Intro

Form and Function. Two words that often do not go together. The latest case offering from ExoticPC entitled, “The dBox", is definitely a step in the right direction.

The heart and soul of this case is an integrated 3-channel thermometer with an external digital display and a 10-speed fan controller. With this feature alone it would be a great case, but to top it all off it comes in a very sleek and sexy case. In a market that is constant striving for more new and innovative designs I think ExoticPC may have hit the nail right on the head with the dBox. But enough said, let's get on with the review!

Features and Specifications

Here are the Specs of the dBox grabbed directly off ExoticPC.com

Specifications:
- Front fans 1 x 120mm (included)
- Rear fans 1 x 80mm
- External 5.25-inch bays: 4
- External 3.5-inch bays: 1
- Internal 3.5-inch bays: 7
- Rear expansion slots: 7

Features:
- The world's first PC case with an integrated circuit board
- Tool-less operation
- Support for Flex, Micro, and Full ATX motherboards
- EMI protective shielding
- Snap-on replaceable faceplate
- Front-accessible USB and IrDA ports
- Optional side window
- Automatic shutdown to prevent overheating
- 10-speed automatic fan control
- 3-channel thermometer
- Soft-touch buttons
- Time-delayed reset button.

Packaging and Shipping

When the dBox arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to see UPS had treated it quite well. The case was packaged in a brightly colored box complete with a picture of the contents and all of the features. That's a good way to make a first impression, but really only useful in the retail outlets.

Next of course I ripped open the box and got a good look at the case. From what I have seen Exotic PC does not take any chances with their products. The dBox was firmly held in place by the usual Styrofoam padding, as well as a new airbag system pictured below. (They are great and plus they are a lot cleaner than peanuts!) The packing should be enough to take any beatings the shipping company can dish out. Included in the box where the standard instructions as well as a one page introduction on how to use the Fan Control and thermometer.

Exterior

My first impression of the Case was WOW! Once removed from the packaging, the dBox is definitely an eye catcher. This particular model is done all in a matte black, although you can get the case in several different colors at ExoticPC. The front bezel is extremely sleek and well designed. Up top you have a bright blue LED power indicator, and right below it the first two 5-¼ drive covers are pre-stealthed, a great feature, especially if you are lazy like me.

As in other Ahanix cases, the floppy is covered in a 'bow-tie' design. Under a small flip up cover at the bottom lies 2 USB ports and an IRdA port. This feature is essential, especially if your case is in a hard to reach area when you're trying to plug in your digital camera! There is also plenty of room under the cover to add in a few switches, provided they are not very big.

And now we get down to the heart of this case. The integrated fan control and temperature monitor. On the front bezel, you can see a group of 5 gold buttons (All “soft touch", no mechanical switches involved), controlling your power and reset switch, as well as the 10-speed fan control, and 3-channel temperature readout.. The round digital readout is bright enough to read both night and day, and there is a row of green and yellow LED's displaying your fan speed and temperature channel. When you consider having to pay $40-$50 for a similar device to control these same features, it actually make the already reasonable price tag of $98 seem even better! The integrated circuit board also features an auto-shutdown feature if the temperatures rise beyond their acceptable levels. This come in handy, especially if you don't own a newer motherboard that does this already.

Finally, the side panels are the usual option with a handle indention near the rear, offering a nice large palette for your fancy dremel work. The same is true for the top panel, and you have plenty of room between the PSU and the front bays for a nice exhaust fan, even up to a 120mm fan if so desired(look in the Modding section for an example of this).