Not every case needs to be some large gaming case. Sometimes you need something small and simple. In Win sent out their new Matrix case for me to check out with this in mind. As far as I know it's nothing like the movie, but we will find out for sure.
Review Sample Provided by: In Win
Review by: Wes
Pictures by: Wes
Specifications
| Case Size: | Tiny Tower Chassis |
| Material: | Pearl metallic-painted plastic panel SECC ECO Steel |
| External Drive Bay: | 5.25" x 1 3.5" x 1 |
| Internal Drive Bay: | 3.5" x 1 |
| Front Ports: | USB2.0 × 4, IEEE 1394 A (FireWire), HD/AC' 97 Audio |
| Dimensions ( H × W × D ): | 13.6" × 5.9" × 13.7" 346mm × 150mm × 347 mm |
| Motherboard: | mATX |
| I/O Expansion Slots: | 4×Full Height PCI/AGP expansion Slots |
| Power Supply: | SFX 12V, 300W |
| Thermal Solution: | Intel Mt. Jade Ref. Design, Partition Plate Cooling Tech(PPCT), 6cm Fan for HDD |
| Safety: | Meets RoHS, CE and FCC Class B Requirement |
| Security: | Padlock loop for padlock |
Features
Simplicity Theory With beautiful lines and a clean simple design, the new Matrix works well in contemporary as well as traditional spaces. The innovative Matrix offers a smart installation concept and enables a creative and practical approach to chassis design.
360 Degrees Visual Effect Complex features are all hidden underneath a clean line of design, creating a non-obstructive 360 visual effect.
Back to The Basics Simple geometric design precisely defines every line and corner, matched by an elegant pearl white color, every touch brings you back to the philosophy of a simple life.
Smart Cable Management The brilliant back panel design enables wires to be concealed inside the chassis. It provides a clean contemporary look with the cable management feature.
Partition Plate Cooling Technology (PPCT) By separating the CPU fan from the heatsink to reduce back draft, Partition Plate Cooling Technology (PPCT) efficiently streamlines the airflow in a unilateral direction to provide exceptional thermal performance.
Volume vs. Size With less than 12.5 liters volume in size, Matrix's thermal and acoustic performance is even better than other larger case! Its superior design allows Matrix to accommodate all exiting standard components as well as to support 4 FULL height VGA cards, thus creating a Small, Cool, and Quiet perfect environment!
Excellent Thermal Solution Efficient air flow design and a 6cm fan for your hard drive keeps system stable.
Removable Mesh Thermal vents on the side panel with removable mesh to prevent dust from clogging into the power supply
Packaging
In Win packed the Matrix in a mostly white standard case box. The front of the box has one simple picture of the case on it along with the Matrix logo. The logo is similar to the movies logo but different enough to keep them out of trouble (I hope). The back of the box has a few more pictures of the case along with a Specification breakdown. Inside the case is packed in foam to keep it protected and as soon as you open the box, you will find a bag with the manual and instructions in it.
Our Test Rig
Micro ATX Socket A motherboard AMD 3000+ XP CPU 1 Gig stick of DDR ram ASUS DVD drive 40Gb Hard drive
Installation and Setup
I knew I was getting into a tight build just by looking at the size of the case. The Matrix has a panel that needs removed for every side of the case. It took me a little work to figure out the best way to take all of the panels off. Once I was all the way into the case I started installing the components into the Matrix. It was a tight fit but I managed to get everything in. In order to put the DVD drive in I did have to take the fan guard off the top of the CPU heatsink and remove In Win's Partition Plate Cooling panel. Without the guard on the heatsink and the partition plate, everything dropped in. My only complaints about the installation was how tight everything was and the maze of panels that you have to take off in order to get into the case.
Performance
Due to our trip to CES in Vegas, I was able to put the computer together before we left but I didn't have time to finish testing until after we got back. This gave me a great chance to make sure the case would keep everything cool for a long period. I knew the 3000+ CPU I installed the case doesn't put out the same amount of heat as some of today's high end CPU's. Therefore, in order for me to heat things up I setup windows XP and started up Prime95. Prime95 will heat up a pc very quickly, but how would the case handle it running for a week? The Matrix only has one 60mm fan in the case and it is positioned similar to a PCI slot cooler, so I was worried that it wouldn't cool everything down enough. When I got back to check on the Matrix, it was warm but not hot. As it turns out that 60mm fan pushes in enough air to keep everything cooled. Of course with only one fan and all of the paneling it wasn't a surprise that the case didn't put out a bunch of noise.
Overall
After working with the Matrix and putting it though, my Vegas sized heat test I have to say I am impressed with the little case. I love the simple styling; it would be perfect for a small build for your parents or as a net pc. I wouldn't recommend trying to build a high end gaming PC into the small case, even the smallest video cards are going to make for a tight fit. Speaking of a tight fit, this case is tight inside. I had to take the fan guard off the CPU heatsink and remove the Partition Plate in order to fit everything. This may not have been an issue if our motherboard positioned the CPU into the Partition Plate hole. The only other issue I had with the Matrix was the maze of panels you have to take off in order to work inside of it. If I had to work inside this case all of the time, it might drive me crazy. Overall, the Matrix is a great case for anyone who likes a clean look in a small case.
