skyhawk/eagle tech cases

[JediJeb]

Just wondering if anyone has used them and what their opinions are. Saw a couple models of Aluminum mini server cases at NewEgg for <$40 thought I might buy one if they are any good.

 

[shimsham]

i have this case here. for 50 bones shipped, im happy. i wanted a simple, silver case without dropping silly amounts of cash.

pros:

its light, yet sturdy. has thumbscrews for all the external holes, and pci slots on the inside. the front usb, etc. are bundled into one cable and easily detachable. a plus for me, since i dont use the front inputs. edges are smooth, and i suffered no cuts or scratches. there is a support bar in the top, in front of the ps that came in handy for tucking away all the extra leads on the power supply. slide out mobo tray makes installation a breeze. front panel comes off easily. no problems with vibrations. everything lined up and fit in like it should. plenty of hardware, with lots left over.

cons:

inside of the case is prone to scratches. the side and front fans generate some noise from airflow over the holes. its easy to push in the front bay covers if you bump them hard enough. the hdd led in mine doesnt want to work. the feet on the bottom are cheap plastic. mobo tray a little flimsy, but not too bad; tightens up well when installed.

overall, i think the case is well worth the money when looking at others in the same price range, especially for aluminum. i like to fiddle and swap out parts, so its pretty light, and that helps my back. i havent put a scratch on it yet, tho i lay it on a rubber mat when working. i plan to dremel out the fan holes to help alleviate the noise from the fans, but its nothing unbearable, or worse than the noise coming from my power supply, so its not that big of a deal.

im sure some will look down their noses because its a "lian-li wannabe", and i have no doubt its not as high of quality, but id rather put that extra 75$ or so towards my graphics card than have a circle jerk with my uber case.

if you have the cash, im sure a lian-li or equivalent would be better. but this case is by no means junk, and worth the $50.

 

[Blazin Trav]

Definately a steal if you need a quick case fix.

 

[Zap]

OMG, that case looks like a total Lian Li clone! Shouldn't be too bad after fan holes drilled out and finger guards installed.

Avoid the older design Skyhawk/Eagle cases that used only a 60mm fan (or none) in the rear because those do not have good airflow. I have THREE of them and trust me, little airflow. I got two of them for about $15 each from Dumpinggoods so can't complain too bad. The one that shimsham linked to looks decent enough for a quick dremel job.

JediJeb, you should have jumped on one of the Antec Super LAN Boy deals that have been floating around CompUSA and Fry's recently. $40 AR for a case that costs $100 (after shipping) from Newegg. It is a solid design and has totally killer airflow, plus is really quiet.

 

[JediJeb]

Thanks guys! Actually the one I am considering is the one shimsham linked to. I am wanting to upgrade from the old HP Pavillion case I have been using since I bought my PII 300, this thing has seen lots of upgrades lol. Solid case but a PITA to get the right side off to change out drives, plus very heavy. Im planning on getting an AMD64 soon and want a new home for it, I think this one will be great.

 

[Wetzelman1]

I just bought the $9.99 SkyHawk case from Newegg. I was skepticle at first but it's defenitley worth the money. I wasn't even looking for a case but I just saw it and had to have it. I carry my computer back and forth from school to home frequently so I've been trying to find ways to lighten my previous case until this happened along. It's also really nice looking imho. It even came with a mounted side duct. This didn't happen to fit my mobo so I'm going to cut a window in the case and reposition the duct. Some of the edges inside are sharp, but that can be remedied easily. For $25 shipped you can get a very light and stylish case. It is cheap and that is reflected but it is still a wonderfull case for the money.

As a side note, I just noticed newegg doesn't carry it anymore. Ordered mine last Friday