It is a very nice case. I bought it for my micro game rig and I'm quite happy about the capability offered by the case.
First of all the quality of construction. The case itself is well built and easy to access. Before buying it, I was not 100% sure about the soft touch front and upper pannel but now that I can touch it myself I am satisfied. It feels very smooth and looks great. The metal sheet are robust and well-painted.
The important panels can be easily removed thanks to the thumb skrew, however for unmounting and installing most of the components(eg HDD/ssd, psu) you are going to use the screwdriver a lot.
The case is quite versatile and can be used in different configuration based on your needs.
In my case for example I moved the 2 provided 120 fans on the top panel (underneath the dust filtered opening) and put a 230 fan by bitfenix on the bottom (sold separetly). I also removed the DVD hold structure to mount a long graphic card (280x toxic) that is roughly 30cm long! Not many small cases offer this.
Moreover there is enough space for aftermarket gpucooler like the mk26, and the cooler will be exactly underneath the top opening.
I also removed the HDD holder as you can fit two 2.5 HDD/ssd on the side panel and that was enough for me.
Another good aspect of this case is that among small microatx case is the only offering the capability to put a full tower CPU cooler like the noctua nhd14 (currently my configuration).
However there are some negative aspects of this case that you may or may not take into account based on your ideal build.
1 the cable management. The case is tight hence doing a clean looking build is quite hard, there aren't many spaces where hiding cables a part behind the PSU and between the back sidepannel and the motherboard.therefore it is preferable a modular PSU with shirt cables.
2 the case doesnt offer a bay for DVD/bluray, that is a pity as the case itself can hold it but there is no opening in the front if the case. So if you were thinking to use bluray reader or a fan controller, it is not possible.
3 the case is not compatible with the side panels of the prodigy(eg the windowed panel)
4 the side panel is connected to the motherboard (USB/audio/led/power button plus HDD if used) hence every time you open the case you have to pay attention. Also the cables to connect power button and usb3 are too long! Hence other issues for cable management. Please note however that the side panels are identical. You can put the front panel in the back,this allow you to access the motherboard without disconnecting the components. Additionally note that if you swap the panels you can turn the R in the reset button.
4 beware long PSU pwith long GPU cards. The PSU and the GPU may fit together, however the cables may push the GPU. You can mount the PSU in the opposite direction to avoid this but this means the PSU is sucking no more cold air from outside but hot air from the case (just next to the CPU cooler).
However overall I'm really really happy about the case. Taking care of all the cables and doing it clean took some time, but it is something you need to do only once. With other cases, maybe, it is easier to build a PC, however they don't look as good as this next to a TV or a screen.
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As to be expected the inside is cramped, especially when used with a water cooler and full thickness fans...managed to gain myself very valuable space but buying low profile fans, and installing them inside the top filter mesh surface, allowing better cable management right next to my graphics card... as loose fan cables from standard installation means the fall in the fans making horrible noises or blocking it all together.This may not be an issue for most, but with most of the USB, SATA and Case interface ports of My chosen motherboard being where the AIO is installed, and my Graphics card port being installed...this was an issue that i was proud and happy to solve
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 April 2014
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2017
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2017
As to be expected the inside is cramped, especially when used with a water cooler and full thickness fans...managed to gain myself very valuable space but buying low profile fans, and installing them inside the top filter mesh surface, allowing better cable management right next to my graphics card... as loose fan cables from standard installation means the fall in the fans making horrible noises or blocking it all together.
This may not be an issue for most, but with most of the USB, SATA and Case interface ports of My chosen motherboard being where the AIO is installed, and my Graphics card port being installed...this was an issue that i was proud and happy to solve
This may not be an issue for most, but with most of the USB, SATA and Case interface ports of My chosen motherboard being where the AIO is installed, and my Graphics card port being installed...this was an issue that i was proud and happy to solve
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 November 2015
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 July 2015
Absolutely love this case. Looks amazing up on my desk. The only thing that bugs me is the lack of cable management inside, which ultimately comes down to the size and layout of the case, which is why I bought it in the first place, haha!. So looking past that little compromise, I couldn't be happier! :D
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