Super Flower SF-301T3-BK Aluminum Case

Reviews: Cases

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Brian Kristensen
Kurtis
KaseCom
Jun. 3, 2004

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Quality and Construction

As I mentioned earlier, this case is constructed entirely out of aluminum. However, the aluminum isn't as thick as the aluminum used in Cooler Master or Lian Li cases. Lian Li constructs most of their cases out of 2mm thick aluminum while this Super Flower case is using 1.2mm aluminum. While the aluminum is thick enough to create a sturdy case, this could help explain the curiously low price of this case compared to its competitors. The majority of the case is well built. Not all of the edges in the case are rounded, but I didn't find a single sharp edge. Many of the edges that are not rounded have plastic "C" trim molding covering them. Angled brackets and folded edges are found in numerous places to help strengthen the case. I was pleasantly surprised at the cases quality and sturdy construction. That is, until I decided to take a closer look at the side panels.

After taking the side panels off and putting them back on the case a few times, I noticed the panels slid into place easier when I pushed the window in a bit. This caused an alarm to sound in my head. After closer inspection I found that the side panels are not perfectly flat. They seem to bend outwards. I got my screwdriver and removed the plastic window from the side panel. The window was flat once removed, but when taking a look at the aluminum frame, I noticed that the metal was bulging outward. Apparently the window is made by stamping the metal panel which somehow caused the metal to lose some of its flat shape. While I may be just a bit too picky, this is something that would never be found on higher quality cases, but it also helped me realize why this case was so cheap. I tried to snap some shots of the bulge, but it isn't as easy to see in the pictures:

Conclusion

When I first saw this case, I was surprised that it costs so little but has so much. There are many features included in this case that are generally only found in cases costing up to twice as much. The removable motherboard tray and drive cage, lightweight aluminum, fan filters, and plenty of thumbscrews all add to the appeal of this case. The price is great too at just over $100 (currently $108 at KaseCom)!

While there are plenty of included fans, they are not the best. The un-proportional fan setup, two intakes and three exhausts, cause for a negative internal case pressure which can lead to higher temperatures and a dusty interior.

The overall quality of the case is pretty good. The case is very sturdy even though the aluminum used is a little thinner than higher priced cases. The side panels however, are a bit of a disappointment. The thin aluminum and the stamping process causes the wide panels to bulge slightly outward and attaching the side panels does suffer because of this.

The low price of this case is great for people who are on a budget but still want the features and quality of a high-end case. In the end, the more you pay, the more you get. While this case does have a fantastic set of features, the quality is lacking in some places. If you are looking for exceptional quality, this case would not be my first choice. If you want a great set of features for a decent price, then this might be the case for you.

Pros:

Made of lightweight aluminum
Sturdy construction
Removable motherboard tray
Removable HDD cage
Thumbscrews everywhere
Three windows
Plenty of airflow
Looks great

Cons:

Average quality
Fan placement not the best
Side panels bulge slightly outwards

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions
Page 3: Features
Page 4: Features (Continued)
Page 5: Quality and Construction / Conclusion

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1 User Comment

1 - Posted by A Person on June 16, 2004 - 12:24 am

108 bucks is still more than I would like to pay for a case but its almost a steal considering everything it has. I really like the removable tray and the built in blow hole. I've never actually had a case with a removable tray cuz they are always out of my budget, but I can imagine how much easier it would be to work on the mobo outside of the case. As for the blow hole, I've always wondered why not tooo many cases come with blow holes built in, its so simple and effective.

Well, If anyone sends me a hundered bucks thats the first thing I would buy, but untill I pay off my college loans the case will have to wait.

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