Choosing a case for your PC build is a highly personal decision.  With the days of the beige box now a fading memory, we are increasingly choosing to personalize our builds based on style and included features.  Today I will be looking at the Ultra Grid Mid Tower chassis with the optional 700 Watt XVS Modular power supply.  Check out this combination right here!

     The Ultra Grid arrived attractively packaged with no visible scratches!  Now we know who the local USPS guy favors!  Like all Ultra products we have had the opportunity to work with, the Grid packaging provides a nice balance of information and product images.

     Ultra even provides the power distribution for the optional power supply!  Everything you might need to know before purchasing is proudly displayed for you.

Specifications:

• Color: Black
• 12 Drive Bay
  4 - External 5.25"
  2 - External 3.5”
  5 - Internal 3.5”
• Material: Steel
• Form Factor:
  - AT
  - Baby AT
  - ATX
  - Micro ATX
• Expansion Slots: 7 Standard Slots
• Large Front Panel Grid Vent
• Case Fans:
  2 - 120mm (Included)
• Dimensions:
  - Width: 16.75"
  - Height: 7.5"
  - Depth: 19.5”
• LEDs:
  - Green - Power
  - Orange - Hard Drive Access
• Switches:
  - Power
  - Reset
• Front Access USB/ Audio

     After removing the protective film from the Grid we get our first look at the style.  The front of the Grid is a full mesh bezel with access to a single 5.25" bay.  The fine mesh is framed by four reinforced corners and the front 120 mm fan is just visible.

     With the door open you can see the layout of the external drive bays.  Contrary to the information provided by Ultra the second front bay is accessible through the door.  The power switch and reset buttons as well as the lighting cannot be seen or accessed with the door closed.  I would have liked to see these controls moved to the side by the ports or top for convenience when the door is closed.

     The left side is dominated by the oversize window.  Chrome style venting is provided to allow your high performance cards better access to fresh air. 

The top vent comes with a mounted air duct but should also take a standard 80 mm fan.

The right side is unadorned and really shows off the polished black finish.

     A closer look at the ports reveals a standard set of audio jacks and a USB 2.0 port.  The option of a Fire wire port is shown but was not included in this model.

     The back of the case is pretty standard.  The included 700 Watt power supply and the option to use any standard size fan for the exhaust are the only notable features here.