"If you like a clean-looking case with features like a tool-less design and top performance as far as cooling and sound goes, the X-Mask may not be the right choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy the Spiderman theme and plenty of storage space, not to mention an included power supply, then look no further."
Hate to say it, but this is the same kind of poor summary statement that Computer Shopper started putting on their articles in the mid 90's when they sold out to their advertisers and became reluctant to use blunt words like "overpriced" "ugly" or, in this case "a silly generic case with a redesigned front obviously meant for fanboys rather than serious hardware enthusiasts". Man, when a case stinks, JUST SAY IT for Pete's sake!
I wouldn't put that case anywhere that people could see it if I were being paid. I'm surprised that Anandtech didn't just laugh at the "opportunity" to review this thing. Anandtech is a classy site. It's expected that you would have some standards.
I’ll agree that most pre-modded cases are crap (esthetically anyway) and this is fine example. I mean anything can be done tastefully, windows, neon’s, and led fans included this just isn’t an example of how to do it.
The biggest problem we have here is the 5th grade inspired Spiderman theme. Maybe if I was 10 but I’m not, sorry.
I grow tired of pre-modded cases myself, at least its been going overboard lately with some designs. What matters most is whats *inside* the case, as no amount of lights, windows, decals, paint and stickers will improve airflow or bring in good design automatically. Despite its now plain exterior my Coolermaster ATCS case reminds me of what good case design really is, I would rather not part with this thing.
I agree with all the previous comments. Yuck. Do people actually like premodded cases? And why the hell did they put a power supply with a 120mm fan into the system when the front of the system still includes two crappy 80mm fans?
Since AT isn't reviewing anything that I would purchase, how about recommendations from others: I want relatively inexpensive computer cases with 120mm fans, with any special lights. A window is okay, but I don't really want it, and LED fans are garbage. Maybe if you want a night-light for the room, but I want my room to be DARK when I sleep (and I often leave my PC on). I like the Antec Sonata and SLK3700-BQE. Without breaking the bank (less than $125 including PSU), what are some other good, quiet cases?
Simply the tackiest case I've ever seen. Really, was it designed to appeal to 11-year olds? '...it indicates some jackass marketing flack took a normal case and said "hey let's put a spider-esque print on the front, snap in a custom light and call it a spiderman case' I believe that's exactly what happened.
Anandtech - you guys are much too good to be reviewing crap like this. Come one - there are so many really good cases out there that we privateers would love to see opened before us via our monitors. Leave the boy wonder stuff to lesser tech sites.
Well, since you asked: I have 5 80mm fans in addition to a CPU, GPU and 2 PSU fans in my chieftec big tower. I sleep just fine thank you very much and my HDDs feel great. If you keep your fans at around 2000 - 2500 RPM and are not suffering from insomnia you should be just fine.
Have to agree with #2 here, enough with the crap-ass, ugly, expensive, NOISY cases. Bring some publicity to actually functional offerings - take CompuCase LX-6A19 for example, or one of it's many clones such as Antec SLK3700AMB. I mean, who in their right mind would put a system with 5 80mm case fans in addition to CPU, GPU and PSU fans on their desk? The only case I can think of, is someone completely stone deaf, and therefore unconcerned about the roar all the fans are making.
Yikes, I wouldn't wish that case on my worst enemy. That Raidmax you linked to is almost as bad. Sticking a bunch of plastic on an Antec 1000 series doesn't make a attractive case.
Good review, very thorough! I wouldn't buy this case (not my favorite design) but, good reveiw none the less.
Keep reviewing the pre-mod cases... the comments from those above make me laugh :) So "affected" because they aren't seeing their desired beige or silver box (and I do mean "box").
Silver color :) This case was originally designed almost identical to the Alienware case before they were sued (you can still see the shape of the alienware under the moldings). Supposedly directron is going to be selling the case for $150+ (I want to know why so much, what's so special).
I agree that its not something for me either, but I think only becuase the spider design looks too 'analog', i think if it was a big rougher around the edges, perhaps more mechanized in appearance, little meaner, perhaps even tribal, in general the look most modders seem to strive for today, then it would have looked more appealing, but as it stands it seems more childish then anything, but hey, if you're a spiderman fan, i'm sure you're drooling, so who knows.
The "placement" of the HD led irritates me - it indicates some jackass marketing flack took a normal case and said "hey let's put a spider-esque print on the front, snap in a custom light and call it a spiderman case!
IDK, that guardian thing they reviewed awhile back gives it a run for its money.
Seriously though, enough with the sh!ty cases already. I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say nobody wants to read reviews on cases like that.
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LoneWolf15 - Thursday, May 27, 2004 - link
Quoted from the article:"If you like a clean-looking case with features like a tool-less design and top performance as far as cooling and sound goes, the X-Mask may not be the right choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy the Spiderman theme and plenty of storage space, not to mention an included power supply, then look no further."
Hate to say it, but this is the same kind of poor summary statement that Computer Shopper started putting on their articles in the mid 90's when they sold out to their advertisers and became reluctant to use blunt words like "overpriced" "ugly" or, in this case "a silly generic case with a redesigned front obviously meant for fanboys rather than serious hardware enthusiasts". Man, when a case stinks, JUST SAY IT for Pete's sake!
Zak - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - link
Yes, this thing is hideous. Such review is a waste of resources, frankly. Zak.Dantzig - Monday, May 24, 2004 - link
I wouldn't put that case anywhere that people could see it if I were being paid. I'm surprised that Anandtech didn't just laugh at the "opportunity" to review this thing. Anandtech is a classy site. It's expected that you would have some standards.Operandi - Monday, May 24, 2004 - link
I’ll agree that most pre-modded cases are crap (esthetically anyway) and this is fine example. I mean anything can be done tastefully, windows, neon’s, and led fans included this just isn’t an example of how to do it.The biggest problem we have here is the 5th grade inspired Spiderman theme. Maybe if I was 10 but I’m not, sorry.
segagenesis - Sunday, May 23, 2004 - link
I grow tired of pre-modded cases myself, at least its been going overboard lately with some designs. What matters most is whats *inside* the case, as no amount of lights, windows, decals, paint and stickers will improve airflow or bring in good design automatically. Despite its now plain exterior my Coolermaster ATCS case reminds me of what good case design really is, I would rather not part with this thing.timebecomes - Saturday, May 22, 2004 - link
buleyb - Saturday, May 22, 2004 - link
The SLK3700AMB is a good steal at around $60. Stick a Forton PS (any of them with 120mm fans) and you have an ultraquiet box.TrogdorJW - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
I agree with all the previous comments. Yuck. Do people actually like premodded cases? And why the hell did they put a power supply with a 120mm fan into the system when the front of the system still includes two crappy 80mm fans?Since AT isn't reviewing anything that I would purchase, how about recommendations from others: I want relatively inexpensive computer cases with 120mm fans, with any special lights. A window is okay, but I don't really want it, and LED fans are garbage. Maybe if you want a night-light for the room, but I want my room to be DARK when I sleep (and I often leave my PC on). I like the Antec Sonata and SLK3700-BQE. Without breaking the bank (less than $125 including PSU), what are some other good, quiet cases?
Linden - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Simply the tackiest case I've ever seen. Really, was it designed to appeal to 11-year olds? '...it indicates some jackass marketing flack took a normal case and said "hey let's put a spider-esque print on the front, snap in a custom light and call it a spiderman case' I believe that's exactly what happened.Anandtech - you guys are much too good to be reviewing crap like this. Come one - there are so many really good cases out there that we privateers would love to see opened before us via our monitors. Leave the boy wonder stuff to lesser tech sites.
AtaStrumf - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Well, since you asked: I have 5 80mm fans in addition to a CPU, GPU and 2 PSU fans in my chieftec big tower. I sleep just fine thank you very much and my HDDs feel great. If you keep your fans at around 2000 - 2500 RPM and are not suffering from insomnia you should be just fine.Gromis - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Have to agree with #2 here, enough with the crap-ass, ugly, expensive, NOISY cases. Bring some publicity to actually functional offerings - take CompuCase LX-6A19 for example, or one of it's many clones such as Antec SLK3700AMB. I mean, who in their right mind would put a system with 5 80mm case fans in addition to CPU, GPU and PSU fans on their desk? The only case I can think of, is someone completely stone deaf, and therefore unconcerned about the roar all the fans are making.CitizenKain - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Yikes, I wouldn't wish that case on my worst enemy. That Raidmax you linked to is almost as bad. Sticking a bunch of plastic on an Antec 1000 series doesn't make a attractive case.jrphoenix - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Purav,Good review, very thorough! I wouldn't buy this case (not my favorite design) but, good reveiw none the less.
Keep reviewing the pre-mod cases... the comments from those above make me laugh :) So "affected" because they aren't seeing their desired beige or silver box (and I do mean "box").
If you are taking requests for reviews.... I would like to see another review of an Opus Technologies case: http://www.opustek.com/main/product/case/case_list...
The terminator has a very unique cooling design that I would like to hear more about (the last Opus case looked solid)
or
http://raidmax.com/products/products_display.php?p...
Silver color :) This case was originally designed almost identical to the Alienware case before they were sued (you can still see the shape of the alienware under the moldings). Supposedly directron is going to be selling the case for $150+ (I want to know why so much, what's so special).
Good job!
araczynski - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
I agree that its not something for me either, but I think only becuase the spider design looks too 'analog', i think if it was a big rougher around the edges, perhaps more mechanized in appearance, little meaner, perhaps even tribal, in general the look most modders seem to strive for today, then it would have looked more appealing, but as it stands it seems more childish then anything, but hey, if you're a spiderman fan, i'm sure you're drooling, so who knows.Phiro - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
OK, even I agree it's not that great.The "placement" of the HD led irritates me - it indicates some jackass marketing flack took a normal case and said "hey let's put a spider-esque print on the front, snap in a custom light and call it a spiderman case!
Novaoblivion - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
All I can say is that is the uglyest case ever.nastyemu25 - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
heinousif someone i knew had this case i'd push them over and stomp on their throat
Gunbuster - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
The "mask" looks more like Strongbad than Spider ManPollock - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Who would honestly base a case on Spiderman?Operandi - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
#1IDK, that guardian thing they reviewed awhile back gives it a run for its money.
Seriously though, enough with the sh!ty cases already. I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say nobody wants to read reviews on cases like that.
wicktron - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
that is quite possibly the most horrid case i have ever seen in my life.