Introduction
At first look, Xoxide’s Xoxide Z-40 Insight case is nice and is a bargain for a basic pre-mod computer case. The window is fairly big but still gives you enough room to get most of your cables out of the middle of the case.
In my opinion, there is nothing more ugly than a case with cables and power wires hanging everywhere. Since you can see right inside this case, your handy work can be admired by the world, thus making a clean interior a MUST!
The first thing I noticed was Xoxide’s own case badge.
It looks nice and professional, but I wanted to use my own case badge. Luckily Xoxide included an additional case badge insert to allow you to add your own.
The insert was the type that allows you to add a light source to the backside of the insert.
Having two case badge inserts is a plus! Since Xoxide was kind enough to send the case out for review, I decided to stick with their case badge... for a while... then I pulled out the handy dandy Monster-Hardware case badge.
Specifications
This is your generic, run of the mill, standard ATX case.
- Dimensions (WxHxD) : 200x430x400mm
- Non-removable motherboard tray
- 4 5&1/4" exterior drive bays
- 4 3&1/2" drive bays (2 interior & 2 exterior)
- 7 slots for expansion cards
- 2 80mm Dynatron 23CFM fans (one intake, one exhaust)
- No power supply - (box stated a 300w was included)
- Very nice pre-fab window installed
Test System
Fic AZ11-E
800 MHZ AMD Tbird
20 Gig Samsung Hard Drive
10X Pioneer DVD
Mitsumi Floppy Drive
EVGA Ge-Force 2 MX
D-Link Nic
Case Internals
This case is a standard ATX case with one fan shroud on the front for air intake which Xoxide included a 80mm 23cfm Dynatron fan. Behind the fan shroud is the system speaker, which is on the floor of the case. The motherboard tray is not removable but there is adequate room to install your motherboard with out removing any of your drives, although if you have a full ATX motherboard, the case will feel just a little cramped. I usually take out the power supply of my machines to make it easier when installing a motherboard. Since there was no power supply, I did not have any problems getting the motherboard installed. I prefer a removable motherboard tray, however the fixed tray prevents possible vibration areas, which is a plus. This case does have another 80mm 23cfm Dynatron fan mounted on the back of the case for heat exhaust.
My Thoughts
My first thought was "Where’s the Xtreme Xoxide cooling?" For moderate processors the airflow would be adequate, but for high end or dual systems the airflow is insufficient. I was planning on installing my dual AMD MP 2000+ in this case, but since there is only 1 fan shroud and absolutely no holes/vents/grills on the front bezel, I decided against it. There is a stark contrast in airflow design between the Xoxide case and my current Chieftec case. I find the cooling options superior with Chieftec. In order to install my dual system in to the Xoxide case, I would have to mod the case to allow 2 80mm case fans for air intake, add some vent holes/grills on the front bezel, and possibly add a drive bay fan to bring in additional cool air. There were vent holes near the bottom the sides of the case, but none near the top.
Additional vents at the top would aid in cooling the case, but would probably increase the audible noise pollution generated by the pc’s internals. This case, like all others I have seen, also has many pre-cut holes ready to be knocked out for use with additional COM ports, LPT ports, SCSI ports etc. none of which most pc users actually use anymore.
I would prefer replacing all those pre-cut holes with an extra exhaust fan, or a larger case fan. Most cases come with 80mm fans. The space that the unused holes occupy could be used for a 92mm or 120mm fan which would greatly enhance the airflow potential. This would be especially useful with today’s hotter running components and you would not have to tolerate the noise of a high cfm fan.
On a positive note I found the vast majority of the case metal has been rounded. There were a few sharp spots but over all it was easy to work with.
The absolute worst cut I have ever had was from a case that did not have rounded edges. The knuckle on my left index finger is still numb a year after slicing it open.
All things considered, this is a great case for someone just starting to get into the modding scene, and is a real bargain. My AMD Tbird 800 feels right at home with the window shade up. Incidentally, the light you see in the final pics below is an LED Keychain from photonlight, not from Xoxide’s site.The Xoxide Z-40 is a fun case to have. It is a blast to see the internals of the pc without having to open the box. I would recommend this case to my friends only if they were installing an older processor. Due to the mediocre ventilation, I would hesitate in installing the latest and greatest of processors. I know many enthusiasts remove the stock fans and replace them with higher cfm fans which may solve the poor airflow problem. But all things considered, I would purchase this case to use with a few of my systems and especially to use for LAN parties.
Pros:
- Pre-Installed Window
- Bargain Price
- Nice Basic Design
- Replaceable Case Badge
- Plenty of Drive Bays
- Rounded Metal Edges
Cons:
- Mediocre Ventilation for High End Systems
- No Removable Motherboard Tray
- Cramped for full size ATX motherboards
I would like to thank XOXIDE from providing us with this case for review. This case currently sells at XOXIDE for 50 bucks.
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