Overclock3D.Net :: Print Page :: OrigenAE X15e HTPC ATX Case

Keeping it nice and simple, OrigenAE have printed their logo on the top and sides of the box. To let you know what's contained inside OrigenAE have placed a sticker on the top of the box. From the images above we can see that I've been sent the black version of the X15e.

Also included on the side of the box is a specification sticker, which gives you some of the basic information about the case. Here we can see that the X15e has a 7" Touchscreen display, Full ATX motherboard and PSU support and an all Aluminium construction amongst other things.

Something that's not shown in the pictures above is the protective polystyrene layer that covers the front of the case. This prevents any harm from coming to the LCD display during transit.

Typical English summer time weather was clearly in effect during the photo shoot, with half of the images looking under-exposed as the sun hid behind the clouds.

OrigenAE have placed the X15e inside a plastic bag, and have also gone to the extra trouble of protecting the LCD screen with a plastic cover. Hopefully this should ensure that no nasty scratches find their way on to your purchase.

Exquisite contemporary design coupled with an all aluminium construction, and the introduction for the first time in a HTPC chassis of an integrated 7" TFT touch screen Origen AE brings you, what has already become, a design classic and one of the most sort after pc chassis in the marketplace today."

- 7" TFT touch screen display
- 8mm aluminium front face plate
- 2x 80mm exhaust fans
- Front usb, audio and firewire ports
- Matched cd/dvd drive bezel
- Blue illuminated power button
- Vibration isolation grommets
- MCE compatible IR module
- Support for 3 hard drives

The first thing I noticed about the X15e (apart from the huge 7" LCD) was the quality of 'brushing' on the aluminium. In comparison with other brushed aluminium cases (including the X10), the X15e has much deeper and defined brushing. This gives the case a very high quality feel, but also tends to pick up (and retain) dust and other marks very easily.

Its great to see that the same high level of workmanship has gone into ensuring that the case lid fits perfectly with the rest of the case as previously seen on the X10.

Looking inside the X15e, we can see that the same level of craftsmanship has been continued throughout. The internals of the X15e, including items such as the hard disk cage are all in brushed aluminium, which shows OrigenAE's dedication to the finer details.

The layout of the X15e is very similar to that of a standard PC tower case (just laid flat). This is a great bonus, as just about every component you can fit inside an ordinary PC case should also fit inside the X15e.

Improving on the noise dampening features of the X10, the X15e provides rubber grommets for all Hard Disk / DVD drive mounting bays and foam pads to further dampen the vibration of the hard disks.

Possibly the greatest feature of the X15e is its drool-worthy 7" touch screen LCD. Powered by 12v using a molex connector directly from your power supply, the LCD is very easy to get up and running with little effort.

In order to send the picture from your graphics card to the display, you need to use the included loop-back VGA cable, which connects directly between your graphics card VGA (D-Style) output and the input on the lower PCI bracket at the back of the case.

The quality of the display is excellent, running at a maximum resolution of 1024x768. All aspects of the display can be changed using the OCD (on screen display), accessible by simply pressing the relevant button on the front of the case.

Unfortunately, I was unable to test some of the more advanced features of the display (such as the touch screen and remote control) as these required for a working PC system to be installed inside the of the case.

The main cooling capabilities of the X15e come from the two 80mm JAA Technology "Nano Ceramic" fans installed at the back of the case. These fans are very similar in specification to those installed on the X10 case, but rather than having 3-pin motherboard connectors, have 4-pin molex connectors. This is rather a puzzling change made by OrigenAE, as 3-pin fans have the advantage of being speed controlled by most motherboards.

Unfortunately I was unable to find the exact specifications of these fans, but I must say that they operate very quietly.

Taking a look underneath the X15e we can see two large ventilated areas. The vents on the left side of the case are responsible for cooling the hard disk cage, which is also actively cooled by an 80mm JAA Technology fan. The vents located on the right side of the case are responsible for providing fresh air to the power supply, which is installed nearby.

Moving on to the accessories included with the X15e, we can see that it comes with two remote controls. The smaller of the two remotes is bundled as part of the LCD screen and is capable of performing all of the functions present on the LCD display. Also included is a small plastic pen for use on the touchscreen so that you don't get any mucky fingerprints on it.

The larger remote is exactly the same model included with the X10, and is capable of controlling all aspects of TV/DVD functionality on your HTPC. You will however need to download the drivers from OrigenAE's website, as no driver disk is included.

OrigenAE have included the necessary cables to get the LCD display up and running. The installation is very simple, only requiring the VGA cable above to be connected between the VGA output on your graphics card, and the VGA input bracket at the back of the case.

To prevent your beige DVD drive from sticking 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 provided sticky pad.

As you'd expect, a large bag of screws along with some cable tidies has also been provided.