|
Aluminum
has always been one of the prime elements used in all
kinds of computer products. Having many uses from heatsinks
to use in central processing unit cores, aluminum has
a broad range of uses. However, aluminum hasn't been used
very much in computer cases until recently. It seems that
the stylish look, and lightweight (not to mention heat
dissipation capabilities) of aluminum has made is a prime
candidate for ATX (and even laptop) computer cases.
Lian-Li
has been one of the only good manufacturers of consumer
grade aluminum cases for quite sometime. A lesser-known
company by the name of Skyhawk
Computer Group (based in Asia) has entered the market
with their own high end line of aluminum ATX cases. The
Al-ATX4381D-SL, which is the subject of this examination,
is priced at $140, and can also come in other colors since
the aluminum has been anodized*.
Specifications
These
specifications were taken right from the press literature
supplied with this case:
- Anodized*
aluminum alloy chassis
- All
aluminum case lowers the system internal temperature
- Lightweight
- almost half the weight of steel chassis
- Nonmagnetic
- protects components inside
- Corrosion
& Oxidation Resistance
- Thumbscrews
for covers
- CPU
Ventiduct - 8x8fan inside the ventiduct located right
above the CPU to directly vent the hot air from the
CPU
- Internal
Fan - Another 8x8 internal fan mounted on the supporting
arm helps to draw the air our to cool down the CPU &
Ram chips
-
Optional Intake Fan - 8x8 fan can be mounted on the
back of face plate to increase outside cold air intake
(our unit did not have this)
- Adjustable
Card Holder - four adjustable card holder mounted on
the supporting arm can hold the cards firmly in the
slots while systems are being shipped
- Front
Peripheral Access - USB ports, joystick port, audio
jacks, volume control, IEEE1394 port
- AMD
& Pentium 4 compatible 300W (330W surge) power supply
(no need for special adapters when using a Pentium 4)
- Colors:
Ivory, Black, Silver, Violet, and Gold
*Anodizing
is a type of electrolysis used to place a protective oxide
coating on metal. The metal acts as the anode (positive
pulse) of an electrolytic cell. Negatively charged oxide
ions pass through a solution called an electrolyte, and
oxidize the surface of the metal. Special treatments give
the metal a porous outside layer that can absorb dyes.
This makes it possible to produce colored surfaces that
cannot be rubbed or scratched.
Next
>>
|
