Hawk’s Babble-Log

I finally decided to upgrade my server. My server is also my primary workstation. It’s the one on the left when viewing my desk. This thing is so old that I’m a little surprised that it’s still running. I got it back in the late 90′s when I was working for Speedyclick.com (now a dot-gone). It’s a dual Pentium 2 running at 600MHz with a little over half a gig of RAM. Back then, it was really impressive.

Anyway, here’s my new case. It’s a Logisys clear acrylic CS888CL case, and I got it from frozencpu.com.

The only problem I had with it was when I tried to install the motherboard with the motherboard’s own connector backplate; it didn’t fit. At first I thought it was a problem with the case. I thought the mobo standoffs were too tall (a standoff is the cylindrical screw-receiving connector which holds the mobo to the left side of the case). Then I learned it wasn’t the case that was out of alignment, but the mobo’s own connector backplate. It was about 5mm off. I know the case isn’t to blame because the video card seated perfectly.

So I just left the connector backplate off and all is well.

There are two main types of connectors used in holding this case together: the L-shaped metal connector, and the cubical acrylic + metal threads connector. I think the L-shaped connectors should all be replaced with the cube-type; they’re much better and much more solid. The L-shaped connectors bend easily with your fingers. On the plus side, only the cube-type connectors are used when good structural support is required.

I’m very satisfied with this case and would recommend it. But I’d recommend you get it from xoxide.com, they’ve got lower prices than frozencpu.com and they’ve got a fantastic support forum.

More to come.