So, for over the past 3 years since buying my Antec mini P-180 for my build back in 2009, iv'e been content with it as I've yet to see any case maker come out with a replacement that really makes me go "ooooh and awwwww". I gave my Mini p-180 facelift last year with my my system upgrade and I still do rather like it, but its getting a bit "aged" and I have certain things like front USB, more flexiblity and something new to play with and mod thats been knawing at the back of my mind.
However, Corsair, Antec, Silverstone have lacked in anything that really catchs my eyes for my needs and desires. Mostly, I'm REALLY picking with my cases. I've tried a couple of silverstones over the last few years in the SUGO line up and Temjin as I don't want full sized ATX cases anymore since going with my mATX build back in 2008, I just don't need all that tower space, its a waste but I still wanted something flexible so I could experiment and mod, but something that had great cooling, but looked cool, but could also keep the noise down but something that just screamed "cool" that would maybe make me shell out to replace my aging mini P-180
Well, I spent the last hour or so last night surfing around newegg and google seeing what was new in the case world and I had just about given up hope when I saw this from Coolermaster, and I nearly had a case modders hard on....
Well figures, I get my new toy and someone already claims before I even get to open it lol! But its here!
Even the box itself is sexy and rich feeling, has a smooth, slick texture to it! The case is well protected by the stiff cardboard box and plenty of styrofoam padding all around, UPS/FedEX would have to try hard to damage the case
Oooh very nice! First thing I noticed is that the cases paint texure has a very durable feeling to it, almost like a spray on truck liner, you will have to try to scratch it! The unit feels incredibly solid when I took it out, gotta freaking love cold rolled steel, aluminum can never beat the tight, strong and firm built of a quality steel case!
The handles feel GREAT and makes moving the XB is so SMOOTH and easy! They are supported by the steel chassis behind the panel, so even fully loaded, this sucker aint gonna fall apart on you transporting it around, LAN partying with this thing in the future is gonna rock!
I didnt' realize exactly HOW big this XB was until I put it next to "Night Fire" my Antec mini-P180. The pictures speak for themselves! Thats a 20'' Viewsonic monitor for comparison sake to give you an idea of this bad boys size
Moving inward, my faithful furry assistant decides this cases needs a complete check through with cat senses!
Again, the interior paint job feels awesome, VERY solid and well done! Again, it reminds me a spray on truck lining, thats how tough it feels, it has a very nice rough feeling to it but not sandpaper like. Corsair could learn something of how to paint/powerdcoat their cases from coolermaster, their interior paint jobs are easily damaged/scratched in my experience with them
Yep, looks kitty approved!
Ok, time to take it apart and see the inside of this ultimate bady boy cube!
With the side panels removed, the front comes off with 7 tabs fairly easily. The plastic feels durable enough the front benzel doesn't flex much, but be mindful, it feels like it could be easily scratched. The front panel Power and reset buttons ARE NOT spring loaded, they are more modern "tap" style button which you find on todays tablets and smartphones and frankly, I like this as a nice change from decades of spring loaded buttons on computer cases, time for a change.
Weird, how they have enough room for a PCB to have 4 USB jacks, but only went with 2 *shrug* Owell, I never use more then one at a time in my usage.
However, Corsair, Antec, Silverstone have lacked in anything that really catchs my eyes for my needs and desires. Mostly, I'm REALLY picking with my cases. I've tried a couple of silverstones over the last few years in the SUGO line up and Temjin as I don't want full sized ATX cases anymore since going with my mATX build back in 2008, I just don't need all that tower space, its a waste but I still wanted something flexible so I could experiment and mod, but something that had great cooling, but looked cool, but could also keep the noise down but something that just screamed "cool" that would maybe make me shell out to replace my aging mini P-180
Well, I spent the last hour or so last night surfing around newegg and google seeing what was new in the case world and I had just about given up hope when I saw this from Coolermaster, and I nearly had a case modders hard on....
Well figures, I get my new toy and someone already claims before I even get to open it lol! But its here!
Even the box itself is sexy and rich feeling, has a smooth, slick texture to it! The case is well protected by the stiff cardboard box and plenty of styrofoam padding all around, UPS/FedEX would have to try hard to damage the case
Oooh very nice! First thing I noticed is that the cases paint texure has a very durable feeling to it, almost like a spray on truck liner, you will have to try to scratch it! The unit feels incredibly solid when I took it out, gotta freaking love cold rolled steel, aluminum can never beat the tight, strong and firm built of a quality steel case!
The handles feel GREAT and makes moving the XB is so SMOOTH and easy! They are supported by the steel chassis behind the panel, so even fully loaded, this sucker aint gonna fall apart on you transporting it around, LAN partying with this thing in the future is gonna rock!
I didnt' realize exactly HOW big this XB was until I put it next to "Night Fire" my Antec mini-P180. The pictures speak for themselves! Thats a 20'' Viewsonic monitor for comparison sake to give you an idea of this bad boys size
Moving inward, my faithful furry assistant decides this cases needs a complete check through with cat senses!
Again, the interior paint job feels awesome, VERY solid and well done! Again, it reminds me a spray on truck lining, thats how tough it feels, it has a very nice rough feeling to it but not sandpaper like. Corsair could learn something of how to paint/powerdcoat their cases from coolermaster, their interior paint jobs are easily damaged/scratched in my experience with them
Yep, looks kitty approved!
Ok, time to take it apart and see the inside of this ultimate bady boy cube!
With the side panels removed, the front comes off with 7 tabs fairly easily. The plastic feels durable enough the front benzel doesn't flex much, but be mindful, it feels like it could be easily scratched. The front panel Power and reset buttons ARE NOT spring loaded, they are more modern "tap" style button which you find on todays tablets and smartphones and frankly, I like this as a nice change from decades of spring loaded buttons on computer cases, time for a change.
Weird, how they have enough room for a PCB to have 4 USB jacks, but only went with 2 *shrug* Owell, I never use more then one at a time in my usage.
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