THE AOPEN HX45 MID-TOWER COMPUTER CASE
Last updated: 2/3/98

  Power supplies.  The case can be ordered with a 235 Watt ATX or 200 Watt PS/2 power supply; the ATX supply being the most common.   The ATX power supply exhausts air from the chassis and does not direct it in and towards the back of the motherboard for CPU cooling as preferred in the ATX specification--no big deal; I feel more secure with quality CPU fans and motherboards with temperature monitoring anyway.  The ATX power supply is almost whisper quiet yet, by feeling the back, it is obvious to me it is pumping an ample amount of air through the chassis.

  Motherboards.  The HX45 accommodates both ATX and Baby AT motherboards.  If you use a Baby AT motherboard be sure it has an ATX connector or order the case, if you can, with a Baby AT power supply.  You might consider the BG45 case for a Baby AT motherboard or replacing the motherboard.  I would replace the motherboard.

  Hardware.    The hardware is complete and well-packaged.  There is even a zip-tie to bundle the cables going from the motherboard to the front panel.  The case includes four rubber feet which are easily and securely fastened with plastic pins instead of less reliable adhesive backing.   It includes two I/O back panels which should accommodate most ATX motherboards.  The I/O panel is nicely labeled and is easily and securely attached with a single screw.  There are ample chassis knock-outs for Baby AT motherboard connectors and for multi-media I/O implemented on some ATX motherboards.  

  Packing.  Acer does an excellent job of packing their cases,  This case normally comes wrapped in plastic in the "small box."  The packing consists of two thick, well-made, styrofoam restrainers which are not easily broken when carefully lifting a computer, made with the case, and easing it into the box.  The box is well-made and will survive most shipping conditions.   An optional "large box" or all-in-one carton is available.   It has room for a keyboard, mouse, software, and accessories.

  One minor annoyance, which is present in all of the AOpen cases I have used, is the four-pin connector for the front panel hard disk LED.  I really don't understand why Acer uses a four-pin connector when only two of them are wired for the LED.  The connector works fine if you are using an AOpen motherboard; to connect it to most other motherboards, one must cut the connector longitudinally in half--I use diagonal cutters.  

  Documentation.  Like all AOpen cases, this case includes a exploded diagram and by-the-numbers assembly instructions.

  Dimensions. 16.54"(D)x17.93"(W)x6.10"(H).

  Weight: Net 18.48 LBS.  Gross 20.68 LBS.

Larry

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