HTPC systems are very popular for various reasons, but still really haven't come into the full mainstream for whatever reasons that may be. For those of us that DIY our systems though we have many choices when it comes to creating our own HTPC setups.

Today I've got the Altair A380 HTPC Case from GlacialTech, it's a great looking case with lots of features including built-in card reader, included remote/IR setup and an included power supply.

In my time with this case though I ran into a couple design flaws that have an impact on its' compatibility and make it not quite as user-friendly as I would have liked. Overall though it's a great looking and well designed case that if chosen for an HTPC system will need some additional considerations during the build to make it work correctly...

Review: Glacial Tech Altair A380 HTPC Case

Author: Kristofer Brozio

Sponsor: GlacialTech

Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:

Glacial Tech Altair A380 HTPC Case

Features:

-Home theater appearance

-Noble Aluminum chassis design

-Low down inside temperature with best airflow design

-Remote control support Microsoft Vista

-IR receiver support remote control, wireless keyboard, and wireless mouse

-Front I/O port for easy access

-Chassis bracket for horizontal or vertical application

Specs:

Case type: HTPC, MCE

Color: Glacier Silver, Rock Black

 Net weight: 6 Kg

Expansion slot: 2

Dimension (W×H×D): 430 × 100 × 380 mm

Drive Bays:

-1 × 5.25”

-2 × 3.5”

Power Supply: 270 W

MotherBoard: ATX, Micro ATX

I/O port:

-USB2.0 × 2

-Audio & Speaker port

-52 in 1 card reader

-IR receiver

Cooling system:

Dual 60 × 60 × 20mm fan

1500 rpm. 19 dBA

Material: 6063 Aluminum & SECC

HDD cooling:

-60 × 60 × 20 mm fan

-1500 rpm, 19dBA