ABOUT BENCH FORUMS PODCAST LOGIN REGISTER
PC Components▼
Smartphones & tablets▼
Systems▼
ENTERPRISE & IT
GUIDES▼
DEALS

Mid-Tower Mega Roundup

 by Joshua Buss on September 8, 2005 12:05 AM EST
48 Comments | Add A Comment
48 Comments
DynaPower F3323

A relatively new player in the case manufacturing field, DynaPower asked us to take a look at a new server chassis of theirs, and we were pleasantly surprised, to say the least. Probably the first and foremost reason for our excitement is that the F3323 is available for right around $70 (at the time that this article was written).


Click to enlarge.

One of the very first things that we noticed about the case is its weight - this isn't aluminum, and you sure can tell. But with the added weight of steel comes superior strength and sturdiness - valuable traits for a computer that probably won't be moved around too much. Out of all the cases in the roundup, this is the most solid by a pretty decent margin.


Click to enlarge.

The front of the F3323 is straightforward, yet professional looking, and the solid stripe running the length of the top of the unit only adds to this appearance. Further evidence that this is first and foremost a server-oriented case is the fact that there are only two 5¼" drives, and one external 3½". Towards the bottom of the front is the coverable port cluster with nice bright icons that label each port.

Peaking around the back of the case, we see a plentifully perforated area for the main exhaust fan and that's about it. Later, we'll discuss a slight problem that we found with the PSU mounting area.


Click to enlarge.

To get at the internals, we must remove the left side panel. When lifting on this latch, we realized that this was one of the easiest side panels that we've ever removed. The cover is very sturdy and the lockable latching system holds it securely in place without the need for any thumbscrews.


Aspire X-Cruiser (cont’d) DynaPower F3323 (cont’d)
PRINT THIS ARTICLE
Comments Locked

48 Comments

View All Comments

  • Phantronius - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link

    My P180 is the last case I'll ever buy. I love you Antec!!!

  • leviathan19 - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link

    the 1200 is deeper yes but is still mid tower class it fixes the psu problems and more space is always better for work with it

  • Zepper - Friday, September 9, 2005 - link

    Re. cases that come with PSUs. Either rate the PSU too or deduct the portion of the price that the PSU represents from the case price so you are comparing apples to apples price wise.
    . And I don't care for the looks of a lot of the cases on the market either. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My case is a Silverstone Berserker which many think is fugly...

    .bh.

  • kmmatney - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    I don't see why people make such a big deal out of aluminum cases. In my experience, they are flimsier and louder than steal cases, and more prone to rattle. I don't see why anyone would pay so much money for one...

  • at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    DRTFA yet, so forgive me if its been covered

    You guys have any leads on cases with more fans?

    with the new VGA's and CPU's i think a cooler case than a cooler-looking case is a better investment..

    any pointers people?

  • johnsonx - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    RTFA, and no forgiveness for you!

    The Antec P180 is a quiet cooling dream I think. I looked at one on display over at Fry's and just about wet myself. Then I looked at the price tag and decided to stick with my old, free, boring, beige case. But if the price is no objection, I can't imagine purchasing anything else.

  • at80eighty - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    thanx mate! the p180 looks pretty sweet! the price is OK (just about) for me :)

    plus it doesnt have that HEY LOOK AT ME IM AN ATTENTION WHORE!!! look.

    /hope this case shows up in my part of the world :-(

  • Cygni - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    I saw one case that i would even consider putting next to my desk.

    If you are supporting the case mfts making these hideous beasts by buying them, i personally hate you.

  • leviathan19 - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    why they used this one the 1200 is a better version and fix the psu problem...

    there is missing the pc75b and the TT shark those are nice cases too

  • OvErHeAtInG - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link

    The 1200 is much deeper, for extended-atx boards I think. Definitely not something I would get except for a big duallie rig.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.
BENCH
TOPICS
FOLLOW
ABOUT

Log in

Don't have an account? Sign up now