ATCS
More mini-iTX goodies could be found on the ATCs stand - in the form of two new cases: The 11SP - which has been deliberately styled to look like a piece of Hi-Fi equipment. (Not your cheap mini system stuff, but real Hi-Fi stuff like the big amps from Denon & Pioneer etc!). This magnificent case, has a really think aluminum billet front plate, with stealthed CD Rom drive & front I/O bays. When you push to open, the front cover glides slowly down. This case has a real feel of quality.
A quick peek inside revealed plenty of room to house a mini-iTX motherboard, 3.5" hard drive and full sized CD ROM drive.
The unit will have a 150W PSU and I was somewhat alarmed that there was an additional rear case fan and another fan inside the case for moving air around. I voiced my dismay and pointed out that people buy mini-iTX for quietness. After a quick discussion, it was decided that they would pay attention to these comments and look at junking the two additional fans and fitting something nice and quiet in the PSU.
When we get ours for review, I hope to find it is very quiet! Under the lower flap you'll find USB, 1394, line-in and audio out ports.
Now we come to the smaller 10SP case. Again, this is designed for mini-iTX. It too has a billet front fascia and is much lower in height than the 11SP. It takes a slimline CD-ROM drive. It has front mounted ports as you'd expect. The big bonus is that it will have an external 12v DC brick PSU and an internal 60w DC board, so it will be silent.
ATCs have produced a couple of cases that styling wise, have hit the 'nail on the head' as far as I am concerned. These will at last offer something that can live in your lounge along with your Hi-Fi gear and serve any purpose you like. Truly a quality pair of products!
