Intro

With the ever increasing popularity of case modding it's no surprise that there would be companies starting up that would provide premodded cases. There are modders out there that enjoy doing the old hack and slice on their cases themselves and there are people that want the function of extra fans and the showmanship of a nice window kit but don't like the idea or the pressure of possibly severely butchering their virgin cases. Personally, I would rather have any cutting done by a professional and the case sent to me in order for me to add to it further. Xoxide is one company that sells these premodded cases. They offer professional premodded cases as well as cases with no mods and an impressive assortment of DIY mod kits.

The case sent to me for review is the Z-40 Storm. Can you say 5 80mm fans with slick installations for $79? Yup. Here is the official product description from the Xoxide Z-40 info page:

"The Z40 Storm gives you the best performance cooling available for your dollar. Equipped with a total of 5 80mm fans (2 low noise Dynatron, 3 high output Sunon), your system components will be given a steady flow of cool air at all times. A side mounted rocker switch enables you to turn on or off the 3 high output Sunon 80mm fans which are mounted on the side panel and ceiling panel of your case. By turning off the auxillary high output Sunons, your computer goes into a nearly silent mode, operating only the 2 low noise Dynatron fans in the front bezel intake and custom cut rear exhaust. A super-bright red LED mounted on the side panel indicates you of the on/off status of your auxilary Sunon fans."

Case Outside

Here are some pics of the outside of the case... Your standard beige skin on good old steel. This case sports the popular 2 PS2, 2 serial, 1 parallel, and 2 USB port back plate.