Sunbeam Automaton Case

Manufacturer: Sunbeamtech
Supplied by: Sunbeamtech
Street Price: $120

by Dean Barker (11/02/2008)

Introduction

Sunbeam is one of a very few case manufacturers that is able to keep up a steady stream of innovative case designs coming to market.  It seems that every couple of months their design people come out with something new with a look and function separating it from the rest of the field.  Well, it's that time again.  Sunbeam's latest case, the Sunbeam Automaton combines some of the beautifully crafted outer shell sculpting they have such a reputation for along with the lightweight of an aluminum frame.  Offered in a black color scheme with blue LED fan accents, the Sunbeam Automaton has a clean look with some attractive features all at a $120 price point.  Today, as you have guessed, we have a sample of Sunbeam's latest case design on deck.  Let's get started.

Specifications

• Observed Dimensions: 580 x 239 x 505mm

• Observed Weight: 5.2 kg

• Construction: Aluminum

• Drive Bays: (5) 5.25”, (2) External 3.5", (3) Internal 3.5”

• Expansion slots: (7)

• M/B Type: Standard ATX, Micro ATX, Flex ATX

• Top Mounted Access Ports: USB 2.0 (x2), Firewire, volume control, speaker and mic jack

• Cooling: Front mounted 120mm intake fan; rear 120mm exhaust fan; side 120mm Blue LED fan

• Window: Yes - both side panels

• Available Colors: Black

Manual or Automaton

When I first took the Sunbeam Automaton its molded plastic front bezel reminded me of the head of the monster from Alien.  The shiny curves with a gill like vent area beneath really do resemble the Alien a bit.  Before we go to far along, I want to emphasis that the black plastic body of the Sunbeam Automaton has a mirror like quality about its paint work rarely seen elsewhere.  So much so that taking pictures for this review was extremely difficult.  This jet black reflective sheen is outstanding and my pictures really don't do it justice. 

Here are two perfect examples of the reflective black paint job.  I ended up getting a piece of white cardboard and cutting a hole in the center to point my camera lens out of because so much was reflected that the original shots looked more like photos of photos reflected off the case rather than pictures of a case.

 

Back on task; the Sunbeam Automaton is a standard sized midtower case.  All the plastic makes it appear larger than it is, which is deceptive.  When you reach to pick up the Automaton, your heave on the 5.2 kg case feels like when you push a storm door with no spring attached.  Sunbeam has really scored on the weight savings department.  It this case was more compact, it would be a fantastic LAN box.

Now notice the rounded edges of the Automaton.  There are zero right angles (or angles of most any kind) on the front, sides and roof of the case.  The outer shell truly is sculpted with precision.  The bezel door when closed, blends into these lines flawlessly.  It is held in place by a push lock.  Opening the door exposes five 5.25" and two 3.5" bays along with the power and reset button.

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