Chieftec / Chenming - Black Dragon Full Tower Case

Author : Wayne Date : February 12th 2002

3DVelocity would like to thank Pete over at Overclock.co.uk for providing this case for review.

 

A Closer Look :

In addition to adding a little style, the front lower fascia is designed to offer impressive ventilation without being visible as a gaping hole. Looking at the front grill from a lower angle reveals just how much capacity there is for air to be drawn in unrestricted, an important feature as well discover when we take a look at the drive cages that sit right behind this grill.

 

Moving on to the back of the case gives an idea how much effort Chieftec have put into the cooling side of the design. Those two rear fan grills are impressive and should make for excellent airflow while at the same time keeping out stray objects like fingers and cables. As you can see, this case comes without a power supply which at one time was something I'd have griped about, but with the demands placed on the power supply increasing I'm now of the opinion that it's safer and wiser to specify your own power supply rather than hope the one supplied is worth having. Overclock do a good range of power supplies including a decent 340watt Chieftec unit for a more than reasonable £26.44 inc VAT.

Above the opening for the power supply is a vent for an additional 92mm fan or alternatively you can purchase a plate that allows for the fitting of a second power supply. I should mention that no case fans are supplied with this particular model which was a shame, but again these are available at the time of ordering. This aside, the back features the usual 7 expansion card slots and a colour coded I/O plate.

Another great feature of this and other Chieftec/Antec performance series cases is the quick release side panel. A side panel this size would probably need at least three or four screws to keep it firmly in place so to be able to remove the whole slab with a single pull on the release handle is a great advantage.

The handle itself also locks which not only stops removal of the side panel, it also stops removal of the front fascia which, as I mentioned earlier, can't be released with the side panel in place. As you'd expect with a side panel this size, it does flex a little once removed but considering its size and the fact that there's no structural braces on the back of it it remains surprisingly strong, testament to the thickness of the steel used. Notice also the vent design in the above picture, adding yet again to this case's ability to "breathe".

 

Okay, so that's the external features pretty much covered, let's open her up and step inside.

Page 4 - Internal design

 

Home