  V.5.0 CHENBRO CASES Chenbro can lay claim to being in the lead for building performance cases-- Their "Pre-entry-level" (what PR person sorted out THAT slogan?) Server Case, the GENIE, is more a '120 superstation / midtower on steroids'; the JUNIOR is the first true midtower case for 90/120 fans. Until coolcases.com is expanded, you can at look at the GENIE here: http://www.chenbro.com.tw/servercase.htm (Hovering over each case name will give you further links to Specifications, Features & Benefits, Internal Drawing, User's Manual, and Test Report.) GENIE (A9991, A9971)  Besides the standard configuration of 120s for intake and exhaust in the lower section and a 90 behind the HD cage in the upper section, this case has a very good internal HD cage for up to five 3.5 HDs. The access is great with a hinged, easily-removable bezel and side panels that slide forward an inch to lift off. It also has good possibilities for custom fan configurations.The only difference between the A9991 and the A9971 is the bezel--e.g., the A9971 is the bezel with a door covering the external drives; both versions have a case intrusion alarm. As of this writing, I expect to have both versions on hand shortly. The case is equal in quality to the Addtronics cases--which should probably be the industry standard for overall excellence in materials used, fit, and finish--but it does have a different finish to the chassis metal which, IMHO, is not as 'nice'--a duller gray finish and softer to boot. Originally tested for EMI control to over 900 MHz, no user reports of EMI interference have shown up at all speeds currently available, and no buyers have reported any problems in cooling their systems with whatever configuration they've chosen. As designed by Chenbro, the case is set up for negative pressure--however, its intake design forces the intake air through the lower front bezel where the filter is. As buyers and and coolcases have experimented further with different fan setups, we have developed an extended list of modifications that allow this case to have up to 340 cfm of flow--all with low noise fans only. The case tends to be a bit fussy in its use until it is worn in a bit--e.g., the bezel catches are tight and require some tugging, and/or the side panel removal takes a bit of effort. Once it has been accessed a few times, the procedures become much easier. Nearly as easy to get into as an Addtronics case, the procedure is to a. loosen the left side of the bezel and swing it open to the right; b. remove the two case screws securing the left side panel (normally left off when the case is not moved); c. using the fingergrip built into the panel, place your thumb against the chassis front and pull forward on the fingergrip to move the panel forward about 3/4"; then d. tilt the top out and lift up and off. It takes more time to read the explanation than it does to do it. Finally, note that this case is a bit difficult to detail well--the location of the HD cage makes my preferred technique of fold-over / tie-down a long route--too long, really. It really makes the most sense to get custom-length rounded cables for the HDs, and I am getting those in stock in the near future. The standard/short floppy and the IDE-33 cables for external 5.25s still work well, however. SIZE: 21.3" high, 9.1" wide, 18.75" deep. With the feet, about 21.75" high casters: about 23.8" for standard, 24.3" for luxury. DRIVES - exposed: four - 5.25; two - 3.5; hidden: five - 3.5" comfortably, six 3.5 squeezed a bit. FAN MOUNTS - lower front: one 90 or 125  HD cage: one 90Backboard: one 90 or 125MODIFICATIONS This case is the one that buyers and I have worked with the most to maximize its use. Early on I sorted out a few different things to do that make the case an easier box to work in--the basic mods package. Brian Won did his own dual-120 lower front end on one of the first GENIEs shipped, and we figured out how to do that here as well. Next came grommets, of course, and then grill removals and the use of chrome wire finger guards instead. We then began installing upper-right-side intake fans, and that became the critical key to moving this case to positive pressure. Here's the current list of modifications available on this case: 1. The basic mods--removable top, PS floor slots, and LCH removal--$15.00 2. Overdrill existing fan holes, install grommets (not available for upper-right fan mounts when plastic mesh filter (PMF) is installed) --$3.00 per fan mount. 3. A dual 120 lower front end--punch two 120s in the lower front end, shape it to one oblong opening, and assemble the intake fans as a single unit. $20.00 plus mtg. tabs 4. Install a second Intake fan, 90 or 120, in the upper right side by the 5.25 drive column--complete with one fan guard on the inside and a plastic mesh filter (or another fan guard) on the outside, or with the FG on the outside and metal mesh filter on the inside. Price varies with fan selection, but the total cost is about $25.00 and up, net on the bottom line. Grommets are not available with the plastic mesh filter assembly. 5. Open the RH side of the 5.25 for more airflow from the UR 90 or 120. $10.00. 6. The 'Enermax Flip:' A simple trim that allows the PS mounting plate to be flipped 180 degrees, thereby orienting the Enermax 90 intake fan next to the HD cage--$5.00 7. HD cage opening: Cutting open the side of the HD cage to maximize airflow to the Enermax 90--$10.00 8. Grill removal on the backboard fan and/or HD fan mount, or on the LF if no dual 120 fan setup is installed. --$10.00 each. 9. A second backboard exhaust fan by the slots--80 mm. maximum. About $24.00 10. Casters mounting: Drill mounting holes for casters--$5.00. Note that we have now modified our drilling technique to allow the owner to use either the standard feet or the casters, and that you can choose to use either standard or the luxury (wide stance)--casters. 11. Windows - coming soon! 12. Blowholes - As I've said elsewhere, I'll argue with you about the need for this, but I'll do it if you want to. I am also seeking out a short antenna and a racoon tail we will provide free if you buy blowholes. Genie/NONE NO PS, two OEM 90 fans, parts kit, coolcase.com ... - $127.00 Genie Upgrade: Case, SH300wPS, LF: E120/4, BBd: E120/4/FG, HD: OEM $185.00 GENIE/RECOMMENDED: Case; Basic Mods, dual 120LF, 3 grommet mounts, Ener-. $289.00 Chenbro Junior |
Chenbro PC Case Mods