External thoughts
As previously mentioned, Scan build and sell a wide, limitless range of systems. Much in the same vein as other system integrators, Scan use a handy drop-down, configurable menu, found here. We requested a semi-powerful system, with the emphasis on both speed and features. Let's have a closer look at what Scan came up with.
Why the shot of a packed base unit, you may ask. Simply because a vendor can control the building of the machine. However, as soon as the system leaves the premises, the vendor then relies on a mixture of expert packaging and the courier's ability to transport systems safely and securely. The above shot shows the top panel of the case. It's securely held into the outer box by the two foamish inserts. Such is the tightness of the enclosed case and surrounding foam, that even turning the box upside down didn't allow the case to slide out under its own gravity. That's the kind of secure packaging that we like to see.
The system comprised of an AMD-based tower, Sony 15" TFT, and Creative speakers. We'll go through each in turn, and we'll examine Scan's thinking behind each component.
The case, or housing, is more than just a home to the various components that make up a modern PC. A decent case not only looks good in this age of aesthetics , it should allow for, amongst other desirables, easy installation, room for future expansion, provide the opportunity for decent airflow, and some form of security. That's precisely why we're pleased that Scan choose Enermax's CS-1018 (branded under the name of Casetek here). This attractive-looking case is built like the proverbial brick outhouse. Tipping the scales on the wrong side of 15KG with parts installed, it's no pushover. The four slide-out feet may give you an indication of its prodigious size. A quick measurement revealed that it was 535mm high, 560mm deep, and 205mm wide; a beast that's verging on tower dimensions. Further, it can be locked to provide security to the front and the removable side. As you can no doubt see, the back has provision for a couple of 80mm fans.
It's of no surprise, then, that a solid Enermax 353w PSU is used to provide the system all the power it may need. We especially like this model, for it allows you to manually define the fan's speed via the rheobus-like knob on the left.
The lock on the front allows the user to lock the side. That's needed if it's housing an expensive system. The top-mounted 'handle' contains some interesting connectivity.
Tapping the cover reveals 2 USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port and headphone / microphone jacks. Our only reservation is that it'll make your cables look a little messy; there's no method of hiding them. The connections here bring the immediately usable USB 2.0 ports to 4, the FireWire ports to 2. Additionally, 10/100 LAN, 6-speaker sound and optical S/PDIF-Out are all catered for.
The door swings from right to left, and it provides us with some idea of what Scan have in store. Two NEC-branded optical drives (16x DVD-ROM and ND1300A multi-format DVD ReWriter). More on these later. A couple of spare bays are always welcome for future expansion needs.
Almost everyone has a number of removable media devices these days. That's why we see the sensible inclusion of a 6-in-1 card reader, which includes another USB 2.0 port. The power button has a firm and assured action. Top marks to Scan for the external elements of this system, as one of the biggest letdowns in pre-built systems is the often mediocre case they ship in. The only thing we'd ask for is a completely tool-less side removal.
