ThermalRock Eclipse (cont'd)
Instead of immediately jumping inside the case, we're going to show just a couple more pictures showing off the side of the Eclipse, as it uses a pretty uniquely-shaped window that really adds to the overall look of the chassis.
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All too often, windows on cases are too limiting on what one can see in our opinion, but the Eclipse's side really doesn't suffer from this same shortcoming. Along with giving a great view of the internals, black rivets line the window and an embossed logo also sits there.
As nice as the included "hand screws" are, they aren't even needed to secure the side panel of the Eclipse, since it is also latched at the top and bottom. Just like ThermalTake cases, the side panel of this case removes and attaches so easily that it makes one wonder why they're so clumsy on most cases.
Click to enlarge.
Looking towards the front, this is what we're left with after removing most of the components from the chassis. The large fan in front will help to keep the hard drives cool, and slightly below that is a holding place for the included accessories box.
Click to enlarge.
To get a feel for how the Eclipse holds the other internals, here's a shot of the two main removable cages.
Click to enlarge.
Like the Sonata, this case uses rubber grommets to isolate vibrations from the drives, but unlike the Antec case, these grommets are on the sides of each drive. In the following picture, one can even see how this simple tool-free design can still be very effective at reducing noise.
Once the 3½” drives are installed into their respective cages, they slide along rails until they latch securely into place, with the external cage sliding towards the front and the hard drive cage sliding in from the side.
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Quanticles - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
$200 for a case really isnt that bad when you're paying $400 for a GPU, $300 or more for a CPU, $200 on memory, etc etc etc. If you're building a budget system, then of course this would be a horrible buy. But if you're building a nice system, then you might want a nice case. I have a black v1000 w/ window and it looks great, and was great to work with. As far as noise, I have 4 120mm fans in here, but the system is nearly silent with the help of a cheap sunbeam rheobus.OvErHeAtInG - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Exactly. Check out the V1100 , it comes with sound-damping precautions. I'm a 3-year user of the PC60 (old kind before they changed it) and I still love it. Yes, a little loud, but hey. Drooling on the V1100.flatblastard - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
...to only include one fan with their best-looking case. Then the P-180 comes with 3 fans, more features/functionality and doesn't really cost that much more than the sonata. I guess the Sonata is the better value overall considering the included PSU but damn that P-180 doesn't look too shabby either. Dang ole decisions, decisions...man, i tell ya whut....man, dang ole Antec man.swtethan - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
made the right choice buying one :-)imaheadcase - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Because half of those cases just screamed "Burn me in the nearest fire!". lolI mean seriously, why do case manufactors make these crap cases, I would rather have a plain beige case than something made with freakin lights all on the outside covered with cheap plastic peices. Not to mention looks like they had there 3 year olds draw out the designs on ourside.
I don't care care if its the best case in the world inside, if its ass on the outside im not buying it. I can get the same thing in beige..hehe
Some of those look ok though..except.
1. Aspire: Oh please tell there designers to stop asking there 3 year old kids to do there work for them. This case screams crapplastic. it would prob melt if your coffee was to close..
2. Dynapower: This one does not look half bad, the drive bays could use a all black cover or a matching grill cover.
3. Sunbeam: Pretty cool looking case. Remove the lame blue circles though, all the stuff you can do when on the PC, who is going to glance at that anyways when most are on the floor or out of the way.
4.coolmaster: What would make it cool is without the pillars of salt on the side...hehe Remove those it would look sweet.
5. Both Antec cases: Looks good to me. Antec seems to make some nice cases in the budget area.
6. ThermalRock: What in gods name is that red circle for? That ruined the front of case, without that red circle it would look good.
7. Lian Li: Ohhhh Ahhhh! me likey alot.
Bonesdad - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Gotta agree on the Coolermaster case...I got the Centurion 5 last year...glad I didn't wait. The older Centurion 5 is a really nice looking, well made case that looks like it was made for someone with a level of maturity over 16 years old. I can see using this case for many years to come...manno - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
you're not kidding out of all those cases the only ones I would touch with a 10' foot pole were the Antech's, and the Lian Li. For the love of god stop putting side windows on your cases it's drinking beer with a straw tacky.Tamale - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
a LOT of people still look for windows on the side - it's still a fad that's 'catching on' to most people.Quanticles - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I have a window so I can check my watercooling easier. Besides, they look cool.ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
no, they look dorktastic.