Overclocker Cafe - AOpen A600

AOpen A600 Aluminum Case

Manufacturer: AOpen
Supplied by: AOpen
Price: $169.00

by Brian Tiller (10/13/2003)

Introduction

Whenever the subject of aluminum cases comes up the first thing I think of is "Lian-Li". I am well aware of the fact that there are more case manufacturers out there than you can shake a stick at, but the first aluminum case I ever owned was a Lian-Li. But the first P4 motherboard I ever got my hands on was made by AOpen and to be honest I never realized that AOpen made cases, and certainly not aluminum ones. So when the powers that be, informed me that I'd be getting my hands on an aluminum case from AOpen, I'll have to admit I was quite surprised. Before we begin, I'd like to thank AOpen for the opportunity, especially since it's a first for me. And now, ladies and gentlemen, I present you with the AOpen A600 midtower case.

Specifications

If you visit their website, you'll find that the A600 is billed as a super mid-tower. At first glance I didn't understand why they would label it so, as it was smaller than the other mid-towers I had in the house. After reading over the specifications of the case however, it became apparent that the "super" label comes from the added features and extras that are built into the case.

Construction: Aluminum with plastic front bezel
Dimension: 495mm(D) x 476mm(H) x 200mm(W)
Weight: ~15lbs
Drive Bays: (4) 5.25" External bays
(2) 3.5" External bays
(6) 3.5" Internal bays
Motherboard: ATX/microATX/Full AT/flexATX, 12"(305mm) x 9.6"(244mm) ATX MB.
Optional PSU: 300/350/400W
Slide in drive bay mounting
Thumbscrews
Included 120mm LED fan
Fan Control for two fans
Front USB/Sound/FireWire ports
Extra large foot stands
Screw-less front panel

As you can see, the details for this case are numerous. If you're like me, then some of the specs as listed aren't quite clear, so we're going to show you all that this case has to offer.

The first thing that struck me was the packaging. With most of the cases I have reviewed, they came in mostly plain brown cardboard boxes with the name of the case and manufacturer on the outside. However, AOpen gives a good first impression with the bright packaging, and a carrying handle.

The inside was packaged just as nice as the outside looks. Plenty of space inside the box with styrofoam blocks to prevent damage as well as a protective sheathing around the case itself. Have you ever opened up something that was brand new and right out of the store? The smell that hits you as you crack open the paper or plastic? It just makes you happy that you bought it.