Apevia Aspire Aluminum MicroATX Case

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Not a bad case & power supply for older (P4 or equivalent or early AMD64) systems, but not something I'd put a modern multi-core system into. Unless I'm counting wrong, it's still using a 20-pin power supply, instead of a newer 24-pin. You could install a newer power supply, but the OEM unit has a shorter than normal psu, and installing a newer psu might not leave you enough room for your cd/dvd drive(s).

Also, be aware that there's very limited space for a cpu cooler, so unless you're installing a lower profile model, you might have to mod the "skeleton" of the case in order to fit it in to the case. I have one of these with a 2500+ Athlon cpu in it, and had to use a cooler with a 70mm fan (versus the more common 80mm thicker fan) in order to make it fit without modification.

If you can get past those limitations, this is a nice little case with some good possibilities!

do not use the included power supply, it's junk. The 12v rail drops to around 10v even at around 250watts(which will crash your computer). Anything much higher than that just causes the power supply to shut down. The specs are completely fabricated.

A normal ATX power supply will fit in, as long as it's not longer than normal, and if your optical drives are of the shorter variety.

The OCZ StealthXStream 500watt PSU that has been on sale recently for under $20 would probably fit in here nicely, as it's a pretty compact PSU.

Here's a review of the power supply, as well as a description of the space you'll have for your optical drives with a normal ATX PSU: http://www.jonnyguru.com/PSU/AspireXQpack/420W.html

There are some other micro ATX cases similar to this that have more space for the power supply, allowing you to use normal size optical drives with a normal sized power supply. The Ultra Microfly case is one of these, and it has been on sale before for $40 on Frys.com.

Or, if you need even more room, you might consider the NZXT Rogue. It can fit the largest graphics cards, extra-long high-wattage power supplies, and up to 4 hard drives. Plus, it has a very good cooling configuration. However, it does cost more. link: http://www.nzxt.com/products/rogue/

Well, after more research, I found out the newer units have a 24-pin (20+4) power supply, so that may be why they aren't as good. The one I have is the older 20-pin model, and I've had no problems with it.

They do say, in the owners manual (that I found on Apevia's website) that you can substitute another psu, so long as your optical drives are no longer than 172mm in length. Of course, no manufacturer bothers giving you the dimensions of their optical drives!

Looking at it, it appears that if you stick to a single optical drive, and put it in the upper bay, the wire bundle coming out of the psu would have room in what would normally be the lower bay. Still not a bad case, imho.

I had the old model with 3 clear windows. The power supply is ok but not great. This is a cheaply made case with poor workmanship and thin gauge aluminum and is flimsy as hell. The only advantage is that it can take a regular size PSU and holds 2 hard drives, 2 optical drives and 1 floppy or memory card reader. The rear fan is very loud especially if you put the box on a desktop. Well, the price is cheap if you want one.

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