AOPEN HX08 FULL-TOWER COMPUTER CASE
Last updated: 07/29/03
 If
you are looking for good case for a network file server, the AOpen HX08
full-tower computer case, with a 13-drive capacity and a 300 Watt ATX power
supply, may be just the ticket.
Features...
 Bent
metal. The case is made from 1 mm steel. The edges
are bent in to strengthen it and reduce the possibility of cuts during
assembly. The top and each of the sides are secured at the back of
the case with two screws each. The top panel looks like a shallow-inverted
box. One must first remove it to get the sides off. They slide
off to the rear. This is a security feature. There is small
triangular piece of metal, called a lock tag, with a hole at one apex and
another in the middle which screws to the top of chassis underneath the
top panel and the apex with the hole pokes out through a slot in the back
of the top panel like a hasp. One can then pad-lock the whole case. The
case is solidly reinforced and has a hefty "feel."
Card
cage. The motherboard and expansion cards are mounted
into what could be described as file drawer laid on its side. After
removing four screws at the rear of the case and disconnecting the cables
plugged into the motherboard, etc., one can slide the whole thing out the
back of the case. It somewhat defeats the purpose of putting a padlock
on the case.
Plastic. The
front panel has an attractive appearance. Gone are the useless turbo
LED and switch, and the keylock. The remaining LEDs, switches, and
manufacture's label are conveniently placed with the power switch at the
very top of the case and rest well off the floor. The panel is quite
securely fastened to the chassis with solid plastic tabs which make fairly
it easy to remove. There are two plastic assemblies, with two feet
each which securely snap to the bottom of the case (yes, if you "try" hard
enough, I'll bet you can manage to break them off). The feet
can be swung out and clicked into place for stability and clicked inward
for transportation. All of the plastic is solid stuff.
Fans. You
can really cool this box. Besides the power supply and CPU fans there
are provisions to add two muffin fans at the top of the case. A third one
can be fitted into a interface card guide, which snaps into the lower front
of the case, and also protects the speaker.
Drive
bays. The case has 13 drive bays: one exposed and seven
hidden 3 1/2" bays, and five exposed 5 1/4" bays. There
are two removable 3 1/2" cages, a four-drive cage above the power
supply and a three-drive cage below the 5 1/4" bays. Each is
secured with two screws and easily removed. The remaining 3 1/2" bay
is exposed and located at the top-front--right where it should be for the
floppy drive. Drives are easily installed without rails. I
would have liked another exposed 3 1/2 drive for a Zip drive, etc.
Expansion
board slots. The case has seven slots. All of the
slots come equipped with removable slot covers (not those annoying knock-outs
found in some cases).
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