Overclocker Cafe - X-Sonic Aluminum Case Review

X-Sonic Aluminum Case

Manufacturer: Aspire USA
Supplied by: Xoxide
Price: $59.99

By Dean Barker (3/5/2003)

Introduction

The X-Pider name really started to be recognized with their aluminum multifunction front panel. (Reviewed here.) Well, come to find out, the company that produces these items, Aspire USA, makes a lot more than just these front panel devices. Their biggest item happens to be cases. The X-Sonic is a standard midtower case but smaller. To give you a rough idea, the Lian Li PC-6089 is some 95mm deeper and 30mm taller than the X-Sonic. We want to thank the good people at Xoxide for sending the X-Sonic over and making this review possible. Let's take a look at this midtower on a diet starting with some specs.

Specifications

Weight: 2.3kg (observed*)
Drive Bays: (4) exposed 5.25”, (2) exposed 3.5”, (2) hidden 3.5”
Expansion slots: (7)
M/B Type: Standard ATX mainboard
Front Ports: USB 2.0 ports (2), Firewire port (1).
Cooling: (2) 80mm case fans (2500 RPM / 33 CFM / 28 dBA each)

Let me clarify the weight thing right off. The Aspire USA website (X-Pider) documents the case as having a "shipping weight" of 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Upon removing the X-Sonic from the box, it was immediately clear that there was ZERO chance this case weighed anything close to 15 pounds. Placing the empty case on our digital scales, the case weighed in at 5.05 pounds. The thing felt light but Jeez!! The case is not even pulled completely from it packaging and it scores points.

The venting slits on the front bezel are an unusual shape. They get the job done and may or may not appeal aesthetically to you. At first I didn't like them then the mod side of my brain started cooking and I could picture painting the case a bit so it was a shark with the vents as gills. Time will tell on that one though.