Introduction

Quick Look
MGE Sidewinder The Good
+ Side panel audio/USB/FireWire
+ Four 5-1/4" drive bays
+ Six 3-1/2" drive bays (2 exposed)
+ Up to 5 case fans
The Bad
- No tool-less features
- Flimsy plastic bezel
- Sharp edges

We have seen many factory-modified cases in the past, some which needed some work while others were done right and appealed to its target consumers. A US-based company called MGE, or Manufacturer of Great Electronics, has taken modding to the next level with its subsidiary, Extreme Gamer.

Extreme Gamer, or XG, takes MGE's base chassis designs and adds moldings, paints, and various other mods that are aimed at the hardcore gaming crowd.

Before we dig in and get our hands dirty, here's a bit of information on MGE. Opening its doors in 1990, MGE began designing and manufacturing computer cases, but they looked to expand into markets such as power supplies and CPU heatsink fans to complement its main product. This is where the XG name developed as MGE, aimed to please its customers with new and innovative designs that would both peak in performance as well as catch eyes. Currently, MGE designs and manufactures a wide range of cases as well as modified cases, power supplies, and CPU heatsink fans in its XG line of products.

MGE recently sent us a sample of their XG Sidewinder chassis, which has been on the market for some time. We continue to look at its features and perform our usual thermal and sound benchmarks as well as compare it to past cases that we have looked at. Take a look to see where we put the Sidewinder on our charts.

More information is available on the Sidewinder at MGE's Extreme Gamer website.

External Design
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  • ciwell - Monday, October 18, 2004 - link

    #11, then you would be working for ANTEC. :D
  • LoneWolf15 - Monday, October 18, 2004 - link

    I'm starting to think I should go into case design. All I'd have to do would be to make tasteful cases that actually cater to the people who build their own computers, as it appears few manufacturers are actually doing this, including this one. How about designing something with reasonable expansion, front mounted ports, a few mounts for large fans that move lots of air at lower noise levels, out of solid materials, with a modest look but easy to mod later? No aliens, no snakes, no naked chick truck mudflap logos...function first, with just enough basic form to be appealing.
  • ciwell - Monday, October 18, 2004 - link

    Good review...I think the last sentence in it says it all.
  • Operandi - Sunday, October 17, 2004 - link

    #8 Hmmmmm... Put a $90 PSU in a $4.99 case that seems like a likely scenario.....
  • shabby - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link

    #7 the funny part is that they didnt even use the psu that came with the case, they used an ocz one, check page 8 lol
  • Gundamit - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link

    #6 - What's really revolting is the 17A on the 12V rail. Get it? "Re-Volting" It like a ... oh nevermind.
  • diehlr - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link

    Someone please give these case designers a clue. These cases with gaudy X's and tacky colored plastic are asthetically revolting.
  • stephenbrooks - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link

    LOL @ #3

    I stared deeply into the chromed button and could only see a couple of black chairs in a white office, though, one with someone's coat hanging on it. Which page were you on?
  • Myrandex - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link

    I am actually glad they reviewed it, because I was considering purchasing it for a computer I am gonna build soon (saw it for sale @ directron). Haven't made up my mind yet, but yea I am glad they reviewed it.
    Jason
  • Budman - Saturday, October 16, 2004 - link

    I can see a reflection of the reviewer in the chromed button. :)

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