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mnpctech SC195 Case (Pre-Production) |
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Intro
If you've been into the modding scene for any length of time, you've probably seen, or at least heard of some of the creations that Bill at mnpctech has built. His rigs have been given as 1st prize at huge LAN events, been featured in magazines, and have garnered admiration and praise by some of the most respected members of the modding community. To see a small sample of his work, check out the mnpctech gallery.
The thing that makes Bill a favorite among modder's is that he is a great guy who truly enjoys modding with new, innovative styles and techniques. As the members of the PimpRig Forum know, he is always willing to jump in with modding advice, design tips, and honest feedback. You see, Bill started out just like the rest of us did; he started computer modding several years ago and found out he was pretty damn good at it. Some folks noticed his work, started asking him to do custom cases for them, and mnpctech was founded.
Because of the demand for his work, Bill is ready to take his business to the next level with his first ever production case; the SC195. The case I am reviewing here is a late pre-production model. Bill informed me of some minor differences between this case and the final production model which I'll point out as I come to them. (Later on I will tell you how you can win one of mnpctech's new SC195 computer cases for yourself, but for now; the review.)
The Case
Here's the SC195 in all it's glory. The case itself started life as a Compucase LX-6A19 before Bill got his hands on it. The name SC195 is derived from the phrase "Stealth Cooled" and the total 195CFM of quiet airflow that it offers. The case is classified as a mid-tower and has plenty of room for just about anything you'd want to slap in it. The dimensions for the SC195 are 8.4"W x 18.4"H x 19.44D, pretty big for a mid tower. The SC195 is made out of 8mm rustproof and galvanized JIS steel so it is solid and hefty; I was glad there was a handle on top when I pulled it out of the box. The black coating on it is textured and very thick, it would be hard to scratch up this case. When I pulled out all the additional goodies out I was pleased to see that this case uses drive rails. There was also a power cord, a very thorough and detailed manual, and a bag-o-stuff.
When I looked over the SC195 for the first time, there were a few things that immediately caught my attention. The first was the handle on top. It's not just there for looks, it is big and solid. The handle opening is about 5.25" long and 2.25" deep so you guys with Shaquille O'Neal hands will have no problem grabbing onto it. 8 screws hold it in place so no matter how much stuff you pack into the interior, this handle isn't coming off. Even so, Bill informed me that he will be using slightly longer black self-tapping screws that will make the handle even stronger. The top handle will be optional on the production version, I highly recommend it.
Next, I checked out the fan controller. This is the sweet Noise Isolator fan controller that we previously reviewed here. This little baby won the coveted PimpRig Seal of Approval and is more than able to handle your fan needs. Bill hinted that the fan controller may change to something even more pimp in the near future but wouldn't let the cat out of the bag yet.
The right side door fan is another addition. Bill used a high quality Panaflo 92MM L1A 43CFM @ 27.7dB fan as an additional intake. The fan hole is punched out instead of cut out so you can rest assured that it as smooth as you can get without a computer controlled laser cutter. The fan and guard are mounted using rubber spacers to minimize any additional fan noise. The edge of the hole itself is trimmed with a channeled thin rubber strip that is professionally done with only the slightest gap in the seam. The edges of the fan filter are slightly visible so the silver may change to black on the production cases so it isn't as noticeable. The left side door is held on with standard screws and there is a raised lip on the back to assist with door removal.
The front intake incorporates a very nice modification. Bill cut a trapezoid shape into the panel and used some of his Modder's Mesh to dress it up. The nice thing about Modder's Mesh is that it protects valuable body parts from becoming puree in the fan but allows for almost unrestricted airflow. That oval above the mesh is an additional power light. The sharp angles on the front of the SC195 are very high tech looking and reminds me a little of the Transformers cartoon. Up top there are 4 external 5.25 inch bays that are railed, and 2 external 3.5 inch bays.
On the left side of the case, there are two ingenious latches to hold the access door in place. The top latch includes a small lock that will keep unwanted folks from peeking inside your rig. It could be easily broken, but it's enough to keep the crumb-snatchers out. Opening the door using these latches was easy, but even more important, closing it back up was easy. The SC195 logo looks pretty cool but could rub off easily with handling. The production case will have a more durable logo on it.
