GMC R4 Bulldozer Case Review

The Install

I installed my Intel build into the R4 Bulldozer case utilizing an Asus P5E3 Deluxe WiFi-AP @n Edition Motherboard based on the X38 chipset. The build includes an Intel Q6600, a Sapphire HD4870 Toxic Edition video card and a 4 GB kit of OCZ Intel Extreme Edition PC3-12800 in the 1600 XMP configuration.  Storage was provided by both 250 GB and 750 GB Seagate SATA II drives and a Plextor 16x DVD burner all powered by an Antec TruePower Quattro 1000W power supply.

As always, start your build out with a solid power supply.  This picture shows just how much space the case has to offer with this large power supply installed.  Much of the cabling will eventually hide behind the drive cage and in the top corner.  There is no venting in the top of the case which relies on the power supply to vent rising hot air.  I hope GMC is listening when I say, please consider adding a vent or 80mm mount in future designs. 

The internal 3.5" drives are mounted in the removable drive cage with the spacing set to place the cabling down.

The optical drive is installed by removing a snap off cover from the front as seen here.  This bay setup is part of the patented ODD design that sets these GMC cases apart.

Four screws secure your optical drive in the frame.  As you can see here the vent is a tight fit for the SATA plug but everything does snap back together.

With all three supported drives in place you can get a good sense of just how the case design reduces space.  Sadly the unpainted sides of my Plextor drive look a bit out of place with the sleek black paint.  Nothing a good sharpy won't fix I guess.