A big thanks goes out to Bruce at Cooltechnica for providing this review sample and for being such a great guy to work with. This product is available at Cooltechnica for $139 + $10 for the side window.
As computers become more mainstream, aesthetics play a larger role in catching the attention of a-would be customer. Even OEM manufacturers are moving away from the beige boxes that proliferated in the homes of geeks and nerds alike, to sleek and sometimes gaudy ones found in the average Joe’s office today. The AMS gTower, though its rather understated looks might not attract the same amount of people that flashy colors and lights would, wants to be found in your home. Its combination of simple, yet elegant design, coupled with utility make this case a keeper.
- Polished, scratch resistance coating cover
- All Folded Edges (including side panels)
- 1/3″ Clear Acrylic Bezel with Brush Aluminum Insert
- 120mm Ball-Bearing Exhaust Fan w/ Grill and 80mm Intake Fan
- Internal break away wiring for easy installation
- Supports ATX and Extended Motherboards up to 12″ x 13″ in size
- Removable 4-bay 3.5″ Internal Drive Cage
- Polished Metal Mechanical Power & Reset Switches
- Front-mounted Dual USB, 1394, Microphone & Headphone
- Large, high-quality thumb-screws for easy access
AMS’ gTower is a prime example of another form versus function success: its clean simple lines belie the utility hidden beneath the aluminum sheet metal. Following in current fashion, the gTower creates an industrial look by using the almost ubiquitous rivets on the bay covers and metallic buttons. The addition of the acrylic faceplate, which is by no means new, adds another layer of dimension to its already well polished face. My only critique would be that the bay covers appear as if they protrude from the surface due to the use of thinner acrylic sheets. The power LED is an extremely bright blue, which complements the aluminum color well; whereas the hard drive LED is a dim orange. This industrial look is carried to the side window where large-headed faux rivets are used to secure the window in place. The window is raised slightly above the surface of the side panel and can be actually unscrewed for any additional modification or maintenance. Any type of molding – no matter how well done – looks unprofessional and downright ugly making rivets a suitable alternative. The overall finish is a soft gray aluminum finish, with some grain evident, differing from the more metallic finish of Lian Li cases. Unlike that of the Lian Li cases, the finish does not show finger prints or dust.
The gTower is by far one of the sturdiest cases I have used. Although the case is relatively light for its size, it feels substantially more solid than a comparable Lian Li. The side panels are slightly thicker, giving the outside a vault-like feel. When you knock against the side panels, a solid and reassuring sound resonates rather than the sharp and tinny feel when tapping against a Lian Li. The chassis itself is reinforced throughout the case, again making it quite durable. Build quality is also extremely high with every piece fitting together perfectly and clean-edged acrylic. Cuts have been made cleanly and edges have been rolled for safety. This case should last for a good period of time.
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