Introduction:
After putting all the spare computer parts lying around into a rig, I found myself short a few cases. Therefore, I decided to look around for a case. I saw this beauty at Directron for a mere $32.99, I grabbed it right up!


First Looks:
The case arrived via UPS. The package was in decent condition, with little scuffs, without any major damage. The box is plain, but who cares? The case has the standard foam inserts and is bagged. Included with the case is a bag o’ screws, a PCI bracket and a PCI bracket with a hole in the center for running audio cables.


Specs/Features:
This case is loaded for the price. Unlike most cases around its price range, it has a removable motherboard tray.
Features:
Sliding front panel that automatically slides down by a push of a button on the top of the case.
Elegant outlook.
Sufficient inner space.
One removable side-cover and one side window.
Screw less snap-on front panel.
Removable M/B plate.
Removable and screw less 3.5 drive frame.
Replaceable I/O shield panels.
Power LED with work/sleep mode.

Specs:
Three 5.25" and two 3.5" external drive bays.
Two internal 3.5" drive bays.
Seven expansion slots.
Dimensions: 17x7.5x19.5" (LxWxH).
Made of steel.
Power and reset switches.
Power and hard drive light indicators.
Patents pending on the hydraulic design.
The front bezels for the black and beige colors are the same as shown above.
Four optional case fans: 8cm in the front, two 8cm in the back, and one 8cm w/ LED on the side window.


Exterior:
The case is a nice flat black. The side panels have some useless vents. The front panel is “hydraulic”, which has a cover panel for the drives. It is a nice way to hide those beige drives. The front also sports some audio and USB connectors. The audio ones just wire to the outside and plug into your motherboard connectors. The USB connectors are two pin connectors, not just a bunch of pins. The side window… needs some work. It is a standard size and shape, but has screws all the way around. The window also has a fan right in the MIDDLE. Not good, but I made my appliqué work. The fan is a gay tri-color one, which I removed all the LED’s from.



Interior:
The inside is nice, with enough room Has four 5.25” bays and three 3.5” bays. There is room for more 3.5” bays, but nothing there. There is a top bar for structural support, which can be used for wire hiding. There is an 80mm intake and two 80mm exhausts. The fans are installed into some plastic brackets, which make for easy installation and removal and do not really inhibit airflow. The removable motherboard try is kept in place with two screws and slides into its track. The tray is sturdy enough.



Installation:
Nothing to exciting going in, just my Soldier of Fortune II game server.
Intel Pentium 3 800Mhz @ 1000Mhz
AOpen AX3S i815E
256 MB SDRAM
3.2 GB Hard Drive
40X Afreey CD-ROM
3.5" Floppy
3Com 10/100 NIC
ATI Radeon 7200 32MB SDRAM
Windows XP Pro SP1

Installation went smooth, for the most part. I had more than enough room for everything, and went ahead and popped in some fans. The only negative part of the installation was cutting my finger. It wasn’t a serious cut, like the time I cut part of my thumb off on a $16 case…


Modding:
Not a real modder’s case, but you can get this case without the window for around $28. That would be a better buy. I added a case badge and appliqué. Nothing to extreme, since this is banished under my desk. Overall, this case has enough potential.


Conclusion:
First off, I would like to thank myself for supplying the cash for this and my dad for ordering it on his credit card. The case was inexpensive and had more than enough features for the price.

What’s pimp:
- Removable motherboard tray
- Inexpensive
- Front USB and audio connectors
- Fan brackets do not restrict much air and are easy to remove

What’s gimp:
- Ugly window
- Horrible window fan placement
- More 3.5” bays could have been added

PimpRig Rating:
(Seven pimp hats)

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Nice review Spectrum Thanks for contributing!

Just to clarify.....I don't think Directron actually manufactures cases. And to be honest I don't know why they relabel them as "Directron" cases on their site. This case is actually a Super Flower SF-862 (note the label on the box) and can be bought elsewhere for those who like to shop around.

nice review, short but sweet. that case is really nice, especially for the price, but the lack of hard drive mounting space sort of turns me off to it.


btw, good use of the word "gay" as an adjective, really shows your expansive vocabulary....

Thanks for the compliments. As for the manufacturer, I found that out earlier, but wasn't able to add that in since I was gone. Thanks for the info however Anon.