Thoughts:

There are so many factors in choosing a case; color, size, weight, thermal performance, noise, hard drive space, screw-less or not, window panel, lights and security provisions etc. I am sure I have missed more that I put down. The same reason we have so many vendors/suppliers to choose from.

Transformer is a full tower ATX case with lots of hard drives space provision. Needless to say if you have limited work space around your desk, or don’t need more than three/four hard drives, or like going to LAN party with only one rig, hate special lighting effects and must have a combo package with Power Supply included, this may not be your “case”.

With so much room to work around, the lack of removable motherboard tray is not an issue for me. The excellent thermal performance even without the use of the optional 120 mm intake and side panel fans is simply impressive. Perhaps, the poor expansion slot back plates are the only thing I complain during the last two days working with Transformer. I would like to see filters used in the front and side panel fans, not just because of my dog, dust finds its way in more easily then you think.

Certainly I could live without turning on the side panel fans for a little quiet computing as the impact is minimal in thermal department. The little less “busy look” window panel will do me fine, but it is a personal preference. The top blower has blue LED light while the side panel fans and CCFL are in green color; may well be logistic issue with new products.

The lack of power supply is a non-issue to the targeted customers (Gamers) who likely will only go for the name brands of their choice. Then, I am quite sure they will not complain if it comes free. It would be really nice for Sunbeam to include a fan bus from its current inventory though to further increase the functionality of the Transformer.




Conclusion:

The Transformer is a new line of product and I have not seen pricing released, without which I could not comment on value/performance. If Sunbeam is not getting the case back, you bet I will be using it. This case further reduces CPU load temp (-8°C) and system temp (-10°C) compared to a case that was rated 8 out of 10 in case cooling not long ago, this is simply outstanding!

To sum up the Transformer:

PRO
Excellent thermal performance
120mm intake and exhaust provision
Lots of Hard drive space
Easy removal of front bezel and front intake fan cover
Easy access to top mounted USB/Audio ports
Aggressive look
Panel lock


CON
Back expansion plates
Aggressive look
No intake filters
No Power Supply


I like to thank Keven from SunbeamTech Hong Kong office to make this review possible.



Questions/Comments: forum thread