Introduction

Our first look at an MGE case was the Sidewinder in their Xtreme Gamer line of gaming chassis. For about $57, at the time of publication of this article, we can get a case with a few modifications like a side panel window, a few LED fans to light things up, a high gloss paint finish, and an optional power supply from MGE. This is not a bad deal for those seeking a simple steel case with a few custom modifications to add some glamour to their desktops.

Some, however, look at these factory modifications and make their decisions based on only the modifications instead of the overall quality of the chassis. We should always look at a product as a whole to make decisions on what to buy.

We have had a chance recently to look at another gaming chassis from MGE's XGbox division, the Viper. We opened the box and found a case heavily modified with a custom paint job, custom molded bezel and many other features. Take a look at some of the pros and cons of the Viper.


MGE Viper
The Good
+ Integrated backlit LCD temperature display
+ Included Vigor 450W power supply
+ Clean construction, no sharp edges
The Bad
- Lack of tool-less features
- External visuals may not appeal to some
- Power/HDD LED location

As we get ready to dig deeper into the Viper, we must keep in mind that looks aren't everything, as we hope everyone understands, and that you wait to make a decision until the end of this review, after we have checked out all of the Viper's features and functions in detail.

More information is available on the Viper at MGE's XGbox website.
External Design
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  • k2bordr03 - Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - link

    i must say that your reasoning for discarding this case as it being ugly is based on personal preferences. if you dont like it soooo much why did you bother looking, bought this case and i love it. get compliments like crazy at lan parties and you dont have to like it, but someone else might. you guys are too critical, you probably all own kias.
  • Hunter Viking - Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - link

    I just got mine. I think the case looks cool. All the beige cases or even the new beige,,, black, been looking at them for years. I wanted something a little different then all the same ol same ol. And I am pushing 40 so take that:)
    Thanks Anandtech for reviewing something a little different. I can't stand having everything look plain all of the time. Case is stong enough for my SLI setup and quiet enough to be ignored when I am across the room. The lighting is not too bright without being obnoxious. I even added a UV light to brighten up the plastic.
    The only problem I have, other then the tooless case, is now I have to open the case and clean the dust bunnnies out more often.

    And the blue is more subdued then the red.
  • albinodragon - Tuesday, December 28, 2004 - link

    Personally I had just bought the blue version of the MGE Viper case and it hasn't arrived yet, but I am excited to upgrade my old PC using it!
  • Regs - Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - link

    I usually don't pay attention to cases such as these. However this one I couldnt help but to laugh at the design. Looks like a power ranger got shrink rapped around the casing.
  • unclebud - Tuesday, December 21, 2004 - link

    "Why is it most modder cases look like a 14 year old metal head design them?
    Diversity should not mean between a cobra and dragon. All these cases look like album covers from the 1980s."

    laughing really hard...
  • Gatak - Monday, December 20, 2004 - link

    Zak, these cases do sell. Lots of people like this kind of thing. No need to be rude. Better to write and say you would rather like something like the Hush cases to be reviewed. =)
  • Zak - Monday, December 20, 2004 - link

    Why do you people keep reviewing ugly, BUTT UGLY and useless cases??? This is a waste of time and not worth reading. Stick to reviewing the guts: mobos,cards, etc and leave this for someone else. You're obviosuly not getting it right.

    Zak
  • bigpow - Sunday, December 19, 2004 - link

    This will match well with a Pontiac Aztec...
    Woohoo!
  • crimsonson - Sunday, December 19, 2004 - link

    I have to agree,

    Why is it most modder cases look like a 14 year old metal head design them?

    Diversity should not mean betweena cobra and dragon. All these cases look like album covers from the 1980s.
  • Gatak - Sunday, December 19, 2004 - link

    This is what I want! :) http://www.hushtechnologies.net/start.html

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