Tom's Hardware > All Reviews > Components > Cooling > Aspire's LAN Party Proud X-Qpack Case

Rating

06:00 - Friday 23 December 2005 by Siggy Moersch

Aspire X-Qpack BL-420
Weighting	Categories	Results achieved
20%	Equipment	85%
30%	Ergonomics	65%
10%	Value	65%
30%	Design	65%
10%	Service	75%
	Total results	70%

Technical Specifications

Vendor / Model	Aspire X-Qpack BL420
Internet Website	aspireusa.net
Price	£70
Cases
Form factor	Mini PC case
Weight	9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg
Dimensions (in / mm)	11.02" x 21.85" x 8.86" 280 x 555 x 225 mm
Case lock	none
Material	Aluminium / plastic
Magnetized	no
Opens using	thumbscrews
Case sensor (OPEN)	no
compatible motherboards	Micro ATX, Baby-AT
Motherboard on a tray	yes
Side panels	3 transparent windows
Display	yes
Fan controller	none
Drive bays
5.25"	2 x
3.5" (external)	1 x
3.5" (internal)	2 x
HD drive cage	yes
90 degree cage rotation	no
Slide-in drive rails	none
Expansion card slots	4 x
Front connectors
USB 2.0	2 x Type A
Firewire 1394a	1 x 6-pin
Audio	2 x
Other accessories	none
LEDs
Power	yes
HDD	yes
System fans
Mount points/cages for	built-in
pre-installed	1 x 120 mm
Fan speed cable	none
Vendor	Aspire
Dust filter	yes
Hard disk fans
Mount points/cages for	no
pre-installed	none
Fan speed cable	none
Vendor	no
Dust filter	no
Additional items included
Screws	yes
Stand-offs	yes
Miscellany	420 Watt PSU

Conclusion

The X-QPack's size and weight make it easy to take it to and from LAN parties. The dimensions of this compact cube are also laid out to accommodate MicroATX hardware in its surprisingly spacious interior. This aluminium case weighs only 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) empty, yet can hold up to five drives - which, of course, drive up the unit's total weight substantially. In turn, this requires exercising some caution when using the built-in but flimsy carrying handle, which impresses neither with its strength nor its rigidity. You can, however, stuff this case with lots of hardware. Its three display windows on the sides and top make it easy to see what is inside. This should appeal to case modders and those who want to show off their lighting effects and wares on the inside. The (roughly) £70 price tag also includes a 420-Watt built-in power supply.