Aspire X-Cruiser
First up is a relatively mid-range priced semi-gaming themed case from Aspire. While a lot of Aspire's cases are almost too gaudy for us to consider in an article like this, the front door of the X-Cruiser is a little cleaner looking.
Click to enlarge.
Especially in the black color that we received, the glossy plastic and metal really stand out against the chrome-colored plastic on the door - something that will either make or break this system for the majority of people looking at cases in this price range. By examining the front to start, we'll begin to get an idea what this chassis has to offer.
Click to enlarge.
The front is dominated by the three included analog meters, which (from top to bottom) are sound, temperature, and fan speed gauges. The entire front is a left side-hinged plastic door that conceals the four 5¼" and two 3½" drive bays, as well as the intake for the optional front-mounted dual 80mm fans.
Click to enlarge.
The front port cluster is located on the right side towards the bottom, and not only sports the usual dual USB, Firewire, and audio jacks, but also has a volume control for both the headphone jack, and a fan controller for one case fan. A small magnet holds the door shut, and underneath that is the chrome plastic power and reset buttons along with the power and HDD activity LEDs.
Click to enlarge.
Turning the case and looking at the left side, we see the prominent rounded window with a blue fan shroud covered by a filter and logo-stamped metal. No fan actually comes mounted here, but the dual exhaust fans will pull air in through this shroud to help cool the CPU. There are also extra cooling vents in the plastic right above the expansion cards.
Click to enlarge.
Before we take a look inside the X-Cruiser, a quick glance at the back shows us that at least the case offers space and mounts for a 120mm in the rear, even though only an 80mm fan is included.
Click to enlarge.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
48 Comments
View All Comments
RupertS - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
The power supply is a good part of the total value of the case. Also, some of the cases may work better (cooling, sound) with the power supply they come with.Hard to compare prices like this.
johnsonx - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Ditto that... this complaint has been leveled before of course:Anandtech should at least mention what power supply is (or can be) included with the case, and give some sort of subjective rating of same. For example, the Aspire case is most often available with a 420W power supply (usually a mere $15 or so more than the PS-less version), but I've heard it's crap... but maybe it isn't; I'd like Anandtech to tell me.
Likewise, the Sonata II ALWAYS (AFAIK) includes a SmartPower 2.0 450... doesn't that add significantly to the value equation? (granted, it'd be better if it were a TruePower 380 like the old Sonata, but a SmartPower 2.0 is nothing to scorn)
ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
everyone should read the reviews on SPCR before setting up a system on this case. the reviews are very thorough and tests it in multiple configurations, and it turns out there are things you can do to improve its thermal performance by quite a bit (such as duct taping over the holes next to the power supply)flatblastard - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Duct tape on a brand new case? I don't think so..... Well, I personally wouldn't do it, but for modders/OCers I guess it might make sense.fass mut - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
what's the link to the article?ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
all three articles, the first is over main features, the second is an absolutely silent computer, and the third is more mainstream rigshttp://www.silentpcreview.com/article249-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article249-page1.htm...
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.htm...
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.htm...">http://www.silentpcreview.com/article255-page1.htm...
jonp - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Doesn't an ATX extension cable for $4 cover the power supply to motherboard distance concern? Granted, Antec could have included it with the case; but it's NO big deal to resolve. Shouldn't be an issued when deciding.mjz - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
i hate lian li cases. I spent probably 200 dollars on their case (2 years ago) and it vibrates too much, the sound is pissing me off. I guess it can't handle my raptor or something.Tamale - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I too agree that way too many of these cases are kinda ridiculous looking, but someone said it best when they said "the Eclipse must look better in person"... it really does. I liken it to those fancy cd players from places like brookstone and the sharper image..It's flashy, sure, but at least it's kinda 'classy flashy', if you know what I mean. If that kinda look still doesn't please you at all, there's always cases like the P-180 ;)
mkruer - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Considering that I have a PC-V2000 Plus. I am in a unique position to voice my opinion for everyone reading this thread. I will say that yes the cases Lian Li cases are overly expensive, but considering that they are the only “all aluminum” case manufacture, and they have arguably the best design, they can get away with it. The main issues with an “all aluminum” case is that because aluminum is light then steal and yet does not have the absorbing capacity of plastic, aluminum as rule of thumb tends to be louder. However there are three things you can do o improve the noise ratio of the system. First is to install sound absorbing foam in the case. This will cut down on high pitched noise. Next is to install quieter fans. The Lian Li fans are good, but they are only about average in the noise to air ratio. Finally and this is the biggest thing. In order to cut down on the “wan wan” resonance sound coming form the case you need to suspend the drive is a sling and not it the mounting bays. This by far reduces the most noise.