removable motherboard tray, bad placement of stabalizing bar.

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