SilverStone GD98-LED Computer Case

Provided by: SilverStone
Retail: $79.00
Review Date: December 9th, 2003
Written by: Daniel

The majority of cases today, from budget to extravagant and anywhere in between, are mid towers; thus, making them the norm. Of course there are other sizes. For those who want a lot of space inside their case, there’s the full tower. For those who want the littlest footprint possible, there are SFF cases. But what about mini towers, also referred to as slim towers?

Though bulkier than SFF cases, slim towers are very compact and not limited to the grossly underpowered ITX motherboards. Instead, they use mATX motherboards which is just an ATX motherboard, minus a few PCI slots. The SilverStone GD98-LED is a slim tower cases. Even though it is not as small as SFF cases and does not have the interior of a mid tower, as you read on, you will see that the GD98-LED is still well suited for the majority of computer users.

Packaging:

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The GD98-LED came in an ambiguous brown shipping box. Nowhere on the box said the company’s name, SilverStone, or its contents, the computer case. Only the invoice contained product’s name. Like nearly all other cases, Styrofoam holds it in place inside the box. To protect the case from scratches, a plastic bag encloses it. The box itself is the size of a mid tower case; thus, the GD98-LED contained inside is quite petite.

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Specifications:

These specifications can be seen on SilverStone's web site.

• Dimensions: 375mm (D) x 148 mm (W) x 330mm (H)
• Weight: Case - 3 kg, Power Supply -1 kg
• 5.25” bays, 2 exposed
• 3.5” bays, 1 exposed, 2 hidden
• 4 PCI slots
• Motherboard type: Micro ATX
• Included PSU: PC3 240watts, PFC
• Cooling #1: two case fan holder on the back panel
• Cooling #2: CPU fan dock for Intel P4 heat dissipation
• Dual standard UDB port and Audio at front panel

Special Features:

• In mirror special coating (dark blue)
• Smallest chassis support Micro ATX
• Stylish out looking design
• Elegance neon light “SilverStone” logo
• With feet stand
• With intrusion switch
  

Exterior:

Except for the back, all sides have a shiny dark blue coating. SilverStone did not cut back on the paint job. The case is made of steel but because of its diminutive size, it only weighs about as much as an aluminum mid tower.

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The front facing is made of plastic. Two arrows show you where to push to open the middle and bottom swing doors. Opening the front door reveals the two 5.25” bays. Opening the bottom door reveals one 3.5” bay and front connections for two USB ports, a speaker/headphone out, and a microphone in. Though the connections are not included, there are spots labeled for FireWire, Composite, and S-Video. If you ever plan to take advantage of these spots, simply pop off the plastic coverings and your set. The availability for these connections would make the GD98-LED a very capable HTPC case.

The color of the bay covers is grey. On the center of the middle door is the quarter sized power button. It is surrounded by a grey circle. The power and hard drive Leeds are to the right of the top portion of the front facing. Also located on the front face is the company’s logo. As stated in the special features, the logo lights up when on.

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The top of the case has a long rectangular vent. The reason for this will be discussed in the interior section.

Four rubber feet are and a section that's perforated are on the bottom of the case. Such quality and detail for the bottom of a case is uncommon.

The left and right sides have no special features other than having a quality finish like the rest of the case. They are also identical, so the left can be installed on the right and vice versa.

Next (Interior & Power Supply)