Sunbeam Samurai Case

The card stays are true tool free jobs that pivot out to allow installation of add in cards.  Clean and effective construction that was smartly implemented.  The rear exhaust's twin 80mm fans are mounted inside a plastic case of sorts that attaches to the unusual cut of the Samurai rear.  This is removed by two Phillips head screws and four plastic clips (sturdy clips.)

     

Up front, we find the drive area.  The tool free design is similar to that seen in the Kingwin KT424.  These worked beautifully and truly are 'tool free'.  Space is available for five 5.25" drives one exposed 3.5", one reverse mounted 3.5" and three hidden 3.5" devices.  The side mic and speaker connector unfortunately connect via pass through cables which really break up the clean interior lines.

To install your 80mm intake fan on the inside of the case immediately in front of the HDD area, the front bezel needs to be removed.  It is held in place by several plastic clips.  Unfortunately, expecting these to also be fragile, I exerted more caution than usual in the bezel's removal.  In spite of that, three of these clips snapped off.  Too bad the tool kit didn't include a tube of super glue because one is most certainly needed with this box.

Operation

Powered up the Sunbeam Samurai is a pleasing site to see.  The lone 80mm fan was a bit louder than I expected and clearly discernable above an OEM Intel cooler.

Conclusion

Low cost cases are a tough market.  Manufacturers are forced with decisions to cut features so that the end price will be competitive.  The key is to not cut quality.  The Sunbeam Samurai had some nice features for its $56 price tag such as the dual connector LED fan, tool free drive connections and snappy looking design.  However, quality decidedly is lacking.  The issue with the cheap plastic clips was horrible.  After repairing the bezel latch with super glue it broke twice more.  The quality construction issue was further compounded by the bezel mounts that held it to the face of the case - these as you may recall broke off too.  I am at a complete loss to explain the glaring discrepancies between the Sunbeam website's list of the case specs and what the true case specs were.  Try as I might to find some redeeming qualities here - truth be told, this is one Samurai that should commit Hara-kiri.  The Sunbeam Samurai can be found for sale at NewEgg now.

Pros

• Cheap

• Nice design on window

• Very lightweight

• Included 80mm LED fan can accept three pin or four pin Molex power connectors

• Tool free drive rails

Cons

• VERY tight fit

• Bezel door closing problem

• Plastic tabs WAY too fragile

• Case lacks the feel of solid construction

• Slot brackets are punch out type

• Pass through cables

• Overall feel doesn't feel solid

• A tad noisy

BACK                    HOME