Oh boy, the InWin 309 on one hand is not really that great of a case when looking at the interior functionality. While the build quality of the frame is great—just as we have come to expect from InWin cases, it doesn't really offer much besides the most basic assembly functionality. This means you can build a modern system of your choice without issue, but assembly isn't as easy because there are compromises to be made if you want to install liquid cooling where other cases won't break a sweat, and things just don't end up looking as clean when done.

So, for $250 dollars, you can get a seriously capable, feature-packed chassis from a vast number of brands. Luckily, that is not the main selling point of the InWin 309.

As soon as you turn the 309 on, literally none of the above matters. But there is one big joker when it comes to overall value: the inclusion of the four 120 mm EGO fans. InWin sells a simpler version of the fan under the Aurora line with the same ability to chain fans and LED strips in series for around US$80 in a set of three fans and two LED strips. So one can confidently argue that the four included EGO fans really offset the overall price of the InWin 309 beautifully.

But once you consider the front panel on top of that, the MSRP of $250 almost becomes a non-issue. I don't remember the last time I had so much fun with a chassis and its lighting elements. With brands throwing RGB into their cases, this functional implementation is not just absolutely unique but plenty useful, and as it is essentially software driven, InWin could even expand the functionality, allowing you to flash the ROM of the controller for more bang for your buck in the future.

So, no, the InWin 309 is certainly not a sensible choice, but it is by far one of the funnest unique cases we have had the pleasure of reviewing in a long time. It deserves both a recommendation and the innovation award.