Akasa Eclipse-62

Some cases attract your attention with outrageous styling or a variety of multi-coloured panels but, every so often, one comes along that's so well built it needs neither of these. The new Eclipse-62 from Akasa falls into the latter category.

The first sign of quality is the impeccably applied satin black effect, which extends even to the inside of the case. As you would expect from a master of PC cooling like Akasa, plenty of attention has been paid to airflow dynamics inside the Eclipse-62.

Built around a sturdy 1.2mm thick aluminium chassis, the case is a little wider than standard models. The extra space aids the flow of air and, unlike most others, the Eclipse-62 can be used with 120mm fans, which make for improved and quieter cooling.

Behind the push-open door on the front of the case sits a bay holding two USB2 ports and an expansion plate. Many motherboards come with an Firewire or USB I/O plate that usually sits in a spare PCI slot on the back of the case. Thanks to this front-access plate, not only are the I/O ports easily reached, but it saves you wasting a PCI socket.

For easy access to the internals, both the side and top plates are removable and held in place by thumbscrews, as are the expansion plates. Plenty of drive space is available with four 5.25in and two 3.5in bays. A further seven 3.5in bays are found internally.

As far as value for money goes, it's hard to criticise the Eclipse-62. £88 really isn't that much to spend on such a well-built case.

Although it doesn't sport an unusual design or zany colour scheme, the Eclipse-62 is a well-built case with decent features at a great price.