Chenming ATX-602 Case

Manufacturer: Chenming
Supplied by: Hardware Cooling
Street Price: $90

By Dean Barker (4/16/2004)

 

 

Introduction

The Chenming case has been a favorite of computer enthusiasts for some time.  While is continues to be well received, the case has been tweaked by the factory just enough with features and looks to justify a new model name, a la ATX-602.  The most notable of these changes, aside from appearance, are the addition of a removable mainboard tray and a new 3.5" drive rack system.  All in all, the 602 model isn't too different from the 601 and in no small reason to the fact that the Chenming 601 is a great case.  Today, we take a closer look at the ATX-602 case to see what else we might find with this new model.  Thanks to Hardware Cooling for making this review possible.  Now, on to the case specs.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 205 (W) x 522 (H) x 473mm (D)

• Construction: Aluminum/Plastic

• Available Colors: Beige, Blue, Silver, Black, Red, Yellow, Green, Purple with colored bezel based on availability.

• Observed weight: 7.2kg (w/o PSU)

• Drive Bays: Five 3.5” (hidden), two 3.5” (exposed), five 5.25” (exposed)

• Left side panel window 

• Cooling: Rear 80mm case fans, front mounting to accommodate two additional 80mm case fans

• Front mounted ports: two USB 2.0, Firewire, mic and speaker jacks

• Tool free 5.25” and 3.5” device installation

• Power Supply: not included

The Box

Many of you will immediately recognize he Chenming look about the 602.  Measuring 522mm tall, it is anything but petite.  Right off the bat you will notice that the drive bay bezel door is different.  The vent pattern of the lower half of the case is extended up to the top half with a wider and throatier design.  The slits you see on the bezel door are aesthetic only and are not functional vents.  A depression at the top is present so you can stick on your favorite case badge.

     

The bezel door is equipped with a key lock to keep prying fingers out.  Behind it we find two floppy drive and five 5.25" bays.  Not many of you will ever have a need to use more than five bays.  The covers have small cutouts on either side that allow them to be easily removed.  On the back of each slot cover are mounted two tool free drive rails.  This is a change from the previous model where the drive rails were stored on the floor of the case. 

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