IMG_2602.JPG
I've begun work in the case. It's been years since I've been in a nice, big case like this. I've had 2 Shuttles as my last 2 PCs, which are like large bagel toasters, and have a single 2-fold, 3-side shell that slides over the top, and both sides. Before those, I was on the bizarre SGI/NT 320, which only had 1 removable side, and was all curvy, and in the way. Before that, it was a PowerMac 6400 (IIRC), and I rarely went inside that one. It wasn't easy when I did, though. It was all a very tight fit, and even the panel was a massive fight to remove. I recall drilling something like 6 holes in the top, because nothing would allow me to pry the top off. It was pressure fit too tightly.
This case gives me options, though. I can remove the front, either side, and top, all separately, and very easily, with thumbscrews, and I have so much access. I can almost climb inside. And it's going to be necessary. Already there are wires coming in from all angles for LEDs, built-in USB/1394/audio jacks, and 4 case fans: top, back (CPU), front (HDDs), and one I removed that will be visible later, which blocks much of the open area in front of the PCI slots.
IMG_2602.JPG
I've begun work in the case. It's been years since I've been in a nice, big case like this. I've had 2 Shuttles as my last 2 PCs, which are like large bagel toasters, and have a single 2-fold, 3-side shell that slides over the top, and both sides. Before those, I was on the bizarre SGI/NT 320, which only had 1 removable side, and was all curvy, and in the way. Before that, it was a PowerMac 6400 (IIRC), and I rarely went inside that one. It wasn't easy when I did, though. It was all a very tight fit, and even the panel was a massive fight to remove. I recall drilling something like 6 holes in the top, because nothing would allow me to pry the top off. It was pressure fit too tightly.
This case gives me options, though. I can remove the front, either side, and top, all separately, and very easily, with thumbscrews, and I have so much access. I can almost climb inside. And it's going to be necessary. Already there are wires coming in from all angles for LEDs, built-in USB/1394/audio jacks, and 4 case fans: top, back (CPU), front (HDDs), and one I removed that will be visible later, which blocks much of the open area in front of the PCI slots.