ClearPC Secret Agent
Briefcase
The Secret Agent Briefcase takes the
concept of a clear case one step fur-
ther by fashioning an ATX case out
of a briefcase-shaped enclosure for
easy transport as well as inspection by
drooling onlookers. While it’s a novel
design that’s fairly well-built, the case
is not suited for use as a full-time ATX
case, but rather for periodic LAN gam-
ing or “show purposes” because of its
lack of electrical grounding.
The case fits any standard ATX
motherboard, and can accommodate
two optical drives as well as two
hard drives. Cooling is provided via a
120mm fan mount over the PCI slots
as well as four 40mm fan mounts (two
pairs of two), which allow the case
to maintain its slim profile. All in all,
we found the included cooling to be
adequate.
Our main complaint with this case is
that we experienced difficulty securing
the optical drives because of slightly
misaligned screw holes. And because
the case is clear, there’s nowhere to
really “hide” cables, so our case looked
like a portable snake pit when assem-
bled. Finally, one of the door hinges
repeatedly came loose during our test-
ing process.
The Special Agent is certainly one of
the more intriguing clear cases we’ve
tested, but we wouldn’t recommend it
as a standard desktop case because of
its fragility and lack of grounding.MA XIMUMPC VERDICT: 7
PLASTICMAN: Slim design, novel approach,
and sturdy build.
SPASTICMAN: A lot of assembly required,
imprecise screw holes, and heavy when full.
$150, http://www.clearpc.caCooler Master Cavalier 1
The Cavalier looks like the little
sister of Cooler Master’s extremely
popular Wave Master case, with a
similar-but-less-curvy front bezel.
Smaller than the Wave Master both
in length and height, this case is
decidedly more sober, with a sub-
dued paint job and an old-school
analog dial on its face that measures
sound output. Why sound output?
We don’t know—a temperature or
fan speed monitor would have been
much more useful.
Once we got past the inexplicable
sound meter, we were impressed
with Cooler Master’s characteristic
sturdy construction and appeal-
ing design. The case itself is easy
to work with; its tool-less features
make component installation a snap.
You’ll seldom have to pick up your
screwdriver, either, as both drives
and device (PCI) cards are secured
by surprisingly sturdy tool-less lock-
ing systems.
Sound gauge aside, the Cavalier
1 is a solid, tasteful case, with all the
features we’ve come to expect from
Cooler Master.MA XIMUMPC VERDICT: 9
CATWOMAN : Pretty looks and great lock
ing systems.
CHEETAH:^ Um, what’s with the sound
gauge?
$125, http://www.coolermaster.comKingwin KT-424
This mid-size tower looks unassum-
ing and generic, but behind its non-
descript front bezel is an extremely
well-built case. The KT-424 is made
of aluminum but has a solid, sturdy
feel to it, and features the kind of
niceties we favor, such as tool-less
construction and a slide-out moth-
erboard tray.
The case is a cinch to work with,
mainly because of the aforemen-
tioned mobo tray and push-lock
drive bays. Even the PCI slots are
tool-less, so swapping parts in and
out of this case is relatively pain-
less. Unfortunately, the front I/O
panel is awkwardly placed in the
lower right corner of the bezel,
tucked behind a tiny window. The
I/O panel also lacks audio jacks, but
does include two USB 2.0 ports and
a FireWire port.
Cooling is provided by two fans
up front and one in the rear, and
the front fans also include a filter
over them to keep dust and dander
at bay. The case does not include a
power supply.
We appreciate this case’s classy,
understated exterior, but its simplic-
ity makes it seem almost “retro.”
Although it certainly doesn’t go the
extra mile in any one category, it
covers all bases with aplomb.MA XIMUMPC VERDICT: 9
HULK:^ Great features, classic look, and
tool-less design.
THING:^ Uninspired design, and no audio
jacks.
$100, http://www.kingwin.comMA XIMUMPC SEPTEMBER 2004CASE STUDIES
56