Shuttle SG41J4 barebone with customizable front

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Shuttle introduced the SG41J4, a new XPC Mini PC series barebone for Intel's Core 2 processors. The barebone retails for 146EUR (excl. VAT) and users can easily modify the front by printing photos, logos or information. Well, let's hope that not the primary feature -- a piece of plexi-glass.

Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH, the European subsidiary of Shuttle Inc., one of the leading developers and manufacturers of compact PC solutions such as the world-renowned XPC Mini-PC Barebones, has announced delivery of the new SG41J4.

"The front panel of this model can easily be modified by the owner, allowing customisation using photos, logos or information," according to Tom Seiffert, Head of Marketing & PR at Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH. "The creative opportunities are boundless."

The SG41J4 is suitable for Intel Core 2 processors with 1333 MHz FSB and uses the proven Intel G41 Express chipset. Its two memory banks can take DDR3 modules with a total capacity of 8 GB (2x 4 GB). The compact case is able to accommodate an optical 5.25" drive and up to two 3.5" drives. A PCIe-x16 slot can be fitted with dual-slot graphics cards. Alternatively, a PCI slot (32 bit) is available for other expansion cards. If the PCIe-x16 slot is not used, the SG41J4 can operate with the GMA X4500 graphics integrated in the chipset. A digital DVI-D output and an analog VGA output are able to manage up to two monitors.

Furthermore, the SG41J4 sports an array of connectors such as 2x USB at the front as well as 6x USB 2.0, 5.1 audio, PS/2 and Gigabit network ports at the rear. In addition, a serial and a parallel interface can be added with the optional J-RS232 accessory unit.

The 32.5 x 21.5 x 19 cm (DWH) ultra-compact XPC Barebone SG41J4 can be cooled with Intel Boxed CPU coolers or with the optionally available PM65 heatpipe. Its new 250 W power supply unit now has a larger fan which easily copes with more powerful hardware.



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SilverStone RAVEN RV03B-W Chassis

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

The RAVEN team's continued push to redefine and perfect the enthusiast tower chassis has resulted in yet another benchmark in the RAVEN RV03. With world-class cooling performance from the previous RAVEN chassis models retained by the included 180mm Air Penetrator fans, a rethinking of the interior layout enabled dramatic reduction in overall depth of the chassis compared to RAVEN RV02 while still matching RAVEN RV01's ability to accommodate Extended ATX motherboard and graphics cards longer than 13 inches.

Cable management was also improved with a new 5cm thick hard drive compartment to allow nearly all cables to be connected behind the motherboard tray with ease. An unconventional power supply compartment located in the lower front part of the chassis further add to facilitate cable routing so anyone can assemble a pristine looking system with maximum airflow efficiency.

Complementing the finely tuned and engineered interior, the RV03 has champagne colored trimmings adorning an exterior with aggressive lines yet reserved profile. The stand out styling also fully utilizes the chassis's powerful cooling ability to full effect by a set of smartly designed, dual-purpose front bezels that helps to keep the RV03 looking sharp and uniform whether the user is setting up for maximum air cooling or for a silencing build.

As a trend-setter and a computer chassis engineering showcase, the RAVEN RV03 has few equals. However, its advanced features are equally accessible that anyone from experienced enthusiasts to novice users will find easy to appreciate and utilize, making RV03 the most appealing RAVEN chassis yet!

Special Features

  • Revolutionary 90 degree motherboard mounting from RAVEN RV01
  • Includes two Air Penetrator 180mm fans for superb performance and quietness
  • Support up to seven 120mm fans for exceptional cooling flexibility
  • Motherboard back plate opening behind CPU area for quick cooler assembly
  • Supports Extended ATX motherboard
  • Supports eight expansion slots and graphics cards of any length
  • Mandatory cable management design for clean looking system on every build
  • Hard drive compartment with independent cooling zone
  • Upscale and aggressive styling with dual-purpose front panel bezels


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SilverStone Raven RV03

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Check out the SilverStone's Raven RV03 case which is now available for pre-order at $139.99

Availability of this chassis is expected arround April 18. One of the unique things about the RV03 is that is uses a 90-degree angled motherboard mounting system.

Here's what tc-mag reported on it: The new Raven measures 235 (W) x 522 (H) x 570 (D) mm, weights 11.4kg, supports up to extended ATX motherboards and has a top I/O panel with two USB 3.0 and audio ports, seven exposed 5.25-inch bays (all are tool-free ready), and enough space for up to ten 3.5-inch drives (six via adapters) and two 2.5-inch HDDs/SSDs. SilverStone's case also packs two, bottom-placed 180mm Air Penetrator fans (up to 1200 RPM speed).


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Corsair Windowed Side Panel Kit Graphite Series 600T

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Corsair announced the availability of a windowed side panel for their award-winning Graphite Series 600T PC case.

The replacement side panel features an impact-resistant acrylic plastic clear window for showing off components when the case is closed. The customer has the further option of replacing the window with the included mesh insert that matches the look of the mesh grilles on the front and top of the case. The mesh side panel doesn't just look good - it includes mounting points for adding up to four 120mm fans for improved cooling performance.

"Our Graphite Series 600T case provides builder friendly, full-tower features in a mid-tower design, with an emphasis on style. PC enthusiasts often like to customize and show off their builds, and we're pleased to provide them a way to display their creativity and expertise." said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager for Components at Corsair. "Providing a mesh panel option with integrated fan mounts gives overclockers and performance fanatics an option for even more cooling performance."

The Side Panel with Window and Mesh inserts for the Graphite Series 600T is available for purchase from Corsair.com for $29.99 USD.


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Sharkoon debuts three T series cases

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

The chaps over at Sharkoon introduced three new computer cases. All three have the same size of 475mm x 200mm x 440mm (L x W x H) and are equipped with a mesh front panel and a black design.

First up is the T5 Economy, this model will retail for around 40EUR and includes five 5.25" bays, five tool-free internal 3.5" bays, a front 120mm fan with blue LEDs, and a front I/O panel with four USB 2.0 ports plus audio ports.


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Foxconn does 1080p in a small box

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Foxconn announced the arrival of the Nettop NT-535, finally bringing true high definition (HD) quality playback to Intel Atom based systems without the use of third party graphics.

With a volume of only 0.6 of a litre, the NT-535 is a significant step forward from its predecessor with an upgrade to DDR3 memory and the inclusion of two specific chips to enable true Blu-ray standard of HD streaming and playback. 


Broadcom BCM70015
The BCM70015 single-chip Crystal HD advanced media processor is a low cost, low power, highly integrated solution for HD video playback applications. It is perfect for PC/X86 applications such as playback of streaming video content, Blu-ray Disc playback, file-based content, broadcast and other TV sources. It is optimized for use in netbooks, notebooks, and Small Form Factor and slim desktops.

Chrontel CH7036
The CH7036 is specifically designed for computers that require HD content video playback on the external displays. This IC implements an advanced LVDS receiver, a powerful video encoder, a flexible scaling engine and easy-to-configure audio interfaces which can seamlessly convert the LVDS signal source into HDMI /DVI formats as well as the analog RGB legacy display.

Stephen Ling, Managing Director for Foxconn, Western Europe, said,


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SilverStone Grandia GD06 HTPC chassis

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

SilverStone launches their GD06, a HTPC case with aluminium front door and a 0.8mm steel body. The case supports Mini-ITX, Mini-DTX and Micro-ATX motherboards, and offers room for up to three 120mm fans and graphics cards of up to 11". It's expected to be available this Friday and the suggested retail price is around 120EUR.

The new chassis measures 440 (W) x 150 (H) x 340 (D) mm, weights 5.6kg and features a front aluminum door, a black coating, front-placed USB 3.0 (x 2) and audio ports, one exposed 5.25-inch bay, and enough internal space to hold one 2.5-inch plus four 3.5-inch or two 2.5-inch and three 3.5-inch drives.


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AeroCool Vs-4 mid-tower case

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Yeah that's a good deal, AeroCool started shipping the Vs-4 mid-tower case, a new steel case that measures 433mm x 185mm x 495mm (H x W x D).

It can be found in Germany for just over 38 EUR and it seems to offer quite a lot of value, the pictures reveal an all-black design, a side window, four tool-free 5.25" bays, two removable HDD cage, a cut-out for easy CPU cooler swapping, cut-outs for cable management, pre-drilled holes for watercooling tubes, and a front I/O panel with USB 2.0 and audio ports.

One 120mm exhaust fan is included but there's room for four optional fans; a 140mm front fan, a 120mm bottom intake and two 120mm fans in the side panel.

The front side does not have the best looks but for its price level this is a quite impressive case, 38 EUR incl VAT. 


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ENERMAX SpineRex chassis

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

ENERMAX is pleased to announce the launch of SpineRex, a new flagship gaming tower for enthusiasts: Full-drive bay design, front-accessible hard disk cages, quick-release bay covers; handy tool-less rails offer flexibility, scalability, and pleasant system building experiences. User may also find its spacious interior that makes installation of high-end graphic card and massive hard disk storage possible.

  • Full drive bay design and modular HDD cages for utmost flexibility and scalability
  • Top slide cover functions either as air flow adjustment or dust shield
  • Independent light controls for front and side color-changeable fans
  • Bottom mounted PSU slot with rubber stands and dust filter supports two orientations
  • Dust filters for side monster fan, and meshed bay covers
  • 4 openings with rubber grommets for water cooling system
  • Easy installation:
  • Flip-open design for quick system maintenance
  • Quick release bay covers
  • Rails for both ODD and HDD installation
  • Cutouts on M/B tray for quick CPU cooler maintenance and neat cable management
  • Thumbscrews for add-on cards installation
  • Supreme cooling performance:
  • Front 2x12cm Blue/Red combo-LED VEGAS fans
  • Side 1x25cm Blue/Red combo-LED fan with LED & speed control
  • Top 2x14/12cm exhaust fan (optional)
  • Rear 1x12cm exhaust fan (optional)

SpineRex brings more fun and functions to cooling. Made of oversized mesh, SpineRex provides outstanding cooling performance to keep most hardcore components cooled. Pre-installed filter behind mesh can effectively prevent dust from accumulating. A slide cover on top plays either dust shield or airflow adjustment. Speed control for side 250mm monster fan allows users to cope with dynamic cooling requirements. The pre-installed two 120mm combo-LED Vegas fans with ENERMAX


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Corsair USB 3.0 Upgrade Kit for Obsidian Series Cases

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Definitely handy, Corsairreleases a cheap to get USB 3.0 Upgrade Kit for their Obsidian Series 800D and 700D full-tower PC cases.

The kit is designed for Obsidian Series case owners who have upgraded their systems to support USB 3.0, either by replacing their motherboard or via an add-in card. The kit consists of a replacement front I/O panel that includes a USB 3.0 port and a wiring harness that connects to an available USB 3.0 port on the customer's motherboard or add-in card. Installation takes just minutes.

"Our Obsidian Series cases are designed and built to last through years of system builds and upgrades, and our customers are on the leading edge of technology and of USB 3.0 adoption," said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager for Components at Corsair. "We are pleased to provide an upgrade kit that allows Obsidian Series owners to bring a USB 3.0 port to the front of the case, making it easier to connect USB 3.0 devices."

The USB 3.0 Upgrade Kit for the Obsidian Series 800D and 700D is available for purchase from Corsair.com for $14.99 USD.

 


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BitFenix Shinobi chassis launched

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

BitFenix unleased its Shinobi, a new series of mid-tower gaming cases with a more affordable price tag than the company's first cases. The regular Shinobi has a solid steel side panel and one 120mm fan, while the more advanced Shinobi Window offers a tinted side window as well as an extra 120mm fan and tool-free drive locking mechanisms. Both cases will ship in April 2011, the Shinobi has a 49EUR ($59) MSRP while the Shinobi Window has a 59EUR ($69) MSRP.

"We wanted to create a no-nonsense gaming chassis that was not only functional, but also exuded the killer design concept that BitFenix is known for. I believe that with Shinobi, gamers will get to see what we mean first hand," says BitFenix Product Manager David Jarlestedt.

Named after some of the most feared assassins of the modern age, Shinobi is designed to allow gamers to silently and efficiently dispatch their competition. Available in both window and non-window versions, Shinobi can blend into virtually any environment. Purists will appreciate the solid steel side panel of Shinobi, while users who want to highlight the hardware installed within will love the Shinobi Window's uniquely-crafted side panel window. Enveloping the top and front covers is the signature BitFenix SofTouch


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Cooler Master GX 450W Power Supply

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Cooler Master is going to show a whole new mid-range power supply, GX-450 on CeBit.
This power supply is specifically targeted at systems in the upper-mid range, yet reasonably priced. The Cooler Master GX Series of power supplies feature a single highly robust 12 V rail, proficiently delivering power to the most demanding components including the processor, drives, and cooling fans. Now including a double-layer EMI Filter, an intelligent 120 mm controllable fan and an active PFC/PWM combo controller for increased efficiency, the GX Series will keep the power in your hands.

Product Features and Descriptions

  • Compliance with the latest Intel standard ATX 12V V 2.31.
  • Single +12V rail provides ample power and strong resistance to any overloading.
  • High efficiency design that meets 80 Plus requirements (85% typical).
  • Multiple protection designs (OVP / UVP / OPP / OTP / SCP).
  • High reliability (MTBF>100,000 hours).
  • Double Layer EMI filter reduces Electromagnetic interference
  • Huge bulk capacitor for hold-up times of >17ms when fully loaded.
  • Efficient transformer that reduces 5Vsb power loss when the system is in an off/sleep state.
  • EuP ready: To save most power consumption (below 0.5W in standby mode).
  • Five-year warranty.

The pricing of this unit will be roughly 55 EUR.


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Intel Panther Point chipset to get HDMI 1.4 support

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Earlier on FUD Zilla shared some details about Panter Point, Intel's chipset for the next-gen Ivy Bridge processors which are expected to arrive sometime early next year.

Codename for Ivy Bridge 22nm CPU chipset is Panther Point. The new chipset is going to end up with Intel 7 series brand, most likely P77 and G77, but it is too early to tell. It has 1Gb LAN support, PCIe 2nd generation support as well as SATA 3.0. Furthermore, it supports USB 3.0 and 2.0, which is the first time ever for an Intel chipset.

The surprising thing is HDMI 1.4 as well as DisplayPort 1.1. Ivy Bridge will be the third generation of Intel's CPU that features graphics support, and therefore Panther Point's DisplayPort and HDMI support will be put to good use.


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Xtreamer Ultra HTPC

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Check this out, all in all it remains ATOM/ION on the hardware side, but the softyware side seems nice. The Xtreamer ultra are portable HTPC equipped with 6 USB, eSATA, 4 Giga DDR3 RAM , HDMI, an integral IR remote control and powered by nVIDIA ION2 Chip that allows vivid and crisp playback of dozens of FULL HD multimedia files.


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Sharkoon Scorpio chassis with easy access to SATA HDDs

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Sharkoon has expanded their PC tower product line: The new ATX, called the "Scorpio", offers diverse and practical mounting options for hard drives of various formats.

With the Scorpio, Sharkoon presents their first tower in which SSDs as well as hard drives with 2.5 inch Form Factor can be used without any special adapter frames needing to be installed: Behind the mesh drive faceplates on the completely black SECC tower are four drive bays for suitable smaller data mediums. In addition, there is space for a total of six 3.5 inch drives. Two of the six 3.5 inch mounting bays are equipped with a Fast Swap Mechanism directly on the housing front which enables the easy installation of SATA hard drives: Installed on the backside of the mounting cage is a panel with two internal SATA ports. The user only needs to open the faceplate panel, remove one of the two secured mounting frames using the locking lever, screw the hard drive to the frame and re-secure into the bay. The tower panel provides a 4-pin power supply adapter and two unregulated fan connectors beside the two SATA connectors.

In addition to the hard drives, the Sharkoon Scorpio can include up to seven extension cards and up to five 5.25 inch drives. The drives can be secured by thumbscrews thanks to the laterally adjustable mounting rails.

For a clean cable management system within the black finished interior there are several cable bays and feed-throughs provided. The main board panel also has an opening to easily mount a CPU cooler. Through the rubber protected openings on the back of the tower an e-SATA cable and two water cooler hoses can be installed. The power supply sits on the bottom of the tower over the air intake with a removable dust filter and allows, depending on the preferred ventilation, the fan to be installed in either an upward or downward position. The top I/O panel provides an eSATA and two USB2.0 ports, headphones and microphone ports as well as the Power and Reset buttons. The tower measures 508 x 210 x 503 mm (L x W x H) and weighs around 7.25 kilograms.

Sharkoon offers the Scorpio on the market in two versions which differ in the fan and front panel design. The Sharkoon Scorpio 1000 comes with a high gloss plastic front frame. The mesh design of the drive panel is broken through by the preinstalled, blue illuminated 120mm LED fan which cools the upper removable hard drives. Another 120mm fan is installed on the backside. Optionally, a 200mm or two 120mm fans can be attached to the left panel using the provided mesh grill, plus two 120mm or two 140mm fans on the top.

The front edging of the Sharkoon Scorpio 2000 consists of matte finished plastic. For hard drive cooling a blue illuminated LED fan is also preinstalled, the difference between its counterpart the Scorpio 1000 is that it features an edge length of 140mm and is mounted behind the mesh drive covers. Additionally, an 80mm fan cools the SATA hard drive in the Fast-Swap-Bays. Also, the Scorpio 2000 provides a 120mm fan in the back and pre-drilled holes for a 200mm or two 120mm fans on the left side and two 120mm or two 140mm fans on the top. The chassis will cost roughly 70 EUR.


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Enermax NAXN value power supplies

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Enermax is proud to present a brand new power supply series, NAXN, which is for both mainstream desktop PCs and advanced multiple GPU gaming systems with up to 80PLUS Bronze efficiency level.

NAXN is ENERMAX


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Fractal Design Arc Mini chassis

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

The new Fractal Design Arc Series of cases create a niche of their own; a combination of stellar performance and cooling options with stylish, minimalistic looks and an overall understated elegance.

Key features
* Stylish, minimalistic front panel with alu-look
* Optimized for performance, massive cooling and water cooling support
* A total of 7(!) fan slots (2x 120mm in front, 2x 120/140mm in top, 1x 120mm in bottom, 1x 120mm in rear,1x 120/140mm in side panel)
* Three fans included (1x 120mm in front, 1x 120mm in rear and 1x 140mm in top)
* Support for dual 120mm radiator in top*
* 6x white painted HDD trays, with silicone mounting
* Upper HDD cage is removable and rotatable
* USB3 support in front panel
* Excellent cable routing and cable routing covers
* Easily removable front panel with clip on fan slots
* Extra, vertically mounted expansion slot, suitable for fan controllers or non-input expansion cards

*The component support in the case when using radiator in top is depending on the thickness of the radiator. See info below. When having a 2x120mm radiator mounted in top, you cannot use the rear 120mm fan slot at the same time.
- Up to 40mm radiator thickness: Support for most water CPU coolers and larger memory modules.
- Up to 50mm radiator thickness: Support for most water CPU coolers and standard memory modules with a height of max 35mm.
- Up to 70mm radiator thickness: Support for only certain water CPU coolers, depending on the water inlet and outlet. Supports standard memory modules with a height of max 35mm.

This new Arc Mini case in micro ATX format offers plenty of cooling options, up to 7 fans of various sizes can be installed. Unique for its small size, it also offers room to mount a thick, dual 120mm radiator in the top panel.

Elegant top and front panels are both easily removable and pre-fitted with fan filters to ensure a dust free interior. The sleek black interior is matched and contrasted with white expansion slots and HDD trays. Similar to the Define Series, all the HDD trays are fitted with anti-vibration silicon grommets. The upper HDD cage is removable and rotatable, which enables support for even the longest graphic cards.

Tangled cables are a thing of the past as the Arc Series offers an innovative, convenient, and great looking way to hide them away. The motherboard mounting plate has rubber covered holes in which you can easily route the cables to a compartment behind the motherboard, which has more than ample storage space.

Cooling system

  • Fan controller for 3 fans included
  • 1 front mounted Fractal Design 120mm fan @ 1200rpm included
  • 1 rear mounted Fractal Design 120mm fan @ 1200rpm included
  • 1 top mounted Fractal Design 140mm fan @ 1000rpm included
  • Additional 4 fan slots available for optional fans; one 120mm in front, one 120mm in bottom, one 120/140mm in top and one 120/140mm in side panel

Specifications

  • 6x 3,5 inch HDD trays, compatible with SSD!
  • 2x 5,25 inch bays, with 1x 5,25>3,5 inch converter included
  • On top of front panel: 3x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0 and Audio I/O
  • Removable filter below PSU (PSU not included)
  • M/B compatibility: Mini ITX and Micro ATX
  • 4+1 expansion slots with sleek white painted brackets
  • Supports graphic card lengths up to 260mm when removable HDD-Bay is in place
  • Supports graphic card lengths up to 400mm without removable HDD-Bay
  • Supports CPU coolers with height of 165mm
  • Supports PSU's with a depth of maximum circa 170mm, when using bottom 120mm fan location. When not using the bottom 120mm fan location, the case supports also longer PSU's, typically 200-220mm
  • Case size (WxHxD): 210x395x486mm with front and top bezel in place 
  • Net weight: 9 kg

  


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Cooler Master Elite 343 and 371

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Cooler Master releases two new chassis into the merket, the product cover the smaller chassis segment as they have been working on two additions in their Elite series.

The products are the Elite 342 and Elite 371 the first being a mini-tower the 371 a mid-tower. The Elite 371 measures 190 by 424 by 490 mm, has three 5.15-inch ODD bays, five internal 3.5-inch HDD/SSD bays and a front panel with USB 2.0 and audio ports.

The Elite 343 has a steel body, a removable HDD cage, a pair of 5.25-inch bays and a front IO panel with the same USB 2.0 and audio options. The cases come with tool-free drive installation and uses a 120mm fan, at the rear, for heat dispersion.

The 343 is expected to cost 45 EUR and the 371 roughly 55 EUR.


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Lancool First Knight cases

HTPC 228 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Lancool, a Lian Li spin-off, introduced three First Knight series mid-tower computer cases.
Lancool, maker of mid to high-end computer chassis for over twenty years, has launched three, new, mid-tower PC cases: the PC-K57, the PC-K59, and the PC-K63. Utilizing their affiliation with high-end chassis manufacturer Lian-Li, Lancool has designed all three of these PC cases with anti-vibration, tool-less installations of components, all-black SECC steel exteriors, and superior thermal performance capabilities, while providing exceptional aesthetic appeal.

PC-K63
The extremely sexy PC-K63's blacked-out interior is visible through a transparent side-panel window. Blue LEDs illuminate the PC-K63's two 140mm front panel fans as well as the 120mm rear panel fan. Two, top panel 140mm fans improve airflow inside the PC-K63 as well.

PC-K59 & PC-K63
Users can mount ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards in Lancool's new PC-K59 and PC-K63. Six 3.5


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