Sunbeamtech Acrylic HTPC Case

Manufacturer: Sunbeamtech
Supplied by: Sunbeamtech
Street Price: $79

by Dean Barker (2/17/2008)

Introduction

Sunbeam has added another specialty case for anyone looking to show off their goods. What better for the home theater than an acrylic chassis to look through at that custom build?  When you get down to it however, the idea of a clear HTPC case is easier to come up with on paper than it is in reality. You need a chassis that is both compact but roomy enough so that you don't have a snake pit of cramped cabling inside for everyone to see through the acrylic panels.  You also need plenty of space for multiple hard drives as a media PC is going to need them.  Let's also not forget ventilation.  Compact cases also present special air flow challenges not seem in standard midtowers.  You need a clean air exchange and silence at the same time.  How has Sunbeam done?  Let's find out.

Specifications

• Observed Dimensions: 465 x 431 x 186mm

• Construction: Acrylic

• Drive Bays: (2) 5.25”, (1) External 3.5", (8) Internal 3.5”

• Expansion slots: (7)

• M/B Type: Standard ATX

• Front Mounted Access Ports: USB 2.0 (x2), speaker and mic jack

• Cooling: Two front mounted 80mm UV LED case fans; rear 80mm UV LED exhaust fan; internal 80mm UV LED adjustable mount fan

• Window: Yes - everywhere

• Available Colors: Transparent, UV Reactive Blue

The Kit

Acrylic cases near universally come in kit form.  This is for two reasons: it is less expensive to ship these smaller kit packages and it also minimizes the risk of the item being damaged in transit.  From the picture below you can see how the acrylic sheets support one another in the box and are buffered by foam wrap.  The outer package showed a bit of wear from a less than luxury ride in the UPS truck.  But looking inside, all the parts of the kit were intact and undamaged.

 

NEXT