Over the course of the last couple years, PC cases have been evolving. We are seeing less of the old boring beige boxes and more cases that have some imaginative features. We are now seeing different colors, windows, cooling fans in strategic locations as well as a whole range of decorative contraptions of one kind or another. But, where it used to be that almost any of these types of cases had to be modified after purchase, now we are seeing many more case companies releasing cases that already have many of these features built-in. It gives you the look that a “modder” is looking for, but without having to actually mod it yourself.

Xioxide was founded in 2000. Located on Pennsylvania, Xioxide’s main business is to provide PC cases of all varieties. They also sell tons of accessories, including cables, mod supplies, lighting, fans, etc. They sell cases of all major brands, including Chenming, Lian Li, Thermaltake, CoolerMaster, etc. But, they also have their own line of cases, one of which is the X500. The X500 is an aluminum chassis mid-tower. While it is not the most creative case in their line (they even have clear cases), it is a good balance between new age features and workability. Let’s take a look at the specs and feature list, as provided by Xioxide:

Specifications:

• Material: 1.0 mm anodized Aluminum Alloy resisting dust & fingerprint


• Coating: Hardness scale 3, protecting from scratch


• Front Jacks: USB version 2.0, Microphone, earphone, IEEE1394


• Fans: Two 80 mm rear exhaust fans, One optional front 80mm intake fan


• Drive Bays: 4 x 5.25” (external), 2 x 3.5” (external), & 4 x 3.5” (internal)


• Expansion Slots: 7 slots with screwdriver-free thumbscrews


• Motherboard: ATX or Micro ATX


• Dimension: 7.9” (W) x 16.2” (H) x 19.3” (D)

Features:

• LCD Module Display: LCD displays time, temperature, and HDD/system status


• Motor-Driven Door: Translucent Plexiglas bay door driven by the motor-gear module for external 5.25” bays. Keep the style of the system even with 5.25” peripherals in different bezel colors


• Luminescent Backlight: Power button & LCD display with luminescent backlight glow in the dark


• Always-On Power: LCD display, motor-driven door, and luminescent backlight with the power from VSB output keep working even system is off


• Temperature Sensor: 23” long wire probe, placed anywhere in the enclosure. Front I/O Ports: Front USB 2.0, Microphone, Earphone, & IEEE1394 ports for easy access.

The first thing I noticed when I pulled this case from it’s box is that this case is light as hell. The case is made from a very light anodized aluminum (Note: To anodize means to coat a surface with a protective oxide through electolysis). The metal, being anodized, will be protected from dust and fingerprints, thus helping to keep the aluminim from tarnishing over time. But, being such thin aluminim, the case is very light and, for lack of a better word, flimsy. If you remove the left side panel (the one with the window), you can very easily flex the piece. Despite its lightness and flimsiness, I can’t see how anyone would have a problem with it. The case does not seem to be weak as a result. When subjected to normal strains, there should be no problem at all. And the lightness can be a real plus-point if you need to carry your PC around.

Once I had the side panel off, I could get a look inside. The inside was pretty tidy. There are numerous cables coming from the front bezel for the powered features, thermometer and front-mounted I/O, but there were nicely harnessed down by a bottom-mounted holder. There is a dual 80mm case fan mounted on the rear and space for a single case fan on the front bezel. With the side-mounted fan as well, there will be no shortage of air circulation with the X500.