HardwareLook

• Author: Joe
• Published: Mar 28, 2010
• Price: £90.00

Introduction

In Win, as a high end case manufacturer, are the makers of some of the most uniquely visual designs on the market. Previous designs such as the Star Wars styled X-Fighter, stealth bomber-esque B2 and racing car inspired F430 have certainly caught the imagination offering a very different perspective to the full-ATX case. In Win’s products are much more than novelty products though with extensive cooling systems and innovative mounting mechanisms providing a practical dimension to the eye-catching designs. The cooling aspect applies especially to the Maelstrom case to which this review is focused on as the chassis is able to house up to ten 120mm fans creating the potential for a huge cooling system. So how does the Maelstrom go about combining innovation, practicality and typically unique visuals? Let’s take a look...

Features

• Superb Expandability: Able to support five 5.25” & six 3.5” drive bays, the Maelstrom has a four CPU M/B compatibility ranging from Micro-ATX to Extended-ATX.
• User Friendly Ergonomic and Mechanical Design: Designed to provide quick maintenance and upgrade solutions, the patented shock-free railing system protects each drive bay. The retaining holes on the M/B tray offer easy CPU cooler replacement.
• Superior Acoustic and Vibration Solutions: The Maelstrom offers a quiet environment and silent operation for gamers via acoustic absorbers laid inside the chassis. The tough casing structure efficiently reduces the acoustic noise levels and vibrations.
• Revolutionary High Efficiency Thermal Solution: Ten front, side, and top 12cm fans enhance airflow while a meshed front and top panel provide superior ventilation. The Maelstrom offers an unparalleled thermal solution for any gaming system.
• Luxurious Exterior and Interior Painting: Fully draped in a dark metallic black, the Maelstrom offers a luxurious look with its intimidating size. The black coating on the exterior and interior of the chassis prevent damage from humidity, oxidation, and extend the lifespan of the Maelstrom.

Specifications