Introduction

I would like to thank Aspire for providing the review sample.

Aspire was established in 1999 and they have since been offering Computer Cases, Accessories and Peripherals such as Case Fans, Power Supplies and Matching Color Keyboard/Mouse/Speaker Kits. Their cases are unique and incredibly colorful. Their power supplies are high quality and have the looks for all the modding fans out there.

Today we get to take a look at their X-QPack gamer case. It is small enough to take to LAN parties, but big enough to put in everything you need.

Features:

• Compact, portable and tasteful design
• 3 x side see-through windows
• Front 2 x USB2.0, 2 x Audio, 1 x Firewire
• 1 x front LCD temperature readout
• 1 x 120mm blue UV LED fan at rear
• 5 x drive bays: 2*5.25" + 1*3.5" + 2*3.5"(int)
• ATX 420W 12V power supply
• Removable motherboard tray for easy installation
• Sturdy aluminum constructed for best cooling

The case comes in six different colors and can be bought with or without windows. This is what they all look like:



We got the silver version with the windows all around. Let's take a closer look at what the mail man has delivered.

The Packaging

The packaging itself is simple and functional. The cardboard box has a plastic handle, so the case can easily be carried home from the shop. The case itself is pictured on the big side of the packaging, while the narrow parts have either the features listed or a checklist with all the possible variants of the case. On other products there is a check mark on a list which identified the contents, but Aspire is using a sticker with the same color of the case and the model to identify the contents.


Once opened, the case is revealed. It is packed inside a heavy duty plastic bag. To protect it from bumps during shipping Styrofoam holders are in place in the back and the front.

A closer look

The case can take two 5.25 inch parts and one 3.5 inch part. The black round button is the power button, which makes it easy to reach for, considering the contrast to the silver. The case has three windows, which are covered with thin plastic on the in- and outside to protect it during shipment, or even during installation. I will not remove the plastic until the installation is completed. The back has room for the installed 12cm fan and the power supply. Below that is the slide out mainboard tray, which will come in handy during installation. Last, I have put one of my aluminum midi towers right next to the Aspire X-QPack, which is much wider, just a bit over half as high, and a bit shorter than the midi tower.

One thing I missed here, were punch outs for legacy connectors like COM ports. There is plenty of unused space on the back of the mainboard tray and making one or two punch outs for such devices may prove useful. I, for one, use a serial port for my remote control infrared receiver.