Enermax Uber Chakra Enclosure

Introduction:

    Not so long ago in a computer store near you was shelf after shelf of tall computer cases. Then overnight, it went from full-size cases to small form factor enclosures. Well, the days of the micro computer dominating the scene are over, and large full-size cases are making a comeback. In order to stand out in the enclosure business, something eye catching needs to draw the possible buyer.

    Enermax, which has been making enclosures for some time now, have come up with such an eye catching enclosure. This enclosure is the Uber Chakra, which features a large side panel opening with a 250mm fan incorporated into it. This fan features a directional switch for the air flow, as well as an On/Off switch for the LED's on the fan.

About the Company:

     About Enermax: Enermax Technology Corporation, founded in 1990, is a leading manufacturer of high-end computer products. Established with a passion for progress, Enermax believes that the needs of our customers drive our design and development. Our aim is mutual growth and strength, enabling our team to help solve the most complex business challenges. Our very forward solutions provision is an integral part of a result-oriented relationship. Long a mainstay of the computer industry, Enermax power supplies have been ranked first for mission critical applications and high-end systems.

    Our Mission: Our team at Enermax is dedicated to design and diligent product development. Our engineers are hard at work for you. Our product is at once value and performance based. We ensure that all the information needed to make an informed purchase is available and presented in an easy to understand format. Our technical support department constantly studies and tests the latest hardware to be as informed as much as possible to help you with any issues you may have. Our customer service is a testament to our passion for you.

    Our Customer Focus: Enermax offers amont the industry's most comprehensive warranties. For the life of our product we will provide both technical and customer support. Our forward endeavor of being consumer driven is not generic cliche but our ethic and philosophy.

Specifications:

Features:

	On-Top interface for the easiest access (eSATA, 2 x USB, Audio I/O)
	External SATA port in front for fastest data transfer (up to 3GB/s)
	Massively curved meshed front panel with 2 brushed aluminum columns
	Tool-free design
	Micro dust filter in front
	12cm fan slots in front and rear for silent cooling
	Compliant with EEB, CEB, TEB & ATX specifications
	Retractable foot stand
	25cm monster fan with airflow direction switch for custom cooling

Packaging:

Retail front

Retail back

Side

Soft foam

    The Uber Chakra arrived to me in the retail package with very little battle damage. The front of the box has the picture of the enclosure along with some other details, while the back of the box has a list of the features along with some more pictures of the enclosure, and the side panel lists the specifications. Opening up the box, we see the newer style of packing protection with the softer foam versus the harder Styrofoam.

Exterior:

3/4 left	3/4 right	Fan panel	I see you
Direction switch	LED switch	Front intake	Power switch

    The Uber Chakra comes in 3 styles, with the main body color being black and the trim work in either Black, Blue, or Silver on a mostly SECC steel case. The case in this review is the black on black model. As always, I like to start with the bezel. This front bezel is nicely styled, without being overpowering, with a combination of plastic and aluminum. The bezel side edges are rounded over to give everything a clean look, and down the center from top to bottom is a slight round depression. The front bay covers are made from a metal mesh material and not the standard solid cover. There are a total of seven external bays: five 5.25" bays and two 3.5" bays. The lower opening, which looks like the Batman symbol, also has the mesh material, which is clever since it is the front air intake. In this area is the Chakra name plate. Only one button is on the front of the Uber Chakra, and that is located at the top/middle of the bezel.

    The left side panel is set up with a large area for cooling. This large opening - which looks like a sideways figure 8 - also has the mesh material in it with the Enermax name and logo painted in the middle. Along the trim work of the opening is a switch which controls the direction of the fan that is mounted on the inside of the panel. Also on the trim work is a push button switch that controls the On/Off function of the LED's on the fan.

Rear	120mm opening	PSU opening	PCI slots
Thumbscrews	Top panel	Fold out feet	Folded out

    The right panel is just a blank area. The rear of the case is the standard layout for a full size motherboard, with openings for both an 120mm fan and a top mounted power supply. The top panel of the case has some action going on, as this area houses the front I/O connections. The connections here are two USB ports, Audio out, Mic In, and an eSATA connection. The other items up top are the Reset switch and LED's for Power and HDD activity. This design with the connections on the top of the case makes this a great floor-sitting enclosure rather than a desktop unit, and the four large swing-out feet just proves this further.