Overclock3D.Net :: Print Page :: OrigenAE X10 HTPC Case

The box its self has the OrigenAE logo's displayed on the front and sides, along with a sticker informing the user exactly what model is inside. Here we can see that I have received the silver version of the X10.

Also displayed on the box are some of the basic specs of the case, including: Full ATX PSU and Motherboard support, all Aluminium construction and firewire/usb/audio front ports.

The case and remote control are kept in pristine condition by large plastic bags. It is worth noting that the remote control is supplied with 2xAA batteries. Not your usual cheap batteries either, but Philips, which should give you a good few months usage.

The X10 has a very simplistic design, which should not clash with any other audio/video components in your HTPC setup. The entire case is constructed entirely out of brushed aluminium and has a very high quality feel and finish.

OrigenAE have made every effort to make sure the lid on the X10 does not vibrate and also blocks out as much noise as possible. The underside of the lid is sealed with a thin layer of sponge, which also makes the removal of the lid smoother.

The quality of craftsmanship that has gone into the X10 is clear just by taking a look at the join between the lid and base, it's simply flawless.

Hidden behind an aluminium plate at the front of the case are 2x USB Ports, 1x Firewire, Line In/Out ports and space for a floppy disk drive. It's surprising how many HTPC case manufacturers neglect to provide a space for a floppy disk drive, which despite its fading uses, is still often used for SATA/RAID drivers and BIOS flashing.

A feature seen on almost all HTPC cases is an LCD display, which I am please to say OrigenAE have not neglected to include. However, OrigenAE have actually gone one step further, and rather than using LCD technology, have used VFD (Vacuum fluorescent display). VFD is known for being brighter, and clearer than its LCD counterpart.

OrigenAE have attempted to solve this issue by including 2x60mm 3-pin fans to extract the hot air out of the back of the case. These fans are manufactured by JAA Technology, and rather than being your average ball/brush style fan, are in fact "Nano Ceramic". Unfortunately I was unable to find any information on these fans, but I must say that they operate very quietly.

Also included is a 80mm 4-pin fan situated in the power supply duct along the left side of the case. I would imagine that this has been included, not only to remove hot air from components such as the motherboard, but also to help the flow of hot air from the power supply exit the case.

Also included on the bottom case are two vents. The larger of the two (on the left) allows for a fresh supply of air to be sucked in by the power supply. The smaller vents on the right are directly below the hard disk cage and should aid in keeping your hard disks cool during heavy usage.

The X10 comes with almost everything needed to get you started. As expected with any case, you received the necessary screws and motherboard mounts. Also included is a 24-pin to 24-pin ATX lead, which is required in order to power the VFD display.

In order for your installed CD/DVD drive not to stick out like a sore thumb, OrigenAE have included a brushed aluminium DVD face plate which can be affixed to the front of your drive using the included sticky pad. While we are on the subject of CD's it is worth noting that OrigenAE do not provide a driver disk in with the case (for installing VFD and remote control), however, all software is available on their website.

The most exciting part of the accessories package by far is the remote control. Styled in a way that will easily fit in with the rest of the controllers in your household, the controller has buttons for every task that you'd normally use your DVD/TV controller for, plus more. It would have been nice to see the controller in some kind of brushed aluminium casing, but i'd imagine that the manufacture costs of such a unit would be quite high.