3DVelocity would like to thank FrontX and especially Susan Lee for their help and courtesy in providing this kit for review.

Installation :

Fitting the FrontX really couldn't be much simpler. The case fastens in place using the four supplied screws just as any other drive would, though obviously it's shorter. If, like me, you need to use drive rails, then the unit does tend to feel less secure in place because you're only screw mounting through the end two holes on each side. This is one of the few situations where I'd have preferred to screw straight into the drive cage rather than use a quick release rail.

 

 

Below you can see the extra socket I mentioned that's on the headphone module. This bolts onto a pre-drilled hole in the supplied special blanking plate.

 

Here you can see the socket fixed onto the blanking plate. You may notice the blank is a little narrower than usual, and this is to allow a space through which the internal cables can pass.

 

Once the casing is fixed in place you then simply need to route the various cables through the innards of your system making sure they don't obstruct airflow and aren't likely to catch any of your fans and stop them rotating. Below you can see the back of the blanking plate in place with the cables feeding through the gap as visible from inside the case. A few strategically placed cable ties are pretty much essential to do this right.

 

And here's the external shot of the same. All the cables are moulded as flat ribbons helping to keep the whole appearance neat and clutter free.

And finally we have the finished result. The more observant of you may notice that the socket modules (or port holder) are a slightly different colour to the actual casing material. Here's what FrontX have to say about this :

Why is there a "mis-match" color between FRONTX Casing and Port Holders?
The earlier version of PC casings are in beige color. And most existing PCs are still in this color. That's why FRONTX Port Holders are beige to match with most casings. Recently we see a lot of new pc casings go for light gray. To make FRONTX match with "all" casings, we decided to make FRONTX Casing in light gray. We find that light gray and beige match very well. Most importantly, this "mis-match" color allows user to change FRONTX Casing in different color in the future, without having to change the FRONTX Ports.

Conclusion :

With a price of $25.90 for the basic kit shown, and the extra modules available for between $6.00 and $8.50, there's almost no good reason not to get one of these. For the sheer convenience of being able to plug in your USB camera, your game pad and your headphones without once having to resort to all fours the FrontX multimedia port kit should be right up at the top of your shopping list.

I have a few minor complaints, such as the fact that the identification symbols on each port are as good as invisible. Also, given the way case mods are taking off, the whole look of the FrontX is a little bland and uninspiring, particularly with the door shut. I understand form their website that FrontX did this deliberately so that the unit would look like just another blanking plate, but if that was all I wanted I wouldn't get a FrontX. Moods have changed, and a classy logo on the door in some eye-catching colour and perhaps a little chrome effect here and there would now go down much better if done tastefully. Maybe even a brushed Aluminium job for the Coolermaster and Lian Li owners!

I was going to start the wrap-up with the phrase "for the serious audio buff, the FontX is a must-have", but the reality is that anybody, serious audio buff or not, can benefit from fitting one of these. Late night gaming with headphones on, joysticks in cupboards rather than constantly connected and taking up desk space, digital cameras ready to plug straight in and go, USB memory cards, webcams, the list is as long as your imagination.

This is a solid, functional device that offers huge benefits for a small price, and with more and more devices appearing that use USB as their primary interface, front mounted ports are soon going to be almost statutory.

A little more styling would go a long way, but for what it sets out to do the FrontX is currently the only way to go.

A right to reply

This is a new feature we are introducing into all our future reviews. It's easy for us to sit and pick holes in a product, assuming we know why certain things were done the way they were, but it's only fair that the manufacturer gets the chance to defend themselves. In this section, you will see the manufacturer's replies to the points we raise, and decide for yourself if they're valid or not.

 

3DVelocity: With the door removed, a whole range of modules could be used such as rotary rheostats for cooling fan speed control and a variety of switches and LED's for the overclocker. Is this an area you're likely to develop?

FrontX: Infact, FRONTX is a new idea that promises to generate many other potential products. We will explore all possibilities and continue to develop new products for FRONTX in the near future. If you have any idea, please do not hesitate to send us your suggestion. We cannot commit when we will release these value-added products. Our priority now is to release all PC ports first. Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

3DVelocity: In terms of styling, the FrontX is neat and tidy but not exactly eye catching. With the changing mood towards case modifying, will you be offering slightly more inspired designs in the future?

FrontX: Yes, we will explore all possibilities. But we have to proceed step by step as the project progresses.

3DVelocity: The symbols on the individual ports are not too easy to see. I agree in time you'll instinctively remember what goes where, but would a simple coloured ring around each socket or something similar be a worthwhile step?

FrontX: The current design was decided in view of the size limitation and production cost consideration. The icons are quite standard for most CD-roms in the market. We are not sure if color code will be liked by major users. We welcome feedbacks from users, as it helps us to improve our product design in the future.