Chenming 301KE Aluminum Case Review - Chenming 301KE Aluminum Case Review Cont'd
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Manufacturer: | Chenming |
| Product: | 301KE all Aluminum Case |
Price: | USD$65 |
Availability: | NOW |
Reviewed By: | kaoman |
Edited By: | Mack "SPeeD" |
Chenming 301KE Aluminum Case
Overview of the 301KE
The first thing you will notice is the front panel on the bezel which hides the 5.25" and 3.5" bays, as well as the power on and reset switch. A panel to cover the front bays is a nice feature, making the case look cleaner overall, but its my opinion that the reset and power switch would have been better if situated outside of the door, simply for convenience. If you aren't really into the front panel on the bezel, the 301KB model does not have the door.
On the front bezel is a little flap, which when opened reveals two USB ports and one Firewire port.
The case is pretty roomy being 205mm (W) x 425mm (H) x 400mm (D) and fits both standard and micro ATX motherboards. My ABIT BH7 feels right at home. The 301 case only has one removable side panel, the side with the window.
While just one removable side panel may be lacking for some people, I must say that Chenming machined this panel very well. The window lies completely flush with the panel, and is attached by plastic grommets. Additionally, an 80mm fan hole is machined into the Plexiglas, and is in perfect position to blow air right over the cpu.
The 5.25" drives are installed by attaching a bracket to the right side of the drive, slid into place in the bay, then screwed secure from the left, open side of the case. I managed to install the drives merely by using two screws per drive from the left side because the drives rest on top of metal ridges in each bay.
The 3.5" drives are installed easily into the removable drive rack by screws, which is locked/unlocked into place by a simple lever.
The lower portion of the front of the case is reserved for an intake fan.
At a first glance, the back of the case looks pretty average, with one more spot to install an 80mm fan.
Two interesting features lie here, however. First off, there is a removable contraption which is supposed to be used to hold screws and motherboard studs.
Secondly, when this contraption is removed (it can only be removed from inside the case), the expansion card screws are revealed to be OUTSIDE of the case! Actually I don't quite see how this is beneficial.. but I suppose it's worth mentioning.
Lastly, the PSU is lifted off the right (backside) of the case. Some PSU's have their cables extend out of the right side to stay hidden, and this case accommodates nicely for that.
Conclusion
You've seen what this case has... but what is it missing? For an aluminum case at only $65, there surely has to be something bad about it right? Bingo. The 301 series does not have a removable motherboard tray. They also only have one removable side panel. Some people would find the lack of these features unbearable. But if you're like me, and don't think its that big of a deal, then this case is certainly a viable option.
My first, mixed impressions about the case when I received it are gone now. The Chenming 301KE case has really grown on me, and I am pleased by its good looks, roomy design, and light weight construction. It certainly adds a scintillating touch to my room! For the 301's price, there is absolutely no reason for someone looking to buy a new case now to buy a boring, beige steel case (something I probably would have done 3 or 4 years ago).
Highs
Very light; great for lanning
Strong construction
Roomy for a mid-tower
Aluminum construction keeps it cool
Front USB and Firewire ports
Removable 3.5" Tray
Inexpensive
Front panel to hide 5.25" and 3.5" bays and power/reset switch
3 places for 80mm intake or exhaust fans
Large window!
Lows
Cases have come a long way today, and it would be surprising to see a case that truly has faults. For most people, the final, discerning factor when considering a case is its appearance and how well it suits your tastes. The 301KE comes in black, blue, and silver at most online vendors, while a select few sell more exotic colors like yellow, orange, purple, etc. Is the case worthy or not? That decision is up to you. I certainly like it!
Special thanks goes out to jab-tech.com for providing the unit for review. We'd also like to thank you for joining us here today. Feel free to checkout any of our other reviews, or head into our forums to discuss this one.
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