Specifications:

Features:

The Install:

     For this install I will be giving one of our game servers a much needed face lift.  The build includes an ATI 9250, a gig of Crucial PC2700 RAM and a Pentium 4 2.4 installed on a Jetway P4X200DAZ motherboard.  The drives include a 30 Gig Maxtor drive and a Memorex 52x CD Burner.  Power is provided by an Award brand 350 Watt PSU.

     The back of the case is cooled by a standard 120 mm exhaust fan.  The slots are a simple tool-less design that makes adding cards surprisingly easy.

     The front drive bays are completely tool-less.  The hard drive bay is removable and cooled by the 120 mm fan we controlled using the external knob.  Both the Cathode and the 120 mm are powered by the 12 V runs, but the option to run the 120 mm of the motherboard is also included.  I am never a fan of knockouts and knuckle biters but the rest of the case features smoothed corners and nicely rounded edges.

     The hard drive rails are simple to attach and snap into place.  The other drives are held in place by a sliding pin that locks into place and can be reinforced with a screw for extra security.  The drive bay can even be removed with a screwdriver if needed to access the 120 mm fan or aid in drive installation.

     Here you see the completed install just waiting for the donor video card.  The small size of the Jetway motherboard makes the case look much larger, believe me there is plenty of room for a full featured ATX install.  Because of this motherboard's internal audio location by the back plugs, I was not able to use the front panel audio in this install.  Always check the locations for your front panel device plugs when paring a case to a motherboard.  Now for some wire cleanup!

     Here is a view of the back with the completed install.  The back plate used was included with the case as well.  Notice the rear fan location will support 80 mm, 90 mm and 120 mm installations.  Lets light it up!

     With the lights down, the SK-523 really shows its personality.  The Red cathode light catches the beveled edges of the front panel and accents the door pattern.

     Not only does the full door hide my beige parts, it also lights the whole front for changing disks, or just blinding the guy to your right at the next LAN.  The easy access to the cathode bulb means changing the color to match your build is easy.

     Tell me that doesn't look pretty cool.  With the lights off, the SK-523 is a completely different animal!  Now to find some cool red accents for the inside to match.  Not bad for an aging game server.

Conclusion:

     Kingwin has certainly shown that you don't have to blow the budget to get a good looking and feature rich case.  The "Performance with Style" promise is well carried out in the design and workmanship.  The SK-523 has all the features you would expect to find in a case costing twice as much; near tool-less installation, 120 mm cooling, an external fan control, and lets not forget the cool lighted front door.  Really the only bummer is the lack of a power supply option and the compelling need to light the interior some how.  If you are building a case, you probably want to choose your own PSU anyway.  The SK-523 is Kingwin quality at a decidedly budget friendly price.

Lowest Price: $53.99 at NewEgg

Club Overclocker Rating
Innovation:	8.5 out of 10
Performance:	9.0 out of 10
Quality:	9.0 out of 10
Stability:	N/A
Overclocking:	N/A
Software/Drivers Pack:	N/A
Value:	10 out of 10
Overall Rating 9.0
Skill Level
Project Skill Level (10 being hardest)	4 out of 10