Super Flower X-Mask: Mild-Mannered or Superhero?
by Purav Sanghani on May 20, 2004 12:05 PM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Internal Design
When we opened up the X-Mask and took a look at the inside, we were reminded of the Lian Li PC-6070. Though made of steel, the X-Mask was designed almost exactly like the PC-6070.
Click to enlarge.
The X-Mask uses a removable carriage for HDD applications and is held in place by 3 thumbscrews. Unlike the Lian Li carriage, Super Flower designed the X-Mask's drive carriage to hold 4 HDDs mounted horizontally instead of Lian Li's 5 HDD capacity mounted vertically.
Click to enlarge.
Still, the X-Mask has plenty of room for drive expandability. The case can hold three more 3-1/2" drives along with four 5-1/4" drives. Drive rails are provided for the larger 5-1/4" drives, but are not completely tool-less.
To install the drive rails, they need to be screwed onto the drives using one screw for each rail. Though not the best, it is not a major flaw in the X-Mask's design. The screw-in method is also an option for those who prefer not to use drive rails.
The add-on card slots also utilize the screw-in method. Screws have been provided for all applications, including drive and motherboard installations.
Click to enlarge.
Wiring for the front panel LEDs and auxiliary ports have been cut to allow plenty of slack. We have seen many cases that have made use of wiring that would be short for many standard uses, making it difficult with which to work.
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Gromis - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Have to agree with #2 here, enough with the crap-ass, ugly, expensive, NOISY cases. Bring some publicity to actually functional offerings - take CompuCase LX-6A19 for example, or one of it's many clones such as Antec SLK3700AMB. I mean, who in their right mind would put a system with 5 80mm case fans in addition to CPU, GPU and PSU fans on their desk? The only case I can think of, is someone completely stone deaf, and therefore unconcerned about the roar all the fans are making.CitizenKain - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Yikes, I wouldn't wish that case on my worst enemy. That Raidmax you linked to is almost as bad. Sticking a bunch of plastic on an Antec 1000 series doesn't make a attractive case.jrphoenix - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Purav,Good review, very thorough! I wouldn't buy this case (not my favorite design) but, good reveiw none the less.
Keep reviewing the pre-mod cases... the comments from those above make me laugh :) So "affected" because they aren't seeing their desired beige or silver box (and I do mean "box").
If you are taking requests for reviews.... I would like to see another review of an Opus Technologies case: http://www.opustek.com/main/product/case/case_list...
The terminator has a very unique cooling design that I would like to hear more about (the last Opus case looked solid)
or
http://raidmax.com/products/products_display.php?p...
Silver color :) This case was originally designed almost identical to the Alienware case before they were sued (you can still see the shape of the alienware under the moldings). Supposedly directron is going to be selling the case for $150+ (I want to know why so much, what's so special).
Good job!
araczynski - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
I agree that its not something for me either, but I think only becuase the spider design looks too 'analog', i think if it was a big rougher around the edges, perhaps more mechanized in appearance, little meaner, perhaps even tribal, in general the look most modders seem to strive for today, then it would have looked more appealing, but as it stands it seems more childish then anything, but hey, if you're a spiderman fan, i'm sure you're drooling, so who knows.Phiro - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
OK, even I agree it's not that great.The "placement" of the HD led irritates me - it indicates some jackass marketing flack took a normal case and said "hey let's put a spider-esque print on the front, snap in a custom light and call it a spiderman case!
Novaoblivion - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
All I can say is that is the uglyest case ever.nastyemu25 - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
heinousif someone i knew had this case i'd push them over and stomp on their throat
Gunbuster - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
The "mask" looks more like Strongbad than Spider ManPollock - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
Who would honestly base a case on Spiderman?Operandi - Friday, May 21, 2004 - link
#1IDK, that guardian thing they reviewed awhile back gives it a run for its money.
Seriously though, enough with the sh!ty cases already. I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say nobody wants to read reviews on cases like that.