Installation:

     Now that we have had a chance to take a look at the goodies, it is time to install our parts into this bad boy.  Here is the parts that we will be using:

     A good majority of these parts I have had laying around, though I did purchase the 2600XT due to its native ability to decode video using AVIVO.  This ought to help offload decode from the CPU, thus keeping temps down.

The first step is to remove the crossbar by removing a single screw.  Once unscrewed, the crossbar lifts out.

     With the crossbar removed, we can get a better look at the case's internals.  Most of the internal cabling is the standard stuff, like the power and reset switches, power and HDD LEDs, and front panel connectors.  There are a couple extras however, including a case entry switch, and a special USB connector that acts as the data bus for the front panel. 

     The next step is to detach the hard drive cage by removing the single screw.  Once the screw is gone, the cage lifts out.

     After we remove the hard drive cage, we pinch the spring loaded bracket on the other side.  This allows the bracket to swing out, freeing the bay for an optical drive.

     Once the bracket is free, there are three clips along the top front lip that need to be released.  This will allow the front panel to come off.

Here is the front panel once it has been detached.  Now that it has been removed, we can now install an optical drive. 

     The drive will just slide in now that the spot is empty.  The bracket then closes into the screw holes.  Normal screws will be necessary for the opposite side.  While it appears that two optical drives could be installed, there is only one access hole in the front of the case, meaning that any device that is installed in the extra bay will not be accessable from the outside.

     Next up is installing the hard drive.  It uses the same tool-less brackets as the optical drive, so installation should not take more than a minute or so. 

     After the drives are situated, we can then install the power supply.  The fit is very tight, other than that, the installation is fairly standard.

     Once the peripherals are installed, we can install the motherboard.  The case uses stand-offs like many other boards, and using a full ATX sized motherboard did not present us with any issues fitting it in.  It did take a little angling, but nothing out of the ordinary.

     Now that the motherboard is installed, we can now look at our PCI brackets.  The brackets are held in place by two plastic clips.  In order to free the clips, we must release two levers on the outside of the case.  I found this system to be tolerable, however the clips do not go up far enough to all installation of my video card without some fiddling around to make it fit. 

     Here are the levers.  When pointing to the right, the PCI brackets can be accessed.  When pointed to the left, they are locked in place.

     Now that all the hardware is installed, we need to run the cabling and plug in all the devices.  One thing different about this case is the use of a power passthrough.  One side plugs into the motherboard, while the other side plugs into the power supply.  If you notice, there are four leads split off; this goes to the front of the case, providing power for the LCD. 

     Finally, we have everything installed.  Here is everything plugged in, with as much of the cabling buried under the motherboard as possible.  It is here where I wish I had a SATA optical drive and hard drive. 

     Finally, here is the finished product, fired up and ready to go. The LCD is strikingly beautiful in its brightness and quality.  Even the viewing angles of the screen are impressive. 

     Here is a close-up of the LCD using the proprietary Frontview software.  As you can see, it looks gorgeous.  The fact that it is a touch screen as well just adds to the allure.