Kingwin KT-424 Aluminum Midtower Case

Reviews: Cases

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Kurtis Kronk
Brian
Case-Mod
Oct. 25, 2004

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Quality Check

My quality check basically consists of three things: Structural Integrity, Installation, and Safety. Structural integrity testing is where I apply pressure to the case from different directions and check to see if the frame can be easily bent or twisted out of shape. Installation is the process of installing the various system components and making sure that installation goes smoothly. Lastly, the safety testing is a result of the installation process. After installing everything, I should be left without open wounds, but if I am wounded in battle I will make note of it and warn you which trouble areas to watch out for.

Structural Integrity

The KT-424 held up fairly well as I pushed and twisted the chassis, but with excessive force I would be able to twist the frame. The case could benefit from some supporting brackets in each corner. The motherboard tray also suffers from the same problem - there are no support brackets to keep the back part of the tray from bending outward. In fact, as I mentioned earlier in the review, during a single installation, the motherboard tray ended up getting slightly bent. This means that you will have to take extra care when you are playing with the motherboard tray, otherwise you could damage it.

Installation

Installation went smoothly and there was only one problem which I ran into. When I tried to install my CD drive in the top 5.25" bay, I could not get it to go more than about an inch into the bay, even with force. I was able to successfully install it in any of the other 5.25" bays though. I'm still not sure why I was unsuccessful in my attempts to put the drive in the top bay, as I can find no physical obstructions and everything looks fine.

Safety

The inside of this case is extremely safe, with all rolled or folded edges to protect you from nasty cuts and scratches. However, you are not totally safe with the KT-424! I managed to cut myself not once, but twice, on the outside of the case. I have worked with many cases, and I have never before cut myself on the outside of a case, so this struck me as very odd. Both times that I cut myself were while unscrewing thumbscrews from the back of the case.

I first cut myself when twisting the topmost thumbscrew holding the power supply in place. At first glance this area looks totally normal, but upon closer inspection you will see the potential for some finger-slicing fun. The top of the case is folded back over the rear of the case and riveted in, but it is not flush with the back of the case. Instead, there is a slight overhang, and a little bit of un-folded metal, which is what got me.

The second incident occurred while twisting the top left thumbscrew on the motherboard tray. While unscrewing this thumbscrew, my index finger slid up against the edge under the thumbscrew. The way that the motherboard tray is designed is the issue here. While this is not as much of a safety hazard, it still managed to cut me, so I must mention it.

What I suggest is that if you want to use these thumbscrews as they are intended (no screwdriver), then be careful. Just work slowly, and pay attention. If you don't, you will die. Okay, chances are these minor cuts won't kill you, but they still aren't any fun.

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions
Page 3: Opening the Case
Page 4: Inside the Case
Page 5: Quality Check
Page 6: Conclusion & Extra Photos

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6 User Comments

1 - Posted by flip-mode on October 27, 2004 - 7:21 am

I've had this case for over a year and I love it.

My complaints:

1. The front usb port door should have been black aluminum and not the cheesy clear plastic. I removed that plastic crapper on day one.

2. The fan adjuster should be accessible without removing the front panel for crying out loud.

3. The fan adjuster does not go low (quiet) enough.

This case is a keeper though. I haven't even thought about replacing it.

Oh, yeah, this is my first post in these forums, Hello World!

2 - Posted by handrail on October 27, 2004 - 10:58 am

crappy USB doors seems to be a theme lately...even on higher level cases. i prefer just a hole in the bezel for my USB ports, thank you very much.

welcome flip!

3 - Posted by Kurtis on October 27, 2004 - 12:18 pm

Welcome to the forums flip-mode! :) Did you ever have problems with the "Danger Zones" I pointed out? :P

The fan adjuster probably only goes to like 7V instead of 0 or 5V, but I didn't find it to be a problem since I think it is such a big plus that it is integrated. I also like that it is hidden, personally. Even if you have to adjust it, pulling off the front of the case is so easy, that for me it isn't a big deal.

Anyways. Thanks for your comments, and once again welcome to our forums! :D

4 - Posted by EmoMakesMeCry on October 27, 2004 - 12:19 pm

woah, at first when i saw the picture i thought it was a lian-li.

5 - Posted by Guest on October 27, 2004 - 11:45 pm

Nice review of a nice case...
I would like to see more details about the hidden fan controller, though... how does it work? Knob-style?

Congratulations and keep up the good work!

6 - Posted by Corona18 on August 20, 2009 - 9:17 pm

I know this is a very old review... but with that being said, I love this case. I must have bought it around 2004 (maybe even earlier) but can't remember; and still use it today in 2009! It was the case I used for my first build and fell in love with it. I've built dozens of computers since then and still can't believe the quality and features of this case. You really have to see it to appreciate it. Wow!

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