A+ Case El Diablo ATX Case
Internals
Published: 17th November 2007 | Source: Nanopoint | Price: £75 |
El Diablo 'Uncovered'
If I was reviewing a case with a standard 120mm intake fan located at the base of the case front then the orientation of the HDD drive bay may have concerned me. But, given the size of the intake fan fitted to El Diablo this is not such a concern because the fan is able to shift air at an astonishing rate. The case also includes a PSU support rail, with many powerful systems running sizeable 1kw PSUs this feature is essential. If the case did not have this fitted you would run the risk of stripping the threads of the PSU mounting screws - this would have a damaging consequence. I also like the channelling in the motherboard tray, this should allow easy routing of the top panel's I/O cables to the headers which are normally situated towards the lower edge of a motherboard.
As shown below and noted in the specifications, all 3.5inch and 5.25inch drives can be mounted without the use of tools, thus speeding up the install. The tool-less drive rail mounts are also stored out of the way, this is a handy feature (there's nothing worse than scrabbling around for components which arrived with a case that was bought 6 months ago!!).
Another thoughtful feature can be seen below, the case's rear panel has been pre-cut with holes (which need to be popped out before use) which will allow the user to run tubing to an externally mounted radiator. The tool-less retention brackets can also be seen in this image, again, for ease of install these are great but I would question longevity if you're likely to be adding and removing PCI and PCI-Express cards on a regular basis. Note, the case is not shipped with a 120mm exhaust fan, which to be honest, with the amount of airflow this case is capable of I doubt that will cause an issue!!
Fans
Sizeable intake fans = increased airflow....but, there is another point which we've yet to touch upon - Dust. You'll note that the front intake fan shown below does not have a dust filter.
The side panel intake fan is clearly going to add to the problem, no sign of a filter here either. Though this image does show the duct which allows the air to pass from the intake fan on the front panel, into the main compartment without having to negotiate the HDD cage.
Now we're familiar with the case internals lets move on to the testing on the next page...
Most Recent Comments
If you like your case to have a presence, take a look here because this case has it in spades!
Nice job dude. Looks like a solid case.
Just if they'd made it out of alu!
Gratz on the 1st review too
Just if they'd made it out of alu!
Gratz on the 1st review too
not a case i'd personally go for
but good job on reviewing it, made a good read
but good job on reviewing it, made a good read
Case is quite ugly, good if your a fan freak though
Quote:
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Originally Posted by name='Ham'
Nice job dude. Looks like a solid case.
Just if they'd made it out of alu! Gratz on the 1st review too |
What a stellar effort on your first review mate. You covered all of the main features/cons and provided good images to reinforce them. Well done ...keep up the great work.
The case actually looks interesting, and those larger fans seem to keep things well cooled. I'm a sucker for an aluminium case, but the steel used here is reflected in the price.
The case actually looks interesting, and those larger fans seem to keep things well cooled. I'm a sucker for an aluminium case, but the steel used here is reflected in the price.
Thanks for the feedback Peevles.
For the price the case has plenty to offer in terms of cooling features.
For the price the case has plenty to offer in terms of cooling features.
Good work mate, very nice first review there
Im still pretty undecided on the looks side of the case though
Im still pretty undecided on the looks side of the case though
My current short list for buying a case is either the el diablo or the NZXT blackline in blue. Any preferences people?
Oh, and im afraid you didnt note that the door is on the left, major irritation, and by the looks, only open 90 degrees.
Oh, and im afraid you didnt note that the door is on the left, major irritation, and by the looks, only open 90 degrees.
Lo matey...hope you enjoyed reading the review
Yes, the door opens up to 180° degrees...I think the image which depicts the case with the door open shows that the hinge is on the left-hand side...
Tough decision tbh as I've not seen a NZXT case in the flesh....I hope the review helps you to make your mind up either way.
Yes, the door opens up to 180° degrees...I think the image which depicts the case with the door open shows that the hinge is on the left-hand side...
Tough decision tbh as I've not seen a NZXT case in the flesh....I hope the review helps you to make your mind up either way.
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