Colorcases Stealth-X Midtower ATX Case
(Page 1 of 2 )
Budget cases that look good are always something of a surprise. Lately we've seen a lot of pre-modified cases at reasonable prices with features more usually found on much more expensive models. Having seen these around, I was eager to get my hands on the Stealth-X premodified midtower from Colorcases.
| Manufacturers: | Colorcases |
| Product: | Stealth-X Midtower ATC Case |
| Price: | $25.00 |
| Availability: | In stores and online now |
| Reviewed By: | Visionism |
| Edited By: | Mack "SPeeD" |
Introduction
Budget cases that look good are always something of a surprise. Lately we've seen a lot of pre-modified cases at reasonable prices with features more usually found on much more expensive models. Having seen these around, I was eager to get my hands on the Stealth-X premodified midtower from Colorcases.
First Impressions
Despite the double boxing method prominently advertised on Colorcases' web site, the Stealth-X arrived in a the usual single cardboard box with Styrofoam end caps and bubble wrap. Usually this proves to be perfectly adequate packaging for a case but in this instance it seems not to have been enough. Sadly the case arrived with two of the clips which hold on the front bezel broken off and rattling around loose in the bottom of the case. Not an auspicious start for the Stealth-X but it could well be a result of rough handling by the shipping company.
The case certainly looks nice enough at first glance. The frosted plastic front bezel just cries out for a short cold cathode, the steel is finished in a very nice charcoal grey textured powder coat and the overall appearance is fairly stylish. I particularly liked the column-like sides of the front bezel with silver plastic end caps. The right "column" contains the power and reset buttons and the power and HDD activity LEDs. The buttons are silver plastic and fit nice and flush with the bezel. The reset button in particular was nice. Anyone who has used my regular case, a Chieftec, knows that their reset buttons are recessed in a way which makes it impossible to press without using a "poker" of some sort. The easily accessible button on the Stealth-X made a refreshing change. Moving onto the front, the frosted plastic cover does cause some concern. The plastic is very brittle and feels cheap. A real letdown after the great paintwork. This probably contributed to me finding the two clips broken off. The four drive bays, while ok to look at certainly don't pass the touch test. They don't quite sit flush with one another and give the front of the case somewhat of a shoddy feel. The bezel too, has problems with fitting. The simple push fit clips dont quite hold the front of the case flush with the side panels leaving a small but unsightly gap. Bad news for those looking for a good-looking case.
The window is a matter of taste in this case. I didn't like the design at first but it grew on me after a while and the facility to add an extra fan is certainly appreciated. The construction is of good thick acrylic which cleans easily and resists scratches fairly well. It is held in place by eight Philips head screws (one of which had the head stripped out on my sample) I would have much preferred rivets or Allen bolts which would have given a slicker look to the side panel.
The right side panel has a stamped circular grille which I find an odd inclusion. It looks strange and contributes nothing to the cases cooling ability. The back reveals a pleasant surprise for people who work in their cases a lot. Thumbscrews. I've never seen thumbscrews on a case this inexpensive before and their inclusion is a thoughtful touch. Other than that the back panel has the familiar ATX I/O plate and space for one 80mm fan.
The case shipped with no less than three 80mm clear fans which came wired on a harness with nifty locking quick disconnect terminals. Certainly the best fan harness I've ever seen straight out of the box. Very Impressive.
Next: Colorcases Stealth-X Midtower ATX Case >>
More Computer Cases Articles
More By Visionism
